Delivery Plan for North East Regional Biodiversity Habitat Targets

www.naturalengland.org.uk

Delivery Plan for North East Regional Biodiversity Habitat Targets(in support of the English Biodiversity Strategy)

2 - Delivery Plan for Regional Biodiversity Habitat Targets

Acknowledgements

This plan has been produced with use of help and information from many people and organisations across the North East of England. This include members and staff from the North East Biodiversity Forum, Natural England, The Environment Agency, Local Biodiversity Partnerships, County Councils, Local Authorities, the North Pennines AONB, Northumberland National Park, Northumberland Coast

AONB, RSPB, Durham Wildlife Trust, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, English Heritage, The Woodland Trust, Grassland Trust, INCA, The

National Trust, Tarmac Ltd, UK Coal, Lafarge UK. Also individuals such as Dr Janet Simkin, Claire O’Reilly and many others.

Contents

Proposed Delivery Map -14

Proposed Delivery Map - 22




Blanket Bog/ Heathland Location:North Pennines AONB Map - 72

Northumberland National Park Map - 73

The Habitats

Native Woodland -

Wood Pasture and Parkland -

Lowland Meadows -

Upland Hay Meadows -

Lowland Dry Acid Grassland -

Lowland Calcareous Grassland -

Lowland Heathland -

Lowland Raised Bog -

Fens -

Reedbeds -

Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh -

Coastal Sand Dunes -

Maritime Cliffs and Slopes -

Saline Lagoons -

Upland Calcareous Grassland -

Upland Heathland -

Blanket Bog -

Eutrophic Standing Waters -

Mesotrophic Lakes -

Purple Moor-Grass and Rush Pasture -

Delivery Plan for Regional Biodiversity Habitat Targets - 3

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10

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46

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Introduction

Purpose of the Delivery Plan -

Format of Delivery Plan -

Notes on target terminology -

Implementation of the Delivery Plan -

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North East Biodiversity ForumDelivery Plan for Regional Biodiversity targetsPurpose of the Delivery PlanA new set of biodiversity targets for England were produced following on from the UK BAP targets review of 2006. Subsequently each of the English regions signed up to delivering a proportion of the revised habitat targets by 2015. The purpose of this Delivery Plan is to set out how the North East region proposes to achieve its share of the targets. The Delivery Plan contains:

An assessment (where possible) of current progress towards meeting the targets•

Proposed delivery mechanisms for achieving the targets•

Milestones for the delivery of the targets•

Linkages between delivery of the target and landscape-scale biodiversity projects•

Specific actions and accountabilities for delivering the regional targets•

The Delivery Plan will form an important part of the work programme for the North East Biodiversity Forum and inform discussions with the national Biodiversity Integration Groups (BIGs) set up under the England Biodiversity Strategy. The start date for targets is taken to be the year in which the national action plan for a habitat was first published. Depending on the habitat this varies from 1995 to 1999. The end date for all targets is 2015.

The Delivery Plan currently only considers UK BAP priority habitats for which a regional disaggregation of targets has been produced. The England Biodiversity Group has not produced a disaggregation for all habitats and some important types are not currently included in this plan (for example salt marsh).


Format of Delivery PlanA Delivery Plan for each individual habitat is provided. These follow a set format:

A table showing the (minimum) contribution that the region is expected to make, an estimate of 1) current progress and an estimate of the ‘gap’ that needs to be bridged by 2015A summary of current progress toward meeting the targets for that habitat2) Proposed delivery mechanisms for targets - a description of how the region intends to meet the 3) targets for the habitat by 2015Additional activity needed – this identifies other associated actions that will be needed if the 4) targets are to be met. These are normally broader and more generic that those actions identified in the section on delivery mechanismsSuggested milestones for meeting the targets by 2015. These milestones are cumulative (i.e. 5) reflect total progress by that date, including work achieved in previous years)Key areas where delivery will take place – this identifies broad geographic areas where action 6) will be focussed in order to deliver the targets . These are normally identified at the level of Joint Character Areas (JCA)Potential barriers to delivery of targets – this identifies any risks to target delivery7) Other issues with habitat and/or current targets – this identifies any wider issues with the habitat 8) or with the present regional targetsLinks to landscape-scale projects9) Summary of key accountabilities/timescales – this identifies a suggested lead organisation for the 10) habitat, who would assist the North East Biodiversity Forum in ensuring the targets are delivered. This section also contains a table setting out key actions and where appropriate identifying specific numeric contributions that organisations will make towards the targets. Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Integration Group (BIG) – this identifies any issues 11) where the region may need help or advice from the national habitat group.

Notes on target terminologyThe regional targets fall into three categories:

Expansion targets – these are for creation of new BAP habitat where none was previously present and where no significant relicts of BAP habitat exist

Restoration targets – the aim of this is to restore relict areas of degraded or remnant BAP habitat to a state where it is considered to be BAP habitat in good condition

Achieving condition targets – the aim is to maintain the quality of existing BAP habitat (where it is good) and improve the condition (if it is poor) of existing BAP habitat.

Implementation of the Delivery PlanThe Delivery Plan sets out the actions and activities needed to ensure that the region meets its contribution to UK BAP targets. These are a mixture of ongoing projects by a variety of organisations, projects currently in development, and new activities. The scale at which these projects take place varies from individual sites up to the landscape level.

Delivery at the landscape level will be an important element of future biodiversity delivery but our biodiversity targets will not be delivered by landscape-scale working alone – the actions identified in this Plan should be viewed as a total delivery package that will require both local and large-scale activity.

A number of priority areas for landscape-scale biodiversity delivery are identified within the Plan. These are areas that should be a focus for the expansion and restoration of a mosaic of BAP habitats. These are complementary to the existing landscape-scale delivery undertaken by the Northumberland National Park and the region’s two AONBs.

The ongoing work of the National Park and the AONBs is crucial to the implementation of this Plan and should be viewed together with the landscape-scale biodiversity areas as representing the region’s main focus on large-scale biodiversity action


Native woodlandMinimum Regional

targetEstimated current

progressAdditional gain required

to meet minimum regional target by 2015

Restoration target = 500ha

184 ha 376 ha

Expansion target = 2800ha

2960 0

Current progressProgress has been made on these targets using the England Woodland Grant Scheme. The figures above have been provided by the Forestry Commission and reflect work undertaken through the England Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) and through Forest Enterprise initiatives at Kielder Forest. In addition, 330ha of restoration has commenced through Planted Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). This work is continuing through gradual transition of woodlands and should be complete by 2015.

Significant expansion and restoration of upland woodland types has taken place in the Northumberland National Park through their Challenge Scheme and in the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Living North Pennines project. In the region’s lowlands, significant expansion of broadleaved woodland was undertaken by the North East Community Forests prior to receivership.

What is not recorded here is work undertaken outside the England Woodland Grant Scheme. This largely occurs through planning mitigation measures, through quarry restoration schemes and through agri-environment schemes. This work has proved difficult to capture due to the fragmented nature of the schemes and lack of consistent data capture.

These schemes range in size from tiny plantations within developments or farmland, to large scale diverse schemes on opencast sites (e.g. 100 ha expansion on Stockswood and Stedburn opencast) or within green infrastructure developments such as those in North Tyneside.


Planned initiativesSignificant woodland expansion will be taking place by the Woodland Trust up to 2015. Some of the largest initiatives include Whitehill Woods (74 ha expansion) and Low Burn Hall (70 ha expansion). Large PAWS restoration schemes include 33 ha at Ragpath, over 100ha at Pont Burn wood and 16 ha at Quaking Houses. Smaller initiatives will be taking place in Tyneside and Teeside.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetsWork under the England Woodland Grant Scheme should deliver the targets in full by 2015. However, surveys have shown that there are 2500 ha of PAWS restoration still to be achieved in the Region. This should be backed up by expansion to link and buffer PAWS schemes.

Work within protected landscapes (particularly the North Pennines AONB and Northumberland National Park) and other initiatives to deliver landscape-scale habitat creation will be key to delivering these targets.

The AONB Living North Pennines project has created 100 ha of woodlands in the North Pennines for black grouse. The Northumberland Native Woodland Group has carried out a survey of Ancient Woodlands throughout Northumberland. The aim is to target PAWS to the most appropriate sites.

TheTees Valley Biodiversity Partnership are carrying out a 2 year survey of extent and ecological condition of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW) starting in April 2010.

It is anticipated that will focus work on the restoration of ASNW within the Tees Valley through EWGS. Focus in the National Park is on woodland creation as there are few PAWS sites. Work, subject to funding is to be directed to three areas of the park; The Cheviot, Grasslees Valley and the North Tyne.

Expansion should focus particularly on expanding or buffering existing ancient woodlands and restoring ASNW to BAP habitat. The restoration target is focused on PAWS and the key areas for action are those identified as being a priority through the Northumberland Native Woodland Group or similar projects.

The Woodland Trust initiative ‘More Woods’ aims to increase the area of woodland in England and Wales by 100%, targeted to landscape-scale areas. This initiative will be important to deliver targets in the region.

Additional actions neededA key additional activity will be to expand the woodland condition work carried out under the Northumberland Native Woodland Group to other parts of the region.

This should be followed up by subsequent monitoring of woodland condition of all ancient semi-natural woodlands and plantations on ancient woodland sites in the region.

There is scope to focus improvement of former quarrying restoration sites into BAP habitats as opposed to low quality amenity woodland. This includes large tracts of land in North Tyneside and south east Northumberland associated with Green infrastructure.


Proposed milestones for target delivery2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total

2015

Cumulative area PAWS restoration (Ha)

184 250 315 400 450 500

Key areas for delivery to take placeWork will be focussed towards Ancient Woodland sites and surrounding areas throughout the region. Opportunities mapping has been undertaken by the Woodland Trust. Additionally focus should continue towards the North Pennines AONB and Northumberland National Park. Other key areas for delivery include the coalfields of South East Northumberland and North Tyneside(South East Northumberland Coastal Plain NCA), The Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe NCA, the Tyne and Wear Lowlands NCA and the Tees Lowland NCA.

The Limestone Landscapes Project aims to identify sites to expand woodland and buffer existing ancient woodland sites within the Durham Limestone Plateau NCA.

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsTarget delivery is dependent on Forestry Commission funding. If funding is reduced within the England Woodland Grant Scheme then anticipated delivery would be threatened. Further funding is also required to top up the Forestry Commission grant aid and to fund project initiatives and management.

Target delivery is also dependant on finding suitable sites to expand woodland which would not impact detrimentally on other valuable ecology.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsThe targets for woodland creation and PAWS restoration for this region will be reached without the need for further initiatives, as long as funding through the EWGS continues. There is potential to restore more woodland through PAWS and target extra woodland expansion (including improving ASNW to BAP habitat) over and above the planned work. The consensus is to raise the regional target to fully acknowledge the woodland potential in the region.

Links to landscape-scale projectsWoodland expansion is linked to the proposed Border Uplands and Kielder landscape-scale biodiversity project and the proposed Prestwick Carr to St Marys Island landscape-scale biodiversity project, the latter particularly focussing on creating native BAP woodlands in areas of former quarry restoration sites, appropriate green infrastructure and linkages between them.

PAWS restoration and associated expansion is linked to the proposed East Cleveland landscape-scale biodiversity project and the proposed Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project.

PAWS restoration and woodland creation is a focus within the North Pennines AONB existing opportunity area.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead = Forestry Commission/Woodland Trust

Who What When

The Woodland Trust

Continue woodland expansion work at White Hill Woods, Low Burn Hall and Irving Gorge. Continue PAWS restoration work at Ragpath Wood, Pontburn Wood, Whittle Dene, Hellhole Wood, Medomsley, and Lanchester.

2010-2015

Northumberland National Park

Implement woodland expansion proposals in Cheviot, Grasslees Valley and North Tyne. Total area expanded to be a minimum of 50 ha subject to grant availability.

2010-2015

North Pennines AONB

Deliver a further [100 ha] of woodland expansion as part of Living North Pennines project

Limestone Landscapes Partnership

Develop and deliver quantified targets for native woodland expansion and restoration within Durham Magnesian Limestone NCA.

2010-2015

North East Biodiversity Forum Partners/Northumberland BAP

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in the proposed Border Uplands and Kielder priority area to incorporate targets and actions for restoration and expansion of native woodland as part of a larger peatland/heathland/wetland/woodland matrix.

By end of 2011

North East Biodiversity Forum Partners/Durham BAP partnership

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in the Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe to incorporate targets and actions for restoration and expansion of native woodland as part of a larger grassland/heathland/wetland/woodland matrix.

By end of 2011

North East Biodiversity Forum Partners/Tees Valley BAP partnership

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in East Cleveland to incorporate targets and actions for restoration and expansion of native woodland as part of a larger grassland/heathland/coastal habitat/woodland matrix.

By end of 2011

Forestry Commission

Deliver an extra 1000 ha of native woodland expansion and 500 ha of PAWS restoration through the England Woodland Grant Scheme.

2010-2015

Forestry Commission/LBAPs

Expand work of Northumberland Ancient Woodland project to cover the whole of the North East region By 2011

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Integration Group (BIG)n/a

* A map of Woodland areas in the North East Region can be found on this page of the report. (needs link)


Wood Pasture and Parkland

Minimum Regional target

Estimated current progress

Additional gain required to meet minimum

regional target by 2015

Restoration target = 10 sites

4 6 sites

Expansion target = 5 sites 3 2 sites

Current progress

The Region has made a significant start to completion of these targets with the following sites managed for restoration to date: Bilsmoor Deer Park (Parkland), Snowhope/Stanhope Deer Park (Wood Pasture), Cotherstone Wood (Wood Pasture), The Bands (Juniper wood pasture),

In addition the following sites have been created or recreated: Hardwick Park (Parkland from arable), Hexhamshire Common (Wood Pasture planted), Kirkharl (Parkland creation and re-creation)


Planned activity

The following sites are likely to lead to additional gain towards these targets

Chillingham Park (1 site wood pasture/parkland –Plan finalised) 2010

Bowlam Estate (1 site Parkland – planted 1998, restoration in progress) 2010

Blagdon Estate (1 site parkland restoration) from mineral site restoration, to be amended into 2009 HLS in 2011)

Hamsterley Hall (1 site parkland restoration as part of Planning Permission– Plan finalised) (Timescales as yet unknown)

Croxdale Estate (plan includes recommendations for planting/restoring parkland trees)(timescale and actions as yet unknown)

Wallington (Whole Estate HLS 2010/11) opportunities for parkland expansion and restoration

Horton Castle (plan at printers) (timescales and actions unknown)

Lambton Estate (HLS potential).

Possible further initiatives have been suggested for: Guisborough Estates, Cow Pasture wood (Hartlepool), Wynyard Estate, Stuart Park (Middlesborough), Hutton Hall (Cleveland), Guisborough Estates, Castle Eden Dene, Swaland, Beamley Moor and Seaton Delaval Hall.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetsThe main mechanism for meeting these targets will be through the focused use of Environmental Stewardship on key sites. One of the North East ‘themes’ for ES spend outside of target areas is Historic Parks and Gardens. There is also a significant existing and potential input into the delivery of this target through the planning process and mineral permissions.

Additional actions neededThe region needs to make a decision on whether to accept the set targets or whether higher targets should be agreed and a more intensive and focussed approach can be initiated to maximise the potential for delivery of this habitat by HLS.

Proposed milestones for target deliveryThe main bulk of delivery on wood pasture and parkland will be post-2010, once the current push to use Environmental Stewardship to achieve favourable condition on SSSIs has been completed. Proposed milestones are given below:

Total2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Cumulative number of sites restored

4 4 6 8 10

Cumulative number of sites expanded

3 4 5 5 5


Key areas for delivery to take placeThe likely sites for delivery to take place within the timescales of these targets are shown on Map 2.

There is considerable potential for expansion of the wood pasture ‘deer parks’ within the North Pennines AONB and Northumberland National Park.

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsAlthough there has been some identification of parkland and wood pasture sites in Durham and in Northumberland, the resource in the region remains poorly understood. There is significant potential to consider the landscape more strategically to develop and restore parkland and wood pasture habitat. This would improve continuity and linkages which the specialised flora and fauna require to thrive and adapt to environmental changes. Delivery will also depend upon willingness of the owners of key sites to enter into appropriate Environmental Stewardship agreements.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsThe timescales between identification of appropriate sites, provision of a working parkland plan and delivery of the targets are significant.

The planned work is likely to enable the existing targets to be delivered by 2015, but the potential is much greater in the region. Initiation of landscape-scale projects and strategic regional focussed delivery in the very short term is likely to enable a higher target to be delivered by 2015, mainly within the latter two years of the time period.

Just as importantly, however, It would provide the springboard for future, more strategically driven and landscape orientated delivery beyond 2015.

Links to landscape-scale projectsThis habitat was formally widespread throughout much of the region so landscape scale projects identifying opportunity and delivery can be focussed in any area.

The proposed Prestwick Carr to St. Mary’s Island landscape scale biodiversity area offers significant opportunities through re-creating parkland and wood-pasture habitat and providing linkages in former planned landscape areas around Seaton Delaval Hall and Blagdon Estate to a much greater extent than the present parkland boundaries.

Restoration and linkage potential is also identified within the East Cleveland priority area to include areas within and around Hutton Hall and Guisborough Estates.

Creation of upland wood pasture around moorland edges (former deer parks) is particularly linked to the North Pennines AONB and Northumberland National Park and includes the Border Uplands and Kielder potential landscape-scale biodiversity area.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescales

Suggested regional target lead = Natural England/National Trust

Who What When

Natural England

Ensure the recommendations for restoration and expansion for Wood Pasture at Chillingham are prioritised and actioned.

By 2010

Natural England

Ensure that the area of identified former parkland at Blagdon Estate, which has been restored from opencast 2010/11, is included as parkland restoration in an amended HLS agreement

2011/12

Woodland TrustCreate Wood Pasture habitat at Low Burn Hall by natural regeneration and grazing.

2010

Natural England NNR staff

Instigate a Parkland plan at Castle Eden Dene and ensure appropriate restoration and/or creation of parkland habitat is included and actioned.

2010/11

Natural England/National Trust

Ensure targeted Wallington HLS schemes includes at least one site of parkland or wood pasture restoration or expansion.

2010/11

Natural England/Unitary Authorities/LBAPS

Collate existing landscape characterisation projects and identify key parkland/wood pasture sites to target for Environmental Stewardship.

By end of 2011

Natural England

Through Environmental Stewardship (or other available means) restore at least 3 additional wood pasture/parkland sites and Expand the habitat into a further 3 sites.

Plans to be agreed by 2013

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Integration Group (BIG)n/al



* A comprehensive key for this map can be found on the next page

Key for map showing proposed future delivery of woodland, wood pasture and parkland BAP targets between 2010-15


# Planned and potential delivery of parkland and wood pasture

i) Northumberland National Park

Existing Protected landscapes in which important woodland delivery takes place

ii) North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Ancient semi-natural woodland sites (ASNW)

Border Uplands and Kielder Landscape Scale area

Landscape scale Biodiversity areas where delivery will take place

Durham Coast Landscape Scale area

East Cleveland Landscape Scale area

Western magnesian limestone and Morden and Bradbury Carrs Landscape Scale area

Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island Landscape Scale area

Woodland delivery planned by the Woodland Trust

Lowland Meadows

Minimum Regional target

Estimated current progress

Additional gain required to meet minimum

regional targetRestoration target 50 ha 30 ha 20ha

Expansion target 50 ha 97.5 ha -

Current progress

Good progress has been made on expansion of this habitat and the minimum target of 50ha has already been exceeded. Key projects/locations at which expansion has taken place include; the Gibside Estate in Gateshead (50ha), the River Till Restoration Project in North Northumberland (5ha), Spring Gardens near Bishop Aukland (5.5 ha), Lamesley Pasture in Gateshead (9ha), Elemere Woods (3 ha), Fenwick/Hollywell restoration sites in North Tyneside (10 ha), Weetslade Colliary restoration (10ha) and Newcastle Great Park (5ha).

Restoration activity has taken place at Belmont Scramles in Durham City (11ha), Lamsley Pastures in Gateshead (7ha) and at Blaydon Burn in Gateshead (12ha).


Planned Work towards the targetsSoapwell Fields (Redcar and Cleveland) 3.7 ha of restoration in 2010

Pickards Meadow (Stockton) Min 10ha of expansion 2010 (subject to funding)

Proposed delivery mechanisms for ensuring delivery the targetsThe minimum target for habitat expansion has been met. No specific activity aimed at further expansion is proposed but additional gains will be encouraged as part of development or green-infrastructure projects, Local BAP projects and activities and through agri-environment schemes.

Additional activity is needed for the region to reach its target for restoration of lowland meadows.

The restoration target will be met:

By identifying priority sites for restoration i) Through development and/or support of specific projectsii) Through the use of the Environmental Stewardship schemeiii)

Key projects, currently under development, which should be supported in order to meet this target are:

Limestone Landscapes HLF bid includes a grazing project covering 200ha of the Durham coast •which aims to restore neutral and calcareous grasslands. The area of lowland meadow to be restored is still to be quantified.

The Wildflower Ark’s ‘Hunt for Lost Meadows’ Project has identified and surveyed remnants of •species rich meadows in east Cleveland. This has identified sites that are in need of restoration. This data is currently being used by Natural England and the Grassland Trust to look at developing a multi site HLS scheme

Work has also been undertaken to identify remnant MG4 (water meadows) within Durham, •Teeside and South Tyneside which may be restorable, this is a newly identified grassland community for this region.

The Northumberland BAP’s Growing Wild Project which seeks to create, restore and to achieve •condition of publicly owned grasslands in the Morpeth area of Northumberland

Linkages into green infrastructure and brown field/quarrying restoration projects particularly in •North Tyneside

Additional actions neededThe availability of appropriate grazing stock will be important for restoration of grassland sites. A priority action for this and all other lowland grassland habitats is to ensure that funding is available to sustain the North East Grazing Project/Flexi-graze.

It is also important that expansion and restoration activity is captured on the Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS)

Proposed milestones for delivery of remainder of restoration target2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total

2015Cumulative area restored (Ha)

33 40 46 49 50 50


Key areas for delivery to take placeKey areas for further proposed habitat restoration work are the Tees Valley (Tees Lowlands NCA) and the Durham Magnesian Limestone NCA. Important opportunity also likely to exist in SE Northumberland (South East Northumberland Coastal plain NCA and Mid-Northumberland NCA) and the Durham Coal Measures (Tyne & Wear Lowlands NCA and Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe NCA).

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsDespite good progress with expansion and restoration of this habitat, the regional resource of lowland meadow within the North East is still thought to be declining and some key sites have been lost in recent years. There is need for a concerted effort to 1) identify important remaining areas of species-rich neutral grassland; 2) prevent further losses of the habitat through development; and 3) continue to take action to maintain or improve the condition of existing sites.

Links to landscape-scale projectsThere is an opportunity to develop and expand on the Hunt for Lost Meadows Project within an East Clevelands landscape-scale biodiversity project. This could provide further lowland meadow expansion and restoration, linking up existing meadow habitats with woodlands and hedges within the small complex field systems inherent in the area.

There is ample opportunity to create and restore lowland meadows within the Derwent valley and Pennine Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project. This would allow the extension and improvement of the existing mosaic of bap habitats within this area of marginal farming. Funding through HLS and other grants would be required to support this work.

The Proposed Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s landscape-scale biodiversity project would provide opportunities to restore and create lowland meadow habitat. This area includes both urban and rural landscapes and provides ample opportunities for restoration of mineral sites to grasslands as well as the improvement of past restoration sites to include BAP grassland habitats. The potential to create habitat linkages and corridors is high.

There are proposals to restore lowland meadow habitat (as well as lowland calcareous grassland habitat) on the Durham coast through the Limestone Landscape Partnership within the proposed Durham Coast landscape-scale biodiversity project area.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead = Tees Valley Biodiversity Partnership

Who What WhenRedcar and Cleveland Council

Undertake restoration of 3.7ha of lowland meadow at Soapwell Fields

2010

Stockton Council Secure funding and deliver a minimum of 10ha of lowland meadow expansion at Pickards Meadows.

Funding secured by 2010, Restored by 2013


Deliver a minimum of 5 ha of restoration of lowland meadow on the Durham coast and at other key locations.

By 2015

Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership

Develop and implement the Growing Wild project to deliver 15ha of lowland meadow creation/restoration/achieving condition.

2010-2015

Tees Valley Biodiversity Partnership/Wildflower Ark

Develop and implement follow-on project to ‘Hunt for Lost Meadows’ to deliver restoration and achieving condition targets for lowland meadow habitat in West Cleveland.

By 2015

Northumberland County Council/North Tyneside

Review opportunities for lowland meadow restoration from selective tree removal from restored pit heap sites.

By 2013

Natural England Support delivery of restoration targets in key areas by delivering a minimum of 10ha of lowland meadow restoration through Environmental Stewardship from 2010.

2010-2015

North East Biodiversity Partners/Tees Valley Biodiversity Partners

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in East Cleveland to incorporate targets and actions for restoration of lowland meadows as part of a larger grassland/heathland/coastal habitat/woodland matrix. Minimum of 2.5ha to be restored.

By 2011

North East Biodiversity Forum Partners/Durham Biodiversity Partners

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe to incorporate targets and actions for restoration of lowland meadows as part of a larger grassland/heathland/wetland/woodland matrix. Minimum of 2.5ha to be restored.

By 2011

North East Biodiversity Forum/Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island corridor to incorporate targets and actions for restoration of lowland meadows as part of a larger grassland/heathland/wetland/woodland matrix. Minimum of 2.5ha to be restored.

By 2011

North East Biodiversity Forum partners

Support the development and funding. of projects necessary to delivering a significant contribution to the North East target for lowland meadow restoration. This includes support for North East Grazing Project/Flexi-graze.

Ongoing

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG) - n/a


Upland hay meadowsMinimum Regional



to meet minimum regional target

Restoration target 100ha 154 ha -

Expansion target 0ha - -

Current progressA significant amount of work has been done on this habitat through the Haytime project in the North Pennines AONB (87.93 ha of restoration to date in the region) and the Seeding Change Project in the Northumberland National Park (67.17 ha of restoration up to 2008). 154 ha of degraded meadows have been treated with green hay and/or undergone other measures to increase sward diversity as part of these projects. As yet there has been no assessment of the overall success of this management. However many of the swards treated have seen increases in colonisation by species such as yellow rattle or eyebright. Haytime runs until October 2012. The Seeding Change project ran until December 2009 and although no further project is envisaged in the near future, Northumberland National Park will continue to build on the Seeding change project and effect restoration on hay meadows under HLS and monitor the restored meadows.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for delivery of targetsThis target will be met by ensuring that there is continued support and funding for Hay Time, any successor projects or initiatives arising from the Seeding Change project. A key activity will be to continue to diversify degraded or semi-improved swards through reseeding or spreading of green hay. Use of agri-environment schemes (such as Environmental Stewardship) will be needed to support the work of the projects and to ensure the ongoing sympathetic management of sites.

Additional actions needed to meet targetn/a

Key areas for delivery of targetsThe key areas for upland hay meadows in the North East are the North Pennines AONB (North Pennines NCA) and the Northumberland National Park (Border Moors and Forests NCA).


Potential barriers to delivery of targetsDelivery will depend upon willingness of the owners of key sites to allow restoration activity to continue and to manage sites in an appropriate manner. Future action on this target also relies on continuation funding being found for projects in the National Park and the North Pennines AONB.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsRestoration will be achieved by measures to increase sward diversity and to promote re-colonisation by appropriate species. This leads to a problem of assessing the point at which the target can be said to have been met. This may involve long term monitoring of sites, which is not always something that can be achieved by projects which rely on external funding for their continuation. The region has exceeded 100ha of restoration of upland hay meadows to date. More is planned in the next five years. There is an opportunity to increase the regional target to 200ha.

Links to landscape-scale projectsAction will be targeted in two of the region’s protected landscapes and will contribute towards their overall landscape character.

Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead = North Pennines AONB

Who What WhenNorth Pennines AONB Continue running the

Haytime Project to target 100 ha of hay meadow restoration up to 2012. Develop and run projects between 2012-2015.

2010-2015

Northumberland National Park Continue to monitor fields restored through the Seeding Change project and restore an additional 15 ha of hay meadows using HLS funding and NNP staff time.

2010-2015

Regional Biodiversity Partnership/Durham Biodiversity Partnership/Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership

Provide support for funding bids to continue the work of Haytime (post 2012) and Seeding Change.

2010 and ongoing

Natural England Input into upland hay meadow projects through provision of HLS, also targeting upland hay meadow restoration outside the designated areas.

Ongoing

Regional Biodiversity Partnership Agree a higher attainable target for this habitat with the England Biodiversity Group.

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG)Continued technical advice would be useful, especially on the issue of when upland hay meadows can finally be said to be restored.





Key for map showing proposed future delivery of meadow BAP targets between 2010-15

+ Planned lowland meadow creation and restoration projects


Existing Protected landscapes in which important upland meadow BAP delivery takes place


Derwent Valley and Pennine fringe Landscape Scale Area


Durham Coast Landscape Scale Area

East Cleveland Landscape Scale Area

West magnesian limestone and Bradbury Carrs Landscape Scale Area

Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island Landscape Scale area

Lowland Dry Acid GrasslandMinimum Regional




Restoration target = 17ha 1 ha 16haExpansion target = 10 ha 1.35 ha 9.65ha

Current progressThe Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s aggregates levy funded Whin Grassland project aims to restore lowland dry acid grassland.

This project consists of removing trees and shrub with future grazing management installed under HLS in the future.

It has proved difficult to capture the amount of Whin grassland restored to date as the information is provided on a whole site basis on which true Whin grassland is a small fraction.

It is estimated however that by March 2010, 6 ha of Whin grassland will be restored and a further 10ha by March 2011 under this project.

The National Trust has also been restoring their Whin grassland on their Northumberland sites. It has not been possible to determine the amount of successful restoration already achieved.

A small area of restoration of non Whin acid grassland has taken place on the edge of Derwentside reservoir in County Durham. (1 ha)

1.35 ha of acid grassland expansion has also occurred at Stoney Heap site in County Durham.


Planned Expansion workHowick Quarry, 6ha (part Whin) 2010-2025

Longhoughton Quarry, 0.5ha 2013

Belford Quarry 1 ha (part Whin) (most 2010)

Divethill Quarry 0.5ha (Possibly later than timescales)

Harding quarry 1 ha 2010/11

Other potential projects include

Barrasford Quarry 6 ha (part Whin) (depends on trials and quarrying timescales)

A number of potential Environmental Stewardship agreements on Whin Sill sites on the Roman Wall are scheduled for 2010/11.

Proposed delivery mechanism for delivery of targetsThe restoration target for this habitat will be largely met by work on the Whin Sill grasslands of Northumberland through supporting the development and implementation of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Whin Grassland project and through support to implement the Whin grassland action plan of the Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership.

Potential for restoration of acid grasslands outside the whin sill areas exists but needs developing into targeted delivery projects, probably as part of landscape-scale delivery in the Derwent Valley and Pennine fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project.

Some expansion of acid grasslands will take place through mineral site restoration but timescale issues and technical difficulties (including the availability of suitable seed sources for whin grassland) will hamper the delivery of these targets.

There is potential to deliver significant expansion of both Whin and non Whin acid grassland through landscape scale project delivery including on suitable agricultural land.

Additional actions neededThe availability of appropriate grazing animals will be necessary to ensure habitat restoration targets are met.

A priority action for this and all other lowland grassland habitats is to ensure that funding is available to sustain the North East Grazing Project/Flexi-graze.

Action is needed to identify priority lowland dry acid grassland sites for restoration. A key focus of this is likely to be the Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project area.

The region needs to identify and quantify the likely contribution to lowland acid grassland expansion that will be made by mineral site restoration.

Action is needed to investigate the potential for expansion of Whin grassland by scarification in agricultural areas, particularly along Hadrian’s Wall.


Proposed milestones for delivery of targets

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total2015

Cumulative area restored (Ha)

16 16 16 17 17 17

Cumulative area of expansion (Ha)

1 2 3 6 10 10

Key areas for delivery to take placeThe key areas for work on lowland acid grassland are the Whin Sill areas of Northumberland (especially the Roman Wall corridor and the North Northumberland Coast), and the coal measures of Durham and Tyne & Wear (especially Gateshead and Derwentside).

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsLack of funding for the Northumberland Whin Grassland project would impact on the delivery of the restoration target for this habitat.

Ongoing appropriate grazing management will be required to prevent scrub encouragement on restored Whin Grassland sites. If such grazing is not available then the restoration gain will not be maintained.

The projected expansion through quarry restoration will rely on the success of trials currently being undertaken at Barrasford Quarry by Tarmac in partnership with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust to develop Whin grassland within quarries.

Timescale of delivery is also subject to economic activity which will determine when the mineral extraction is finished and restoration can begin. It is impossible to be precise in predicting when actual delivery will take place.

There is a need to identify expansion and restoration opportunities for lowland acid grassland and to fund habitat creation in non-quarry situations. This may require the creation of new projects.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsThe lack of certainty in the success and timescales of expansion through quarrying restoration mean that the expansion targets may not be met without further initiatives for expansion by other means.

Links to landscape-scale projectsRestoration and Expansion of Whin Sill grasslands is linked to the Kylo hill area of the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project.

It is thought potential also exists to expand the habitat through the shallow agricultural soils along the Roman wall, within the proposed Border Uplands and Kielder landscape-scale project.

Acid grasslands also form part of the Magnesian Limestone suite of grasslands along the Durham coast and potentially can be restored within the proposed Durham Coast landscape-scale biodiversity project.

The proposed Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project contains areas of appropriate soil types and existing areas of acidic grasslands to enable expansion and restoration of the habitat.

There may be scope to expand and improve acidic grasslands within the proposed Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island landscape scale area. Existing areas of acid grassland have been identified within Gosforth Park but potential for further development will need investigating.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesWho What When

Northumberland Wildlife Trust/Northumberland BAP/Janet Simkin

Evaluate and agree existing progress of restoration.

By March 2010

Tarmac Set up working group to develop methods and strategies to successfully deliver acid grassland restoration and creation including capital works and management techniques.

2010

Northumberland Wildlife Trust Restore by targeted scrub clearance and subsequent management of Whin grassland sites within the Aggregates levy funded project to complete 16 ha of restoration.

By 2012

Natural England/Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Support the restoration of Whin grassland sites by targeting HLS schemes with respect to the grazing.

Ongoing

Natural England Ensure that HLS agreements on Roman Wall and other Whin Sill sites maximise the potential for grassland expansion and restoration.

2010/11 and ongoing

North East Biodiversity Forum Support the survey and management recommendations within Janet Simkin’s survey of Whin grassland sites.

Ongoing

North East Biodiversity Forum/Durham Biodiversity Partnership

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in the proposed Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe priority area to incorporate targets and actions for the restoration and creation of lowland dry acid grasslands as part of a larger woodland/heathland/wetland/grassland matrix. Minimum of 5ha to be restored and/or expanded.

By 2011


Develop quantified targets for expansion and/or creation of lowland dry acid grassland within the Durham Coast landscape-scale area and seek funding to deliver these.

2010


Support the development and funding of projects necessary to deliver a significant contribution towards the region’s targets for lowland dry acid grassland. This includes support for the North East Grazing project/Flexi graze.

Ongoing

Suggested regional target lead = Northumberland Wildlife Trust/Tarmac Ltd.

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG)n/a


Lowland calcareous grasslandMinimum Regional




Restoration target 25 ha 17.9ha 7.1 haExpansion target 50 ha 31.5 ha 19ha

Current progressMagnesian Limestone grassland is the most significant calcareous grassland type in the lowlands of this region, both in terms of extent and importance. Targets will be directed towards these grasslands.

RestorationPig Hill Quarry 1 ha

Marsden Old Quarry 1 ha

Bishop Middleham SSSI 0.75 ha

Whitburn Point 4.2 ha

Old Quarrington 1 ha

Cassop Vale 7.2 ha

Raisby Hill Grassland 1.8 ha

Blackhall 0.8 ha

Town Kelloe Bank 0.15 ha

Rough Furze Quarry 2.5ha

Total 20.4 ha


ExpansionCurrent estimates for expansion of this habitat all relate to natural regeneration or proposed restoration of aggregates sites on the Durham Magnesian Limestone.

Old Quarrington 0.5 ha

Cornforth Quarry Total area with permission for extraction = 58ha of which a currently undefined % will be Magnesian Limestone grassland) (estimate 15 ha)

Chilton Quarry 1 ha

Coxhoe Quarry Total area with permission for extraction = 136ha of which a currently undefined % will be Magnesian Limestone grassland) (estimate 15ha)

Total maximum 31.5 ha

Planned restoration (2010-2015)Marsden Old Quarry 5.3 ha restoration and achieve condition

Cross Gill 3 ha restoration and achieve condition

Cleadon Hill 1.15 ha restoration and achieve condition

Bishop Middleham Quarry 0.50 ha restoration

Raisby Hill Grassland 0.75 ha restoration

Blackhall 1.50 ha restoration

Town Kelloe Bank 0.15 ha restoration

Thrislington Quarry 15 ha

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetsDelivery of the remainder of the restoration target will be achieved through the Limestone Landscapes Project.

The main mechanisms for meeting expansion targets for lowland calcareous grassland are likely to be:

Direct habitat restoration and/or creation work funded through HLF•Use of Environmental Stewardship at key sites•Additional habitat creation undertaken through aggregates site restoration•

At present it does not appear that Limestone Landscapes will deliver the necessary work to meet expansion targets for this habitat and alternative proposals, and funding, will have to be identified by biodiversity partners as a priority.

Additional actions neededA priority action for this and all other lowland grassland habitats is to ensure that funding is available to sustain the North East Grazing Project/Flexi-graze.


Proposed milestones for delivery of the remainder of the targets

2011 2012 2013 2014 Total2015


20.4 21 22 24 25


31.5 35 40 45 50

Key areas for delivery to take placeThe focus for delivering these targets will be the Durham Magnesian Limestone plateau (i.e. NCA 15). Likely key areas within this NCA will be the Durham coast, and Thrislington/Cassop/Kelloe area.

Possible barriers to deliveryIt does not appear that the Limestone Landscapes project will deliver the necessary action required to meet the expansion targets for this habitat. Alternative proposals will have to be developed as a matter of urgency and probably significant additional funding will have to be found.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsCurrent target delivery for expansion of this habitat depends on quarrying activity and subsequent restoration. The timescales are determined by economic activity and therefore are difficult to predict.

In addition where restoration by natural regeneration occurs the resulting sward will not necessarily be BAP habitat quality. The 31.5 hectares of natural regeneration expansion accounted for therefore is the maximum BAP habitat possible and actual BAP habitat may be less than this.

Links to landscape-scale projectsIt is anticipated that these targets will be delivered through a landscape-scale project approach via the Limestone Landscapes Project.

Habitat restoration and expansion will rely to a certain extent on the willingness of private landowners to allow the work to take place.

Much of the current progress on the expansion target for this habitat is based on natural regeneration in aggregates sites and/or planning conditions for aggregates site restoration.

Additional investigation is needed to check that these gains are secure and will be maintained in the long term.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesWho What When

Durham Biodiversity Partnership/North East Biodiversity Forum

Agree proposals for meeting shortfall in current delivery of lowland calcareous grassland expansion target and identify potential funding mechanism to deliver this.

2010

Limestone Landscapes partnership

Ensure that action to meet the regional targets for calcareous grassland restoration are contained in the Development Plan for Living Landscapes and included within the project bid going to HLF and opportunities for habitat expansion are maximised.

2010

Natural England Ensure that Environmental Stewardship money is targeted as appropriate to deliver actions needed to meet expansion and restoration targets for lowland calcareous grassland.

2009 and ongoing


Ensure that funding is available to continue the North East Grazing project.

2010

Local Planning Authorities Secure creation of calcareous grassland habitat through planning approvals and monitoring of compliance with planning conditions, ROMP reviews etc.

Ongoing

Suggested regional target lead: Durham Biodiversity Partnership



Lowland heathlandMinimum Regional




Expansion target 60 ha 17 ha 43 ha

Current progressDurham County Council have carried out 8ha expansion work at Chapman’s Well. So far, however this has failed to produce high quality heathland but work is continuing to improve the site. UK Coal have carried out a further 4.31 ha heathland expansion at Stoney Heap Northumbrian Water/Durham Wildlife Trust have expanded the heath by 4.5 ha at Pow Hill Bog in Derwentside (mid- altitude heath) and Derwentside Council (now Durham County Council) have planted small areas (0.2ha) of heath at Pontop Pike.

Planned Expansion WorkChapmans Well 37ha by 2015.

Waldridge Fell 11 ha by 2015

Park Wall North opencast 5.5 ha by 2015.

10 ha of Expansion of lowland heath is also likely to take place at Hurworth Burn (Hart, County Durham) as part of a 2010/11 HLS scheme.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThe delivery mechanism for long term, good quality expansion of dry heath is likely to be through targeted projects to link up and expand on existing low/mid altitude heaths on appropriate sites within targeted landscape scale areas or other appropriate areas.

Additional actions neededA priority action is to identify possible areas for expansion.


Proposed milestones for target delivery2011 2012 2013 2014 Total

2015


17 23 30 45 60

Key areas for delivery to take placeLikely core areas for activity are the coal measures of Durham [Tyne & Wear Lowlands NCA] but scope may also exist in the Mid-Northumberland NCA and on the Northumberland Sandstone Hills NCA.

There is the possibility of targeting appropriate coastal and dune heath for heath expansion especially on the Northumberland Coast.

Potential barriers to delivery of targetA key issue affecting delivery of this target will be whether sufficient land is available on which to undertake heathland expansion work.

Work at Charlies LNR to expand lowland heath is currently on hold after the collapse of the North East Community Forests.

Once the change of ownership is finalised a line of communication needs to be set up to try and move the proposed project forward.

Grazing of sites is likely to be an important management tool and action is needed to ensure that funding is available to sustain the North East Grazing Project/Flexi-graze

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsProvided the above restoration schemes take place by 2015 the region will have achieved the regional target. Two issues arise, which means we should look for additional works to be sure the target is fully achieved.

The quality of the habitat may not be of BAP standard. Work undertaken at Waldridge Fell and 1) Burden Moor in Gateshead has demonstrated the problems in creating this habitat.

Quarry and opencast restoration schemes have only a maximum of 20 (and normally 5-10 years) 2) year management built into the legal restoration schemes. After that period the owners can change the site back into farmland. The maintenance of the habitat beyond this legal period is not ensured.

Links to landscape-scale projectsLowland heath expansion potential is linked to the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project and to the proposed Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project.

There is also potential to expand heath within lower altitude areas of the Border Uplands and Kielder proposed landscape-scale biodiversity project.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead = Durham Biodiversity Partnership

Who What WhenDurham County Council Ensure the remaining

37 ha of lowland heath restoration at Chapman’s Well is completed. Consider long term retention and management of the whole site.

By 2015

Durham County Council Ensure appropriate management takes place to restore the 11 ha created heathland at Waldridge Fell/Daisy Hill.

By 2015

Durham Biodiversity Partnership/Durham County Council

Support the small, community led, heathland expansion projects identified around Dipton (including Pontop Pike). Help find funding to increase the scope and the profile of this work.

2011

Durham County Council/UK Coal Ensure 15 ha of lowland heath is created at Stoney Heap opencast site. Consider the long term retention and management of this site.

By 2015

Northumbrian Water/Durham Wildlife Trust

Complete the expansion of 4.5 hectares of remnant heath adjacent to Derwent Reservoir.

2011

Natural England Ensure 10 ha of lowland heath is created at Hurworth Burn (near Hart) as part of the proposed HLS scheme.

2011

North East Biodiversity Forum/Durham Biodiversity Partnership

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in the proposed Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe priority area to incorporate targets and actions of the expansion of lowland heathland as part of a larger woodland, heathland, wetland, grassland matrix. Minimum of 5ha to be identified and expanded.

2010/11


North East Biodiversity Forum/Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe priority area to incorporate targets and actions including the expansion of lowland heathland as part of a larger woodland, heathland, wetland, grassland matrix. Minimum of 5ha to be identified and expanded.

2010/11

Northumberland Coast AONB/ Target appropriate coastal and dune heath for heath expansion.

2010

Durham Wildlife Trust Expand the area of mid altitude heath at Hedleyhope Fell by 5.5 ha through by scrub/bracken removal.

2011

FC/Muggleswick Estates Allow the felling of Burn Hill Plantation to create 100+ ha of mid altitude heath, woodland and other habitat to be created within the Heart of Durham Project area.

By 2015

Natural England Input into lowland heathland projects through provision of agri-environment scheme agreements as necessary in order to contribute to expansion of 22ha of habitat by 2015.

Ongoing


Ensure that funding is available to continue the North East Grazing project.

2010






Key for map showing proposed future delivery of lowland grassland and lowland heath BAP targets between 2010-15

( Northumberland Whin Project Sites

Border Uplands and Kielder Landscape Scale Biodiversity Area - (lowland dry acid grassland / lowland calcareous grassland)


Durham Coast Landscape Scale Area -(lowland dry acid grassland / lowland calcareous grassland)

West Magnesian Limestone, Morden and Bradbury Carrs Landscape Scale Area - (Lowland dry acid grassland / lowland calcareous grassland)

Prestwick Carr to St. Mary’s Island Landscape Scale Biodiversity Area - (lowland dry acid grassland / lowland calcareous grassland)

Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island Landscape Scale Biodiversity area - (lowland dry acid grassland)

Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe Landscape Scale Biodiversity Area - (Lowland dry acid grassland / lowland heath)

Planned delivery of other acid grassland targets mentioned in the plan

Planned delivery of lowland heath targets mentioned in the plan


Existing Protected landscapes in which important lowland grassland / heath BAP delivery takes place


iii) Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Planned delivery of lowland calcareous grassland targets mentioned in the plan

Lowland raised bogMinimum Regional




Restoration target = 30 ha 17 ha 30ha

Current progressThe wording of this target is “Restore lowland raised bog immediately or via succession from fen on chosen areas of archaic peat to ensure a sustainable hydrological regime for adjacent extant habitat. 17 ha of mire restoration works (grip blocking and scrub removal) have taken place at Holburn Moss. Management improvements to sustain this restoration scheme are planned within a future HLS scheme to take place by 2015.Some small scale (less than 1 ha) work has taken place at Prestwick Carr in Newcastle to remove birch from the remnant lowland raised bog area.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThis target will be met through the following mechanisms:

Mire restoration work at Prestwick Carr SSSI undertaken by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust 1) funded through Section 106 money from the Fox Covert OCS, Biffaward and Environmental Stewardship

Rewetting of 5ha of Honey Mug Bog in Northumberland through use of planning conditions 2) attached to the Middlemoor Windfarm Scheme.

Mire restoration work at Greymare Farm using Environmental Stewardship. This is anticipated to 3) deliver approximately 8ha towards the target.

Further mire restoration work at Holburn Moss using Environmental Stewardship4)

Mire restoration works of 50 ha at Ford Moss using Environmental Stewardship5)

Mire restoration work at Stanley Moss as yet not quantified.6)


Additional actions needed A restoration plan for Kemping Moss will be required if planning permission for extraction (currently allowed up to 2029) comes to an end prematurely.

Proposed milestones for delivery of targetProposed profile for target delivery

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total2015

Cumulative area of peat restored (Ha)*

17 46 96 106

* rewetting of peat and creation of a suitable hydrological regime for succession to bog will be counted as contributing towards this target.

Key areas for delivery to take placeLikely target areas are Greymare Farm Northumberland Sandstone Hills NCA , Ford Moss and Honey Mug Bog (Cheviot Fringe NCA) and Prestwick Carr in Newcastle (Tyne & Wear Lowlands NCA) and possibly Stanley Moss in County Durham (Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe NCA).

Potential barriers to delivery of the targetThere is a finite lowland raised bog resource in the region. As such it is important to restore, as far as possible, all the regions raised mires. There are however several barriers to be overcome.

It is vital to ensure appropriate prescriptions and options are contained within the Environmental Stewardship Schemes at Prestwick Carr, Greymare Farm, Holburn Moss and Ford Moss for appropriate and maximum restoration.

Mire restoration work at Prestwick Carr will require ongoing planning and further negotiations to ensure maximum restoration potential and SSSI PSA gain is reached. The site is close to Newcastle Airport and there may have to be careful negotiation to address issues over bird-strike risk and wetland restoration.

The habitat management plan that is required as a condition of the Middlemoor Windfarm scheme has still to be secured and will require approval by Northumberland County Council planners. It is possible that any rewetting work might fall outside of the 2015 deadline for this target.

Measures to restore the degraded raised bog at Kemping Moss need to be actioned. This will require further negotiations with the owner of the site.

The consensus is that Stanley Moss is domed and was a raised mire in the past. Restoration of the site is contained within the windfarm development and Durham Wildlife Trust is taking over management of this site. The potential of the site and surrounding area for restoration to raised mire is currently unclear and clarification and appropriate actions are required from Durham Wildlife Trust.

The sustainable restoration of lowland raised mires depends on the instigation of appropriate grazing management. A priority action for this habitat is to ensure that funding is available to sustain the North East Grazing Project/Flexi-graze.


Other issues with habitat or targetThe rarity and importance of this habitat means that the region should aim to restore as much of the remnant raised bog as possible (if necessary, to fen in the medium term). The work at Ford Moss will exceed the current target so it is suggested the target is raised to capture all raised bog restoration potential in the region.

Links to landscape-scale projectsThis work can be linked within the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity area and the proposed Prestwick Carr to St. Mary’s Island landscape-scale biodiversity area.The potential to link the wider area of Stanley Moss raised bog into the Derwent Valley and Pennine Fringe potential landscape-scale biodiversity area remains as yet unexplored.

Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead = Natural England

Who What WhenNatural England Ensure that at least 8 ha of land is included within the lowland

raised mire option of ES at Greymare Farm2010

Natural England/NNR Staff/Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Ensure that 17 hectares of Holburn Moss is cleared of scrub regrowth and brought into sustainable management under HLS

2014

Northumberland County Council

Ensure that suitable proposals for at least 5ha of rewetting of peat/lowland raised mire restoration are included in the approved habitat management plan required as a condition of the Middlemoor Wind Farm. Ensure that Management Plan is properly implemented.

2011 and ongoing

Northumberland Wildlife Trust/Defence Estates/Natural England

Ensure that further action to restore lowland raised mire is prioritised during proposed works at Prestwick Carr and that a minimum of 16ha is managed in a way which will contribute towards the lowland raised mire restoration target.

2010

Natural England/Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Agree 50 ha of appropriate lowland raised bog management as part of the Ford Moss Environmental Stewardship Schemes.

2010/2011


Clarify the planning and potential restoration situation with respect to16ha of former raised bog at Kemping moss.

2010

Natural England/Northumberland County Council

Once the planning situation has been clarified explore mechanisms to commence the process of rewetting of the peat extraction site.

By 2015

Durham Wildlife Trust Clarify the potential to restore Stanley Moss to raised mire. Instigate works to deliver an appropriate area of raised mire restoration.

2010-2015


Support the development and funding of projects necessary to delivering a significant contribution to the North East target for lowland raised bog restoration. This includes support for North East Grazing Project/Flexi-graze.

Ongoing

North East Biodiversity Forum partners/Northumberland Biodiversity partnership

Seek to incorporate integrated bog and peatland restoration and management activity into the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project.

2011



FensMinimum Regional




Restoration target 100 ha >1 ha 100ha

Current progressOnly a small amount of progress has been made towards this target (less than 1 ha) at Prestwick Carr.

Planned deliveryNewham/Embleton Bog 26.5ha Works begin 2010

South Charlton/Humblehough Farms 26.8ha 2011/12

Likely deliveryHoney Mug bog 14.2ha 2010/11

Potential deliverySacred Heart Fen 2 ha (max) 2010/11

Low Burn Hall 3 ha 2013

Dinnington Fen 2 ha 2013


Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThe use of Environmental Stewardship will be the main mechanism by which this target will be delivered. The planning process may also be an important mechanism.

However there is an urgent need to identify and quantify appropriate fen restoration opportunities in the region to feed into these mechanisms.

Large-scale opportunities for fen restoration exist at Prestwick Carr near Newcastle and at Morden and Bradbury Carrs near Sedgefield. However there are constraints on the rewetting potential of these sites. Investigations into partial rewetting are taking place.

The region will need to quantify opportunities in terms of realistic fen restoration opportunity before this can count towards this target.

In addition, the region will need to decide whether a concerted effort is needed to investigate ways to overcome the major barriers. Without these initiatives succeeding the full regional target for fen restoration is unlikely to be reached.

There is an overlap in activity required to meet fen targets and the activity required to meet targets for lowland raised bog.

The restoration of Prestwick Carr, Stanley Moss and Honey Mug bog and possibly Kemping moss (former raised bogs) to fen in the short term is being undertaken as a precursor to development of raised bog in the very long term.

There are no firm figures available as yet from Natural England or Northumberland Wildlife Trust of fen restoration measures to take place at Prestwick Carr within the section 106 agreement and Environmental Stewardship Scheme, although work towards rewetting, tree removal and grazing measures has been agreed. Once figures are available, the regional target can be extended accordingly.

An additional mechanism for delivering this target is by encouraging fen projects such as that currently being developed by the Durham Biodiversity Partnership.

This involves surveying known fens, undertaking condition assessments and identifying appropriate capital works and management opportunities.

The emphasis then is to seek funding to take the projects forward. Although the total areas of fen restoration will be small, the impact to existing wildlife will be high.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsThe current target of 100ha by 2015 is very high for this region without restoration on a wide scale being possible at the Morden and Bradbury Carr site and the Prestwick Carr site.

The target will need to be reduced to 75ha. On the other hand the region has a large number of identified small fens which would benefit from being maintained or brought back into condition through Environmental Stewardship Schemes.

The environmental benefit from this may be in excess of further large scale restoration schemes where habitat quality in the long term may be an issue.


Proposed milestones for target delivery

2011 2012 2013 2014 Total2015


40 67 70 73 75

Key areas for delivery to take placeMorden and Bradbury Carrs (Durham Magnesian Limestone plateau NCA) and Prestwick Carr (Tyne & Wear Lowlands NCA). Additional opportunities exist in Mid Northumberland NCA and further north within the Cheviot fringe NCA. Delivery is also possible on smaller fen sites in Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau identified through the work of the Durham Biodiversity Partnership and in adjacent sites of Hartlepool

Additional actions neededAction is needed to identify and quantify opportunities for fen restoration, and to take forward actions from those already identified, especially as part of large-scale wetland creation schemes.

In the case of Stanley Moss and Prestwick Carr fen restoration potential needs to be quantified to be included within this target.

Potential barriers to delivery of targets The largest restoration opportunity within the region exists at Morden and Bradbury Carrs but rewetting of this site faces opposition from Network Rail over potential impacts on the East Coast Main Line. Large scale restoration opportunities are also opposed at Prestwick Carr by Newcastle airport.

Links to landscape-scale projectsFen restoration work will be informed by the North East Wetland Feasibility Study, produced by the Environment Agency and the RSPB.

Fen works within the Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau Natural Area will form part of the Limestone Landscapes Project.

Opportunities for fen restoration are likely to form part of proposals within the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project, the proposed Prestwick Carr to St. Mary’s Island landscape-scale biodiversity project, and the proposed Western Magnesium Limestone and Morden and Bradbury Carrs Landscape scale project.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead: Natural England

Who What WhenNatural England/NNR Staff Ensure that 26.5 ha of land at Newham/

Embleton Bog is restored through Environmental Stewardship Schemes.

2010 onwards

Natural England Retain the full Newham/Embleton Bog area within the NNR boundary and ensure the management plan is appropriate, agreed and completed.

Ongoing


Assuming planning consent is granted, ensure mitigation proposals are agreed which will fully restore 14.79 ha of Honey Mug Bog to fen in the medium term and potentially to raised bog in the long term.

2010/11

Durham County Council/CDENT

Restore 3ha fens from former fen habitat at Tanfield Lea and Wannister Bog.

2011

North Tyneside Council Ensure the full restoration (2 ha) potential of Sacred Heart fen is agreed as part of development mitigation proposals.

2010

Woodland Trust Complete the proposed restoration of 3ha of fen at Low Burn Hall.

2010

Durham Biodiversity partnership

Take forward the Fen survey project into maintaining/achieving condition and restoration projects.

Programme agreed by End 2010

Natural England/Hartlepool Council

Target restorable sites for HLS fen restoration schemes.

Programme agreed by End 2010

Natural England/Northumberland Wildlife Trust/MOD

Consider and determine the area of Prestwick Carr (both existing remnant raised bog and surrounding area) which is restorable to fen in the short term and raised bog in the long term.

2010

Natural England/Northumberland Wildlife Trust/MOD

Action the works necessary to achieve the maximum fen restoration possible at Prestwick Carr.

Measures to begin 2010

Durham Wildlife Trust Consider and determine the area of Stanley Moss which is restorable to fen (if any) in the short term and raised bog in the long term.

2010


Continue with the negotiations to cease extraction from Kemping moss and begin restoration to fen.

Ongoing

Natural England Ensure that opportunities for fen restoration are targeted under Environmental Stewardship.

Ongoing

Environment Agency/Biodiversity Forum

Continue searching for ways to work with the railway companies and the airport to agree a way forward at Morden and Bradbury Carrs, and Prestwick Carr in order to achieve the region’s largest fen restoration potential.

2010 onwards


Environment Agency Deliver a minimum of 2ha of fen restoration at key sites.

By 2015

North East Biodiversity Forum/Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership Newcastle City Council/North Tyneside Council/Environment Agency

Develop landscape-scale biodiversity project in the proposed Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island landscape-scale area to incorporate targets and actions including the expansion of fen Minimum of 5ha to be identified and expanded.

2010/11

Limestone Landscape Project

Identify fen restoration proposals to take forward within the Western Magnesian Limestone and Morden and Bradbury Carrs proposed landscape-scale area. Minimum of 5ha to be identified and expanded.

Delivery from 2011 onwards

North East Biodiversity Forum/Northumberland County Council/Environment Agency

Develop landscape scale project in the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe potential landscape-scale area to incorporate targets and actions including the expansion of fen. Minimum 5ha to be restored over and above the planned work identified.

2010/11

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Integration Group (BIG)The barriers to large scale fen restoration opportunities at Morden and Bradburry Carrs and Prestwick Carr means that Dialogue is needed with the BIG about a possible reduction in the region’s contribution to this target. This will be mitigated by quantification of any fen restoration to take place at Prestwick Carr and Stanley Moss.


ReedbedsMinimum Regional




Expansion target 50 ha 50 ha 0 ha

Current progressExcellent progress has been made on reedbed expansion in the North East. A number of sizable reedbeds have been created, most notably at Saltholme on Teesside and at East Chevington on Druridge Bay in Northumberland.

Significant expansion has also taken place at Gosforth Park and Newcastle Great Park in Newcastle and Low Barns and Spring Gardens in County Durham. Some Expansion has also occurred within Quarry Restoration Schemes such as Stoney Heap and Weatslade Colliary.

The regional target for minimum reedbed expansion has been met and may well have been exceeded once areas of small reedbed creation not captured in these figures (e.g. reedbeds created for Sustainable Drainage Systems and within Flood Alleviation Schemes) have been taken into account.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThis target has been met and it is not anticipated that any concerted additional action will be required on this habitat. Further expansion is through development gain/Sustainable Drainage Systems, through large-scale wetland projects (e.g. Druridge Bay) and/or through LBAP activity.

Additional actions neededNo additional action is needed to meet the minimum regional target for reedbed expansion. However more work is needed to ensure that reedbed creation activity is properly recorded on BARS.


Key areas for delivery to take placeAny additional large-scale reedbed creation work should aim to expand or to buffer existing large reedbed sites and/or as part of landscape-scale projects. Key locations for reedbeds are Druridge Bay (South East Northumberland Coastal Plain NCA), Gosforth Park (Tyne & Wear Lowlands NCA), the Team Valley (Tyne & Wear Lowlands NCA), the River Wear floodplain (Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe NCA) and Teesside (Tees Lowlands NCA).

Other issue with habitat and/or current targetsAny future large-scale creation of reedbeds in the region for conservation reasons should be incorporated with measures to meet targets for other wetland BAP priority habitats where possible.

Links to landscape-scale projectsWhile no additional activity is need to meet the regional expansion target there is scope to include reedbed creation within the proposed Druridge Bay landscape-scale biodiversity project, the proposed Prestwick Carr to St. Mary’s Island landscape-scale biodiversity project and the proposed Tees Estuary Landscape-scale biodiversity area. However, any action for this habitat should take account of the need to create or restore other wetland habitats.

Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesn/a

Suggested regional target lead: RSPB

Who What WhenLocal BAP partnerships Ensure that reedbed expansion activity is

captured on BARS.Ongoing

North East Biodiversity Forum/Northumberland Biodiversiy Partnership/Druridge Bay Partnership

As appropriate, incorporate reedbed creation into proposals for landscape-scale biodiversity delivery at Druridge Bay.

2010-2015

North East Biodiversity Forum/Northumberland Biodiversity partnership

As appropriate, incorporate reedbed expansion into any projects in the proposed Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island landscape-scale biodiversity priority area.

2010-2015


As appropriate, incorporate reedbed expansion into any projects in the proposed Teeside Estuary landscape-scale biodiversity priority area.

2010-2015



Coastal and Floodplain Grazing MarshMinimum Regional




Restoration target 60 ha 43 ha 17haExpansion target 80 ha 69 ha 11ha

Current progressExcellent progress has been made on meeting the regional targets for coastal and floodplain grazing marsh through the River Till Restoration Project, the Northumberland 4-Shores Project and through the creation of 40ha of wet grassland at the RSPB’s Saltholme Nature Reserve.

Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh expansion and restoration will continue through the River Till restoration project and Northumberland 4-Shores.

It has not been possible to distinguish between restoration and creation for all planned activity. There is no doubt the region will exceed the target by a large margin in the next 2-3 years.

Planned restoration and expansion workA large amount of planned work is to take place

Goswick Farm 5 ha expansion 2010/11

Preston Farm 9.4 ha (expansion or restoration) 2010

Thirlings Farm 30 ha (expansion or restoration) 2010/11

Kirk Newton Estate 17 ha (expansion or restoration) 2010/11

North Doddington Farm 29 ha (expansion or restoration) 2010/11

Reedsford/Kilham Farms 2.5 ha (expansion or restoration) 2010/11

Fenton Farm 6 ha (restoration) done


(Picture courtesy of Gary Woodburn - RSPB)

Fenton Farm 27 ha (expansion from arable) 2010/11

Brandon Whitehouse Farm 7 ha (expansion or restoration) 2010/11

Nesbit Farm 17 ha (expansion or restoration) 2010/11

Weetwood 9 ha (expansion or restoration) 2010/11

Proposed restoration (Potential not yet finalised)Cowpen Marsh Up to 60 (ha restoration) 2010/11

Greatham Creek up to 30 (ha restoration) 2012

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetIt is anticipated that the minimum regional targets will easily be met through the continuation of the existing River Till restoration project and Northumberland 4-Shores project and work within the Tees valley area. The main mechanism being restoration projects as part of flood alleviation schemes combined with targeted Environmental Stewardship schemes. Additional wet grassland creation may also be achieved through the proposed Coast and Coal project at Druridge Bay.

Additional actions neededA priority action for this and all other lowland grassland habitats is to ensure continuation of the regional grassland project so that appropriate stock is available for site management.

Key areas for delivery to take placeThe key areas where grazing marsh expansion and restoration work will take place are the River Till catchment (Cheviot Fringe NCA), and the north Northumberland coast (North Northumberland Coast NCA). The Tees Estuary is also a key area for work on this habitat (Tees Lowlands NCA).

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsNo problems are anticipated as delivery relies largely on existing projects. The main issues that could arise would be if the landowners who these projects work with decided for any reason that they did not wish to be involved in further habitat creation or restoration. The expansion work undertaken by the River Till Restoration project is secured through 10 year Environmental Stewardship agreements with landowners and so there is a theoretical risk that this land could be reverted to agricultural use once these agreements end.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsThere is expected to be be over 300 ha of habitat expanded or restored by 2011 if all the planned work is finalised. There is scope for considerably more habitat restoration or expansion to arise through projected flood alleviation schemes and landscape-scale project delivery.

The region should decide whether we can realistically accept a higher target to support the national situation which may not be as favourable as our own.


Links to landscape-scale projectsThere are links to the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project and to the proposed Druridge Bay landscape-scale biodiversity project. There is huge potential to link to the proposed Tees estuary landscape-scale biodiversity project.

Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead = Environment Agency

Who What WhenEnvironment Agency/4-Shores Project/Natural England

Create of 5 hectares of CFGM restoration at Goswick farm.

2010/11

Environment Agency/Tees Valley Wildlife Trust

Create or restore 9.4 hectares of CFGM at Preston Farm.

2010

Environment Agency/River Till Restoration Project/Natural England

Create or restore 30 hectares of Land at Thirlings farm for CFGM under HLS.

2010/11

Environment Agency/River Till Restoration Project/Natural England

Create or restore17 hectares of Land at Kirk Newton Estate for CFGM under HLS.

2010/11

Environment Agency/River Till Restoration Project/ Natural England

Create or restore 29 hectares of CGFM Land at North Doddington Farm under HLS.

2010/11

Environment Agency/River Till Restoration Project Natural England /

Create or restore2.5 hectares of CFGM at Reedsford/Kilham Farms CFGM under HLS.

2010/11


Create or restore 6 hectares of CFGM creation and 27 hectares of restored CFGM at Fenton Farm under HLS.

2010/11


Create or restore 7 hectares of CGFM Land at Brandon Whitehouse Farm under HLS.

2010/11


Create or restore 17 hectares of CGFM Land at Nesbit Farm under HLS.

2010/11


Create 9ha hectares of CGFM Land at Weetwood under HLS.

2010/11

RSPB/ Natural England Finalise the HLS scheme at Cowpen Marsh to create or restore up to 60 hectares of CGFM.

2010

RSPB/Natural England Finalise how much CGFM will be created or restored at Cowpen.

2010


RSPB/Environment Agency/Natural England

Survey Greatham Creek to estimate how much CGFM will be restored.

2011

Natural England Ensure that appropriate agri-environment funding is available to support Till Wetland project, 4-Shores project, key Teesside initiatives and any expansion or restoration of CFGM arising from the Druridge Bay landscape-scale project.

Ongoing

INCA/TVWT/Natural England Restore a minimum of 10 ha CGFM at Billingham Beck, Coopers Farm catchment and other Teesside sites.

From 2010/11

Environment Agency/Natural England/Tweed Forum

Seek funding continues for River Till Restoration Project beyond December 2012 and fully integrated this into wider landscape-scale working in the proposed River Till and Cheviot Fringe priority area.

2010/11

North East Biodiversity Forum/Northumberland County Council/Environment Agency

Develop a landscape-scale project in the proposed River Tees Estuary potential landscape-scale area to incorporate targets and actions including the expansion and restoration of CGFM. Target to include Greatham Creek and Coopers Farm area.

2010/11

North East Biodiversity Forum/ Druridge Bay Partnership/Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Develop landscape scale project in the proposed Druridge Bay landscape-scale area to incorporate targets and actions including the expansion and restoration of CGFM. Minimum 5 ha to be restored.

2010/11






Key for map showing proposed future delivery of wetland BAP targets between 2010-15

#

)

Planned delivery of coastal and floodplain grazing marshidentified in the delivery plan

Planned delivery of lowland raised bogs identified in the delivery plan

Planned delivery of fen sites identified in the delivery plan


Existing Protected landscapes in which important wetland delivery takes place


Border Mires Landscape Scale area - (Fen)


Druridge Bay Landscape Scale area - (Reedbeds / coastal and floodplain grazing marsh / lowland raised bog)

Tees Estuary Landscape Scale area - (Reedbeds / coastal and floodplain grazing marsh)

Western magnesian limestone and Morden and Bradbury Carrs Landscape Scale area - (Fen)

Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island Landscape Scale area - (Fen / reedbeds)

Coastal Sand DunesMinimum Regional




Restoration target = 25ha Estimated current progress = 90 ha

Minimum target contribution achieved

Current progressThe region has exceeded the minimum target. 10 ha of sand dune habitat have been restored at Lynemouth by Northumberland County Council although this will need to be sustained by management as it is currently deteriorating. An additional 3.6 ha have been restored by North Tyneside Council at Tynemouth Long Sands. 20 ha have been restored at Ross links and 18 ha at Cocklaburn Dunes, 35 ha at Cheswick Dunes. An unknown amount has been restored at St Aidens. In total there is more than 86ha of sand dune restoration recorded here.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThe actions listed under current progress should ensure that the region’s minimum contribution to the national dune restoration target is met. However sand dunes are one of the region’s most important habitats and additional efforts to restore additional sites will be supported where ever possible. Key additional activities that are likely to contribute towards the national target are:

Proposals for dune management contained in the Coast and Coal project on Druridge Bay in •Northumberland

Proposals by South Tyneside Council and the Durham Biodiversity Partnership for 6 ha of dune •restoration work at South Tyneside

Proposals by North Tyneside Council for additional 1 ha sand dune restoration and subsequent •management at Tynemouth

Proposals for restoration of 3 ha of sand dunes in West Hartlepool under a section 106 •agreement


Additional actions neededSupport may be needed to ensure that the required funding is found to support additional sand dune restoration work in the region.

It is important that the region’s contribution to sand dune restoration activity is properly recorded on BARS.

Proposed milestones for delivery of targetn/a

Key areas for delivery to take placeThe key areas for delivery are in North Northumberland Coast Coastal Plain NCA, the South East Northumberland Coastal Plain NCA and the coastal strip of the Tyne & Wear Lowlands NCA.

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsNone

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsThe deterioration of restored and existing sand dunes in the region through lack of management and through destruction due to coastal access and trampling is an issue which needs to be overcome to sustain the gains recorded here.

Where appropriate, agri-environment schemes should be targeted to protecting this habitat both within and outside designated areas.

Another issue with sand dune conservation in the North East is the coastal squeeze that is likely to occur with the anticipated future rises in sea level.

Many of the sand dune systems in the region are backed by roads or other hard infrastructure that may prevent natural rolling-back of the habitat. Space for future expansion of the habitat needs to be created or secured.

Links to landscape-scale projectsSand dune restoration work will be linked to the proposed Druridge Bay landscape-scale biodiversity project.

There is also potential restoration work within the proposed Tees estuary landscape-scale biodiversity project.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescaleSuggested regional target lead = Natural England

Who What WhenNatural England Continue to work with landowners to ensure

the dunes at Ross Links, restored under Environmental Stewardship, are managed sympathetically.

Ongoing

Northumberland County Council/Natural England

Use the proposed HLS agreement to ensure dune management takes place at the restored dunes at Lynemouth.

2010/11

Natural England Continue to monitor restoration management at Cocklaburn dunes and take any remedial action required to ensure that it remains as BAP habitat.

Ongoing

Natural England Continue to monitor restoration management at Cheswick dunes and take any remedial action required to ensure that it remains as BAP habitat.

Ongoing

North Tyneside Council Continue the work within the dune system at North Tyneside and ensure a further 1 ha of dune are restored and brought into management.

2012

South Tyneside Council/Durham Biodiversity partnership

Restore and manage 6 ha of dune restoration at South Tyneside.

2013

Hartlepool Borough Council Subject to planning Permissions, restore 3ha of dunes and associated grasslands within the development of the former Britmag site in North Hartlepool.

2013

Druridge Bay Partnership/Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Restore and achieve condition of 3ha of dune system at Druridge Bay by introducing extensive management and grazing.

2015


Provide support for organisations and partnerships who are developing projects that aim to restore lost or degraded sand dunes. Key projects are likely to be at Druridge Bay, South Tyneside and North Tyneside.

Ongoing


Work to ensure funding continues for regional grazing project Flexigraze, so that grazing animals are available for conservation management of dunes.

Ongoing

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG)Some consideration from the BIG on the issue of how coastal squeeze will affect sand dune systems would be welcome.


Maritime Cliffs and SlopesMinimum Regional




Expansion target =10 ha 0 ha 10ha

Current progressWording of target = “Increase the area of cliff-top semi-natural habitats by at least 10 ha (minimum) by 2015.

No progress with this target could be identified.

Planned work10 ha of grassland restoration is to take Place at Hummersea by the Heritage Coast Project in 2010/11.

20 ha of diverse maritime cliff top grassland is to be created as part of an Agri-environment scheme at Halidon Hill, Cunnundrum in 2010/11.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetAlthough the above initiatives exceed the targets, there is a need to develop a strategic approach across the region due to a fast receding coastline. The Shoreline Management Plan will be a key influence to deliver further habitat in the region. Environmental Stewardship needs to be targeted to include areas identified as strategically important.

The Cleveland Heritage Coast is continuing its focus to deliver this habitat. Although so far most work has been delivered south of the North East region there is likely to be a push towards the Northern sections of the coast in the future.Significant effort has gone into reverting arable land to grassland along the Durham coast through the Turning the Tide project and by the National Trust.

This activity largely predates the UK BAP. Further activity is planned to increase the diversity of these grasslands by the National Trust, and within Limestone Landscape HLS bid. North of the Tyne, Potential exists on St Mary’s Island, on public land, Golf courses and caravan parks as well as on farmland within the coastal strip.


Additional actions neededPreliminary action is needed to determine key areas of cliff and slope vegetation that can expanded and identifying the most appropriate methods to do this.

Proposed milestones for delivery of target2011 2012 2013 2014 Total

2015Cumulative area of expansion (Ha)

0 10 10 10

Key areas for delivery to take placeDurham Coast (Durham Magnesian Limestone NCA), the Northumberland Coast (North Northumberland Coastal Plain NCA and South East Northumberland Coastal Plain NCA) and Cleveland Coast (North York Moors and Cleveland Coast NCA).

Potential barriers to delivery of the targetThe location of the Coastal Access Path needs to be considered along with this target to avoid any conflict in management.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsNone

Links to landscape-scale projectsCoastal rollback is linked particularly to the proposed Druridge bay landscape-scale biodiversity project, the proposed Prestwick Carr to St.Mary’s Island landscape-scale biodiversity project and the proposed Durham Coast landscape-scale biodiversity project.

The scope of this work however is not confined to these areas and much of the coastline is appropriate to deliver this habitat.


Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead = Natural England

Who What WhenCleveland Heritage Coast Deliver 10ha of grassland restoration at Hummersea. 2010/2011

Cleveland Heritage Coast Quantify further potential for expansion of maritime cliffs and slopes within the Cleveland part of the Heritage coast. Aim to restore a minimum of 5ha bap habitat.

By 2015

Natural England Deliver 20 ha expansion of maritime cliffs and slopes at Halidon Hill (Cunnundrom Farm).

2010/11

Northumberland Coast AONB/Northumberland BAP Partnership

Quantify potential for expansion of maritime cliffs and slopes at strategic sites –including caravan parks, golf courses and farmland within the AONB.

2010/11

Northumberland Coast AONB/Northumberland BAP Partnership

Deliver a minimum of 5 ha expansion of BAP habitat. By 2015

North East Biodiversity Forum partners/Tees Valley Biodiversity partnership

Incorporate expansion of maritime cliffs and slopes into potential landscape-scale biodiversity project in East Cleveland.

2011

North East Biodiversity Forum

Incorporate expansion of maritime cliffs and slopes into potential landscape-scale biodiversity project at Prestwick Carr to St. Mary’s Island.

2011

North East Biodiversity Forum/Druridge Bay Partnership

Incorporate maritime cliff and slopes into potential landscape-scale biodiversity project at Prestwick Carr to St. Mary’s Island.

2011

North East Biodiversity Forum/Limestone Landscapes partnership/Heritage Coast/National Trust

Strategically quantify potential for expansion of maritime cliff and slope vegetation within the Durham Coast and support proposals for conservation grazing on the coast. This should include action to manage the 150ha of arable reversion that took place as part of Turning the Tide to ensure that it becomes high quality BAP habitat.

2010

Natural England Target Environmental Stewardship to strategic areas of the coast to support the delivery of these initiatives to expand Maritime cliffs and slopes in the region.

Ongoing

Natural England Ensure that any proposals for national coastal footpath do not conflict with delivery of this target.

Ongoing



Saline LagoonsMinimum Regional




Expansion target 10 ha 4.5 ha 5.5 ha

Current progressA 1 ha saline lagoon was created at Greatham on Teesside in 1999.

An additional saline lagoon was created on No5 Brinefield, north of Greatham Creek, in 2002. This added 1 hectare of lagoon habitat and reactivated a further 3.5 hectares which had been isolated from saline intrusion by coastal defence improvements in the mid 1990s.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThe Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust have successfully bid for SITA Enriching Nature funding to create a 1.5 ha saline lagoon on the river Wear at Washington. If this goes ahead it means that the region will have to create a further 3ha of saline lagoon by 2015 to meet these targets.

Additional saline lagoon creation is proposed on Druridge Bay as part of the Coal and Coast Project. The details of this are not finalised but the aspiration is to create at least 1ha of this habitat. There is possibly further potential for creation of a saline lagoon at Greatham North flood alleviation scheme. This is subject to Environment Agency plans for the site.

Additional actions neededAdditional opportunities for saline lagoon creation may be available in Northumberland and on Teesside as part of coastal defence works or coastal realignment. Key organisations such as the Environment Agency, the RSPB, INCA and Local Biodiversity Partnerships will need to investigate and implement further proposals, in order to meet this target.


Proposed milestones for delivery of target2011 2012 2013 2014 Total

2015Cumulative area of expansion (Ha)

4.5 4.5 6 6 10

Key areas for delivery to take placeKey areas for delivery of this target is Druridge Bay in Northumberland (South East Northumberland Coastal plain NCA) and the Tees Esturary (Tees Lowland NCA).

Potential barriers to delivery of targetThe additional saline lagoon creation identified through Coal and Coast will depend on the success of the HLF Landscape bid for the project.

Further saline lagoon creation is possible through flood alleviation scheme proposals and the 4-shores project. This depends on the Environment Agency identifying and implementing appropriate actions towards these targets.


Links to landscape-scale projectsThis habitat will specifically link in with the proposed Druridge Bay landscape-scale biodiversity project and with the proposed Tees Estuary landscape-scale biodiversity project.

Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesRegional target lead = Environment Agency

Who What WhenWildfowl and Wetlands Trust

Create 1.5ha of saline lagoon on River Wear. By 2013

Northumberland Wildlife Trust/Druridge Bay Partnership

Incorporate the creation of a minimum of 1ha of saline lagoon into landscape-scale project at Druridge Bay.

By 2015

Environment Agency Work with local BAP partnerships to identify opportunities for 3 ha of new saline lagoon creation through coast defence works/coastal realignment.

By 2011

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG)Support may be needed to reduce the regional target if further proposals are not forthcoming.



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Key for map showing proposed future delivery of coastal BAP targets between 2010-15

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W

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Planned delivery sites of Saline Lagoons identified in the delivery plan

Planned delivery of maritime cliffs identified in the delivery plan

Planned delivery of sand dune sites identified in the delivery plan

Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Existing Protected landscapes in which important coastal delivery takes place

Druridge Bay Landscape Scale area - (Sand dunes / saline lagoons)


East Cleveland Landscape Scale area - (Maritime cliffs)

Durham Coast Landscape Scale area - (Maritime cliffs)

Prestwick Carr to St Mary’s Island Landscape Scale area - (Sand dunes / maritime cliffs)

Upland Calcareous GrasslandMinimum Regional




Achieve condition target = 257ha

237.14 none

Current progressThe greatest concentration of upland calcareous grassland in the North East is found in Upper Teesdale and is within land designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Such land has been the particular focus of activity in order to meet the Government target of having 90% of SSSI land by area in favourable or recovering condition by 2010.

The current situation is that 237.14 ha of bap habitat is in unfavourable recovering or favourable condition. Only 9ha, mostly at Mill and Whiskershield Burn SSSI remains in unfavourable condition.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThere is little scope to deliver further gain for Upland Calcareous grassland as there are only a few small areas of this habitat outside of SSSIs.

A few isolated areas are shown within the habitat inventory within Northumberland. All of them lie within Countryside Stewardship schemes. We can assume therefore the target has been met in full.

Additional actions neededn/a

Key areas for delivery to take placeUpper Teesdale (North Pennines NCA)

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsn/a


Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsIt should be pointed out that the habitat may not currently be in favourable condition but management has been applied to the grasslands through Environmental Stewardship schemes which is hoped will eventually lead to favourable condition of all sites.

The target will need to be reduced to 266ha to reflect the total amount of this habitat we have in the region.

Links to landscape-scale projectsWhile not linked to a specific proposed landscape-scale project, delivery of this target will take place on large upland blocks within the Moorhouse – Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve and the North Pennines AONB.

Summary of key accountabilities/timescaleRegional target lead = Natural England

Who What WhenNatural England Continue to work towards

meeting the 2010 favourable condition target on upland SSSIs.

By end of 2010



Upland HeathlandMinimum Regional target Estimated current

progressAdditional gain required to

meet minimum regional target

Achieve condition target = 31,813ha 30,285 ha 1528 ha

Current activityA significant proportion of the North East’s upland heathland is found within the region’s SSSI series. Such land has been the particular focus of activity in order to meet the Government target of having 90% of SSSI land by area in favourable or unfavourable recovering condition by 2010.

There is currently 29,785 ha of Upland Heathland on SSSI’s in favourable or unfavourable recovery condition within the Government Region in the North East (includes part of North Yorks Moors National Park). Only 31,084 ha of heath occurs within SSSI sites.

In addition, the Forestry Commission have reported 500 ha of upland heath restoration from former conifer woodland blocks at Wearhead, Wooler and other sites.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThis target will be delivered partly by ongoing activity to meet the SSSI condition target by the end of 2010.Almost certainly, existing Environmental Stewardship Schemes on non SSSI land will have completed delivery of this target. There is a need to quantify the extent of this.There is also a need to identify opportunities for future target delivery on non SSSI’s The Environmental Stewardship scheme will be the main mechanism used to achieve these targets.

Additional actions neededOutside of SSSIs, action is needed to collect data on the extent and condition of non-designated sites. Data has already been gathered by Northumberland National park towards this and the work of the Northumberland and Durham Biodiversity Partnerships on data gathering outside of this area should be supported.

HLS will now be needed to target those areas in need of measures to achieve condition.


Proposed milestones for target2011 2012 2013 2014 Total

2015Cumulative area of achieving Condition (Ha)

30,500 30,813 31,213 31,513 31,813

Key areas for delivery to take placeThe focus for the delivery of this target will be upland areas. These are found in the North Pennines NCA and the Northumberland National Park (Border Mires and Forest, Cheviot and Cheviot Fringe NCAs).

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsMeeting of the target relies on the willingness of SSSI land managers and owners to enter into appropriate agreements. Some large upland SSSIs have complex issues associated with them.

Other issues with habitat and/or current targetsThe national HAP for upland heathland only contains targets for achieving condition of sites.

There is likely to be potential for the expansion or restoration of this habitat in the region, for example through restructuring of forestry blocks.

Activity of this kind should continue to be supported. Local biodiversity action plan partnerships will have a key role in work of this kind.

It should be pointed out that upland heath recorded as unfavourable recovery condition may not be in favourable condition on the ground but that management put in place is expected to deliver favourable condition in the long term.

Links to landscape-scale projectThere is a link to the proposed Border Uplands and Cheviot Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project to deliver this target. Much of the upland heath in this area lies outside the SSSI sites. Work is also needed within the North Pennines AONB and Northumberland National Park.



Who What WhenNatural England Continue to work towards meeting the 2010

favourable condition target on upland SSSIs.By end of 2010

Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership/Durham Biodiversity Partnership/Northumberland National Park

Identify key areas of upland heathland outside of SSSIs Continue with the focus to assess current condition of this land.

By end of 2010

Natural England Quantify existing extent of environmental stewardship on non SSSI which has achieved condition of Upland heath.

2010/11


Develop project in the proposed Border Uplands and Kielder landscape-scale biodiversity priority area to incorporate targets and actions for the expansion and achieving condition of upland heath as part of a larger woodland/heathland/wetland/grassland matrix. Minimum of 1000ha to achieve condition.

2011

Natural England Use Environmental Stewardship targeting to achieve favourable condition on non-designated upland heathland sites.

2011-2015

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG)Assistance with funding for data collection/collation of key areas of upland heathland outside of SSSIs would be useful.


Blanket BogMinimum Regional target Estimated current

progressAdditional gain

required to meet minimum regional

targetAchieve condition target = 42,800ha (mostly in unfavourable recovery condition)

48,224 ha nil

Current activityA significant proportion of the North East’s upland blanket bog is found within the region’s SSSI series. Such land has been the particular focus of activity in order to meet the Government target of having 95% of SSSI land by area in favourable or recovering condition by 2010.

The Government Region currently has 47,878 ha of Blanket Bog in unfavourable recovery or favourable condition

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThis target has been delivered but Blanket bog is an important habitat for the region and further work to improve mires should be effected:

Use of the Environmental Stewardship scheme to achieve favourable condition on upland SSSIs. •The total amount of Blanket Bog within SSSI’s, in the region has been quantified as 48,386 ha. Of this 47,878 ha is currently in favourable condition.

Continued restoration work on the Border Mires carried out by Forestry Commission and •Northumberland Wildlife Trust. (So far 200 ha has been carried out on non-SSSI land)

Continuation of the North Pennine AONB’s Peatscapes Project. So far, outside of the SSSI •tranche of sites this project has delivered grip blocking to 33ha in the Northumberland Catchment, 318 ha in Weardale and has a further 380 ha of blanket bog restoration planned. The project has also significantly contributed to much of the restoration of blanket bogs within the SSSI’s


Additional actions neededOutside of SSSIs action is needed to collect data on the extent and condition of non-designated sites. Work is being undertaken by the Northumberland National Park towards this. The work of the Northumberland and Durham Biodiversity Partnerships on data gathering should be supported.

Proposed milestones for targetn/a

Key areas for delivery to take placeThe focus for the delivery of this target will be upland SSSIs. These are found in the North Pennines NCA and the Northumberland National Park (Border Mires and Forest, Cheviot and Cheviot Fringe NCAs). Non SSSI site delivery will increase the delivery over and above the target but this is important for the region.

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsn/a


Links to landscape-scale projectsThis target will be linked to the proposed Border Uplands and River Till and Cheviot Fringe landscape-scale biodiversity project. It is the target habitat of the Peatscapes project within the Pennine Moors AONB and an important habitat within the Northumberland National Park. The restoration and achievement of good condition of peat throughout its range is critical and should not be confined to these areas.



Who What WhenNatural England Continue to work towards meeting the 2010

favourable condition target on upland SSSIs

(Currently there is still 508ha in unfavourable condition).

By end of 2010

Forestry Commission/Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Continue with tree removal and ditch blocking works on the Border Mires.

Ongoing

North Pennines AONB Deliver a further 380 ha of blanket bog condition by grip blocking.

Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership/Northumberland National Park

Identify key areas of upland Blanket Bog outside of SSSIs Continue with focus to assess current condition of this land.

By end of 2010

North East Biodiversity Forum/North Pennines AONB/Durham Biodiversity Partnership

Identify funding opportunities to assess the condition and remedy non SSSI blanket bog within the upland areas of Durham.

By end of 2010

Natural England Quantify existing extent of environmental stewardship on non SSSI which has achieved condition of upland blanket bog.

2010/11


Develop project in the proposed Border Uplands and Kielder landscape-scale biodiversity priority area to incorporate targets and actions for the expansion and achieving condition of blanket bog as part of a larger woodland/heathland/wetland/grassland matrix. Minimum of 1000ha to achieve condition.

2011

Natural England Use Environmental Stewardship targeting to achieve favourable condition on non-designated upland heathland sites.

2011-2015-


Continue support continued funding of projects that make a significant contribution to delivery of blanket bog targets, e.g. Peatscapes.

Ongoing

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG)Assistance with funding for data collection/collation of key areas of upland blanket bog outside of SSSIs would be useful.




Eutrophic Standing WatersMinimum Regional Target Estimated Current

ProgressAddition gain required to meet minimum regional target by 2015

Maintain target = 5 sites Current progress = 0 sites 5 sitesImprove target = 2 sites Current progress = 0 sites 2 sites

Prevent deterioration = 97 sites

Current progress = 0 sites 97 sites

Current progressSome initial lake characterisation work has taken place on SSSIs to determine the extent of Eutrophic standing waters within the region. No work specifically intended to progress regional targets for this habitat has yet taken place.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetsA necessary first step to delivering these targets will be to assess the current condition of water bodies and the likely management that key sites will need in future.

If possible, the Environment Agency will be holding a regional workshop for stakeholders in the spring of 2011 to discuss this.

This will be a necessary first step in agreeing how the region will act to ensure that these targets are met.

Detailed delivery proposals will not be produced until after the spring of 2011 when there has been wider discussion within the region.

However, work to deliver these targets is likely to rely heavily on the use of agri-environment schemes in sensitive catchments and/or the treatment of invasive plant species.


Proposed milestones for target deliverySpring 2011– hold regional workshop to agree how targets will be progressed

Summer 2011 – set milestones for meeting targets by 2015, finalise list of water bodies that will be worked on and agree responsibilities.

2011 – commence work to required to deliver targets and meet agreed milestones.

Additional actions neededTo be determined once detailed proposals for how the region will progress this target have been produced.

Key areas for delivery to take placeYet to be determined.

Potential barriers to delivery of targetsFunding to take forward the spring 2011 meeting is currently unavailable. This is the necessary first step in driving forward these targets. Should funding issues not be resolved then the region will need to find alternative ways to deliver these targets.

Not known at this stage but delivery of targets is likely to involve targeting of agri-environment schemes in sensitive catchments. This may rely on the willingness of landowners to enter their land into the appropriate schemes.

Other issues with habitat and/or current target(s)None at this stage.

Links to landscape-scale projectsNot known at this stage but achieving targets is likely to involve working at a catchment-scale.

Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead: Environment Agency

Who What When

Environment Agency

Convene a meeting of regional stakeholders to discuss the results of current lake characterisation work, identify key sites for eutrophic standing waters and to discuss management actions required to restore/improve key sites.

Spring 2011

Environment Agency/North East Biodiversity Forum

Agree milestones and actions needed to meet regional target for eutrophic standing waters; identify organisational responsibilities for meeting targets by 2015.

Summer 2011

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG)The Environment Agency does not currently have the funding to take forward a workshop to initiate work towards these targets. The region may need to reconsider how to deliver these targets in other ways. Advice from the BIG will be needed to help consider this.


Mesotrophic LakesMinimum regional target Estimated current progress Additional gain required to meet

minimum regional target by 2015Maintain target = 4 sites Current progress = 0 sites 4 sitesImprove target = 2 sites Current progress = 0 sites 2 sitesPrevent deterioration = 66 sites

Current progress = 0 sites 66 sites

Current progressSome initial lake characterisation work has taken place on SSSIs to determine the extent of mesotrophic lakes within the region. No work specifically intended to progress regional targets for this habitat has yet taken place.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetsA necessary first step to delivering these targets will be to assess the current condition of water bodies and the likely management that key sites will need in the future. The Environment Agency will, if resources allow, be holding a regional workshop for stakeholders in the spring of 2011 to discuss this. This will be a necessary first step in agreeing how the region will act to ensure that these targets are met.

Detailed delivery proposals will not be produced until after the spring of 2011 when there has been wider discussion within the region. However, work to deliver these targets is likely to rely heavily on the use of agri-environment schemes in sensitive catchments and/or the treatment of invasive plant species.

Proposed milestones for target deliverySpring 2011 – hold regional workshop to agree how targets will be progressed

Summer 2011 – set milestones for meeting targets by 2015, finalise list of water bodies that will be worked on and agree responsibilities.

2011 – commence work to required to deliver targets and meet agreed milestones.


Additional actions neededTo be determined once detailed proposals for how the region will progress this target have been produced.

Key areas for delivery to take placeYet to be determined.

Potential barriers to delivery of target(s)Funding to take forward the spring 2011 meeting is currently unavailable. This is the necessary first step in driving forward these targets. Should funding issues not be resolved then the region will need to find alternative ways to deliver these targets.

Not known at this stage but delivery of targets is likely to involve targeting of agri-environment schemes in sensitive catchments. This may rely on the willingness of landowners to enter their land into the appropriate schemes.

Other issues with habitat and/or current target(s)None at this stage.

Links to landscape-scale projectsNot known at this stage but achieving targets is likely to involve working at a catchment-scale.

Summary of key accountabilities/timescalesSuggested regional target lead: Environment Agency

Who What WhenEnvironment Agency Convene a meeting of regional stakeholders

to discuss the results of current lake characterisation work, identify key sites for mesotrophic lakes and to discuss management actions required to restore/improve key sites.

Spring 2011

Environment Agency/North East Biodiversity Forum

Agree milestones and actions needed to meet regional target for mesotrophic lakes; identify organisational responsibilities for meeting targets by 2015.

Summer 2011

Support needed from relevant Biodiversity Implementation Group (BIG)The Environment Agency does not currently have the funding to take forward a workshop to initiate work towards these targets. The region may need to reconsider how to deliver these targets in other ways. Advice from the BIG will be needed to help consider this.


Purple moor-grass and rush pastureMinimum Regional


progressAdditional gain required to meet minimum

regional targetRestoration target 10 ha n/a 10haExpansion target 5 ha n/a 5ha

Current progressNo action has been taken on these targets.

Proposed delivery mechanisms for targetThis is not a high priority habitat for the region. The vegetation community types of high nature conservation value that make up this habitat type (M22 Juncus-Cirsium fen meadow, M24 Molinia-Cirsium fen meadow M25 Molinia-Potentilla erecta mire and M26 Molinia-Crepis fen-meadow) are very rare in the region, occurring as very small patches within larger habitat mosaics.

The most common and widespread example of this habitat is the M23 Juncus acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush pasture.

There seems little point in expanding this habitat for its own sake unless there are wider nature conservation/species conservation reasons for doing so (such as species interest). Likewise there are very limited situations in which action to specifically restore an example of this habitat is likely to arise.

Targets are likely to be delivered incidentally as part of larger landscape-scale schemes and agri-environment funded management of larger sites.

Additional actions neededNone

Milestones for deliveryTo be established.


Key areas for delivery to take placeExamples of M22, M24 and/or M26 communities are found at Upper Teesdale, the Durham Coast, Redcar Field SSSI, Newton Ketton Meadow SSSI, and Hulam Fen SSSI. However the opportunities for restoration or expansion here are extremely limited.

Potential barriers to delivery of targetThere is very limited scope within the region to expand the more interesting NVC types that make up this BAP habitat.

Other issues with habitat and/or targetsThere is a consensus amongst partners in the region that we do not contribute to these targets.

Links to landscape-scale projectsn/a

Summary of key responsibilities/timescalesn/a



Documents

Delivery Plan for North East Regional Biodiversity Habitat Targets