Loughborough University Burleigh and Holywell …...Loughborough University Burleigh and Holywell Woodland Management Plan 2 Jo Shields, Sustainability Manager, V2, 18.09.13 Contents

1 Jo Shields, Sustainability Manager, V2, 18.09.13

Loughborough University

Burleigh and Holywell Woodland Management Plan


Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Description .............................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Site Designations and Notifications ........................................................................................ 6

1.3 Previous Surveys ..................................................................................................................... 7

1.4 Historical Surveys .................................................................................................................... 8

2 Management Aims and Objectives ............................................................................................... 11

2.1 Aim ........................................................................................................................................ 11

2.2 Historical and current management ..................................................................................... 11

2.3 Objectives.............................................................................................................................. 12

3 Constraints/Threats ...................................................................................................................... 13

4 Prescription and Actions ............................................................................................................... 14

5 Work Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 19

6 Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 20


1 Introduction

Loughborough University has a Biodiversity Action Plan (LUBAP) in place which includes the Holywell and Burleigh Woodlands. The ultimate aim in developing the LUBAP is to effect biodiversity enhancement and to realise the wider benefits that this brings. This is best achieved through a strategic approach that first evaluates the current ecological resource and reviews current management practices; this is then followed by a process of engaging stakeholders – including the university staff and student body, as well as local wildlife groups – in setting and ‘owning’ specific and achievable objectives for the Campus. This includes the woodlands.

The University recognises the significant value of the Holywell and Burleigh ancient woodlands and as the owners of the woods is committed to formulating and implementing a robust management plan. This will form an important part of the University’s Environmental Programme under the newly adopted EcoCampus Environmental Management System. It will also allow the University to demonstrate that it is exercising due consideration for the conservation of biodiversity in accordance with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006. The information and guidance contained in this plan is based on historical surveys and a more recent Phase 1 habitat survey conducted in April 2010. Additional Phase 2 surveys were carried in the Spring and Summer of 2011 and 2012 for Birds, Bats, Amphibians and Badgers. The format of the plan is based on the Forestry Commission Guidance note 12 management plans for semi-natural woodlands under the Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS). The aim for both woodlands is to manage them primarily as a haven for wild plants and animals maintaining an attractive woodland landscape whilst promoting controlled public access. Since the initial writing of this plan, planning permission for 2 new playing fields near Holywell Farm has released a further 1.2ha.of land which will be planted up (2013) to extend Burleigh Wood. The proposed extension will be incorporated into the future management of Burleigh Wood. It has also become apparent that a small copse of woodland known as Horseshoe Wood that effectively joins Holywell Wood and Burleigh Wood should also be brought within this plan. The plan will cover all three woods but it is noted that they are inherently different in character and as such they will be managed as separate entities. The plan will be aligned with the University Landscape Master Plan and considered as part of any future land use.


The plan will be made up of long and short term objectives and targets and will cover 5 years from 2013 – 2017. These objectives and targets may now be severely limited or changed extensively by the considerable threat posed by Ash dieback.

1.1 Description Burleigh Wood and Holywell Wood occupy an area of 8.5 hectares and 6.7 hectares respectively. The University obtained a 150 year lease for the woodlands in March 2003 and freehold was transferred to the University on April 1st 2010. Previous ownership was by British Gas. Both woodlands are listed on the Leicestershire Inventory of Ancient Woodlands. In the mid-1980s the Woods were identified as being of ecological significance at a district level by the Leicestershire and Rutland Environmental Resources Centre. In 2001 they were notified as Local Wildlife Sites by Charnwood Borough Council. Horseshoe Wood and the proposed extension of Burleigh Wood have not yet been notified as Local Wildlife Sites. Figure 1 shows the two woodlands interconnected by Horseshoe Wood. The vegetation cover of Horseshoe Wood has become denser since this photograph was taken. The woodlands are primarily surrounded by agricultural land which is generally used for growing arable crops. The proposed extension to Burleigh Wood will take place in the arable field to the north of Burleigh Wood. The eastern boundary of Holywell Wood is adjacent to Holywell Park, part of the Loughborough University campus. Hollywell Wood is located to the north of Burleigh Wood and is comprised of dense deciduous trees. Burleigh Wood, located in the south, has more notable glades but is also dense broadleaf woodland. Figure 1


Figure 1 – Aerial photograph showing Burleigh and Holywell Woodlands, the connecting corridor (Horseshoe Wood) and surrounding land. Source: Google Maps BURLEIGH WOOD In Burleigh Wood the variation in topography and historical management has created a range of vegetation communities. The woodland generally has a dense canopy dominated by Ash and Pedunculate Oak with Hazel and Silver Birch. It can lack a developed understorey. This is often due to a dense canopy but will also be influenced by local climate, topography and soil type. The main woodland path runs around the perimeter of the woodland with a ride through the centre of the wood. Due to historical timber extraction there is a lack of ‘old growth’ trees. This means that there is a lack of deadwood alongside nesting and roosting opportunities in the woodland. The majority of standing and fallen deadwood is silver birch, a relatively short lived tree. Where fallen and standing deadwood occurs fungus is common. The woodland has dense stands of bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), which are more abundant in the east. The woodland also has a variety of other ancient woodland indicator species’ including dog’s mercury (Mercurialis perennis), yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) and wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa). Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) dominates in large areas and is limiting the occurrence of other species in those areas. An arm of the Burleigh Brook rises close to the western boundary of the wood and flows north through a deeply incised channel along the western boundary to Holywell farm and Holywell Park. Two heavily shaded ponds occur near the southern tip of the wood. One supports stands of branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara), soft rush (Juncus effusus) and frequent water starwort (Callitriche spp.) and the other a stand of yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus). The original source of water supply to these ponds appears to have been interrupted by nearby building work. In dry years the ponds dry out. A wide drainage ditch, dug presumably when the ponds use to regularly overflow, runs downhill through the wood, west to the arm of the Burleigh Brook. Burleigh Wood is largely surrounded by arable land with poor transitional habitat. The woodland edge is one of the most valuable habitats in woodlands especially if it contains ‘transitional habitat’ of shrubs and ground flora species. Horseshoe Wood, adjoining at the north, the adjoining hedgerows, the gardens of residential properties and track to the east are the most valuable edges in terms of transitional habitat. The new extension to the wood will provide, initially, a transitional edge to the wood on its northern side. The proposed planting for the extension will use the same species that are currently present in Burleigh Wood.


There is a permissive footpath around Burleigh Wood. HOLYWELL WOOD Holywell wood has a ‘wilder’ look and feel than Burleigh Wood with a distinct wet area in the northern part of the wood. As well as being infrequently used for recreation, the woodland has a more highly developed shrub layer that will be of benefit to ground nesting birds and other species. It also has a greater abundance of deadwood, primarily birch standing and fallen. There is a wide central ride which was opened up when the woodland was in the ownership of British Gas. The vegetation composition of Holywell Wood may be considered to be less varied than Burleigh Wood but is still dominated by ash and pedunculate oak with hazel and silver birch. This may be due to a range of reasons such as less topographic variation and lack of features such as ponds and open glades. Soil type may also be more uniform. There are extensive stands of the ancient woodland indicator species; pendulous sedge (Carex pendula), wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and dogs mercury (Mercurialis perennis) with occasional yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon). Bluebell is widespread as is bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) which is dense in places. Hazel coppice stools are frequently being heavily shaded by surrounding trees which will be increasing competition for light and weakening growth. An arm of the Burleigh Brook runs along the northern boundary of the wood but the edge habitat is still heavily influenced by intensive arable agriculture. University owned property and a grass bank borders the woodland in the east. A farm track with uncultivated strip and hedgerow lies to the west and a wide edge of trees, shrubs and ground flora are beyond the brook to the north. There is restricted access to the perimeter footpath. HORSESHOE WOOD This woodland strip effectively joins Burleigh and Holywell Woods. It comprises densely planted oak, ash, hazel, field maple, cherry and silver birch and includes one or two fine specimens of very mature ash and oak. There is an understorey of common nettle, bramble and blackthorn which is dense in places. There is no public access to this woodland.

1.2 Site Designations and Notifications Burleigh Wood and Holywell Wood are Local Wildlife Sites, Nature Reserves and Sites of Ancient Woodland.


Both woodlands received a formal ‘Notification of Site of Importance for Nature Conservation/Wildlife Site’ classification by Charnwood Borough Council in 2001 with a recommended review period of ten years. A summary of issues considered in the notifications are listed below: Burleigh Wood • Designated for habitat quality, the presence of Red Data Book Species and use as a

wildlife resource by communities. • Notes of importance include the presence of rich ancient woodland ground flora. • The age of the woodland has been confirmed by the botanical richness of the site. • The main habitats are classified as ancient, semi natural woodland and standing

water. • Evidence of historical hazel coppice has been identified in the woodland. • Burleigh Wood is listed on the Leicestershire inventory of Ancient Woodland. • The woodland contains colonies of bluebells over 500 square metres. Holywell Wood • Designated for habitat quality. • Notes of importance include the woodland’s planted and semi-natural areas, rich

ancient woodland ground flora and wet alder woodland. • The age of the woodland has been confirmed by the botanical richness of the site. • Evidence that the site was clear felled, probably during World War II. • Holywell Wood is listed on the Leicestershire inventory of Ancient Woodland. • The woodland contains colonies of bluebells over 500 square metres.

1.3 Previous Surveys

A number of previous surveys have been conducted and these are accounted for in Appendix 1. Some points of interest from the historical and more current surveys include:

• Historical records show the presence of protected species, including Pipistrelle and Whiskered bats. The recent 2011 survey also identified the presence of a more unusual Leisler’s bat in Burleigh Wood.

• 1994 Wildlife Strategy commented upon the importance of the site for breeding birds and this is reiterated in the most recent bird survey of 2011.

• The Burleigh Wood ponds have developed their own ecology and have been cited for their rare beetle fauna

• There are 100 year old Badger setts in the woods

A list of tree species recorded is available in Appendix 2 and species lists are available in Appendix 3.


1.4 Historical Surveys

A Management Plan for Holywell and Burleigh Woods was produced by British Gas in 1995 when the woodlands were in its ownership. The report provides a significant amount of detail on the historical and contextual backgrounds. Some points of interest are noted as follows: • There is a well preserved great bank on the western edge of Burleigh Wood, thought

to be part of a park enclosure dating back to 17th century. • Timber extraction occurred in both woodlands during WWI and WWII. • No formal management seems to have been undertaken until 1990. • Both woodlands contain features of importance such as old hunting rides, ditches,

banks and hedgerows. • Both woodlands have medieval associations.

Burleigh Wood has two distinct tree canopy types with the eastern half previously predominantly mixed oak but now including dominant ash and silver birch and the western edge with a variety of tree species. The majority of the western half is wetter and contains dense even aged ash, possibly coppiced in the past along with a significant stand of single species Holly on the North West edge of the wood. Other notes of interest: • There are several open areas dominated by bracken and rosebay willow herb. • There is a seasonal pond. Holywell Wood has distinct vegetation communities in the northern and eastern parts of the woodland with the east being wetter and dominated by ash. It is thought that ash was probably planted around the time WWII. The south and west of the woodland are dryer and are described as being dominated by birch and oak. Other notes of interest include: • Frequent occurrence of sycamore in the north east. • A good scrub layer mainly of hazel and hawthorn. • Diverse ground flora observed particularly in the rides and glades.


Figure 2 – Habitat map of Holywell and Burleigh Woods and surrounding area (courtesy of REVISE survey 2010)



2 Management Aims and Objectives

2.1 Aims

The main aim is to conserve and enhance the nature conservation interest of the woods through sensitive management whilst promoting controlled public access to Burleigh Wood and restricted access Holywell Wood. This will be underpinned by the Loughborough University Biodiversity Action Plan (LUBAP) produced in 2009 as part of the University’s Sustainability Agenda. Whilst the LUBAP does not include the woodlands the action matrix attached to it does. When setting the objectives for the Woodland Management Plan the following has been taken into account: • Ensure environmental compliance with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities

Act(2006); • Enhance biodiversity at the University; and • Management habitats according to a range of LUBAP habitats on campus; • Utilise biodiversity as a valuable teaching resource Consultation on woodland management is undertaken through the Woodland Management Group and Biodiversity Working Group.

2.2 Historical and current management

The composition and structure of Burleigh and Holywell Woods is heavily influenced by historical management. The extraction of timber during the war years is clearly evident with trees that are commonly left as ‘standards’ such as oak and ash appearing to have been coppiced around that time. Hazel coppice for conservation largely occurred when the woodlands were under the ownership of British Gas. Throughout the woodlands hazel appears to have been coppiced approximately 15-20 years ago. A successful annual conservation volunteer programme has also been set up using students and staff from the University. Through the autumn and winter each year between 2 and 4 events are run. Academics at the University are now using the woodlands for student based learning and research. Loughborough University Research Forest (LURF) will provide a foundation for future projects and funding applications. LURF will consist of a number of permanent plots


within the woodlands. Fixed infrastructure equipment within the plots will facilitate measurement and monitoring of key biotic and abiotic processes and parameters. BURLEIGH WOOD In Burleigh Wood there has been recent hazel coppicing in the east of the woodland with ongoing rotation planned. Sycamore pulling has been undertaken where required. There has been significant investment to improve the bridges and a new kissing gate has been installed at the main entrance to improve access. This work has been enhanced by updated new signs. Work has also been carried out to reinforce the boundaries of the wood confining access to the main entrance. Additional bird boxes have been erected in Burleigh Wood with restricted access imposed to the central footpath over the Summer of 2010 to allow the bird boxes to become established as new homes. HOLYWELL WOOD In Holywell Wood there is also a small amount of more recent hazel coppice, probably coppiced within the last 5 years and protected by chicken wire. There has also been work done to open one of the main rides. Sycamore pulling has been undertaken where required. Updated new signs have been installed and the boundaries of the wood have been reinforced to confine access to the main entrance.

2.3 Objectives

Primary in order of priority – within 10 years

1. To fulfil any legal obligations within the period of the plan

2. To establish non intervention areas in both woods but with a higher proportion in Holywell Wood to maintain the “wilder” habitat with a naturally developed understorey

3. Develop, restore and maintain a system of rides and glades to provide habitat for herbs, grasses and a rich diversity for invertebrates

4. Reinstate and maintain the system of ditches and banks on site and the adjacent Burleigh Brook.

5. To conserve a predominantly high forest woodland with areas of coppice and clearings

6. Maintain the colony of badgers living in Burleigh Wood and Holywell Wood and its’ environs

7. Improve transitional habitat through native species planting

8. Enhancement of Horseshoe Wood by thinning of oak saplings

9. To schedule bat and bird surveys every 5 years


Secondary in order of priority – within 5 years

1. Develop and control pedestrian access in Burleigh Wood and discourage public access into Holywell Wood

2. Continue to control invasive species such as sycamore

3. Improve security of boundaries to both woodlands using a mixture of fencing and hedging by planting and or laying.

4. Establish surveying and monitoring programmes, particularly involving local volunteers and experts and in house academics

5. Divide Burleigh Wood into managed areas to initiate regimes of non intervention, selective thinning and coppicing

6. Install additional bird and bat boxes

7. Consider bracken control in Burleigh Wood

8. Resurvey badger population

9. Retain deadwood

3 Constraints/Threats

BURLEIGH WOOD

The greatest threat to Burleigh Wood is likely to be recreation and surrounding land management. There is minimal fly tipping and no issues with non-native species invasion.

The woodland is heavily used for recreation. The public appear to mainly use the designated perimeter path, but are also using the central path. The woodland is surrounded by intensively managed arable land which is cultivated to the edge of the woodland. Cultivation to the edge means the woodland has poor transitional habitats. There is also evidence of fertiliser drift into the woodland, with the presence of nutrient loving species such as nettle (Urtica dioica) and cleavers (Galium aparine). Ash dieback poses a considerable threat. HOLYWELL WOOD Holywell Wood has a very low level of recreational use. It is influenced by non-native species to a greater extent than Burleigh Woodland with the frequent occurrence of sycamore and a number of introduced conifers on the eastern boundary of the woodland.


The woodland edge is heavily influenced by intensive agriculture but to a lesser extent than Burleigh Wood. A significant level of fly tipping exists in the southern tip of the woodland. Ash dieback poses a considerable threat.

4 Prescription and Actions

The initial intention is that the Management Plan will be subject to review every 5 years.

BURLEIGH WOOD

Badgers

In order to protect and enhance the badger population the University should re-survey the woodland setts and surrounding environs.

Ponds

Loughborough Ecologists carried out an amphibian survey of the ponds in Spring 2012. The ponds should be re-surveyed in 5 years time for amphibians.

To conserve conditions suitable for the rare beetle fauna no current management is proposed. However during the term of this management plan consideration should be given to resurveying the ponds and surrounds to determine the current status of the beetle fauna.

Non-Intervention Areas and Management Compartments

A plan will be agreed by the University Woodland Management Group on how to implement non-intervention areas in both woods. This should incorporate where practicable areas of survey and study monitored by University academics e.g LURF.

Bracken control should be considered as part of the non-intervention areas.

Ash to be coppiced but initially only at a rate of 1 tree per annum. The impact of the coppicing on the surrounding vegetation is to be reported back to the Woodland Management Group. The ash tree will be reduced in sections and removed from the wood if possible. If this is not possible it will be left as standing timber to rot naturally or used as habitat piles.

Within each block invasive plants such as bramble and bracken should be controlled.

A coppiced compartment should be clearly delineated from any remaining non-intervention ash woodland.

Coppicing of the hazel should be on a fifteen year rotation. The arisings are used to bolster the woodland boundaries and as barriers restricting access to vulnerable areas of the wood.

Develop and restore rides and glades

Ride clearance should be managed in line with historical evidence of the original hunting rides.


Brushwood and logs should be used to form habitat piles, such that the piles are equally divided between light and shade. At no time should the retention of habitat piles have too great an impact on ground flora. Management of the rides should produce a graduated effect with shorter grass in the middle and longer grass to the outside. Woody growth should be cut in late winter and herbaceous growth in August-September. Scrubby edges should be cut every seven years on rotation.

Management of glades is similar to above with the exception that grassy and herbaceous areas are larger. Half the grass and herbs should be cut every other year with any scrubby areas on the seven year rotation, but not all in one year.

Control of Sycamore

All sycamore trees and saplings should be removed with stumps treated with a glyphosate based herbicide to kill the roots. Clearings should be allowed to rejuvenate naturally but any re-growth of sycamore should be subject to further treatment.

Control of Bracken and Bramble

Where bracken and bramble are to be controlled this should be done either mechanically or chemically. A glyphoste based chemical should be used. Any arisings can be burnt on site.

Ditches and Banks

The brook and ditches should be kept clear of any major blockages.

Control of Access

Maintain bridges and access points in a safe and environmentally sensitive way. Ensure any paths are clearly marked and that people are encouraged to stay on the footpaths. Signage may be used to encourage people not to enter the rides and glades.

Woodland Boundaries

Where possible boundary hedges should be thickened and managed to form an impenetrable barrier. This may be done through a combination of cutting and laying. Where fencing is required, post and rail fencing is preferable.

Surveying and Monitoring

Maintaining an open dialogue via the University Woodland Management Group with local conservationists, societies and interested parties will allow the relevant experts to contribute to the monitoring of the woods.

A mapping exercise should be conducted to show the exact locations of the glades, footpaths and rides. This should also include mapping of the structure of the wood.

A programme of continual survey and monitoring work should be drawn up


Charcoal Burning

The use of charcoal burning to reduce or eliminate the necessity of removing timber and brash from the wood should be investigated.

Ash dieback

Monitor for ash dieback and if found report immediately to Woodland Management Group

HOLYWELL WOOD

Badgers

In order to protect and enhance the badger population the University should re-survey the woodland setts and surrounding environs.

Non-Intervention Areas and Management Compartments

A plan will be agreed by the University Woodland Management Group on how to implement non-intervention areas in both woods. This should incorporate where practicable areas of survey and study monitored by University academics e.g LURF.

Bracken control should be considered as part of the non-intervention areas.

Ash to be coppiced but initially only at a rate of 2 trees per annum. The impact of the coppicing on the surrounding vegetation is to be reported back to the Woodland Management Group. The extent of coppicing may be increased subject to approval of the Woodland Management Group. The ash trees will be reduced in sections and removed from the wood if possible. If this is not possible it will be left as standing timber to rot naturally or used as habitat piles.

Within each block invasive plants such as bramble and bracken should be controlled.

A coppiced compartment should be clearly delineated from any remaining non-intervention ash woodland.

Coppicing of the hazel should be on a fifteen year rotation. Coppicing of the hazel should be on a fifteen year rotation. The arisings are used to bolster the woodland boundaries and as barriers restricting access to vulnerable areas of the wood.

Develop and restore rides and glades

Ride clearance should be managed in line with historical evidence of the original hunting rides.

Brushwood and logs should be used to form habitat piles, such that the piles are equally divided between light and shade. At no time should the retention of habitat piles have too great an impact on ground flora. Management of the rides should produce a graduated effect with shorter grass in the middle and longer grass to the outside. Woody growth should be cut in late winter and herbaceous growth in August-September. Scrubby edges should be cut every seven years on rotation.


Management of glades is similar to above with the exception that grassy and herbaceous areas are larger. Half the grass and herbs should be cut every other year with any scrubby areas on the seven year rotation, but not all in one year.

Ditches and Banks

Ditches in Holywell Wood on the north/south ride require periodic clearing. The brook should be kept clear of any major blockages.

Control of Access

Maintain bridges and access points in a safe and environmentally sensitive way. Ensure any paths are clearly marked and that people are encouraged to stay on the footpaths. Signage may be used to encourage people not to enter the rides and glades.

Woodland Boundaries

Where possible boundary hedges should be thickened and managed to form an impenetrable barrier. This may be done through a combination of cutting and laying. Where fencing is required, post and rail fencing is preferable.

Control of Sycamore

All sycamore trees and saplings should be removed with stumps treated with a glyphosate based herbicide to kill the roots. Clearings should be allowed to rejuvenate naturally but any re-growth of sycamore subject to further treatment.

Control of Bracken and Bramble

Where bracken and bramble are to be controlled this should be done either mechanically or chemically. A glyphoste based chemical should be used. Any arisings should be taken off site.

Surveying and Monitoring

Maintaining an open dialogue via the University Woodland Management Group with local conservationists, societies and interested parties will allow the relevant experts to contribute to the monitoring of the woods.

A mapping exercise should be conducted to show the exact locations of the glades, footpaths and rides.

A programme of continual survey and monitoring work should be drawn up

Charcoal Burning

The use of charcoal burning to reduce or eliminate the necessity of removing timber and brash from the wood should be investigated.

Ash dieback



HORSESHOE WOOD

A survey of the woodland structure and composition (seedlings, saplings, mature and overmature) should be carried out to determine the best management strategy for this connecting strip of woodland

Ash dieback



5 Work Plan Prescription/Action 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017 Sp Su Au Wi Sp Su Au Wi Sp Su Au Wi Sp Su Au Wi Sp Su Au Wi Badger survey

+

Amphibian Survey in woodland pond

+

Non-Intervention Areas & Management Compartments

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Develop & Restore Rides & Glades

+ + + + + + + + + +

Ditches & Bank maintenance

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Control of Access

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Woodland Boundaries

+ + + + + + + + + +

Sycamore Control

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Surveying & Monitoring

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Install Bird & Bat Boxes

+ + + + + + + + + +

Spr = Spring 16th February to 15th June + = required action Sum = Summer 16th June to 15th September * = action triggered by monitoring Aut = Autumn 16th September to 15th December Wint = Winter 16th December to 15th February


6 Appendices

Appendix 1

Tables 2 & 3 courtesy of REVISE report

2010 - 2012

Table 1 - Summary of Burleigh and Holywell Woods Survey Results 2010 - 2012

Survey Key Findings

Loughborough Ecologists Biodiversity Surveys – October 2011 and August 2012

• Both woods provide good habitat for bird species • The woodlands are important for bats and in particular the nearby

roost of Long-eared bat • Presence of a Liesler’s bat over Burleigh Woods • Smooth newt and frog tadpoles in ponds

Extended phase 1 habitat survey for Burleigh & Holywell Woodlands – June 2010

• Both woods are designated for their habitat quality • Evidence of rich ancient woodland ground flora • Evidence of historical hazel coppice • Woodland contains colonies of bluebells over 500 square metres

AMEC Earth and Environmental Ltd Campus Ecological Survey – 2009

Although primarily a survey of the main campus included for information.

• Historical records show the presence of protected species, including Pipistrelle and Whiskered bats.

• 1994 Wildlife Strategy commented upon the importance of the site for breeding birds.

• Roosting opportunities for bats noted on the wider campus • Evidence of badgers on the wider campus. • Fen meadow on the campus identified as an important habitat

within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. • Mature trees noted on the campus. • Rough grassland noted on the campus. • Reports on badger foraging on the campus, although no direct

observation.

1979

Table 2 – Summary of Holywell Wood Survey 1979

Survey Key Findings

General ecological description and flora survey

• Tree, shrub and herb layers recorded


1991 – 1994

Table 3 - Summary of Holywell Wood Survey Results 1991- 1994

Survey Key Findings

Moth Survey – undertaken in 1991/92.

• 188 species of macro moth recorded • 83 species of micro moth recorded. • 13 butterfly species recorded • 12 of the species identified are included within the UK Biodiversity

Action Plan, including Brown-spot Pinion, Dusky Brocade, White Ermine, Grey Dagger, Buff Ermine, Feathered Gothic and Beaded Chestnut.

Hoverfly Survey – July 1991

• 16 different species of hoverfly identified.

Biodiversity Survey – November 1990

• 34 different species of fungi identified. • 28 different species of bird identified. • 32 different species of mosses identified. • 5 different species of liverwort identified. • 3 of the bird species identified are within the UK Biodiversity Action

Plan; Common Bullfinch, Marsh Tit and Yellowhammer. Bird Survey, monthly during 1994

• Number of species recorded varied throughout the year with a high of 34 species in March to a low of 14 species in November.

• 11 bird species that are included within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan were regularly identified, including the Song Thrush, Common Starling, Yellowhammer, Common Bullfinch, Willow Tit and Common Cuckoo.

1990 – 1998

Table 4 - Summary of Burleigh Wood Survey Results 1990-1998

Survey Key Findings

Bird Survey 1990-1994 • 68 species recorded over 4 years

Bird survey 1993-1998 • Species and respective numbers identified from 1993 to 1998

• Number of species observed fluctuated from 28 in 1993 to 32 in 1996 and 27 in 1998.

Moth Survey – undertaken between • 177 species of macromoth recorded.


April 1992 and September 1992 • 32 species of micromoth recorded • 8 butterfly species recorded • 12 of the identified moth species are included within

the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, including the Small Phoenix, White Ermine, Buff Ermine, Small Emerald, Blood Vein and Dark Barred Twin Spot Carpet.

Biodiversity Survey – undertaken between December 1990 and January 1991

• 27 different species of birds identified. • 34 different species of mosses identified. • 6 different species of liverwort identified. • 4 of the identified bird species are included within the

UK Biodiversity Action Plan; the Common Bullfinch, Marsh Tit, Song Thrush and Yellowhammer.

Fungi Survey – December 1990 • 26 different species of fungi identified.

Vegetation Survey – April 1983 • 50 different species of vascular plants identified.

Burleigh Wood Nest Box Survey - February 1998

• 13 nesting boxes were erected in the wood prior to the 1997 nesting season

• Locations of nest boxes shown on map

• In 1998 ten of the nest boxes were occupied – 60% Great Tits, 30% Blue Tits, 10% Nuthatch.

• Five additional nest boxes with entrance holes added for the 1998 breeding season. All became occupied, 47% by Great Tits, 40% by Blue Tits, 13% by Nuthatch.

Appendix 2 Woodland Trees list courtesy of REVISE report Table 5 - Trees species and indication of their abundance in Burleigh Wood and Holywell Wood.

D = Dominant (in some part of the woodland), A = Abundant, F = Frequent, O = Occasional, R= Rare, N = Not Observed

Tree species Burleigh Wood Holywell Wood

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) D D

Alder (Alnus glutinosa) R O

Cherry (Prunus avium) R N


Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) R N

Crack Willow (Salix fragilis) R N

Conifer (Pinus spp)

R O

Dogwood (Cornus sanguine) O F

Dogrose R F

Elder (Sambucus nigra) O O

Field Maple (Acer campestre) O O

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) F A

Hazel (Corylus avellana) A A

Holly (Ilex aquifolium) F A

Pendunculate oak (Quercus robur) D D

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) O O

Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) F O

Silver Birch (Betula pendula) A D

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) R F

Appendix 3 Holywell Wood and Burleigh Wood Biodiversity Surveys 2011 – Species List (courtesy of Loughborough Ecologists survey 2011) Burleigh Wood Bird List

Common Name

Latin Name

Blackbird

Turdus merula

Blue Tit

Parus caeruleus

Carrion Crow

Corvus corone corone

Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

Chiffchaff

Phylloscopus collybita

Dunnock

Prunella modularis


Great Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos major

Great Tit

Parus major

Long-tailed Tit

Aegithalos caudatus

Magpie

Pica pica

Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

Robin

Erithacus rubecula

Song Thrush

Turdus philomelos

Swift

Apus apus

Tawny Owl

Strix aluco

Treecreeper

Certhia familiaris

Wood Pigeon Columba

Columba palumbus

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Burleigh Wood Bat List

Common Name

Latin Name

Brown Long-eared Bat

Plecotus auritus

Common Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Leisler’s bat

Nyctalus leisleri

Natterer’s bat

Myotis nattereri

Soprano Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pygmaeus

Burleigh Wood Other Fauna

Common Name

Latin Name

Frog (adult & tadpoles)

Rana temporaria

Grey Squirrel

Neosciurus carolinensis

Smooth Newt

Triturus vulgaris


Holywell Wood

Common Name

Latin Name

Blackbird

Turdus merula

Blue Tit

Parus caeruleus

Carrion Crow

Corvus corone corone

Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

Coal Tit Parus ater

Chiffchaff

Phylloscopus collybita

Dunnock

Prunella modularis

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos major

Great Tit

Parus major

Long-tailed Tit

Aegithalos caudatus

Magpie

Pica pica

Marsh Tit Palus palustris

Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

Robin

Erithacus rubecula

Song Thrush

Turdus philomelos

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Tawny Owl

Strix aluco

Wood Pigeon Columba

Columba palumbus

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Holywell Wood Bat List

Common Name

Latin Name

Brown Long-eared Bat

Plecotus auritus

Common Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri


Soprano Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pygmaeus

Burleigh Wood Other Fauna

Common Name

Latin Name

Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Grey Squirrel

Neosciurus carolinensis

Documents

Loughborough University Burleigh and Holywell …...Loughborough University Burleigh and Holywell Woodland Management Plan 2 Jo Shields, Sustainability Manager, V2, 18.09.13 Contents