Environmental Statement volume 4 - Chiltern Evergreen3

Site name/area/distance fromdevelopmentQualifying interest (habitats and species),general condition requirements andmanagement measuresReferences:Natura 2000 Data Form, JNCC, May 2006; andConservation Objectives and Definitions ofFavourable Condition for Designated Features ofInterest: Port Meadow with Wolvercote Common andGreen, Consultation Draft, Natural England,November 2007.Conservation objectives Site sensitivities Known vulnerabilityand threatsMG11 and MG13 and provide evidence ofseasonally high water inundation and lowcompetition. Negative indicators – the species chosen toindicate problems of eutrophication anddisturbance from various sources when outsidetarget eg poaching, stock feeding, late flooding.This site has a history of high thistle density.Water Level Evidence of seasonally high water table and lowcompetition.Pollution of Standing Waters Site is vulnerable to pollutants.Bare ground No more than 5% of the sward generally, butbetween 5 and 10 % easily visible in areasknown to support Apium repens – outside targetindicates problems with stock management orextended flooding. Occurrence of localisedpatches of bare mud associated with winterflooding is a feature. Limited poaching orsimilar may be required by Apium repens forseedling establishment in this habitat.Grazing Currently and historically grazed by cattle andhorses at high densities.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENTF8CHILTERN RAILWAYS