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

More documents

Recommendations

Info

10.6.7 Actions Survey all future projects with all results feeding into the Local BAP process, Local Records Centre and national monitoring programme. Investigate the use of the Network by newts as commuting corridors. Where appropriate, artificial refuges and hibernacula will be provided. Survey ponds adjacent to a proposed route for great crested newts to ensure that, if they are present, appropriate measures are taken to protect them during the path construction. 10.7 Invertebrates 10.7.1 Description There are over 30,000 British invertebrates including such diverse groups as butterflies, spiders and molluscs. They are found in a range of habitats, both terrestrial and aquatic. Many invertebrates in Britain are insects and these include beetles, flies, bees, wasps and ants, bugs, butterflies and moths, mayflies, dragonflies and grasshoppers, in fact 25 totally different sorts (Orders). Related to insects are other types of animals with jointed limbs (arthropods), such as spiders, crayfish, water fleas, woodlice and millipedes. 10.7.2 Optimum survey time Most species become more active through the spring and summer. Certain taxonomic groups can only be surveyed within very specific timescales. Surveying for invertebrates should involve someone with specialist knowledge. 10.7.3 Current status Many invertebrate species are in decline and significant numbers of species are either known to be extinct or feared to be. Of the 1149 priority species in the UK BAP, 411 of these are invertebrates. 10.7.4 Status in relation to Sustrans Sites with a varied habitat structure usually contain a greater invertebrate interest. Disused railway lines can form ideal habitat for invertebrates by offering a mosaic of habitats including species-rich grassland, scrub and wetland, often with limited disturbance over a number of years. Varied habitats contained in cuttings and on embankments can provide an even wider range of conditions to suit many species of invertebrates with differing requirements; both warmth and light, cool, damp shade, shelter at several levels, a wide range of food plants, and bare ground suitable for basking or use as nesting sites. 10.7.5 Legislation A number of invertebrate species are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended with some protected for sale only. The marsh fritillary is also protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. 10.7.6 Current Factors affecting invertebrates Loss of habitat Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007) 32
Loss of food plants for certain species Habitat fragmentation Unsympathetic habitat management 10.7.7 Actions Future developments to identify habitat features of greater invertebrate interest by speaking to local invertebrate groups and possibly a scoping visit (by invertebrate specialist). Survey if required. Sympathetic restoration following construction of new paths avoiding use of fertile top-soil and artificial seed mixtures and rather allowing natural regeneration. Management techniques to maintain valuable habitat mosaics along paths. Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007) 33
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 and 30: 10.4.2 Optimum survey time The opti
Page 31: 10.6 Great crested newt Triturus cr
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

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?