Dell Management Plan2010 to 2015

Funded by Access to Nature

Dell-ve into Nature is funded via the Big Lottery‘s Access to Nature grant, administered by Natural England. Initiated by the local community, the project aims to improve the access, amenity, education and biodiversity of the Dell, a green open space situated in the centre of Eastfi eld, south of Scarborough.

Dell-ve into Nature commenced in April 2010 and lasts for two years; it is run in close partnership with Scarborough Borough Council, Future Jobs Fund and the Eastfi eld Dell and Environment Groups. In April 2010, a full- and temporary part-time Ranger were appointed to run the project on the ground, organising volunteer and educational activities, as well as overseeing the biodiversity and access improvements.

Funding from Access to Nature is also supported by Scarborough Borough Council, Eastfi eld Parish Council, Yorkshire Coast Homes, Sanctuary Housing and North Yorkshire County Council.

Dell-ve into Nature

Contents

1 Description

1.1 General Information 1.1.1 Location 1.1.2 Summary Description 1.1.3 Land Tenure 1.1.4 Map Coverage 1.1.5 Photographic Coverage 1.2 Environmental Information 1.2.1 Physical 1.2.2 Biological 1.2.3 Cultural 1.2.4 Ecological Relationships and Implications for Management

2 Evaluation and Objectives

2.1 Conservation Status of the Site 2.1.1 Historic 2.1.2 Statutory Designations 2.1.3 Site Defi nitions and Boundaries 2.2 Evaluation of Features 2.2.1 Criteria for Evaluation 2.2.2 Identifi cation/Confi rmation of Importnat Features 2.2.3 Site in Wider Perspective and Implications for Management 2.2.4 Specifi ed Limits 2.2.5 Ideal Management Objectives 2.3 Factors Infl uencing Management 2.3.1 Natural Trends 2.3.2 Man Induced Trends 2.3.3 External Factors 2.3.4 Obligations 2.3.5 Legal Constraints 2.3.6 Management Constraints 2.3.7 Impact Assessment 2.4 Operational Objectives and Management Options 2.4.1 Rationale and Identifi cation of Operational Objectives; Selection of Management Options and Outline Prescriptions

3 Prescription

3.1 Work Schedule 3.1.1 Overall Management Prescriptions by Zone

4 Appendices

4.1 Contents

Stage 1 – Description

1.1 General Information

1.1.2. Summary Description

Formerly agricultural pasture, the Dell comprises 5.932 hectares of mostly open grassland, in a shallow valley between two residential areas.

It is bisected longitudinally by a small stream, running from the open fi elds to the north, to the urban area and beyond to the south. This stream is lined, almost without interruption, by a former hedge, composed of typical broadleaf species, predominantly Malus sylvestris (Crab apple). Other remnants of hedges branch off to the south-west, in the middle and southern areas of the site (see Figure 2, below). There are other vestiges of hedgerows running along the eastern edge of the site and at its northern extreme.

In the recent past, the site has been managed only in so far as the grass has been mown regularly and trees have been pruned to maintain public safety.

1.1.1 Location

The Dell is an area of public open space, situated midway along the northern side of Eastfi eld, to the south of Scarborough.

It extends northwards by 560 metres, extending to the rural/urban boundary of Eastfi eld and the adjacent agricultural land.

Fig. 2: Plan of the Dell

Fig. 1: Eastfi eld in the context of Scarborough

1.1.4 Map Coverage

The Dell is found at grid reference TA 044 841, covered by Ordnance Survey maps:

Land ranger Map: Scarborough, Sheet 101, 1:50 000Explorer Map: Scarborough, Bridlington & Flamborough Head, Sheet 301, 1:25 000

1.1.5 Photographic Coverage

Fixed point, species, management and other photographs are held by the Dell Ranger and Groundwork North Yorkshire, who manage site development at the time of writing. Other photographs are in the possession of Scarborough Borough Council.

Dell Nature Ranger, Unit 13, Link Walk Centre, Link Walk, Eastfi eld, Scarborough, YO11 3LRScarborough Borough Council, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough YO11 2HG

1.2 Environmental Information

1.2.1 Physical

1.2.1.1 Topography

The Dell is located in a shallow valley, 55m above sea level (asl) at its highest points (valley sides) and slightly less than 45m asl at its lowest (stream in centre). It is 560 metres in length and it varies from 62m to 150m in width. The base of the valley fl attens out for 4m on average, adjacent to the stream.

1.2.1.2 Climate

The Dell’s north-south alignment and open southern aspect mean that sunlight is uniform throughout, with each side of the valley receiving equal levels over the period of daylight. The line of trees running along the centre of the valley shade the lower areas, especially during winter, but this is largely confi ned to the start and fi nish of the day. Wind tends to be funnelled along the site by the north-facing valley, which can make the Dell cooler than immediately surrounding areas.

Fig.3: Aerial photograph of the Dell

1.1.3 Land tenure

• Owner: Scarborough Borough Council (Deed Packet 1399): designated Open Space. • Area: 5.9 hectares approx • Rent Reviews: none – owned and managed by Scarborough Borough Council• County Parish Holding Number: none.

1.2.1.3 Hydrology

A stream runs the whole length of the Dell. It is narrow (the channel base is on average not much wider than one metre), and water depth varies according to the season from an average of 10cm during the winter (with occasional fl oods of up to 30cm) to almost nothing during summer dry periods.

Several land drains run through the soil to the stream, and the lower areas in the northern half of the site become boggy as a result of topography and possible leaks.

1.2.1.4 Geology

Situated on alluvial clay, the Dell conforms with the rest of the locality to the north west and south east of Scarborough. This is refl ected in the surrounding agricultural land use: mixed pasture and arable, contrasting with the upland sheep farming and grouse management of the less fertile North York Moors national park.

1.2.2 Biological (see Appendix 3: Species Lists)

Past land use, prior to the estate of Eastfi eld being built in 1950, was agricultural pasture. This has meant that improvement of the soil has been relatively low-level, resulting in a higher number of fl oral species in the former meadow areas than would otherwise have been the case. Former hedges (now mature trees) line the north-south axis followed by the stream, and branch off to the south-west in two places. Species include Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) and Malus sylvestris (Crab Apple). There is also a remnant of a Hawthorn hedge on the eastern boundary. To the south-east of the site, an enclosed cul-de-sac is located, with ornamental trees at intervals. Here, and along much of the eastern bank, the fl oral species variety is high, with species such as Hypochoeris radicata (Cat’s Ear), Prunella vulgaris (Self-heal), Centaurea scabiosa (Greater knapweed) and Conopodium majus (Pignut) in abundance. Grass species are listed in Appendix 3.

Aquatic plants are scarce along the length of the stream, although Veronica beccabunga (Brooklime) is present. Common frogs and toads have been found in the vicinity of the stream, along with tadpoles in pools of slow-moving water.

Management in recent years has been largely confi ned to frequent mowing of grassed areas (prior to seed-formation) during the spring and summer months. Cuttings have been left in place, thus raising the soil fertility. Such a regime will have done nothing to improve sward diversity. There has been no apparent attempt to plant trees of any kind.

Fig.4: Image of the stream

1.2.3 Cultural

1.2.3.1 History

Since the Eastfi eld estate was built, the Dell has been used as public open space. Its topography probably precluded building and the site became a “park” by default. Little seems to have been made of it in this context, and at the commencement of the Dell-ve into Nature project (see title page), the site was neglected, with litter, fl y-tipping and minor vandalism in evidence.

1.2.3.2 Conservation Management

The forthcoming Dell management programme for biodiversity is outlined in sections 2.4: Operational Objectives and Management Options. Prior to the Dell-ve into Nature project’s commencement, there has been no organised, consistent effort to preserve or enhance the site’s semi-natural habitats or species therein. The Dell has no legal status beyond that specifi ed in the Local Plan (Open Space), but Local Nature Reserve status is to be pursued in 2011 as part of the Dell-ve into Nature project.

1.2.3.3 Recreation

The Dell is used for casual recreation – dog walking, children’s play – and as a thoroughfare between different parts of the Eastfi eld estate. The site borders an area of agricultural land, with a footpath leading northwards to Oliver’s Mount and Scarborough as a whole; there is evidence of people using this route for work and leisure, on foot or by bicycle. There is no car park and access is limited by the absence of formal paths on-site (although roads and pavements run to and alongside it). Illegal motorcycling and drinking of alcohol do occur and are the subject of efforts by residents and North Yorkshire Constabulary to reduce such activities.

Organised activities are not a feature on the Dell, nor do schools make use of the site.

1.2.4 Ecological Relationships and Implications for Management

The Dell is an open space in a valley, bordered to the east, west and south by urban residential areas. Eastfi eld is a council estate built during the post-war period to provide housing and gardens, to grow fruit and vegetables. Thus, it is perhaps “greener” than other such estates. Nevertheless, the Dell is an open space that is otherwise surrounded by roads and housing and is thus important locally for its landscape, amenity and biodiversity.

The bulk of the Dell’s area is comprised of open meadow, with some rich swards contained within it. Previous management in the form of spring and summer fortnightly mowing has suppressed the wildfl ower and grass species, making these areas signifi cantly less valuable ecologically. There is no comparable fl oral diversity in the immediate area and it is therefore desirable to optimise the richer areas’ potential as nectar and pollen sources, as well as their habitat value for invertebrates and small mammals. Barn owls and kestrels are known to hunt in the derelict agricultural land to the immediate north, so efforts to provide herbaceous cover and food sources are likely to encourage them to use the Dell in the same manner. Sensitive management as per that employed on hay meadows – cut late summer and remove arisings - would protect and enhance fl oral diversity on the richer areas; this method will also save money over the short, medium and long term.

The smaller broadleaf trees that run along the Dell’s length north-south and branch off towards the south west in two places are former hedges, now allowed to grow. Aerial photographs show where these erstwhile hedgerows continue into the residential areas as boundaries, sometimes with their original trees still growing. As such they provide corridors, food sources and nesting sites for songbirds, particularly the locally abundant House sparrow (Passer domesticus)’ a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) target species. There are several mature Ash trees in the former hedges, with wounds from lost branches etc that are potential bat roosts.

The north-south valley bottom has a shallow stream running through it, known locally as “the beck”. This watercourse is very variable in terms of the levels of fl ow and can dry up entirely during the summer. Pools are used by spawning frogs and toads, but the steep sides make access diffi cult and must restrict the level of success. The proposed creation of two new wetland scrapes aims to address this shortcoming by digging open water ponds in the one large gap in the stream bank trees – with expected knock-on benefi ts for amphibians and aquatic invertebrates generally.

To the south and west of the above mentioned gap and wetland site, the ground is consistently wet, with species such as Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Ladies’ smock (Cardamine pratensis) in evidence. This area will fall under the same hay meadow-style management as that of the varied grass and wildfl owers on the east and south east of the site. A boardwalk will also be installed to protect this area from poaching in wet weather.

The houses surrounding the Dell, and on Eastfi eld as a whole, were built in the early 1950s. They have pan tiled roofs that lend themselves to providing holes and shelter for nesting House sparrows, which are abundant on the estate. Nonetheless, an education programme including nest box building with local schools and the community is planned, to help support the local songbird population as a whole. Monthly bird surveys of the Dell and Deepdale area (to the immediate north) will be undertaken during the two year period of the Dell-ve into Nature project, enlisting student and volunteer help with the aim of keeping such activities going in the future. The objective of surveying (birds and butterfl ies, with bats as an ideal addition) is to monitor species diversity in relation to site habitat enhancement techniques. All bird and butterfl y results are passed on to the Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS) and Butterfl y Conservation respectively, to be fed into regional and national data.

Fig.5: Image of ladies smock Fig.6: Red Admiral

Stage 2 - Evaluation and Objectives

2.1 Conservation Status of the Site

2.1.1 Historic

Information contained in this document includes that held by Scarborough Borough Council.

2.1.2 Statutory Designations

There are no statutory designations pertaining to the Dell.

2.1.3 Site Defi nitions & Boundaries

The Dell is situated in a valley running north-south on the northern edge of Eastfi eld, Scarborough. It is bordered to the south, east and west by residential estates. To the north is arable land (north east) and what was once pasture, now derelict, awaiting development. It is owned by Scarborough Borough Council and is 560 m long by 62 to 150 m wide (on average).

2.2 Evaluation of Features

2.2.1 Criteria for Evaluation

• Size:

5.6 ha.

• Diversity

The site is largely composed of semi-natural amenity grassland (erstwhile pasture): mown every fortnight during the spring and summer months. A number of grass and wildfl ower species are present in the sward, see Appendix 3, adding fl oristic interest to certain areas of the site, particularly on the eastern side.

There is a relict hedge of broadleaf shrubs (predominantly hawthorn and crab apple) with several mature ash trees, running the length of the site from north to south, almost without interruption (see Appendix 3). Two shorter spurs run off from this main line to the south-west. A line of hawthorns on the eastern edge of the site indicates another former hedge, now mature trees; a short length group of dense, mature trees at the north eastern corner of the Dell is a continuation of this feature. The relict hedge forms a wildlife corridor to the north, linking the residential areas to the scrubby, unmanaged grassland of Deepdale and beyond. All such linear features are bordered by uncut grass. There are few isolated trees on-site: those present are confi ned to the northern and southern extremes of the Dell.

The stream, which follows the same route as the relict hedge, runs along a channel of over one metre depth, and approximately three metres wide. The water is shallow and runs over rocks and through pools. Broad buckler fern is present on the channel sides, along with Brooklime.

• Naturalness

The Dell is comprised largely of man-made semi-natural habitats, described above, with the exception of the stream. All habitats have been, and remain, subject to considerable human infl uence and are thus of limited value in terms of their naturalness. They have, however, considerable ecological potential courtesy of their fl oristic variety – trees and wildfl owers – particularly if augmented by further planting and habitat creation/management.

• Rarity

Parkland of this type is common, regionally and nationally.

• Fragility

The site is close to high-density human populations and forms a latitudinal and longitudinal thoroughfare. There are no habitats within its bounds that are likely to be damaged or destroyed by such infl uence. Fly-tipping and litter are common but, whilst they do nothing for the aesthetic appeal of the site, they are no particular threat to the existing fl ora and fauna unless they contain toxic leachates. The Dell is small, however, so abuse or mismanagement may have a disproportionately large effect on the site as a whole and its resident species.

• Typicality

The Dell’s species and habitats are not typical of urban parks and open spaces. There is a relatively high level of fl oral species diversity – meadows and relict hedges – with few, if any, exotic trees, shrubs or fl owers (with the exception of cultivated bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) and one Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica Purpurea)). Management of the site has done nothing to encourage, nor discourage, this native diversity to date.

• Recorded History

Historical records are held by Scarborough Borough Council.

• Position in an ecological unit

a. Parks and pasture are common habitat types throughout the UK. There are many such areas in the region’s towns, cities and urban fringes. Intensive management for the past 100 years or so has limited their ecological value, although many are green oases in otherwise barren urban landscapes. Recent efforts to replace a preponderance of ornamental shrubs and fl owers have been small in scale and extent, nationally, and the Dell’s abundant native fl ora make it an ideal site to demonstrate how such areas can be enhanced and managed as valuable biodiversity resources.

b. Derelict hedges, now lines of mixed broadleaf trees, form an almost uninterrupted wildlife corridor on fruiting, fl owering under-storey trees with occasional mature ash. These connect with similar habitats off-site and are used by passerine species, particularly House sparrows. An abundance of Crab apples provide nectar for bees and butterfl ies in the spring.

c. Meadow: a common habitat type, and one which is mown each fortnight during the spring and summer months. The species variety of wildfl owers is relatively high and has good pollen and nectar potential if the mowing regime can be altered to one appropriate for hay meadows: one cut, late summer, with clippings removed.

• Intrinsic appeal

Low-level abuse (litter and fl y-tipping) and over-management (mowing) have left the Dell with little in the way of appeal to the casual visitor and naturalist. An absence of footpaths makes access awkward in wet areas and there is no on-site interpretation.

2.2.2 Identifi cation/Confi rmation of Important Features

Site Features National County Vice-countyVegetation types: Stream Locally abundant Frequent FrequentUnder storey trees/relict hedgerow Locally frequent Frequent FrequentSemi-natural grassland Locally abundant Frequent Frequent

2.2.3 Site in the Wider Perspective and Implications for Management

Scarborough Borough Council owns a number of sites with combined amenity and ecological value. The Dell is one of these, and although its current biodiversity value is relatively low, habitat creation and an adjustment of management techniques can make a signifi cant difference. The work programme contained herein aims to raise the habitat value through creation and enhancement across the Dell. The site’s amenity and educational value will also be raised as a consequence of these measures.

2.2.4 Specifi ed Limits

All biological communities vary in response to a range of factors. Some of these can be controlled through management, others cannot. It is therefore preferable to set specifi ed limits in terms of the processes that management can determine, rather than in absolute parameters of the communities themselves. Aside from wetland creation, the composition of the Dell is not to be altered; rather the communities’ management and respective sizes will change: the extent of broadleaf trees/hedgerows is to be increased and the management and area of semi-natural grassland altered to favour species diversity.As long as detailed base-line data on the fl ora and fauna of the various habitats - as well as detailed knowledge of how these habitats respond to management - is lacking, fully justifi able specifi ed limits cannot be set. Rather, they should be set in the duration of this management plan. Detailed surveys of birds, plants and invertebrates are proposed as part of the work programme.

2.2.5 Ideal Management Objectives

1. Fulfi l all legal and other obligations. 2. Increase the diversity of native broadleaf species. 3. Improve access through the site. 4. Improve amenity and educational facilities. 5. Improve and expand semi-natural grassland habitat and quality thereof. 6. Create new wetland habitat. 7. Improve on-site interpretation

Fig.7: Image of existing wildfl ower meadow

2.3 Factors infl uencing management

• Semi-natural meadows

As with other semi-natural habitats, meadows require management to maintain and enhance their ecological value. This takes the form of annual mowing, in spring or summer, and removal of clippings to:

a) Control nutrient levels and ensure invasive species are kept in check. b) Prevent colonisation by tree and shrub species (natural succession). c) Open the sward at ground level and facilitate germination.

Timing of the cut determines which species comprise the sward, as different grasses and fl owers produce seed at different times of year. It is important to leave clippings on the ground to allow time for the seeds to fall, and the cut material to dry, before removing it. By removing all arisings in this manner, whether for hay or simply stacking it away from the meadow, the nutrient levels in the soil are kept low and no one plant species is favoured, thus maximising fl oristic diversity. Late summer cuts are the most suitable on the Dell, as they allow the fl owers and grasses to fl ourish through the spring and summer, thus maximising amenity, biodiversity and educational potential.

• Wetlands

There are no existing wetlands on the Dell. These will be created in the fi rst year of management and allowed to colonise naturally, augmented by locally-sourced aquatic and marginal plants. Ponds naturally silt up and dry out, so the wetland scrapes will be located in the course of the stream to ensure as far as possible a supply of water. Groundwater also fl ows into the stream from surrounding land. As water fl ows into the depression, it carries small quantities of minerals and organic matter, which, along with plant litter from within and above the pond, all cause it to fi ll up and become marsh and fi nally dry land. However, this is unlikely to be an issue during the life of the management plan as the depth will be suffi cient (1m at the deepest point) to ensure a continued supply of open water. Indeed, the inward movement and settling of silt on the scrape beds is desirable in so far as it will provide a substrate for aquatic plant roots and may bring such species with it.Scrapes will have shallow sides to create deeper and shallow open water, and marginal areas that encourage a wide range of herbaceous species and thus invertebrates and amphibians.As with meadows, low nutrient levels are important in wetlands since they restrict the growth of algae, which thrives in eutrophic water and depletes its oxygen. The movement of water through the scrapes (inward and outward fl ow) should reduce this effect, so long as the stream does not dry out (an issue during summer months). Planting aquatic macrophytes improves its oxygen content and thus renders it a better habitat for invertebrates, amphibians etc. at all stages of their life cycles.

• Stream

Management of minor water courses of the type found on the Dell is unlikely to make a signifi cant impact. The existing stream is shallow and narrow, with a stony substrate, set in a channel of over 1.5m depth, lined with broadleaf trees. Aside from creating pools – of which there are a number already – and the wetlands, there is little to be gained from human intervention and thus none is proposed beyond the removal of rubbish and other obstructions to fl ow, once the wetlands have been created in Year One.

2.3.2 Man-induced trends

• Access

The Dell as a whole is open to public access. An absence of paths has not prevented several desire lines forming on-site and these will inform the location of new surfaced routes. Pedestrians, cyclists, dogs and motorcycles all access the site, which causes a degree of disturbance. Dogs are routinely walked with leads and can therefore disturb ground nesting birds or other fauna. Apart from motorcycles, there is no requirement for any control of visitor access, though.

• Vandalism & Fly Tipping

There is an on-going problem with fl y-tipping on-site. Vandalism is no greater than would be expected in an urban residential area. Littering is more of an issue, in need of addressing by regular sweeps and litter bins (four are proposed).

• Management

The Dell has been managed purely as amenity grassland in the recent past. There is no evidence of tree planting; only remedial cutting where safety was a concern. Litter picking has been carried out.

• Interpretation and Education

There are no facilities for this on- or off-site. An information board, on-line materials and an extensive programme of educational activities are planned. These will target schools, colleges, universities and the general public.

Habitat creation and management – and improvements to access and educational facilities - will be introduced as outlined above, over the fi ve year lifespan of this management plan. This approach should increase the site’s biodiversity, amenity and educational potential by:

i. Improving the species and structural diversity of broadleaf trees. ii. Improving the meadow species diversity, and area thereof. iii. Creating new wetlands. iv. Creating new paths, boardwalks and dipping platform. v. Creating new on-site interpretation.

2.3.3 External Factors

Economic factors will play an important role in the future of the Dell. Limited available funds are likely to become increasingly restricted over the lifetime of this management plan; the work programme aims to take advantage of Access to Nature grant funding and put in place an extensive maintenance regime which costs less than the one that preceded it. Volunteers can help save maintenance expenditure, but some tasks such as meadow cutting require specialist machinery and professional operators.

Grant funding tends to be targeted towards socially-deprived areas such as Eastfi eld. It is therefore likely that community groups with an interest in maintaining the Dell will be able to obtain small and medium sums to achieve specifi c aims, for amenity, education or biodiversity.

2.3.4.1 Occupier’s Liability Act.

The 1957 Occupiers Liability Act applies to both invitees and licensees (including visitors), laying down a common duty of care…

Section 2(2): “The common duty of care is a duty to take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that the visitor shall be reasonably safe in using the premises for the purposes for which he is invited or permitted by the Occupier to be there.”

The Occupiers Liability Act 1984 applies to non-visitors (including trespassers), who enter the land. A duty is owned to the entrant if…

a. the Occupier knows of a danger on his land, or has reasonable grounds to believe that it exists; b. the Occupier knows, or has reasonable grounds to believe the entrant is in, or may come into, the vicinity of danger; c. the risk is one against which, in all circumstances of the case; he may reasonably be expected to offer the entrant some protection.

Where these three conditions apply, the duty owed is “to take such care as is reasonable in all circumstances of the case to see that the entrant does not suffer injury on the premises by reason of the danger concerned.

2.3.4.2 Occupiers Liabilities Concerning Weeds and Pests.

The Weeds Act, 1959, empowers the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to serve upon the occupier of the land a notice in writing, requiring him/her, within a specifi ed time, to take such action as may be necessary to prevent the spreading of injurious weeds on agricultural land.

2.3.4.4 Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981

The major legal instrument for wildlife protection in the UK, the following sections have particular relevance to The Dell. Section 1 prohibits the intentional killing, injuring or taking of any wild bird and the taking, damaging or destroying of the nest (whilst being built or in use) or eggs. There are additional penalties for offences relating to birds on Schedule 1 and, in addition, it is an offence to disturb Schedule 1 birds at nest or the dependent young of Schedule 1 birds.Section 5 prohibits the use of certain types of trap, poison, bird-lime, etc, for catching or injuring birds and outlaws the use of certain methods of killing or taking them leg bows, automatic weapons, gas, explosives) or the use of certain types of decoys. Section 6 restricts sales or other form of trade of live wild birds on Part I of Schedule 3, or birds’ eggs, or the sale of dead wild birds not listed on Parts II or III of Schedule 3. It also restricts exhibition of birds.

Section 9 prohibits the intentional killing, injuring or taking, the possession and the trade in wild animals listed on Schedule 5. In addition, places used for shelter and protection are safeguarded against intentional damage, destruction and obstruction and animals protected under the relevant part of Section 9 must not intentionally be disturbed whilst occupying those places.Section 11 prohibits the use of self-locking snares, bows, explosives or use of live mammals or birds as decoys, for capture and killing of any wild animal. It also prohibits the use of traps, snares, nets, poisons, electrical devices, dazzling devices, automatic weapons, night shooting devices, gas or smoke for killing, injuring or taking animals listed on Schedule 6. The use of sound recordings as decoys and pursuit with mechanically propelled vehicles are also prohibited for animals on Schedule 6.

Section 13 identifi es measures for the protection of wild plants. It prohibits the unauthorised intentional uprooting of any wild plant species and forbids any picking, uprooting or destruction of plants listed on Schedule 8.

The Act applies to… Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) The Town and Countryside Planning Act, 1990, empowers the Local Planning Authority to require ‘the proper maintenance of land’ (Section 215).

The Pest Act, 1954 obliges all Occupiers to control rabbits on their land.

2.3.4.3 Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers have a duty to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, welfare and safety at work for all employees. The Council has a duty to manage the reserves in a manner to ensure that non-employees are not exposed to any risk to their health and safety.

2.3.4.5 Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 will extend the public’s ability to enjoy the countryside whilst also providing safeguards for landowners and occupiers. It will create a new statutory right of access, modernise the rights of way system strengthen wildlife enforcement legislation, thus updating the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. The following is a summary of points relevant to Eston Hills.

The Act gives the public a new right of access to mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land. It also recognises the needs of landowners and managers.

- the right will not extend to cycling, horse riding or driving a vehicle; - landowners will be allowed to close land up to 28 days each year.

The Act improves the rights of way legislation by encouraging the creation of new routes and clarifying uncertainties about what rights already exist.

- local authorities will be required to review and publish plans for improving rights of way in their areas, taking into account the needs of the public including disabled people; - Roads used as Public Paths (RUPPs) will be re-designated as a new category of way known as a Restricted Byway having public rights of way for non-motorised users; - occupiers of land to be given a right to make temporary diversions to footpaths and bridleways located on their land where this is necessary in order to carry out certain types of works (to be specifi ed in regulations) in cases where such works are likely to endanger the users of the right of way in question; - the offence of driving a motor vehicle on a footpath or bridleway or elsewhere than on a road is extended so that it applies to vehicles which may not be covered at present. The offence is also applied to restricted byways. Ways shown on a defi nitive map as footpaths, bridleways or restricted byways will be presumed to be so unless proved to the contrary; and - local authorities will be required to consider the needs of people with mobility problems when authorising the erection of new stiles and gates on footpaths or bridleways; and authorities will be able to enter into agreements with owners or occupiers of land to fund the replacement or adaptation of existing stiles and gates to make them safer or more convenient for people with mobility problems.

The Act provides a statutory basis for biodiversity conservation hitherto undertaken as a matter of policy. - A new duty on Government Departments and the National Assembly to have regard to biodiversity conservation and maintain lists of species and habitats for which conservation steps should be taken or promoted.

2.3.5 Legal Constraints

2.3.5.1 Tenure

The area of the Dell covered by this management plan is owned by Scarborough Borough Council. As such it is subject to no legal constraints besides those affecting any area of public open space.

2.3.5.2 Access

There are no constraints of access to the site, although normal public rights of way legislation, where applicable, does apply.

2.3.6 Management Constraints

The principal management constraints are:

i. Available staff – with knowledge and experience, due to economic downturn.ii. Available funds – to maintain momentum of management initiated by this plan.

2.3.7 Impact Assessment

The most important factors in managing the Dell are achieving a suitable level and form of habitat, path and interpretation enhancement throughout, to maximise biodiversity, facilitate access and optimise the quality and availability of information to visitors. Meadow creation and adjustment of mowing regimes will improve fl oral diversity signifi cantly. Under-planting of relict hedgerows – and copse and orchard establishment - will expand the area of broadleaf trees, and improve species and structural variety. Wetland creation will add a new habitat type to the site. Path and boardwalk creation, along with associated pond dipping facilities, will improve access whilst interpretation in the form of events, school visits, information board and on-line materials will fi ll a hitherto yawning gap in visitor information.

The Act strengthens legal protection for threatened species and brings up to date Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

- Makes certain offences ‘arrest-able’ - this also means that stronger search and seizure powers are available to the police; - Creates a new offence of reckless disturbance; - Enables Courts to impose heavier fi nes and prison sentences for virtually all wildlife offences.

2.4 Operational Objectives and Management Options

2.4.1 Rationale and Identifi cation of Operational Objectives and Selection of Management Options and Outline Prescriptions

Ideal Management Objective 1: meet all legal, and other, obligations.

- To undertake regular site visits and maintain in a safe, accessible condition. - To manage all contractors, staff and volunteers working on-site with due attention to their health and safety. - To ensure that all works undertaken on-site are carried out with reference to, and in accordance with, safe working practice and in a manner that will not cause damage to fl ora or fauna. - To maintain access via paths, boardwalks and bridges in accordance with the relevant legislation. - To effect repairs to damage caused to site “furniture” (fences, benches, boardwalk etc.) quickly and to an acceptable standard as necessary.

This objective cannot be compromised and is therefore maintained as an operational objective.

Ideal Management Objective 2: increase the extent, species variety, age range and structure of broadleaf trees.

Augmentation of current tree cover is planned throughout the site. Relict hedges will be expanded with new, double-row native broadleaf planting on the east side of the stretch running north-south along the length of the Dell, and to either side of the two spurs running south-west. A copse will be planted to increase numbers and variety of broadleaves in zone 1, and an orchard of fruiting trees is proposed for zone 6.

Work is planned for year one, utilising funds available through Access to Nature and volunteers from local schools and the community as a whole. To minimise vandalism, no tree tubes will be used (since there are no obvious signs of rabbits (“lawns”, droppings, damage to tree bark) and Council staff are receptive to changes in mowing regimes) as they make new planting very conspicuous. Whips will be planted in all areas, to reduce costs, and make planting and beating up easier. Native species that are under-represented on-site will be selected.

The Woodland Trust has free trees available via their Community Tree Planting Packs scheme, available to schools and community volunteer groups in spring and autumn 2011. Opportunities such as this are likely to be taken advantage of to save funds and increase tree cover still further. Species and structural diversity are of equal importance; different levels of cover are achieved by having a variety of age ranges that allow different levels of light to reach the ground layer, encouraging wildfl ower species associated with shade or light and thus attracting different associated fauna. Fruiting, and many other, trees fl ower during the spring and thus provide a pollen and nectar source for bees and butterfl ies; such species should be selected for new planting, along with berry and seed producers to encourage birds and small mammals.

Ideal Management Objective 3: Create new wildfl ower and grass meadows

This objective will be achieved by planting new areas of bare soil, created via the excavation of wetlands and dumping of spoil along the east and western edges of the Dell in its northern half. Allowing identifi ed, relatively diverse meadow areas on the eastern side of the stream to grow will also augment the variety and abundance of fl owering herbaceous species.

The wet area (zone 3) of meadow to the west of the proposed wetland is also to be allowed to grow during spring and summer, to maintain a relatively high soil water content and thus associated on-site species and structural diversity. All such areas will be managed as “hay meadows”, being cut, dried and removed in late summer (September) to control soil fertility and permit seeding of the sward. The need to balance amenity with biodiversity means there is a need to cut other parts of the Dell, and all path edges, frequently (see map, Appendix 1, for details.

Ideal Management Objective 4: Create new wetlands

Two linked ponds with adjacent marginal areas (i.e. two scrapes) are to be dug in the line of the stream, in the northern half of the Dell. The aim is to create open water of approximately 1.5 metres in depth, with gently sloping sides to maximise the areas of submerged, emergent and marginal habitats. Water levels will rise and fall according to seasons and prevailing weather conditions, but the scrapes’ construction will be so designed as to minimise the likelihood of their drying out completely. The open water areas will be between 5 and 7 metres wide, and up to 10 metres in length, aligned with the stream’s direction of fl ow. The immediately surrounding areas will also be scraped, with a variety of depth and form, to create wet and drier land to sow with hay mix (see above) and marginal wetland plants. Shrubs are also proposed, set back from the open water to reduce the risk of eutrophication (via leaf-drop) and encroachment and consequent drying out through transpiration.

Such wetland areas have potential as educational resources; a dipping platform and boardwalk will allow access to the various different habitats and thus facilitate their study.

Ideal Management Objective 5: Improve visitor access

New surfaced paths and a boardwalk, with bridges across the stream, will improve visitor access to the Dell as a whole. There is abundant evidence of the site being used as a thoroughfare, wet areas are either poached or avoided and disabled residents cannot access the site at all.

A stone path, with a linking boardwalk through the north-western area, will allow pedestrian, push chair and wheelchair access throughout. New bridges – and a replacement one – will increase the number of crossing points from two to three. Using stone and timber, for paths and boardwalk respectively, will minimise the visual impact of creating this infrastructure as well as keeping costs to a manageable level (initial outlay and subsequent maintenance). Benches and a pond dipping platform will provide places for leisure and educational activities.

Ideal Management Objective 6: Improve educational and interpretative facilities

There are no materials or publications at present that provide visitors with information on the Dell. Nor are there any site- or area based staff running activities or devising interpretative media for schools, colleges or the public. Consequently school/student visits, events and activities are non-existent.

Site management to improve the range of habitats (and quality thereof) will be supported by visits to and by local schools and the Scarborough Campus of Hull University. Educational activities will be devised and led by Dell Nature Rangers, involving as many local schools and Further- and Higher Educational establishments as possible. Out-of-school clubs will also be set up, with ecologically biased games and projects run for participants, on and off-site. Educational activities will be seasonally-orientated, to encourage all those taking part to enjoy and understand the Dell and its wildlife throughout the year.

Public open days are planned on-site during the summer school holidays, and Rangers will assist with other community events and promote the Dell and its fl ora and fauna. To save money and minimise littering, interpretation will be made available on-line; this will be devised and produced by Ranger staff using desktop software packages and download-able by visitors and other interested parties.

Finally, an information board will be produced, giving basic site information about wildlife and access, with a map, text and pictures, sited at the southern end of the Dell. During the lifetime of the Dell-ve into Nature project, bulletins and updates will be posted on the Groundwork North Yorkshire website. The aim of such activities and interpretation is to raise the level of understanding of the Dell amongst the local community and thereby help guarantee its future via a reduction in neglect and abuse and an increase in involvement with the site’s management and enhancement.

Ideal Management Objective 7: Provide opportunities for community involvement

The Dell Nature Rangers, during the two year period of Access to Nature funding, will be tasked with increasing the level of community involvement on-site. This aims to improve locals’ perception of the Dell and can take a variety of forms, including:

i. Direct participation in site maintenance and improvement, e.g. litter-picking, boardwalk construction, tree planting. These will be both weekly volunteer tasks and specially-organised Volunteer Days, orientated around national events. ii. Membership of a “friends group” or similar, with input into management decisions and taking on the role of continuing the project at the end of the 2 year funding period (April 2012). iii. Joining in with national events that have a direct or indirect relevance to the Dell, e.g. Spring /Autumn garden bird counts (House Sparrows are a target species in the Scarborough Biodiversity Action Plan), building bird boxes at open days, planting trees during National Tree Week etc. iv. Assisting with open days on-site, as exhibitors or volunteers.

Volunteering is traditionally associated with site-based work. Whilst such involvement usually takes the form of practical improvements, it can also be geared towards the individual’s needs. For example, an undergraduate student may wish to get experience of systematic species surveys, or an unemployed person may want to re-build their self-confi dence after a lengthy spell out of work and simply assist Ranger staff with a variety of duties. The most appropriate, productive approach – for all concerned – is to be receptive to volunteers and ready to allocate different duties to different people, according to the individual’s needs and circumstances. So long as the work undertaken a) contributes towards the Dell’s enhancement and b) contributes towards the volunteer’s personal and professional development, the advantages to site and individual are obvious.

Ideal Management Objective 8: Put measures in place to ensure sustainability of site enhancement.

The fi nite period of funding (two years) from Natural England and the Big Lottery means there is a need to set up management and administration to continue with the improvements described herein. Introducing extensive, cheaper management techniques (annual mowing of much of the site, planting broadleaf hedgerows and orchards requiring minimal intervention and reducing the mowed grass areas still further) and making the most of early funds and opportunities to create robust infrastructure goes a long way towards achieving this. It is essential, however, to consult with landowners (Scarborough Borough Council) and locals through the establishment of a Dell “friends” group or similar that is properly constituted and able to access funding for future maintenance and improvements. The Dell Rangers are expected to co-ordinate the setting up of such a group.

The initial phases of site management - habitat creation, access improvements, interpretation etc - are also the responsibility of the Rangers; so that an established regime and pattern of delivery can be handed over to the residents’ group and council with minimal diffi culty. This management plan also forms a part of the Dell’s medium term sustainability

Fig.5: Volunteer clean up day Fig.6: Volunteers constructing boardwalk

3.0 Prescription

3.1 Work Schedule

Zone 1

Habitat Type/Feature Proposed WorkMature Trees Annual inspection, effect any measures necessary to maintain public health & safety.Amenity Grass Mow as necessary (as determined by SBC schedule) to maintain unimpeded public access.New hedgerow Plant in year one, beat up as necessary in year two. Allow ten years’ growth before laying. Leave one metre strip uncut adjacent to line of hedge to avoid accidental damage/loss of trees.Long grass/wildfl owers Allow to grow during spring & summer, year two onwards. Mow and remove clippings, late summer (August). Surfaced Paths Inspect paths annually and arrange/effect repairs and encroachment of vegetation maintenance as necessary to maintain visitor access. Mow one metre either side of surfaced path, where bordered by long grass/wildfl ower area, during & summer as part of amenity cutting regime.Other Undertake weekly litter-sweeps and arrange prompt removal of fl y tipping.

Zone 2

Habitat Type/Feature Proposed WorkStream Maintain fl ow and water quality through removal of obstacles.Wetland area Dig out two new ponds, with varied profi les and shallow sloping gradients in existing relict hedge gap to north of site. Remove spoil to site periphery and prepare as seed bed. After allowing to establish for 8 years, 1/8 of the scrapes should be cleaned out annually, in rotation.Dipping platform Create dipping platform to immediate west of larger pond. Inspect regularly and effect necessary repairs/maintenance.Long grass/wildfl owers Create new marginal meadow adjacent to ponds. Mow and remove clippings from year two, late summer (August). Bridges Install new bridge at southern end of wetland, once created. Link with path to east (zone 4) with stone causeway. Inspect monthly and effect repairs/maintenance as necessary. Remove concrete culvert in southern half of zone. Replace with timber version of similar width (1.5m) to boardwalk in zone 3.Furniture Install steps leading out of wetland area, towards path.Other Undertake weekly litter-sweeps and arrange prompt removal of fl y tipping (new ponds and length of stream.

Zone 3

Habitat Type/Feature Proposed WorkMature Trees Annual inspection, effect any measures necessary to maintain public health & safety.Amenity Grass Mow as necessary (as determined by SBC schedule) to maintain unimpeded public access.

New hedgerow Plant in year one adjacent to relict hedge. Double row of whips, 6/ (southern boundary) linear metre. Beat up as necessary in year two. Allow ten years’ growth before laying. Leave one metre strip uncut adjacent to line of hedge to avoid accidental damage/loss of trees.Long grass/wildfl owers Allow to grow during spring & summer, year two onwards. Mow and (existing sward) remove clippings, late summer (August). Long grass/wildfl owers Sow new grass and wildfl ower strips on spoil from wetland scrapes (new sward) and bare area created in wetland scrape creation (west of new new dipping platform), year one. Allow to grow in spring and early summer. Cut and remove clippings in late summer (August) from year two. Spray one metre sterile strip at north and southern ends of bindweed patch (centre of new sward).Surfaced Paths Install new stone path in eastern half of zone, running broadly north- south, linking with Tarmac path to north and boardwalk to south. Inspect paths annually and arrange/effect repairs and encroachment of vegetation maintenance as necessary to maintain visitor access. Mow one metre either side of paths, where bordered by long grass/wildfl ower area, during spring & summer as part of amenity cutting regime.Boardwalk Create new boardwalk over wet area at foot of slope (eastern half of zone). 1.5m wide. Link to path with ramp. Include bridge and dipping platform (see zone 2). Inspect and maintain as necessary.Furniture Install two new fl ights of steps over scraped ground and spoil area.Other Undertake weekly litter-sweeps and arrange prompt removal of fl y tipping.

Zone 4

Habitat Type/Feature Proposed WorkMature Trees Annual inspection, effect any measures necessary to maintain public health & safety.Amenity Grass Mow as necessary (as determined by SBC schedule) to maintain unimpeded public access.New hedgerow(western boundary) Plant in year one adjacent to relict hedge, in ~ten-metre blocks. Double row of whips, 6/linear metre. Beat up as necessary in year two. Allow ten years’ growth before laying. Leave one metre strip uncut adjacent to line of hedge to avoid accidental damage/loss of trees.Long grass/wildfl owers Allow to grow during spring & summer, year two onwards. Mow and (existing sward) remove clippings, late summer (August). Long grass/wildfl owers Sow new grass and wildfl ower strips on spoil from wetland scrapes, (new sward) year one. Allow to grow in spring and early summer. Cut and remove clippings in late summer (August) from year two. Surfaced Paths Install new stone path in western half of zone, running broadly north-south, linking with zone 1 to north and zone 6 to south. Inspect paths annually and arrange/effect repairs and encroachment of vegetation maintenance as necessary to maintain visitor access. Mow one metre either side of paths, where bordered by long grass/wildfl ower area, during spring & summer as part of amenity cutting regime.Furniture Install benches and picnic tables towards foot of slope, in vicinity of wetland. Inspect regularly and effect necessary repairs/ replacements. Install rubbish bins at northern apex of paths and adjacent to wetland.Other Undertake weekly litter-sweeps and arrange prompt removal of fl y tipping.

Zone 5

Habitat Type/Feature Proposed WorkMature Trees Annual inspection, effect any measures necessary to maintain public health & safety.Amenity Grass Mow as necessary (as determined by SBC schedule) to maintain unimpeded public access.New hedgerow(northern & southern Plant in year one adjacent to relict hedge. Double row of whips, boundaries) 6/linear metre. Beat up as necessary in year two. Allow ten years’ growth before laying. Leave one metre strip uncut adjacent to line of hedge to avoid accidental damage/loss of trees.Long grass/wildfl owers Allow to grow during spring & summer, year two onwards. Mow (existing sward) and remove clippings, late summer (August). Surfaced Paths Install new stone path in eastern half of zone, running broadly north-south, linking with zone 3 to north and zone 7 to south. Northern extreme will need to be boardwalk, with connecting stone ramp to avoid fl ooding and facilitate easy access. Inspect paths annually and arrange/effect repairs and encroachment of vegetation maintenance as necessary to maintain visitor access. Mow one metre either side of paths, where bordered by long grass/wildfl ower area, during spring & summer as part of amenity cutting regime.Other Undertake weekly litter-sweeps and arrange prompt removal of fl y tipping.Furniture Install bin adjacent to bridge (eastern boundary).

Zone 6

Habitat Type/Feature Proposed WorkMature Trees Annual inspection, effect any measures necessary to maintain public health & safety.Amenity Grass Mow as necessary (as determined by SBC schedule) to maintain unimpeded public access.New hedgerow(western boundary) Plant in year one adjacent to relict hedge, in ~ten-metre blocks. Double row of whips, 6/linear metre. Beat up as necessary in year two. Allow ten years’ growth before laying. Leave one metre strip uncut adjacent to line of hedge to avoid accidental damage/loss of trees.Long grass/wildfl owers Allow to grow during spring & summer, year two onwards. Mow (existing sward) and remove clippings, late summer (August). Surfaced Paths Install new stone path in western half of zone, running broadly north-south, linking with zone 4 to north and Westway pavement to south. Inspect path annually and arrange/effect repairs and encroachment of vegetation maintenance as necessary to maintain visitor access. Mow one metre either side of paths, where bordered by long grass/wildfl ower area, during spring & summer as part of amenity cutting regime.New orchard Plant 8 fruiting standard trees – apple, plum, pear and cherry – and allow grass to grow around each in south eastern cul-de- sac. Other Undertake weekly litter-sweeps and arrange prompt removal of fl y tipping.

Habitat Type/Feature Proposed WorkMature Trees Annual inspection, effect any measures necessary to maintain public health & safety.Amenity Grass Mow as necessary (as determined by SBC schedule) to maintain unimpeded public access.Surfaced Paths Install new stone path in eastern half of zone, running broadly north- south, linking with zone 5 to north and Westway pavement to south. Inspect path annually and arrange/effect repairs and encroachment of vegetation maintenance as necessary to maintain visitor access. Mow one metre either side of paths, where bordered by long grass/wildfl ower area, during spring & summer as part of amenity cutting regime.Other Undertake weekly litter-sweeps and arrange prompt removal of fl y tipping.Furniture Install bin adjacent to new path/Westway (southern boundary).

General points • Litter control required throughout.• Control illegal vehicular access to site by liaising with North Yorkshire Police; reporting all sightings to Anti-Social Behaviour telephone number (01723 384444).• Devise and create on-line interpretative material, and site interpretation board. • Commence educational activities with local schools and community as a whole, on and off-site. • Establish Friends group or similar, composed of locals and parties with interest in site and its activities, to maintain project and objectives beyond the end of Access to Nature funding in 2012.• Arrange taxonomic surveys of site fl ora and fauna (ponds, woodland, meadows, glades etc.), to facilitate accurate, appropriate targeting of management effort and on-going evaluation thereof by monitoring populations of BAP and other species. Seek grant aid to fund these. Liaise with Scarborough Campus of Hull University. Chris Wilson has expressed a willingness to do this for free: tel. 01723 862100

Zone 7

4.0 Appendices

Contents 1 Management Zones 1.1 Zone map 1.2 Management Plan and Key

2 Work programme by Year: 2.1 Detailed list 2.2 At a Glance Summary

3 Species Lists 3.1 Dell Broadleaf Species, Sept 2010 3.2 Bird fi gures May 2010 - February 2011 3.3 Butterfl y fi gures May 2010 - February 2011

4 Interpretation Board

1 Overall Management Prescriptions by Zone

1.1 Zone map

1 Overall Management Prescriptions by Zone

1.2 Management Plan and Key

2 Work Programme by Year

2.1 Detailed List

Habitat Proposed Work

Type/Feature

Mature Trees: Annual inspection, effect any measures necessary to maintain public zones 1, 4, 6 health & safety.Amenity Grass: Mow during spring and summer to maintain public access.all zones, see mapNew hedgerows: Plant double row of whips, 6/linear metre, yr 1. Re-stock as necessary zones 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 in yr two. Allow ten yrs’ growth before laying. Leave one metre strip uncut adjacent to line of hedge to avoid accidental damage/loss of trees.Long grass/wildfl owers: Create new marginal meadow adjacent to ponds (Zone 2). Mow and zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 remove clippings from year two, late summer (August). Sow new grass and wildfl ower strips (zones 3 & 4) on spoil from wetland scrapes and bare area created in wetland scrape creation, yr one. Allow existing diverse grassland areas (zones 1, 3, 4 & 6 (around fruit trees, see below)) to grow during spring & summer, year two onwards. Allow all areas – new and existing - to grow during spring & summer, year two onwards. Mow and remove clippings, late summer (July/ August).Surfaced Paths: Install new stone path in zones 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7.all zones Install Tarmac path along western edge of zone3, linking Dale Edge & Merrydale. Inspect paths annually and arrange/effect repairs and encroachment of vegetation maintenance as necessary to maintain visitor access. Mow one metre either side of paths, where bordered by long grass/ wildfl ower area, during spring & summer as part of amenity cutting regime.Litter: Undertake weekly litter-sweeps and arrange prompt removal of fl y all zones tipping.Stream: Maintain fl ow and water quality through removal of obstacles.zone 2 Wetland area: Dig out two new wildlife ponds. Remove spoil to site edges and create zone 2 seed bed. After allowing to establish for 8 years, 1/8 of the scrapes should be cleaned out annually, in rotation. Install steps leading out of wetland area, towards path in zone 4.Bridges: Remove concrete culvert in southern half of zone. Replace with timber zone 2 version of similar width (1.5m) to boardwalk in zone 3.

Boardwalk: Create new boardwalk over wet area at foot of slope, zone 3. 1.5m zone 3 (&4?) wide. Link to path with ramps (timber at northern end, stone at southern). Create dipping platform to immediate west of larger pond. Install new bridge at southern end of wetland, once created. Link with path to east (zone 4) with stone causeway. Inspect regularly and effect necessary repairs/maintenance. (Monitor zone 4 in fi rst winter and construct stretch of boardwalk over potentially fl ooded area if necessary, yr2)Furniture: zones Install steps leading out of wetland area (zone 2), towards path in zone 2, 3 & 4 4. Install two new fl ights of steps over scraped ground and spoil area, zone 3. Install benches and picnic tables towards foot of slope, zone 4, in vicinity of wetland. Inspect regularly and effect necessary repairs/ replacements. Install rubbish bins at northern apex of paths and adjacent to wetland, zone 4. Zone 5: to west of bridge. Zone 7 at southern entrance to site.New orchard: Plant 8 fruiting standard trees – apple, plum, pear and cherry – and zone 6 allow grass to grow around each in south eastern cul-de-sac.

General points

• Control illegal vehicular access to site by liaising with North Yorkshire Police; reporting all sightings to Anti-Social Behaviour telephone number (01723 384444). • Devise and create on-line interpretative material, and site interpretation board. • Commence educational activities with local schools and community as a whole, on and off-site.

2 Work Programme by Year

2.1 At a Glance Summary

Dell management plan work programme at a glance

Colour coded key: Spring X Summer X Autumn X Winter X

(see Appendix 1 (map) & 2: Work Programme by Zone & Year) (“X” denotes action & timing thereof)

Task Zone Year 1 2 3 4 5

Tree inspection All but Z2 X X X X XAmenity mow All but Z2 XX XX XX XX XXPlant trees/whips All but Z2 XXBeat up trees/whips All but Z2 XX ID diverse sward All but Z2 XXCut & bale all grass & w/fl r areas 1,3,4,6 X X X XCreate new stone paths 3,4,5,6,7 XCreate new boardwalk & platform 2,3,5 XXMaintain all paths and furniture All zones XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXCreate wetland & watercourse 2 XMaintain scrapes & watercourse 2 XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXInstall steps up steep slopes 2,3 XXRemove culvert, build new bridge 2 X XSow wildfl ower meadow areas 3,4 X

3 Species List

3.1 Dell Broadleaf Species, Sept 2010

Latin Name Common Name

Acer pseudoplatanus SycamoreAlnus glutinosa AlderCrataegus monogyna HawthornFraxinus excelsior AshMalus sylvestris Crab ApplePrunus spinosa BlackthornRibes uva-crispa GooseberryRosa canina Dog roseSambucus nigra Elder

New species to plant autumn/winter 2010-11

Latin Name Common Name Whip/standard x ?

Acer campestre Field maple Whip x 200Corylus avellana Hazel Whip x 200Rosa canina Dog rose Whip x 80Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Whip x 100Ilex aquifolium Holly Whip x 100Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Whip x 200Ribes ‘Hinomaki Green Gooseberry Whip x 200Malus domestica ‘James Grieve’ Apple Standard x 2Pyrus communis ‘Conference’ Pear Standard x 2Prunus domestica ‘Victoria’ Plum Standard x 2Prunus cerasus Morello Cherry Standard x 2

3.2 Bird fi gures May 2010 - February 2011

The following information is a list of bird sightings (and hearings) on various sites within the Dell, it is not an estimate of population sizes, merely a record of individuals recorded during the monthly surveys, to track trends in species, numbers and locations to help assess to what extent the management in place affects bird numbers on the Dell. We survey Lower Deepdale as a comparison since it’s rough scrub to the immediate north.

Total numbers of individuals recorded, by species, during monthly surveys, May 2010 to February 2011, inclusive.

3.2.1 Lower Deepdale (to immediate north of Dell)

Barn owl 1Black headed gull 6Blackbird 56Blue tit 72Bull fi nch 10Carrion Crow 19Chaffi nch 38Chiff chaff 1Coal tit 4Collared dove 1Dunnock 9Gold crest 3Goldfi nch 152Grasshopper warbler 2Great tit 15Grey partridge 2Greylag goose 35Herring gull 31House martin 18House sparrow 68Jackdaw 16Kestrel 4Linnet 27Long tailed tit 2Magpie 22Pheasant 8Robin 18 Skylark 2Song Thrush 1Sparrow hawk 1

Starling 17Swallow 8Swift 1Wheatear 2White throat 34Willow warbler 15Wood pigeon 27Wren 50Yellow hammer 34

Total No of individual bird sightings on Lower Deepdale: 832 (all species)

3.2.2 Dell Bird fi gures

Black headed gull 14Blackbird 145Blue tit 64Bull fi nch 4Carrion Crow 12Chaffi nch 28Coal tit 2Collared dove 14Dunnock 6Goldcrest 1Goldfi nch 108Great tit 25Green fi nch 1Grey wagtail 1Herring gull 25House martin 4House sparrow 444Jackdaw 1Long tailed tit 6Magpie 12Robin 22Rook 1Song Thrush 7Sparrow hawk 1Starling 394Stock dove 2Swallow 45White throat 1Wood pigeon 64Wren 17

Total no of individual bird sightings on Dell: 1471 (all species)

3.3 Butterfl y fi gures May 2010 - February 2011

3.3.1 Lower Deepdale butterfl y fi gs, May 2010 to Sept 2010, inclusive:

Small Skipper 14Dingy Skipper 1Large White 73Small White 81Green-veined White 19Orange-tip 13Small Copper 9Holly Blue 1Red Admiral 13Painted Lady 10Small Tortoiseshell 56Peacock 17Speckled Wood 30Wall Brown 23Meadow Brown 19Ringlet 193Small Heath 6

Total: 578 individuals recorded during weekly surveys

3.3.2 Dell butterfl y fi gs, May 2010 to Sept 2010, inclusive:

Large White 42Small White 59Green-veined White 10Orange-tip 2Red Admiral 2Painted Lady 1Small Tortoiseshell 25Peacock 2Speckled Wood 16

Total: 159 individuals recorded during weekly surveys

4 Interpretation Board

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Company registration number: 4331238Charity registration number: 1094878Registered Offi ce: Civic Centre, Portholme Road, Selby, YO8 4SB

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