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

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Where appropriate, information on the dormouse is to be included in interpretation. 10.5 Slow worm Anguis fragilis 10.5.1 Description The slow worm is one of only three species of lizard found in the UK. It is unusual in that it is legless, and is therefore often mistaken for a snake. Slow worms can be distinguished from the British snakes by their smooth, cylindrical bodies which are covered in very small scales. They can vary in colour from copper through to bronze or dark brown, while juveniles tend to be gold. Slow worms like well-vegetated areas, with good cover from predation, open areas for basking and suitable places to hibernate such as stone walls and log piles. Like many lizards, slow worms shed their tails when stressed, therefore if handling is necessary, it should be done with the greatest care. 10.5.2 Optimum survey time The optimum survey time is late March through to late September as slow worms hibernate during the winter months. 10.5.3 Current Status A UK BAP species. Although found through out the UK, slow worms seem to have undergone a decline in recent years. 10.5.4 Status in relation to Sustrans For a long time, railway lines have been well known for their slow worm populations because they provide many of its favoured habitats with a variety of aspects in cuttings and embankments. The slow worm may be encountered throughout the Sustrans Network. 10.5.5 Legislation Protected by Schedule 5a of the Wildlife and Countryside 1981 as amended. It is an offence to carry out works which will be damaging to slow worms if it is suspected that slow worms may be present. 10.5.6 Current Factors affecting the species Loss of suitable habitat and hibernation sites Persecution from humans Predation by domestic cats 10.5.7 Actions All future developments to require a survey. Management techniques take into account its habitat requirements. Artificial refuges and hibernacula to be provided where necessary. Information about the slow worm to be included in interpretation where appropriate. Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007) 30
10.6 Great crested newt Triturus cristatus 10.6.1 Description The great crested newt is the UK’s largest newt, reaching an adult length of up to 170mm. The adult newt is easily distinguished from the other two native newts (the smooth and palmate) by size and colouring. The skin of the adult newt is very granular in appearance, with a black or dark brown colour and very fine white spots on its lower flanks. The male has a jagged crest along its back and tail, although this is less pronounced outside of the breeding season. Both sexes have a bright orange or yellow belly that is covered in irregular black spots. On land both sexes appear very black and the male’s crest is held against its body. Adults spend most of the year on land, returning to water in early spring to breed. Eggs are laid on submerged vegetation and, like all newt eggs, are distinctive in that the female encloses each egg within a folded leaf of a water plant. 10.6.2 Optimum survey time The optimum survey time for adult great crested newts is between late March and September as this is when newts are out of hibernation. Great crested newts are very difficult to survey on land, and breeding pond surveys are most successful. Although they are known to travel up to 500 metres from their breeding pond, most do not travel more than 100 metres and, for distances greater than 200-250 metres, capture effort is hardly ever appropriate. The best time to carry out construction near to breeding ponds is between mid-April and mid-August. Outside of those times, and when the animals are not in hibernation, exclusion fencing along both sides of the proposed path, will almost certainly be necessary. A search of records for great crested newts in the local area is certainly a good first step. 10.6.3 Current status The great crested newt is still quite widespread in Britain. It is locally common in parts of England and Wales, but rare or absent in Devon and Cornwall. The British population is amongst the largest in Europe, where it is threatened in several countries. 10.6.4 Status in relation to Sustrans Great crested newts could be encountered throughout the Network, but particularly where the routes are close to a mosaic of habitats (woodland, grassland, ponds etc.). The Network could prove particularly important as commuting corridors for newts. 10.6.5 Legislation The great crested newt is listed on Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive and Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations, 1994, (Regulation 38) and Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981. It is a Priority species in the UK BAP. 10.6.6 Current factors affecting the species Loss of suitable breeding ponds caused by water table reduction, in-filling for development, agricultural changes, waste disposal, neglect or fish stocking and the degradation, loss and fragmentation of terrestrial habitats. Pollution and toxic effects of agrochemicals. Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007) 31
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 and 22: grasses such as tor grass Brachypod
Page 23 and 24: Contribute to the implementation of
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: 10.4.2 Optimum survey time The opti
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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