biodiversity action plan - Halton Borough Council...Long term targets in priority order 1. The overall objective is to maintain, in favourable condition, the current extent of reedbed

Halton’sBiodiversity Action Plan

A framework for local biodiversity conservation

2

Halton’s Biodiversity Action Plan

CONTENTS

Forward 3

Introduction 4

Habitat Action Plans 5

Reedbed 6

Saltmarsh 10

Species Action Plans 15

Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta 16

Purple hairstreak Quercusia quercus 19

Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 21

Redshank Tringa totanus 24

Skylark Alauda arvensis 26

Song thrush Turdus philomelos 29

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 32

Wildlife corridors 35

Action Areas for people and nature 41

Appendix 1 Summary of targets 45

Appendix 2 Species records for Species 55Action Plans

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This Biodiversity Action Plan is part of theCheshire Countdown Programme, it hasbeen produced by the Halton BiodiversitySteering Group formed from the HaltonNatural Environment Roundtable. TheSteering Group represents:Halton Borough CouncilCheshire Wildlife TrustRSPBThe Mersey ForestNational Museums and Galleries onMerseysiderECOrd - the Biodiversity InformationSystem for Cheshire, Halton, Warrington andWirral.February 2003

Halton’sBiodiversity Action Plan

A framework for local biodiversity conservation

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FOREWARD

As part of Halton's Natural Assets Strategyaction programme, I am pleased to presentthe Halton Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).This is a detailed contribution to theCheshire region Countdown BAP andcontains a series of action plans for twohabitats and seven species, each with adefined timetable and responsibility for aspecific action.

The emphasis has been on practical deliveryand some of the targets are specifically withinthe area of responsibility of the BoroughCouncil. It is not, however, just a localauthority document. It has been produced inconjunction with the Halton NaturalEnvironment Roundtable which bringstogether up to 18 environmentalorganisations and individuals. I would like tothank all those members who haveparticipated in drawing up this action plan.

The habitat and species targets stand alone intheir right but are also linked to otherexciting initiatives that are taking place, inparticular the creation of new Local NatureReserves and the delivery of the Wild AboutHalton! environmental education programme.The sections on wildlife corridors and actionareas continue the action programme ofHalton's Natural Assets Strategy, whichprovides the framework for the Borough'spolicies on trees and woodlands, natureconservation and our wider landscape.

The Halton BAP fits into the nationalframework outlined in "Working with thegrain of nature: a biodiversity strategy forEngland", published in October 2002. Ofparticular relevance is the national strategicguidance for urban areas which states"biodiversity needs to become part of thedevelopment of policy on sustainable

communities, urban green space and the builtenvironment".

The social and economic status of Halton islinked to its biodiversity health. More andbetter biodiversity means a boost to theenvironmental economy, a better Quality ofLife and a better image as a place to live,work and enjoy. These action plans are forthe benefit of all Halton residents as well asfor nature itself.

Councillor Stan HillExecutive Board Member, EnvironmentalIssues

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INTRODUCTION

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) process isthe current system for the protection,conservation and enhancement of wildlife inthe United Kingdom. It has its roots in the"Earth Summit" in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Atthis summit, each country agreed to developnational strategies, plans and programmes forthe conservation and sustainable use ofbiodiversity. An important outcome has beenthe setting of quantifiable targets for bothspecies and habitats and the production ofaction plans. This BAP process was reinforcedat the World Summit on SustainableDevelopment in Johannesburg in September2002, which has determined that, globally, wemust "significantly reduce biodiversity loss by2010". This approach has become establishedthroughout England with many areas havingregional and county -wide plans. This isparticularly so in the North West region.

For all biodiversity matters, Halton is part ofthe area covered by the Cheshire WildlifeTrust-the administrative areas of Cheshire,Halton, Warrington, Wirral and parts ofTameside. Under the Countdown BiodiversityAction Plan for Cheshire, a partnership of localauthorities and public agencies under the leadof Cheshire Wildlife Trust has broughttogether existing data on 17 habitats and 55species by 2001.

Halton has initially chosen two habitats andseven species that are of particular interest forthe Borough, based on an extensiveBiodiversity Audit carried out in 1999. Thisselection is based on the amount ofinformation available and from localknowledge by members of the Roundtable.

As and when more information is gatheredand actions are progressed, a further trancheof plans will be developed.The chosen habitats and species are:

SaltmarshReedbedBluebell Hyacinthoides non-scriptaPurple hairstreak Quercusia quercusGreat crested newt Triturus cristatusRedshank Tringa totanusSkylark Alauda arvensisSong thrush Turdus philomelosReed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

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HabitatAction Plans

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1 CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1 Reedbeds are wetlands dominated bystands of the common reed Phragmitesaustralis, wherein the water table is at orabove ground level for most of the year.They tend to incorporate areas of openwater and ditches, and small areas of wetgrassland and carr woodland.

1.2 There are about 5000ha of reedbeds inthe UK. Of the 900 or so sites that makeup this total, only about 50 are greaterthan 20ha.

1.3 Reedbeds are amongst the mostimportant habitats for birds in the UK.They support a distinctive breeding birdassemblage including 6 nationally rare RedData Birds as well as providing feeding androosting sites for migratory species. FiveRed Data Book invertebrate species areclosely associated with reedbeds.

Local

1.4 Reedbeds occur in Halton as part of theUpper Mersey Estuary. There is a historyof wildfowling on the reedbeds.

1.5 GIS analysis of data held on Recorder2000 and Mapinfo shows:

15 hectares occur in Halton, in onemain site (over 2 hectares) atAstmoor, to the east of Wigg IslandCommunity Park.Over 50 bird species have beenrecorded at this site.Sites identified for possible small-scalereedbed creation include OxmoorLocal Nature Reserve, PickeringsScrape and Wharford Farm.

1.6 The Biodiversity Audit of Halton 1999noted that the Wigg Island reedbed is thelargest such habitat in the tidal range ofthe River Mersey (that is, up to HowleyWeir in Warrington)

Astmoor


Reedbed Habitat Action Plan

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Legal

1.7 Most of the UK's most significant sites arenotified as SSSI's and many are notified asRAMSAR sites and SPA's under the BirdsDirective

2 CURRENT FACTORS CAUSINGLOSS OR DECLINE

National

2.1 There is a small total area of reedbeds inthe UK with critically small populationsizes of several key species dependant onthe habitat.

2.2 There is a loss of area by excessive waterextraction and, in the past, by landdrainage and conversion to intensivefarming.

2.3 Most of the important reedbeds are found

on the coast of eastern England, whererelative sea-rise is predicted to lead to aloss of significant areas.

2.4 Pollution of freshwater supplies to thereedbed: siltation may lead to drying; toxicchemicals may lead to loss of fish andamphibian prey for key species;accumulation of poisons in the food chainand eutrophication may cause reed death.

Local

2.8 The local situation at Astmoor is stable,although local chemical contamination isoccurring nearby.

3 CURRENT ACTION

National

3.1. The national target is to create 1200hectares of reedbed by 2020. The EnglishNature "Action for Bittern" project, part of


Habitat Action Plan Reedbed

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Reedbed Habitat Action Plan

its species recovery programme, providesfunding for reedbed rehabilitation. Thereis also an English Nature / EnvironmentAgency Heritage Lottery Fund led bid forwetlands.

3.2 The RSBP has a priority programme forreedbed rehabilitation on their reserves,including an EU Life bid which includesreedbed creation opportunities in theMersey Valley.

3.3 The Environment Agency provides adviceto landowners and encourages reedbedcreation as filters in sustainable drainagesystems (SUDS).

Local

3.5 Existing biological records are being addedto the Recorder 2000 database atrECOrd.

3.6 A list of 147 sites over 2 hectaresthroughout Cheshire has been compiledas part of the Countdown LBAP.Reedbeds will establish naturally whenphysical conditions are appropriate.Management and costs are naturally low;new projects may be funded throughgrant aid or through existing budgets.

4 KEY SPECIES

4.1 Key species include: breeding snipe, reedwarbler and reed bunting; over-winteringteal and raptors.

5 TARGETS

Long term targets in priority order

1. The overall objective is to maintain, infavourable condition, the currentextent of reedbed in Halton. This is a

15 hectare site at Astmoor. The term" in favourable condition" is to be inline with UK BAP advice.

2. Expand the current area of reedbedby 2 hectares by 2010.

3. Promote targets in Halton BAP toensure integration with otherreedbed programmes and initiatives inthe North West, such as at FrodshamField Studies Centre, Moore NatureReserve, Moss side Farm, Warringtonand Wigan Flashes.

4. Ensure all reedbeds are identified inthe Unitary Development Plan asWildlife Sites (SINC's).

5. Contact key landowners withpotential reedbed creation schemes,such as developers, sustainable urbandrainage schemes (SUDS) and watertreatment works.

Short term milestone targets in priorityorder

1. Prepare and implement amanagement plan for Astmoorreedbed, in conjunction with thelandowner.

2. Increase biological recording toidentify further key species, includingwater vole, in line with nationalobjectives.

3. Extend reedbed at Oxmoor LocalNature Reserve.

4. Monitor success of reed planting atPickerings Scrape, which was plantedin March 2002.

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Habitat Action Plan Reedbed5. Raise public awareness of local

importance through relevant activitiessuch as the Wild About Halton!programme.

8. LINKS WITH OTHER ACTION PLANS

UK BAP - A UK HAP was published forreedbeds in 1996.

Regional LBAP's - Reedbeds is a LBAPhabitat for Cheshire and NorthMerseyside.

Halton LBAP - Reed Bunting SAP.

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1 CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1 Coastal saltmarshes comprise the uppervegetated portions of intertidal mudflats,lying approximately between the meanhigh water neap tides and mean highwater spring tides. The development ofsaltmarsh is dependent on the presence ofintertidal mudflats. Saltmarsh vegetationconsists of a limited number of halophytic(salt tolerant) species adapted to regularimmersion by the tides.

1.2 Saltmarshes are an important resource forwading birds and wildfowl. They act ashigh tide refuges for birds feeding onadjacent mudflats, as breeding sites forwaders, gulls and terns and as a source offood for passerine birds particularly inautumn and winter.

1.3 Saltmarsh communities are affected by

many factors such as climatic differencesfrom west to east, sediment types,decreasing salinities and land management.For example, on traditionally grazed sites,saltmarsh vegetation is shorter anddominated by grasses. Saltmarshes on thewest coast tend to differ in species andcommunity composition from those onthe east coast.

1.4 The most recent saltmarsh surveys (1989)estimate the total extent of saltmarsh at45,500 ha. England has approximately32,500 ha, Scotland 6,747 ha, Wales 6,089ha and Northern Ireland 215 ha. Thisresource is mainly found in the majorestuaries of north-west England and inWales. It is estimated that at the meanhigh water line, 24% of the Englishcoastline, 11% of the Welsh coastline and3% of the Scottish coastline consists ofsaltmarsh.


Coastal Saltmarsh Habitat Action Plan

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Local

1.5 Saltmarsh in Halton is found on theMersey Estuary and alongside the RiverMersey upstream from the Runcorn -Widnes bridge. GIS analysis of data heldon Recorder 2000 and Mapinfo shows:

166 hectares occur in Halton, themain sites at Hale Marsh (72hectares), Astmoor (51 hectares), andWidnes Warth (45 hectares).Some biological recording has takenplace but the information is patchy. 12saltmarsh specific species have beenrecorded on saltmarsh, but some ofthese records are not verified so theirvalue treated with caution. There is a history of grazing on allsaltmarshes, but currently, Astmoorand Widnes saltmarshes areungrazed.

1.6 The Biodiversity Audit of Halton 1999noted that large areas of saltmarsh have

been reclaimed over time for other landuses including agriculture, industry, anddevelopment.Legal

1.7 In Great Britain approximately 80% of thearea of saltmarsh has been notified asSSSI. The UK Government has proposedten Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)for their saltmarsh features. Also 27major saltmarsh sites are included inSpecial Protection Areas (SPAs) under theEC Birds Directive and in Ramsar sites.This includes the Mersey Estuary.

2 CURRENT FACTORS CAUSING LOSSOR DECLINE

National

2.1 Large scale saltmarsh land claim schemesare now rare but piecemeal schemesoccur occasionally.

2.2 Saltmarshes are subject to erosion andcoastal squeeze. Many saltmarshes arebeing squeezed between an eroding



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seaward edge and fixed flood defencewalls. This process is most pronounced insouth-east England.

2.3 Accretion and development of saltmarshis occurring in places, notably in north-west England. The type of saltmarsh innorth west England differs to that foundelsewhere. Accretion that occurs therewill not replace that lost elsewhere.

2.4 Changes in coast protection works, orshape of the estuary from land claim,dredging of shipping channels and impactof flood defence works over many yearscan result in changes to the amount ofsediment entering or leaving the estuary.

2.5 The Common Cord grass Spartina anglicahas colonised or been planted in mostestuaries (to aid land claim). It can oftenresult in a monoculture which is damagingto wildlife. However, it is dying backnaturally in many estuaries and its areaappears to be stabilising.

2.6 Grazing is traditional for many saltmarshes,creating a sward attractive to winteringand passage waterfowl. Less intensivegrazing is better for breeding waders insummer.

2.7 Other activities, which affect saltmarshes,include oil pollution; landfill; barrageconstruction; turf cutting; agriculturalimprovement and nutrient enrichmentfrom sewage and agricultural run-off offertilisers.

Local

2.8 At one time or other all the aboveactivities have been carried out in theMersey Estuary. Actual area lost isunknown. The Hale, Widnes Warth and

Astmoor areas of the Mersey are subjectto a cycle of accretion and erosion due tochanges in the river channel.

2.9 Development proposals, including thesecond Mersey crossing could effectoverall extent of saltmarsh.

2.10 Oil pollution is an irregular but oftenfrequent occurrence on all saltmarshes inthis area.

3 CURRENT ACTION

National

3.1 The UK Government has set out itscommitment to sustainable managementof the coast in a number of publications.These include: PPG 20, DEFRA's Strategyfor Flood and Coastal Defence, andDETR's Coastal Zone Management -Towards Best Practice.

3.2 DETR's Coastal Forum was established in1994. English Nature has its EstuariesInitiative. Agri-environment schemesinclude options to re-create saltmarshbehind sea walls and saltmarshmanagement options.

3.3 The Environment Agency promotes therole of saltmarshes in reducing waveenergy, leading to saltmarsh creationschemes.

3.4 The Joint Nutrient Study sponsored byDETR and MAFF (now DEFRA),highlighted the importance of intertidalareas in controlling nutrient levels inestuaries.

Local

3.5 Existing biological records are being added

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Habitat Action Plan Coastal Saltmarshto the Recorder 2000 database atrECOrd.

3.6 An English Nature botanical survey ofMersey Estuary saltmarsh was carried outduring 2002.

3.7 Additional ecological surveys are beingcarried out in connection with the NewMersey Crossing.

4 KEY SPECIES

4.1 Key species include: breeding waders(redshank and lapwing); over-winteringwigeon, teal and waders.

5 TARGETS


1. The overall objective is to maintain, infavourable condition, the currentextent of saltmarsh in Halton. Tooffset losses and to allow the morenatural functioning of estuarine sites,there is a need to identify realistic andachievable targets for re-creation.

2. Prepare strategic management plansfor sustainable targets of saltmarshcreation and related habitats. It is notpossible to put a figure on expansionof the current area of saltmarsh untilthis work is carried out.

3. Oversee policies in the UnitaryDevelopment Plan for protection andcompensation or mitigation measuresof coastal saltmarsh fromdevelopment.

4. Continue annual monitoring ofbreeding and wintering birdpopulations and assess the quality ofthe existing saltmarsh resource in

terms of community and speciesdiversity.

5. Where necessary, restore thenature conservation interest throughappropriate management.

6. Promote targets in the Halton BAP toensure integration with othersaltmarsh programmes and initiativesin the North West.


1. Prepare and implement amanagement plan for Widnes andAstmoor saltmarsh, to encouragediversity of species and communities,in conjunction with the landownersand the New Mersey Crossingproposals. Adopt a partnershipapproach involving Halton recordersand naturalists whose local expertiseis essential.

2. Verify saltmarsh species for the period2002 -2010, to bring up to datecurrent species data as separate fromhistoric data. This may requirespecialist recording in estuarine andsaltmarsh habitats.

3. Ensure traditional management iscontinued on existing saltmarshes;promote appropriate grazing regimes;promote and encourage use of agri-environment programmes and otherinitiatives.

4. Raise public awareness of localimportance through relevant activitiessuch as the Wild About Halton!programme.

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15


SpeciesAction Plans

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1 CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1 The UK has 30% of the global populationof bluebells. Although the plant iscommon in Britain, it is essential the UKmaintain its proportion of thisinternationally important species.

1.2 It occurs typically in deciduous woodland,especially coppice woods where it maydominate the ground flora. It can becommon in other shady places such ashedgerow banks.

1.3 The Bluebell is a Species of ConservationConcern on account of its decliningpopulation within Europe. It is includedon the 1995 Biodiversity "Long List", theforerunner to the UK Biodiversity ActionPlan lists, and is specifically protectedagainst commercial digging by the Wildlife& Countryside Act 1981, as amended. It

does not have its own nationalBiodiversity Action Plan as of 2002.

Local

1.4 Bluebells are present in a number of olderdeciduous woodlands in Halton (seeAppendix 2, Table 1). GIS analysis of dataheld on Recorder 2000 and Mapinfoshows:

There are 59 recorded sites in Halton 15 sites have a nature designation(RAMSAR, SSSI's and SINC's)7 sites are owned by HBC andmanaged for wildlife

1.5 The extent of recent decline in Halton isnot known.

Legal

1.6 Native bluebells are protected undersection 13(2) of the Wildlife &Countryside Act 1981.


Bluebell Habitat Action PlanHyacinthoides non-scripta

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National

2.1 Loss or poor management of broadleavedwoodland and hedgerow habitat orreplanting of broadleaved woodland withconifers.

2.2 Physical damage to leaves and bulbs bytrampling or heavy grazing by livestockand deer.

2.3 Exploitation for commercial purposes.

2.4 Hybridisation with Spanish bluebells(Hyacinthoides hispanica).

Local

2.5 Physical damage to leaves and bulbs byhuman trampling in woodlands close tohousing areas.

2.6 Tipping of garden waste and theintroduction of garden species intobluebell woodlands.

2.7 Disturbance during the flowering seasondue to recreational pressure.

2.6 Lack of knowledge about conditionsbluebells need to regenerate.

3 CURRENT ACTION

National

3.1 There is no specific national BAP forbluebells.

Local

3.2 The Bluebell Recovery Project undertakenby Landlife and The Mersey Forest Team,produces a sustainable source of nativebluebell bulbs to help halt the illegal tradein bulbs stolen from the wild.


Habitat Action Plan BluebellHyacinthoides non-scripta

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3.3 The Cheshire Bluebell Action Projectcommenced in 2002, funded by WRG plclandfill tax credits from WREN Ltd. Itextends the Bluebell Recovery Projectthroughout the whole of Cheshire.

3.4 Seminar and pack information for speciesidentification and woodland location hasbeen produced. Existing biologicalrecords are being added to the Recorder2000 database at rECOrd.

3.5 Native bulbs from Landlife have beenplanted at Hale Road, Ditton (1999) andPickerings Pasture (2000). Bulbs "in thegreen" have been planted Wigg Island(2002) and at Old Chester Road,Daresbury (2002).

4 KEY HABITATS FOR BLUEBELLS

Semi natural broadleaved woodlands

5 TARGETS


1. Halt the apparent decline in theHalton population by 2005; maintainthe population at levels no lower thanthose recorded as part of theBiodiversity Audit 1999.

2. Maintain the current local distributionby monitoring the percentage ofground cover in existing woods. Theresults of such an approach to beused in future validation.

3. Establish a programme of newbluebell planting areas within suitablewoodlands.

4. Consider site designation where

substantial new bluebell occurrencesare found.


1. Conduct a specific bluebell survey by2004.

2. Introduce new populations from theBluebell Recovery Project toappropriate locations. Carry out aprogramme of native bluebell plantingin all 5 Local Nature Reserves and atWigg Island.

3. Raise public awareness of localimportance for bluebells throughrelevant publicity, includingrecognition of the three main species.Emphasise the importance of peoplestaying on paths during the floweringseason when walking in woodlands.

4. Protect key bluebell populations onsites with known problems oftrampling.

5. Encourage submission of generalrecords to rECOrd web site.


Bluebell Habitat Action PlanHyacinthoides non-scripta

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1. CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1 Nationally, the Purple Hairstreak butterflyis classified as a species of uncertain status.Both the national and regional priority islow. There has been an increase inrecording of this species and is now quitecommon on the Wirral and in south-eastCheshire.

1.2 The Purple Hairstreak Butterfly has notbeen included as a Priority Species in theUK Biodiversity Action Plan, although it isa species of conservation concern inNorthern Ireland.

Local

1.3 The Purple Hairstreak continues to breedin Halton in a small number of oakwoodlands (see Appendix 2, Table 4).GIS analysis of data held on Recorder2000 and Mapinfo shows:

Information of breeding populations ispatchy.

5 woodlands could provide residentbreeding populations

1.4. Its status in Halton is not known: thisbutterfly is never seen without targetedeffort!

2 CURRENT FACTORS CAUSINGPOSSIBLE LOSS OR DECLINE

National

2.1 This butterfly is widely distributedthroughout southern areas of Britainwherever there are oak and ash trees. Itis frequently overlooked as adults remainlargely in the canopy. There does notappear to be loss or decline in this species.Its range seems to expanding northwards,including urban areas, which may berelated to improvements in atmosphericquality.


Habitat Action Plan Purple Hairstreak Butterfly Quercusia quercus

Peter Boardman

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2.2 In groups of oaks, there is usually afavourite tree and isolated oaks, whichmay be survivors from wooded areas, maysupport colonies that have become self-contained on the same tree for manyyears.

Local

2.3. Any natural expansion of its rangetowards Halton could benefit from TheMersey Forest planting schemes.

3 CURRENT ACTION

National

3.1 There is no national action plan.

Local

3.4 Existing biological records are being addedto the Recorder 2000 database atrECOrd. Specific searches for this specieswithin other butterfly survey's 1999 -2001have not revealed any new records.

4 KEY HABITATS FOR PURPLEHAIRSTREAK

oakwoodssemi natural ancient woodlands

5 TARGETS


1. Establish the population extent by2010, based on an increase of surveydata over the period 2002 - 2010.

2. Identify suitable oak - ash woodlandsites and encourage the retention oflarger trees.

3. Where appropriate incorporate new

management prescriptions on existingand potential sites, such asDorchester Park and Clincton WoodsLocal Nature Reserves and at theHale Duck Decoy.

4. Identify all habitats in the UnitaryDevelopment Plan known to holdviable breeding populations asWildlife Sites (SINC's).

5. To raise local public awareness to thevalue of butterflies in general andspecifically to a species that isnormally difficult to view. The use oftechnology, such as video cameras, tobe explored as a tool to raiseawareness


1. Establish a three-year summerrecording programme for adultbutterflies on 3 key sites where thespecies has been present. To berepeated every 4 -5 years.

2. Make full use of recent Mersey Forestwoodlands; establish oak / ashwoodlands when thinning regimestake place, reinforce corridor plantingwith same species; establish flowerywoodland rides to provide importantnectaring sites in low aphid years.

3. Invite Woodland Trust to be a keypartner

4. Raise public awareness of localimportance through relevant activitiessuch as the Wild About Halton!Programme.

5. Carry out egg searches on lowerlimbs prior to felling of large oaks inthe winter period.


Purple Hairstreak Butterfly Habitat Action PlanQuercusia quercus

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1 CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1 An internationally important species ofconservation concern, the great crestednewt is still quite widespread in Britain. Itmay be numerous locally in parts oflowland England and Wales but is absentor rare in Devon or Cornwall.

1.2 The species has suffered a decline inrecent years with studies indicating anational rate of colony loss ofapproximately 2% over 5 years in the1980's. The British population is amongstthe largest in Europe.

1.3 The Great Crested Newt is a PrioritySpecies in the UK Biodiversity Action Planon account of its declining population.

Local

1.4 The Great Crested Newt continues to befound in Cheshire in ponds and adjacentterrestrial habitats. A three year survey(1995-7) of 370 ponds in Cheshire foundthat 32% of those ponds surveyedsupported populations of Great CrestedNewts (PondLife, 1997).

1.5 Specific biological data for Halton held onRecorder 2000 is sparse, showing onlyone recorded site (see Appendix 1).Anecdotal evidence suggests the speciesoccurs elsewhere in a variety of pondhabitats: old marl pits, golf courses andhouse ponds.

1.6. Due to the lack of information, the extentof recent decline in Halton is not known.

Legal

1.7 The Great Crested Newt is listed onAnnexes IIa and IVa of the EC Habitats


Habitat Action Plan Great Crested NewtTriturus cristatus

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Great Crested Newt Habitat Action PlanTriturus Cristatus

and species Directive and Appendix 2 ofthe Bern Convention. It is protectedunder the Conservation (Natural Habitats,etc) Regulations, 1994 (Regulation38) andSchedule 5 of the Wildlife & CountrysideAct 1981.


National

2.1 Loss and fragmentation of suitable aquaticand terrestrial habitats caused by naturalsuccession, construction development,water table reduction, and in-filling ofponds and ditches as a result ofagricultural intensification.

2.2 Introduction of predators such as stockingof fish and wildfowl.

Local

2.3 Decline in the water quality of ponds dueto eutrophication and pollution fromagricultural and industrial chemicals andwaste.

2.4 Inappropriate management of potentialsites.

2.5 Disturbance during the breeding seasondue to recreational pressure.

3 CURRENT ACTION

National and regional

3.1 A 'GCN Best Practice Guide' has beenpublished in 2001 by English Nature:other Great Crested Newt mitigationguidelines have also been produced byEnglish Nature.

3.2 The Great Crested Newt is included onthe wildlife road casualty databasecompiled by Life ECOnet Project.

3.3 A Provisional Atlas of Amphibian andReptile sightings for Cheshire is on-going.

Local

3.4 Ongoing survey work carried out on localauthority owned ponds for all majorspecies.


4 KEY HABITATS FOR GREATCRESTED NEWT

ponds and adjacent terrestrial habitats

5 TARGETS


1. Increase the population of GreatCrested Newt pairs by 20% by 2015,based on an increase of pond surveydata over the period 2002 - 2010.

2. Maintain the current local distributionby monitoring ponds and terrestrialhabitats. Increase pond survey dataover the period 2002 - 2010.

3. Maintain the number of sites (pondsand terrestrial habitat) in Halton likelyto be suitable, prior to full surveyinformation being available. Toinclude habitat restoration or thecreation of sufficient new sites nearexisting ones to compensate for anylosses.

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4. Identify all habitats in the UnitaryDevelopment Plan known to holdviable breeding populations asWildlife Sites (SINC's) and thatprotection and enhancement ofponds is taken into account inaccordance with Planning PolicyGuidance Note (PPG)9.

5. Assess Halton Borough Council'slandownership of suitable aquatic andterrestrial habitats.


1. Maintain biological records for speciesand habitats. Source existing biologicaldata and acquire further records fromcontract survey through rECOrd.

2. Monitor numbers of new or restoredponds that could be suitable for theGreat Crested Newt. Measure thenumber of new populations artificiallyestablished in any such new ponds.

3. Make ava i l ab l e the Ha l tonEnvironment Fund for pond creationand management. Contact locallandowners who may be unaware ofthe importance of their land and whocan contribute to future BAP targets.


5. Encourage submission of generalpond records to rECOrd web site.


Habitat Action Plan Great Crested NewtTriturus cristatus

24

1 CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1 The Redshank is a Species ofConservation Concern on account of itsdeclining population. It is included on the1995 Biodiversity "Long List", theforerunner to the UK Biodiversity ActionPlan lists. It does not have its ownnational Biodiversity Action Plan as of2002.

Local

1.2 The Redshank continues to breed inHalton on saltmarsh and adjacent habitats.(see Appendix 2, Table 4). GIS analysis ofdata held on Recorder 2000 and Mapinfoshows:

Information of breeding populations ispatchy, Halton probably has sub-optimal breeding sites on saltmarsh atpresent.

Wintering numbers are as importantas breeding numbers. Adjacentfarmland is an important winter factor.

1.3. The extent of recent decline in Halton isnot known

Legal

1.4 The Redshank is protected under the ECBirds Directive and the Wildlife &Countryside Act 1981.


National

2.1 There is general habitat loss throughoutthe United Kingdom. There is anadditional decline in winter wading speciesdue to climate change: more species arestaying closer to their breeding grounds inWest & Central Europe.


Redshank Habitat Action PlanTringa totanus

Ron Thomas

25

Local

2.2. Disturbance during the breeding seasondue to recreational pressure.

3 CURRENT ACTION

National

3.1 There is no national plan.

Local


3.3 Wintering numbers are monitoredthrough monthly low water counts(November to February) on the MerseyEstuary.

4 KEY HABITATS FOR REDSHANKS

Coastal saltmarshWet meadows

5 TARGETS


1. Increase the population of Redshankpairs by 20% and wintering numbersby 20% by 2015. To be based on anincrease of survey data over theperiod 2002 - 2010. Survey data toinclude over wintering numbers aswell as breeding numbers onsaltmarsh and surrounding farmland.

2. Promote sympathetic management ofsaltmarsh in targeted areas, inparticular as part of the New MerseyCrossing proposal.

3. Where appropriate incorporatenew management prescriptions ontargeted sites, such as land around theHale Duck Decoy, Astmoor saltmarshand Widnes Warth saltmarsh.


1. Produce a Borough wide Redshankwintering and breeding report by2005, to establish baseline figures forfurther habitat monitoring. Monitorannual changes through Breeding BirdSurvey data.

2. Continue regular recording ofsaltmarsh habitats from Wigg IslandCommunity Park.



Habitat Action Plan RedshankTringa totanus

26

1 CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1 The Skylark is amongst the mostwidespread of open country breedingbirds with a UK population of more than2 million pairs. Up to 25 million northernEuropean birds may join the UK residentsin winter. Nonetheless, the UK breedingpopulation is in sharp decline. Numberson lowland farms fell by 75% between1972-1996. Recent studies indicatesimilarly steep declines in upland habitats.

1.2 The Skylark is a Priority Species in the UKBiodiversity Action Plan on account of itsdeclining population.

Local

1.3 Skylarks continue to breed in Haltonwherever suitable habitats remain. (seeAppendix 2, Table 5). GIS analysis of data

held on Recorder 2000 and Mapinfoshows:

Approx 20 breeding pairs on HaltonMoss (1999)breeding pairs at Upton Rocks,Widnes breeding pairs on Astmoor saltmarshsinging males on land designated forindustry, Widnessinging males on farmland, saltmarshand post industrial habitatswintering populations are asimportant as breeding populations

1.4. The extent of recent decline in Halton isnot known but is believed to have beengreatest on farmland and on landdesignated for development.

Legal

1.5 The skylark is protected under the ECBirds Directive and the Wildlife &Countryside Act 1981.


Skylark Habitat Action PlanAlauda arvensis

27


Habitat Action Plan SkylarkAlauda arvensis

1.6 Within Europe its status is considered"unfavourable" and is listed as a Species ofConservation Concern Category 2 & 3.


National

2.1 Intensive management of arable fields hasreduced weeds and insect prey throughthe use of agrochemicals. Also, conversionof lowland grassland to arable, along withintensive management of grasslands andthe loss of mixed farms have reducedbreeding habitats.

2.2 The change from spring to autumn-sowingof cereals has reduced the availability ofweedy stubble fields, which provide anessential food resource. Skylarks only nestin short vegetation. Autumn sown cerealsremain sufficiently short only to allowthem to rear one brood while springsown crops allow further broods. Onebrood a year is insufficient formaintenance of populations.

2.3 Early silage cutting which destroys nestsand exposes them to predators.

Local

2.4 Loss of grassland habitat to development:for example, at Halton Moss, Moore andat Upton Rocks, Widnes.

2.5 Conversion of urban fringe farmland tosilage production and intensification ofarable land has reduced both feeding andnesting habitat.

2.6 There has been a widespread switch fromspring to autumn sown cereals.

2.7 An increase in horse numbers may haveled to overgrazing and loss of suitablehabitat.

2.8 Disturbance during the breeding seasondue to recreational pressure.

2.9 Inappropriate mowing regimes in urbanareas.

3 CURRENT ACTION

National

3.1 The British Trust for Ornithology andRSPB, with sponsorship from Tesco, areengaged in detailed research into theecology of the Skylark and the reasons forits decline.

3.2 The RSPB and others have prepared anational Species Action Plan.

3.3 The DEFRA Countryside StewardshipScheme has concentrated heavily on fieldmargins, which Skylarks actively avoid.Provision of beetle banks, appropriatemanagement of set-aside, retention ofwinter stubbles and the ArableStewardship Scheme offer more potentialbenefits.

Local


4. KEY HABITATS FOR SKYLARKS

Coastal saltmarshArable fields and pastures Urban grassland

28


Skylark Habitat Action PlanAlauda arvensis

5 TARGETS


1. Increase the population of breedingpairs by 20% by 2015, based on anincrease of survey data over theperiod 2002 - 2010. Survey data toprovide increase or decrease ofsuitable breeding habitat andextrapolate number of breeding pairsbased on known breeding densitiesand territory size of skylarks.

2. Where appropriate incorporate newmanagement prescriptions ontargeted sites, such as Oxmoor LocalNature Reserve and Wigg IslandCommunity Park

3. Promote sympathetic managementof saltmarsh and grassland intargeted areas. Promote take up ofCountryside Stewardship optionswith landowners. Promote otherbeneficial agricultural practices, e.g.retention of stubbles, creation of grassmargins and beetle banks.



1. Establish a specific skylark report andmap areas of importance by2005.

2. Establish regular recording on 2 keysites where the species is presentover three years and set meanpopulation levels. To be repeatedevery 4 -5 years.

3. Raise public awareness of localimportance through relevant activitiessuch as the Wild About Halton!programme

4. Expand Local Nature Reserve statusin areas of importance for Skylarkswithin the urban greenspace system,for instance Haystack Lodge andRuncorn Road, Moore.

5. Ensure mowing of relevant urbangrasslands is not carried out duringbreeding season (late March to endJuly). Discourage tree-planting nearsignificant populations.

6. Identify the known losses of breedingareas within the period 1998 - 2003.

29

1 CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1. Although still common and widespread,the Song Thrush have gone into dramaticdecline in recent years with an estimatedreduction in numbers of 73% in farmlandand 49% in woodland between 1968 and1993. This decline is believed to havebeen more marked in the north of thecountry. The species is partly migratorywith many British birds wintering insouthern Europe and being replaced byScandinavian breeders. The causes of thebreeding decline are believed to be linkedto a very high level of mortality of first-winter birds. Recent research indicatesthat Song Thrushes may need to produceup to five broods per year in order tomaintain their population level and thatrecent habitat changes have reducedthem to an average of 2-3 broods a year.

1.2 The Song Thrush is a Priority Speciesin the UK BAP on account of itspopulation decline.

Local

1.3 The actual status of this bird for theCheshire region is unknown atpresent but the number of recordsseems to be very low. (seeAppendix 2, Table 6). GIS analysisof data held on Recorder 2000 andMapinfo shows:

Anecdotal evidence onlysuggests a large decline inHalton, with gardens andparkland as possibly crucial localhabitats.

Legal Status

1.4 The Song Thrush is protected underthe EC Birds Directive and theWildlife & Countryside Act 1981.


Habitat Action Plan Song ThrushTurdus philomelos

30


National

2.1 Song Thrushes require access to a rangeof habitats at different times of the year:fairly dense hedgerow or shrub cover fornesting and a succession of short-swardgrasslands and tilled arable land to findearthworms, their principal food. Recentagricultural changes have reduced theextent, quality, continuity and contiguity ofthese habitats.

2.2 Loss and over-management of hedgerowshave reduced the supply of nesting sitesand exposed nests to predators, reducingbreeding success and removing alternativefood source.

2.3 Loss of mixed (arable/pastoral) farms andthe spread of crop monocultures have ledto the loss of suitable feeding habitatmosaics and their availability throughoutthe year.

2.4 The switch from spring to autumn sowingof cereals has reduced the availability ofearthworms in late spring/early summer.The loss of stubbles has had similar effectsin winter.

2.5 The field-scale application of molluscicidesleads to indirect poisoning or starvationduring periods of severe drought or frost,when the Song Thrush diet switches tosnails.

2.6 Hunting in southern Europe depletesmigratory populations.

Local

2.7 No data available

3 CURRENT ACTION

National

3.1 The British Trust for Ornithology isengaged in detailed research into theecology of the song thrush and thereasons for its decline.

3.2 A national Species Action Plan has beenprepared by the RSPB and others.

Local

3.3 Existing biological records are beingadded to the Recorder 2000 database atrECOrd.

3.4 Woodland planting in association with TheMersey Forest is likely to increase theamount of suitable breeding habitat.

4 KEY HABITATS

Gardens and parklandArable fieldsWoodlandHedgerows

5 TARGETS


1. Increase the population of songthrush pairs by 20% by 2015, basedon an increase of survey data over theperiod 2002 - 2010. Survey data toprovide increase or decrease ofsuitable breeding habitat andextrapolate number of breeding pairsbased on known breeding densitiesand territory size of song thrushes.A cautionary note: the major causesof national decline are thought torelate to complex changes in


Song Thrush Habitat Action PlanTurdus philomelos

31

agricultural practice. Action isdependent upon the outcome ofcurrent research. Targets need,therefore, to be modest and to bereviewed in the national context.

2. Establish new areas of appropriatehabitat and management, for instance,within Mersey Forest sites, new LocalNature Reserves and landscapedareas around industrial areas.

3. Where appropriate incorporate newmanagement prescriptions ontargeted sites, such as Wigg IslandCommunity Park.

4. Promote the value of spring sowncrops, root crops and scrub areaswithin the farm.


1. Establish a garden recording schemeand map areas of importance by2005. To be promoted as a "flagship"species for urban areas. Promoteprovision of bird food in gardens

2. Expand Local Nature Reserve statusin areas of importance for SongThrush within the urban greenspacesystem.

3. Raise public awareness of localimportance through relevant activitiessuch as the Wild About Halton!Programme.

4. Raise awareness associated with theuse of pesticides in gardens and onfarms.

5. Consider Song Thrush requirements

in management of urban greenspace,e.g. provision of suitable nestinghabitat, restricting use of slug pelletsand worm-killing chemicals. Promotehedgerow protection and planting.


Habitat Action Plan Song ThrushTurdus philomelos

32

1 CURRENT STATUS

National

1.1 The Reed Bunting inhabits reedbeds andother wetland habitats, as well as drierfarmland sites such as overgrown ditchesand hedgerows. The Waterways BirdSurvey showed a steep decline between1974 to 1983, but little change in numberssince then.

1.2 The Reed Bunting is a Priority Species inthe UK Biodiversity Action Plan onaccount of its declining population.

Local

1.3 Reed Buntings continue to breed inHalton in and around reedbeds andadjacent habitats. (see Appendix 2, Table7). GIS analysis of data held on Recorder2000 and Mapinfo shows:

Information of breeding populations ispatchy

The Upper Mersey Estuary and RiverWeaver appear to have suitablehabitats.

1.4. The extent of recent decline in Halton isnot known.

Legal

1.5 The Reed Bunting is protected under theEC Birds Directive and the Wildlife &Countryside Act 1981, and is listed onAppendix II of the Bern Convention.


National

2.1 The decline of the reed bunting hasoccurred at the same time as a decreasein other farmland birds which share a dietof cereal, grass and wildflower seeds, andalso feed their young on insects.


Reed Bunting Habitat Action PlanEmberiza schoeniclus

33


Habitat Action Plan Reed BuntingEmberiza schoeniclus

2.2 Deterioration of wet habitats may havehad a serious effect on populations. Lossof small ponds, unsympathetic riverengineering and encroachment of scrubare likely to have an effect on breedingand wintering populations. As the ReedBunting nests are low down, they arevulnerable to trampling and hedge cutting.

Local

2.3 Loss of habitat to development.

3 CURRENT ACTION

National

3.1 Acquisition of reedbeds by conservationorganisations.

3.2 The species has benefited from rotationalset-aside and the Arable StewardshipScheme.

Local


4 KEY HABITATS FOR REEDBUNTINGS

ReedbedsSaltmarshArable farmland

5 TARGETS


1. Increase the population of breedingpairs by 20% by 2015, based on anincrease of survey data over theperiod 2002 - 2010. Survey data to

provide increase or decrease ofsuitable breeding habitat andextrapolate number of breeding pairsbased on known breeding densitiesand territory size of Reed Buntings.

2. Promote sympathetic management ofwatercourses and the creation ofreedbeds and small ponds in targetedareas.

3. Where appropriate incorporate newmanagement prescriptions ontargeted sites, such as Oxmoor LocalNature Reserve.


.5. Encourage Countryside Stewardship

measures on farmland.


1. Establish a recording scheme and mapareas of importance by 2005.

2. Establish regular recording on 2 keysites where the species is presentover three years and set meanpopulation levels. To be repeatedevery 4 -5 years.


4. Identify areas holding wintering birds.

34


35


WildlifeCorridors

36


Wildlife Corridors

Maintaining or creating links between areas ofimportance for wildlife has become ofincreasing interest in many urban areas. Thereare a number of reasons why they areimportant:

Corridors permit certain species to thrivein urban areas where they otherwisewould not;

Corridors should be as wide andcontinuous as possible; their habitatshould match the requirements of targetspecies.

Corridors add value to the designatednature sites and help those species whichrange over wider areas, for example, birds,mammals and the more mobileinvertebrates. If sites alone are protectedwithout corridors or wedges, then lessmobile species are prevented fromappearing in the urban areas.

Isolated sites increasingly become underthreat and their attractiveness declines toboth wildlife and to humans alike. Thereis a parallel need to protect a network of

37

open spaces linking together sites ofquality and special habitats. Such anetwork can also provide easy access torecreational facilities and recreationalfootpaths of great value to people.

Urban Greenspace in Halton

Areas of open space in Halton have beenidentified in the First and Second Depositversions of the Unitary Development Plan andare referred to as an urban greenspace system.These areas are an essential component of

urban wildlife planning and a necessarycomplement to the protected and designatedsites. Halton's Natural Assets Strategy refersto the need for a wildlife corridor approachwithin this greenspace system. Map 10 showsthe urban greenspace system in Halton.

Areas of wildlife value in Halton

Using existing data on species and habitatsfrom the 1999 Audit and subsequent records,different areas of wildlife value can be addedto the greenspace system.


Wildlife Corridors

38


Wildlife Corridors

High wildlife value: this selection was madeby including all the designated nature sites inHalton (RAMSAR, Sites of Special ScientificInterest and Sites of Importance for NatureConservation), along with all ponds.

Medium wildlife value: this selectionincludes allotments (15 sites), golf courses (6),cemeteries (6) and some areas of public openspace. National studies show that the actualor potential wildlife value of these types ofareas can be locally important as designated

sites, which is backed up by some local casestudies within Halton. These include threesmall scale churchyard survey's, as part of theLiving Churchyard project, individual recordsof hares in Widnes cemetery and localresidents living alongside golf courses havinggarden ponds with newts, frogs and a varietyof birdlife spilling over from the courses.

Public open space is also ranked as mediumwhere the open space has more than onehabitat type, such as differentially mowngrassland, scrub beds and water features. This


Wildlife Corridors

amounts to 235 parcels of open spaceincluding formal parks and gardens and recentMersey Forest planting sites.

Low wildlife value: This includes playingfields, both public and private, and public openspace where of a single habitat. This categoryincludes 58 school playing fields and a furthermiscellany of 118 sites containing bowlinggreens; a sports stadium; tennis, rugby andcricket clubs; play areas and green areas bypublic houses. Map 11 shows these areas ofwildlife value

From this map, a series of corridors begin toemerge and are highlighted on Map 12. Thismap shows:

The important role of the Estuary. Oftenseen as a barrier or diving line betweenRuncorn and Widnes, it is the Borough'sgreatest wildlife corridor. This assessmentcould be backed up with more speciesdata when it becomes available throughthe habitat and species action plans.

The high wildlife areas have a number ofclusters e.g at Sandymoor and around

Hale village. The effect of clustering isprevalent in landscape ecology principlesand brings with it a bundle of importantecological attributes such as hotspots andgenetic gene pools.

The medium and low areas are vital toprovide some degree of connectivity tothe higher areas. For some species, theconnections need not be complete, forothers, a physical barrier will mean theend of the corridor.

Whereas the high corridors run east towest, the low and medium corridors runnorth to south, reflecting the growthof settlement patterns and landdevelopment policies rather thanpreserved natural features.

The targets within the Biodiversity Action Plan,and Halton's Natural Assets Strategy will havean effect on the future location and value ofwildlife corridors in Halton.

39

40


41

Action Areas forPeople & Nature

42


Action Areas for People & Nature

In a predominantly urban area such as Halton,access to nature by local residents can havegreat social, educational and recreational value.The choice of BAP habitats and species for atime period up to 2020 needs to reflect theurban patterns in Halton.

One approach to action areas in Halton isthrough a Local Nature Reserve network.Their location reflects both the needs ofwildlife and the needs of local residents. Fromthe results of the 1999 Biodiversity Audit ofHalton, three sites were designated during2001, bringing the number of Local NatureReserves to five:

Pickerings PastureRuncorn HillOxmoorDorchester ParkClincton Woods

A further number will be considered in theperiod 2003-2006:

Wigg Island Community ParkStenhills Open space (part)Haystack LodgeHale Road woodlandDisused rail line, north of Warrington RdRuncorn Rd, MooreMurdishaw Valley

Wild About Halton!

The value of Local Nature Reserves has beentaken up by the Wild About Halton! project.

Wild About Halton is initially a three yearproject designed to promote and develop thethree new Local Nature Reserves at ClinctonWood, Oxmoor and Dorchester Park as wellas the proposed Local Nature Reserve atWigg Island Community Park. The funding forthe development of the project comes fromthe Wildspace! scheme operated by EnglishNature, SRB funding from Halton Partnershipand from Halton Borough Council.

43

One of the key elements of the project is theappointment of a person to manage the sitesthemselves and to develop their communityusage. The Wildspace Officer started in postin April 2002. The main areas on which the WildspaceOfficer concentrates are:

Work with schools and communitygroups through a variety of mediums,including the web, to explain theenvironmental role of the reserves. TheWildspace Officer will visit schools,encourage schools to visit the new

reserves, and carry out follow up work onthe web.

Development of an educational resource forthe reserves including Key Stages 3 & 4.

Encouragement of community involvementin the management of the reservesthrough the development of an AdvisoryGroup, Friends Groups and Halton'sNatural Environment Roundtable.

Creation of an interactive web site for allthe new reserves.



44



Development of a web cam and mpegmovie resource to enable people visitingthe web site to view highlights from thenatural environment of the reserves.

Incorporate the Halton BiodiversityAction Plan into the development of thereserves, through the creation of habitats,monitoring of species and theimplementation of complimentarymanagement strategies.

Access to natural open space

Recent research by English Nature hassuggested that people should have access to anatural open space of at least two hectareswithin 500m of their homes and to a variety ofdifferent sized natural open spaces atincreasing distances from their homes.Typically, people are only willing to walk 400m(the less mobile even less) to any type of openspace. They are, however, willing to makespecial journeys to visit larger sites thatprovide more opportunities and facilities. Keyopen spaces in the Greenspace network can

45



be identified for improved wildlife value. Thiswould be one way of prioritising theenhancement of Halton's nature conservationresource where public access to nature islimited.Action Point 33 of Halton's Natural AssetsStrategy addresses the issue of access:

"The Council will seek to ensure that wherepossible people will have access to a variety ofnatural open spaces. Distances proposed byEnglish Nature will be used as an initial guidelineto define a Halton standard:- 1x 2ha site within500m of people's homes, and 1x 20ha site within2km of people's homes."

Using this as a guideline, Map 13 shows theresidential areas beyond 300 metres ofgreenspace, using all the categories ofgreenspace that have a degree of public access- public open space, playing fields, cemeteries,public golf courses and allotments.

There are relatively few areas that aredeficient using this definition and individualhousing areas can be recognised and targetedfor action. Interestingly, the more centralareas of both Runcorn and Widnes haveavailable greenspace, partly a reflection of thereuse of derelict industrial land either side of

46



the Mersey Estuary and partly due to thesmaller parcels of former housing land nowmanaged as street corner amenity grass andshrub beds.

In terms of larger nature sites, Map 14 showsthe residential areas that are beyond 2 kmfrom a 20-hectare site that has beendesignated for nature. This clearly shows theimportance again of the Mersey Estuary.There are no other nature sites apart from theestuary in Halton that are over 20 hectares insize.

Map 15 excludes the smaller parcels of landsuch as roadside verges and perhaps gives atruer reflection of how accessible nature is inHalton. The map shows residential areasbeyond 500 metres from a 2 hectare naturesite and brings in a much wider band of northWidnes and a larger area of Runcorn. It isthese areas that could benefit from a widernetwork of Local Nature Reserves under theWild About Halton! project.

A theme runs through all three maps,emphasising the importance of the Estuary andits terrestrial habitats in providing thegreenspace and nature targets for Halton.

47


Appendix 1Summary of

Habitat & SpeciesAction Plan Targets

48


Appendix 1

Long term targets in priority order1. The overall objective is to maintain, in favourable

condition, the current extent of reedbed in Halton.This is a 15 hectare site at Astmoor.

2. Expand the current area of reedbed by 2 hectares by2010.

3. Promote targets in Halton BAP to ensure integrationwith other reedbed programmes and initiatives in theNorth West.

4. Seek to ensure all reedbeds are identified in theUnitary Development Plan as Wildlife Sites (SINC's).

Short term milestone targets in priority order1. Prepare and implement a management plan for

Astmoor reedbeds, in conjunction with thelandowner/s.

2. Increase biological recording to identify further keyspecies, including water vole

3. Extend reedbed at Oxmoor Local Nature Reserve.4. Monitor success of reed planting at Pickerings Scrape

which was planted in March 2002.

5. Raise public awareness of local importance throughrelevant activities such as the Wild About Halton!programme.

Target Plan: ReedbedsImplementation and Action

Landowners andinterested parties

Various landowners

Nature ConservationOfficer


Nature ConservationOfficer, with landownersand interested partiesNature ConservationOfficerWildspace OfficerParks & CountrysideService: NatureConservation OfficerWildspace Officer; Parks& Countryside Service:Nature ConservationOfficer

2010

2010

On-going

2002 -completed

2003

2005

2004On-going

On-going

By Whom Timescale Budget

Limited: make useof externalsources of grantGrants

Existing

Staff time only

Existing: use ofgrants

Existing: use of grants

Existing: use of grantsExisting

Existing: use ofgrants. ExtendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004

49


Appendix 1Target Plan: SaltmarshImplementation and Action By Whom Timescale BudgetLong term targets in priority order1. The overall objective is to maintain, in favourable

condition, the current extent of saltmarsh in Halton.To offset losses and to allow the more naturalfunctioning of estuarine sites, there is a need to identifyrealistic and achievable targets for re-creation.

2. Prepare strategic management plan for sustainabletargets of saltmarsh creation and related habitats It isnot possible to put a figure on expansion of thecurrent area of saltmarsh until this work is carried out.

3. Oversee policy in Unitary Development Plans forprotection and compensation or mitigation measuresof coastal saltmarsh from development.

4. Continue annual monitoring of breeding and winteringbird populations.

5. Where necessary, restore the nature conservationinterest through appropriate management.

6. Promote targets in the Halton BAP to ensureintegration with other saltmarsh programmes andinitiatives in the North West.

Short term milestone targets in priority order1. Prepare and implement a management plan for

Widnes and Astmoor saltmarsh, to encouragediversity of species and communities, in conjunctionwith the landowners and the second Mersey crossingproposals.

2. Verify saltmarsh species for the period 2002 -2010, tobring up to date current species data as separate fromhistoric data. This may require specialist recording inestuarine and saltmarsh habitats.

3. Ensure traditional management is continued onexisting saltmarshes; promote appropriate grazingregimes; promote and encourage use of agri-environment programmes and other initiatives.



English Nature: MerseyBasin Campaign (MerseyStrategy) NatureConservation OfficerNature ConservationOfficer

Merseyside RingingGroup; RSPB; BTOParks & Countryside ServiceEnglish Nature: MerseyBasin Campaign (MerseyStrategy) Nature ConservationOfficer; WildspaceOfficer

Nature ConservationOfficer, with landownersand interested parties

Nature ConservationOfficer: rECOrd

Nature ConservationOfficer, with landownersand interested parties

Wildspace Officer

2010

2010

2002 -completed

On-going

2010

On-going

2005

2003

2005

On-going

Limited: make useof externalsources of grant &waterfrontdevelopmentopportunitiesLimited: make useof externalsources of grant

Staff time only

Make us of grantssuch as the HaltonEnvironment Fund.

Staff time. ExtendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004

Existing: make useof external sourceof grant

Existing: new SLAwith rECOrd

Use of grants

Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period

50


Appendix 1

Long term targets in priority order1. Halt the apparent decline in the Halton population by

2005; maintain the population at levels no lower thanthose recorded as part of the Biodiversity Audit 1999.

2. Maintain the current local distribution by monitoringthe percentage of ground cover in existing woods.

3. Establish a programme of new bluebell planting areaswithin suitable woodlands.

4. Consider site designation where substantial newbluebell occurrences are found.

Short term milestone targets in priority order1. Conduct a specific bluebell survey by 2004.

2. Introduce new populations from the Bluebell RecoveryProject and Cheshire Action Project to appropriatelocations. Carry out a programme of native bluebellplanting in all 5 Local Nature Reserves and at WiggIsland.

3. Raise public awareness of local importance forbluebells through relevant publicity. Emphasise theimportance of people staying on paths when walking inwoodlands.

4. Protect key populations by the use of fences on siteswith known problems of trampling

5. Encourage submission of bluebell records to rECOrdweb site.

Target Plan: BluebellsImplementation and Action


Nature ConservationOfficer: Landlife; TheMersey Forest: WoodlandTrusts Bluebell BAP ActionGroup: NaturalEnvironment Roundtable :Parks & Countryside Service

Wildspace Officer



Wildspace Officer: Parks& Countryside: Landlife,The Mersey Forestother land managers.

Members of BluebellBAP Action Group andothers

Nature ConservationOfficer: WoodlandTrust and other ownersNatural EnvironmentRoundtable members:Parks & Countryside Service

2005

2005

2002, thenon-going

On-going

2004

2002, thenon-going

On-going

Start 2003and then on-goingOn-going


Limited: make useof grants

Limited: make useof externalsources of grant

Limited: make useof externalsources of grantStaff time only

Limited: make useof externalsources of grantExisting: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing: extendBluebell RecoveryProject

Limited: make useof externalsources of grantExisting: volunteertime.

51


Appendix 1

Long term targets in priority order1. Establish the population size by 2010, based on an

increase of survey data over the period 2002 - 2010.

2. Identify suitable oak - ash woodland sites andencourage the retention of larger trees.

3. Where appropriate incorporate new managementprescriptions on targeted sites, such as DorchesterPark LNR, Clincton Woods LNR and at Hale DuckDecoy.

4. Seek to ensure all habitats known to hold viablepopulations are identified in the Unitary DevelopmentPlan as Wildlife Sites (SINC's).

5. To raise local public awareness to the value ofbutterflies in general and specifically to a species that isnormally difficult to view. The use of technology, suchas video cameras, to be explored as a tool to raiseawareness.

Short term milestone targets in priority order1. Establish regular summer recording for adult butterflies

on 3 key sites where the species is present over threeyears. To be repeated every 4 -5 years.

2. Make full use of recent Mersey Forest woodlands;establish oak / ash woodlands when thinning regimestake place, reinforce corridor planting with samespecies; establish flowery woodland rides to provideimportant nectaring sites in low aphid years.

3. Invite Woodland Trust to be a key partner in PurpleHairstreak activities.


5. Carry out egg searches on lower limbs prior to fellingof large oaks in the winter period.

Target Plan: Purple HairstreakImplementation and Action

Nature ConservationOfficer: rECOrd:Butterfly Conservation:Natural EnvironmentRoundtable membersNature ConservationOfficer: Tree OfficerWildspace Officer


Wildspace Officer

Wildspace Officer:Butterfly Conservation:Parks & Countryside Service

Nature ConservationOfficer: Tree Officer

Nature ConservationOfficerWildspace Officer: Parks& Countryside Service

Wildspace Officer: TreeOfficer

2010

On-going

2003 ,thenon-going

On-going,based on 5year rollingprogrammeof SINCreview2004, thenon-going

2003

2003

2003

On-going

On-going


Existing butlimited: new SLAwith rECOrd

Existing

Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Staff time only

Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004

Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing

Existing:

Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004

52


Appendix 1

Long term targets in priority order1. Increase the population of Great Crested Newt pairs

by 20% by 2015, based on an increase of survey dataover the period 2002 - 2010.

2. Maintain the current local distribution by monitoringponds and terrestrial habitats. To be combined withgeneral pond survey work.

3. Seek to maintain the number of sites (ponds andterrestrial habitat) in Halton likely to be suitable, priorto full survey information being available. To includehabitat restoration or creation of sufficient new sitesnear existing ones to compensate for any losses.

4. Seek to ensure all ponds known to hold viablepopulations are identified in the Unitary DevelopmentPlan as Wildlife Sites (SINC's) and that protection andenhancement of ponds is taken into account inaccordance with PPG9.

5. Assess Halton Borough Council's landownership ofsuitable aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

Short term milestone targets in priority order

1. Maintain biological records for species and habitatsusing the national standards adopted through theNational Biodiversity Network. Source existingbiological data and acquire further records fromcontract survey through rECOrd.

2. Monitor numbers of new or restored ponds that couldbe suitable for the Great Crested Newt. Measure thenew number of new populations artificially establishedin any such new ponds.

3. Make available the Halton Environment Fund for pondcreation and management.


5. Encourage submission of general pond records torECOrd web site.

Target Plan: Great crested newtImplementation and Action

Nature ConservationOfficer ; CheshireWildlife Trust







Nature ConservationOfficerWildspace Officer:

Natural EnvironmentRoundtable

Nature ConservationOfficer: WildspaceOfficer: NaturalEnvironmentRoundtable: rECOrd

2015

On-going

On-going

2002completed,then on-going

2006, earlierif surveyrecords areavailable

On-going

On-going

On-going

On-going




Existing butlimited

Staff time only

Existing

Existing butlimited: SLA withrECOrd

Existing

Existing

Existing

53


Appendix 1

Long term targets in priority order1. Increase the population of Redshank pairs by 20% and

wintering numbers by 20% by 2015. To be based onan increase of survey data over the period 2002 -2010. Survey data to include over wintering numbersas well as breeding numbers on saltmarsh andsurrounding farmland.

2. Promote sympathetic management of saltmarsh intargeted areas, in particular as part of the New MerseyCrossing proposal.

3. Where appropriate incorporate new managementprescriptions on targeted sites, such as land around theHale Duck Decoy, Astmoor saltmarsh and WidnesWarth saltmarsh.

Short term milestone targets in priority order1. Produce a Borough wide Redshank wintering and

breeding report by 2005, to establish baseline figuresfor further habitat monitoring. Monitor annual changesthrough Breeding Bird Survey data

2. Continue regular recording of saltmarsh habitats fromWigg Island Community Park.


Target Plan: RedshankImplementation and Action

Merseyside RingingGroup; RSPB; BTO:English Nature: MerseyBasin Campaign (MerseyEsturary)


Nature ConservationOfficer: WildspaceOfficer: English Nature

RSPB: NatureConservation Officer:Merseyside Ringing Group:BTO: Wildspace Officer:Parks & Countryside ServiceWildspace Officer: Parks& Countryside Service

Wildspace Officer: Parks& Countryside Service

On-going

2002

On-going

1999 -2004

On-going

On-going


Existing

Limited: make useof externalsources of grantExisting



54


Appendix 1

Long term targets in priority order1. Increase the population of breeding pairs by 20% by

2015, based on an increase of survey data over theperiod 2002 - 2010. Survey data to provide increaseor decrease of suitable breeding habitat andextrapolate number of breeding pairs based on knownbreeding densities and territory size of skylarks.

2. Where appropriate incorporate new managementprescriptions on targeted sites, such as Oxmoor LocalNature Reserve and Wigg Island Community Park.

3. Promote sympathetic management of saltmarsh andgrassland in targeted areas. Promote take up ofCountryside Stewardship options with landowners.Promote other beneficial agricultural practices, e.g.retention of stubbles, creation of grass margins andbeetle banks.

4. Identify all habitats in the Unitary Development Planknown to hold viable breeding populations as WildlifeSites (SINC's).

Short term milestone targets in priority order1. Establish a specific skylark report and map areas of

importance by 2005.

2. Establish regular recording on 2 key sites where thespecies is present over three years and set meanpopulation levels. To be repeated every 4 -5 years.


4. Expand Local Nature Reserve status in areas ofimportance for Skylarks within the urban greenspacesystem, for instance Haystack Lodge and RuncornRoad, Moore.

5. Ensure mowing of relevant urban grasslands is not carried outduring breeding season (late March to end July). Discouragetree-planting near significant populations.

6. Identify appropriate areas for the known losses ofbreeding areas within the period 1998 - 2003.

Target Plan: SkylarkImplementation and Action

Wildspace Officer:RSPB: BTO: NaturalEnvironmentRoundtable members:Parks & Countryside Service

Wildspace Officer:Nature ConservationOfficer:Parks &Countryside Service

Wildspace Officer:


Wildspace Officer: RSPB

Wildspace Officer::Parks & CountrysideService

Wildspace Officer::Parks & CountrysideService


Landscape Services:Nature ConservationOfficerNature ConservationOfficer

2002 -2010 forsurvey work,then on-going

On-going

On-going

On-going,based on 5year rollingprogrammeof SINCreview

2005

2003, thenon-going

On-going

2003

On-going

2003




Existing

Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing

Existing

55


Appendix 1

Long term targets in priority order1. Increase the population of song thrush pairs by 20% by

2015, based on an increase of survey data over theperiod 2002 - 2010. Survey data to provide increaseor decrease of suitable breeding habitat andextrapolate number of breeding pairs based on knownbreeding densities and territory size of song thrushes.A cautionary note: the major causes of national declineare thought to relate to complex changes inagricultural practice. Action is dependent upon theoutcome of current research. Targets need, therefore,to be modest and to be reviewed in the nationalcontext.

2. Establish new areas of appropriate habitat andmanagement, for instance, within Mersey Forest sites,new Local Nature Reserves and landscaped areasaround industrial areas.

3. Where appropriate incorporate new managementprescriptions on targeted sites, such as Wigg IslandCommunity Park.

4. Promote the value of spring sown crops, root cropsand scrub areas within the farm.

Short term milestone targets in priority order1. Establish a garden recording scheme and map areas of

importance by 2005. To be promoted as a "flagship"species for urban areas. Promote provision of birdfood in gardens.

2. Expand Local Nature Reserve status in areas ofimportance for Song Thrush within the urbangreenspace system.


4. Raise awareness associated with the use of pesticidesin gardens and on farms.

5. Consider Song Thrush requirements in managementof urban greenspace, e.g. provision of suitable nestinghabitat, restricting use of slug pellets and worm-killingchemicals. Promote hedgerow protection and planting.

Target Plan: Song ThrushImplementation and Action

Wildspace Officer:Nature ConservationOfficer: RSPB: BTO:Natural EnvironmentRoundtable members

Nature ConservationOfficer: Tree Officer:Parks & CountrysideServiceWildspace Officer:Nature ConservationOfficer: LandscapeServicesNature ConservationOfficer: WildspaceOfficer: NaturalEnvironment Roundtable

Wildspace Officer

Nature ConservationOfficer: English Nature

Wildspace Officer:Parks & CountrysideService

Wildspace Officer:Nature ConservationOfficer: Parks &Countryside Service

Wildspace Officer:Landscape Services:Natural EnvironmentRoundtable:Parks &Countryside Service

Begin 2003,then on-going

Start 2003

On-going

On-going

2005

2003

On-going

On-going

On-going


Existing butlimited: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004

Existing

Existing

Existing




56


Appendix 1

Long term targets in priority order1. Increase the population of breeding pairs by 20% by

2015, based on an increase of survey data over theperiod 2002 - 2010. Survey data to provide increaseor decrease of suitable breeding habitat andextrapolate number of breeding pairs based on knownbreeding densities and territory size of Reed Buntings.

2. Promote sympathetic management of watercoursesand the creation of reedbeds and small ponds intargeted areas.

3. Where appropriate incorporate new managementprescriptions on targeted sites, such as Oxmoor LocalNature Reserve.

4. Identify all habitats in the Unitary Development Planknown to hold viable breeding populations as WildlifeSites (SINC's).

5. Encourage Countryside Stewardship measures onfarmland.

Short term milestone targets in priority order1. Establish a recording scheme from 2003 and map

areas of importance by 2005.

2. Establish regular recording on 2 key sites where thespecies is present over three years and set meanpopulation levels. To be repeated every 4 -5 years.


4. Identify areas holding wintering birds.

Target Plan: Reed buntingImplementation and Action

Wildspace Officer:Nature ConservationOfficer: RSPB: BTO:Environment AgencyNatural EnvironmentRoundtable membersNature ConservationOfficer

Wildspace Officer:Nature ConservationOfficerNature ConservationOfficer

Wildspace Officer:Nature ConservationOfficer

Wildspace Officer:

Wildspace Officer:

Wildspace Officer:Parks & CountrysideService

Wildspace Officer:Natural EnvironmentRoundtable:Parks &Countryside Service

Begin 2003,then on-going

On-going

On-going

On-going,based on 5year rollingprogrammeof SINCreviewOn-going

2003 - 2005

Start 2003

On-going

On-going


Existing butlimited: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing

Limited: make useof externalsources of grantExisting

Existing

Existing butlimited: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing butlimited: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing: extendWildspace projectbeyond currentfunding period2002 -2004Existing but imited:make use ofexternal sourcesof grant

Appendix 2Baseline data for Species Action Plans

Ron Thomas

58

Halton’s Biodiversity Action PlanHalton’s Biodiversity Action Plan

Appendix 2

SJ562834SJ532799SJ573790SJ563834SJ592837SJ559802SJ524802SJ558803SJ558838SJ591831SJ591831SJ592840SJ591831SJ591831SJ545829SJ564835SJ524802SJ553832SJ572791SJ507816SJ50998884SJ52448020SJ511888SJ477816SJ477813SJ539800SJ539800SJ535805SJ558814SJ548805SJ557813SJ533800SJ507816SJ545829SJ566815SJ591823SJ601803SJ573799SJ587801SJ557813SJ501877

1969196926/06/198609/06/198819/03/198421/03/1984199219931994Spring 1996Spring 199612/06/1995Spring 1996Spring 199613/03/199623/03/199611/03/199608/04/199604/04/199718/05/1997199806/04/199921/04/199927/04/199927/04/199910/05/199911/05/199913/05/199918/05/199917/05/199918/05/199901/06/199905/06/199915/06/199916/06/199918/06/199918/06/199920/06/199920/06/199920/06/199921/06/1999

Table 1 Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta 59 occurrences

Place Name Grid Reference Sample Date

Sandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreFloodbrook Clough SSSI, RuncornDutton Hospital Wood, DuttonSandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreRows Wood, DaresburyMurdishaw Wood, RuncornClifton Clough, CliftonMurdishaw Wood, RuncornLodge Plantation, RuncornCompartment 1, Morts WoodCompartment 3, Morts WoodRows Wood, DaresburyCompartment 2, Morts WoodCompartment 5, Morts WoodHaddock's Wood, Halton, RuncornSandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreClifton Clough, CliftonBig Wood, RuncornDutton Hospital Wood, DuttonRuncorn Hill, RuncornPond 2, Wilmere Lane Ponds, WidnesClifton Hall Farm, Cholmondeley Rd, CliftonWilmere Lane Playing Fields, WidnesWillow Bed Wood, HaleOld Pits Wood, HaleBeech Wood, RuncornBeech Wood, RuncornThe Glen, Palacefields, Halton, RuncornRuncorn East Railway Station, RuncornThe Gorse Woodland, RuncornRailway Plantation, RuncornFloodbrook Clough SSSI, RuncornRuncorn Hill, RuncornHaddock's Wood, Halton, RuncornLand adjacent to Preston Brook MarinaCopse near Commonside Farm, DaresburyCrowholt Wood, DaresburyBarker's Hollow Woodland, DuttonCopse, East of New Manor Farm, DaresburyRailway Plantation, RuncornOld Upton Lane, Upton, Widnes

59


Appendix 2Table 1 Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta 59 occurrences


Pond 2, Wilmere Lane Ponds, WidnesNewton Gorse Woodland, DaresburyMurdishaw Wood, RuncornBeech Wood, RuncornOld Pits Wood, HaleWillow Bed Wood, HaleChurch Willow Wood, HaleRuncorn East Railway Station, RuncornMurdishaw Wood, RuncornBarker's Hollow Woodland, DuttonOld Upton Lane, Upton, WidnesHaddock's Wood, Halton, RuncornCrowholt Wood, DaresburyBack of Main Street, Halton Village, RuncornNewton Gorse Woodland, DaresburyCopse, East of New Manor Farm, DaresburyCopse near Commonside Farm, DaresburyHalton Common, Halton, Runcorn

SJ50998884SJ581812SJ557803SJ539800SJ477813SJ477816SJ473819SJ558814SJ558803SJ573799SJ501877SJ545829SJ601803SJ539818SJ581812SJ587801SJ591823SJ540823

26/06/199924/06/199905/07/199908/07/199915/07/199915/07/199915/07/199921/07/199915/07/199921/07/199925/07/199931/07/199931/07/199904/08/199911/08/199914/08/199915/08/199926/05/1986

Table 2 Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus 3 occurrences

Place Name Sample SpatialReference

Sample Date

Sandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreBig Wood, RuncornMill Wood /Hopyard Wood

SJ563834SJ553832SJ455838

25/07/199924/07/19992000

Table 3 Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 3 occurrences


Pond at Delphfield, RuncornPond at Delphfield, RuncornPond at Delphfield, Runcorn

SJ557815SJ557815SJ557815

09/06/199819981998

60


Appendix 2

Astmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornAstmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornUpper Mersey EstuaryAstmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornWidnes Warth, Widnes

Upper Mersey EstuaryWidnes Warth, WidnesUpper Mersey EstuaryUpper Mersey EstuaryPickering's PastureHalePickering's Pasture, R. MerseyWidnes Warth MarshHalePickering's Pasture, R. MerseyHale, River MerseyPickering's PastureSpike Island, River MerseyHaleHalePickering's PastureHaleHalePickering's PastureWidnes Warth MarshHalePickering's PasturePickering's Pasture, R. MerseyHalePickering's Pasture, R. MerseyHalePickering's Pasture, R. MerseyHaleHale, River MerseyPickering's Pasture, R. MerseyHaleHale, River MerseyPickering's Pasture

SJ535844SJ535844SJ530850SJ535844SJ525846

SJ530850SJ525846SJ530850SJ530850SJ488835SJ47-81-SJ49-83-SJ52-84-SJ47-81-SJ49-83-SJ47-80-SJ488835SJ51-83-SJ47-81-SJ47-81-SJ488835SJ47-81-SJ47-81-SJ488835SJ52-84-SJ47-81-SJ488835SJ49-83-SJ47-81-SJ49-83-SJ47-81-SJ49-83-SJ47-81-SJ47-80-SJ49-83-SJ47-81-SJ47-80-SJ488835

1900 - 19711900 - 199008/11/19961971August 1994 -September199422/01/199508/05/199505/02/199518/02/19952000.01.132000.01.232000.02.132000.02.152000.02.202000.02.262000.02.262000.03.152000.03.152000.03.192000.04.012000.04.082000.04.122000.04.152000.04.182000.05.042000.05.192000.06.112000.06.242000.06.262000.07.302000.07.312000.08.192000.08.202000.09.162000.09.162000.09.172000.10.012000.10.26

Table 4 Redshank Tringa totanus 48 occurrences


Sample Date

61


Appendix 2(Continued)Table 4 Redshank Tringa totanus 48 occurrences


Sample Date

HaleHalePickering's PastureHale, River MerseyManor ParkHaleManor Park, Norbury MarshManor ParkPickering's Pasture

2000.10.272000.11.122000.11.152000.11.252000.12.102000.12.102000.12.102000.12.102000.12.28

SJ47-81-SJ47-81-SJ488835SJ47-80-SJ55-84-SJ47-81-SJ557843SJ552842SJ488835

Table 5 Skylark Alauda arvensis 34 occurrences

Place Name Sample Date

Runcorn Hill, RuncornAstmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornHalton Moss, Halton, RuncornAstmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornFloodbrook Clough SSSI, RuncornUpton Rocks Railway Embankment, Upton, WidnesManor Park Phase 3, Pasture Land, RuncornManor Park Phase 3, Pasture Land, RuncornBush Boake Allen Skylark Meadow, WidnesNorth East of Hale Duck Decoy, HaleLand off Johnsons Lane, Widnes, HaltonNorth East of Hale Duck Decoy, HaleSandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreSandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreHalton Moss, Halton, RuncornManor Park, Norbury MarshManor Park, Norbury MarshPickering's PastureAstmoor SaltmarshManor Park, Norbury MarshWidnes Warth MarshCuerdley MarshManor Park, Norbury MarshPickering's PastureAstmoor SaltmarshPickering's PastureHale

SJ507817SJ535844SJ565845SJ535844SJ532799SJ501868SJ569847SJ56758447SJ534867SJ480827SJ533857SJ480827SJ562834SJ562834SJ565845SJ557843SJ557843SJ488835SJ53-84-SJ557843SJ52-84-SJ55-84-SJ557843SJ488835SJ53-84-SJ488835SJ47-81-

1900 - 19671900 - 197129/03/19961971197120/05/199915/06/199923/07/199925/06/199925/06/199916/08/199916/08/19991970196903/08/19932000.02.132000.02.272000.04.082000.04.202000.04.232000.05.042000.05.042000.06.102000.06.112000.06.122000.06.242000.07.08

Sample SpatialReference

62


Appendix 2(Continued) Table 5 Skylark Alauda arvensis 34 occurrences

Place Name Sample DateSample SpatialReference

Manor Park, Norbury MarshHaleAstmoor SaltmarshManor Park, Norbury MarshHaleHaleManor Park, Norbury Marsh

2000.07.222000.09.162000.09.292000.09.302000.10.012000.11.252000.12.10

SJ557843SJ47-81-SJ53-84-SJ557843SJ47-81-SJ47-81-SJ557843

Table 6 Song Thrush Turdus philomelus 29 occurrences


Runcorn Hill, RuncornAstmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornFloodbrook Clough SSSI, RuncornHalton Common, Halton, RuncornHalton Common, Halton, RuncornMurdishaw Wood, RuncornHalton Common, Halton, RuncornSandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreSandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreHalton Common, Halton, RuncornRows Wood, DaresburyCuerdley MarshManor Park, Norbury MarshManor Park, Norbury WoodManor Park, Norbury WoodDorchester ParkNorton PrioryManor Park, Norbury MarshDorchester ParkClifton LagoonClifton CloughsHale, Big Boars WoodHale, Little Boars WoodAstmoor SaltmarshPickering's PastureDorchester ParkSt. Helens CanalHale, Big Boars WoodManor Park, Norbury Marsh

SJ507817SJ535844SJ532799SJ540823SJ540823SJ558803SJ540823SJ562834SJ562834SJ540823SJ592840SJ55-84-SJ557843SJ552842SJ552842SJ559835SJ548828SJ557843SJ559835SJ528796SJ528800SJ472832SJ473834SJ53-84-SJ488835SJ559835SJ53-85-SJ472832SJ557843

1900 - 19671971197124/02/199827/11/199815/07/199918/01/20011969197023/12/1994Spring 19952000.01.162000.02.272000.04.232000.04.302000.04.302000.06.032000.06.102000.06.102000.06.242000.06.242000.07.082000.07.082000.07.282000.07.302000.08.272000.10.132000.10.222000.12.10

63


Appendix 2Table 7 Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 29 occurrences


Astmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornAstmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornFloodbrook Clough SSSI, RuncornSandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreSandymoor Wood, Sandymoor, MooreHalton Moss, Halton, RuncornAstmoor Salt Marsh, Astmoor, RuncornAstmoor SaltmarshCuerdley MarshSpike IslandSpike IslandCuerdley MarshAstmoor SaltmarshManor Park, Norbury MarshManor Park, Norbury MarshHaleSt. Helens CanalCuerdley MarshManor Park, Norbury PoolManor Park, Norbury MarshAstmoor SaltmarshClifton LagoonHaleManor Park, Norbury MarshAstmoor SaltmarshHaleManor Park, Norbury MarshHaleSt. Helens Canal

SJ535844SJ535844SJ532799SJ562834SJ562834SJ565845SJ535844SJ53-84-SJ55-84-SJ51-84-SJ51-84-SJ55-84-SJ53-84-SJ557843SJ557843SJ47-81-SJ53-85-SJ55-84-SJ559841SJ557843SJ53-84-SJ528796SJ47-81-SJ557843SJ53-84-SJ47-81-SJ557843SJ47-81-SJ53-85-

1900 - 1971197119711970196903/08/199304/05/19952000.01.132000.01.162000.02.152000.02.152000.02.152000.04.202000.04.232000.04.302000.04-052000.05.042000.05.042000.06.032000.06.102000.06.122000.06.242000.07.082000.07.222000.07.282000.09.162000.09.302000.10.012000.10.13

64


Documents

biodiversity action plan - Halton Borough Council...Long term targets in priority order 1. The overall objective is to maintain, in favourable condition, the current extent of reedbed