Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

The broad leaved woodland cover on the north side of the motte is considered to be of ecological value at a local
level for the range of fauna that it is likely to support, including mammals and birds. However it is not considered to
be of particular intrinsic value for the plant species that it supports.
Aged or ‘veteran’ trees found outside ancient woodland are particularly valuable for biodiversity and their loss
should be avoided. The horse chestnut tree at the base of the motte, given its possible age, size and position could
be classified as a veteran tree. The removal of this tree may therefore be contrary to the guidance set out in PPS9
Habitats PPS 9 Ancient Woodland and other Important Natural Habitats
Aged or ‘veteran’ trees found outside ancient woodland are particularly valuable for biodiversity and their loss
should be avoided. The horse chestnut tree given its possible age, size and position could be classified as a veteran
tree. The removal of this tree may therefore be contrary to the guidance set out in PPS9 and would result in a
negative ecological impact. The impact would be significant at a site level.
The broad leaved woodland cover on the north side of the motte is considered to be of ecological value at a local
level for the range of fauna that it is likely to support, including mammals and birds. However it is not considered to
be of particular intrinsic value for the plant species that it supports.
External Curtain wall
The external face of the curtain wall is in good condition and there are few gaps or cracks which might support
bats. Some gaps in the stonework on the southwest face of the curtain wall could potentially support bats but no
evidence of bat activity was noted.
Perimeter path retaining wall
The dense ivy cladding the retaining wall of the perimeter path had been removed prior to inspection to enable the
engineers to carry out trial ground anchor fixing to tie the retaining wall of the Parapet walk to the foundations of
the curtain wall. The dense ivy may have had some potential to support roosting bats, but no suitable bat roosting
features were noted in the retaining wall itself.
First and second floor rooms
No suitable features to support bat roosts were found in the first and second floor rooms.
Ground Floor: Dungeon, Warders Lodge and Banqueting Hall
Two active pipistrelle bat roosts were noted within the ‘dungeon’, also a bat roost was noted under the eaves of the
Warders Lodge. Also bat activity was noted under the eaves in the south east corner of the Banqueting Hall.
Intra-mural passageway
Gaps between the bricks have the potential to support bat roosts but no evidence was found.
Trees on the motte
Three sycamore trees high on the south side of the motte were identified as having the potential to support bats,
due to the dense covering of ivy. Five other specimen trees on the south side of the motte were also identified as
having the potential to support bat roosts. There was no evidence to suggest the presence of a bat roost in the large
horse chestnut, but trees can be difficult to assess given the dense foliage cover and the tendency for bats to move
between several tree hosts
Policies that relate to these issues:
C6; E1; E4; J1
2.3.29 Access to the archive
The castle archive is stored within Holloway Lodge. Half of the collection is stored in archive standard storage.
Space in Holloway Lodge is severely limited and access to the collections can be difficult. Some items are stored in
the staff toilet, not an ideal location!
It is not possible to open the vertical plan chest to assess and record the contents as heavy volumes are stored on
top of it.
There is limited space for researchers to examine the archive, and perhaps it might be better located in Lichfield
record office and/or in the Local Studies room of Tamworth Library which has ample space for research and online
access.
Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan www.marionblockley.co.uk
Part 2
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