Northumberland Local Wildlife Site Field Record and ......canopy species or understorey possibly a result of deer browsing again. There is some influence from surrounding properties

Northumberland Local Wildlife Site

Field Record and Assessment Form

Site Name Bothal Burn and

River Wansbeck

Site Number WB002

OS Grid Reference NZ242863 Local Authority Northumberland County

Council

Surveyed By

(inc.

qualifications)

Naomi Waite MSc MIEEM

Judith

Date of Survey 25/04/12

24/04/12

Present Site

Status

LWS Date Designated

Area 82.51ha Date Reviewed

Site Description General description:

Linear stretch of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland and Plantation Ancient Woodland that borders part of the

river Wansbeck and the Bothal Burn.

Site parking and access:

The site is privately owned, however public footpaths run adjacent to the river. The public footpaths are well

used by dog walkers.

Description:

Bothal Burn and the River Wansbeck is a site supporting Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) and

Plantation Ancient Woodland (PAW) along the Bothal Burn and River Wansbeck. It lies immediately adjacent

to Wansbeck River - Chapel Woods Local Wildlife Site.

The site boundary includes dwellings and gardens at present. It is suggested that these be removed from the

boundary as these do not meet the guidelines for Local Sites.

The site is broadly in four sections; the area west of Bothal Mill Bridge; West Wood that runs along the south

of the river Wansbeck; Bothal Banks Wood and Welbeck Wood north of the river Wansbeck, south of the

Bothal Bank road; and Park Wood, north of Bothal Bank road. The woodlands are all situated on steep slopes

leading down to the watercourses.

The area of west of Bothal Mill Bridge is part ASNW and part PAW. It is an area of mixed woodland where

coniferous species represent a small percentage of the overall canopy cover. The canopy is dominated by

sycamore, with locally frequent areas of beech, as well as some alder and crack willow along the river bank

and yew, oak and silver birch elsewhere. Both bird cherry and wild cherry were also occasionally recorded.

The understorey is predominately hazel and hawthorn, with some blackthorn, wych elm, elder and holly.

Whilst the understorey is diverse it is not dense and appears that regeneration of both the shrub layer and

canopy species is not extensive. This maybe a result of deer browsing.

The groundflora layer is well developed and species rich, supporting at least 13 Ancient Woodland Indicators

(AWI) including English bluebell, ramsons, hard shield fern, locally abundant ramsons and locally frequent

woodruff. Non-native species are a threat to the groundflora including garden escapes such as snowberry and

fringe-cups and listed species on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (see

below).

West Wood that runs along the south of the river Wansbeck is also an area of ASNW. This area of woodland

is perhaps the most influenced by the adjacent Bothal Castle and gardens. The canopy layer, whilst mostly

dominated by broad-leaved species, also includes species of cypress that were presumably part of wider

ornamental gardens of the estate. The understorey is predominately hazel and hawthorn and is well

developed. The groundflora, whilst diverse, is not as uniformly dense as that seen in the western portion of

the woodland, particularly towards the Bothal Bridge area. Despite this, West Wood supports at least 13 AWI

including locally frequent areas of wood anemone and ramsons.

Bothal Banks Wood is situated north of the river Wansbeck and south of Park Wood (described below). This

woodland is mixed and supports frequent sycamore and beech, with some oak and larch, amongst other

species. The understorey varies across the area; towards the Wansbeck it becomes more dense and is

frequently dominated by bird cherry and hazel. The groundflora also varies, but is most dense along the

Bothal Burn and towards the main river. The groundflora is, like the rest of the site, dominated by ramsons

and bluebell, but also supports Lords and Ladies, primrose, wood sorrel and bramble. In total Bothal Banks

Wood was recorded to support 11 AWI.

The woodland runs, in a narrow strip along the Wansbeck river towards where it joins a younger piece of

woodland the Welbeck Wood. This is a younger mixed woodland that also supports some AWI. A full survey

of this area was not carried out.

Park Wood is the woodland that borders the Bothal Burn and is the most northerly part of the Local Site. It is a

mixed woodland dominated by sycamore with occasional beech and oak. The groundflora is dominated by

sections of English bluebell and ramsons, but also supports another 10 AWI including wood sedge and

sanicle. The understorey is sparse but dominated by hazel and hawthorn. There is little re-growth of the

canopy species or understorey possibly a result of deer browsing again. There is some influence from

surrounding properties on the groundflora and yellow archangel (variegated form), as well as Solomon’s seal,

was recorded. Himalayan balsam was also noted in a dense patch at the very northern most point of the site.

Whilst this poses a threat to the native groundflora it appeared to be contained to an area of disturbed ground

just outside of the woodland.

Non-native invasive species (rhododendron*, yellow archangel*, Himalayan balsam*, giant hogweed* and

Japanese knotweed*) were recorded throughout the site, although not uniformly. Along the river banks

Himalayan balsam is locally dominant. Giant hogweed is also along the river banks, although to a lesser

extent. Japanese knotweed was recorded in the West Wood, to the east of Bothal Mill Bridge. Rhododendron,

presumably a legacy of formal gardens associated with Bothal Castle, was also found in West Wood. Yellow

archangel (variegated form) was noted in the western portion of woodland and Park Wood.

Other ornamental species were also found, including salmonberry, most of which were in the West Wood.

*Non-native invasive species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(as amended).

Additional Features of Note (refer to Ratcliffe criteria where appropriate):

Heron, chiff chaff, kingfisher, tawny owl, great tit and red squirrel were recorded during the survey.

The river Wansbeck is known to support white-clawed crayfish.

An active badger sett was noted.

Management Issues:

• Invasive non-native species threaten the integrity of the woodland and potentially the structure of the

river banks.

• Non-native coniferous trees reduce the cover of native groundflora

• Grey squirrel have also been reported in the woodland. These are likely to outcompete red squirrels

and potentially carry squirrel pox.

Conservation actions:

• Removal of non-native species would support native groundflora and reduce bankside erosion on the

river.

• Staged removal of non-native conifers and replacement with native broad-leaved trees would be

beneficial to the groundflora, however the coverage of conifers is not great and as such is not a

significant issue

• Trapping of grey squirrels will be beneficial to red squirrels.

Notes for next survey

Access to the Choppington Woods part of the site was not possible and would benefit from survey.

A full survey of Welbeck Woods is required.

Ponds near Welbeck Woods would benefit from survey.

Maps and Aerial Photographs of Site

Aerial Photograph

(taken from Bing Maps©)

Boundary Map (as shown in LS GIS layer)

Suggested boundary alteration

Habitat Map

Key:

Open water (the

River Wansbeck, Bothal

burn

Broad-leaved semi-

natural woodland

Mixed woodland

Dense scrub

Photographs

1. Woodland to the west of Bothal Mill Bridge

2. West Wood

3. Bothal Bank Wood

4. Park Wood

Site Evaluation Against Guidelines Version of criteria tested against: November 2012

Criteria Site

Woodland ASNW and PAW site with 16 AWI recorded and pockets of semi-natural canopy.

Site boundary has been established using: existing field boundaries/watercouses/roads/other on the ground

feature. Please specify…Woodland blocks and roads

For full species list see Appendix

Selection judgement

Decision

Designate the site as a LWS? YES x NO

Boundary alteration? YES x NO

Retain for further survey/management? YES x NO

Reason why:

The site supports ASNW and PAWs with over 10 AWI and pockets of natural canopy.

Suggested boundary alteration to exclude dwellings and roads.

Further survey is needed on Choppington Woods, Welbeck Woods and the ponds next to Welbeck Woods.

Decision made on 05/03/13

People present: Organisations/affiliations

David Feige Northumberland County Council

Derek Hilton-Brown Newcastle City Council

Katherine Pinnock ERIC North East

Simon Kenny CLA

Steve Lowe Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Naomi Waite Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Appendix Vascular Plant List

Species highlighted in red are Ancient Woodland Indicators

Bothal Banks Wood

Latin name Common name Abundance

Anemone nemorosa Anemone, wood LO-LF

Angelica sylvestris Angelica, Wild R

Geum urbanum Avens, Wood R

Fagus sylvatica Beech O-F

Cardemine flexuosa Bitter-cress, Wavy R

Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell, English LA-A

Rubus glamdulosis Bramble O

Ranunculus repens Buttercup, Creeping LF

Ranunculus auricomus Buttercup, Goldilocks R

Ranunculus acris Buttercup, Meadow R

Ranunculus ficaria Celandine, Lesser F

Prunus padus Cherry, Bird F

Aesculus hippocastanum Chestnut, Horse R

Galium aparine Cleavers O

Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot R

Taraxacum sp. Dandelion R

Rumex obtusifolius Dock, Broad-leaved R

Rumex sanguineus Dock, Wood R

Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury F

Sambucus nigra Elder, Common O

Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade R

Dryopteris dilatata Fern, Broad Buckler R

Polystichum aculeatum Fern, Hard Shield R

Dryopteris affinis Fern, Scaly Male R

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Golden-saxifrage,Opposite-Leaved

Ribes uva-crispa Gooseberry O

Deschampsia cespitosa Hair-grass, Tufted R

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn O

Corylus avellana Hazel F

Sisymbrieae officinale Mustard, Hedge R

Geranium robertianum Herb-robert O

Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed, Common R

Ilex aquifolium Holly O

Equisetum telmateia Horsetail, Great R

Hedera helix Ivy, Common O

Larix decidua Larch, European R

Tilia x europaea Lime, Common R

Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies O

Cerastium fontanum Mouse-ear, Common R

Urtica urens Nettle, Stinging R

Quercus sp. Oak O

Conopodium majus Pignut R

Primula vulgaris Primrose R

Allium ursinum Ramsons LA-A

Rhododendron ponticum Rhododendron R

Sequoiadendron giganteum Giant Redwood R

Cupressus x Cupressocyparis leylandii Leyland Cypress

R

Polygonatum multiflorum Solomon's Seal R

Tellima grandiflora Fringecups R

Sanicula europaea Sanicle R

Carex pendula Sedge, Pendulous R

Carex sylvatica Sedge, Wood O

Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry LO

Veronica chamaedrys Speedwell, Germander R

Veronica montana Speedwell, Wood R

Potentilla sterilis Strawberry, Barren R

Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore F

Vicia sp. Vetch R

Viola riviniana Violet, Common-dog R

Luzula sylvatica Wood rush, great R

Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel O

Stachys sylvatica Woundwort, hedge R

Park Wood - North-west of Bothal Bank


Anemone nemorosa Anemone, wood F

Lamiastrum galeobdolon Archangel, Yellow R

Geum urbanum Avens, Wood O

Impatiens balfourii Balsam, Indian LF

Fagus sylvatica Beech O

Stachys officinalis Betony R

Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell, English LA-A

Rubus glamdulosis Bramble O-R

Cytisus scoparius Broom R

Arctium minus Burdock, Lesser R


Silene x hampeana Campion, Hybrid R

Silene dioca Campion, Red R-O

Ranunculus ficaria Celandine, Lesser F

Prunus avium Cherry, Wild O

Galium aparine Cleavers R

Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot R

Anthriscus sylvestris Parsley, Cow R


Rumex sanguineus Dock, Wood R

Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury LF-F

Sambucus nigra Elder, Common O-R

Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade R


Phyllitis scolopendrium Fern, Harts Tongue R



Alliaria petiolata Mustard, Garlic R

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Golden-saxifrage,Opposite-Leaved R

Deschampsia cespitosa Hair-grass, Tufted LO


Corylus avellana Hazel O

Geranium robertianum Herb-robert O-R


Ilex aquifolium Holly O

Lonicara periclymenum Honeysuckle R

Hedera helix Ivy, Common O-LF

Larix decidua Larch, European LF

Tilia x europaea Lime, Common R

Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies R-O

Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet R

Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel R


Quercus sp. Oak O


Allium ursinum Ramsons LD-A

Hypericum perforatum St. John's-wort, Perforate R

Moehringia trinervia Sandwort, Three-veined R

Sanicula europaea Sanicle LO


Holcus mollis Soft-grass, Creeping LO


Veronica montana Speedwell, Wood R

Stellaria holostea Stitchwort, Greater R



Galium odoratum Woodruff R

Luzula sylvatica Wood rush, great R

Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel LO

Stachys sylvatica Woundwort, hedge R-O

Taxus baccata Yew O

West of Bothal Mill Bridge


Anemone nemorosa Anemone, wood F-LA

Alnus glutinosa Alder R

Geum rivale Avens, Water F

Geum urbanum Avens, Wood O

Impatiens balfourii Balsam, Indian LF-LO

Fagus sylvatica Beech O-LF

Betula pendula Birch, Silver R

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn R

Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell, English LF-O

Rubus glamdulosis Bramble R

Brachypodium sylvaticum Brome, False R

Petasites hybridus Butterbur LO

Ranunculus repens Buttercup, Creeping O


Silene dioca Campion, Red O

Ranunculus ficaria Celandine, Lesser O-F

Prunus padus Cherry, Bird O

Prunus avium Cherry, Wild O

Galium aparine Cleavers R

Symphytum x uplandicum Comfrey, Russian R


Geranium sylvaticum Crane's-bill, Wood R

Cardamine pratensis Cuckoo Flower R

Taraxacum sp. Dandelion R-O

Rumex obtusifolius Dock, Broad-leaved R

Rumex sanguineus Dock, Wood O

Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury O

Sambucus nigra Elder, Common O

Ulmus glabra Elm, Wych O

Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade O


Blechnum spicant Fern, Hard R


Phyllitis scolopendrium Fern, Harts Tongue R


Alliaria petiolata Mustard, Garlic R

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Golden-saxifrage,Opposite-Leaved LF

Ulex europaeus Gorse LO

Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder LF

Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy R




Geranium robertianum Herb-robert O-R


Heracleum mantegazzianum Hogweed, Giant R

Ilex aquifolium Holly O-R


Hedera helix Ivy, Common R

Centaurea nigra Knapweed R

Larix decidua Larch, European R

Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies R-O

Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet R


Quercus sp. Oak R

Conopodium majus Pignut R

Pinus sylvestris Pine, Scots R


Allium ursinum Ramsons LA

Rubus ideaus Raspberry R

Carex pendula Sedge, Pendulous F


Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry R


Veronica montana Speedwell, Wood O

Picea abies Spruce, Norway R


Fragaria vesca Strawberry, Wild R

Myrrhis odorata Sweet Cicely O

Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore F-A

Vicia sp. Vetch R

Viola riviniana Violet, Common-dog O

Salix fragilis Willow, crack O

Chamerion angustifolium Willowherb, rosebay R

Luzula sylvatica Wood rush, great O-F

Galium odoratum Woodruff O-F

Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel R-O

Stachys sylvatica Woundwort, hedge R-O

Taxus baccata Yew R

Equisetum hyemale Rush, Dutch R

Dryopteris filix-mas Fern, Male R

Tellima grandiflora Fringecups R-O

West Wood


Anemone nemorosa Anemone, wood O

Lamiastrum galeobdolon Archangel, Yellow R

Fraxinus excelsior Ash R

Geum rivale Avens, Water O

Geum urbanum Avens, Wood R

Fagus sylvatica Beech O

Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell, English O

Rubus glamdulosis Bramble R

Brachypodium sylvaticum Brome, False R

Ajuga reptans Bugle R

Petasites hybridus Butterbur LO

Ranunculus repens Buttercup, Creeping R

Silene dioca Campion, Red O

Ranunculus ficaria Celandine, Lesser O-LF

Prunus padus Cherry, Bird R

Galium aparine Cleavers O


Geranium sylvaticum Crane's-bill, Wood R

Ribes rubrum Currant, Red O


Rumex sanguineus Dock, Wood O

Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury O

Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade O

Dryopteris dilatata Fern, Broad Buckler O

Blechnum spicant Fern, Hard R



Festuca gigantea Fescue, Giant R

Alliaria petiolata Mustard, Garlic O

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Golden-saxifrage,Opposite-Leaved LO

Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder LF

Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy R




Geranium robertianum Herb-robert R


Heracleum mantegazzianum Hogweed, Giant R

Ilex aquifolium Holly R


Hedera helix Ivy, Common O

Fallopia japonica Knotweed, Japanese LO

Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies O

Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet O

Urtica urens Nettle, Stinging O

Lapsana communis Nipplewort R

Pinus sylvestris Pine, Scots R


Allium ursinum Ramsons LF-LA

Sanicula europaea Sanicle O

Carex pendula Sedge, Pendulous F

Galanthus nivalis Snowdrop R

Veronica montana Speedwell, Wood O

Stellaria holostea Stitchwort, Greater R



Viola riviniana Violet, Common-dog O-R

Chamerion angustifolium Willowherb, rosebay R

Luzula sylvatica Wood rush, great O

Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel O

Galium odoratum Woodruff O

Taxus baccata Yew R

Sequoia Wellingtonia Giant Redwood

Documents

Northumberland Local Wildlife Site Field Record and ......canopy species or understorey possibly a result of deer browsing again. There is some influence from surrounding properties