Kinson Common LNRManagement Plan

August 2010

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Preliminaries

This management plan is based on the policies and principles set out in a number of documents. These are listed below with the relevant sections.

Bournemouth Vision 2026 - Sustainable Community Strategy (Click here)Theme 4, Section 4.5.4. Improve the biodiversity of green spaces.

Corporate Plan (Click here)Priority 1. Improving our environment.

Cultural Strategy (Click here)Aim 5. Conserve, enhance and promote access to Bournemouth’s environment and heritage.

Leisure Strategy (Click here)Paper 2. Parks,Gardens, Countryside and Open Space in Bournemouth. Policy Statement J. Objectives J3, J4, J5, J7 and J 11.

Bournemouth District Wide Local Plan (Click here)Section 3. The Natural Environment.

Green Space Strategy (Click here)

Nature Conservation Strategy (Click here)

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Summary

This Management Plan is the third revision of the original Plan written in 1990. It sets out to describe and evaluate Kinson Common LNR and to prescribe a workable management programme.

While it is taken into account that the site has a high amenity and recreational value, the plan is geared towards habitat management whilst seeking to minimise the inevitable conflicts that arise on such sites.

The Management Plan is divided into three stages:

STAGE 1 gives an overall factual description of the site, providing a general background on which to base a management policy.

STAGE 2 is an evaluation of the site from an ecological as well as a cultural aspect. Management objectives are then discussed from both aspects.

STAGE 3 describes the actual management requirements of the site and how these will be put into practise.

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PrefaceSince the last management plan revision in 2003, a considerable amount of work has been carried out on Kinson Common. This work has benefited both the wildlife and the people using the site.

Some of the main achievements during this period were:

GrazingCentral Bog and Poole Lane Heights fenced in 2005 and subsequently grazed by Shetland cattle.Two further units fenced in summer 2009:1) Poole Lane Meadows, Dragonfly Hollow & Blanchard’s Copse2) Two Barrow HeathGrazing management initiated on Poole Lane Meadows/Dragonfly Hollow/Blanchard’s Copse in autumn 2009.

Scrub managementContinued scrub removal from Central Bog.Gorse and birch clearance from Two Barrow Heath.

Hedge plantingIn December 2009, a 200m long hedge was planted along the stock fence in Poole Lane Meadows.

Bracken controlAreas of dense bracken have been treated with appropriate herbicide as required.

Environmental StewardshipA successful application was made for entry into Environmental Stewardship in 2008. Kinson Common is included in the scheme at the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS). Through the scheme, funding is available to carry out habitat management work and capital projects such as fencing.

WaterfallThe original, concrete waterfall situated approximately 100m downstream of the confluence of the 2 streams had become very eroded and in danger of collapse. In autumn 2003 it was removed and replaced with a cascade structure comprising recycled kerb stones. The project also included a new footbridge over the stream and a section of boardwalk across a low-lying, wet area.

InterpretationAn interpretation board giving information about the wildlife and history of the common has been installed by the play area in Poole Lane Meadows.The Friends of Kinson Common have installed a general notice board by the entrance adjacent to the swimming baths.

Community Involvement

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The Friends of Kinson Common have continued to be active on the site. For example they have run an annual open day, assisted in a range of management tasks and put up bird and bat boxes .Further habitat management tasks have been carried out by a Youth Offending Teamand by groups on the ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) scheme.

Wildlife recordingThe orchid population has continued to be monitored on an annual basis.A bird survey was carried out between October 2006 and September 2007.There has been further recording of plants and fungi along with various invertebrate groups, notably butterflies.

Amenity provision Through the national Playbuilder scheme, the Poole Lane Meadows play area has been re-designed and had new equipment installed.

Following a site meeting with Natural England officers in April 2010, their assessment was:

‘There have been huge efforts undertaken by Bournemouth Borough Council (BBC), to manage Kinson Common SSSI. Significant habitat management has been undertaken to conserve and enhance biodiversity within this SSSI. This is very evident on site, with extensive tree and scrub removal on Two Barrows Heath and the relatively recent re-introduction of grazing to the Common. The management works are restoring habitats that were degraded by tree and scrub cover, an absence of grazing and frequent fire damage. Aside from benefits to biodiversity, the management undertaken here so far appears to have had a much wider, positive effect; Kinson Common has been plagued by arson and fly-tipping over the years. There were no signs of either of these undesirable activities anywhere on site, including on 2 previous visits. It is evident, even from the briefest of visits to Kinson Common that it is well used by the local community. From the apparent lack of litter anywhere, the absence of fire damage or fly-tipping, and from the regular and enthusiastic contribution from the Friends of Kinson Common, it would seem that the SSSI is highly valued by the local community’.

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Contents

Stage 1 Description

1.1 General Information 1.1.1 Location and summary description 1.1.2 Land tenure 1.1.3 Map coverage 1.1.4 Photographic coverage

1.2 Environmental Information 1.2.1 Physical 1.2.2 Biological 1.2.2.1Habitat types 1.2.2.2Flora 1.2.2.3 Fauna 1.2.3 Cultural 1.2.3.1Previous land use 1.2.3.2Present land use 1.2.3.3 Education and research

1.3 Present Management 1.3.1 Management for conservation 1.3.2 Management for amenity

Stage 2 Evaluation and Objectives

2.1 Conservation Status

2.2 Evaluation of Features 2.2.1 Ecological evaluation 2.2.1.1Primary habitat 2.2.1.2Flora 2.2.1.3 Fauna 2.2.2 Cultural evaluation 2.2.3 Conflicts between conservation and recreation interests

2.3 Objectives of Management 2.3.1 Ecological 2.3.2 Recreational 2.3.3 Educational

2.4 Management Constraints

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Stage 3 Prescription

3.1 Working Compartments 3.1.1 Great Oaks 3.1.2 Two Barrow Heath 3.1.3 Central Bog 3.1.4 Central Sallows 3.1.5 Poole Lane Sallows 3.1.6 Poole Lane Heights 3.1.7 Poole Lane Meadows 3.1.8 Blanchard's Copse 3.1.9 Pond Scrub 3.1.10 Glenmeadows 3.1.11 Dragonfly Hollow and Gover’s Glade 3.1.12 Pepin's Pond

3.2 General items3.2.1 Grazing3.2.2 Valley Mire Restoration3.2.3 Dorset Urban Heaths Grazing Partnership (DUHGP) 3.2.4 Environmental Stewardship (ES)3.2.5 Urban Heaths Partnership3.2.6 Interim Planning Framework (IPF)3.2.7 All Access Route3.2.8 Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 3.2.9 Fire Plan3.2.10 Friends of Kinson Common

Appendices

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Stage 1 Description

1.1 General information

1.1.1 Location and Summary Description

Site Name : Kinson Common District : Bournemouth County : Dorset Local Planning Authority : Bournemouth Borough Council National Grid Reference : SZ 067 690 Area : 16.34 ha

Kinson Common is situated in the north-west part of the Borough of Bournemouth. (See Map 1). It is completely enclosed by urban development, being bounded by South Kinson Drive to the south, Kinson Primary School to the north, Poole Lane to the west and Kinson road and Glenmeadows Drive to the east. (See Map 2 and Photo 1). The majority of the site is designated a Local Nature Reserve (see Map 3 and Photo 2) while the heathland area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). (See Map 4 and Photo 3).

1.1.2 Land Tenure

The earliest land purchase was that of 9.55 hectares from Viscount Wimborne for cemetery purposes in 1933. In the same year, just over 4 ha of land was given over to Bournemouth Borough Council by Viscount Wimborne. In 1951, 557 sq yds of Cemetery land was exchanged with Mr E H Pitts for 3,449 sq yds of land for Public Open Space (POS) purposes. Two small parcels of land at the rear of the properties in Kinson Road amounting to just under 0.5 ha were purchased from a Mr White in 1961. Also in 1961, 1.25 ha of land was purchased at the north of the Common for the purpose of constructing a Kinson by-pass. A further purchase from Viscount Wimborne was made in 1978 when approximately 6.5 ha was acquired for the purpose of Public Open Space. Most of this land is that known as Poole Lane Meadows, with the remainder as Glenmeadows.

1.1.3 Map Coverage

OS Sheet 1 : 50000 - 195 Second Series 1987 OS Sheet 1 : 1250 - SZ 0695 NE, SZ 0696 SE

1.1.4 Photographic Coverage

Bournemouth Borough Council owns the copyright of aerial photography of the whole Borough undertaken in 1998. Further aerial photographs were produced in 2000 and updated in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2008. The copyright of these is owned by Ordnance Survey.

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1.2 Environmental information

1.2.1 Physical

The geology of the site comprises Branksome sand and Parkstone clay of the Bracklesham group which are overlain on the western edge of the Common by Plateau Gravel. The soil tends to be acidic in nature but no detailed geological surveys of the site have been carried out.

1.2.2 Biological

1.2.2.1Habitat Types (See Map 5)

Although Kinson Common is a small area, it exhibits a rich variety of habitats. During spring and summer 2001, local botanist Felicity Woodhead carried out a comprehensive NVC survey that identified a suggested 12 habitat categories (See NVC survey). The main habitats are summarised below:

Dry Heath occurs on the higher ground on each side of the bog. To the south of the bog, the vegetation is dominated by common heather Calluna vulgaris and common gorse Ulex europeaus with bell heather Erica cinerea, dwarf gorse Ulex minor and bristle bent Agrostis curtissii. To the north, the heath comprises acid grassland dominated by bristle bent. Humid and Wet Heath is found in the low-lying bog extending west to east across the centre of the Common. Large areas are dominated by purple moor grass Molinia caerulea, with cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix, common heather and deergrass Trichophorum cespitosum. The wetter areas have a particularly varied and interesting bog plant community with a number of less common species. Scrub is found throughout the Common, the largest areas occurring to the west of the pond where the species are pedunculate oak Quercus robur and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and on the dry slope adjacent to the properties on Glenmeadows Drive where common gorse dominates. Willow Carr occurs as two blocks; one at either end of the shallow valley running east-west across the centre of the Common.

Woodland on the Common is dominated by pedunculate oak but includes a number of other common deciduous species, for example, silver birch Betula pendula, rowan Sorbus aucuparia and hazel Coryllus avellana. There are two main woodland areas, one in the south- eastern corner and the other to the east of the grassland of Poole Lane Meadows.

Grassland. The principal area of grassland occurs along the western edge of the Common. This block can be roughly divided into two: the western half being maintained as short turf for informal recreation and

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the eastern half being grazed by cattle. Other areas of rough grassland occur throughout the Common, especially towards the north-west and south-east. Here, there is a tendency for coarse grass species to dominate but a number of typical grassland herb species also occur.

Marsh is represented as a low-lying area towards the north of the Common that was created as part of a flood alleviation scheme. The area has been rapidly colonised by a number of typical wetland species.

Open Water. Two streams converge on the Common and flow north into a small holding pond that is also part of the flood alleviation scheme. Throughout the bog area, there are a number of shallow bog pools of varying size. An additional 2 ponds were created here in 1993.

1.2.2.2 Flora

Because of the variety of habitat on the Common, there is a great diversity of plant species with over 350 recorded to date. As well as many common and widespread species, there are several more specialised species with specific habitat requirements, for example, the insectivorous sundews Drosera rotundifolia and D. intermedia and pale butterwort Pinguicula lusitanica. Three orchid species are found: early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata, southern marsh orchid D. praetermissa and heath-spotted orchid D. maculata along with a variety of hybrid forms.

1.2.2.3Fauna

Kinson Common provides habitat for a diverse fauna for which some comprehensive records exist, particularly in respect of the birds, butterflies, dragonflies, crickets and grasshoppers. Approximately 40 species of bird have been recorded as breeding, with another 20 or so recorded as winter visitors or passage migrants. Only 2 species of reptile are regularly seen, but all six British species have been recorded in the recent past. Three species of amphibian occur on Kinson Common. 24 species of butterfly have been recorded along with 20 dragonfly and damselfly species. 12 species of Orthoptera (crickets and grasshoppers) have been recorded.

1.2.3 Cultural

1.2.3.1 Previous Land Use

The area is rich in evidence of prehistoric man. Palaeolithic implements were found on the Common in 1927 and many rolled palaeoliths and sharper Levallois flakes were found between 1927 and 1934. These are housed in the Calkin Collection in the British Museum. Smaller flint implements from the neolithic and Bronze Age have been found on the surface of the Common, as on many other local heathlands. Two Bronze Age barrows are present just to the north of the Cemetery. They are of considerable archaeological importance as they remain

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unexcavated and in relatively good condition. The eastern tumulus is a bowl barrow; a common and widespread type, but the western tumulus is a saucer barrow, a much less common type. Both barrows are written up by the Ordnance Survey and are listed at County level but are not Scheduled Ancient Monuments. See figure 1 and figure 2.There are boundary banks throughout the Common that were in existence when the 1839 Kinson Tithe Map was compiled. It is possible that some date back to the 18th century and beyond. An example of such a bank is that around the lowest part of the Poole Lane Heights, separating the higher land from Central Bog. It is possible that this was constructed as a flood levee.

Gravel was extracted from a site towards the eastern edge of the Common. The pit is now filled in and overgrown. There is evidence of another small gravel pit towards the western edge of the Common adjacent to Poole Lane. Immediately before its acquisition by Bournemouth Borough Council in 1978, Poole Lane Meadows were grazed by horses. Pigs have also been kept on this site and it has previously been under cultivation.

1.2.3.2Present Land Use

Kinson Common is designated as Public Open Space. Because of its situation in a predominately urban area, the Common is easily accessible to a large number of people who use the area for a number of informal recreational activities. The most popular recreational activity is dog walking, with other activities including bird watching, photography and general adventure play.The cycle path across the Common is well used.The large short-mown amenity area on Poole Lane meadows provides space for informal ball games and play equipment is provided for younger children. Grazing management was introduced in 2005 using Shetland cattle.

1.2.3.3 Education and Research

Kinson Common is used by local schools as an environmental educational resource. It is not only the ecological aspects of the site that are of interest from an educational point of view. There is scope for projects dealing with human aspects of the site, both past and present. The area has a rich archaeology that should be researched, particularly with regard to the two barrows.

Good biological records have been compiled for the Common over the years. These are being continually updated, particularly in respect of the botany and the birds, butterflies and dragonflies. A comprehensive NVC survey was undertaken in 2001 (see NVC survey) and there is an annual count and mapping of the Common’s orchid populations.A bird survey was carried out between October 2006 and September 2007 and there are regular bat recording sessions.

1.3 Present Management

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1.3.1 Management for Conservation

The first management plan for the site was written in 1983 by the late Mr C. E. Pepin in consultation with the Kinson Common Management Committee (disbanded 1989). The efforts of this Committee, in particular the late Mr Pepin, the late Mr K. Blanchard and Mr R. Haskell, first drew the attention of the importance of the site to the Council and paved the way for active site management. Before 1988, some small-scale projects had been undertaken by Council staff including bracken spraying, pond clearance and sallow coppicing. Larger scale projects have since been initiated with work being undertaken by the Countryside Officers, various contractors and volunteer groups such as the Friends of Kinson Common and the BTCV. The work is concentrated on the important heathland areas and includes tasks such as scrub control, pond creation and bracken control. Grazing management using Shetland cattle was implemented in 2005 and there are now 3 grazing units on the site. (See Map 6).Management work on the Common is presently grant-aided through a Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme. (See para. 3.2.4).

1.3.2 Management for Amenity

The western half of Poole Lane Meadows adjoining Poole Lane is maintained as an area of short turf for informal recreation. Play equipment for younger children is provided within a fenced area. This was upgraded in 2010 as part of the government-funded ‘Playbuilder’ initiative.A shared footpath/cycleway is maintained across the Common. Further access improvements have been made in the shape of the construction of a flight of steps on a steep slope and 2 boardwalks across particularly wet areas.

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STAGE 2 EVALUATION AND OBJECTIVES

2.1 Conservation status

Heathland is rare and endangered habitat. In south-east Dorset, a huge area has been lost due to factors such as urbanisation, agricultural improvement and forestry. The vast majority of the remaining heathland is now afforded legal recognition and protection through the designation of Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The heathland of Kinson Common was notified as a SSSI under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by the Nature Conservancy Council (now Natural England) on 8 July 1988. For the purpose of notification, the heathland of Kinson Common was included with an area of the nearby Turbary Common as one site. The official description of the SSSI (as detailed on the Citation Sheet) is shown in Appendix 1. (See Appendix 1). In 1992, the EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of wild flora and fauna (the Habitats Directive) was published. The purpose of this is to establish a network of the best wildlife areas across Europe to be made up of a series of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) (specifically for birds). Locally, in South East Dorset it was the heathland SSSIs that were specifically targeted for these designations. Kinson Common has subsequently been designated as a SAC. Several of the Dorset heathlands, including Kinson Common, were listed as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971 and have now been designated as Ramsar sites.

2.2 Evaluation of features

2.2.1 Ecological Evaluation

Sites of high nature conservation value are rare in urban areas. This in itself imparts a considerable degree of importance upon this area of semi-natural open space that supports a wide range of wildlife, including nationally rare species. It is important that the management of the site aims to maintain and, where possible, enhance the existing biological diversity. To help achieve these aims and to raise the general awareness of the site, Kinson Common was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1997. (See Map 3 and Photo 3).

2.2.1.1 Primary Habitat

A wide range of habitat types exists on Kinson Common and of these the most important, both locally and nationally, is the heathland. The national and international importance of this habitat has been recognised in its various designations described above. Represented on Kinson Common are areas of dry heath on the higher ground with humid and wet heath in the valley bottom. Where the ground is permanently waterlogged, a valley mire system is evident which retains

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an interesting plant community with associated invertebrate populations.

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2.2.1.2 Flora

Botanical surveys of the Common have revealed a wide range of plant species, the communities varying in accordance with changes in soil type, pH, water content and so on. To date, just over 350 individual species and 12 distinct plant communities have been identified. An indication of the variety is given by the following examples: Cuckooflower Cardamine pratense Common dog violet Viola riviniana Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Pignut Conopodium majus Yellow loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris Bog pimpernel Anagallis tenella Harebell Campanula rotundifolia Sheep's-bit Jasione montana Betony Stachys officinalis Field scabious Knautia arvensis Devil's-bit scabious Succisa pratensis Meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum Greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa Bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum Early marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata Heath spotted orchid D. maculata Pale butterwort Pinguicula lusitanica Goldenrod Solidago virgaurea Royal Fern Osmunda regalis White beak-sedge Rhyncospora alba

A full list is included at Appendix 2.

Surveys of the fungi have also been undertaken and the current list is shown at Appendix 3.

2.2.1.3 Fauna

Zoological surveys of the Common have revealed an enormous diversity of animal life, but it is particularly important for a number of invertebrate groups, for example Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), and Orthoptera (crickets and grasshoppers). Some examples of individual species recorded are as follows:

Lepidoptera Grayling Hipparchia semele Green hairstreak Callophrys rubi Oak nycteoline Nycteola revayanaRosy footman Miltochrista miniata

Odonata Emperor dragonfly Anax imperator Golden ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii Keeled skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens

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Large red damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula

A checklist of the butterflies is included at Appendix 5, of the moths at Appendix 6 and of the dragonflies at Appendix 7.

Orthoptera Bog bush-cricket Metrioptera brachyptera Roesel’s bush-cricket M.roeseliiLong-winged conehead Conocephalus discolor

There is a population of the swamp spider Dolomedes fimbriatus that is found in Central Bog and in Dragonfly Hollow.

Kinson Common is an important nesting and feeding area for a number of bird species, for example:

Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Tree creeper Certhia familiaris Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus Great-spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Buzzard Buteo buteo

It also attracts a number of winter visitors including:

Snipe Gallinago gallinago Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Water rail Rallus aquaticus

A checklist of the birds is included at Appendix 4.

The reptilian fauna of the Common consists of common lizard Zootoca vivipara and slow worm Anguis fragilis. Adder Vipera berus was last recorded in 1990 and is probably extinct on the site. Sand lizard Lacerta agilis was recorded as recently as 1988 (one female) but has not been recorded since.

Three amphibian species are found on the Common. Common frog Rana temporia breed in the holding pond and common toad Bufo bufo are found throughout. There is a sizeable population of palmate newt Triturus helveticus which breed in the holding pond and in the shallow bog pools.

There are few records available for the mammalian fauna but there are some notable species including:

Badger Meles melesCommon pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellusSoprano pipistrelle P. pygmaeusNoctule Nyctalus noctulaSerotine Eptesicus serotinus

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Natterer’s Myotis nattereriRoe deer Capreolus capreolus

2.2.2 Cultural Evaluation

Kinson Common has a long history of human use, evidence of which still exists, i.e. the 2 barrows and the various boundary banks and ditches. More research into these historical cultural aspects is needed. Today, the common is used by large numbers of people who, in the main, reside in the immediate vicinity. The principal use for the common is as an area to exercise dogs, but it is also very popular as an informal playground for local children. An existing childrens’ play area situated in Poole Lane Meadows is due to be upgraded by March 2010 as part of a borough-wide Playbuilder scheme.Until recently, the common was subject to a considerable amount of abuse, with activities such as motorbike scrambling, deliberate lighting of fires and dumping of household rubbish occurring on a regular basis. However, a combination of perimeter fencing, high profile management projects including the introduction of cattle grazing and a general increased awareness through regular patrolling and the activities of the Friends of Kinson Common group have resulted in a dramatic reduction in anti-social issues.

2.2.3 Conflicts between Conservation and Recreation Interests

Kinson Common survives as an area of semi-natural habitat within a predominately urban setting. The majority of the urbanisation in the immediate vicinity is residential and, as such, the Common is inevitably subjected to high levels of human disturbance in a variety of forms. Both the conservation value and the amenity value of the Common are high. This can lead to a conflict between the needs of the wildlife and those of the local human population. For example, people need open space to exercise their dogs and Kinson Common provides just such an area. However, dogs that are not under proper control can cause problems for wildlife and for grazing animals. Management of the site along with appropriate interpretation and educational initiatives will aim to minimise these conflicts.

2.3 Objectives of management 2.3.1 Ecological

1. Maintain and, where possible, enhance the existing wildlife value of the site through appropriate management regimes.

2. Achieve a favourable condition assessment for the SSSI area.

3. Graze the 3 grazing units with cattle at the appropriate stocking density and time of year.

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4. Reduce water pollution and potential flooding issues by the construction Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) at suitable locations. This would also contribute to increasing the quality of the valley mire system. (See Map 7).

5. Continue programme of scrub management.

6. Continue to monitor the effectiveness of management initiatives and to initiate research projects as required.

7. Continually update biological records and submit to the Dorset Environmental Records Centre via the Bournemouth Environmental Advisory Team (BEAT) and the Bournemouth Wildlife Survey team.

8. Ensure that site users are aware of the ecological importance of the site and of the need for it to be managed.

A desired state condition for each working compartment has been produced and shown in map form. Future management policies will aim to achieve this desired state. However, it is possible that the desired state condition may have to be modified as more data from research work becomes available and, therefore, management policies will require a certain amount of flexibility.

2.3.2 Recreational

1. Maintain all existing paths, boardwalks, gates, seats, signage and other features to an acceptable standard.

2. Investigate funding options for the development of a circular route allowing access for all.

3. Monitor site usage through regular visitor surveys.

4. Maintain play facilities in Poole Lane Meadows and maintain area of regularly mown amenity grass.

5. Increase general awareness of the sensitive nature of the site and of the potential detrimental effects of even passive recreational pursuits such as walking.

6. Continue the good working relationship with the Friends of Kinson Common group.

2.3.3 Educational

1. Raise awareness of the site through the provision of accessible interpretation.

2. Organise and run a programme of guided walks.

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3. Continually upgrade and, where required, provide additional on-site interpretation.

4. Continue to encourage school groups to use the site as an educational resource.

5. Provide up to date information about the LNR on the Council website with a link to the Friends of Kinson Common website.

6. Continue to offer opportunities for student placements.

2.4 Management Considerations

1. Kinson Common is Public Open Space and is subject to byelaw control.

2. An area to the north of the Common is on the proposed route for the Kinson relief road.

3. Part of the site was designated by the Nature Conservancy Council (now English Nature) as a Site of Special Scientific Interest under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

4. The SSSI area is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Ramsar site.

5. Sewer lines traverse the Common. (See Map 8).

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STAGE 3 PRESCRIPTON

3.1 Working compartments

Kinson Common has been divided up into a number of discrete areas or working compartments. This was done in 1982 prior to the writing of the initial management plan by the late Mr C. E. Pepin. The boundaries between adjacent compartments are either physical, for example established footpaths or, alternatively, relate to a distinct change in habitat type. (See Map 9). The working compartments have been named and numbered as follows: 1. Great Oaks 2. Two Barrow Heath 3. Central Bog 4. Central Sallows 5. Poole Lane Sallows 6. Poole Lane Heights 7. Poole Lane Meadows8. Blanchard's Copse9. Pond Scrub10. Glenmeadows 11. Dragonfly Hollow and Gover’s Glade 12. Pepin's Pond

For each compartment, a brief description is given along with a summary of the area with regard to its flora and fauna. Key objectives are set out along with a work programme.

3.1.1 Great Oaks (Compartment 1)

Description

The area known as Great Oaks is situated towards the south-east of the Common. It is bordered by Kinson Road to the east and Kinson Cemetery to the west, and stretches from the rear of Kinson Baths towards the centre of the Common. The northern boundary is marked by an old boundary bank with a line of mature oaks running between the stream and the cemetery fence. A small stream flows through the compartment and is crossed by a wooden footbridge. That part of Great Oaks to the east of the stream is mainly oak woodland. To the west of the stream is an area of scrub with some rough grassland and tall herbs. The northern part of the compartment is within the SSSI designation.

Flora

The woodland is dominated by mature oaks with some beech and sycamore. The under-storey is composed of shade-tolerant species such as holly Ilex aquifolium and hazel Corylus avellana. Where the canopy is less dense, there are found species such as hawthorn, rowan, birch,

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grey willow Salix cinerea, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, ash Fraxinus excelsior and honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum.

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The scrub tends to be dominated by bramble with some hawthorn and oak regeneration. There are some grasses such as false oat grass Arrenathemum elatius, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and couch grass Elymus repens. Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, bracken Pteridium aquifolium and rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium are prevalent in parts. Along the wetter margins of the stream are found species such as marsh thistle Cirsium palustre, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, greater birds-foot-trefoil Lotus uliginosus, gypsywort Lycopsus europaeus, watercress Nasturtium officinalis and water mint Mentha aquatica.

Fauna

Green woodpecker Picus viridis and great spotted woodpecker are regularly seen feeding in the area and tawny owl Strix aluco has attempted to breed. Pipistrelle bats frequent the area, the mature trees providing both breeding and hibernation sites. 17 species of butterfly have been recorded within the area including the purple hairstreak that is directly dependent on oak as a larval food source. The scrub is valuable habitat for small mammals and nesting birds.

Objectives

1. Manage SSSI to favourable condition.2. Maintain oak dominated woodland. 3. Remove non-native tree species.4. Retain area of scrub & rough grassland.5. Maintain footbridge.6. Monitor effects of management.7. Assess feasibility of constructing a SUDS (sustainable urban drainage

system).

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Fell sycamore and treat stumps with appropriate herbicide * *Clear scrub * * *Leave any dead or fallen trees in situ unless they are a health and safety issue * * * * *SUDS feasibility and possible construction * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.2 Two Barrow Heath (Compartment 2)

Description

This is the higher land on the southern part of the Common, to the south of the main track and extending to Kinson Cemetery, South

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Kinson Drive and Paget Road. It is named after the two Bronze Age barrows that are still identifiable and are important archaeological features. See figure 1 and figure 2.Most of the area is dry heathland although it has been degraded due to frequent, deliberate burning. However, incidents of fire have reduced considerably over the last few years.The area was fenced in 2008 to enable grazing management. (See Map 6).The whole compartment is within the SSSI designation.

Flora

The compartment is currently dominated by common gorse with a small amount of common and bell heather and other typical species of dry heathland. These include dwarf gorse Ulex minor, bristle bent, sheep sorrel Rumex acetosella, sheep's-bit, heath milkwort Polygala serpyllifolia, tormentil and devil's-bit scabious. Interestingly, there is no western gorse Ulex gallii which is locally dominant on nearby Turbary Common.There is a small block of oak woodland with other scattered oak, birch, willow and rowan throughout along with some alder buckthorn. There are some significant areas of birch regeneration, especially on the western half of the compartment.

Fauna

A number of characteristic heathland invertebrates are found in the area, including the butterflies grayling and small heath Coenonympha pamphilus, bog bush cricket and mottled grasshopper Myrmeleotettix maculatus. Common lizard and slow worm are found in good numbers and, until relatively recently (early 1980s), a sand lizard colony existed. However, a combination of frequent burning and collection has probably resulted in the extinction of this species on the Common. A number of bird species frequent the area, for example meadow pipit Anthus pratensis and green woodpecker. The dry heathland provides favourable feeding and hibernating areas for the amphibians, common toad and palmate newt. There is an active badger sett.

Objectives

1. Restore dry heathland to favourable condition with 10-15% component of common gorse and maximum 20% tree cover.

2. Initiate cattle grazing management. 3. Maintain fence and access features.4. Monitor effects of management especially in respect of grayling.5. Investigate the feasibility of the re-introduction of sand lizard.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

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Cut and clear areas of dense common gorse *Treat gorse regrowth with appropriate herbicide * *Clear/coppice oak/birch * * *Install water supply *Graze with 4-6 cattle between February and May * * * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.3 Central Bog (Compartment 3)

Description

This is the low-lying wet area in the centre of the Common. It is bounded by the main footpath and Two Barrow Heath to the south, Poole Lane Sallows to the west, Poole Lane Heights to the north and Central Sallows to the east. A water course originating from the culvert under Poole Lane flows through the Bog. The area is a small valley mire system with wet and humid heath and a number of small bog pools. It has a rich and varied fauna and flora typical of this habitat type. Such habitat is rare and decreasing and, therefore, has a high conservation value. Central Bog is included in the SSSI designation. The bog was fenced as part of a larger grazing unit (see Map 6) in 2005 and has been grazed with Shetland cattle during spring and summer since then.

Flora

Of particularly interest are the insectivorous plants; round-leaved sundew, oblong-leaved sundew, and the less common pale butterwort. Heath spotted and early marsh orchids grow here and bog asphodel is particularly abundant. Other typical plants include meadow thistle, lousewort Pedicularis sylvatica, heath milkwort, white beak-sedge, flea sedge Carex pulicaris and star edge C. echinata, with bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius in the bog pools.

Fauna Invertebrate fauna is well represented with colonies of bog bush cricket and the rare raft spider. Central Bog provides suitable habitat for dragonfly species; for example keeled skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens and four-spotted chaser Libellula quadrimaculata. Palmate newt breed in the bog pools and common frog is present. The area provides an excellent feeding site for common lizard that are found in good numbers. Central Bog is an over-wintering site for water rail, woodcock and snipe. Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minima has also been observed here.

Objectives

1. Restore wet heath habitat to favourable condition (the construction of a SUDS in compartment 5 and appropriate management of the existing watercourse will contribute significantly to this).

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2. Contain stream flood flow within boundary banks and minimise overtopping into valley mire.

3. Continue cattle grazing management. 4. Control scrub to approximately 5% cover.5. Continue bracken management programme.6. Maintain fence and access features.7. Monitor the effects of management.

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Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Graze with 4-6 cattle between May and November * * * * *Monitor scrub regrowth & clear as required * * * * *Monitor bracken growth & treat with appropriate herbicide as required * * * * *Re-construct/repair stream boundary banks * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.4 Central Sallows (Compartment 4)

Description

Central Sallows is an area of willow Salix caprea and S. cinerea with oak and birch standards. It is situated to the north of Great Oaks and to the east of Central Bog. The willow has been coppiced over a number of years resulting in a varied age structure. The stream running through Great Oaks continues through Central Sallows and is joined here by another small tributary running from the west. The area to the south of the stream is included in a grazing unit (see Map 6) and a cattle handling unit was constructed here in 2009.The majority of the compartment is included in the SSSI designation.

Flora

Although willow is dominant throughout, there are other tree/shrub species, including birch, oak, rowan and alder buckthorn. The ground flora is reasonably varied, with species including cuckoo flower, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, greater birds-foot trefoil, common cow-wheat Melampyrum pratense, lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula and common dog violet. A feature of the compartment is the presence of royal fern.

Fauna

The woodland and scrub is good habitat for birds such as great spotted woodpecker, bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula and the summer migrants,

willow warbler, chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita and blackcap Sylvia atricapilla.Areas at the early stages of the coppice cycle tend to be very sheltered and warm and therefore ideal for insects such as butterflies, dragonflies and hoverflies. Objectives

1. Maintain the SSSI in a favourable condition.2. Continue cattle grazing management. 3. Continue rotational coppicing.

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4. Extend open mire at eastern end of grazing unit leaving 5% scrub cover.

5. Create heathland pools.6. Maintain fence and handling unit.7. Monitor the effects of management.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Graze fenced area with 4-6 cattle between May and November * * * * *Clear willow & oak. Treat stumps with appropriate herbicide. Retain shade for royal fern

* *

Clear silt & leaf litter from flooded hollows * *Divide woodland area into 3 sections and coppice willow on a rotational basis. Leave oak & birch

* * *

Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.5 Poole Lane Sallows (Compartment 5)

Description

This is a strip of sallow and birch scrub between in the south-west corner of the Common, extending eastwards to adjoin Central Bog. It is bounded by Poole Lane Heights to the north. A small watercourse emerges from a culvert beneath Poole Lane and flows onto the Common. A boardwalk was constructed across the compartment in 2002. Most of the compartment is within the SSSI designation.

Flora

Although sallow and birch are the dominant species, there is also some hazel, hawthorn, holly and blackthorn, especially along the edge of the footpath. There is some encroachment of the non-native species; sycamore, cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus and garden privet Ligustrum ovalifolium. The ground flora is lacking because of the effect of shading and the dominant species are ivy and bramble. Where the canopy is less dense, species such as remote sedge Carex remota, red campion Silene dioica, lesser spearwort and greater stitchwort Stellaria holostea can be found.

Fauna

The dragonfly species golden-ringed dragonfly and common darter Sympetrum striolatum can be seen here. The dense scrub is good habitat for several common bird species and sparrowhawk has been recorded as a breeding species here.

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Objectives

1. Maintain the SSSI in a favourable condition.2. Improve the water quality of the stream by the construction of a

SUDS.3. Remove non-native tree & shrub species.4. Introduce coppice management (approx. 20% every 2 years).5. Maintain boardwalk.6. Monitor the effects of management.

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Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Agree design and funding for SUDS construction *Construct SUDS *Clear sycamore, laurel & privet. Treat stumps with appropriate herbicide * * *Coppice on rotational basis * *Maintain boardwalk * * * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.6 Poole Lane Heights (Compartment 6)

Description

This compartment is situated to the north of Poole Lane Sallows and Central Bog. It is bordered by Poole Lane to the west and is separated from Poole Lane Meadows to the north by an ancient field boundary. It is a south-facing slope, most of which is dominated by dry acid grassland. There is a band of dense scrub along the western edge of the compartment, maturing to oak/birch woodland with some sycamore becoming established. In 2005 the compartment was fenced as part of a larger unit to allow grazing management using Shetland cattle. (See Map 6).The whole compartment is within the SSSI designation. Flora

The grassland is dominated by bristle bent with some purple moorgrass. There is an interesting assemblage of species typical of dry acid grassland including harebell, heath bedstraw Galium saxatile, sheep's bit, betony Betonica officianalis, common cow wheat, heath milkwort, wood sage Teucrium scorodonia, golden rod and devil's-bit scabious. There are also small areas of common and bell heather and bracken.

Fauna

Common lizard and slow worm are found in the area. Although a single adder was seen in 1989, none have been recorded since. The area is frequented by several bird species including the occasional Dartford warbler Sylvia undata during the autumn dispersal. Wheatear Oeanthe oeanthe and whinchat Saxicola rubetra are occasional passage migrant visitors.

Objectives

1. Maintain the SSSI grassland in a favourable condition with a maximum of 20% tree cover (oak & birch) and 10-15% scrub (gorse & bramble).

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2. Continue cattle grazing management.3. Monitor bracken encroachment.4. Allow natural development of woodland on western edge, outside the

grazing unit.5. Remove non-native tree species.6. Maintain fence and access features.7. Monitor the effects of management.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Graze fenced area with 4-6 cattle between May and November * * * * *Clear excessive scrub regeneration * * * * *Monitor bracken growth & treat with appropriate herbicide as required * * * * *Clear sycamore & treat stumps with appropriate herbicide * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.7 Poole Lane Meadows (Compartment 7)

Description

This is an area of open grassland on the western edge of the Common adjacent to Poole Lane. It is bounded to the south by Poole Lane Heights, from which it is separated by an ancient field boundary. To the east, Poole Lane Meadows adjoins Blanchard's Copse and, to the north, Pond Scrub and the Area Health Authority Hostel. The western part of the grassland running along Poole Lane is maintained for amenity and informal recreation. A children's play area with play apparatus is also provided here, having been constructed in 1980. This is scheduled for a major upgrade in 2010 as part of a national ‘Playbuilder’ scheme.A number of trees were planted by the Parks and Recreation Department in 1979. The eastern half of the grassland that has been managed as hay meadow for over 20 years was largely fenced in 2008 to allow grazing management. (See Map 6). Shetland cattle were introduced in November 2009. A hedge was planted along the fence line in December 2009.An area outside the grazing unit continues to be managed as hay meadow.In the south-east corner of the compartment is a small area of scrub with some mature oaks. The compartment is not within the SSSI designation.

Flora

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The amenity grassland area has a poor biodiversity. However, the meadow area, although largely dominated by tall grass species such as perennial rye grass Lolium perenne and cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata, has a number of more interesting grassland species including black knapweed, wild carrot Daucus carota, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratense, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, tufted vetch Vicia cracca and southern marsh orchid The small area of scrub in the southeast corner comprises common gorse, blackthorn, hazel and bramble with some mature oaks. Fauna

The meadowland provides a suitable habitat for invertebrate fauna, in particular crickets and grasshoppers (Orthoptera) and butterflies, with meadow brown Maniola jurtina being particularly prolific. Other butterfly species commonly seen in the area are large skipper Ochlodes venata, small skipper Thymelicus sylvestris, and common blue Polyommatus icarus. A recent colonist is Roesel’s bush-cricket that was first recorded here in 2008.The habitat is also ideal for small mammals such as voles and shrews that, in turn are a food source for birds such as kestrel and tawny owl.

Objectives

Amenity area1. Maintain upgraded play area in safe condition.2. Maintain area of regularly mown grass.3. Landscaping to include further planting of native trees and shrubs,

especially along the boundary with Poole Lane.

Meadow area1. Continue grazing management.2. Continue hay meadow management outside the grazing unit.3. Monitor establishment of hedge.4. Maintain fence and access features.5. Monitor the effects of management.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Maintain play area & landscape surrounds * * * * *Mow amenity area on regular basis * * * * *Graze meadow with 4-6 cattle between November and February * * * * *Cut and collect meadow outside grazing unit in September/October * * * * *Replace hedge plants as necessary * * * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

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3.1.8 Blanchard's Copse (Compartment 8)

Description

This is a small area of oak woodland to the north of Central Bog and bounded by the stream and Dragonfly Hollow to the east and Poole Lane Meadows to the west and north. It was named after the local naturalist, D. K. S. Blanchard, who died in 1979.The compartment was fenced in 2008 as part of a larger grazing unit (see map 6) and has been grazed by Shetland cattle since November 2009.The compartment is within the SSSI designation.

Flora

Where the oak canopy is less dense, there is a rich and varied shrub layer with species including holly, sallow, hawthorn, birch, alder bucktorn, ash, guelder rose Viburnum opulus, hazel, rowan, dog rose Rosa canina and honeysuckle. There is a large stand of mature blackthorn at the northern end of the area. The ground flora is not particularly varied, but does include a number of typical woodland species including: bluebell Endymion non-scripta herb-Robert Geranium robertianum, hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica, greater stitchwort, common dog violet and broad buckler fern Dryopsis australis.

Fauna

The oaks in Blanchard's Copse support a population of the purple hairstreak butterfly. Small birds are attracted to the area for feeding and nesting; typical species including treecreeper, great spotted woodpecker, chiffchaff and blackcap. The blackthorn, in particular, provides good nesting habitat.

Objectives

1. Maintain the SSSI in favourable condition.2. Continue grazing management.3. Maintain fence and access features.4. Monitor the effects of management.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Graze with 4-6 cattle between November and February * * * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.9 Pond Scrub (Compartment 9)

Description

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Pond Scrub lies at the northern end of the Common, roughly between the pond to the east and Poole Lane to the west. It is dominated by oak scrub that has naturally colonised an area of rough grassland. There are a few mature oaks and small remaining areas of rough grassland that are becoming progressively invaded by bramble, hawthorn and oak. A 3-4 m wide firebreak is maintained alongside the boundary fence of the school playing field. A small area in the north east corner of the compartment is within the SSSI designation.

Flora

The scrub is largely composed of oak with hawthorn, bramble, dog rose, sallow and a small stand of hazel. It is gradually developing into dense woodland with an impoverished ground flora of which ivy is the principal component. The grassland areas support a number of wild flowers including field scabious, greater knapweed, pignut, perforate St John's-wort, tormentil and lesser celandine.

Fauna

The dense scrub provides undisturbed cover for a number of bird species for feeding, nesting and roosting. Birds nesting in the area include long-tailed tit and bullfinch. The area provides suitable habitat for large numbers of invertebrates. Butterflies are especially attracted by the mix of scrub and grassland with species such as meadow brown, gatekeeper Pyronia cecilia and speckled wood Pararge aegaria being particularly abundant.

Objectives

1. Allow natural succession to woodland of majority of scrub.2. Increase existing area of grassland and keep clear of scrub.3. Initiate coppicing regime to diversify structure.4. Maintain firebreak.5. Monitor the effects of management.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Scrub clearance in western half of compartment * * *Assess area suitable for coppice management & coppice on 10-12 year cycle *Mow grass (or graze) in autumn * * * * *Mow firebreak * * * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

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3.1.10 Glenmeadows (Compartment 10)

Description

This is a dog-leg shaped compartment in the north-eastern part of the Common. In the main it comprises a west-facing slope between the boundary of the properties on Glenmeadows Drive down to Dragonfly Hollow. Most of the slope is dominated by gorse and willow scrub. A firebreak is maintained between it and the properties at the top of the slope. There is a further, small area running eastwards to Kinson Road with vehicular access via a gravelled track. In 2000 a flight of steps was constructed to facilitate easier access from Glenmeadows Drive and a bench seat was installed at their foot.Flora

The scrub is predominantly common gorse with bramble, grey willow, hawthorn, broom Cytisus scoparius, birch and oak. In more open areas are typical heathland species: common heather, cross-leaved heath and purple moor-grass with foxglove, sheep’s sorrel and tormentil.

Fauna

The dense scrub provides habitat for a number of invertebrate and bird species. For example, it is a favoured nesting site for long-tailed tit, wren and dunnock Prunella modularis. Common lizard and slow worm are found throughout.

Objectives

1. Reduce scrub cover to maximum of 50%.2. Restore and maintain areas of acid grassland.3. Initiate rotational, short-cycle (2-3 year) scrub coppicing regime.4. Maintain firebreak.5. Maintain steps and bench.6. Monitor the effects of management.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Clear scrub and treat stumps/regrowth with appropriate herbicide * *Coppice scrub on rotational basis * *Flail open areas as required to control scrub regrowth * * * * *Mow firebreak to width of 3-4 metres * * * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.11 Dragonfly Hollow and Gover’s Glade (Compartment 11) 27

Description

The majority of the compartment is a low-lying marsh (Dragonfly Hollow) draining into the pond at the north of the Common. This is bordered to the south by a small area of acid grassland (Gover’s Glade), an area named in memory of Mrs Doreen Gover, a valued colleague of the Friends. The compartment is bounded to the east by Glenmeadows, to the west by the stream, to the south by Central Sallows, and to the north by the Pond. The Hollow (and the Pond) were created in 1977 as a flood control scheme to prevent the flooding of Kinson County Primary School. Before this time, the area was rough heathy grassland with scrub and was notable for its heath spotted orchids of which there were at least 700 plants in 1977. Before the excavation, approximately 160 plants were moved to the area now known as Gover’s Glade. The excavation lowered the surface by approximately 2 metres and the resulting hollow has since rapidly colonised. The compartment was fenced in 2008 as part of a larger grazing unit (see Map 6) and has been grazed by Shetland cattle since November 2009.It is within the SSSI designation.

Flora

Parts of Dragonfly Hollow are dominated by purple moor-grass and by the rushes Juncus effusus and J.acutiflorus. There is also a large stand of hemlock water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata and significant encroachment of willow, especially along the stream and immediately to the south of the pond. However, overall the area is floristically rich with a number of typical wetland species including bog pimpernel, gipsywort, greater bird's-foot-trefoil, hemp agrimony, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, marsh thistle, cuckoo flower, purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria and yellow loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris. A particular feature of the compartment is the presence of a large colony of southern marsh orchids along with a small number of heath spotted orchids and plants that are hybrids of the two species.There is a thriving colony of heath spotted orchids in Gover’s Glade where they were originally relocated. There is also bog asphodel, tormentil and creeping willow Salix repens here. Bracken can become dominant here.

Fauna

Invertebrates are particularly abundant in the area with, for example, 15 species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) recorded. Large numbers of spiders are evident including the uncommon raft spider. The Orthoptera, oak bush-cricket Meconema thalassinum and long-winged conehead are regularly seen. With the pond adjacent, the area is ideal for amphibian species with common frog and palmate newt particularly evident.

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Common lizard are found, attracted by the abundance of invertebrate prey. Dragonfly Hollow provides good over-wintering habitat for water rail and snipe that are both regularly seen in small numbers.

Objectives

1. Maintain the SSSI in favourable condition.2. Continue grazing management.3. Control scrub (approximately 10% cover) and bracken.4. Maintain fence and access features.5. Monitor the effects of management.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Clear willow and treat stumps/regrowth with appropriate herbicide * *Graze with 4-6 cattle between November & February * * * * *Monitor bracken growth & treat with appropriate herbicide as required * * * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.12 Pepin's Pond (Compartment 12)

Description

Pepin’s Pond lies at the northern end of Dragonfly Hollow and was named in memory of the late Cecil Pepin, a well known local naturalist. It is fed by the stream that enters at the south-west corner and flows out northwards over an artificial dam. Like Dragonfly Hollow, the Pond was created in 1977 as part of the flood prevention scheme. The pond is prone to siltation and requires dredging on a regular basis (every 3-4 years) to ensure it continues to function as a flood alleviation feature. It is within the SSSI designation.

Flora

The dominant aquatic vegetation is water-startwort Callitriche stagnalis with some broad-leaved pondweed Potamogeton natans. Although the pond is largely fringed by dense willow, there is a varied marginal vegetation with species including water plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica, yellow iris Iris pseudocorus, water cress, branched bur-reed Sparganium erectum, purple loosestrife and yellow loosestrife.

Fauna

In conjunction with Dragonfly Hollow, the Pond is of high conservation value. Regular pollution incidents in the past contributed to a decline in this value but, in recent years, following improved monitoring and

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measures taken by Wessex Water, incidents are now rare and not particularly damaging. This has been particularly noticeable in respect of dragonflies and damselflies which are now seen in higher numbers both of species and individuals. Common frog and palmate newt breed in the Pond and common toad have been seen in the vicinity. The Pond provides good habitat for mallard Anas platyrhyncus, moorhen and grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea. Kingfisher Alcedo atthis can occasionally be seen, especially during the winter.

Objectives

1. Maintain the SSSI in favourable condition.2. Ensure the pond continues to function as a flood alleviation feature.3. Monitor the effects of management.

Management

Year1 2 3 4 5

Dredge half of pond area in October/November * *Coppice willow on rotational basis * *Monitor water quality * * * * *Ecological monitoring * * * * *

3.1.13 The management regime for Kinson Common is given in map form, with Map 10 showing the desired state of the site and Map 11 giving a summary of the management required to achieve this state. (See Map 10 and Map 11).

3.2 General items

3.2.1 Grazing

It is now widely recognised that grazing is an effective and sustainable method of managing conservation sites. This has been clearly demonstrated on sites throughout the borough, including parts of Kinson Common.

The vast majority of site users also find large grazing animals such as cattle and ponies aesthetically pleasing.

As with any management initiative, it is important that the grazing schemes are properly monitored.

3.2.2 Valley Mire restoration

Any restoration proposals for the mire need to consider the water quality (and quantity of water under storm conditions) of the Kinson Stream.

The hydrology of Kinson Common has been fundamentally altered over time. The surrounding catchment is almost entirely urban with some

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industrial use. The surface water from the surrounding urban area discharges into the SSSI from piped surface water sewers into the two streams which flow through Kinson Common. The streams converge and flow north into a holding pond. The holding pond was constructed in the late 1970s as part of a flood attenuation scheme and depends on regular de-silting in order to function effectively. The surface water sewers are 600mm diameter pipes; they are able to discharge up to 1.4 cu metres per second of surface/storm water.

The stream that enters from the western arm of Kinson Common flows through the valley bottom, through a narrow strip of land within old boundary banks on either side and a scatter of trees. On the far side of these banks there is heathland mire; it is this stream and its relationship with the mire that was the principle consideration during a site visit by Natural England in April 2010.

Mire restoration techniques generally use the principle of removing rapid surface water run-off by holding it in the catchment area and slowing the flow of water within the mire (usually the flow of water has been accelerated by artificial drainage channels, or the deepening and widening of existing small water courses.) Slowing the flow of water, causing it to back up and spread laterally across some of the former mire area has been considered for the Kinson Common mire in recent years.

The NVC survey for the working compartment identifies the communities M21a, with M21 and M1 (mire and bog pool communities respectively) on the outside of the boundary banks. The valley mire community is present along the toe of the valley sides. This indicates that the base poor (low ph) water feeding the mire community is groundwater seepage, likely to be occurring as a consequence of a clay lens. This seepage is low in nutrient. There are some patches of Typha and other ‘rich’ fen species indicating localised ingress of nutrient enrichment, almost certainly from stream flooding and the pooling of flood water in the mire from the stream.

The stream within the valley bottom is in fairly good physical condition, albeit in a rather incised channel. There are fast(er) flowing sections, with occasional deeper pools. It has round-leaved crowfoot, Ranunculus omiophyllus present, which is a Dorset notable species. There is good structure to the marginal vegetation and an obvious and marked difference in vegetation types, from the richer vegetation of the stream margins and the nutrient poor, acidic valley sides.

From this, it is concluded that re-wetting across the valley bottom by using water from the stream would not help the acid mire habitat. Techniques to slow water to enable it to expand over a larger area of valley would be likely to harm the present mire communities as the stream is probably high in nutrient and pH, and the water level would vary much more. There are also issues regarding the water quality of the stream during a rainfall event (as the

catchment is urban). Management works which have the potential to cause further expansion of the stream’s existing narrow ‘floodplain’ should be

avoided. Ideally the stream flood flow should be contained within the

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boundary banks and not allowed to flow through the mire. This will require adding to parts of the banks which have eroded down, especially from cattle trampling.

This does not detract from the need to have a SUDS system at Kinson Common as this will reduce peaks in flows and help to reduce nutrient deposition into the mire on the occasions when the stream water overtops the boundary banks.

3.2.3 Dorset Urban Heaths Grazing Partnership (DUHGP)

Bournemouth Borough Council is one of nine partners that make up DUHGP. The stated vision of DUHGP is; “A consortium of stakeholders working in partnership to re-introduce traditional extensive grazing onto urban heaths to improve the quality, condition and public appreciation of the nature conservation features for which the heathlands are designated.”

The key aims of the partnership are:

Sustainable management of the heathland landscape utilising extensive grazing by traditional livestock to ensure that heathland biodiversity is protected and enhanced.

Favourable conservation status of the designated wildlife sites (SSSI) is to be secured by the partners to meet the Public Service Agreement (PSA) target of 95% (unfavourable recovering or favourable) by area in 2010.

Good practice – increasing understanding and promotion of the use of traditional livestock as a conservation tool, developing the economic and marketing opportunities for heathland products and building upon experiences of integrating people and recreation with agricultural management through community involvement.

Environmental quality – raising the quality and public perception of local heathlands through active involvement and improving educational opportunities for local people.

Achieve the highest standards of livestock husbandry for all parties.

3.2.4 Environmental Stewardship (ES)

Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environment scheme funded by the UK Government and the European Union (EU). Farmers and land managers across England enter into voluntary management agreements with Natural England in order to deliver the scheme. In return for looking after England’s countryside – our wildlife, landscapes, historic features and natural resources (soils and water) – and providing new opportunities for public access in some cases, ES provides farmers and land managers with a financial incentive that supports and rewards them for this work. ES is managed by Natural England on behalf of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Most of Bournemouth’s countryside sites, including Kinson Common, are included in the scheme at the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS). In return

for carrying out agreed HLS options such as grazing and scrub clearance,

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an annual area payment is received. In addition, funding is provided for carrying out an agreed capital works programme.

3.2.5 Urban Heaths Partnership (UHP)

Bournemouth Borough Council is one of ten partners that make up UHP. It’s stated vision is; “A consortium of stakeholders working in partnership to improve the quality, condition and public appreciation of the Dorset heaths within the context of a multi-functional countryside.”

The key aims of the partnership are:

Undertake the work to mitigate development pressures on the heaths as agreed in the implementation plan for the Dorset Heaths Interim Planning Framework.

Provide an agreed strategy for community education and outreach. Provide an agreed wardening strategy. Maintain standardised fire plans for the heaths and keep these

updated. Maintain a standardised incident recording system for the heaths. Maintain a Dorset heaths website. Promote a landscape level approach to nature conservation and

countryside management, seeking funding for projects that will add value to work included in the Interim Planning Framework and produce the green infrastructure for a sustainable, multi-functional countryside for future generations.

3.2.6 Interim Planning Framework (IPF)

The IPF sets out an interim approach to the mitigation of the harmfuleffects of residential development in south east Dorset on Dorset’s

lowlandheaths. It will be in place until the new Local Development Frameworks

(LDF) of the relevant local planning authorities, including Bournemouth are adopted.

European wildlife sites are protected by the EC Birds and Habitats Directives,

specific provisions of which are applied in the UK by the Conservation (Natural

Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (the Habitats Regulations). Local Authorities must have regard to these requirements in deciding whether to approve a proposal (a plan or project) that will potentially affect a European wildlife site.

Regulation 48 of the Habitats Regulations requires that any application for

development or strategic plan or policy which is likely to significantly affect a

European site is subject to an appropriate assessment of the implications of the

proposal for the site’s conservation objectives. The planning authority must ascertain that the plan or project will not have an adverse effect on the

33

integrity of the site, alone or in combination with other plans or projects.

Natural England locally have become concerned at the intensification ofresidential development in South East Dorset and the resultant

pressures placedupon protected heathland by new occupants living in close proximity to

theheathlands. This is most marked for development within 400m of heathland where

NaturalEngland advise that additional residential development is likely to have

asignificant adverse effect upon the designated site.Between 400m and 5 km Natural England considers that Local

Authoritiesundertaking appropriate assessment will still identify a significant

adverse effectin combination with other proposals, but that avoidance or mitigation

measures can allow development to be approved. Mitigation of this effect will include

measures to divert recreational pressure away from heathland and access management measures.

3.2.7 All Access Route

It has been a long-term aspiration to create a circular route around the common that is accessible for all site users. This will be developed in consultation with the Friends of Kinson Common, Natural England and other interested parties. A route will be identified and the necessary work costed before potential funding sources are investigated. 3.2.8 Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996

This legislation applies to all Open Space in the Borough and requires any dog owner to collect their dog’s faeces and dispose of it appropriately. On Kinson Common there are dog waste bins provided for this purpose.

3.2.9 Fire plan

A comprehensive fire plan has been prepared for the benefit of the Fire Service showing access points, routes and vehicle ‘no-go’ areas. Local fire brigades are familiar with Kinson Common and its access points and have been issued with keys to the gates.

3.2.10 Friends of Kinson Common

Formed in 1999, the Friends of Kinson Common are a local residents group that works in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council. They assist in the management of the Common by participating in practical conservation tasks, litter picking, biological recording, reporting incidents and promoting Kinson Common to members of the

34

public through events and guided walks. The group has been successful in applications for grant aid that has been used for a variety of projects including helping to finance the annual Kinson Common Open Day, contributing to the cost of a boardwalk and producing promotional material.

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APPENDIX 1

Official description of the SSSI (as detailed on the Citation Sheet)

Site Name : Turbary and Kinson Commons District : Bournemouth County : Dorset Status : Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

notified under Section 2B of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1982 (as amended)

Local Planning Authority : Bournemouth Borough Council; Dorset County

CouncilNational Grid Reference : SZ 061948 SZ 067960 Area : 37.3 (ha) 92.2 (ac) Ordnance Survey Sheet : 1:50,000: 195 1: 10,000: SZ 09 NE,SE Date Notified (Under 1949 Act) :Date of Last Revision :Date Notified (Under 1981 Act) : 1988 Date of Last Revision : Other Information : A new site

Description and Reasons for Notification This site comprises the Public Open Spaces of both Turbary Common and the nearby Kinson Common, which overlay the acidic deposits of Plateau gravels and Bagshot Beds. The richness of the relic heathland communities, both in terms of their vegetation and associated fauna, is made even more significant by their urban location. Characteristic of the Bournemouth and Poole areas, the heathland of the higher ground and dry slopes is dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris and western gorse Ulex gallii; also present are bell heather Erica cinerea and bristle bent Agrostis curtisii, this being especially abundant in areas of frequent accidental burning. On the lower lying ground there is humid and wet heath which is largely dominated by purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea with cross-leaved heather Erica tetralix, together with varying amounts of heather and deergrass Trichophorum cespitosum. Impeded drainage and peat accumulation within the valley bottoms of both Turbary and Kinson Commons have led to the development of valley mire systems with their associated bog communities. These areas hold a rich bog flora with frequent oblong and round-leaved sundew Drosera intermedia and D. rotundifolia. Bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum and white beak-sedge Rhynchospora alba; also present is the uncommon pale butterwort Pinguicula lusitanica. Bog mosses Sphagnum spp. Including S. cuspidatum and S. papillosum are frequent throughout these areas. Shallow bog pools contain common cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium and bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius. Drier parts of the bog contain tussocks of purple moor-grass and, within the Kinson mire system, nutrient enrichment and siltation give rise to swamp conditions with

36

bulrush Typha latifolia, hemlock water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata and rush Juncus species. Areas of dense scrub vegetation with much common gorse Ulex europaeus and bramble Rubus fruticosus are common on both areas of heathland, with willow Salix species a frequent component on Turbary Common. Fringing the streams, bog and wet heath are areas of willow carr, with much birch Betula spp. and pedunculate oak Quercus robur within the wet woodland of Kinson Common. The fauna of the site reflects the range of habitats present. The dry heathland of Turbary Common supports a breeding population of the rare and protected sand lizard Lacerta agilis, and the smooth snake Coronella austriaca is also known to occur here. The invertebrates of Kinson Common have been well recorded, with many of these being present also on Turbary Common. Of the 18 species of dragonfly noted, 15 of these are known to breed, including scarce ischnura Ischnura pumilio and small red damselfly Ceriagrion tenellum, both species of very restricted occurrence. The damper areas have good populations of the local bog bush cricket Metrioptera brachyptera with the rarer long-winged conehead Conocephalus discolor found in slightly drier conditions. Other nationally scarce heathland insects present include silver-studded blue butterfly Plebejus argus and swamp spider Dolomedes fimbriatus. The NCC has also produced a list of operations which are considered likely to damage the features of special interest (Potentially Damaging Operations (PDOs)). These are as follows:

Standard Ref No. Type of Operation

1. Cultivation including ploughing, rotavating, harrowing and re-seeding.

2. The introduction of grazing. 3. The introduction of stock feeding. 4. The introduction of mowing or other methods of cutting

vegetation.5. Application of manure, fertilisers and lime.6. Application of pesticides, including herbicides (weedkillers).7. Dumping, spreading or discharge of any materials.8. Burning.9. The release into the site of any wild, feral or domestic animal*,

plant or seed.10. The killing or removal of any wild animal*, including pest

control.11. The destruction, displacement, removal or cutting of any plant

or plant remains, including tree, shrub, herb, hedge, dead or decaying wood, moss, lichen, fungus, leaf-mould turf.

12. The introduction of tree and/or woodland management (including afforestation, planting, clear and selective felling, thinning, coppicing, modification of the stand or underwood, changes in species composition, cessation of management).

13a. Drainage (including moor-gripping and the use of mole, tile, tunnel or artificial drains).

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13b. Modification of the structure of water courses (e.g. streams, ditches, drains), including their banks and beds, as by re-alignment, re-grading and dredging.

13c. Management of aquatic and bank vegetation for drainage purposes.

14. The changing of water levels and tables and water utilisation (including irrigation, storage and abstraction from existing water bodies and through boreholes.

15. Infilling of ditches, drains, ponds, pools, marshes or pits. 16a. The introduction of freshwater fishery production and/or

management including sporting fishing and angling. 20. Extraction of minerals, including peat, clay, sand and gravel,

topsoil, sub-soil and spoil. 21. Construction, removal or destruction of roads, tracks, walls,

fences, hard-stands, banks, ditches or other earthworks, or the laying, maintenance or removal of pipelines and cables, above or below ground.

22. Storage of materials. 23. Erection of permanent or temporary structures, or the

undertaking of engineering works, including drilling. 24. Modification of natural or man-made features (including cave

entrances), clearance of boulders, large stones, loose rock or scree and battering, buttressing or grading rock faces and cuttings, infilling of pits and quarries.

26. Use of vehicles or craft likely to damage or disturb features of interest.

27. Recreational or other activities likely to damage features of interest.

28. Introduction of game or waterfowl management.

*"animal" includes any mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish or invertebrate.

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APPENDIX 2

Vascular plants

Field maple Acer campestreNorway maple A. platanoidesSycamore A. pseudoplatanusYarrow Achillea millefoliumGround-elder Aegopodium podagrariaHorse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanumBrown bent Agrostis caninaCommon bent A. capillarisBristle bent A. curtissiiBlack bent A. giganteaCreeping bent A. stoloniferaEarly hair-grass Aira praecoxCommon water-plantain Alisma plantago-aquaticaGarlic mustard Alliaria petiolataWild onion Allium vinealeThree-cornered leek Allium triquetrum (esc.)Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensisAmelanchier Amelanchier lamarkiiScarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensisBog pimpernel A. tenellaWild angelica Angelica sylvestrisBarren brome Anisantha sterilisSweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratumCow parsley Anthriscus sylvestrisThale cress Arabidopsis thalianaStrawberry tree Arbutus unedoLesser burdock Arctium minusHorse-radish Armoracia rusticanaFalse oat-grass Arrenatherum elatiusMugwort Artemesia vulgarisLords and ladies Arum maculatumAster Aster x versicolor (esc.)Lady fern Athyrium filix-feminaBlack horehound Ballota nigraEarly-flowering yellow rocket Barbarea vernaDaisy Bellis perenisSilver birch Betula pendulaDowny birch B. pubescensHard fern Blechnum spicantSoft brome Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceusWhite bryony Bryonia dioicaBuddleja Buddleja davidiiBox Buxus sempevirensWater-starwort Callitriche agg.Common heather Calluna vulgarisHedge bindweed Calystegia sepium

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Large bindweed C. sylvaticaPeach-leaved bellflower Campanula persicifolia (esc.)Serbian bellflower C. poscharskyana (esc.)Harebell C. rotundifoliaShepherd’s purse Capsella bursa-pastorisWavy bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosaHairy bitter-cress C. hirsutaCuckooflower C. pratensisRibbed sedge Carex binervisStar sedge C. echinataHairy sedge C. hirtaPrickly sedge C. muricata ssp. lamprocarpaCommon sedge C. nigraFalse fox sedge C. otrubaeOval sedge C. ovalisCarnation sedge C. paniceaPendulous sedge C. pendulaPill-headed sedge C. piluliferaFlea sedge C. pulicarisRemote sedge C. remotaCommon yellow sedge C. viridula ssp. oedocarpaSweet chestnut Castanea sativaBlack knapweed Centaurea nigraGreater knapweed C. scabiosaCommon mouse-ear Cerastium fontanumSticky mouse-ear C. glomeratumRose-bay willow-herb Chamerion angustifoliumGreater celandine Chelidonium majusFat-hen Chenopodium albumCorn marigold Chrysanthemum segetumEnchanter’s-nightshade Circaea lutetianaCreeping thistle Cirsium arvenseMeadow thistle C. dissectumMarsh thistle C. palustreSpear thistle C. vulgareHemlock Conium maculatumPignut Conopodium majusField bindweed Convolvulus arvensisLesser swine-cress Coronopus didymusHazel Corylus avellana Cotoneaster Cotoneaster simonsii (esc.)Cotoneaster C. sternianus (esc.)Cotoneaster (Coral beauty) C. x suecicus (esc.)Hawthorn Crataegus monogynaSmooth hawk’s-beard Crepis capillarisBeaked hawk’s-beard C. vesicariaMontbretia Crocosmia x crocosmifloraCrested dogstail Cynosurus cristatusBroom Cytisus scopariusCocksfoot Dactylis glomerataEarly marsh orchid Dactylorhiza incarnataHeath-spotted orchid D. maculata ssp. ericetorum

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Southern marsh orchid D. praetermissaTufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosaFoxglove Digitalis purpureaOblong-leaved sundew Drosera intermediaRound-leaved sundew D. rotundifoliaScaly male fern Dryopteris affinisBroad buckler fern D. dilatataMale fern D. filix-masMany-stemmed spike-rush Eleocharis multicaulisCommon couch Elytrigia repensAmerican willow-herb Epilobium ciliatumGreat hairy willow-herb E. hirsutumBroad-leaved willow-herb E. montanumDull-leaved willow-herb E. obscurumMarsh willow-herb E. palustreLesser hairy willow-herb E. parviflorumSmall-flowered willow-herb E. roseumSquare-stemmed willow-herbE. tetragonumCommon horsetail Equisetum arvenseMarsh horsetail E. palustreBell heather Erica cinereaCross-leaved heath E. tetralixCommon cotton grass Eriophorium angustifoliumCommon stork’s-bill Erodium cicutariumHemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinumSun spurge Euphorbia helioscopiaPetty spurge E. peplusBeech Fagus sylvaticaBlack bindweed Fallopia convolvulusFine-leaved sheep’s fescue Festuca filiformisSheep’s fescue F. ovinaRed fescue F. rubraCommon cudweed Filago vulgarisMeadowsweet Filipendula ulmariaAlder buckthorn Frangula alnusAsh Fraxinus excelsiorCommon ramping-fumitory Fumaria muralisCommon hemp-nettle Galeopsis tetrahitCleavers Galium aparineMarsh bedstraw G. palustreHeath bedstraw G. saxatileCut-leaved crane’s-bill Geranium dissectumDove’s-foot crane’s-bill G. mollisHerb-Robert G. robertianumWood avens G. urbanumGround ivy Glechoma hederaceaFloating sweet-grass Glyceria fluitansMarsh cudweed Gnaphalium uliginosumIvy Hedera helixHogweed Heracleum sphondyliumHawkweed Hieracium trichocaulonHawkweed H. umbellatum

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Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatusCreeping soft-grass H. mollisWall barley Hordeum murinumHop Humulus lupulusGarden bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanicaBluebell H. non-scriptaMarsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgarisTutsan Hypericum androsaemumHypericum H. x desetangsii (esc.)Rose-of-Sharon H. calycinumPerforate St. John’s-wort H. perforatumSlender St. John’s-wort H. pulchrumSquare-stemmed St. John’s-wort H. tetrapterumCommon cat’s-ear Hypochoeris radicataHolly Ilex aquifoliumYellow iris Iris pseudacorusSheep’s-bit Jasione montanaSharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorusJointed rush J. articulatusToad rush J. bufoniusCompact rush J. conglomeratusSoft rush J. effususHard rush J. inflexusJapanese kerria Kerria japonica (esc.)Field scabious Knautia arvensisWhite dead-nettle Lamium albumRed dead-nettle L. purpureaNipplewort Lapsana communisBroad-leaved everlasting peaLathyrus latifoliusMeadow vetchling L. pratensisCommon duckweed Lemna minorAutumn hawkbit Leontodon autumnalisOx-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgareGarden privet Ligustrum ovalifoliumPrivet L. vulgarePurple toadflax Linaria purpureaCommon toadflax L. vulgarisPerennial ryegrass Lolium perenneHoneysuckle Lonicera periclymenumCommon bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatusGreater bird’s-foot-trefoil L. pedunculatusHonesty Lunaria annuaField wood-rush Luzula campestrisWhite woodrush L. luzuloides (esc.)Heath wood-rush L. multifloraGipsywort Lycopsis europaeusCreeping-Jenny Lysimachia nummulariaYellow loosestrife L. vulgarisPurple-loosestrife Lythrum salicariaCultivated apple Malus domesticaPineapple weed Matricaria matricarioidesBlack medick Medicago lupulina

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Common cow-wheat Melampyrum pratenseLesser snapdragon Misopates orontiumPurple moor-grass Molinea caeruleaGrape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum (esc.)Wood forget-me-not Myosotis sylvaticaBog asphodel Narthecium ossifragumRed bartsia Odontites vernaHemlock water-dropwort Oenanthe crocataBird’s-foot Ornithopus perpusillusRoyal fern Osmunda regalisPink oxalis Oxalis articulataYellow oxalis O. corniculataPellitory-of-the-wall Parietaria judaicaVirginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefoliaLousewort Pedicularis sylvaticaGreen alkanet Pentaglottos sempervirensWater-pepper Persicaria hydropiperPale persicaria P. lapathifoliumRedshank P. maculosaReed canary-grass Phalaris arundinaceaSmall cat’s-tail Phleum bertoloniiTimothy P. pratenseHart’s-tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendriumMouse-ear hawkweed Pilosella officinarumPale butterwort Pinguicula lusitanicaBuck’s-horn plantain Plantago coronopusRibwort plantain P. lanceolataGreater plantain P. majorAnnual meadow-grass Poa annuaFlattened poa P. compressaSmooth meadow-grass P. pratensisRough meadow-grass P. trivialisHeath milkwort Polygala serpyllifoliaKnotgrass Polygonum arenastrumKnotgrass P. aviculareWater-pepper P. hydropiperSoft shield fern Polystichum setiferumWhite poplar Populus albaBroad-leaved pondweed Potamogeton natansBog pondweed P. polygonifoliusTrailing tormentil Potentilla anglicaSilverweed P. anserinaTormentil P. erectaCreeping cinquefoil P. reptansPrimrose Primula vulgarisSelfheal Prunella vulgarisCherry plum Prunus cerasiferaWild plum P. domesticaCherry laurel P. laurocerasusPortuguese cherry laurel P. lusitanicaBlackthorn P. spinosaBracken Pteridium aquilinum

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Fleabane Pulicaria dysentericaScarlet firethorn Pyracantha coccinea (esc.)Pedunculate oak Quercus roburMeadow buttercup Ranunculus acrisBulbous buttercup R. bulbosusLesser celandine R. ficariaLesser spearwort R. flammulaRound-leaved crowfoot R. omiophyllusCreeping buttercup R. repensHairy buttercup R. sardousWild radish Raphanus raphanistrumRhododendron Rhododendron ponticumStaghorn sumac Rhus typhinaWhite beak-sedge Rhynchospora albaBlack currant Ribes nigrumRed currant R. rubrumWater-cress Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticumField rose Rosa arvensisDog rose R. caninaSweet briar R. rubiginosaRose R. rugosaRose R. stylosaBramble Rubus fruticosusRaspberry R. idaeusSheep’s sorrel Rumex acetosellaCommon sorrel R. acetosaClustered dock R. conglomeratusCurled dock R. crispusBroad-leaved dock R. obtusifoliusWood dock R. sanguineusAnnual pearlwort Sagina aetalaProcumbent pearlwort S. procumbensGoat willow Salix capreaGrey willow S. cinereaElder Sambucus nigraCommon figwort Scrophularia nodosaLesser skullcap Scutellaria minorCommon ragwort Senecio jacobaeaWood groundsel S. sylvaticusGroundsel S. vulgarisRed campion Silene dioicaHedge mustard Sisymbrium officinaleBittersweet Solanum dulcamaraBlack nightshade S. nigrumGolden-rod Solidago virgaureaPrickly sow-thistle Sonchus asperSmooth sow-thistle S. oleraceusWhitebeam Sorbus ariaRowan S. aucupariaBranched bur-reed Sparganium erectumCorn spurrey Spergula arvensisSand spurrey S. rubra

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Spiraea Spiraea douglasii var. menziesiiField woundwort Stachys arvensisBetony S. officinalisMarsh woundwort S. palustrisHedge woundwort S. sylvaticaLesser stitchwort Stellaria gramineaGreater stitchwort S. holosteaCommon chickweed S. mediaBog stitchwort S. uliginosaDevil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensisSnowberry Symphoricarpos albaLilac Syringia vulgarisBlack bryony Tamus communisTansy Tanacetum vulgareDandelion Taraxacum officianale agg.Yew Taxus baccataFringe cap Tellina grandiflora (esc.)Wood sage Teucrium scorodoniaCommon lime Tilia x vulgarisLesser trefoil Trifolium dubiumRed clover T. pratenseWhite clover T. repensSubterraneum clover T. subterraneumScentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorumCommon reedmace Typha latifoliaCommon gorse Ulex europaeusDwarf gorse U. minorDutch elm Ulmus x hollandicaCommon nettle Urtica dioicaCornsalad Valerianella locustaWall speedwell Veronica arvensisBrooklime V. beccabungaGermander speedwell V. chamaedrysSlender speedwell V. filiformisIvy-leaved speedwell V. hederifoliaWood speedwell V. montanaCommon field speedwell V. persicaThyme-leaved speedwell V. serpyllifoliaGuelder-rose Viburnum opulusTufted vetch Vicia craccaHairy tare V. hirsutaCommon vetch V. sativa ssp. nigraCommon vetch V. sativa ssp. sativaSmooth tare V. tetraspermaLesser periwinkle Vinca minorField pansy Viola arvensisSweet violet V. odorataPale wood violet V. reichenbachianaCommon dog violet V. rivinianaSquirreltail fescue Vulpia bromoides

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APPENDIX 3

Fungi

Fly agaric Amanita muscariFalse deathcap Amanita citrinaThe blusher Amanita rubescensTawny grisette Amanita fulvaBirch polypore Piptoporus betulinusSulphur tuft Hypholoma fasciculare Field mushroom Agarius campestri Fairy ring champignon Marasmius oreades Beefsteak fungus Fistulina hepatica Common earthball Scleroderma aurantium Stinkhorn Phallus impudicus Variable oysterling Crepidotus variabilisBlushing bracket Trametes rubescens Turkeytail Tramestes versicolorLumpy bracket Trametes gibbosaFairy inkcap Coprinus disseminatusShaggy ink cap Coprinis comatusGlistening ink cap Coprinus micaceusPleated inkcap Coprinus plicatilisHairy stereum Stereum hirstumPoison pie Hebeloma crustuliniformeDeceiver Laccaria laccataAmethyst deceiver Laccaria amethysteaSulpher polypore Polyporus sulphureus Puff ball Lycoperdon perlatumYellow brain fungus Tremella mesentericaOchre brittlegill Russula orchroleucaCharcoal burner Russula cyanoxanthaThe Sickener Russula emeticaPurple brittlegill Russula atropurpureaBlackening brittlegill Russula nigricansCrab brittlegill Russula xerampelinaShaggy parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes White saddle Helvella crispaLilac mycena Mycena pura Angel’s bonnet Mycena arcangelianaCommon bonnet Mycena galericulataGrooved bonnet Mycena polygrammaNitrous bonnet Mycena leptocephalaBrown rollrim Paxillus involutusUgly milk cap Lactarius turpis Grey milkcap Lactarius vietusRufous milk cap Lactarius rufus Oak milk cap Lactarius quietus Pelargonium webcap Cortinarius paleaceus

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Bruising webcap Cortinarius purpurascensBay bolete Boletus badius Brown birch bolete Boletus scabrumRed-cracking bolete Boletus chrysentronOrange birch bolete Leccinum versipelleBovine bolete Suillus bovinusRusset toughshank Collybia dryophila Greasy toughshank Collybia buturaceaHen of the woods Grifola frondosa Scarlet waxcap Hygrocybe coccineusA wax cap Hygrocybe coccineocrenata? Stag-horn fungus Xylaria hypoxylonDead moll’s fingers Xylaria longipes?Bitter oysterling Panellus stipticus St George's mushroom Calocybe gambosa Honey fungus Armillaria mellea Soapy knight Tricholoma saponaceum Sulphur knight Tricholoma suplhureumWhite fibercap Inocybe geophyllaClub foot Clitocybe clavipesLarge funnel Clitocybe maximaTrooping funnel Clitocybe geotropaFragrant funnel Clitopcybe fragaransRooting shank Oudemansiell radicataSoft puffball Lycoperdon molle

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APPENDIX 4

Birds

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Grey heron Ardea cinerea Mute swan Cygnus olor Teal Anas crecca Mallard A.platyrhynchos Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Common buzzard Buteo buteo Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Water rail Rallus aquaticus Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Snipe G.gallinago Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimusWoodcock Scolopax rusticola Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus Lesser black-backed gull L.fuscus Herring gull L.argentatus Great Black-backed Gull L.marinus Wood pigeon Columba palumbus Collared dove Streptopelia decaocto Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Tawny owl Strix aluco Swift Apus apus Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Green woodpecker Picus viridis Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major Swallow Hirundo rustica House martin Delichon urbica Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea White/Pied wagtail M.alba Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dunnock Prunella modularis Robin Erithacus rubecula Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Blackbird Turdus merula Fieldfare T.pilaris Song thrush T.philomelos Redwing T.iliacus Mistle thrush T.viscivorus Reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Dartford warbler Sylvia undataCommon whitethroat S.communis Blackcap S.atricapilla

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Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Willow warbler P.trochilus Goldcrest Regulus regulus Firecrest R. ignicapillus Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus Coal tit Parus ater Blue tit P.caeruleus Great tit P.major Nuthatch Sitta europaea Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Jay Garrulus glandarius Magpie Pica pica Jackdaw Corvus monedula Rook C.frugilegus Carrion crow C.corone Starling Sturnus vulgaris House sparrow Passer domesticus Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Goldfinch C.carduelis Siskin C.spinus Linnet C C.cannabina Redpoll C.flammea Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

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APPENDIX 5

Butterflies

Small skipper Thymelicus sylvestrisEssex skipper T. lineolaLarge skipper Ochlodes venataClouded yellow Colias croceaBrimstone Gonepteryx rhamniLarge white Pieris brassicaSmall white P. rapaeGreen-veined white P. napiOrange tip Anthocharis cardaminesGreen hairstreak Callophrys rubiPurple hairstreak Quercusia quercusSmall copper Lycaena phlaeasBrown argus Aricia agestisCommon blue Polymattus icarusHolly blue Celastrina argiolusRed admiral Vanessa atalantaPainted lady Cynthia carduiSmall tortoiseshell Aglais urticaePeacock Inachis ioComma Poligonia c-albumSilver-washed fritillary Argynnis paphiaSpeckled wood Parage aegariaMarbled white Melanargia galtheaGrayling Hipparchia semeleGatekeeper Pyronia tithonusMeadow brown Maniola jurtinaSmall heath Coenonympha pamphilus

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APPENDIX 6

MothsSmall magpieBrimstoneCommon carpetCommon rusticVine’s rusticCopper underwingLarge yellow underwingSvensson's copper underwingDouble-striped pugFlame shoulderLesser broad-bordered yellow underwingLesser swallow prominentMaiden’s blushMother of pearlRiband waveSetaceous hebrew characterShuttle-shaped dartSilver YWillow beautySpectacleChina markKnot grassLight brown apple mothBuff ermineHummingbird hawkmothElephant hawkmothBlack archesSallow kittenPebble prominentIron prominentScalloped hook-tipCommon waveSharp-angled peacockSquare-spot rusticVapourerLesser yellow underwingAdella reaumurellaWhite plume mothGarden pebbleGrey daggerSix-striped rusticAngle shadesUncertainLunar underwingClayMottled rustic

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RusticScalloped oakDiurnea fagellaDotted borderSmall quakerCommon quakerHebrew characterEarly greyBlood veinDepressaria daucellaSmall phoenixYellow-tailStraw dotCommon emeraldNut tree tussockDark archesDunbarRosy footmanScarce footmanBuff tipGarden carpetBright-line brown-eyeCypress carpetGreen oak tortrixClouded borderSnoutMarbled minorSmall ermineBee mothChrysoteuchia culmellaAcleris forsskaleanaBramble-shootEndotricha flammealisSynaphe punctalisUdea prunalisBarred fruit tree tortrixRed-barred tortrixEpagoge grotianaEucosma canaArgyresthia retinellaOak nycteolineEarly thornPebble hook-tipLesser common rusticStraw underwingDusky thornAcleris ferruganaCydia splendanaCatoptria falsellaAgriphila tristellaLeek mothLight emerald

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Burnished brassCanary-shouldered thorn

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APPENDIX 7

Dragonflies

Emerald damselfly Lestes sponsaLarge red damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphulaAzure damselfly Coenagrion puellaCommon-blue damselfly Enallagma cyathigerumBlue-tailed damselfly Ischnura elegansMigrant hawker Aeshna mixtaSouthern hawker A. cyaneaEmperor dragonfly Anax imperatorGolden-ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltoniiFour-spotted chaser Libellula quadrimaculataScarce chaser L. fulvaBroad-bodied chaser L. depressaKeeled skimmer Orthetrum coerulescensCommon darter Sympetrum striolatum

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