Operations Report May May 2007

Transcription

1 Operations Report May May 2007 Marsh Fritillary by Alan Barnes - Butterfly Conservation GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT Written by Alex Hatton North Wales Biodiversity Project Officer

2 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY Contents A Introduction to BASC s Green Shoots Programme and Green Shoots in North Wales...4 B New wildlife records for North Wales...5 C D Integrating BASC members with the BAP process Conservation work carried out in May 2006 to May Habitat work Advice Species projects...9 FWAG Cymru whole shoot biodiversity plans...13 E Partnership working...14 Contacts...15

3 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY A. Introduction to BASC s Green Shoots Programme and Green Shoots in North Wales The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is a representative body for shooting and is the UK s largest country sports membership organisation with over 122,000 members. Green Shoots is BASC s Biodiversity Action Plan for the shooting community. It was launched in July 2000 and committed BASC to an ambitious programme to complement the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) Green Shoots aims to recognise, build upon and co-ordinate the shooting community s considerable contribution to wildlife and biodiversity conservation. Endorsed by: Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) Natural England (NE) Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG UK) Green Shoots projects have already made measurable gains in the Somerset Levels and Cheshire, where project officers have been in place since 2002 and 2004 respectively. Following the successes of these projects, the Welsh Assembly Government via CCW and Environment Agency Wales (EA) part funded Green Shoots in North Wales. The aims of Green Shoots in North Wales are: 1. Practical projects linked to delivery of National and local Biodiversity Action Plans. 2. Use of BARS 1 to hold and share information about the project. 3. Additional records for the Local Records Centre - number submitted annually. 4. EA and Green Shoots officer to jointly manage mink raft/water vole project. The Green Shoots steering group is made up of representatives from CCW, EA Wales, BASC and FWAG Cymru. The group meets three times a year where interim and overarching targets are set. Local Biodiversity Action Partnerships and others are a critical factor in the success of the project. 1. BARS is the national Biodiversity Action Reporting system. It is an information system that supports the planning, monitoring and reporting requirements of national, local and company Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs).

4 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY B. New wildlife records for North Wales Survey Findings The North Wales Green Shoots survey was sent out in The results demonstrated the wealth of wildlife and habitat information held by BASC members in North Wales. Key information from the survey: Over 330 surveys were completed and returned 1184 square kilometres of shooting land were surveyed in North Wales equivalent to 19% of the region 9016 records of species and habitats were recorded through the survey Data enabled the creation of specific species distribution maps The survey required BASC members to report on the presence of 23 species and nine habitats, both selected from the North Wales Local Biodiversity Action Plan s (LBAP). Figure 1: Distribution of Green Shoots members land within North Wales

5 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY These graphs indicate the number of land holding where each species/habitat was recorded in the North Wales Green Shoots survey. Figure 2: Green Shoots in North Wales - number of land holdings containing each habitat Figure 3: Green Shoots in North Wales - number of land holdings containing each species The survey also elicited information on the types of shooting undertaken on the members land and the authority given to them for land management. Members voluntarily provided additional information on other wildlife and habitats not included in the survey. The survey is acknowledged as being one of the most widespread and comprehensive studies conducted in North Wales to date. The initial survey data is currently being passed over to the local records centre, COFNOD. In addition to the survey data, new records are being generated through site visits by the project officer and members reporting them directly to COFNOD.

6 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY C. Integrating BASC members with the BAP process North Wales is extremely diverse, which is reflected in the differing priorities between LBAPs. The types of projects that have evolved reflect local interests among the statutory and nonstatutory conservation organisations as well as the species and habitat diversity. They can be divided into two types, habitat and species. Green Shoots works on the principle that BASC members have advanced or comprehensive knowledge about the land they manage for their shooting and wildlife interests. Many of the species action plan objectives, found in the LBAP s, are to establish the current status and distribution of the species then look to protect, maintain and enhance the species/habitat and for some species, increase the existing range. Green Shoots seeks to link members with action plans, because of their geographical location, the habitat found on their land or because the species already exists on their land. This link between BASC members and the BAP process is important in realising BAP species and habitat targets. 1. Conservation work carried out In addition to the main projects run by the project officer and partners, BASC Green Shoots members carry out a great deal of work on their own land. Table 1 presents information collected by a postal survey on conservation work done by BASC members between May 2006 May The figures include work done by projects described later but it gives a general indication of the breadth and extent of work shooting members have achieved in the last 12 months for biodiversity. Table 1: Conservation work completed by BASC members in New Hedges(m) 7066 Gapping Up (m) 1765 Hedgelaying (m) 1465 Trees planted 9076 As woodland (acres) New ponds 13 Restored Ponds 16 Cover Crops (acres) Creating Field Margins (m) Fencing of Rivers/Streams (km) General Bird Boxes 187 Barn Owl Boxes 27 Bat Boxes 12 Mink Caught 34

7 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY Habitat Projects CHIPS - Conwy Habitat Improvement Projects Newly planted wildlife corridor on a shoot in Conwy Under a funding scheme called CHIPs, BASC members land in Conwy Borough was visited to decide which projects could be undertaken to improve certain habitats. The remit was that work carried out must create or improve habitat within the county to help Conwy s LBAP species. Some excellent projects are already underway, with more work to be completed over the next six months. Two sites are currently undertaking work; with five pending agreements currently being written. Table 2: Details of work completed and to be completed as part of the CHIPs Scheme Wildlife corridor (m) Number of trees planted Renovation of ponds (no.) Cover crops fencing (acres) Woodland creation (ha) Fencing off woodland (ha) Wetland creation (ha) River side corridor (m) Completed To do (approx) ponds 6 1ha m 3. Advice A substantial amount of the Green Shoots project officer s time is spent giving habitat management advice to BASC members. This consultancy service is free to members and is often given to projects that are self funded. These small projects, which make up a large percentage of the total, are often implemented on a single shoot basis. Examples of these include: renovating and creating new ponds; creation and management of wetland; managing for barn owls and managing woodland areas. Sightings of rarer species, such as pine marten, black grouse and corncrake (recent sighting) are reported to the project officer. Having a project officer on the ground ensures members are informed quickly on how to maximise the success of a species and are made aware of funding opportunities.

8 4. Species Projects Pine Marten GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY Pine martens in North Wales are an anomaly. No physical evidence of pine martens has been found in North Wales for over a decade, and some people fear they have become extinct, yet regular sightings are reported to the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) every year. They are elusive animals and even where there are believed to be high populations, and field signs suggest their presence, they are rarely seen. From the initial survey, 23 sightings were recorded by BASC members across North Wales. Each member who recorded a sighting has/will be interviewed using a technique developed by the VWT to assess the validity of the claim. As a result some of the sightings may indeed signal the presence of pine marten. Breeding boxes have been erected on one shoot in Snowdonia National Park, in response to highly probable pine marten presence. Initially ten boxes have been placed strategically in woodlands around a series of sightings. Picture by Frank Greenaway VWT The breeding success of pine martens is affected by, among other factors, shortages of denning cavities and predation by foxes. These two factors are managed on shooting land, which possibly explains why they may be present Action - Where probable sightings have been confirmed by the VWT, we will erect breeding boxes and signs of pine marten activity will be checked biannually. Marsh Fritillary Four sites close to existing marsh fritillary populations were visited by Butterfly Conservation (BC) in 2006, with the aim of improving the habitat to increase the range of this UK Priority BAP Species. One site was identified as promising and through habitat manipulation it may support this rare butterfly in years to come. One site already supported a healthy population of small pearl-bordered fritillaries, however the others needed habitat manipulation to support the species Action - The Green Shoots Programme aims to increase devil s-bit scabious the main larval food of the marsh fritillary, by planting plugs of it around existing butterfly populations

9 Water Vole/Mink GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY BASC members are suited to actively managing mink by using mink rafts because they are working in the field much of the time. To date, 70 people (BASC members, fishing clubs and non-shooting conservationists) have been trained on Anglesey on how to manage water vole habitat sensitively and remove mink using mink rafts. Anglesey has one of the most significant water vole populations in the UK, which is why a mink clearance programme has begun before trapping commences on the mainland. At present partner organisations BASC, Menter Môn and EA have approximately 150 rafts in place on Anglesey. American Mink - Alex Hatton Action - Following a successful bid for more mink rafts a further 250 rafts will be deployed through the rest of North Wales. The rivers Dee, Elwy, Weaver Clwyd and Conwy are expected to be targeted initially. Mink workshops will be run in these areas to train angling clubs, BASC members and other interested parties. Water vole surveys are currently being undertaken in Wrexham on Green Shoots land to establish where water vole populations still exist. Visits to date have shown signs of water voles on the Afon Ceiriog European Water Vole

10 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY A barn owl box being erected on an estate in Flintshire Barn Owl BASC members, through the Green Shoots survey, returned 353 sightings of barn owls; one of the most commonly recorded species. This result led to a partnership project between the Wales Raptor Study Group, North East Wales and the local partnership biodiversity officers. The Green Shoots input provided confident evidence of sightings and in-depth knowledge of the behavioural patterns of barn owls on estates or shoots. This information allowed outbuildings and derelict houses to be fitted with nesting boxes to help the owls breed and raise their young. The habitats often found on shoots are ideal for barn owls because they support healthy populations of small mammals. Over 20 nesting boxes have/are due to be erected over the next six months on shoots in North East Wales through this partnership. Nesting boxes will be monitored by the partnership on an annual basis to assess the success of the boxes Action - The frequency of sightings provides an opportunity to use breeding boxes on many more shoots. The breeding box project will continue until all suitable shooting land has barn owl nesting boxes. Hare Surveying In 2007 BASC Green Shoots members, North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) and local councils conducted a joint survey of their land for brown hares. Thirty shoots were selected across Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire, to represent a variety of habitats. The results of the survey will be written up by NWWT and will provide estimates on the number of hares in North Wales. Members who took part will then be contacted and given specific habitat advice to encourage further densities of brown hares. Brown Hare by Nick Ridley

11 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY Action - Green Shoots members in Anglesey will be selected to take part in brown hare surveys. Green Shoots members help broaden the scale of the survey with little expense as they are already out in the field. The transects are usually undertaken as part of a daily routine e.g. feeding pheasants or walking a dog! Joint shoot walk in Chwilog, Gwynedd Open Days Open days are an important communication tool to inform Green Shoots members about funding opportunities and integrated land management for shooting, farming and biodiversity. They have received incredible support from members and other organisations. The first walk, in association with FWAG Cymru, was held in the Chwilog area and marked the start of the Green Shoots project. It raised members awareness of how the project would be run and what their involvement could/would be. As a result of the walk, several keen shoot owners showed an interest in certain projects. The second walk at Hendrellwyn Y Maen, Conwy, run in association with Coed Cymru, Conwy County Council, Calu and BASC, informed BASC members and local farmers of the CHIPs scheme. The walk resulted in six enquiries from BASC members wishing to carry out CHIPs- funded projects on their land Action - A farm walk on cover crops and their benefit to wild birds will be held in the autumn of 2007, in conjunction with the RSPB and FWAG Cymru. Dormouse Surveys The Green Shoots survey elicited some 86 dormouse records, some in areas where they were thought to be extinct. This information strengthens the view that the quantity and quality of time BASC members spend in the countryside means they know what exists on their shoot much more intimately than anyone else Action - This year will see the start of a dormouse project in North Wales. Nesting tubes will be sited on a shoot in Conwy to verify evidence of remaining populations. Other Green Shoots members in North East Wales will be taking part in the great nut hunt. This will involve identifying nuts that have the tell- tale signs of being eaten by a dormouse. Positive records will be followed up and habitat management advice given. An additional survey will be undertaken if necessary. Dormouse nesting tube

12 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY D. FWAG Cymru Whole shoot biodiversity plan FWAG Cymru has undertaken 12 whole shoot biodiversity plans. The project officer selected those members who owned their land and responded positively to whole shoot plans in the survey. The reason for selecting owners was that they could influence land management practices more efficiently than tenants. The format of the plans were drafted by FWAG Cymru and discussed with the steering group before a final format was adopted. The aim of the plans was to assess what priority biodiversity habitats and species were present, provide a base-line assessment of their condition, and provide tailored conservation options to improve the range or abundance of priority species and habitats Action - The project officer will seek feedback from the 12 members who received the reports and assist them in taking action as recommended by FWAG Cymru. Once this process is complete the steering group will review and plan for the forthcoming year s work plan.

13 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY E. Partnership working Much of the work carried out to date is the result of the combined effort of the project s partners. Green Shoots sites are often inaccessible to interested organisations. BASC s project officer has been invaluable in linking Green Shoots members with statutory and nonstatutory bodies for the conservation benefit of all. Over the past year the Green Shoots project officer has worked with the following organisations : Wales Raptor Study Group - North - east Wales Grwp Asudio Adar Ysglyfaethus - Gogledd Dwyrain Cymru The Vincent Wildlife Trust CYNGOR SIR YNYS MON ˆ ISLE OF ANGLESEY COUNTY COUNCIL

14 GREEN SHOOTS IN NORTH WALES PROJECT MAY MAY Contact: Alex Hatton North Wales Biodiversity Project Officer BASC Marford Mill Rossett Wrexham LL12 0HL Tel: / alex.hatton@basc.org.uk Conservation and Land Management Team BASC Marford Mill Rossett Wrexham LL12 0HL Tel: Visit the BASC website at

15 Marsh Fritillary by Alan Barnes - Butterfly Conservation