The National Trust. Life 3 Monitoring Project Performance Report Conclusion. Introduction Action F2.4 Monitoring. Life 3 Project works

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1 The National Trust Life 3 Monitoring Project Performance Report 2006 By Doug England, New Forest Project Officer, including results of Bio-Survey by Andy Foster Introduction Action F2.4 Monitoring Life 3 Project works Newlands Plantation: Action C2.2 Introduction Reasons for work Aims Work Carried Out Drainage Ditches Soil and Vegetation Grazing The future Dockens Water: Action D2.1 Introduction Reasons for work Aims Work Carried Out The future Bio-Survey Newlands Plantation and Dockens Water Valley Mire and other wetland habitats Dockens Water Heathland Conclusion

2 The National Trust Life 3 Monitoring Project Performance Report Introduction This report outlines the performance of the Life 3 Project work on Newlands Plantation and Dockens water from September 2002 July It incorporates the results of the ongoing monitoring during the project and assesses the success of the project. F2.4 Monitoring The purpose of this report is to bring together all the monitoring work which has taken place during actions C2.2 (Newlands Plantation) and D2.1 (Dockens Water, Digden Bottom). It should give a greater understanding of the restoration work that has taken place and the positive changes to both landscape and habitats that have resulted from it. The work that has taken place at each stage of the project is outlined. The aims of the project are assessed and the outcomes and any future plans are also discussed. The findings are illustrated by before and after photographs that have been taken continuously throughout the project during all the works that have taken place. Detailed maps are also used throughout to indicate exactly where the work has been carried out. Detailed photographs of soil profiles and drainage ditches are also included to illustrate the changes that have taken place in detail. Two bio-surveys were carried out at Newlands Plantation and Dockens Water by the National Trust. One in 2002, before the project started, and one in The main conclusions of the 2006 survey have been incorporated into this report.

3 Life 3 Project works Newlands Plantation: ACTION C2.2 Introduction Newlands Plantation is part of the Ibsley and Rockford Commons property on the western edge of the New Forest and covers approximately 30 hectares. Reasons for work In 2002 Newlands Plantation was an area of mature conifer plantation dominated by lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. Storms in recent years had created areas strewn with fallen timber. There was also a pond which was open and used for shooting. The area was formally valley mire conditions and was contiguous with the surviving mire habitats upstream at Digden Bottom. However the site was extensively drained and planted with conifers by the Forestry Commission in The NT bio-survey carried out on the site in 2002 found that although many of the drainage ditches were clogged with bog mosses which provided moderately interesting wetland habitat, others remained open with free flowing trickles of water. The open drainage ditches were not studied but were thought unlikely to be of any major biological interest. The ground flora of the plantation was found to be poor. Aims The aim of this action was the restoration of links between pre-inclosure riverine and bog woodland and nearby networks and to stimulate natural succession on National Trust Land. The works planned included large scale tree removal from the former valley mire and the blocking of drains to help restore the wetland system. Work Carried Out An area of windblown trees was cleared within Newlands plantation, Area 1 (see figures 1 and 2). The work was partly carried out by a contracted 360 excavator and chainsaw contractor, as well as National Trust staff. The work also included removal of pine trees along the stream edge and coppicing any streamside willow. Invasive pine and birch which was encroaching onto Digden Bottom mire was removed from the boundary of the plantation.

4 Figure 1: Newlands Plantation Area 1, before clearance September 2002 Figure 2: Newlands Plantation Area 1, after first stage of pine clearance

5 The second phase of restoration work in Newlands Plantation started in September The approximate total area of restoration work was 4 hectares. The National Trust liaised with English Nature, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission, this included several site meetings. The Forestry Commission issued a contract for forestry operations within Newlands plantation. The work involved the clearance of a Lodgepole pine stand with both standing and windblown trees. National Trust staff, assisted by a small team of local contractors, carried out the majority of the work (see figures 3 and 4). An area of scrubby spruce that was growing around a man made pond within the plantation was also removed. The pond area had already partly reverted to mire conditions in places and was already supporting common dragonfly and damselfly species During January Riverine restoration works started within Newlands plantation. The works included cutting pine 20yrds from both the stream edge and flood plain of Dockens water. These works were carried out by National Trust staff with additional cooperation from the Forestry Commission (see figures 5 and 6). All arisings were burnt as part of the operation. During the works there was minimal ground disturbance due to the dry weather conditions.

6 Figure 3: Newlands Plantation Area 2 September 2003 Figure 4: Newlands Plantation Area 2 after pine removal 2004

7 Figure 5: Streamside pine at Newlands Plantation before works were carried out 2004/2005 Figure 6: Streamside at Newlands Plantation (2005) after pine removal works were carried out

8 The fourth and final stage of the riverine and bog woodland restoration took place in Softwood was cleared from the floodplain (see figures 7 and 8). These works were carried out in conjunction with Forestry Commission contractors as part of a commercial thinning operation. All works were undertaken with consent agreed by the forest design plan. The remaining softwood was also cleared from the floodplain. These works have created a 15 metre riverine corridor on both side of Dockens Water. This area is comprised of native hardwoods and valuable forest lawn. Some seedling pine and birch were also cleared. A large area of birch, seedling pine and rhododendron (see figure 9 and 10) was cleared. The area cleared was a continuation of the previous bog woodland and mire restoration.

9 Figure 7: Newlands Plantation Softwood growing on floodplain Figure 8: Newlands Plantation after softwood removal from floodplain with existing hardwoods standing 2006

10 Figure 9: Newlands Plantation Area of rhododendron and seedling pine and birch Figure 10: Newlands Plantation after rhododendron, seedling pine and birch removal 2006

11 Drainage ditches The drainage ditches running across Newlands Plantation in area 1 were all feeder ditches, which ran into Dockens Water. The ditches were only of secondary importance to main drainage channels in forestry terms and had not been maintained by the Forestry Commission. The ditches were also fairly shallow. Before the project started in 2002, some of these ditches had already been partially colonised by bog mosses (see figure 11). Although this provided some wetland habitat, it was described as only of moderate use in the 2002 bio-survey of the area. This is partly because the ditches were under the shade of the forestry plantation. As a result of the shallowness of the ditches and their colonisation by bog mosses, it was decided not to dig them out to their original profile before refilling, to reduce disturbance of the existing habitat. Instead each feeder ditch was blocked at the stream end by heather bales which ran along approximately a third of the ditch (see figure 12). The ditches quickly silted up and began to be re-colonised by mire species. By 2006 the ditches were in excellent condition supporting a wide range of mire species, which is dramatically demonstrated by figure 13. The area around the ditches had also benefited from a higher water level being maintained, this was encouraging mire species across the whole area.

12 Figure 11: A ditch at Newlands Plantation in 2002 that had partially filled in naturally Figure 12: A drainage ditch flowing into the stream blocked by heather bales Figure 13: A ditch in 2006 showing extensive growth of mire plants

13 Soil and Vegetation After the first year of clearance, the soil profile was made up of a loose alluvial soil, sandy deposits and mostly bare earth. The ground had maintained an open water structure indicating that after the first stage of restoration the site was already beginning to revert back to a more natural hydrology normally associated with mire habitats (see figure 14) By spring 2003 the soil structure was still very wet. Vegetation was starting to appear across the cleared area, particularly sedges and rushes usually associated with wetland areas (see figure 15). Particularly rapid growth of fringe vegetation had taken palace around open pools across the site further demonstrating the restoring hydrology of the area. There were some signs of mosses expanding from the blocked drainage ditches. After the summer of 2003 invertebrates such as dragonflies were seen using the open stands of water. By 2005 the area had changed dramatically and was supporting large areas of bog mosses, sedges, rushes and rare notable plants such as Sundews Drosera spp (See figure 16). The open pools remained creating further micro-habitats and increasing dragonfly activity. Despite the fact that it is only four years since the work began at Newlands Plantation, the site is already beginning to function as it would have in its historical state as a mire. The rate of growth has been so quick that the need for grazing became essential by late 2005 to reduce the amount of the more vigorous species taking over and maintain the diversity of the site. As well as the associated wetland habitat under restoration within the plantation, areas cleared of trees that were historically dry heath have also started to re-colonise (see figure 17).

14 Figure 14: Newlands Plantation Area 1 soil profile 2002 Figure 15: Newlands Plantation Area 1 soil profile 2003 Figure 16: Newlands Plantation Area 1 soil profile 2005

15 Figure 17: Heathland regeneration around at Newlands Plantation Grazing A grazing regime was expected to be introduced within five years of the project starting, but as a result of the rate of the vegetation growth within the cleared areas, grazing needed to be reinstated before the end of the project. The grazing was re-instated to help reduce invasive species which would otherwise out compete rarer plant communities associated with mire habitats. Before the enclosure was opened up discussions took place through the Water Basin Management Forum, which included verderers and the Commoners Defence Association (CDA). On-site meetings with the local agister also took place. The inclosure fence at Newlands Plantation came down in April 2006 in cooperation with Forestry Commission allowing New Forest stock back into the area. That is a major achievement by the project. With the fence removed animals are again grazing the site and this has once again created a link between inclosure and pre-inclosure land. As with the rest of the New Forest grazing is a fundamental part of the future management of Newlands Plantation. The future Some main drainage ditches running across Newlands Plantation were exposed by the Forestry Commission felling work. These are due to be filled in at a later date as part of the Forest Design Plan. Continuous open forest management will be carried out by the National Trust at Newlands Plantation from 2006 onwards. Seedling pine and birch will be kept under control and bracken will be monitored and controlled if necessary. Higher stock densities by local commoners animals are expected due to the abundant grazing.

16 Dockens Water - ACTION D2.1 Introduction Dockens water is an important headwater to the river Upper Hampshire Avon. Dockens Water runs through Digden Bottom, an extensive mire with bog mosses, small boggy pools and flushes, and also through Newlands Plantation. Reasons for work Dockens water in 2002 was heavily shaded by birch, pine and mature willow and therefore aquatic vegetation and invertebrates were suppressed. The threats addressed by this action include weakly integrated management of the habitats within the three water basins of the csac and damaged hydrology. Aims The aim of the work was the restoration of riverine woodland and coppicing of stream-side trees along Dockens Water. The aim was to establish a rotational coppice regime along the edge of Dockens Water. This took place on each year of the project and involved the cutting of trees in sections along the bank. The works involved the coppicing of any mature bank side willow and the clearance of invasive tree species such as pinus and betula. The work involved some cutting of Quercus robur and the removal of any Quercus cerris. All works were carried out in no more than 50m sections. All cut material was burned on site. Work Carried Out The first section of Dockens water to be coppiced was carried out in October The work included the coppicing of streamside willow and the removal of any pine and birch trees. Work started on the mature willow on the Digden bottom/newlands plantation border to time with the ongoing restoration work in and around Newlands plantation. The work concentrated on birch and pine removal and coppicing and pollarding of some mature willow

17 The work consisted of clearance of three 50 metre stretches of birch. This again included birch and pine removal, and willow coppicing. Two of the 50 metre stretches were chosen because of the presence of a shallow stretch of the river including riffles used as spawning ground by salmonids. There was heavy birch shade which was having a negative effect on the area. The other 50 metre section had some birch removed from it. The willow was retained and left naturally due to the presence of mosses and bryophyte communities that need further surveying The coppicing programme along Dockens water at Digden bottom started late February early March. The works continued from the previous year and involved clearing birch and coppicing mature willow from the stream edge in two 50 metre sections. The areas that were targeted had been heavily shaded by willow. The work was carried out solely by National trust staff The final sections of willow coppicing and bank side birch clearance were completed in The works carried out were a continuation of the previous years. The areas targeted had a large amount of birch and mature willow present. The shade created by this vegetation over the stream has been reduced particularly in areas that are ether known or potential spawning grounds for salmonids. The following are a selection of photographs showing the progress of the works along Dockens Water:

18 Figure 18: Dockens Water showing a large amount of Birch before clearance March 2004 Figure 19: A 50m section of Dockens Water after removal of birch

19 Figure 20: Mature willow along Dockens Water before coppicing/pollarding Figure 21: A section of Dockens Water after coppicing/pollarding of mature willow

20 Figure 22: Mature willow creating heavy shade at Dockens Water Figure 23: Shade creating willow removed

21 Figure 24: Willow coppiced in October 03 showing signs of grazing from forest stock During the works the following was adhered to because of the sensitive nature of the site: 1) No cut material from the tree clearing operations for example pinus arisings was added to the stream. 2) The cut material was burnt on site where possible on stands of Bog-Myrtle (Myrica gale) as this was in abundance on the site. This saved burning on valuable streamside lawn areas. 3) Any standing dead wood within a 50m section of works was retained. 4) Any trees classed as a feature were left for the benefit of landscape value. 5) There were some areas of the site which were impossible to safely reach by a chainsaw operator due to the unstable nature of the banks and mire ground conditions, and these small areas were left. The future At Dockens Water the National Trust plan to continue the coppice programme set up through the Life 3 project. The remaining pine, birch and willow along the stream will be cut in small sections on an eight year rotational basis.

22 Bio-Survey Newlands Plantation and Dockens Water Biological Surveys have been carried out at Newlands Plantation and Dockens water in 2002, before the Life 3 project began, and again in June The 2006 survey has shown dramatic changes to the types of flora and fauna present. The mire habitats are showing signs of rapid recovery and many notable species have been recorded. Among the key features of nature conservation interest noted during the 2006 survey were: Valley mire and other wetland habitats: Vegetation: Bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.) are now common in some areas, forming lawns and supporting other mire plants such as sundews (Drosera spp.). Specific bog mosses were not identified but notable species could be present. There are flushes, areas of wet heath, with cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix, and old drainage channels which are now choked with bog mosses and other mire vegetation. These can also be expected to support scarce invertebrates. Areas of tall wetland vegetation have developed alongside some sections of Dockens Water and include locally distributed plants such as skullcap Scutellaria galericulata. Areas of purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea and bog myrtle Myrica gale occur in the vicinity of the pond and are also likely to support notable invertebrates. Invertebrates and other species These open mossy habitats also provide valuable invertebrate habitat and there has already been a remarkable colonisation by mire associated invertebrates. Among them Nationally Scarce species restricted to mire habitats such as the small red damselfly Ceriagrion tenellum, bog bush-cricket Metrioptera brachyptera and the water beetle Helochares punctatus; these are supplemented by a variety of locally distributed mire invertebrates including the raft spider Dolomedes fimbriatus. Other notable species present include the dung beetle Aphodius niger, a Red Data Book Endangered species which is restricted to the New Forest within the UK. Despite the common name it is not actually associated with dung (closely related species are) but decaying vegetation litter in wet areas within the New Forest. A pond formerly used for duck shooting is now less shaded and supports a population of the Nationally Scarce downy emerald dragonfly Somatochlora aenea. Snipe are known to frequent the wetland areas this is an Amber List species.

23 It is worth noting that none of the scarce species reported above were observed during the 2002 survey (although downy emerald dragonfly had been reported from the vicinity). Many other scarce species are known just upstream in Digden Bottom and may also colonise this valley mire area within the near future. Dockens Water The water coarse has natural meanders, shingle and sand bars and exposed earthy banks and is known to support: 1) Breeding kingfishers and grey wagtail. 2) Dockens Water is also a historic site for the UK BAP Priority Listed water beetle Agabus brunneus. This is restricted to sandy and gravelly streams in the south of England and further survey for this species is recommended. Heathland Most of the clear felled areas were largely devoid of vegetation at the time of the current survey, except for a few patches of bracken. However, there are a few patches of heath present, principally alongside the main track-way. These support both heather Calluna vulagaris and bell heather Erica cinerea. Both species are more frequent along the eastern section of track, which has been open for a little longer, but it is also worth noting that both species were present as young plants within the tree cleared areas. Invertebrates associated with open heathland habitats are also present along the main track-way and include the green tiger beetle Cicindela campestris, and some solitary nesting mining bees. It is anticipated that populations of these, and other heathland insects, will increase and colonise the recently cleared areas within the near future. Of particular note is the report that a pair of nightjars was present during the summer of This is a UK BAP Priority List and Red List species largely restricted to heathlands in the south.

24 Conclusion The Life 3 project has completely transformed the sites at Newlands Plantation and Dockens Water, with restoration works that are believed to be the biggest to date on a single National Trust site. It was expected that the site would begin to revert back to mire conditions after the work had taken place, but for the site to recover so dramatically in such a short time and begin to make the transition from a monoculture plantation to a semi-natural functioning mire contiguous with the surviving mire habitats upstream, is a major achievement. The Life 3 project enabled the National Trust to carry out large scale works across Newlands Plantation and Dockens Water that would have been impossible to achieve in the same length of time outside the project. This is an excellent start for a site that was itself acquired using a grant in 1999 through the Life 2 project. A link has been recreated between pre-inclosure and inclosure land which includes opening up the inclosure to New Forest stock and reinstating the grazing regime. With the removal of conifers from the stream edge animals are now feeding along the river corridor and the remaining hardwoods will in time restore the structure of riverine woodland. The extensive clearance that has taken pace in Newlands Plantation and the new open wetland areas created should in time further develop into areas of bog woodland. The project has also opened up a stretch of Dockens Water and created an ideal habitat for salmonids and invertebrates. The results of the 2006 bio-survey demonstrate the variety of different mire and bog species that have already begun to colonise the Newlands Plantation. The monitoring of the Life 3 project has given us a detailed understanding of the process that has taken place on the sites at Newlands Plantation and Dockens Water. The works have further enhanced the habitats of Ibsley common and the wider New Forest SAC.

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