Ely Group of Internal Drainage Boards
The Drainage Office, Main St, PRICKWILLOW, Nr Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4UN
This Biodiversity Action Plan has been prepared by the Lakenheath Internal Drainage Board in accordance with the commitment in the Implementation Plan of the DEFRA Internal Drainage Board Review for IDBs to produce their own Biodiversity Action Plans by April, 2010.
It also demonstrates the Board’s commitment to fulfilling its duty as a public body under the Natural Environmental and Rural Communities Act 2006 to conserve biodiversity.
Many of the Board’s activities have benefits for biodiversity, not least its water level management and ditch maintenance work. It is hoped that this Biodiversity Action Plan will help the Board to maximise the biodiversity benefits from its activities and demonstrate its contribution to the Government’s UK Biodiversity Action Plan targets.
The Board has adopted the Biodiversity Action Plan as one of its policies and is committed to its implementation. It will review the plan periodically and update it as appropriate.
…………………………………………………………….. Date ………………………………………………..
B J Rutterford
Chairman of the Board
This Biodiversity Action Plan is a public statement by the Board of its biodiversity objectives and the methods by which it intends to achieve them.
We would welcome appropriate involvement in the delivery of the Plan from interested organisations, companies and individuals.
You can contact us about this Biodiversity Action Plan by writing to the following address:
Lakenheath Internal Drainage Board
The Drainage Office
Main Street
Prickwillow
Ely
Cambridgeshire
CB7 4UN
or by e-mail: jean@elydrainageboards.co.uk
CONTENTS
1 IDB BIODIVERSITY – AN INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
1.2 What is Biodiversity?
1.3 The Importance of Conserving Biodiversity
1.4 The Biodiversity Action Planning Framework
1.5 Biodiversity – The International Context
1.6 Biodiversity – The National Context
1.7 Local Biodiversity Action Plans
1.8 Internal Drainage Boards and Biodiversity
1.9 The Aims of the IDB Biodiversity Action Plan
2 THE IDB BAP PROCESS
2.1 The Biodiversity Audit
2.2 Evaluating and Prioritising Habitats and Species
2.3 Setting Objectives, Targets and Indicators
2.4 Implementation
2.5 Monitoring
2.6 Reporting and Reviewing Progress
3 THE BIODIVERSITY AUDIT
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Local Biodiversity Action Plans
3.3 IDB Biodiversity Audit Boundary
3.4 Sources of Data – Habitats
3.5 Sources of Data – Species
4 NATURE CONSERVATION SITES
4.1 The Drainage District
4.2 Geology
4.3 Landscape
4.4 Statutory Nature Conservation Sites
4.5 Non-statutory Local Sites
5 HABITAT AUDIT
5.1 Habitat Audit Summary
5.2 Habitats of Importance for the IDB
6 SPECIES AUDIT
6.1 Species Audit Summary
6.2 Species of Importance for the IDB
7 HABITAT AND SPECIES ACTION PLANS
7.1 Habitat and Species Action Plans
8-13 HABITAT ACTION PLANS
14-17 SPECIES ACTION PLANS
19 IMPLEMENTATION
19.1 Implementation
20 MONITORING
20.1 Monitoring
21 REVIEWING AND REPORTING PROGRESS
21.1 Reviewing and Reporting Progress
22 APPENDIX A
Table of BAP Priority Species
1 IDB BIODIVERSITY – AN INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
The IDB has conducted a biodiversity audit of its district and identified those habitats and species that would benefit from particular management or actions by the IDB. Using this information, which is presented in later sections, the IDB’s Biodiversity Action Plan has been developed. The Plan identifies objectives for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity within the drainage district, and goes on to describe targets and actions that will hopefully deliver these objectives. The intention is to integrate, as appropriate, biodiversity into the Board’s activities, such as annual maintenance programmes and capital works projects.
The action plan will help to safeguard the biodiversity of the drainage district now and for future generations. In particular, it is hoped that implementing the plan will contribute to the achievement of local and national targets for UK BAP priority species and habitats. Species and habitats which are not listed in the UK BAP but may be locally significant for a variety of reasons have also been considered.
The Plan is an evolving document that will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. It covers the entire drainage district for the IDB, as shown on page 5.
1.2 What is Biodiversity?
The Convention on Biodiversity agreed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 defined biodiversity as:
“The variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems”.
Biodiversity can be defined simply as “the variety of life” and encompasses the whole spectrum of living organisms, including plants, birds, mammals and insects. It includes both common and rare species, as well as the genetic diversity within species. Biodiversity also refers to the habitats and ecosystems that support these species.
1.3 The Importance of Conserving Biodiversity
Biodiversity is a vital resource and it is essential to acknowledge its importance to our lives along with the range of benefits that it produces:
1.4 The Biodiversity Action Planning Framework
This IDB Biodiversity Action Plan is part of a much larger biodiversity framework that encompasses international, national and local levels of biodiversity action planning and conservation.
1.5 Biodiversity – The International Context
The international commitment to halt the worldwide loss of habitats and species and their genetic resources was agreed in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development, commonly known as the Rio Earth Summit. Over 150 countries, including the United Kingdom, signed the Convention on Biological Diversity, pledging to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity at the global level. These states made a commitment to draw up national strategies to address the losses to global biodiversity and to resolve how economic development could go hand in hand with the maintenance of biodiversity.
The Rio Convention includes a global commitment to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level. The 2002 World Summit in Johannesburg on Sustainable Development subsequently endorsed this target.
1.6 Biodiversity – The National Context
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) is the UK commitment to Article 6A of the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity. It describes the UK’s priority species and habitats, and seeks to benefit 65 priority habitats and 1149 species in total. It identifies other key areas for action such as the building of partnerships for conserving biodiversity and gathering vital biodiversity data.
In England, Working with the Grain of Nature sets out the Government’s strategy for conserving and enhancing biological diversity, and establishes programmes of action for integrating biodiversity into policy and planning for key sectors, together with appropriate targets and indicators. The Strategy has a Water and Wetlands Group and an associated programme of action that includes:
1.7 Local Biodiversity Action Plans
For the UK Biodiversity Action Plan to be implemented successfully it requires some means of ensuring that the national strategy is translated into effective action at the local level. The UK targets for the management, enhancement, restoration, and creation of habitats and species populations have therefore been translated into targets in Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs), which tend to operate at the county level.
1.8 Internal Drainage Boards and Biodiversity
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 places a duty on IDBs to conserve biodiversity. As a public body, every IDB must have regard in exercising its functions, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.
The Act states that conserving biodiversity includes restoring or enhancing a population or habitat. In so doing, an IDB should have regard to the list published by the Secretary of State of living organisms and types of habitat that are of principle importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity. In effect, this list comprises the Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and habitats for England.
In 2007, the Government’s IDB Review Implementation Plan established a commitment that IDBs should produce their own Biodiversity Action Plans.
This IDB Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced to help fulfil these requirements and seeks to set out targets and actions that complement the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and Local Biodiversity Action Plans.
1.9 The Aims of the IDB Biodiversity Action Plan
The aims of this IDB BAP are:
2.1 The Biodiversity Audit
To produce this IDB Biodiversity Action Plan, information on the habitats and species present in the catchment was first obtained. This “Biodiversity Audit” involved the collation of existing data held by the IDB and by other biodiversity partners.
2.2 Evaluating and Prioritising Habitats and Species
The Biodiversity Audit identified those priority habitats and species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan that can be found in the drainage district. Additional non-BAP habitats and species deemed to be important within the drainage district were also identified.
Further habitats and species, together with additional targets and actions, may be added in the future, as knowledge is improved and delivery of the IDB BAP is reviewed.
A range of criteria was then used to select those species and habitats that are of particular importance to the IDB – that is to say, those habitats and species that could benefit from IDB actions. The criteria used included their national and local status, the opportunities for effective IDB action and the resources available.
2.3 Setting Objectives, Targets and Indicators
For each habitat and species identified as being important to the IDB, conservation objectives and targets have been drawn up and set out in the Plan. The objectives express the IDB’s broad aims for benefitting a particular habitat or species. The related targets have been set to focus IDB programmes of action and to identify outcomes that can be monitored to measure achievement. For each target an indicator has been set – a measurable feature of the target that, when monitored over time, allows delivery to be assessed.
In order for this BAP to be as effective as possible the targets and actions have been devised to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-limited). The targets are ambitious, but are also considered to be proportionate and practicable given the resources available.
Procedural targets and actions have also been considered. These are targets that the Board will use to measure the way in which it considers and incorporates biodiversity across the whole range of its operations. These may involve changes to administrative, management and operating procedures.
2.4 Implementation
Once targets have been set for habitats and species, it is important that the actions to deliver the Biodiversity Action Plan are described. The Plan sets out how the Board intends to implement the actions in the plan, often in partnership with other organisations or individuals.
2.5 Monitoring
Achievement of the Plan targets will be measured by a programme of monitoring which the Board will undertake, in some instances with assistance from its partners, and the methods to be used are described in the Plan.
2.6 Reporting and Reviewing Progress
It is important to review the implementation of the BAP, assess changes in the status of habitats and species and the overall feasibility of objectives and targets. In addition, it is vital that the successful achievement of targets is recorded and the gains for biodiversity registered in the public domain.
The Plan sets out the methods the IDB will be using to review the delivery of targets and to communicate progress to partner organisations and the public.
3.1 Introduction
The following Sections 4, 5 and 6 summarise the results of the Biodiversity Audit, undertaken in 2009. Section 4 provides information about the drainage district and a list of the nature conservation sites that occur within or bordering its boundaries. Sections 5 and 6 list respectively the habitats and species occurring within the district that are of potential importance to the IDB.
3.2 Local Biodiversity Action Plans
The following Local Biodiversity Action Plan covers the IDB Drainage District:
3.3 IDB Biodiversity Audit Boundary
The Biodiversity Audit covers the entire district of the IDB, on page 5. Where data has been obtained that shows a record of a species in a 1km square or 10km square which the district wholly or partially covers, this has been included in the area of the audit.
3.4 Sources of Data – Habitats
Information on habitats of relevance occurring within the drainage district was obtained from the following sources:
3.5 Sources of Data – Species
Information on species of relevance occurring within the drainage district was obtained from the following sources:
4.1 The Drainage District
The Drainage District covers an area of 1,970 hectares and contains 19.5km of IDB maintained watercourses. It is situated to the north west of the village of Lakenheath in Suffolk, on the edge of the Fenland Basin, part of the South Level Fens.
4.2 Geology
The pumping station basin is the lowest area at the western boundary of the District, where light black peat overlays sand and gravel over chalk. The District rises towards the village of Lakenheath where topsoils become much sandier and the chalk rises to beneath the topsoil.
4.3 Landscape
4.3.1 Landscape Designations
There are no National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) within the Lakenheath Internal Drainage District.
4.3.2 Landscape Character
Natural England has divided the whole of England into a number of Joint Character Areas (JCA) based on characteristic landforms, wildlife and land use. They are not designations and are not confined by traditional administrative boundaries. For each JCA, Natural England has prepared a profile that characterises the wildlife and natural features, identifies the influences that act upon those features and set objectives for nature conservation.
The Lakenheath Internal Drainage District falls partly within the Fens JCA and partly within the Breckland JCA.
The Fens JCA is a large-scale, flat, open landscape with extensive vistas to level horizons and huge skies. A hierarchy of rivers, drains and ditches provides a strong influence throughout the area. Embanked rivers and roddens create local enclosure and elevation. Banks provide good grazing and grassland habitats. Modestly elevated ‘islands’ within the Fens provide higher ground for most settlement. A higher proportion of grassland, tree cover and hedgerows are associated with these areas. Peaty Fens drained in the 17th century comprise of large rectilinear fields of black soil. There is a geometric road and drainage pattern with major high-level drains, washes and associated pumping stations with road and rail links often on elevated banks. Fragments of relic wet fen areas are situated at Wicken, Woodwalton and Holme. Marshes directly adjacent to the Wash exhibit an exceptionally open aspect, broken only by a series of sea walls with associated river outfall structures, tidal saltmarshes and mudflats. Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman landscapes are emerging from below the falling peat. Very rich archaeology especially on fen margins.
The Breckland JCA is a unique combination of underlying rocks, soils and semi-continental climate, with slightly undulating dry terrain contrasting with shallow, wooded river valleys. It is a distinctive large-scale landscape of pale-coloured arable fields or open heath contrasting with vertical elements of pine lines, belts or forest with a strong geometry of large regular fields clearly defined by pine rows or neat thorn hedges, sometimes indicative of the continuity of large estates and long straight undulating roads. There is a long history of settlement but is now very sparsely populated, with nucleated villages in river valleys and post-war London overspill development (Thetford, Brandon and Mildenhall).
4.4 Statutory Nature Conservation Sites
4.4.1 International Sites
The following internationally-designated conservation sites are found within the District:
Table 1. International Designations
Site name | Designation | Features Relevant to IDB |
Breckland | SPA/SAC | Rivers, ditches, water level management, wildlife and plants |
Fenland | SAC | Rivers, ditches, water level management, wildlife and plants |
4.4.2 National Sites
The following nationally-designated conservation sites are found within the District:
Table 2. National Designations
Site name | Designation | Features Relevant to IDB |
Pashford Poors Fen | SSSI | Rivers, ditches, water level management, wildlife and plants |
Lakenheath Poors Fen | SSSI | Rivers, ditches, water level management, wildlife and plants |
Stallode Wash | SSSI | Rivers, ditches, water level management, wildlife and plants |
4.4.3 Local Nature Reserves
There are no Local Nature Reserves designated by local authorities under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 within the Lakenheath Internal Drainage District.
4.5 Non-statutory Local Sites
A number of sites have been identified locally as being important for wildlife. Whilst these designations do not have statutory status, the sites themselves are important for their contribution to biodiversity and planning policy requires that they are given consideration. The following local sites are to be found within or bordering the Drainage District:
Table 4. Non-statutory Designations
Site name | Designation | Features Relevant to IDB |
RSPB Lakenheath Fen Reserve |
–
|
Rivers, ditches, water level management, wildlife and plants |
Undley Bank | CWS | – |
Shepherds Fen, Norfolk Fen, Joist Fen (poplar plantations) | CWS | Rivers, ditches, water level management, wildlife and plants |
Little Ouse Washes | CWS | Rivers, ditches, water level management, wildlife and plants |
5.1 Habitat Audit Summary
This habitat audit summary lists the broad habitat types and UK BAP priority habitats that occur within the Drainage District as identified by the information gathering exercise. Also listed are habitats deemed to be of local importance and/or featured in the county Local Biodiversity Action Plan that occur in the Drainage District. Habitats that are of potential importance for the IDB, where water level management or other IDB activities may be of benefit, are identified. Finally, brief notes are included on the potential for the IDB to maintain, restore or expand its important habitats.
Table 5. Habitat Audit Summary
Broad Habitat Types | UK BAP Priority Habitat | Local Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat | Habitat of Importance for IDB | IDB Potential for Maintaining, Restoring or Expanding Habitat |
Arable Land | Arable Field Margins | Farmland: Arable farmland, arable field margins and improved grassland | Farmland Habitats | Encourage land managers to leave arable field margins. |
N/A | N/A | Drainage ditches | Drainage ditches | Opportunities for improvements via changes in management regimes. |
Rivers & streams | Rivers & streams | Rivers & streams | Rivers | Improvement to drainage ditch habitat. |
Fen, marsh & swamp | Reedbed | Reedbed | Reedbed | Appropriate cutting and water level management. |
Standing open waters | Eutropic standing waters | Ponds, lakes & reservoirs | Open water (Gravel pits, farm reservoirs) | Improvement to drainage ditch habitat. Associated wildlife will use both open water and drainage ditches. |
N/A | N/A | N/A | Scrub | Provision and maintenance of small areas of scrub near watercourse. |
5.2 Habitats of Importance for the IDB
The following section provides more information on the status and location of the habitats within the Drainage District that are of importance for the IDB and may benefit from water level management or other IDB activities.
5.2.1 Farmland Habitats
Description:
The farmland countryside is important for biodiversity, providing nesting and feeding areas for game birds and passerines and habitats for arable flowers, butterflies and other invertebrates. However, many species, particularly annual arable wildflowers and farmland birds, have declined over recent years and are now the focus of UK BAP Species Action Plans. This decline in biological value has largely been due to production-orientated agricultural policies and technological advances.
However, certain habitats within the farmed landscape can still provide important refuges and corridors for wildlife.
Increasingly, many farmers are managing their land to create conditions which benefit key farmland species, without having serious detrimental effects on farm production. Agri-environmental schemes help farmers deliver biodiversity conservation, for example, through set-aside areas, the retention of winters stubble and the use of buffer strips.
National status and local county status:
Agriculture occupies around 70% of land area in England. However, its relative importance to the UK economy has been declining as a result of relatively slow growth in demand and improvements in productivity due to technical change. Over recent years the area of farmland managed with wildlife in mind has increased due to the introduction of a range of agri-environmental schemes.
Arable field margins and ponds both have habitat action plans within the UK BAP.
Status and locations within the IDB District:
Arable farmland dominates the Lakenheath IDB Drainage District. The majority of the District is under intensive arable cultivation, being dominated by large cultivated fields which are of relatively good quality.
Some areas adjacent to IDB drains have both Entry Level and Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Agreements. Environmental Stewardship strips and grass strips can also be found in many places, acting as a buffer to activities within the fields.
Potential improvements:
Encourage land managers to maintain/leave arable field margins.
5.2.2 Drainage Ditches
Description:
Drainage ditches can vary in size from small roadside cuts to 30m wide agricultural drains which, connected together, comprise a large linear, mainly freshwater system. The flow of water in Fenland Landscape Area ditches is typically slow moving and is artificially regulated. However, some smaller drains can be dry, especially in summer.
National status and local county status:
Although an artificial habitat, drainage ditches and their associated banks are of high value for a broad range of wildlife. Plants associated with ditches include emergent species such as arrow head Sagittaria sagittifolia and flowering rush Butomus umbellatus, submerged species such as the hornwart Ceratophyllum demersum and floating species such as frog-bit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae. Ditches and their banks can also shelter many plant and animal species, including water vole, breeding birds, grass snake and a wide variety of invertebrates, some specific to drainage ditches.
Rare species associated with drainage ditches include the Nationally Scarce species Marsh sow-thistle Sonchus palustris, Fen pondweed Potamogeton coloratus, Fen ragwort Senecio paludosus (Red list: Critically Endangered), Hair-like pondweed Potamogeton trichoides, Whorled water-milfoil Myriophyllum verticillatum, Fringed water-lily Nymphoides peltata, Greater water-parsnip Sium latifolium, the stoneworts Nitella tenuissima (Red List: Endangered) and Tolypella prolifera (Red List: Vunerable), the snails Pseudanodonata complanata, Pisidium pseudosphaerium (Red List: Rare) and Valvata macrostoma (Red List: Vunerable), the hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense, the aquatic beetle Donacia dentata, the weevil Bagous subcarinatus, the relic fen diving beetle Agabus undulates and the spined loach Cobitis taenia.
Status and locations within the IDB District:
This is the key habitat influenced by the Lakenheath IDB. Within the area covered by this BAP, the smallest drainage ditches are managed by private landowners, many of whom will be known to the IDB, and the rest are directly managed by an IDB.
Potential improvements:
Improvements to species diversity must be made without compromising the drainage function of the ditch system. There are opportunities for improvements via changes in management regimes as well as actions to benefit specific species. The drainage ditches form an inter-connected wetland habitat network with the potential to support a wide range of threatened and common species and to provide habitat connections between important wetland habitats.
5.2.3 Rivers
Description:
In their natural state rivers are dynamic systems, continually modifying their form. However in many cases their ability to rejuvenate and create new habitat has been reduced or arrested by flood defence structures and impoundments. Rivers and streams often provide a wildlife corridor link between fragmented habitats in intensively farmed areas.
National status and local county status:
Rivers and streams are one of the most intensively used semi-natural habitats in the UK. They convey floodwaters, accept discharges from roads, sewage treatment works and industry; provide water for human consumption, agricultural and industrial use; and are used as a recreational resource for popular activities such as angling, boating and walking. The plant and animal assemblages of rivers and streams vary according to their geographical area, underlying geology and water quality. Lowland, nutrient rich systems as found in Suffolk are dominated by higher plants, and coarse fish such as chub, dace and roach.
Status and location within the IDB District:
The major rivers adjacent to the District (managed by the Environment Agency) are the Little Ouse River and the Cut-off Channel.
Potential improvements:
While main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency, watercourses managed by Lakenheath IDB are pumped into main rivers and so have an impact on river habitat. Improvements to drainage ditch habitat are likely to contribute to improvements in biodiversity on main rivers.
5.2.4 Reedbed
Description:
Reedbeds are wetlands dominated by stands of the reed Phragmites australis, where the water table is at or above ground level for most of the year.
National status and local county status:
Reedbed is one of the rarest habitat types in Britain, with a total area of only about 6,500ha, most of which is highly fragmented. Reedbeds support a diverse fauna, including 6 nationally rare Red Data Book bird species (including Bittern, bearded tit and marsh harrier). 5GB Red Data Book invertebrates are closely tied to this habitat (including reed leopard moth and swallowtail butterfly). Reedbeds are often associated with other habitats such as open water, grazing marsh and carr woodland.
Many of the UK’s most important weedbed sites are on the coast where they are at threat from loss through coastal erosion and deterioration through saline incursion. Suffolk already holds areas of weedbeds, and has significant potential for expanding these or creating new reedbeds, so the county may become very important for the proportion of the national resource in future years. Species that depend on the coastal lying reedbeds such as bitterns, need to find feeding and breeding habitat further inland to ensure their survival.
Status and location within the IDB District:
Drainage ditches hold an unknown amount of this habitat. The importance of linear reedbeds is often understated.
Potential improvements:
Reedbeds require appropriate cutting and water level management. The Lakenheath IDB are responsible for reed areas in drainage ditches and are also key partners in water level management for reedbeds in other ditches.
5.2.5 Open Water
Description:
Eutrophic open water is characterised by having dense populations of algae in mid-summer and beds covered by dark anaerobic mud, rich in organic matter. The water column contains concentrations of phosphorus and nitrates, often in excessive quantities when the water-body is said to be hyper-eutrophic. The LBAP covers water bodies of all sizes, from ephemeral ponds to large lakes.
National status and local county status:
There is currently limited information available about open water sites in Suffolk in terms of their conservation status, water quality and importance for biodiversity. Very little survey of the deep water areas has been carried out, and it is possible that the deep waters of lakes contain populations of rare stoneworts. Collecting further information is the key action for this habitat. Open water is an important habitat for water birds, which may be supported in nationally important numbers, especially where there are many water bodies close together.
Status and location with the IDB District:
IDB Designated Main Drains have large areas of open water. Less is known about the status and distribution of ponds. A network of nearby ponds and lakes will support a greater diversity of wildlife than an isolated pond.
Potential improvements:
Even if a lake is not within the control of a drainage board, the associated wildlife will also use nearby drainage ditches, which must be taken into account during ditch management.
5.2.6 Scrub
Description:
The term ‘scrub’ encompasses a variety of habitats. These habitats are often divided into ‘scattered’ and ‘continuous/dense’ scrub, the former characterised by hawthorn, blackthorn or bramble and the latter by a wide range of woody species. Often it is important to control scrub where it spreads onto high quality habitats such as lowland meadows. However, scrub is very important as a transitional habitat and as part of habitat mosaics given that it supports large numbers of species of animals listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Many birds feed in the open, but near enough to scrub to be able to find refuge if danger threatens. In addition, scattered scrub in open sites is often very significant for nest sites and song-posts.
National status and local county status:
Scrub is not a BAP habitat and has not been thoroughly recorded nationally or locally. It is a key habitat for many species and forms an essential part of habitat mosaics.
Status and locations within the IDB District:
Scrub is vital for nesting birds such as yellowhammer, linnet and corn bunting. Larger areas may support cuckoo and turtle dove. Scrub also supports a range of insects and small mammals, providing hunting grounds for birds of prey. Even small areas of dense scrub can provide lying up sites for otter.
Potential improvements
Provision and maintenance of small areas of scrub near watercourses, with varying age structures, significantly benefits the biodiversity of the watercourse.
6.1 Species Audit Summary
Appendix A lists all the BAP priority species that occur within the Lakenheath IDB District as identified by the information gathering exercise. Also listed are species deemed to be of local importance and/or identified in the county Local Biodiversity Action Plan that occur in the Lakenheath IDB District. This species audit summary lists species that are of potential importance for the Lakenheath IDB, where water level management or other IDB activities may be of benefit. Finally, brief notes are included on the potential for the Lakenheath IDB to maintain or increase the population or range of species of importance.
Table 6. Species Audit Summary
Common Name | Group | Order | Scientific Name | UK BAP Priority Species | Local Biodiversity Action Plan(s) Species (S) Suffolk |
Non-BAP Species but important in Lakenheath District | Reason for importance to Lakenheath District |
Water vole | Terrestrial Mammals | Terrestrial Mammal | Arvicola terrestris | Yes | Yes (S) | – | Lives largely along ditch banks; ditch management has significant impact on local populations. |
Otter | Terrestrial Mammals | Terrestrial mammal | Lutra lutra | Yes | Yes (S) | – | Potential to improve habitat to benefit otters, for example by putting in holts and bridge ledges. |
Bats (all species) | Terrestrial Mammals | Terrestrial mammal | Chiroptera | Yes (some species) | Yes (S) | – | Potential to improve habitat for bats, for example by providing bat boxes and bankside cover. |
Barn Owl | Birds | Bird | Tyto alba | No | No (S) | Yes | Barn owls have extensive foraging habitat but limited opportunity for nesting. Potential for putting up and monitoring nest boxes. |
6.2 Species of Importance for the IDB
The following section provides more information on the status and location of the species within the Drainage District that are of importance for the IDB and may benefit from water level management or other IDB activities.
6.2.1 Water vole
Description:
As of 2008, the water vole is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is illegal to kill, injure or take water voles or to damage or destroy their resting place.
National status and local status:
The water vole is found throughout Britain but is confined mainly to lowland areas near water. Once common and widespread, this species has suffered a significant decline in numbers and distribution. A recent population estimated based on the number of latrines found suggested a total GB pre-breeding population of 1,200,000 animals.
Status and locations with the Lakenheath District:
There has been a survey undertaken on 100% of the Board’s drains but no signs of water voles were found.
Potential improvements:
Most of the water vole habitat is under the management of Lakenheath IDB or local landowners. Ditch management may have a major impact on water vole populations and require care and following good practice to conserve and encourage populations as well as to stay within the law. Water vole is probably the most important species to be considered by Lakenheath IDB. Controlling mink will also encourage populations to thrive.
6.2.2 Otter
Description:
The otter is listed on Appendix 1 of CITES, Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive. It is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to kill, injure or take otters or to damage or destroy their resting place.
National status and local status:
Formerly widespread throughout the UK, the otter underwent a rapid decline in numbers from the 1950s to 1970s and was effectively lost from midland and south-eastern counties of England by the 1980s. The decline now appears to have halted and sightings are being reported in former habitats. Otters now use all major watercourses in Suffolk and populations appear to be recovering.
Status and locations with the Lakenheath District:
Unknown.
Potential improvements:
Providing holts and lying-up habitats is likely to be of great benefit to otters. Ledges under bridges will make monitoring easier and may also encourage otters to use the waterways at times of high flow.
6.2.3 Bats (all species)
Description:
Bats are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Species recorded in the Lakenheath District are Serotine and Pipistrelle Bats.
National status and local status:
All native bat species are thought to be declining. The main reasons are: reduction in insect prey abundance (due to high intensity farming practice and inappropriate riparian management); loss of insect-rich feeding habitats and flyways (due to loss of wetlands, hedgerows and other suitable prey habitats); loss of winter roosting sites in buildings and old trees; disturbance and destruction of roosts, including the loss of maternity roosts due to the use of toxic timber treatment chemicals.
Status and locations within the Lakenheath District:
Unknown.
Potential improvements:
Improve drainage ditch habitats for bats by appropriate management and provision of bat boxes on nearby buildings to increase opportunities for breeding and over-wintering.
6.2.4 Barn Owl
Description:
Barn owls are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to take, injure or kill a barn owl or to take, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young.
National status and local status:
Widely distributed across the UK, and indeed the world, barn owl has suffered declines over the past fifty years as intensive agricultural practices cause degradation of once prey-rich habitats. This decline, fortunately, has halted in many areas and the population may now be increasing.
Status and locations within the Lakenheath District:
The Lakenheath District supports a significant population of barn owls, which use ditch banks for foraging. The population may be limited by lack of nest sites.
Potential improvements:
Provide nest boxes and improve foraging habitat in the area of nest box sites.
7 HABITAT AND SPECIES ACTION PLANS
7.1 Habitat and Species Action Plans
The following sections contain action plans for each of the habitats and species that have been prioritised for action by the IDB. The plans set out the objectives, targets and actions that the IDB believes are appropriate for each. These plans will be reviewed and updated periodically.
7.2 Action Plans for the Lakenheath IDB
7.2.1 Habitat Action Plans
The following Habitat Action Plans are included for Lakenheath Drainage District:
7.2.2 Species Action Plans
The following Species Action Plans are included for Lakenheath Drainage District:
7.2.3 Procedural Action Plans
8 HABITAT ACTION PLAN – FARMLAND HABITATS
8.1 Introduction
The farmland countryside is important for biodiversity, providing nesting and feeding areas for game birds and passerines and habitats for arable flowers, butterflies and other invertebrates. However, many species, particularly annual arable wildflowers and farmland birds, have declined over recent years and are now the focus of UK BAP Species Action Plans. This decline in biological value has largely been due to production-orientated agricultural policies and technological advances.
However, certain habitats within the farmed landscape can still provide important refuges and corridors for wildlife.
Increasingly, many farmers are managing their land to create conditions which benefit key farmland species, without having serious detrimental effects on farm production. Agri-environmental schemes help farmers deliver biodiversity conservation, for example, through set-aside areas, the retention of winters stubble and the use of buffer strips.
8.2 UK Status and Regional Status
Agriculture occupies around 70% of land area in England. However, its relative importance to the UK economy has been declining as a result of relatively slow growth in demand and improvements in productivity due to technical change. Over recent years the area of farmland managed with wildlife in mind has increased due to the introduction of a range of agri-environmental schemes.
Arable field margins and ponds both have habitat action plans within the UK BAP.
8.3 Local Status
Arable farmland dominates the Lakenheath IDB Drainage District. The majority of the District is under intensive arable cultivation, being dominated by large cultivated fields which are of relatively good quality.
Some areas adjacent to IDB drains have both Entry Level and Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Agreements. Environmental Stewardship strips and grass strips can also be found in many places, acting as a buffer to activities within the fields.
8.4 Current Factors Causing Loss and Decline
The current threats to farmland habitats in the Lakenheath Drainage District can include:-
8.5 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1 | Manage water levels and flood risk to the benefit of agricultural land within the Drainage District | 1.2 | Consider changes in water level regime upon specific requests from landowners | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing throughout life of plan | Plan production | When required |
2 | Encourage the enhancement of the farmland habitats for the benefit of wildlife | 2.1 | Encourage the use of buffer strips adjacent to watercourses in the Drainage District | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Length of new growth (m) | Annually |
2.2 | Promote the uptake of Environmental Stewardship schemes within the Drainage District | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Report number | Annually | ||
2.3 | Investigate the possibility of managing any land currently out of production | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Report number | Upon completion | ||
2.4 | Identify any potential areas in the Drainage District that offer significant biodiversity value | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Report number | Annually |
8.6 Associated Species
Key species associated with the habitat action plan for farmland habitats include:
9 HABITAT ACTION PLAN – DRAINAGE DITCHES
9.1 Introduction
Drainage ditches can vary in size from small roadside cuts to 30m wide agricultural drains which, connected together, comprise a large linear, mainly freshwater system. The flow of water in Fenland Landscape Area ditches is typically slow moving and is artificially regulated. However, some smaller drains can be dry, especially in summer.
9.2 UK Status and Regional Status
Although an artificial habitat, drainage ditches and their associated banks are of high value for a broad range of wildlife. Plants associated with ditches include emergent species such as arrow head Sagittaria sagittifolia and flowering rush Butomus umbellatus, submerged species such as the hornwart Ceratophyllum demersum and floating species such as frog-bit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae. Ditches and their banks can also shelter many plant and animal species, including water vole, breeding birds, grass snake and a wide variety of invertebrates, some specific to drainage ditches.
Rare species associated with drainage ditches include the Nationally Scarce species Marsh sow-thistle Sonchus palustris, Fen pondweed Potamogeton coloratus, Fen ragwort Senecio paludosus (Red list: Critically Endangered), Hair-like pondweed Potamogeton trichoides, Whorled water-milfoil Myriophyllum verticillatum, Fringed water-lily Nymphoides peltata, Greater water-parsnip Sium latifolium, the stoneworts Nitella tenuissima (Red List: Endangered) and Tolypella prolifera (Red List: Vunerable), the snails Pseudanodonata complanata, Pisidium pseudosphaerium (Red List: Rare) and Valvata macrostoma (Red List: Vunerable), the hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense, the aquatic beetle Donacia dentata, the weevil Bagous subcarinatus, the relic fen diving beetle Agabus undulates and the spined loach Cobitis taenia.
9.3 Local Status
This is the key habitat influenced by the Lakenheath IDB. Within the area covered by this BAP, a few large watercourses are managed by the Environment Agency, the smallest drainage ditches are managed by private landowners, many of whom will be known to the IDB, and the rest are directly managed by an IDB.
9.4 Current Factors Causing Loss and Decline
Lakenheath Drainage District drainage ditch habitat loss and decline can be brought about by:-
9.5 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1 | Maintain and enhance the existing habitat and species diversity of the Drainage District, including the fish population | 1.1 | Prepare a list of habitat quality ‘indictor’ species to assess the health of the watercourses | Wildlife Trust | 2009 | List production | Upon completion |
1.2 | Set up a survey and monitoring programme for key ‘indicator’ species | Wildlife Trust | Ongoing | Length (m) of channel surveyed | Annually | ||
1.3 | Identify and assess potential impacts of all new discharges into watercourses |
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|
Ongoing | Number of consents issued | Annually | ||
2 | Enhance the habitat of other watercourses within the Drainage District | 2.1 | Produce guidance and provide advice to riparian owners within the Drainage District | Wildlife Trust | Ongoing | Number of owners advised | Annually |
2.2 | Ensure any IDB consents cause minimum environmental damage to the aquatic habitat |
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Ongoing | Number of consents issued | Annually | ||
3 | Control non-native invasive species along watercourses | 3.1 | Record and monitor non-native invasive plants and animals | Environment Agency | 2010 | Length (m) of channel surveyed | Annually |
3.2 | Control stands of invasive plants annually, as recorded | Environment Agency | As required | Area treated (m²) | When required | ||
3.3 | Undertake control of non-native animals as required (e.g. Mink) | Landowners | As required | Number controlled | When required |
9.6 Associated Species
Key species associated with the habitat action plan for drainage ditches include:
10 HABITAT ACTION PLAN – RIVERS
10.1 Introduction
In their natural state rivers are dynamic systems, continually modifying their form. However in many cases their ability to rejuvenate and create new habitat has been reduced or arrested by flood defence structures and impoundments. Rivers and streams often provide a wildlife corridor link between fragmented habitats in intensively farmed areas.
10.2 UK Status and Regional Status
Rivers and streams are one of the most intensively used semi-natural habitats in the UK. They convey floodwaters, accept discharges from roads, sewage treatment works and industry; provide water for human consumption, agricultural and industrial use; and are used as a recreational resource for popular activities such as angling, boating and walking. The plant and animal assemblages of rivers and streams vary according to their geographical area, underlying geology and water quality. Lowland, nutrient rich systems as found in Suffolk are dominated by higher plants, and coarse fish such as chub, dace and roach.
10.3 Local Status
The major rivers adjacent to the District (managed by the Environment Agency) are the Little Ouse River and the Cut-off Channel.
10.4 Current Factors Causing Loss and Decline
Lakenheath Drainage District river habitat loss and decline can be brought about by:-
10.5 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1. | Maintain water quality within river system | 1.1 | Inspect outfall for water quality, siltation and flow | Environment Agency | Ongoing | Number of inspections | Annually |
10.6 Associated Species
Key species associated with the habitat action plan for rivers include:
11 HABITAT ACTION PLAN – REEDBED
11.1 Introduction
Reedbeds are wetlands dominated by stands of the reed Phragmites australis, where the water table is at or above ground level for most of the year.
11.2 UK Status and Regional Status
Reedbed is one of the rarest habitat types in Britain, with a total area of only about 6,500ha, most of which is highly fragmented. Reedbeds support a diverse fauna, including 6 nationally rare Red Data Book bird species (including Bittern, bearded tit and marsh harrier). 5GB Red Data Book invertebrates are closely tied to this habitat (including reed leopard moth and swallowtail butterfly). Reedbeds are often associated with other habitats such as open water, grazing marsh and carr woodland.
Many of the UK’s most important weedbed sites are on the coast where they are at threat from loss through coastal erosion and deterioration through saline incursion. Suffolk already holds areas of weedbeds, and has significant potential for expanding these or creating new reedbeds, so the county may become very important for the proportion of the national resource in future years. Species that depend on the coastal lying reedbeds such as bitterns, need to find feeding and breeding habitat further inland to ensure their survival.
11.3 Local Status
Drainage ditches hold an unknown amount of this habitat. The importance of linear reedbeds is often understated.
11.4 Current Factors Causing Loss and Decline
Lakenheath Drainage District reedbed habitat loss and decline can be brought about by:-
11.5 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1. | Promote the creation of reedbeds and promote the creation of large reedbeds on other suitable land. | 1.1 | Support the enlargement of existing reedbeds and seek sites suitable for the creation of further reedbeds. | Wildlife Trust | Ongoing | Area (m²) of new habitat created | Annually |
2. | Monitor and record key species for these habitats in the county. | 2.1 | Identify key species and their locations. | Landowners
Wildlife Trust |
Ongoing | Number of inspections | Annually |
3. | Ensure that advice on habitat creation is available and is promoted to landowners. | 3.1 | Produce and promote literature/information. | Wildlife Trust | Ongoing | Number of landowners informed | Annually |
4. | Increase public awareness of the importance of and threats to this habitat. | 4.1 | Promote and produce literature to encourage the conservation and sensitive management of this habitat. | Wildlife Trust | Ongoing | Amount of public informed | Annually |
11.6 Associated Species
Key species associated with the habitat action plan for reedbed include:
12 HABITAT ACTION PLAN – OPEN WATER
12.1 Introduction
Eutrophic open water is characterised by having dense populations of algae in mid-summer and beds covered by dark anaerobic mud, rich in organic matter. The water column contains concentrations of phosphorus and nitrates, often in excessive quantities when the water-body is said to be hyper-eutrophic. The LBAP covers water bodies of all sizes, from ephemeral ponds to large lakes.
12.2 UK Status and Regional Status
There is currently limited information available about open water sites in Suffolk in terms of their conservation status, water quality and importance for biodiversity. Very little survey of the deep water areas has been carried out, and it is possible that the deep waters of lakes contain populations of rare stoneworts. Collecting further information is the key action for this habitat. Open water is an important habitat for water birds, which may be supported in nationally important numbers, especially where there are many water bodies close together.
12.3 Local Status
IDB Designated Main Drains have large areas of open water. Less is known about the status and distribution of ponds. A network of nearby ponds and lakes will support a greater diversity of wildlife than an isolated pond.
12.4 Current Factors Causing Loss and Decline
Lakenheath Drainage District open water habitat loss and decline can be brought about by:-
12.5 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1. | Maintain and enhance water quality throughout the Drainage District. | 1.1 | Set appropriate water quality standards, monitor and enforce. |
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Ongoing | Number of inspections | Annually |
2. | Restoration of water bodies lost as a result of development. The nature conservation value of water bodies should not be diminished as a result of development. | 2.1 | Ensure developers are made aware of the importance of ponds. Discuss protection, mitigation and conservation of ponds on development sites at planning application stage. | East Cambs. District Council Planning Dept.
Developers |
Ongoing | Number of developers informed | Annually |
3. | Gain a good understanding of extent, status and distribution of all open water bodies in the Drainage District. | 3.1 | Collate and interpret current data. Identify gaps in current knowledge and commission surveys as appropriate. |
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Ongoing | Amount of information collected | Annually |
12.6 Associated Species
Key species associated with the habitat action plan for open water include:
13 HABITAT ACTION PLAN – SCRUB
13.1 Introduction
The term ‘scrub’ encompasses a variety of habitats. These habitats are often divided into ‘scattered’ and ‘continuous/dense’ scrub, the former characterised by hawthorn, blackthorn or bramble and the latter by a wide range of woody species. Often it is important to control scrub where it spreads onto high quality habitats such as lowland meadows. However, scrub is very important as a transitional habitat and as part of habitat mosaics given that it supports large numbers of species of animals listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Many birds feed in the open, but near enough to scrub to be able to find refuge if danger threatens. In addition, scattered scrub in open sites is often very significant for nest sites and song-posts.
13.2 UK Status and Regional Status
Scrub is not a BAP habitat and has not been thoroughly recorded nationally or locally. It is a key habitat for many species and forms an essential part of habitat mosaics.
13.3 Local Status
Scrub is vital for nesting birds such as yellowhammer, linnet and corn bunting. Larger areas may support cuckoo and turtle dove. Scrub also supports a range of insects and small mammals, providing hunting grounds for birds of prey. Even small areas of dense scrub can provide lying up sites for otter.
13.4 Current Factors Causing Loss and Decline
Lakenheath Drainage District scrub habitat loss and decline is brought about by:-
13.5 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1. | Undertake survey of scrub habitat and evaluate to establish area, age, range, succession and management. | 1.2. | Undertake survey as to extent of resource (area, age range, succession and management). |
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Ongoing | Amount of information gathered | Annually |
2. | Identify key sites for positive appropriate management. | 2.1 | Encourage development of strategies to promote positive management of scrub. |
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Ongoing | Number of strategies produced | Annually |
3. | Promote awareness and positive perception of scrub as a habitat. | 3.1 | Promote awareness and positive perception of scrub. |
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Ongoing | Number of people informed | Annually |
13.6 Associated Species
Key species associated with the habitat action plan for scrub include:
14 SPECIES ACTION PLAN – WATER VOLE
14.1 Introduction
The water vole is an agile swimmer living in a complex system of waterside burrows. Favoured habitats include well-vegetated banks of ditches, streams, rivers and ponds, with recent work showing them to be more numerous in upland moorland and moorland fringe habitats than formerly thought. They are herbivores, primarily feeding on lush waterside vegetation, which they also use as cover from their many predators. Water voles live in colonies and are territorial during a breeding season which lasts from March to October. A female may produce two to five litters each of five to eight young. As food supplies diminish during wintertime, they are less active, spending the majority of time underground.
Once common and widespread across Britain, the water vole has suffered a long-term decline in both numbers and distribution since the Industrial Revolution. The decline has accelerated dramatically in the last two decades.
14.2 Legal Status
As of 2008, the water vole is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is illegal to kill, injure or take water voles or to damage or destroy their resting place.
14.3 UK Status and Regional Status
The water vole is found throughout Britain but is confined mainly to lowland areas near water. Once common and widespread, this species has suffered a significant decline in numbers and distribution. A recent population estimated based on the number of latrines found suggested a total GB pre-breeding population of 1,200,000 animals.
14.4 Local Status
There has been a survey undertaken on 100% of the Board’s drains but no signs of water voles were found.
14.5 Threats
The main threats to water vole in the Lakenheath Drainage District can include:
14.6 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1 | Increase knowledge of the status, distribution and ecology of water voles | 1.1 | Carry out survey work to monitor population changes to establish conservation changes. | Wildlife Trust | Ongoing | Number of surveys produced | Annually |
2 | Restore water vole populations to a sustainable level by protecting, maintaining and enhancing the features required by the species | 2.1 | Enhance habitat through the restoration of bankside vegetation to link fragmented populations. Restore degraded habitat. | All ditch managers | Ongoing | Length (m) of bankside vegetation restored | Annually |
2.2 | Identify sites used by water voles and ensure the information is made available to LPAs so that sites can be protected and managed. | Wildlife Trust
All ditch managers |
Ongoing | Number of inspections | Annually | ||
3 | Raise awareness of water voles conservation issues | 3.1 | Raise awareness of water voles and encourage a sympathetic proactive response to their conservation and management. | Wildlife Trust
All occupies within the District |
Ongoing | Number of people informed | Annually |
15 SPECIES ACTION PLAN – OTTER
15.1 Introduction
The otter is a long slender bodied mammal with brown fur, which is quite often pale on the underside. The head to body length can be up to 120cm. The tail makes up approximately a third of the body length. Otters have small ears and webbed feet. To compensate for the lack of a fat layer they have a double layer of fur to trap air and keep them warm in the water. The average weight for males is 10.1kg, and around 7kg for females.
Otters may inhabit any unpolluted body of freshwater, including lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds, as long as there is good supply of food. Otters may also live along the coast, in salt water, but require regular access to freshwater to clean their fur.
An otter’s diet mainly consists of fish but can also include birds, insects, frogs, crustaceans and sometimes small mammals.
15.2 Legal Status
The otter is listed on Appendix 1 of CITES, Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive. It is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to kill, injure or take otters or to damage or destroy their resting place.
15.3 UK Status and Regional Status
Formerly widespread throughout the UK, the otter underwent a rapid decline in numbers from the 1950s to 1970s and was effectively lost from midland and south-eastern counties of England by the 1980s. The decline now appears to have halted and sightings are being reported in former habitats. Otters now use all major watercourses in Suffolk and populations appear to be recovering.
15.4 Local Status
Unknown.
15.5 Threats
The main threats to water vole in the Lakenheath Drainage District can include:
15.6 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1 | Restore otter populations to a sustainable level by protecting, maintaining and enhancing the features required by the species | 1.1 | Protect and enhance the remaining areas of semi-natural habitat and riverine features of value to otters. | All ditch managers | Ongoing | Area (m) of habitat protected | Annually |
1.2 | Promote the establishment of otter havens through contacts with local landowners and schemes such as Countryside Stewardship. | All occupiers
All land managers |
Ongoing | Number of landowners informed | Annually |
16 SPECIES ACTION PLAN – BATS (ALL SPECIES)
16.1 Introduction
There are 16 species of bat known in Britain. Bats are dealt with collectively instead of as single species because all species are protected so the legal framework and procedures are the same for all species.
The most common species of bat is the Pipistrelle and almost all the known summer roosts are used by this species.
16.2 Legal Status
Bats are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Species recorded in the Lakenheath District are Serotine and Pipistrelle Bats.
16.3 UK Status and Regional Status
All native bat species are thought to be declining. The main reasons are: reduction in insect prey abundance (due to high intensity farming practice and inappropriate riparian management); loss of insect-rich feeding habitats and flyways (due to loss of wetlands, hedgerows and other suitable prey habitats); loss of winter roosting sites in buildings and old trees; disturbance and destruction of roosts, including the loss of maternity roosts due to the use of toxic timber treatment chemicals.
16.4 Local Status
Unknown.
16.5 Threats
The main threats to bats in the Lakenheath Drainage District can include:
16.6 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1. | Ensure that knowledge of best practice for the conservation of bats is used locally. | 1.1 | Provide education for the general public and the affected user community. |
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Ongoing | Number of people advised | Annually |
2. | Encourage conditions which would lead to an increase in bat populations. | 2.1 | Seek the inclusion of effective measures for site and species protection in the preparation of policy documents. |
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Ongoing | Number of measures implemented | When required |
2.2 | Identify roosts and ensure that these roosts can be protected. | Landowners | Ongoing | Number of inspections | Annually | ||
2.3 | Identify important bat foraging areas. | Landowners | Ongoing | Number of inspections | Annually | ||
3. | Increase knowledge of the status, distribution and ecology of bats in the plan area. | 3.1 | Identify roosts and ensure that these roosts can be protected. | Landowners | Ongoing | Number of inspections | Annually |
3.2 | Identify important bat foraging areas. | Landowners | Ongoing | Number of Inspections | Annually | ||
3.3 | Encourage householders or other roost owners to collect and submit records on their roosts. | Householders | Ongoing | Number of householders contacted | Annually | ||
4. | Protect, maintain and enhance the features in the landscape required by bats. | 4.1 | Seek the inclusion of effective measure for site and species protection in the preparation of policy documents. |
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Ongoing | Number of measures implemented | When required |
5. | Locate and protect roosts used by bats. | 5.1 | Identify roosts and ensure that these roosts can be protected. | Landowners | Ongoing | Number of inspections | Annually |
6. | Maintain and continue to develop a public awareness campaign. | 6.1 | Provide education for the general public and the affected user community. |
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Ongoing | Number of people informed | Annually |
17 SPECIES ACTION PLAN – BARN OWL
17.1 Introduction
With heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under parts the barn owl is a distinctive and much loved countryside bird. Widely distributed across the UK, and indeed the world. It can be seen in open country, along field edges, riverbanks and roadside verges. You can see them all year round, during the day, but best at dusk.
17.2 Legal Status
Barn owls are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to take, injure or kill a barn owl or to take, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young.
17.3 UK Status and Regional Status
Widely distributed across the UK, and indeed the world, barn owl has suffered declines over the past fifty years as intensive agricultural practices cause degradation of once prey-rich habitats. This decline, fortunately, has halted in many areas and the population may now be increasing.
17.4 Local Status
The Lakenheath District supports a significant population of barn owls, which use ditch banks for foraging. The population may be limited by lack of nest sites.
17.5 Threats
The main threats to the barn owl in the Lakenheath Drainage District can include:
17.6 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Action | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1. | Ensure the protection of the species through the Wildlife and Countryside 1981. | 1.1 | Use the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to protect both the bird and known breeding sites. | Wildlife Trust | Ongoing | Number of birds/breeding sites in district | Annually |
2. | Maintain habitats suitable for barn owls. | 2.1 | Encourage land management suitable for barn owls through the District especially between breeding sites and along river corridors. | Landowners | Ongoing | Amount of land managed | Annually |
3. | Enhance the countryside in a manner beneficial to providing both nest sites and hunting grounds for barn owls, with the aim of extending their range. | 3.1 | Use best practice to ensure that design and management of river corridors and roadside habitats take barn owls into consideration. |
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Ongoing | Amount of land managed | Annually |
3.2 | Establish, maintain and make available to conservation organisations a breeding and roosting site database, including the location of all nest boxes. | Hawk and Owl Trust | Ongoing | Amount of information collected | Annually | ||
4. | Protect barn owls with the aim of increasing numbers and expanding their range. | 4.1 | Increase the barn owl population by 20% | Hawk and Owl Trust
Wildlife Trust |
Ongoing | Number of owls in district | Annually |
4.2 | Increase the number of nest boxes, especially along waterways. Ensure the boxes are not erected near any major roads. | Hawk and Owl Trust
Wildlife Trust |
Ongoing | Number of owl boxes erected | Annually | ||
5. | Provide advice and information connected to the preservation of sites and feeding habitats which are preferred by barn owls. | 5.1 | Landowners to be advised on land management for barn owls. | Landowners | Ongoing | Number of landowners advised | Annually |
18.1 Introduction
A number of procedural targets and actions have been established within this Procedural Action Plan. These are intended to integrate biodiversity considerations into IDB practices and procedures.
18.2 Objectives and Targets
Target Ref. | Target | Action Ref. | IDB Actions | Partners | Date | Indicators | Reporting |
1 | Promote best practice in all drainage works | 1.1 | Advise land managers of best environmental practice in relation to ditch management | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Number of land managers advised | Annually |
1.2 | Require developers to follow best environmental practice | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Number of developers advised | Annually | ||
1.3 | Publicise examples of best environmental practice by Board on website | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Amount of information available on website | Annually | ||
1.4 | Make available environmental information to interested parties | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Amount of information available | Annually | ||
2 | Control of culverting of watercourses | 2.1 | Review of land drainage consents to only allow necessary culverting | All occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Number of consents issued | Annually |
3 | Training of operatives | 3.1 | Training of all staff / operatives in recognition of target species | All staff / occupiers within the district | Ongoing | Number of staff trained | Annually |
3.2 | Training of all operatives in appropriate use of plant / habitat management | All operatives | Ongoing | Number of operatives trained | Annually |
19.1 Implementation
The actions detailed in the habitat and species action plans in previous chapters will be implemented predominantly through minor changes to IDB management and maintenance methods.
To compliment this BAP a maintenance programme will be devised by the Board, through which many of the actions will be implemented. Any capital works undertaken by the Board will also allow implementation of BAP actions.
Partnership working with other members of the Working Group will allow several actions to be implemented, for example, data collection and the provision of advice.
20.1 Monitoring
Monitoring of the Lakenheath BAP will be required to ensure that the actions detailed in the habitat and species action plans are being implemented.
Monitoring of the indicators detailed in the action plans will be undertaken and recorded, generally on an annual basis.
Species and habitats vary naturally over time. Monitoring will result in new information, such as the presence of species missed during earlier surveys. Any new information will be incorporated into the IDB BAP as appropriate.
21 REVIEWING AND REPORTING PROGRESS
21.1 Reviewing and Reporting Progress
Progression of the BAP requires monitoring and reporting to the public, BAP Working Group and also to the UK BAP.
Progress towards each of the targets is likely to be assessed annually and it is anticipated that the Lakenheath IDB BAP will be fully reviewed after five years. However, the production and long-term development of the BAP is a flexible process.
Annual reporting will be done through meetings of the Lakenheath Internal Drainage Board and through the national Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS). Targets and actions for the individual action plans have been written so that they fit the national BARS, which is the approved system for reporting. Using BARS annual progress reports will be produced and made available.
22. APPENDIX A – TABLE OF BAP PRIORITY SPECIES
Common Name | Taxon Group | Scientific Name |
Common Toad | Amphibian | Bufo bufo |
European Eel | Bony Fish | Anguilla anguilla |
Barn Owl | Bird | Tyto alba |
Bewick’s Swan | Bird | Cygnus columbianus |
Bittern | Bird | Botaurus stellaris |
Brambling | Bird | Fringilla montifringilla |
Common Kingfisher | Bird | Alcedo atthis |
Corn Bunting | Bird | Miliaria calandra |
Crane | Bird | Grus grus |
Garganey | Bird | Anas querquedula |
Golden Oriole | Bird | Oriolus oriolus |
Greenshank | Bird | Tringa nebularia |
Grey Partridge | Bird | Perdix perdix |
Hen Harrier | Bird | Circus cyaneus |
Lapwing | Bird | Vanellus vanellus |
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker | Bird | Dendrocopos minor |
Linnet | Bird | Carduelis cannabina |
Marsh Harrier | Bird | Circus aeruginosus |
Merlin | Bird | Falco columbarius |
Nightjar | Bird | Caprimulgus europaeus |
Pintail | Bird | Anas acuta |
Quail | Bird | Coturnix coturnix |
Pochard | Bird | Aythya ferina |
Redshank | Bird | Tringa totanus |
Red-legged Partridge | Bird | Alectoris rufa |
Reed Bunting | Bird | Emberiza schoeniclus |
Ringed Plover | Bird | Charadrius hiaticula |
Rock Dove | Bird | Columba livia |
Sanderling | Bird | Calidris alba |
Shoveler | Bird | Anas clypeata |
Skylark | Bird | Alauda arvensis |
Snipe | Bird | Gallinago gallinago |
Song Thrush | Bird | Turdus philomelos |
Spotted Flycatcher | Bird | Muscicapa striata |
Stonechat | Bird | Saxicola torquata |
Stone-curlew | Bird | Burhinus oedicnemus |
Teal | Bird | Anas crecca |
Tree Sparrow | Bird | Passer montanus |
Turtle Dove | Bird | Streptopelia turtur |
Wheatear | Bird | Oenanthe oenanthe |
Whimbrel | Bird | Numenius phaeopus |
Whinchat | Bird | Saxicola rubetra |
Whooper Swan | Bird | Cygnus cygnus |
Wigeon | Bird | Anas penelope |
Woodlark | Bird | Lullula arborea |
Yellowhammer | Bird | Emberiza citrinella |
Yellow Wagtail | Bird | Motacilla flava |
Annual Knawel | Flowering Plant | Scleranthus annuus |
Basil Thyme | Flowering Plant | Clinopodium acinos |
Black Poplar | Flowering Plant | Populus nigra betulifolia |
Bloody Crane’s-bill | Flowering Plant | Geranium sanguineum |
Bog Myrtle | Flowering Plant | Myrica gale |
Breckland Speedwell | Flowering Plant | Veronica praecox |
Breckland Thyme | Flowering Plant | Thymus serpyllum |
Bristle Club-rush | Flowering Plant | Isolepis setacea |
Brookweed | Flowering Plant | Samolus valerandi |
Bur Medick | Flowering Plant | Medicago minima |
Clustered Clover | Flowering Plant | Trifolium glomeratum |
Common Name | Taxon Group | Scientific Name |
Common Cudweed | Flowering Plant | Filago vulgaris |
Common Gromwell | Flowering Plant | Lithospermum officinale |
Common Milkwort | Flowering Plant | Polygala vulgaris |
Common Yellow Sedge | Flowering Plant | Carex viridula oedocarpa |
Corn Spurrey | Flowering Plant | Spergula arvensis |
Creeping Willow | Flowering Plant | Salix repens |
Dropping Brome | Flowering Plant | Anisantha tectorum |
Dropwort | Flowering Plant | Filipendula vulgaris |
Dwarf Spurge | Flowering Plant | Euphorbia exigua |
Early March-orchid | Flowering Plant | Dactylorhiza incarnata |
Fen Pondweed | Flowering Plant | Potamogeton coloratus |
Fen Ragwort | Flowering Plant | Senecio paludosus |
Fen Violet | Flowering Plant | Viola persicifolia |
Few-flowered Fumitory | Flowering Plant | Fumaria muralis boraei |
Field Gromwell | Flowering Plant | Lithospermum arvense |
Field Mugwort | Flowering Plant | Artemisia campestris |
Fine-leaved Sandwort | Flowering Plant | Minuartia hybrida |
Fine-leaved Water-dropwort | Flowering Plant | Oenanthe aquatica |
Fingered Speedwell | Flowering Plant | Veronica triphyllos |
Flat-stalked Pondweed | Flowering Plant | Potamogeton friesii |
Fragrant Orchid | Flowering Plant | Gymnadenia conopsea densiflora |
Golden Dock | Flowering Plant | Rumex maritimus |
Good King Henry | Flowering Plant | Chenopodium bonus-henricus |
Grape Hyacinth | Flowering Plant | Muscari neglectum |
Great Burnet | Flowering Plant | Sanguisorba officinalis |
Great Fen-sedge | Flowering Plant | Cladium mariscus |
Great Water Parsnip | Flowering Plant | Sium latifolium |
Greater Spearwort | Flowering Plant | Rancunculus lingua |
Grey Haired-grass | Flowering Plant | Corynephorus canescens |
Hairlike Pondweed | Flowering Plant | Potamogeton trichoides |
Heath Rush | Flowering Plant | Juncus squarrosus |
Hoary Cinquefoil | Flowering Plant | Potentilla argentea |
Hoary Mullein | Flowering Plant | Verbascum pulverulentum |
Hound’s Tongue | Flowering Plant | Cynoglossum officinale |
Imperforate St. John’s-Wort | Flowering Plant | Hypericum maculatum obtusiusculum |
Large-flowered Hemp-nettle | Flowering Plant | Galeopsis speciosa |
Lesser Centaury | Flowering Plant | Centaurium pulchellum |
Lesser Pondweed | Flowering Plant | Potamogeton pusillus |
Lesser Water-plantain | Flowering Plant | Baldellia ranunculoides |
Long-stalked Yellow Sedge | Flowering Plant | Carex viridula brachyrrhyncha |
Loose Silky-bent | Flowering Plant | Aspera spica-venti |
Marsh Cinquefoil | Flowering Plant | Potentilla palustris |
Marsh Dock | Flowering Plant | Rumex palustris |
Marsh Pea | Flowering Plant | Lathyrus palustris |
Marsh Speedwell | Flowering Plant | Veronica scutellata |
Marsh Stitchwort | Flowering Plant | Stellaria palustris |
Meadow Thistle | Flowering Plant | Cirsium dissectum |
Milk Parsley | Flowering Plant | Peucedanum palustre |
Mossy Stonecrop | Flowering Plant | Crassula tillaea |
Mousetail | Flowering Plant | Myosurus minimus |
Narrow Small-reed | Flowering Plant | Calamagrostis stricta |
Night-flowering Catchfly | Flowering Plant | Silene noctiflora |
Opposite-leaved Pondweed | Flowering Plant | Groenlandia densa |
Perennial Flax | Flowering Plant | Linum perenne |
Prickly Poppy | Flowering Plant | Papaver argemone |
Purple Fescue | Flowering Plant | Vulpia cilata ambigua |
Purple Milk-vetch | Flowering Plant | Astragalus danicus |
Rough Hawk’s-beard | Flowering Plant | Crepis biennis |
Rough Poppy | Flowering Plant | Papaver hybridum |
Round-fruited Rush | Flowering Plant | Juncus compressus |
Common Name | Taxon Group | Scientific Name |
Sand Catchfly | Flowering Plant | Silene conica |
Shepherd’s Cress | Flowering Plant | Teesdalia nudicaulis |
Sickle Medick | Flowering Plant | Medicago sativa falcata |
Slender Sedge | Flowering Plant | Carex lasiocarpa |
Small-fruited Yellow Sedge | Flowering Plant | Carex virdula virdula |
Small Pondweed | Flowering Plant | Potamogeton berchtoldii |
Small Scabious | Flowering Plant | Scabosa columbaria |
Smith’s Pepperwort | Flowering Plant | Lepidium heterophyllum |
Smooth Cat’s-ear | Flowering Plant | Hypochaeris glabra |
Sneezewort | Flowering Plant | Achillea ptarmica |
Spanish Catchfly | Flowering Plant | Silene otites |
Spring Crocus | Flowering Plant | Crocus vernus |
Suffocated Clover | Flowering Plant | Trifolium suffocatum |
Tubular Water Dropwort | Flowering Plant | Oenanthe fistulosa |
Tufted Sedge | Flowering Plant | Carex elata |
Water Purslane | Flowering Plant | Lythrum portula |
Whorled Water-milfoil | Flowering Plant | Myriophyllum verticillatum |
Wild Pansy | Flowering Plant | Viola tricolor |
Willow | Flowering Plant | Salix repens fusca |
Pashford Pot Beetle | Insect – beetle | Cryptocephalus exiquus |
Zircon Reed Beetle | Insect – beetle | Donacia aquatic |
Scarce Chaser | Insect – dragonfly (oonata) | Libellula fulva |
Bee Wolf | Insect – hymenopteran | Philanthus triangulum |
Five-banded Tailed Digger Wasp | Insect – hymenopteran | Cerceris quinquefasciata |
Mining Bee | Insect – hymenopteran | Halictus confusus |
Mud Wasp | Insect – hymenopteran | Podalonia affinis |
Bordered Gothic | Insect – moth | Heliophobus reticulate marginosa |
Grey Carpet | Insect – moth | Lithostege griseata |
Lunar Yellow Underwing | Insect – moth | Noctua orbona |
Robber Fly | Insect – true fly (diptera) | Eutolmus rufibarbis |
Weird Little Fly | Insect – true fly (diptera) | Miltogramma germari |
Large-mouthed Valve Snail | Mollusc | Valvata (Tropidina) macrostoma |
Grass Snake | Reptile | Natrix natrix |
Viviparous Lizard | Reptile | Lacerta vivipara |
Brown Hare | Terrestrial Mammal | Lepus capensis |
European Otter | Terrestrial Mammal | Lutra lutra |
Harvest Mouse | Terrestrial Mammal | Micromys minutus |
Hedgehog | Terrestrial Mammal | Erinaceus europaeus |
Pipistrelle Bat | Terrestrial Mammal | Pipistrellus pipistrellus |
Serotine Bat | Terrestrial Mammal | Eptesicus serotinus |
Water Shrew | Terrestrial Mammal | Neomys fodiens |
Water Vole | Terrestrial Mammal | Arvicola terrestris |