Manual for the Selection and Monitoring of Sites in Dorset

Transcription

1 Sites of Nature Conservation Interest Manual for the Selection and Monitoring of Sites in Dorset September 2011

2 The SNCI Process The SNCI Panel includes representatives from Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dorset County Council, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Natural England and Dorset Environmental Records Centre. Sites are surveyed using standard habitat and species recording techniques. For some specific habitats the SNCI Panel has produced guidance notes. Information gathered about each site is presented to the SNCI Panel for consideration. The whole or part of a site may be considered worthy of selection. The SNCI Panel have now begun an ongoing programme of site integrity monitoring. Dorset Wildlife Trust is responsible for the management of the project, land owner liaison and advice. Dorset Environmental Records Centre collates habitat and species data generated by the project. The Guidelines These guidelines have been produced by Dorset Environmental Records Centre on behalf of the SNCI Panel. The guidelines and appendices of notable species are under continuous review and may be updated at any time.

3 Sites of Nature Conservation Interest Manual for the Selection of Sites Contents GUIDELINES FOR THE SELECTION OF SITES Section 1 Guidance notes on the selection of new sites 2 Habitats Table 1. Habitats to be considered for selection. 3 Species Table 2. Criteria for the selection of sites with species interest. 4 Data management 4.1 Mapping SNCI boundaries 5 Site Integrity Monitoring 5.1 Targets for site monitoring 5.2 Reasons for monitoring SNCIs 5.3 How SNCIs are monitored 5.4 Site condition matrix 5.5 Guidance notes for monitored sites 5.6 Deleted sites 5.7 Restoration sites

4 Appendices 1 Definitions and abbreviations 2 References 3 Habitat descriptions and correspondence Notable Species Lists Notes on the species lists 4 Non-vascular plants 5 Vascular plants 6 Invertebrates 7 Fish (no longer included) 8 Amphibians and reptiles (no longer included) 9 Birds (no longer included) 10 Mammals (no longer included) Additional Guidance Notes 11 Breeding bird conservation scores (draft) 12 Aquatic habitats (pond criteria agreed 12 January 2010) 13 Acid grassland (agreed 27 May 1999) 14 Veteran trees (agreed 30 September 2004)

5 GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION 1 Considerations for selection of new sites 1.1 The selection of a Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) is objective and is normally based upon a recent survey specifically designed for SNCI, but selection on the basis of existing, published information may also occur. The approach is similar to that used for the selection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), but the thresholds are lower and tailored to the communities of Dorset. 1.2 Primarily selection is for habitats of inherent wildlife interest, but some sites may be selected for supporting rare or scarce species of plants or animals outside such habitats. 1.3 There is no artificial limit on the number of sites; all sites that meet the guidelines will be included. 1.4 The permanency of the site is not a consideration. 1.5 Continuity with an adjoining, related habitat in a SSSI may be a material consideration. 1.6 A site selected as a geological SSSI may also be considered for selection as an SNCI. 1.7 The main reason(s) for selection will be recorded. A site may qualify on more than one criterion.

6 2. Habitats 2.1 There will be a presumption to include semi-natural habitats (Table 1) where they have retained an appropriate structure and flora. Within these habitats the presence of Dorset Notable (DN) species, indicative of the relevant habitat, is to be expected, but there is not always a particular number of DN species used to justify the selection of such habitats. 2.2 SNCI selection is on the basis of the species present, and their conservation value. Thus ancient woodlands and old meadows may be selected because of their continued conservation interest; they will not be selected solely because of their historical interest. 2.3 Since 2009 SNCI surveyors have been recording habitat using IHS (Integrated Habitat System). IHS is not a new classification but uses a matrix code to identify the same habitat type within different systems including Phase 1, NVC, aerial photograph interpretation, BAP habitats and Annex 1 habitats. By mapping habitat with IHS codes, SNCI data can be incorporated more quickly and efficiently. 2.4 NVC communities highlighted in bold type fall within habitats listed on Annexe I of the EU Habitats Directive. 2.5 See Appendix 3 (Habitat descriptions) for fuller details of the correlation between National Vegetation Classification, Biodiversity Action Plan and Phase I habitat. Table 1. Habitats to be considered for selection SNCI habitat type Broadleaved woodland BAP Priority habitat type Broadleaved, mixed and Yew woodland Lowland beech and yew woodland Wet woodland Applicable NVC Communities W1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16 W12, 13, 14 W1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 Selection Code 2.01 AWI Listed on AW Inventory 2.02 WB or 2.02 WW Recent broadleaf woods >1 ha Selection notes Ancient woodlands are those that date back to at least They are generally believed to have existed from much earlier times and possibly date back to the start of the present interglacial period. The continuity of habitat has allowed survival of many animals and plants only rarely found elsewhere. All ancient semi-natural woodlands will be selected, unless survey data brings into question their inclusion in the inventory. In addition woodlands too small to be included in the inventory, but which survey data show are likely to be ancient, may be selected. Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) may contain areas of high diversity and could be enhanced under restoration management. PAWS may be selected where 5 or more woodland DNs are present. The distribution of notable species across the site will be taken into account in selecting the SNCI boundary. Secondary or recent woodlands are younger, having originally arisen by natural succession. They are variable in composition and value for biodiversity. Broadleaved semi-natural woodland sites over 0.5 ha would usually be selected if 5 or more woodland DNs are present. Plantations of broadleaved or coniferous trees often have a poor understorey and ground flora due to dense planting of single species and recent disturbance. However, where they have a more natural structure they may contain areas of high diversity and could be enhanced under restoration management. Such sites, or parts of them, may be selected where 5 or more woodland DNs are present.

7 SNCI habitat type Parkland and wayside trees Scrub Neutral grassland Rush-pasture Fen meadows Wet grassland BAP Priority habitat type Lowland wood pasture and parkland N/A Lowland meadows Purple moor grass and rush-pasture Applicable NVC Communities N/A W21, 22, 23, 24, 25 MG1, 5, 6 Selection Code 2.03 WPP Groups of trees, or individual trees supporting a special epiphytic flora, or important fauna SC Species-rich scrub 2.06 GN Neutral grassland M Fen meadows and rush pasture M Fen meadows and rush pasture Coastal and floodplain MG6, 7, 9, 10, grazing marsh 11, CF Unimproved or semiimproved grassland appropriate to soil type Selection notes This section covers sites which support characteristic species and microhabitats associated with veteran trees; these species will usually be locally or nationally rare, scarce or a BAP priority species and include lichens, saproxylic invertebrates and bats (Appendix 14). Wood pasture would often also qualify under 2.01 or Parkland may also support important grasslands and old orchards may also qualify under this habitat code. Single veteran trees or groups of trees could be recognised as SNCIs where they support key species interests. Scrub often forms a valuable component of diversity on a site, providing a variety of microhabitats and food sources. It will be selected where it forms a component of sites which meet other guidelines. Large blocks of species-poor scrub will not be selected in their own right, however scrub which is species-rich or supports other species interests, particularly lower plants or invertebrates, might be considered. Unimproved neutral or mesotrophic grassland can occur on wet and dry soils and, though unfertilized and so not artificially enriched, is usually not deficient in nutrients. Vascular plant diversity is high and flowery meadows supporting a great diversity of invertebrates can result; sward height can be longer than other types of unimproved grassland. Unimproved species-rich pastures also fall into this category. Semi-improved neutral grasslands will often be selected where they support 5 or more grassland and fen DNs. Marshy grassland/rush pasture often occurs as a mosaic within drier neutral grassland habitats; in other cases entire fields may be wet and contain DNs characteristic of wetter ground. Rush pastures will be selected on the basis of species richness as with neutral grasslands; they may also support fauna of interest, particularly birds. This habitat has a very restricted distribution in Dorset, being a habitat more typical in parts of Devon/Cornwall ( Culm grassland) and Wales (Rhôs pasture). It develops on poorly-drained nutrient-poor but base-rich soils. Dorset stands are small and fragmented, often in mosaic with other habitats; some sites support Marsh Fritillary butterflies. All sites with M24 vegetation should be considered. Species-rich examples of grazing marsh grassland are now rare in Dorset. Where they occur they will usually support a range of grassland and fen notable species. More commonly it will be the ditches and watercourses surrounding the grassland which are of most botanical interest (see Appendix 12 for aquatic guidelines). The grassland itself may support a range of fauna species, particularly birds, which makes them worthy of selection. Brackish coastal grazing marsh, often supporting coastal DN plants, is also included in this category.

8 SNCI habitat type Acid grassland Calcareous grassland Heathland: Dry heath Humid heath Wet heath Acid mire BAP Priority habitat type Lowland dry acid grassland Lowland calcareous grassland Lowland heathland Fens Applicable NVC Communities U1-4, 20a CG1-7 H1, 2, 3, 4, 8, M16 H1, 2, 8 H3, 4 M16 M1, 6, 14, 21, 25, 29, 30 Selection Code 2.07 GA Acid grassland 2.08 GC Calcareous grassland 2.10 HE Heathland 2.12 Mire 2.23 HE Heathland within a forest management system Selection notes Acid or calcifugous grassland is usually found on free-draining sandy soils deficient in bases and nutrients. This vegetation is characteristically short, open and can support specialist plants and invertebrates. Spring-flowering annuals are typical of the more open and drought-prone stands; many of these annuals are scarce. In west Dorset, the Bridport Sands support a number of examples which are intrinsically species-poor but nonetheless a valuable component of the county s biodiversity. Those sites selected as SNCI will usually support dry heathland and sandy grassland DN or scarce species. Further details are given in Appendix 13. Calcareous or calcicolous grasslands occur on chalk or limestone soils which are nutrient poor. They support some of the richest plant assemblages in Britain including a number of rare and scarce species of plant and invertebrate which are often restricted to this habitat. Semi-improved calcareous grasslands will often be selected where they support 5 or more chalk and limestone grassland DNs. Heathlands are often habitats with low vascular plant diversity; dry heaths in particular are often lacking DN species. They are important for supporting a specialist fauna, which is unlikely to be observed during a single survey. It is therefore not practical to require a minimum no. of DN species. Sites should be at least 0.5ha in area, usually conforming to one or more of the NVC communities listed. Mosaics of dry/wet heath, mire (bog), acid grassland and scrub are to be expected. Most sites in Dorset are SSSI; any remaining areas should be considered for SNCI selection. Heathland under tree or shrub cover may be included where these areas form a mosaic with open heathland or where heathland flora remains intact. Heathland within a forestry management system. Forestry plantations on heathland soils often support areas of permanent (eg rides, fire-breaks) or temporary (eg recent felling) heathland. Such areas can support heathland fauna as well as flora, even in temporary heathland patches, and provide habitat which supplements that on the more continuous heathland areas. These sites may be selected as a whole unit for their heathland interest where heathland patches are present and provide evidence of the high potential for future restoration of the habitat.

9 SNCI habitat type Fen Tall-herb fens Swamp Reedbed Salt-marsh Shingle Sand-dune BAP Priority habitat type Fens Reedbeds Coastal saltmarsh Coastal vegetated shingle Coastal sand dunes Applicable NVC Selection Communities Code M10, 13, Calcareous and tall herb fens S25, 26 M27, 28 S2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 28 S8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 19 S Swamp 2.14 Reedbed SM6, 7, 8, 9, 10, , 13, 14, 15, Saltmarsh 16, 18, 23, 24, 25 S20, S21, MG11 SD1 SD2, 5, 6, 10, H Shingle Partially vegetated shingle banks 2.18 Sand dune Selection notes Fens are formed over peaty soil that receives calcareous ground water. Two main types are found, those in floodplains and those which form around seepages and springlines. They are rare in Dorset and individual fens are small and scattered. They often occur in association with other habitats of nature conservation value such as heathland and wet woodland, however some seepage/springline fens occur in isolation within otherwise species-poor/improved grassland. Fens often support few DN plants, but can be highly important for invertebrates which are not easily surveyed. The ecological structure and position of fens will thus be considered as well as plant diversity when selecting SNCIs. Swamps are species-poor communities, characteristic of transitions to open water and permanently or seasonally submerged. They are often dominated by single species, sometimes with an understorey of other species. As with fens, a range of scarce fauna can be supported and thus SNCIs will be selected on the basis of size, position and structure as well as species composition. Reedbed is a very specific type of swamp, dominated by Common Reed (Phragmites australis). SNCIs will be selected as with swamps on the basis of size, ecological position and structure as well as plant species composition. As with many coastal features, pressure for development, recreation and rising sea levels have combined to greatly reduce the extent of saltmarsh. Most species that occur here are specialists adapted to salinity and variable inundation and are thus scarce. Most sites in Dorset are SSSI; any remaining areas should be considered for SNCI selection. Coastal DNs are likely to occur. Shingle is a specialist habitat where unstable substrate, low water availability and high salinity are all issues which mean the flora and fauna which occur are highly specialist and often scarce. Most sites in Dorset are SSSI; any remaining areas should be considered for SNCI selection; coastal DNs are likely to occur. As with shingle, sand dunes are a hostile environment supporting specialist and scarce species. They are vulnerable to loss due to both natural and humaninduced factors. Remaining non-sssi areas should be considered for SNCI selection; coastal DNs are likely to occur.

10 SNCI habitat type Maritime grassland Open water BAP Priority habitat type Maritime cliff and slope Eutrophic standing water Chalk streams Applicable NVC Communities MC1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11 A2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16 A16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23 S22, 23 Selection Code 2.20 Sea cliffs and cliff tops 2.15 AS or 2.15 AR Open water where integral to other SNCIs Selection notes Dorset s varied coastal geology provides cliffs with a variety of substrates from clay to sandstone, limestone and chalk. In places landslips and former quarrying activity create extensive vegetated cliff areas. Many are within SSSI; any remaining areas should be considered for SNCI selection. Coastal DNs are likely to occur. Cliff tops offer a more stable habitat, but are often parched and subject to high winds and salt spray. Thus the characteristic vegetation is short turf, often with annual species. In some places these conditions extend inland beyond the immediate vicinity of the cliff, resulting in coastal/maritime grassland, which is often similar in structure and species to calcareous or acid grassland (depending on substrate) but with additional coastal DNs and often scarce coastal plant species. Brackish grassland can also occur within coastal grazing marsh (see wet grassland). Water features and water bodies will be incorporated into SNCI boundaries where they are an integral feature of that site (eg streams, ponds, ditches). Hedgerows Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows Arable habitats Cereal field margins 2.16 W21, Other habitats N/A 2.21 Other habitats Open water where qualifies under aquatic guidelines. See Aquatic Guidelines in Appendix 12. Hedgerows often form an important component of sites selected for other habitats, particularly grasslands. They would not usually be selected in their own right without an adjacent SNCI-quality habitat. Specialist arable plant ( weed ) species have declined dramatically in recent years with the intensification of agriculture. Field margins can support important arable weed communities; more rarely these would extend into the whole field. Sites will be selected where they support 1 or more RDB, NS or DR plants or 5 or more arable weed, alien and wayside DN plants. Usually the margin only will be selected, though the site boundary may include whole fields for ease of mapping. Following the update to Table 1 code 2.22 Coastal grassland is now defunct (06/05/2004). SNCI surveys began using IHS in 2009.

11 3 Species 3.1 Most sites are selected for their habitat interest - see Section 2. However, rare or scarce species may be located in habitats not usually considered for selection. In this case a site may be selected if it meets one or more of the criteria in Table Sites that narrowly fail to qualify under two or more of the species guidelines may still be considered for selection. 3.3 Sites supporting strong populations of Priority Species will be considered for selection. 3.4 Appendices 4 to 10 list rare, scarce, threatened species, Priority species and Dorset Notable species found in the county. Dorset Notable lists are not available for all taxonomic groups. Table 2. Criteria for the selection of sites with species interest Taxon Non-vascular plants Vascular plants SNCI selection code Invertebrates Fish Amphibians and Reptiles Birds Criteria Sites supporting one or more rare, scarce or threatened species Sites supporting five or more DN species 3.03 Sites supporting one or more rare, scarce or threatened species 3.04 Terrestrial sites supporting five or more DN species 3.05 Aquatic sites supporting ten or more DN species (see Aquatic Guidelines, Appendix 12) Sites supporting one or more rare, scarce or threatened species Sites supporting five or more DN species Aquatic sites supporting populations of 14 or more Odonata species Aquatic sites supporting regionally important assemblages of invertebrates Aquatic sites that support a rich invertebrate fauna (see Aquatic Guidelines, Appendix 12) 3.11 Spawning ground/nursery for species listed in the Aquatic Guidelines (Appendix 12) Mammals Sites supporting one or more rare or scarce species Sites supporting strong populations of amphibians and reptiles listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) Sites supporting a significant colony of Great Crested Newt (> 20 individuals) Sites supporting four or more breeding native amphibian species Sites supporting an exceptional population of any native amphibian species Birds are extremely mobile and many have legal protection. Important ornithological sites will normally be selected for habitat on habitat guidelines. Key sites for rare, scarce or threatened species may be selected Other important sites for birds may be identified using the Bird Guidelines (Appendix 9) Sites supporting strong populations of mammals listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981). All natural otter holt sites or regularly used artificial holts including the adjacent habitat (see Aquatic Guidelines, Appendix 12). Sites that act as refuges for water voles on spate rivers (see Aquatic Guidelines, Appendix 12). Bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, weirs or similar artificial structures associated with a channel that supports a regular roost of any species of bat (see Aquatic Guidelines, Appendix 12). Species list App ,11 10 Explanation of terms Rare and scarce - includes Nationally Rare, Nationally Scarce, Dorset Rare and Dorset Scarce species Threatened - includes species with an IUCN category (flora), Red and Amber bird lists and RDB1 and 2 (invertebrates) Dorset Notable (DN) species are used as indicators of habitat quality and relate to specific habitats Priority Species includes species with a national Biodiversity Action Plan or Statement and species with an action plan or initiative running in Dorset A fuller explanation of terms is given in Appendix 1 Definitions and Abbreviations.

12 4 Data Management 4.1 Mapping SNCI boundaries 4.11 There should be a presumption to include whole parcels of land within SNCI boundaries. However, where very little of the parcel is of SNCI quality, a smaller logical boundary may be mapped For sites supporting arable plants, the boundary of the site will include all continuous habitat capable of supporting the assemblage of species. This is usually the field margin, but may extend into the whole field. For practical reasons the whole field may be mapped with a qualifying comment e.g. the SNCI interest is confined to the field margins For sites selected for aquatic species interest, the boundary of the site should include all habitat integral to the survival of the species (see Aquatic Guidelines, Appendix 12) Wayside trees will usually be mapped as a polygon with a standard diameter and include a qualifying comment eg on the ground the SNCI boundary extends to 1.5 times the width of the canopy (see Veteran Tree Guidelines, Appendix 14) Minor boundary amendments may be made to a site without a site visit, e.g. by using aerial photographs or new vector data. Minor boundary amendments may be authorised by any member of the SNCI Panel, but should be reported to for the master data set to be altered Where small areas of semi-natural habitat (especially heathland and grassland) exist scattered within a forest management system, the site boundary may be mapped to show the whole woodland with a qualifying comment e.g. the SNCI interest is confined to permanent open areas of heathland/acid grassland.

13 5 Site Integrity Monitoring 5.1 Targets for site monitoring The SNCI project has been monitoring sites since The aim is to monitor grassland sites every 5 years and woodland sites every 10 years but this process is limited by the resources available. 5.2 Reason for monitoring SNCIs Monitoring of SNCIs is a valuable process for the following reasons: for quality control of the SNCI standard; it provides an opportunity to update species, habitat and site boundary information; it provides data which may be used to follow changes in land-use, conservation value and to update habitat inventories; it provides contact with land owners and an opportunity to give conservation advice. 5.3 How SNCIs are monitored A full re-survey may not be necessary if the surveyor can confirm that the site has not lost its SNCI quality. However, for many sites, monitoring has provided the first opportunity for a full survey and additional species and habitat information is always valued to update the digital data. Monitoring sites also provides an opportunity to check the mapped site boundary, to propose the deletion of areas which no longer meet the criteria, and to highlight adjacent areas which are of similar quality but have not previously been included. Sites are not surveyed without landowner permission. Negative indicators are recorded. Negative indicators may be invasive or dominating species or indicative of high nutrient levels. For grassland these include Nettle (Urtica dioica), Creeping and Spear Thistle (Cirsium arvense and vulgare), Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Broad-leaved and Curled Dock (Rumex obtusifolius and crispus). In woodland sites surveyors make a note on the character of the wood: some open space present; presence of fallen and/or standing dead wood; three age classes of trees present; high proportion of native trees and shrubs. In 2006, as part of the Pastures New project, SNCI Condition Assessment forms were completed for grassland sites and they are now completed for all sites. The Condition Assessment forms include information on current and historical management. The surveyor records the condition for each compartment and whether each compartment is meeting its management objectives. Surveyors will also make a judgement as to whether the whole site is currently in good, fair or poor condition and possibly whether declining, recovering or improving. Fair condition includes sites with a mixture of compartments in good and poor condition. The condition matrix (5.4) has been developed to help assign a site condition.

14 5.4 Site condition matrix Good Good management is in place (meeting management objectives) Nature Conservation Interest Good Fair Poor Majority of site is priority habitat or other semi-natural habitat in good condition Mixed sites with some good habitat and some poor Habitat severely degraded Good - maintained Fair - improving Poor - improving Ongoing Management Fair Some management in place (but not meeting all management objectives) Good maintained or Good - declining Fair maintained or Fair - declining Poor - improving Poor Poor or inappropriate management, detrimental to wildlife (not meeting management objectives) Good - declining Fair - declining Habitat interest has been lost consider deletion or mark for resurvey 5.5 Guidance notes on monitored sites The following notes provide some guidance to the SNCI Panel when considering a survey report for a monitored site: The new survey information will be set against the current site selection criteria. Once selected as an SNCI an area is unlikely to be deleted unless the habitat or species interest has been lost and is unlikely to be recovered e.g. site has been ploughed or built upon. Generally sites which appear to have lost their interest will be marked for re-survey (in c.5yrs). If they have not regained their interest in the interim they will be considered for deletion. There will be a presumption to continue to include sites that will be managed sympathetically for conservation (e.g. entered into stewardship). Sites which are felt to be genuinely unworthy of SNCI status i.e. they should not have qualified as SNCI initially (albeit we now have stricter criteria), may be deleted immediately. This may occur where a site was initially selected on existing information rather than an SNCI survey. Site condition is formally accepted at the SNCI Panel based upon the judgement of the SNCI surveyors. If a part of a site is deleted at the panel meeting the overall SNCI condition should reflect the remainder of the site.

15 5.6 Deleted sites The condition of the sites should be recorded as: o low quality (for sites which should not have qualified); o declined (as a result of poor management); o destroyed. The reason for site destruction will be recorded as: o Development (where planning permission has been given, e.g. development, fishing lakes, change of use) o Mineral development o GPDO (General Permitted Development Order, usually by Wessex Water or Highways Agency, includes road widening, pipelines) o Agriculture (including areas which have been ploughed with crops planted) When whole sites or whole compartment are deleted from the SNCI GIS layer, they are transferred to a separated GIS layer. The reason for their deletion is recorded. 5.7 Restoration Sites The Restoration Sites layer was initiated by the SNCI Panel to track sites not yet of SNCI standard but in positive management for restoration or re-creation of Priority Habitat. Guidelines for inclusion: o Site must be actively managed for restoration or re-creation; o Site boundary may overlap with other designations (as restoration refers to management); o Restoration is natural recolonisation (assisted by suitable management) whereas recreation includes actively introducing species (e.g. seeding, plant plugs).

16 Appendix 1. Definitions and Abbreviations Species Status Amber Amber List species birds of medium conservation concern in Europe DN Dorset Notable - these species are chosen as indicators of good unimproved or semiimproved habitat to assist in the selection of Sites of Nature Conservation Interest. Dorset Notable lists by habitat are available from. DR Dorset Rare - species found in three or less sites in Dorset DRPR Species listed in the Dorset Rare Plant Register (Edwards & Pearman, 2004) DS Dorset Scarce - species found in four to ten sites in Dorset NR Nationally Rare species occurring in less than sixteen 10km squares nationwide NS Nationally Scarce species occurring in sixteen to one hundred 10km squares nationwide PS RDB Red Priority Species species with a national, regional or local Biodiversity Action Plan or Statement Red Data Book - rarity and/or threat category Red List species birds of high conservation concern in Europe Other abbreviations & definitions Annexe 1 habitat rare or threatened within a European context and identified in Annex 1 of EC Directive 92/43, for which the Directive requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation BHT Broad Habitat Type degraded the site would be unlikely to regain its conservation interest if management were to be changed to the optimum IHS Integrated Habitat System (see section 2.3) NVC National Vegetation Classification (follows Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) ) PAWS Plantation on an Ancient Woodland Site Phase 1 Habitat survey NCC (1993) PHT Priority Habitat Type SNCI Site of Nature Conservation Interest SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest - the land notified as an SSSI under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), as amended. WCA species included in the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Schedules 1(birds), 5(animals) and 8(plants)

17 Appendix 2. References for species and habitat selection References used to assist in the selection of species for the Notable Species Lists Web-sites Standard List of UK Action Plans. Statements and Species scheduled under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, List of Species of Conservation Concern. Annex II Animal and Plant Species of Community Interest Whose Conservation Requires the Designation of Special Areas of Conservation. Annex IV Animal and Plant Species of Community Interest in Need of Strict Protection. References used in the selection of important habitats and their correspondence Nature Conservancy Council (1993) Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) (1991) British Plant Communities. Vol. 1. Woodlands and Scrub. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) (1991) British Plant Communities. Vol. 2. Mires and Heaths. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) (1992) British Plant Communities. Vol. 3. Grasslands and Montane Communities. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) (1995) British Plant Communities. Vol. 4. Aquatic Communites, Swamps and Tall herb Fens. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) (2000) British Plant Communities. Vol. 5. Maritime Communities and Vegetation of Open Habitats. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.