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Northumbrian Water Reptile Survey Report

Volume 1: Northern Area

August 2007

Final

Client Northumbrian Water Ltd

Job Name Reptile Surveys

Report title Reptile Survey Report

File reference 2432_n007_fin rep_jt_mm.doc

Signed Name Position Date

Originated John Thompson Senior Ecologist 03/07/07

Reviewed Steve Betts Partner 19/07/07

Revised John Thompson Senior Ecologist 31/07/07

ISSUING OFFICE:

The William Elder Building

56–58 Castlegate Berwick-upon-Tweed

Northumberland TD15 1JT

TEL: 01289 302004

FAX: 01289 302016

PARTNERS: Andrew Baker BSc MIEEM Peter Shepherd BSc PhD MIEEM James Gillespie BSc PGDip MIEEM

WEB: www.bsg-ecology.com EMAIL: [email protected] OFFICES IN: Bakewell, Oxford, Berwick-upon-Tweed & Monmouth

Northumbrian Water Ltd Reptile Survey Report

Report Contents

1 Introduction..................................................................................... 1 1.1 Sites Surveyed ........................................................................................ 1 1.2 Aims of Study.......................................................................................... 1

2 Reptile Ecology, Distribution and Status ......................................... 2 2.1 Legislation............................................................................................... 2 2.2 Other guidance....................................................................................... 2

3 Method............................................................................................ 4 3.1 Desk Study.............................................................................................. 4 3.2 Field Survey ............................................................................................ 4 3.3 Population Assessment........................................................................... 5

4 Results ............................................................................................. 7 4.1 Desk Study.............................................................................................. 7 4.2 Habitat Evaluation .................................................................................. 8

4.2.1 Lockhaugh .............................................................................................. 8 4.2.2 Howdon STW ......................................................................................... 8 4.2.3 Hallington Reservoirs East and West ..................................................... 9 4.2.4 Colt Crag Reservoir ................................................................................ 9 4.2.5 Catcleugh Reservoir ............................................................................. 10 4.2.6 Tosson Springs ..................................................................................... 11 4.2.7 Cartington Springs ............................................................................... 11 4.2.8 Fontburn Reservoir............................................................................... 11

5 Analysis.......................................................................................... 13 5.1 Presence of reptiles and population size estimates.............................. 13

5.1.1 Lockhaugh STW.................................................................................... 13 5.1.2 Howdon STW ....................................................................................... 13 5.1.3 Hallington Reservoir (East and West) ................................................... 14 5.1.4 Colt Crag Reservoir .............................................................................. 14 5.1.5 Catcleugh Reservoir ............................................................................. 14 5.1.6 Tosson Springs ..................................................................................... 15 5.1.7 Cartington Springs ............................................................................... 16 5.1.8 Fontburn Reservoir............................................................................... 16

5.2 Management Recommendations.......................................................... 17 5.2.1 Lockhaugh STW.................................................................................... 17 5.2.2 Howdon STW ....................................................................................... 17 5.2.3 Hallington Reservoirs ........................................................................... 17 5.2.4 Colt Crag Reservoir .............................................................................. 18 5.2.5 Catcleugh Reservoir ............................................................................. 18 5.2.6 Tosson Springs ..................................................................................... 18 5.2.7 Cartington Springs ............................................................................... 18 5.2.8 Fontburn Reservoir............................................................................... 18

6 Summary........................................................................................ 20

7 References..................................................................................... 21

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Appendix 1 - Refugia numbers and locations..................................... 22

Appendix 2 – Survey Dates, Times and Conditions ............................ 24

Appendix 3 – Reptile Survey Results.................................................. 26

Appendix 4 – Habitat Photographs.................................................... 29

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1 Introduction Baker Shepherd Gillespie was commissioned to conduct reptile surveys on a series of nine Northumbrian Water Ltd (NWL) sites throughout North-East England. Some of the sites are currently operational and a proportion is non-operational. The site locations and central grid references are listed in Table 1 below. As both a landowner and operator NWL is committed to conserving and enhancing biodiversity in the region. NWL has produced their own Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), the purpose of which is to achieve its biodiversity objectives throughout their landholdings and operations. It is intended that the results of the reptile surveys undertaken during 2007 will be used to define what conservation management needs to take place to benefit reptiles.

1.1 Sites Surveyed The nine sites that were surveyed are described in Table 1 below. Table 1 – Sites Surveyed Site Name Grid

Reference Current Use Location

Tosson Springs NU 033 000 No longer in use South of Rothbury Cartington Springs

NU043 042 No longer in use West of Rothbury

Fontburn Reservoir

NZ 040 935 Reservoir and associated Water Treatment Works (WTW)

c10km South of Rothbury

Colt Crag Reservoir

NY 934 783 Reservoir Thockrington Adjacent to A68

Hallington Reservoirs East and West

NY 969 761 Reservoir Colwell, Close to A68

Catcleugh Reservoir

NT 763 032 Reservoir South of Scottish border at Carter Bar (A68).

Howdon, North Shields Howdon NZ 336 664 Sewage Treatment Works (STW)

Lockhaugh NZ 172 590 STW Derwent Valley near Rowlands Gill

1.2 Aims of Study The aims of the study were to identify those species of reptile that are currently using each of the Northumbrian Water sites surveyed. At those sites where reptiles were not recorded the habitat has been evaluated to try to identify why that might be the case. Where reptiles were recorded the habitats were assessed to see if they can be enhanced to benefit reptiles.

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2 Reptile Ecology, Distribution and Status There are six species of reptile that are native to Britain, but of these the sand lizard Lacerta agilis and smooth snake Coronella austriaca have a distribution that is restricted predominantly to the south of England. Four native species have a geographical distribution that includes the north-east of England and these are:

• Adder Vipera berus • Grass snake Natrix natrix • Common lizard Lacerta vivipara • Slow worm Anguis fragilis

All reptiles are ectothermic (that is they are reliant on an external heat source to enable activity) and for this reason they are generally inactive between October and March (Froglife 1999). Even during the period when they are most active reptiles may only be detected effectively during suitable weather conditions. Their reliance on an external heat source (the sun) means that reptiles are usually found in areas where suitable open basking habitats are located close to shelter, reducing the risk of predation. Reptile presence is also dependent on the presence of suitable prey, such as invertebrates, amphibians, other reptiles, and small mammals. The optimum combination of sheltering, basking and foraging habitats is typically found in heathland, dunes, hedgerows or woodland rides or edges. However, a number of man-made habitats, such as road and rail embankments and some derelict brownfield sites, can be important for reptiles (English Nature 2004). The mobility of reptiles varies between species but, in general, snakes range over larger areas than lizards, potentially up to several kilometres over the course of a year (Froglife 1999). There is evidence to suggest that some snakes move to wetter areas during the late summer months (Froglife 1999), while lizards tend to remain close to particularly good habitat, such as boulder scree. During the last 50 years there have been marked reductions in many reptile populations for a number of reasons. These include development pressure, agricultural intensification and forestry practices Froglife (1999).

2.1 Legislation Due to the unfavourable conservation status of many reptiles they are subject to specific legal protection. All four species noted above receive protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Part of Section 9(1) and all of Section 9(5) of the Act apply. This means they are protected against intentional killing and injuring (but not taking) and against sale, transporting for sale or publishing advertisements to buy or sell. Paragraph 41(1) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act 2006) states that “the Secretary of State must, as respects England, publish a list of the living organisms and types of habitat which in the Secretary of State’s opinion are of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity”. This replaces a similar reference to the list that was found in Section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (the CRoW Act). The sand lizard is the only reptile species that has been included on this list and which is native to the UK.

2.2 Other Guidance In addition to specific legal protection, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) highlights a number of priority species and habitats that require special protection. Within the UK BAP sand lizard Lacerta agilis is the only reptile species listed as a priority species requiring protection at the national level.



Reptiles are not specifically identified as species requiring protection at the local level in the local BAPs for Northumberland and the Northumberland National Park. However, adder, common lizard, slow worm and grass snake are all highlighted as requiring special protection at the local level within the document ‘Action for Wildlife – the Durham Biodiversity Plan BAP. Although none of the sites surveyed are located in County Durham, some are located close to the county boundary. In addition, adder, grass snake and slow worm are highlighted within the NWL BAP as requiring special protection at the local level.



3 Method

3.1 Desk Study A detailed desk study has not been carried out for the nine sites. However, general information on the distribution of reptiles in the area has been obtained from the National Biodiversity Network database (www.searchnbn.net). Whilst this information is by no means comprehensive, it does provide an indication of the range of species that might be expected in the area around the proposed development. This information has been complemented by the knowledge of the surveyor of reptile activity at other sites in the locality.

3.2 Field Survey A number of 50 x 50cm artificial refugia were prepared to attract reptiles when placed on site. These consisted of a mixture of heavy duty roofing felt sheets and corrugated polycarbonate roofing sheets. These materials share properties of absorbing heat readily and heating up more rapidly than the surrounding ground or vegetation, creating an ideal habitat for basking or sheltering reptiles. The corrugated sheeting has the benefit of providing space below for sheltering reptiles, and the same effect was achieved under the roofing felt sheets by placing stones or twigs to create space under the flat sheets. Stones were used on all refugia to secure them in place in the event of strong winds. The artificial refugia were placed in areas considered to represent the optimal reptile habitat on each particular site. This varied by site, but included heathland, open woodland and woodland rides and edges, rough grassland, scrub and damp / marshy grassland. The refugia locations at each site are described in Section 4.2. The number of refugia varied between sites but numbered between 30 and 60 refugia per site. This gave a relatively low density of refugia (refugia / ha) when considered across the whole site. However, the focus of the survey was to determine reptile presence and therefore the location of refugia was biased towards the optimal habitat features. The density of refugia in suitable habitats that were sampled was in accordance with froglife guidelines (Froglife 1999). All sites were visited on 5 occasions between April and early July (survey was extended into early July due to largely unsuitable weather conditions experienced throughout much of June) with refugia examined for reptiles basking on the surface and sheltering below. Weather conditions were recorded in detail on all visits and survey was not undertaken in temperatures below 10o C or above 20o C. The survey dates, times and weather conditions are detailed in Appendix 2. In addition to close examination of artificial refugia, transects were walked through appropriate habitats paying close attention to features that could act as basking or refuge areas, such as rock piles, log piles, flat stones, sheets of bark and concrete structures. During the surveys the ground, other natural features and artificial refugia were observed from several metres distance to avoid disturbing and ‘flushing’ basking reptiles. All reptiles or sloughs1 located throughout the course of each survey were recorded along with national grid references where possible. National grid references were not taken at Howdon due to the small size of the site and even distribution of refugia across the site. Where possible the gender of each reptile was determined and its length estimated. Using this information a subjective assessment was made of the age classes present. Figures 1-4 below show some examples of the situations in which reptiles were located.

1 Reptiles shed their skins periodically. Most notably in the case of snakes shed skins or sloughs can be located adjacent to vegetation or wood / rock debris that they use to ‘peel’ off their old skins. The sloughs of adder retain the distinctive zig zag markings along the dorsal (upper) surface and can therefore be readily identified.



Figure 1. Female adder basking in open grassland.

Figure 2 Male adder moving through grassland.

Figure 3. Common lizard basking on artificial refugia.

Figure 4. Female adder located sheltering under large stone

3.3 Population Assessment The principle objective of the surveys was to determine presence of reptiles by focussing survey effort on what were considered to be the optimal habitat features present within each site. However, a tentative conclusion relating to likely population size has also been reached, where possible, using the guidance presented in Table 2 below (Froglife, 1999). It should be noted that population assessments are normally made using data collected by ‘mark and recapture’ survey techniques, and therefore any population estimates should be treated with caution. A tentative assessment has also been made about whether each of the sites is likely to qualify as a “Key Reptile Site“(Froglife, 1999). The criteria for the selection of Key Reptile Sites are set out in Table 2 below.



Table 2 - Population Size Assessment and Key Reptile Site Criteria (from Froglife 1999). To qualify for the key reptile site register, the site surveyed must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Supports three or more reptile species 2. Supports two snake species 3. Supports an exceptional population of one species 4. Supports an assemblage of species scoring at least 4 5. Does not satisfy 1-5 but which is of particular regional importance due to local rarity.

Low Population Score =1

Good population Score = 2

Exceptional population Score = 3

Adder <5 5-10 >10 Grass snake <5 5-10 >10 Common lizard <5 5-20 >20 Slow worm <5 5-20 >20 Figures in the table above refer to the maximum number of adults seen by observation and / or under tins (placed at a density of up to 10/ha) by one person in one day.



4 Results

4.1 Desk Study Table 3 below summarises the relevant reptile species recorded within 2km of the sites included in the survey. Data has been sourced from the National Biodiversity Network (www.searchnbn.net). Table 3 - Records of reptiles on or near the survey sites2

Record details (date and distance from site) Site Common Lizard Adder Slow Worm Grass snake. Lockhaugh STW Nearest record at

Anfield plain several km SSE.

Recorded from the Gibside Estate (1979). Within 1km of Lockhaugh though across river Derwent.

No records present on NBN

Numerous reports of grass snake from Gibside Estate south of the river Derwent within 100m of site. Most recent record 1986. Records from Lochhaugh from 1982 and 1984 (Recorder D Race)

Howdon STW No records present on NBN

Nearest record at East Boldon c4-5km South (1980)



Hallington Reservoirs





Colt Crag Reservoirs





Catcleugh Reservoirs

Specific records unavailable though recorded within 10km square (1992)

Specific records unavailable though recorded within 10km square (1992)

Recorded in Redesdale Forest c. 2km SE of Catcleugh (1990).

Tosson Springs Recorded from Simonside Hills (within 1km) (1964).

Recorded from Simonside Hills (within 1km) (1964). NZ028975.

Recorded 1.75m SE of Rothbury c 3Km from site along coquet valley. (1972). (A.Hunter)

Nearest record from Fontburn Reservoir (1981).

Cartington Springs

Recorded 1.75m SE of Rothbury c 3Km from site along coquet Valley. (1972). (A. Hunter)

Nearest record from Long Crag 1-2km North of the site. (1975)

Recorded 1.75m SE of Rothbury c 3Km from site along Coquet valley. (1972). (A Hunter)

Fontburn Recorded from Fontburn Reservoir. (1981)

Recorded from Fontburn Reservoir. (1981)



2 Details of recorder are given where available. No details = recorder unknown.


http://www.searchnbn.net/


4.2 Habitat Evaluation In this section the habitats at each site are described and evaluated in terms of their potential to support reptiles.

4.2.1 Lockhaugh Habitat Description Lockhaugh Sewage Treatment Works (STW) was dominated by tall ruderal vegetation across the majority of the area surveyed, the dominant species being common nettle Urtica dioica, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and cleavers Galium aparine. The extensive area of tall ruderal vegetation provides few basking opportunities for reptiles. Surrounding the area of tall ruderal vegetation were areas of scrub woodland, with woodland edge habitats which were considered to be marginally more suitable for reptiles. The woodland habitats on the periphery of the site were considered to hold some potential value as they formed the wooded section of the Derwent valley which could form part of a wildlife corridor that could be used by reptiles such as grass snake. The woodlands at this location were dominated by oak Quercus robur and ash Fraxinus excelsior. Survey Strategy The survey of the Lockhaugh site focused on the woodlands that surround the site, hedgerows, scrubby edges of woodland and lines of planted trees and areas of isolated willow scrub. A total of 30 artificial refugia were used within the site and these were distributed around these habitats. In addition to the artificial refugia, searches for reptiles were made among deadwood and other naturally occurring refugia found mostly within the woodland.

4.2.2 Howdon STW Habitat Description Howdon STW comprises a mixture of broadleaved plantation woodland, which is estimated to be between five and ten years old, short sward grassland (cropped by visiting wildfowl) and scattered gorse and hawthorn scrub. The grassland appears to be seeded and is relatively species rich in nature with a number of grasses and herbs present. These habitats surround a wetland consisting of a series of permanent pools and temporary scrapes used by wildfowl. The combination of the seeded species-rich grassland and scrub with wetlands based on predominantly south-facing embankments potentially provides good habitat for reptiles. The section of the site that was surveyed for reptiles at Howdon STW site, which is operated as a nature reserve, was created on former industrial land adjacent to the River Tyne. Due to the former industrial use of the site, a remediation programme took place on contaminated parts of the site prior to creating the nature reserve. This process involved large-scale ‘clay capping’ to isolate the surface soils from the underlying contamination. As a result of this work the site was subject to extensive disturbance, which reduces the likelihood of any reptiles being present. Furthermore, the habitats present on site are relatively young. For this reason it is concluded that reptiles are only likely to be present if there are good colonising populations present on adjacent land. This is considered to be unlikely as most of the surrounding land is either active or derelict industrial land.



Survey Strategy Howdon STW was one of the smaller sites surveyed and so good coverage was achieved across the site using artificial refugia. The whole site was included in the survey as the habitats present were relatively uniform and were considered to have good potential to support reptile populations without consideration of the site history described above. A total of 30 refugia were employed throughout the site. In addition to inspecting these refugia, a large number of black vegetation control sheets are present on site around young sapling trees. These were considered to be good potential basking sites for species such as common lizard, and were inspected on all visits.

4.2.3 Hallington Reservoirs East and West Habitat Description Hallington Reservoirs have constructed walls and embankments throughout much of the exterior of the site particularly surrounding the southern elements of Hallington west. The embankments that surround these two reservoirs are vegetated with narrow belts of amenity grassland which are regularly mown, creating a short sward providing little cover for reptiles. On the outside of the grassed embankments there is a band of predominately broadleaved plantation comprising oak Quercus robur, beech Fagus sylvatica and sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus. Beyond the plantation lies a mixture of arable fields and pasture. The past disturbance and intense management of the habitats that surround the reservoirs means that they are unlikely to support established reptile populations. The northern embankments of Hallington Reservoir West are vegetated with a narrow conifer plantation which is dominated by Scot’s pine Pinus sylvestris. Alongside Hallington Reservoir East are more extensive areas of mixed coniferous plantation and silver birch dominated woodland, which extend as far as the northern embankment of Hallington Reservoir West where the soils appear to be acid in nature with a dominance of tufted hair grass Deschampsia flexuosa. This continuous strip of woodland was considered to provide good habitat for reptiles. Some wetland habitats were also noted in this part of the site, with large stands of reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea along the shoreline of the reservoir extending into the draw-down zone. Around the edges of the reservoirs large piles of rotting vegetation were present along the ‘strandline’, which have possibly accumulated as a result of wind and wave action and draw-down within the respective reservoirs. These piles of vegetation may potentially be exploited by reptiles, such as grass snake Natrix natrix and slow worm Anguis fragilis, both of which are often found in such features. In particular, grass snake may use vegetation piles for egg laying due to the relatively warm and stable temperature that is often found inside piles of vegetation. Survey Strategy:- A total of 56 refugia were placed in those habitats around the reservoirs that were considered most likely to support reptiles. Throughout much of the site refugia were located along the edges of the narrow belts of mixed plantation woodland, but they were also located in the wetland habitats identified in the reservoir draw-down zones. Refugia were also placed on and around piles of drift vegetation near the high water mark. In addition to the refugia, open woodland glades and grass covered tracks around the reservoir were also searched for reptiles.

4.2.4 Colt Crag Reservoir Habitat Description Colt Crag consists of a fringe of plantation and semi natural woodland surrounding the reservoir. The plantation woodland is dominated by Scot’s pine and Norway spruce Picea abies, and the semi-natural woodland is dominated by silver birch. Toward the head (Eastern end) of the reservoir are small areas of amenity grassland which are associated with engineered features. At the entrance to the reservoir site (which is from the A68 to the west of the site) lies a small area of heathland habitat which has developed on clear-felled forestry land. This area has been re-planted with a mixture of birch and alder Alnus glutinosa.



To the south of Colt Crag Reservoir is a large area of modified bog habitat, which is surrounded by grazing pasture with some areas that are dominated by rushes Juncus sp. This habitat was considered likely to support reptiles. Along the Northern shore of the reservoir a small stream enters the waterbody, surrounding this feature is wetland habitat dominated by rushes Juncus spp. and reed canary grass. Survey Strategy A total of 48 refugia were placed in those habitats around Colt Crag Reservoir that were considered to have the highest potential to support reptiles. These included the area of heathland (with young broadleaved plantation), the wetland associated with a small stream on the northern shore of the reservoir, the open birch woodland (especially those areas where south-facing slopes were present), and the willow scrub along the edge of the draw-down zone where reptile basking habitat was plentiful. The survey also concentrated on other suitable reptile basking areas, including the engineered embankments and head walls.

4.2.5 Catcleugh Reservoir Habitat Description Catcleugh Reservoir is located in an upland area near the Scottish Border close to the viewpoint at Carter Bar. The surrounding landscape comprises a mixture of heather moorland, blanket bog, upland pasture and coniferous forestry plantation, and all of these habitats are present in the area immediately around the reservoir, which was covered by the survey. Along the southern bank of the reservoir are areas of heathland, which have been planted with a mixture of silver birch and alder. Some gorse scrub was also present in this area. At the north-west end of the reservoir is an area of unimproved grassland which includes an area of marsh surrounded by coniferous plantation. Further to the north-west are areas of bog habitat and acid grassland adjacent to a river that feeds into the reservoir. All of the habitats identified are considered to provide suitable habitat for reptiles. The north western embankments of the reservoir are surrounded by a mix of conifer plantation and a mix of open tussocky grassland and marshy grassland at the reservoir edge. This lies down slope of open bog habitat that provides opportunities for reptiles. Adjacent to the A68, which runs to the north of the reservoir, is a mix of thin sparsely vegetated slopes with scattered scrub. Some areas of land extending southward away from the road have been planted predominately with Scots pine while some alder / willow scrub is present along the shore edge in these locations. The mixture of habitats present around the reservoir are considered to provide good potential reptile habitat, as are the diverse range of habitats that surround the site outwith the site boundary. Survey Strategy A total of 50 artificial refugia were set out at Catcleugh Reservoir and these were distributed throughout those habitats that were considered to have the highest potential for reptiles. Habitats surveyed included bog, wet grassland and rough grassland at the north-west end of the reservoir. Additional refugia were placed in the open habitat areas within the forestry plantation. The habitats in these areas comprised bog, acid grassland and marsh near the reservoir edge. A large proportion of the refugia were placed at the south-east corner of the site where heathland was present directly adjacent to the reservoir.



4.2.6 Tosson Springs Habitat Description Tosson Spring is situated on the north-east edge of the Simonside Hills in an area designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). One of the SAC qualifying features is the heathland habitat present, which provides good opportunities for reptiles. There are a number of micro-topographical features such as hollows and raised banks, which create enhanced basking opportunities for reptiles. The general aspect of this site is however, north-easterly, which is generally less favourable for reptiles. The site is currently grazed by sheep and based on the short sward height during initial visits this grazing pressure appeared to be relatively heavy. Tosson Springs supports a diverse range of habitat types that include hedgerows, acid grassland and rush pasture. There is a hawthorn Crataegus monogyna hedgerow with associated wet ditch located at the base of a slope adjacent to the road on the eastern side of the site. Elsewhere within the site there is a mosaic of acid grassland, which is dominated by bent grasses Agrostis spp. and fescues Festuca spp., and rush pasture, which is dominated by soft rush Juncus effusus. There are scattered areas of gorse scrub on both the lower and upper slopes. The upper slopes of the site are covered with a dense layer of bracken Pteridium aquilinum. The southern part of the site is not heavily grazed and supports heathland dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris, together with acid grassland, wet flushes and stands of gorse. This area was considered to provide good quality reptile habitat. Survey Strategy A total of 34 refugia were set out at Tosson Springs and these were set out in those habitats considered to have the best potential to support reptiles. Habitats surveyed include the marshy grassland, gorse scrub, and the heathland and acid grassland mosaic. In addition refugia were set out amongst the micro-topographical features such as sheltered hollows and ditches identified within the site.

4.2.7 Cartington Springs Habitat Description Cartington Springs comprises a mixture of grassland, woodland and wetland habitats. The woodland was dominated by oak and was of a very open nature with an understorey comprised of fine leaved grasses which is considered to provide good reptile habitat. There is extensive bracken in some parts of the site, and these areas may also support reptiles, particularly in the understorey of dead bracken stems and leaves. Along the line of the watercourse were extensive areas of very wet marshy grassland dominated by hard rush Juncus inflexus and soft rush. The open woodland and waterside habitats were considered to support some of the best opportunities for reptiles. The valley sides adjacent to the watercourse supported species rich acid grassland which was also considered to represent good reptile habitat particularly where these slopes had a southern aspect. Survey Strategy A total of 31 refugia were set out at Cartington Springs and these were set out in the open grassland and rush pasture, the wetland and stream edge habitats, and the woodland edge habitats all of which were considered to be good reptile habitats.

4.2.8 Fontburn Reservoir Fontburn Reservoir is surrounded by upland habitats that include heath, acid grassland, semi-natural silver birch and alder woodland, and coniferous plantation woodland. Open silver birch woodland is the most abundant cover type within the site, and is most extensive along the northern shores of the reservoir. Coniferous plantation is also abundant, particularly towards the



south-western shore of the reservoir. There are a number of small streams and wet flushes along the banks of the reservoir and these habitats become more abundant towards the western end of the reservoir, where there is an area of swamp habitat. This area is managed as a nature reserve. Land surrounding Fontburn Reservoir is a mixture of heathland, rush pasture, and semi-improved pasture with large commercial conifer forestry block further west. In the north-west corner of the reservoir are a number of lagoons which are surrounded by a mixture of willow scrub rough grassland and heathland. The habitats present at Fontburn Reservoir are considered to provide a diverse range of hunting and basking habitats and refugia for reptiles. Survey Strategy A total of 60 refugia were placed throughout the site in habitats that were considered most likely to support reptiles. Clusters of refugia were placed in felled coniferous plantation and heathland in the north-east corner of the site, and in the open semi-natural birch/alder woodland, rough grassland and marshy grassland at the western end of the reservoir (i.e. the nature reserve) and in the south-east corner. In addition to the use of refugia, various basking sites, naturally occurring refugia and hunting areas were searched in detail.



5 Analysis

5.1 Presence of Reptiles and Population Size Estimates The findings of the reptile surveys are summarised and discussed below. A crude assessment of population size using the terms ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’ (see Table 2 in Section 3.3) is provided where the data permits. For each site a summary is provided of the species recorded and the habitats in which they occurred. Whilst this provides a checklist of species and habitat associations for each site, it should be noted that the survey was biased towards optimal habitats. Consequently habitat features that were not surveyed so thoroughly (such as dense conifer plantation) cannot be discounted as potentially supporting reptiles. In the tables that follow the confirmed presence of a species is indicated by ‘Y’ and where no records were obtained this is indicated with the symbol ‘-‘. Appendix 2 provides details of the reptiles recorded at each site. Where possible a grid reference has been provided for each record.

5.1.1 Lockhaugh STW No reptiles or evidence of reptiles was detected at Lockhaugh STW during any of the surveys undertaken. Most of the habitats have low potential for reptiles. Table 4 - Summary reptile results from Lockhaugh STW Species Habitats Tall ruderal Woodland Scrub Hedgerow Common lizard - - - - Slow worm - - - - Adder - - - - Grass snake - - - -

5.1.2 Howdon STW No reptiles or evidence of reptiles was detected at Howdon STW during any of the surveys undertaken. Although the habitats do appear superficially to have potential for reptiles, the recent history of disturbance means that reptiles are only likely to be present if they have colonised from nearby. Table 5 - Summary reptile results from Howdon STW Species Habitats Semi- improved

grassland Scrub Immature

plantation Common lizard - - - Slow worm - - - Adder - - - Grass snake - - -



5.1.3 Hallington Reservoir (East and West) No reptiles or evidence of reptiles was detected at Hallington Reservoir (East or West) during any of the surveys undertaken. Many of the habitats immediately surrounding the Hallington Reservoirs have been heavily influenced by the construction of the reservoir, for example the construction of engineered embankments. In addition, many areas around the reservoirs are subject to regular mowing regimes. These factors are likely to restrict the potential for reptile habitation. However, some of the more open woodland habitat and the wetland features in the draw-down zone around the reservoirs, particularly along the eastern edges of Hallington Reservoir East, were considered to support suitable reptile habitat. Whilst reptiles were not detected during the most recent surveys, the presence of a small population cannot be ruled out. Table 6 - Summary reptile results from Hallington reservoirs Species Habitats Ammenity

grassland Birch woodland

Broadleaved plantation woodland

Conifer plantation

Vegetation debris / Wetland at reservoir edge

Common lizard

- - - - -

Slow worm - - - - - Adder - - - - - Grass snake - - - - -

5.1.4 Colt Crag Reservoir Adder and common lizard were both recorded at the Colt Crag Reservoir site. The habitats where reptiles were recorded are the area of heathland adjacent to the site entrance (adder and common lizard) and the open birch woodland adjacent to an area of bog along the southern edge of the site (common lizard). The peak reptile count from the surveys was 3 common lizard and 1 adder, which is indicative of low populations in accordance with guidance set out by Froglife (1999). It should be borne in mind that these results are based on a relatively low number of visits and a relatively low density of refugia across the site as a whole (although 10 refuges per hectare was achieved in the best habitats). Table 7 - Summary reptile results from Colt Crag Reservoir Species Habitats Ammenity

grassland Mixed woodland

Heathland Birch Woodland

Wetland Conifer plantation

Common lizard

- - Y Y - -

Slow worm

- - - - - -

Adder - - Y - - - Grass snake

- - - - - -

5.1.5 Catcleugh Reservoir Adder and common lizard were both recorded within the habitats surrounding Catcleugh Reservoir. Reptiles were recorded in the marshy grassland at the northern end of the reservoir, in the acid grassland adjacent to the riverbank where it runs into the reservoir, and in the marsh / tussocky grassland along the north-west shore of the reservoir. Common lizard was also recorded on the south-west shore where the reservoir edge is dominated by a mosaic of heath and grassland with some tall ruderal species. This area has been planted up with alder, birch and



willow. The peak counts of reptiles were 2 common lizard and 1 adder and this is indicative of low population densities in accordance with Froglife (1999) guidelines. Table 8 - Summary reptile results from Catcleugh Reservoir Species Habitats Heathland

/ immature plantation

Conifer plantation

Unimproved acid grassland

River bank

Bog Marshy grassland

Scrub

Common lizard Y - Y Y - Y - Slow worm - - - - - - - Adder Y Grass snake - - - - - - -

5.1.6 Tosson Springs Common lizard was the only species recorded at Tosson springs. The population of this species at this site would appear to be relatively small, with only one individual being detected during all of the survey visits. The single individual was noted as being gravid (i.e. pregnant), which indicates that recruitment is likely to be occurring within the population. The habitats surveyed within the Tosson Springs site were subject to what appeared to be a relatively high grazing pressure, which may have been responsible for the low reptile numbers recorded. Table 9 - Summary reptile results from Tosson Springs Species Habitats Acid

grassland Bracken Rush pasture/

marshy grasslandGorse scrub Heath / acid

grassland mosaic Common lizard Y* Y* - - - Slow worm - - - - - Adder - - - - - Grass snake - - - - - * This constituted the same record; however bracken had encroached upon the survey area that was initially dominated by grassland when refugia were first set out.



5.1.7 Cartington Springs Common lizard, slow worm and adder were all identified at Cartington Springs. The surveys carried out at this site only identified low numbers of both common lizard and adder (peak counts of 1 for each species) which is indicative of low numbers. Counts of 2 and 4 slow worm were, however, obtained on two visits. This included the location of 4 slow worm (1 male and 3 females beneath a single refugia). While caution is required when evaluating numbers using the methods and number of visits used within this survey the location of 4 individuals under a single refugia is more suggestive of a good population at this site. Three species of reptile have been identified at Cartington springs and this qualifies the site as a key reptile site in accordance with guidance set out in Table 2 (Froglife 1999). Table 10 - Summary reptile results from Cartington Springs Species Habitats Open oak

woodland Species rich acid grassland

Marshy grassland Bracken

Common lizard - Y - - Slow worm Y (woodland

edge) Y - -

Adder - Y - - Grass snake - - - -

5.1.8 Fontburn Reservoir Adder, common lizard and slow worm have all been identified at Fontburn Reservoir. The surveys indicate that common lizard and adder are locally abundant at this site around key habitat features, but are also widespread throughout the site. A peak survey count of 5 adders was obtained on the 16 April 2007 and on this occasion two very fresh adult adder sloughs were also identified and collected. The majority of the adder records came from a very small area at the south-east corner of the reservoir, where a strip of species-rich grassland lies adjacent to a strip of boulder scree. Based on the gender and size of the animals recorded during the five survey visits, at least seven different individuals were recorded within an area extending to approximately 20 x 20m. It is considered possible that, given the large numbers of adders present in this area, the boulders and scree may form an important hibernacula site. It is also possible that the surrounding habitats may be used as a gathering area prior to mating (based on the large number of males present in mid April). The use of the boulder scree for temporary refugia was confirmed when an adult female was discovered beneath a large rock during the removal of the artificial refugia on 25/06/07. Adder was also recorded from other locations around the reservoir, though not in the same numbers as were associated with the boulder scree. Common lizards, which were widespread across the site, were recorded in grassland, felled timber in forest clearings and in heathland. The peak count of common lizard on the site was 4 during any visit. Common lizards were also recorded in the same area that supported the greatest density of adders, i.e. the boulder scree. However, this species was recorded in greater abundance within the heathland in the north-east corner of the site. Common lizard was also noted on re-establishing heathland at NZ 046 940 where heather plugs have been planted on reclaimed land. The presence of this species on restored land suggests that there is a healthy local population in the wider area which has re-colonised this regenerating habitat.



Only one record of slow worm was made at Fontburn Reservoir. While this species appears to be less abundant than the other two reptile species present, it is difficult to interpret this directly due to the difficulty in detecting slow worms. In accordance with the criteria detailed in Table 2, the site at Fontburn qualifies as a Key Reptile site: 3 species are present and the populations are indicated as “good”. Table 11 - Summary reptile results from Fontburn Reservoir Species Habitats Heathland Marshy

grassland/ wet flushes

Birch/ Alder woodland

Semi-improved grassland

Conifer plantation

Species rich acid grassland

Common lizard Y Y Y Y - Y Slow worm - - Y - - Adder Y - Y Y Y Grass snake - - - - - -

5.2 Management Recommendations

5.2.1 Lockhaugh STW While no reptiles have been detected at Lockhaugh STW, it is considered possible that grass snake may be present at this site within the wooded river valley. Consequently habitat management for reptiles should focus on this habitat area. Habitat enhancement measures might include the creation of deadwood/ log piles at the woodland edge or within the woodland. The inclusion of water features such as ponds or scrapes at this site could enhance opportunities for amphibians and therefore increase potential prey availability for species such as grass snake. Other measures may include the inclusion of vegetation piles from grass cuttings elsewhere on site, creating potential egg laying/ breeding sites for grass snake.

5.2.2 Howdon STW No reptiles have been detected at Howdon STW but, as the site is managed as a nature reserve, there may be an opportunity in the future to introduce common lizard or slow worm. However, before any species introductions are considered, the site would need to be thoroughly evaluated to determine its overall suitability for supporting a self-sustaining population of reptiles. Of particular importance is the fact that the site is not linked with other good reptile habitats in the wider countryside, and so any reptile population would be isolated. In the event that a reptile introduction program becomes a possibility, additional habitat creation will be required, such as the provision of some purpose built hibernacula.

5.2.3 Hallington Reservoirs No reptiles have been detected at the Hallington Reservoirs and it is considered likely that they are absent from this site due to the low quality of most of the habitats present. However, the eastern end of Hallington Reservoir East was considered to provide habitats that could potentially support grass snake. For this reason it is recommended that an area is identified for the storage of grass cuttings at this end of the reservoir. This may attract grass snake for egg laying.



5.2.4 Colt Crag Reservoir Adder and common lizard have been detected in habitats surrounding Colt Crag Reservoir. All records came from two main habitat areas: the heathland adjacent to the site entrance (near the A68) and the open birch woodland at the southern edge of the site. The heathland habitat near the site entrance has been planted with a mixture of alder and birch. In order to maintain the suitability of this area for reptiles, clearings should be maintained within the plantation to ensure that the heathland remains suitable for reptiles. Shading from the maturing trees may reduce the suitability of this habitat for reptiles. The open birch woodland should be maintained with open areas to provide habitat suitable for common lizard. Any felled timber should be stacked into dense piles to create refugia and basking areas for lizards. Where enough material is present these log piles will potentially provide hibernacula sites for reptiles.

5.2.5 Catcleugh Reservoir Common lizard and adder have been recorded in low numbers at Catcleugh Reservoir. These records have come from habitats that have good links to adjacent suitable reptile habitat, such as bog and heather moorland. Reptiles were identified in an area of heath/grassland planted with alder and willow and on adjacent open pathways, at the south-west side of the site. In this area it is recommended that some clearings are maintained within the young plantation to allow heath to persist and to maintain basking opportunities for reptiles. It is also recommended that when clearing any of the mature plantation at the north-west end of the reservoir, some timber, tree stumps and or root systems should be retained in situ as basking and refugia features.

5.2.6 Tosson Springs Surveys undertaken at Tosson Springs yielded only one record of a single common lizard. Given the nature of the surrounding habitats and their low potential to support reptiles it is considered unlikely that any small-scale habitat management would significantly improve the site for reptiles, and no management intervention is considered necessary at this site.

5.2.7 Cartington Springs The current low level grazing regime within the Cartington Springs site, which includes the woodland areas, appears to be maintaining an open tussocky grassland which supports common lizard adder and slow worm. It is recommended that this low level grazing regime is maintained and that any additional management should focus on the provision of refugia using fallen timber or rocks from within the existing woodland. It is noted that on large areas of this site bracken appears to be encroaching and the spread of this species should be monitored and management put in place if it starts to dominate the site, so that the open grassland where some of the records were obtained is maintained. This is particularly important on the south facing embankments.

5.2.8 Fontburn Reservoir Fontburn Reservoir supports three species of reptile, and at least one of the species is present in numbers that are indicative of the presence of a ‘good population’. These combined facts mean that the site qualifies for the ‘Key Reptile Sites Register’ (Froglife 1999). For this reason reptile habitat management should be a key consideration within any management plan for the site. Where dense adder populations have been noted it appears that the habitat requirements are currently optimal. The range of snakes of different sizes recorded during the surveys indicates that different age classes are present and that successful breeding is taking place. No practical management is therefore proposed in this area, other than to maintain the site in its present state.



The habitat features identified in those locations where adders were most abundant and which make these areas attractive to adders, may be replicated elsewhere. For example, at the north-east side of the site (NZ 04637 94072 where adder and common lizard were recorded) a small dry ditch is present above a heather covered bank. This feature (or part of it) could be filled with loose rocks and partially covered with earth to provide a hibernacula for reptiles and amphibians using this area. It is noted that the current on-site interpretation panel details a single record of grass snake from the site. This species was not recorded during the most recent surveys, and it may be possible that grass snake is present but remains undetected. In addition to habitat creation and enhancement, some updated on-site interpretation may be beneficial in highlighting the importance of the site for reptiles and the need for visitors to minimise disturbance. As the head wall of the dam is subject to a regular mowing regime, some of the grass cuttings could be used to create vegetation piles which may attract grass snakes for egg laying. These vegetation piles would be best placed near the settlement ponds at the north-east end of the reservoir where amphibian prey is also likely to be plentiful. Further reptile surveys could then focus on these areas to confirm if this species is still present. This site is at the northern limit of the range of grass snake with few colonies within Northumberland. (Kerslake Ed 1998)



6 Summary Reptile populations have been detected on five of the eight sites surveyed (Fontburn Reservoir, Catcleugh Reservoir, Colt Crag Reservoir, Tosson springs and Cartington springs). Three species have been recorded at these sites: common lizard, adder and slow worm. Common lizard was the most widespread species, occurring on all five of the sites where reptiles were recorded). Adder occurred at Fontburn, Catcleugh and Colt Crag, and slow worm was detected at Cartington springs and Colt Crag. Both Fontburn Reservoir and Cartington Springs were identified as supporting adder, common lizard and slow worm and thus qualify as key reptile sites (supports 3 species) in accordance with Froglife guidance (1999). A number of habitat management measures are discussed for those sites that currently support reptiles. The described measures are designed to maintain and enhance the existing habitats for reptiles, and include the creation of new habitat features where this is considered to be appropriate and beneficial. The possibility of introducing reptiles to the Howdon STW site is discussed, but further site evaluation and discussion with Natural England is required before this option is pursued. Population trends for British reptile species are poorly understood, principally due to the difficulty associated with locating and estimating populations. Nevertheless, it is widely regarded that all species are currently undergoing population declines, and some local population extinctions of adder have been reported from some parts of the country (Gent 2006). The cause of these local extinctions may be linked to habitat destruction or disturbance caused by development or changes in land management practices. In the absence of robust population data, it is assumed that reptile population trends in North East England are likely to reflect those occurring at the national level. For these reasons the identification and safeguard of extant reptile populations is increasingly important.



7 References Beebee T and Griffiths R (2000). Amphibians and Reptiles. Harper Collins Publishers. Froglife (1999). Reptile Survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Froglife Advice Sheet 10. Froglife, Halesworth English Nature (2004). Reptiles: Guidelines for Developers. English Nature ,Peterborough. Gent T (2006). Add an Adder a web based survey of adder status in Britain. Abstract in – The herpetological Conservation Trust and the British Herpetological Society -Joint Scientific Meeting, December 2006. Kerslake L (1998) Red Data Book For Northumberland. Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Natural History Society of Northumbria



Appendix 1 - Refugia numbers and locations Refugia No

Site and grid reference3

Fontburn

(NZ) Colt Crag (NY) (8 fig.)

Catcleugh (NT)

Hallington (NY)

Tosson springs (NU)

Cartington springs (NU)

Howdon STW None taken

Lochhaugh STW (NZ)

1 04805 93307

9279 7786

72335 04209

96093 76202

03131 00298

04637 04247 17370 59142

2 / / / 96127 76162

03031 00343

/ 17433 59092

3 / / / 96133 76136

/ / 17433 59027

4 / / / 96053 76103

/ / 17412 58979

5 04712 93292

/ 72374 04166

96057 76093

/ / 17411 58976

6 / / 72373 04156

96045 76071

/ / 17355 58985

7 / / 72374 04152

96065 76045

03048 00267

04517 04222 17326 58946

8 / / 72372 04143

96062 76032

/ / 17355 58985

9 04598 93325

/ 72383 04143

96043 75975

/ / 17326 58946

10 / / 72393 04136

96665 75609

/ / 17322 58936

11 / 9397 7795

72402 04135

96683 75617

/ / 17316 58928

12 / / 72411 04140

96686 75623

/ / 17883 53888

13 04326 93294

/ 72414 04136

96689 75624

03033 00180

04460 04231 17272 58872

14 / / 72438 04134

96698 75637

/ / 17262 58860

15 / / 72458 04132

96719 75655

/ / 17272 58872

16 03921 93392

/ / 96731 75665

/ 04434 04202 17261 58860

17 / / / 96755 75665

/ / 17272 58872

18 / / 72731 03728

96764 75666

/ / 17261 58860

19 / / 72730 03728

96775 75669

03008 00133

04444 04240 17272 58872

20 / / 72730 03738

96879 75692

/ / 17261 58860

21 04637 / 72731 03736

96873 75701

/ / 17272 58872

22 94055 / 72742 03766

96908 75704

/ / 17261 53860

23 / / 72727 03780

96903 75704

/ 04408 04256 17241 53860

24 / / / 96915 75708

/ / 17241 58836

25 / / / 97237 76965

03388 00116

/ 17246 58782

26 04626 94021

9398 7832

74316 02879

/ / 04381 04264 17278 58783

27 / / / / / / 17282 58730

28 / / / / / / 17287 58730

29 / / 74283 02870

/ / / 17287 58780

30 / / / 97062 76720

/ / 17290 58690

3 As refugia were layed in clusters in and around key habitat features in many cases a central grid reference for the cluster of refugia was taken where a reference is followed by a series of / this indicates that the first reference given is a central point e.g for refugia 1-10. This was undertaken as the accuracy of the GPS varied and may not detect the differences amongst clusters of refugia.



Refugia No

Site and grid reference3

Fontburn

(NZ) Colt Crag (NY) (8 fig.)

Catcleugh (NT)

Hallington (NY)

Tosson springs (NU)

Cartington springs (NU)

Howdon STW None taken

Lochhaugh STW (NZ)

31 / 9417 7856

/ / / /

32 / / / / / 33 / / / / / 34 04672 / 74456

028911 / /

35 94053 / / 96971 76666

36 / 9357 7869

/ /

37 / / / / 38 / / / / 39 04578

93704 / / /

40 / / / 96957 76620

41 / / / / 42 04504

93552 / / /

43 / / / / 44 / / 746011

028611 /

45 / / / 96972 76481

46 04445 93485

/ /

47 04288 93543

/ /

48 / / / 49 / / / 50 03903

93610 /

51 / 52 / 53 03815

93565

54 / 55 / 56 / 57 / 58 / 59 / 60 /



Appendix 2 – Survey Dates, Times and Conditions Site Date Times Weather Conditions Wind

(Beaufort scale estimate)

Cloud cover (x/8)

Temperature (degrees Celsius)

Rain Notes

Fontburn Reservoir

16.04.07 09.40- 12.00

SE 1-2 8/8 13-14 None

Fontburn Reservoir

23.04.07 10.10– 13.20

SW 1-2 7/8 15 Some occ light drizzle

Fontburn Reservoir

1.05.07 08.45-11.30

negligible 8/8 12 None

Fontburn Reservoir

20.06.07 15.30-18.30

SW 2 2/8 19 None

Fontburn Reservoirs

24.06.07 13.50- 16.10

NW 1-3 2/8 16 None Follows showers earlier in day


5.04.07 12.00– 14.30

NW 3-4 0/8 15 None


23.04.07 16.00– 18.00

SW 2-4 7/8 10 None Cool day


24.03.07 16.00-17.30

W 2-3 7/8 13 None


15.05.07 14.00- 17.00

NW 1-2 4/8 12.5 Occasional light showers

Hallington Reservoir

31.05.07 08.30-11.30

NW 3-4 1/2 14-18 None

Catcleugh Reservoir

16.04.07 16.00-17.30

S 1 1/8 16 None

Catcleugh 23.04.07 14.00– 15.30

SW 1-3 8/8 11 Some occ light drizzle

Catcleugh Reservoir

15.05.7 16.30- 17.45

NE 1-2 6/8 12 none Follows earlier showers

Catcleugh Reservoir

16.05.07 08.45- 10.30

NW 2-3 8/8 13 Very light drizzle at 09.30

Catcleugh Reservoir

18.05.07 14.30-17.00

NW 2-3 3/8 14 None Showers preceded visit

Colt Crag 5.04.07 13.05-15.45

NW 1-3 0/8 15 - 16 None

Colt Crag Reservoir

17.04.07 10.15– 12. 15

W1-2 0/8 11-12 None

Colt Crag Reservoir

24.04.07 13.30- 15.45

SW 1-3 6/8 11-13 None

Colt Crag Reservoir

15.05.07 09.15- 11.00

NW 4-6 6/8 14.5 Some showers (very light)

Colt Crag Reservoir

1.06.07 14.30-17.30

Variable 1 6/8 17 None Cloud increased during bright day

Tosson Springs

16.04.07 12.15-13.00

S 1-2 3/8 15.5 None

Tosson Springs

23.04.07 13.30- 15.00

W 1-2 5/8 15 - 16 None

Tosson Springs

1.05.07 13.00- 14.00

N breeze 7/8 None



Tosson Springs

8.05.07 12.00 W 1 5/8 12 None

Tosson Springs

25.06.07 14.00- 15.30

NW 3-4 8/8 11 Lights shower at start of survey heavy rain followed by 15.20

Survey undertaken in a break in the weather on an otherwise poor day.

Cartingtion Springs

16.04.07 14.30- 15.30

S 1 3/8 14-15 None

Cartington Springs

23.04.07 15.15- W1 7/8 16 None

Cartington Springs

1.05.07 14.30- 15.30

negligible 2/8 None

Cartington Springs

08/05/07 10.30- W 1-2 6/8 14-15 None

Cartington Springs

03/07/07 15.45-17.00

W 2 occ 3 8/8 clearing to 0/8

16 None Survey followed directly after intermittent heavy showers

Lockhaugh STW

5.04.07 11.10– 11.40

NW 2-3 0/8 16 None

Lockhaugh STW

17.04.07 08.30-09.40

W 2 0/8 11 None

Lockhaugh STW

24.03.07 10.15-11.10

Variable 1 3/8 17 None

Lockhaugh STW

15.05.07 10.30-11.30

Negligible 7/8 13 None Follows earlier showers

Lochhaugh STW

22.05.07 16.30-17.00

SW 1 1/8 18 none

Howdon STW 5.04.07 08.50-09.30

W 3-4 0/8 14.0 None

Howdon STW 24.04.07 08.50- 10.00

SW 1-2 4/8 16 None

Howdon STW 08.05.07 14.15- 15.15

W 2-3 4/8 None

Howdon STW 07.06.07 16.30- 17.30

NW 1-2 8/8 14-15 None Low cloud

Howdon STW 19.06.07 15.30-17.00

negligible 8/8 16 None Rain earlier in day



Appendix 3 – Reptile Survey Results Site Date Records Tin no GPS refs

(where available)

Comments

Fontburn 16/4/07 Male adder x 3 n/a nr 1-4

NZ 04805 93307

Female adder x1 n/a

Juv Male adder x 1 n/a

Slough (shed skins) x2 n/a nr 5-8

NZ 04712 93292

All adder records located within a very small area indicating area used for courtship / breeding / hibernacula nearby.

Common lizard x 1 Nr tins 5-8

In open grassland

Common lizard x1 n/a NZ 04539 93282

In open grassland


In open grassland

Common lizard x1 38 Common lizard x1 46 23/04/07 Common lizard x 1 n/a Nr boulders a

end of car park

Brief sighting

Female adder n/a NZ 04570 93680

Basking in grassland

Common lizard x 1 22 In heath to north east of site

Common lizard x 1 (juv v small)

22 In heath to north east of site

01/05/07 Female adder n/a NZ 04637 94072

Female basking in grassland above heath bank at north east of site

20/06/07 Common lizard x1 n/a NZ 0478 9332 On boulder at car park area.

Common lizard x1 (gravid female)

1 NZ 04780 93282

Basking on tin

1 Juvenile female adder (c12cm)

4 NZ 04805 93307

Below refugia

Female adder n/a NZ 04780 93282

Basking on moss covered slab among. large boulders

1 adder slough n/a NZ 04875 93280

Very worn / decayed slough indicating relatively old.

1 Male common lizard 5 Nz 04712 93292

Relatively young male resting on refugia.

1 Female adder n/a NZ 04631 93335

Basking on uprooted tree root system among bracken


On log in woodland clearing.

Common lizard x1 32 NZ 03948 93392

24/06/07 1 Female adder above refugia 1 Juv female adder below refugia

4 NZ 04805 93307

Adult female was later observed alongside juvenile underneath refugia.

1 Male Adder (large) n/a Nr to 4

NZ 04805 93307

In grass directly adjacent to scree

1 Female adder n/a NZ 04780 93282

Same location as visit 4 above.

1 Adult male slow worm 13 Situated below refugia (refugia surface 25 C



Site Date Records Tin no GPS refs (where available)

Comments


In similar location to visit 4.

Common lizard x1 male 46 Fairly young / small lizard

Common lizard x1 female 45 Common lizard x1 female 38 26/06/07 Female adder 4 NZ 04805

93307 Probably same female as present in previous visit

Female adder (large) Nr 4 In boulder scree adjacent to grassland

Large female located under rock in scree

Male adder 40 NZ 04302 93533

Located under refugia amongst bracken adjacent to timber pile.

Colt Crag 05/04/07 Common lizard x1 n/a NY 940 780 Located in open birch woodland

17/04/07 Common lizard x1 15 NY 940 780 Located in open birch woodland adjacent to blanket bog

24/04/07 Female adder n/a NY 927 778 Within heathland near entrance

Common lizard x1 n/a NY 927 778 Within heathland near entrance

Common lizard x1 n/a NY 927 778 Within heathland near entrance

Common lizard x1 NY 940 780 Located in open birch woodland

15/05/07 Common lizard x1 n/a NY 940 783 Common lizard x1 17 NY 940 783 Located above

refugia in open birch woodland

01/06/07 Common lizard x1 1 NY 927 778 Basking on refugia within heathland element

Common lizard x1 8 NY 927 778 Basking on refugia within heathland element

Catcleugh 16/04/07 Juv common lizard x1 3 NT 72335 04209

Sheltering below refugia

Common lizard x1 n/a Located on top of large tussock of grass close to tin 14

23/04/07 Common lizard x1 6 NT 72373 04156

Sluggish adult below refugia at reservoir headwater

15/05/07 Female adder (adult) n/a NT 74605 02831

Basking at side of rough access track

15/05/07 Common lizard x1 23 NT 72727 03780

Under refugia (injured tail)

18/05/07 Common lizard x1 6 Hiding under refugia within wet grassland

Common lizard x1 43 Basking on refugia in heathland / young plantation

Tosson Springs

01/05/07 Common Lizard x 1 (gravid Female)

15 NU 03033 00180

Basking on refugia – tail missing.

Cartington Springs

01/05/07 1 Male common livard n/a NU 04423 04261

Basking / resting in open grass



Site Date Records Tin no GPS refs (where available)

Comments

08/05/07 1 Male slow worm 13 NU 04460 04232

Sheltering below refugia – disappeared rapidly into undergrowth

1 Male slow worm 14 NU04461 04239

Sheltering below refugia – disappeared rapidly into undergrowth

03/07/07 3 Female slow worms + 1 male slow worm

17 NU 04460 04231

Two disappeared out of sight into grass rapidly while two remained stationary

03/07/07 1 Female adder n/a NU04454 04279

1 very large female adder located on short mossy grassland on embankment.



Appendix 4 – Habitat Photographs Presented below are photographs of the key habitats identified as having the highest potential for supporting reptiles. Figure 1. Scree habitat and adjacent grassland at Fontburn.

Figure 2. View west across Fontburn.

Figure 3. South Facing Heathland embankment at Fontburn.

Figure 4. Replanted Heathland at Fontburn

Figure 5. View South West at Tosson Springs.

Figure 6. Species rich Grassland slopes and Oak woodland at Cartington Springs.



Figure 7. Marshy Grassland surrounded by bracken at Cartington Springs.

Figure 8. Heathland and young plantation at Colt Crag Reservoir.


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