Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network ... - Sustrans

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Hedgerows (see above action plan) A hedgerow that contains a good variety of trees and shrubs can provide food and shelter for a huge variety of animals including birds, mammals and insects. Hedges are also important as wildlife corridors, allowing species to commute between habitats. They need to be maintained in a sympathetic way that will improve the biodiversity found within them. Scrub It is an important component of the landscape and a natural part of other habitats such as grassland and woodland. It provides shelter and food a variety of species including birds, mammals and invertebrates. Scrub of varying age, species and structure supports the widest variety of wildlife. Some species require particular shrubs and others a range of habitats in a small patch of scrub. It is important to maintain all growth stages, from bare ground through young and old growth to decaying wood. Scrub needs regular maintenance to ensure that it does not dominate an area, and so reduce the overall biodiversity. Bramble is very important but can be a particular problem. With regular cutting it can be kept in check (see section 13.1.1). 9.3.2 Optimum survey time April, May, June and July, depending on the habitat. 9.3.3 Current status Banks are not currently a UK BAP priority habitat in their own right (though field banks maybe included as such in the next review and roadside verges will be recognised within relevant grassland priority habitat types). However, many of the habitats found along banks and verges are priority habitats. Banks and verges are probably one of the most widespread habitats throughout the UK. If managed properly they can be a valuable resource with a huge potential for enhancement. 9.3.4 Status in relation to Sustrans Banks and verges will be found in varying forms throughout the National Cycle Network, ranging from hedgerows to grasslands and woodland to scrub. 9.3.5 Legislation Although the banks and verges themselves have no protection, some of the habitats found along them may be protected. They are a very valuable resource along the Sustrans Network and one that Sustrans can enhance through its regular maintenance regime. 9.3.6 Current factors affecting the habitat Neglect through mismanagement both through over cutting and undercutting. Lack of appreciation of the importance as a habitat. Invasion by non-native species e.g. Japanese knotweed (see section 13.3). 9.3.7 Actions Education about the importance of banks and verges as a habitat. Encourage appropriate public access for observation and enjoyment of banks and verges. Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007) 22
Contribute to the implementation of relevant priority species and habitat action plans, through the integration of management requirements and advice, in conjunction with relevant LBAP partnerships. Control any patches of alien plant species along the Network including Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed (see section 13). Banks and verges that are of poor quality will be improved. Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007) 23
Page 1 and 2: Biodiversity Action Plan for the Na
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS Executive Summary 6 1. Int
Page 5 and 6: 12. Mitigation and enhancement meas
Page 7 and 8: 1. Introduction to biodiversity in
Page 9 and 10: Project National Cycle Network Safe
Page 11 and 12: 2.3.5 Map of National Cycle Network
Page 13 and 14: On-going key action plan items and
Page 15 and 16: Association, the British Horse Soci
Page 17 and 18: 7. Links with Local Biodiversity Ac
Page 19 and 20: 9. Habitat Action Plans 9.1 Hedgero
Page 21: grasses such as tor grass Brachypod
Page 25 and 26: Where planting is required in hedge
Page 27 and 28: 10.3 Badger Meles meles 10.3.1 Desc
Page 29 and 30: 10.4.2 Optimum survey time The opti
Page 31 and 32: 10.6 Great crested newt Triturus cr
Page 33 and 34: Loss of food plants for certain spe
Page 35 and 36: 12. Mitigation and enhancement meas
Page 37 and 38: 12.6.2 Some bat species rely exclus
Page 39 and 40: 13.3 Japanese knotweed Fallopia jap
Page 41 and 42: seed. Young plants are easy to pull
Page 43 and 44: 14. Education and understanding 14.
Page 45 and 46: 16. Glossary HAP Habitat Action Pla
Page 47 and 48: Cumbria LA7 7NH Tel: 01539 567953 w
Page 49 and 50: Ways for Wildlife Wildlife, cycle p
Page 51 and 52: © David Hall © Toby Smedley Visit
Page 53: Appendix 2 - Phase 1 and 2 habitat

Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network ... - Sustrans

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