LIFE-Nature III. Restoration Management for Annex I Birds at Termoncarragh Lake SPA Summary Report January 2006

Transcription

1 LIFE-Nature III LIFE2000NAT/IRL/ Restoration Management for Annex I Birds at Termoncarragh Lake SPA Summary Report January 2006 Report compiled by Dave Suddaby (Project Officer) on behalf of BirdWatch Ireland & Teagasc BirdWatch Ireland Registered Charity number 5703 BirdWatch Ireland Headquarters, Rockingham House, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow Teagasc Headquarters, Oak Park, Carlow, Co. Carlow

2 LIFE2000NAT/IRL/ Restoration Management for Annex I Birds at Termoncarragh Lake SPA Background Information By highlighting the positive aspects of environmental designations and their unrealised potential socioeconomic benefit to disadvantaged rural regions, a constructive working partnership of Government Agencies, Farming and Conservation NGOs can promote sensitive and sustainable management of Ireland s natural heritage resources, while underpinning the long-term viability of this country s NATURA 2000 network. This project provides a framework for the formation and subsequent propagation of this working partnership. This project provides an excellent facility for demonstrating best practice in the integration of agrienvironment measures under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) with appropriate conservation prescriptions for species and habitats in Special Protection Areas (SPA) and proposed Sites of Community Interest (psci). BirdWatch Ireland has been and will continue to, develop and promote the demonstration aspect of this project in partnership with Teagasc, the Semi-State Authority responsible for agricultural advisory, research and educational services for farmers through, and beyond the life of, this project. The project forms a key element of a positive information campaign, aimed at counteracting current widespread negative perceptions and misapprehensions among the farming community in relation to NATURA 2000 designation and future management. This project aims to create ideal habitat conditions for Annex I breeding and wintering birds at Termoncarragh Lake SPA, on the Mullet Peninsula, Co Mayo. Species targeted are Crex crex, Phalaropus lobatus, Anser albifrons flavirostris and Branta leucopsis. This is being achieved through restoration management on BirdWatch Ireland-owned land and through management agreements with local landowners on surrounding machair and farmland. Management agreements are focused on the breeding and wintering birds of the site, with an aim of delivering ideal habitat conditions, and an emphasis on more pro-active, positive management than is possible under the current range of agrienvironment schemes. The overall objective of the LIFE-Nature III project is: to restore and manage habitat to create ideal conditions for Annex I breeding and wintering birds in the Termoncarragh Lake SPA, through restoration management of BirdWatch Ireland land and management agreements with local landowners on surrounding designated machair and farmland; and so to: demonstrate best practice in the integration of agri-environment measures under the REPS with appropriate conservation prescriptions for species and habitats in SPAs and pscis. 2

3 Summary Introduction Through the LIFE-Nature III project successful progress has been made on fulfilling the overall project objective, with the most visible achievements on the ground being: the purchase of 20 ha of land for restoration/enhancement (known as Termoncarragh Meadows ) the pool restoration and associated habitat management at Annagh Marsh the enhancement of grasslands for Crex crex the grassland and rush management for the benefit of Branta leucopsis and Anser albifrons flavirostris These achievements have delivered benefits to the Annex I bird species identified in the project proposal, including: the successful breeding of Crex crex each year with up to two territorial males present. In addition, an increase of up to three other males holding territories close to the project area boundaries an increase in the winter population of Branta leucopsis utilising the SPA with up to 1,200 birds present providing a secure winter feeding area for Anser albifrons flavirostris with up to 52 birds present Despite no Phalaropus lobatus being recorded the habitat management prescriptions has delivered wider benefits in increasing key breeding wader populations of Vanellus vanellus, Calidris alpina, Gallinago gallinago and Tringa tetanus, and in enhancing important non-avian populations especially those of Lycia zonaria and Bombus distinguendus, both of which are classified as Nationally Scarce species. In addition, the LIFE-Nature III project has successfully assisted in: expanding the boundaries of the SPA providing a forum for an effective working partnership providing habitat enhancement management advisory leaflets demonstrating how agri-environment prescriptions under REPS can be enhanced, and aspects being included in a revised REPS following the mid-term review of that scheme in 2004 providing a high and very positive profile among the farming community on the Mullet Peninsula and surrounding area, particularly among landowners within the SPA 3

4 Threats addressed and outcomes Threat 1 Intensification in farming practices 1.1 Loss of habitat for Crex crex Lack of early season vegetative cover Lack of latemowed meadow Lack of lateseason cover Use of inappropriate mowing techniques 1.2 Loss of breeding Phalaropus lobatus Inadequate management of vegetation for Phalaropus lobatus Expected results and outcome Reduction or reversal in trend of intensification on the Mullet Halt further loss of habitat and create new habitat through restoration management and farmer management agreements. Target population of 5 singing males Reverted ha to meadow grassland through restoration management or farmer management agreements, with the successful breeding of Crex crex each year with up to 2 singing males present Sign management agreements to create 1 ha of early cover for every 10 ha of latemown meadow, and deliver 1-2 ha early cover on land purchased Early season cover areas enhanced through management agreements and extensive early season cover corridors created on land purchased Deliver 50 ha late mowed meadow through management agreements, and purchase target area of 20 ha at Glebe to deliver ha late mowed meadow Delivered ha of late mown meadow through management agreements, and purchased ha at Glebe, known as Termoncarragh Meadows, of which 10.6 ha are being restored and enhanced as late mown meadow Sign management agreements to create 1 ha of late season cover for every 10 ha of late-mown meadow, and deliver 1-2 ha late cover on land purchased Late season cover areas provided through management agreements and on land purchased by leaving field margins and early season cover areas Mow all BirdWatch Ireland-owned meadow centre-out, deliver centre-out mowing of late mown meadow on private land in the SPA through management agreements All meadows were mown centre-out (unless grazed) whether BirdWatch Ireland-owned meadow or on management agreement land Presence of 1-3 pairs breeding Phalaropus lobatus with the Termoncarragh Lake SPA (Annagh Marsh) by end of project No Phalaropus lobatus were recorded during the project Managed vegetation at Annagh Marsh (7 ha) and surrounding farmland (approx 12 ha), through combination of mowing and removal of rank vegetation, and agreements with owners of grazing rights (as described in Annagh Marsh Reserve Management plan) Managed ha of wet marsh and rank lake edge vegetation, including Annagh Marsh, through agreements to manage the vegetation structure and maintain open pool areas with an autumn cattle grazing regime 4

5 Threat Lack of water level management Lack of systematic wardening 1.3 Lack of suitable management for Anser albifrons flavirostris Lack of suitable habitat for Anser albifrons flavirostris Disturbance of Anser albifrons flavirostris Expected results and outcome Implement strategy in Reserve Management Plan, to gain control of water levels at Annagh Marsh reserve and manage them to benefit Phalaropus lobatus, other breeding waders and wintering wildfowl Water levels proved to be sufficient throughout the year, therefore there was no requirement for a water control sluice Introduce systematic monitoring for presence and possible breeding of Phalaropus lobatus within Termoncarragh Lake SPA, and ensure potentially breeding birds are not disturbed by humans or grazing animals Carried out a systematic monitoring programme over the whole of the SPA, providing breeding bird data and a wardening structure to ensure breeding birds were not disturbed by humans or grazing animals Deliver suitably managed habitat on BirdWatch Ireland land and through management agreements. Aim - increased population of Anser albifrons flavirostris Management of ha of grasslands provided a secure undisturbed feeding area for a winter population of up to 52 Anser albifrons flavirostris Deliver sustainable grazing on BirdWatch Ireland land (target 6 ha) and through management agreements (target 10 ha) Purchased ha at Glebe, known as Termoncarragh Meadows, of which 9.48 ha are being enhanced as undisturbed grasslands and, through management agreements, 12 ha of wet grasslands are managed through suitable grazing management Reduced disturbance, delivered through suitable management of BirdWatch Ireland land (target 6 ha), and through Management Agreements (target 10 ha) 9.48 ha of Termoncarragh Meadows are left as undisturbed winter grasslands and 12 ha of wet grasslands through management agreements 1.4 Lack of suitable management for Branta leucopsis Lack of suitable habitat for Branta leucopsis Deliver suitably managed habitat on BirdWatch Ireland land and through management agreements. Aim - increased population of Branta leucopsis Management of ha of grasslands provided a secure undisturbed feeding area for an increased winter population of up to 1,200 Branta leucopsis Deliver sustainable grazing on BirdWatch Ireland land (target 6 ha) and through management agreements (target 20 ha). Trial arable crop planting on BirdWatch Ireland land at Glebe, to benefit wintering geese and other groups (target 1 ha trial planted each year) and encourage creation of winter stubble and weedy arable habitat through management agreements 5

6 Threat Disturbance of Branta leucopsis Expected results and outcome Purchased ha at Glebe, known as Termoncarragh Meadows, of which 9.48 ha are being enhanced as undisturbed grasslands and, through management agreements, 22.5 ha of grasslands are managed through suitable vegetation management. A sacrificial oat/linseed tillage crop was planted at Termoncarragh Meadows in 2005, and small areas of winter stubble and weedy arable habitat have been encouraged through management agreements Reduced disturbance, delivered through suitable management of BirdWatch Ireland land (target 6 ha), and through Management Agreements (target 20 ha) 9.48 ha of Termoncarragh Meadows are left as undisturbed winter grasslands and 22.5 ha of grasslands through management agreements 2. Lack of targeted habitat measures in existing agrienvironment scheme 2.1 Lack of awareness of habitats and their conservation requirements 2.2 Negative attitudes to environmental designations (SACs, NHAs, SPAs). 2.3 Inadequate linkage between farming and conservation. Targeted habitat enhancement measures developed and field-tested for subsequent adoption by DAFRD as new Supplementary Measures in REPS 2 at the mid-term review of that scheme Delivered aspects of habitat enhancement measures at the mid-term review of REPS, for example, the Crex crex habitat element, the tillage aspect and the habitat management prescriptions aided in the setting of a series of optional Biodiversity Undertakings Improved habitat identification and management skills among farmers and REPS planners under existing REPS measures; subsequently, promote uptake of (new) targeted conservation and habitat enhancement measures on farms By using the project area for REPS courses and for specific environmental training of planners/land managers has improved the habitat identification and management skills among farmers and REPS planners Greater recognition of potential socio-economic benefits to rural areas from sustainable local development programmes incorporating sensitive management of natural heritage resources. More positive role for farm organisations in promoting natural heritage conservation as part of sustainable rural development Through visits by farmers, REPS planners, the general public and presentations at agri -environment conferences, REPS courses etc the project has contributed to the promotion of a more positive attitude towards SAC, SPA and NHA designations, as well as a better appreciation by the wider public of the NATURA 2000 process and conservation of natural heritage Opportunities identified for joint initiatives by farming and conservation interests and suitable habitat conservation projects actively encouraged Much progress still remains to be made at a wider national level in countering negative perceptions towards environmental designations. The process has been hampered by outstanding issues between the Government and the farming organisations. However, the Government will need to commit much greater resources than heretofore to a positive awareness campaign 'on the ground' through the Department of Environment and Heritage, with the active involvement of farming and conservation interests. 6

7 Threat 2.4 Lack of suitable demonstration farms focused on habitat conservation 2.5 Lack of advisory/information literature and audiovisual material based directly on Irish experience of habitat conservation Expected results and outcome Partnership with Teagasc leading to BirdWatch Ireland holdings and a selection of Management Agreement lands functioning as demonstration farms and as a model for habitat-focused demonstration farms at other suitable locations All BirdWatch Ireland land holdings and the Management Agreement lands functioned as a model for habitat-focused demonstration thereby developing an effective working partnership with Teagasc Production and dissemination of advisory/information literature and audio-visual material for use at farming/conservation conferences, in-service training/education (Teagasc / REPS Planners / DAFRD), REPS farmer courses, TV programmes, other media opportunities Produced and disseminated advisory literature for use at farming/conservation conferences, in-service training/education (Teagasc/REPS Planners/DAFRD) and REPS courses. Disseminating this information on the results of the practical habitat restoration and management elements of the project have contributed to the cultivation of a positive image for agricultural management of NATURA 2000 sites Work achieved against Actions Start-up of project and establishing a Project Steering Committee Funding was agreed in June 2001, following this a Project Officer was employed (December 2001) and a Project Steering Committee established with representatives from BirdWatch Ireland, Teagasc, National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the local farming community. Habitat and Species Action Management Plans Management plans for Annagh Marsh and Species Action Plans for Crex crex, Phalaropus lobatus and both wintering geese were prepared and validated during With the purchase of Termoncarragh Meadows, the combined Termoncarragh Meadows and Annagh Marsh Management Plan was prepared in December 2005 as a five-year plan for the period Purchase of land adjacent to Termoncarragh Lake SPA A total of ha of land was purchased through the project and is referred to as Termoncarragh Meadows. The first land parcel was purchased in September 2003 and a further land parcel was purchased in October The habitats within the site include semi-improved grassland (10.6 ha) and coastal heath/rough grazing pasture (9.48 ha). This area was designated in 2005 as an SPA and forms part of the Termoncarragh Lake SPA complex. Restoration of habitat and creation of pools for Phalaropus lobatus at Annagh Marsh During the autumn 2002, open water areas were created using a mechanical excavator. These have remained open through the establishment of a cattle grazing regime with local farmers holding grazing rights over the marsh, where they are allowed to graze the marsh during the grazing period which extends from 1 st August through to 31 st October. As a result, the annual stocking density has been between 0.2 and 0.3 LSU/ha, which has been sufficient to maintain the marsh in favourable condition, both in terms of vegetation mosaic and pool structure. 7

8 Restoration of Crex crex habitat at Termoncarragh Meadows In autumn 2003, active restoration management commenced with the creation of cover corridors, each approximately 5m x 125m, along the western edge of the two main meadow fields. In these, Urtica dioica and umbellifer sp. beds are developing as areas of early/late seasons cover. Through a 10 year Land Management Agreement (22 nd September 2003 to 21 st September 2013) with a local farmer, which stipulates the required management prescriptions, all grasslands are being developed as latemown/grazed meadow (centre-out mowing or grazed after 1 st September) with an open-structure. Rhinanthus minor seeds were scattered in the south field after mowing in 2004 to assist with the development of an open-structure. Restoration of habitat for Anser albifrons flavirostris and Branta Leucopsis at Termoncarragh Meadows Prior to purchase in autumn 2005, the coastal grasslands had been used for supplementary feeding out-wintering cattle. Since purchase, the management is now as a summer grazing regime thereby providing an undisturbed feeding area for wintering geese. In addition, a sacrificial tillage (oat/linseed mix) crop is planted to benefit wintering geese, in particular Branta leucopsis and farmland birds, such as Carduelis flavirostris, Alauda arvensis and Columba livia. Management Agreements with Farmers A total of ha involving 20 farmers signed up to some form of habitat management agreement over the period of the LIFE-Nature III project. For Crex crex, 13 farmers signed management agreements amounting to ha. These management agreement areas provided suitable habitat extending across the SPA to the Termoncarragh Meadows which altogether provided a total of ha of meadow grasslands. In 2005, the designation authority, NPWS, approved the extension of the SPA boundary to include 9.66 ha of this land that had been enhanced through a management agreement. For Phalaropus lobatus, 8 farmers signed management agreements amounting to 20 ha of wet marsh and rank lake edge vegetation being grazed, which together with Annagh Marsh provided ha of wet grasslands suitable for breeding waders. For wintering geese (either Branta leucopsis or Anser albifrons flavirostris) 8 farmers signed management agreements amounting to ha of grasslands being suitably managed as undisturbed feeding areas. Biological Monitoring The provision of meadow grasslands across the SPA has been successful in attracting breeding Crex crex each year with up to two territorial males present. In addition, there has been an increase of up to three other males holding territories close to the project area boundaries. Despite regular surveys of Annagh Marsh and along the edges of Termoncarragh Lake throughout the summer (mid May to late June) no Phalaropus lobatus were recorded, however the habitat management prescriptions delivered have increased the breeding wader populations of the SPA with up to 19 pairs of Vanellus vanellus, 4 pairs of Calidris alpina, at least 15 drumming/chipping Gallinago gallinago and 2 pairs of Tringa tetanus recorded. Regular winter surveys of the grasslands managed for wintering geese recorded an increase in the winter population of Branta leucopsis utilising the SPA with up to 1,200 birds present and provided a secure winter feeding area for Anser albifrons flavirostris with up to 52 birds present. Through general surveying important non-avian species have been found to be relatively abundant including Nationally Scarce species, Lycia zonaria and Bombus distinguendus. In addition, Euxoa cursoria (previously thought extinct in Ireland) was found along the strand line at Annagh, within the Termoncarragh Lake SPA. These species are restricted to machair habitats and have benefited from the sympathetic management carried out through the LIFE-Nature III project. Habitat Management Demonstration The habitat types within the project area are identified as machair, reed and large sedge swamps, improved agricultural grassland, marsh, dry neutral grassland, wet grassland, wet heath, open water (lake) and inter-tidal. Based on these habitats advisory leaflets were produced on machair, soft rush & damp pasture, wet grassland and meadow grasslands, in addition leaflets were produced on management for breeding corncrakes and lapwings. 8

9 Aspects of the project and its habitat focused measures have contributed to a revised REPS, for example: the Crex crex habitat element of the project contributed towards the development of the new REPS Supplementary Measure 1 (Crex crex Habitats) the tillage aspect assisted in the new LINNET (Land Invested in Nature, Natural Eco-Tillage) Supplementary Measure 5 aimed at promoting the growing of small plots of cereal for wildlife the habitat management prescriptions aided in the setting of a series of optional Biodiversity Undertakings in conjunction with the main REPS measures, of which those most relevant to the work of the project being Options 2A (Traditional Hay Meadows), 2B (Species Rich Grassland) and 4C (Nature Corridors) Further dissemination of information, and demonstration aspects of the project has been aided through REPS courses held on site (approximate total of 400 farmers throughout the LIFE project), presentations on the project delivered to a variety of audiences, the media and the project seminar Land for Birds held in September The aim of the seminar to promote the continued use of the area for practical habitat-focused demonstration purposes and to influence the incorporation of further enhanced species and habitat conservation measures in agri-environment schemes in the future. The project has also contributed to the promotion of a more positive attitude towards SAC, SPA and NHA designations, as well as a better appreciation by the wider public of the NATURA 2000 process and conservation of natural heritage. Project Management and Administration Throughout the LIFE-Nature III project the day-to-day management has been through the Project Officer (based at the project area) working closely with BirdWatch Irelands Project Manager, General Manager and Senior Development Officer, and the project partners, Teagasc, staff both locally and at national level, ensuring an effective working partnership in the overall management of the project, budget and administration. In addition, regular on-site meetings of the Project Steering Committee were held to discuss the on-going management and any issues arising, thereby facilitating the smooth operation of the project. The Future National and European agricultural policy is increasingly required to incorporate environmental considerations and accordingly Ireland s agricultural sector needs to demonstrate that it can deliver these environmental measures effectively, therefore a carefully targeted agri-environment scheme is an essential tool for such delivery. If agri-environment schemes, such as REPS, can be shown to be delivering its objectives or is flexible enough to improve and maximise opportunities to deliver its objectives, then it will be easier to justify and secure future funding which, in turn, will benefit both Irish agriculture and Ireland s natural environment. In essence, this project has clearly shown that farmers can deliver the required management systems for biodiversity conservation provided that the necessary advisory inputs and financial incentives are available. REPS and the new Rural Development Plan for offer an outstanding opportunity to halt and eventually reverse the declines seen in farmland biodiversity. However, REPS has not yet fully exploited this opportunity and must develop further if it is to live up to the potential it offers. The influence of this project, directly or indirectly, was noted as part of the process contributing to the new supplementary measures and biodiversity options which emerged in REPS 3. The upcoming consultation process in preparation for REPS 4 now provide a further opportunity to develop new species-specific conservation measures targeted on bird species such as wintering geese and swans and breeding waders in wetland areas. Pending any new REPS 4 measures which might emerge as from 2007, NPWS have agreed to fund the cost of continuing the management agreements for wintering geese for the winters of 2005/06 and 2006/07. Further discussions are ongoing in relation to other aspect of management between NPWS and BirdWatch Ireland. The delivery of specific habitat management and the demonstration thereof on BirdWatch Ireland owned land will be ongoing and is encompassed within the Termoncarragh Meadows and Annagh Marsh Management Plan , which it is envisaged will be promoted through the effective working partnerships developed through this LIFE-Nature III project. 9

10 Project Photographs Termoncarragh Meadows View of one of the fields purchased before restoration management to Crex crex meadow View of one of corners before restoration management to provide early cover for Crex crex 10

11 View of another field purchased before restoration management to Crex crex meadow Views over parts of the Termoncarragh Meadows following restoration management to Crex crex meadow 11

12 Centre-out mowing at Termoncarragh Meadows. All mowing is to be conducted after 1 st September First phase of creating early cover corridors at Termoncarragh Meadows - nettle root and cow parsley seed was mixed with spent mushroom compost and spread in September

13 Early cover development within the Crex crex corridors in 2004 Early cover & meadow development following restoration management to benefit Crex crex in

14 View over the coastal pasture, looking back towards the Termoncarragh Meadows Sacrificial oat/linseed tillage crop planted in 2005 to demonstrate the LINNET measure in REPS 3 14

15 Restoration Management at Annagh Marsh View over Annagh Marsh before restoration management commenced (summer 2002) Excavator clearing rank vegetation and extending area of open water by creating underwater shelves at Annagh Marsh (September 2002) 15

16 View after clearing rank vegetation and extending area of open water by creating underwater shelves at Annagh Marsh (September 2002) Aerial view of Annagh Marsh showing the extent of the open water created in September 2002 (courtesy of Tony Murray, National Parks and Wildlife Service (September 2003)) 16

17 View of the natural spring inlet pool at Annagh Marsh before restoration management commenced View of the natural spring inlet pool at Annagh Marsh after restoration management 17

18 Dense rank marsh vegetation at Annagh Marsh before cattle grazing commenced (summer 2002) Vegetation at Annagh Marsh after cattle grazing (November 2002) 18

19 Vegetation structure over the damp marsh area at Annagh Marsh in 2003 after cattle grazing in autumn 2002 Vegetation structure over the damp marsh area at Annagh Marsh in 2005 after cattle grazing each autumn since

20 Continued vegetation management through an autumn cattle grazing regime maintains the marsh and open pool system in a favourable condition for breeding waders 20

21 Habitat management measures for Crex crex delivered through management agreements Crex crex early cover nettle patch enhanced with spent mushroom compost under management agreement for the 2003 breeding season 21

22 Summer pasture reverted to late-mown meadow with early cover enhanced with spent mushroom compost and cow parsley developed under management agreement 22

23 Habitat management measures for Anser albifrons flavirostris delivered through management agreements Wet grassland heavily infested with soft rushes before management under management agreement for the 2002/03 winter Wet grassland after mechanical topping management under management agreement for the 2002/03 winter 23

24 Habitat management measures for Branta leucopsis delivered through management agreements Neutral grassland before and after management under agreement (mechanically topping and removal of grazing stock for the winter period) 24

25 Small areas of tillage with the retention of winter stubbles and potatoes with retained seed from arable weeds provide an undisturbed winter food source 25