ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL - northamptonshire.gov.uk · 14-3155 PINEHAM BARNS ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL V3 JW...

14-3155 PINEHAM BARNS ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL V3 JW JU 290415 of 23

Ref:

14-3155

Version:

2

Date:

April 2015

Author:

James Whiteford

Reviewer:

Joanne Underwood

Address:

7-8 Melbourne House Corbygate Business Park Weldon Corby Northamptonshire NN17 5JG Tel: 01536 408840

ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL

Pineham Barns, Northamptonshire

Dragonfly Meadow – Proposed Pineham Barns Primary School


Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 2

Terms of Instruction ............................................................................................................................ 3

Report Limitations ............................................................................................................................... 3

Documents provided ........................................................................................................................... 3

Qualifications ....................................................................................................................................... 3

The Site ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2. METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 5

Desk Study ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) ........................................................................... 5

3. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................. 7

Designated Sites .................................................................................................................................. 7

Protected Species ................................................................................................................................ 9

Desk study Summary ........................................................................................................................ 10

Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index................................................................................... 11

Field Survey Limitations ................................................................................................................... 11

Habitat Suitability Index Summary and Conclusions ...................................................................... 15

Field Survey Limitations ................................................................................................................... 16

4. RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................... 17

Amphibians including great crested newts ..................................................................................... 17

5. REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................... 19

Appendix 1: Desk Study Results ...................................................................................................... 20

Appendix 2: Pond Survey Plan ......................................................................................................... 21

Appendix 3: Badger Survey Plan ...................................................................................................... 22

Appendix 4: Photographic Record ................................................................................................... 23


1. INTRODUCTION

Terms of Instruction

This report has been commissioned by Lend Lease Ltd. It provides an ecological appraisal of the 1.1.following features associated with the proposed Primary School site at Pineham Barns;

2km Desk Study from Northamptonshire Biological Records Centre (NBRC)

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) of water bodies within 500m for Great Crested Newts

Re-assessment of badger activity

Report Limitations

This is an ecological report and as such no reliance should be given to comments relating to 1.2.buildings, engineering, soils or other unrelated matters.

The survey did not include an Extended Phase 1 habitat survey of the site or its immediate 1.3.environs. Works completed are as those listed as bullets under Section 1.1 above.

Documents provided

As background information the following documentation was provided: 1.4.

Pineham School Boundaries: Lend Lease, 15.04.15

Qualifications

The authors of this report are detailed below: adjust as appropriate 1.5.

James Whiteford BSc (Hons) MIEEM MSB – Primary Surveyor/Primary Author

Jo Underwood BA (Hons) – Secondary Author

John Lockhart FRICS CEnv – Project Director

Simon Muddiman – Graphics

Marie Allcoat – Project Administrator

The Site

The site is located on the outskirts of Northampton, Northamptonshire at grid reference SP 719 1.6.588 (“the Site”). The assessment covered the whole of the Site, which is approximately 1.25ha in area.

At the time of the assessment the Site mostly consisted of compacted ground formed in to a 1.7.plateau. The Site was bare except for two small compacted heaps and a small ephemeral pool in a hollow.

The Site was set within a peri-urban landscape with new housing and a series of large distribution 1.8.centres juxtaposed to an area of open ground comprising a series of fishing lakes and Stanwick Lakes Country Park to the north.

The Site location is shown on the plan at Figure. 1. 1.9.


Figure 1. Site Location Plan. OS Licence number: 100015654

Approximate site location

Site location


2. METHODOLOGY

Desk Study

The purpose of the desk study was to collect baseline data held by statutory and non-statutory 2.1.consultees and to obtain any views they may have about the proposals. A secondary purpose of the desk study was to collect records of species that may not be present at the time of survey and identify any protected species or habitats which may potentially be affected by the proposals.

Information was requested for the site as well as a 2km radius around the site in line with the CIEEM 2.2.Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (2012). This information was gathered from the following organisations (with the full information presented in Appendix 1).

Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)

A re-survey of waterbodies within 500m of the Site originally assessed by FPCR in 2010 and 2.3.subsequently by Middlemarch Environmental Ltd in 2013 (Ref: RT-MME-114350-03) was undertaken as part of this assessment.

The survey was conducted by James Whiteford on the 22nd April, 2015. James Whiteford is a Natural 2.4.England (NE) great crested newt licence holder, and is currently responsible for implementation of several NE European Protected Species Mitigation Licences for this species.

The HSI is used to calculate how suitable a pond or other area of standing water is for great crested 2.5.newts (GCN)1.

The HSI looked at ten different criteria (S1-S10) to assess the pond’s suitability, these were: location, 2.6.pond area, pond drying, water quality, shading, fowl, fish, pond count, terrestrial habitat and macrophytes.

Each criterion is given a score depending on its level of suitability. This is between 0.01 and 1.The ten 2.7.scores are then combined to create the total HSI score for the habitat. The calculation is HSI= (SI1xSI2xSI3xSI4xSI5xSI6xSI7xSI8xSI9xSI10)1/10

The scores translate to a five categories for habitat suitability: 2.8.

Habitat Suitability

Score

Class % of ponds found to

support GCN2

<0.5 Poor suitability 0.03

0.5-0.59 Below average 20

0.6-0.69 Average 55

0.7-0.75 Good 79

>0.8 Excellent 93

1 Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M. (2000). Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus).

Herpetological Journal 10(4), 143-155. 2 Percentages presented are those recorded by Oldham et al (2000) as part of their baseline assessments of 248 ponds.


Badger Survey

The field survey was completed James Whiteford who is an experienced Ecologist and has been the 2.9.holder of a Natural England badger mitigation licence within the last 12 months (Ref: WLM/2014/4917 SPM). James has also acted as an accredited agent on three previous badger mitigation licences.

The survey method used was based on a standard approach as in The History, Distribution, Status 2.10.and Habitat Requirements of the Badger in Britain, (1990).

This involved a systematic search of the survey area for all signs of badger activity including badger 2.11.setts, worn pathways in vegetation and/or across field boundaries, footprints, hairs, dung pits/ latrines, bedding and evidence of foraging activity including snuffle holes. Particular attention was paid to habitats of suitable topography or supporting suitable vegetation for sett-building as well as to those features particularly favoured by badgers including hedgerows, areas of dense scrub, woodland, ditches, and banks.

All holes of an identified sett were examined closely and the number of entrances and evidence of its 2.12.usage were recorded. Where possible, setts identified during the survey were categorised using nationally recognised sett classification as described below:

Main sett: These are large setts comprising a number of well-used, active holes with conspicuous spoil heaps. They are well established with worn paths to and from the sett and between entrances. Main setts are breeding setts and are normally in continuous use throughout the year, with only one main sett per social group of badgers;

Annexe sett: Where present they occur in close association with the main sett (normally less than 150m away) and are linked to them by clear, well-worn paths. Annexe setts arise for the purposes of rearing cubs should a second litter be born, and have several entrances (though not all in use at the same time);

Subsidiary sett: These setts usually consist of three to five entrances which are not in continuous use. They are usually more than 50m away and may not have well-used paths connecting them to other setts; and

Outlier sett: These typically comprise one to three holes with small spoil heaps indicating that they are not very extensive underground. They are used sporadically and are thought to serve multiple functions, including allowing efficient and safe travel to important parts of their home range.


3. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The full information collected during the desk study is presented in Appendix 1 and summarised 3.1.below.

Northamptonshire Biological Records Centre

Designated Sites

The records search identified one statutory site and 23 non-statutory sites with 2km. These sites are 3.2.summarised in Table 1.

Site Name Designation Proximity to Project Description

Storton’s Pits LNR 1810m

North-east

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the

outskirts of Northampton city.

Upton Mill South

Lake

LWS 135m

North

A gravel pit at Upton Mill surrounded by marginal

vegetation and rush pasture

Upton East Field LWS 274m

North-east

A wet grassland with wide ditches on the banks of the

River Nene.

Upton Mill North

Lake

LWS 508m

North-west

A newly-formed lake which has already developed a

fringe of emergent vegetation

Upton Mill Dyke LWS 551m

North

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually

runs into the Upton Mill Race

Camp Lane & Drain LWS 699m

North-west

This lane runs south of the Nene, between Kislingbury

and Bly Lane, which crosses the river at Upton Mill.

Bottom Spinney LWS 795m

North-west

This long, narrow strip of woodland has previously been

used for pheasant rearing and shooting but now has a

rather neglected appearance.

Duston West

Meadow

LWS 984m

North-east

A dry, rather sandy pasture, heavily rabbit-grazed.

Upton Mill Pasture LWS 1160m

North-west

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with

shallow drains crossing the northeast corner.

Duston Mill Meadow LWS 1460m

North-east

A wet meadow and mill race on the banks of the River

Nene, across which 10 wetland and 8 meadow species

were recorded.

Shelfley’s Lake LWS 1560m

North-west

A lake at the north end of the Wootton Brook Park at

East Hunsbury, separated by a road into a pond and a

larger lake to the north.

Hunsbury Hill

Country Park

LWS 1870m

North-west

The complex meets the woodland section of the CWS

criteria in that it holds 45 woodland species, 4 of which

are ancient woodland indicators.


Site Name Designation Proximity to Project Description

Grand Union Canal

(Northampton Arm)

LWS 2000m

South

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main

Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via

Northampton City.

Duston Gravel Pits LWS 2010m

North-east

This is a recently flooded gravel pit between the Nene

and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

Briars Hill Canal

Marsh

LWS 2190m

North-east

A mosaic of habitats along a linear feature sandwiched

between the canal and disused railway

Swan Valley

Meadow

PWS 335m

South-east

Unmanaged vegetation. In the south of the site there

was a quite large lake with an island.

Banbury Lane

Meadows

PWS 532m

East

A long narrow field sloping down to the Grand Union

canal.

Duston West Wood PWS 767m

North-east

A band of woodland to the west of the meadow. This is

a deciduous woodland with mature oak standards

Upton Pasture East PWS 804m

North-west

This grassland site links Upton Pasture and Upton Mill

Dyke.

Duston Mill Fields

South

PWS 1090m

North-east

This field is part of one of the fields in Duston Mill Fields

Hunsbury Hill

Spinney

PWS 1130m

East

A small broadleaved spinney on the outskirts of

Northampton, likely replanted and doesn’t contain an

ancient woodland flora.

Duston Mills Fields PWS 1170m

North-east

This site comprises two fields separated by a drain

Kislingbury Field

East

PWS 1870m

North-west

A large sheep grazed pasture adjacent to the River

Nene.

Duston Flood

Channel

PWS 1970m

North-east

This site is a section of the Duston Flood Channel

Key:

LNR: Local Nature Reserve

LWS : Local Wildlife Site

PWS: Potential Wildlife Site

Table 1: Summary of Ecological Designations


Protected Species

Table 2 summaries the protected species which were found within 2km of the study site. It should be 3.3.noted that the absence of records should not be taken as confirmation that a species is absent from the search area.

Species/Group No. of records

Date of latest Record

Proximity to Project

Legislation / Conservation Status

Herpetofauna

Common toad Bufo bufo

1 2007 2240m North-east

NERC S.41, UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5) (sale only)

Great crested newt Triturus cristatus

1 1992 1120m East

NERC S.41, UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5), CHSR

Grass snake Natrix natrix

10 2013 Onsite NERC S.41, UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5) (killing/injuring)

Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara

1 1990 762m South

WCA 5 S9(5), NERC S.41,

Slow-worm Anguis fragilis


WCA 5 S9(5), NERC S.41

Adder Vipera berus

2 2003 2010m North-west

NERC S.41, UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5) (killing/injuring)

Mammals

Water vole Arvicola terrestris

8 1997 825m East

NERC S.41, UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5)

Brown hare Lepus europaeus

2 2000 554m North

NERC S.41, UK BAP

Otter Lutra lutra

9 2012 1630m South-east

NERC S.41, UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5), CHSR

Badger Meles meles

4 2006 1100m South-east

PBA

Harvest mouse Micromys minutus


NERC S.41, UK BAP, CHSR

Polecat Mustela putorius

2 1996 1520m North-west

UK BAP, WCA 5 S9(5), CHSR

Birds

Barn owl Tyto alba

6 2013 105m South-west

WCA 1i,

Merlin Falco columbarius


WCA 1i,

Hobby Falco subbuteo


WCA 1i,

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris


WCA 1i,

Redwing Turdus iliacus


WCA 1i,

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis


WCA 1i,

Garganey Anas querquedula

2 1996 259m North

WCA 1i,

Bittern Botaurus stellaris


WCA 1i,

Cetti’s warbler Cettia cetti


WCA 1i,

Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius


WCA 1i,

Black tern Chlidonias niger


WCA 1i,


Species/Group No. of records

Date of latest Record

Proximity to Project

Legislation / Conservation Status

Little gull Hydrocoloeus minutus


WCA 1i,

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus


WCA 1i,

Osprey Pandion haliaetus


WCA 1i,

Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus


WCA 1i,

Black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis


WCA 1i,

Greenshank Tringa nebularia


WCA 1i,

Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus


WCA 1i,

Key: CRoW: Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000: Protection of certain birds and animals. WCA 1i: Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended); Birds protected by special penalties at all times, species specific. WCA 5 S9(5): Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended); Protected animals (other than birds). UK BAP: United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan NERC S.41: Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, Section 41: Habitats and Species of Principal Importance in England PBA: Protection of Badgers Act (1992) CHSR: The Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended)

Table 2: Summary of Protected Species

Desk study Summary

The desk study found a number of mammal records within 2km of the Site. The closest record is for 3.4.brown hare, 554m from the Site. The closest badger record was 1100m south-east of the Site.

There were several records of amphibians and reptiles found within 2km. This included a record of 3.5.grass snake located with the Site. There was one record of great crested newt from 1992, 1120m from the Site.

A number of Schedule 1 birds were identified, including barn owl, 105m from the Site. The majority of 3.6.the bird records were found within Storton’s Gravel Pits.


Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index

Field Survey Limitations

All of the Site and relevant surrounding areas were accessible as such no significant limitations to the 3.7.survey were observed as part of the badger assessment.

Ponds 6, 7, 9 and 14 were found to be dry and Pond 8 had been infilled. Very low water levels were 3.8.noted in Pond 2 and Pond 7 was only partially accessible due to dense, prickly vegetation.

Habitat Suitability Index Results

The survey was conducted in suitable conditions (10-15°C, dry, BFS1-2) and covered all suitable, 3.9.accessible waterbodies within 500-1000m of the Site.

The FPCR assessment, conducted in 2010, did not confirm the presence of any GCN within these 3.10.waterbodies.

As ponds 6, 7, 9 and 14 were found to be dry and Pond 8 had been infilled these ponds have not 3.11.been listed in the tables below.

The following tables should be read in conjunction with the Pond Survey Plan presented in Appendix 3.12.2.


Pond No.

Distance from site

Pond Size (m

2)

Water level

Water quality

Shade Aquatic vegetation Open courtship area

Egg laying habitat

Surrounding area Other comments

P1 970m north west

6200 Normal Moderate Low scrub along banks

A single dense clump of common reed Phragmites australis, abundant bulrush Typha latifolia.

Yes Low Pond along Upton Valley Way North. Landscape planting to south and west Grazed fields to east.

Fish noted coming to surface to breath.

P2 1km north-west

1500 Very Low

Good Scrub had been recently cleared (freshly cut stumps to 10cm)

Pond dominated by bulrush and jointed and hard rush Juncus articulatus, J. Inflexus

Yes – minimal Yes – minimal Pond along Upton Valley Way North. Landscape planting around. Fresh archaeological excavations in arable field to west.

Single Snipe feeding along western bank. Water dominated by common duck weed Lemna minor

P3 940m north-west

90 Normal Poor Surrounded by mature trees. Fully shaded.

Smothered by creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and blanket weed

No Yes – minimal Pond situated along old bridleway, hedgerow to east, landscape planting to west.

Pond covered in blanket weed. Likely declining in suitability for amphibians including GCN

P4 970m north-west

700 Low Moderate Covered in goat and crack willow S.caprea, S.fragilis.

Heavy willow cover including within waterbody. Patches of soft rush J. Effusus and float grass Glyceria sp.

No Minimal Pond along Upton Valley Way North. Surrounded by landscape planting.

Very small areas of open water left. Would benefit from rotational coppicing of willow scrub to increase light levels.

P5 900m west

500 Normal Moderate Shaded by willow Salix sp.

Dominated by bulrush. Yes Yes – minimal Pond along Upton Valley North. Located within landscape planting.

Would benefit from bulrush removal

P10 Onsite 15 Normal Poor Shaded along eastern side

None No No Footpath and mature hedgerow, with hedgerow trees along eastern boundary. School site has been cleared to west.

Poor condition. Pond is full of deadwood and rotting timber, some willow regeneration.

P11 40m north

55000 Normal Moderate Trees and areas of scrub along banks

Patches of soft and hard rush and bulrush

Yes Yes Surrounded by sheep grazed pasture. Country Park to the north, with areas of less intensively managed grassland as well as standing water.

Fishing lake

Table 3: Pond Descriptions


Pond No.

Distance from site

Pond Size (m

2)

Water level

Water quality

Shade Aquatic vegetation Open courtship area

Egg laying habitat

Surrounding area Other comments

P12 340m north

29000 Normal Moderate Proportion (c.20%) banks are shaded by trees and native scrub

Rush and bulrush around perimeter

Yes Yes Surrounded by sheep grazed pasture. Country Park to the north.

Fishing lake

P13 350m north east

1000 Normal Moderate Trees and scrub scattered around edge

Sedge and water-lily Nuphar sp.

Yes Yes Pond situated within area of scrub and unmanaged grassland adjacent to River Nene

Breeding coot present.

P15 90m east 8000 Normal Moderate Scrub along most banks

Common Reed around margins

Yes Yes - minimal Pond along Upton Valley Way East. Surrounded by landscaping planting

Fish maybe present

Table 3: Pond Descriptions Cont.


Table 4: Great Crested Newt HSI Results

Pond No.

HS1 HS2 HS3 HS4 HS5 HS6 HS7 HS8 HS9 HS10

HSI Score

HSI Rating

Location Pond Area (m

2)

Pond Drying Water Quality Shade (%)

Fowl Fish Ponds Terrestrial habitat Macrophytes (%)

P1 A 1 6200 0.4 Never 0.9 Moderate 0.67 ≤10 1 Minor 0.67 Possible 0.67 1 Good 1 25 0.5 0.75 Good

P2 A 1 1500 0.86 Sometimes 0.5 Good 1 0 1 Minor 0.67 Possible 0.67 1 Moderate 0.67 95 0.85 0.80 Excellent

P3 A 1 90 0.07 Rarely 1 Poor 0.33 75 0.65 Absent 1 Absent 1 1 Good 1 30 0.55 0.62 Average

P4 A 1 700 1 Rarely 1 Moderate 0.67 90 0.4 Minor 0.67 Possible 0.67 1 Good 1 80 1 0.81 Excellent

P5 A 1 500 1 Never 0.9 Moderate 0.67 20 1 Minor 0.67 Possible 0.67 1 Good 1 80 1 0.88 Excellent

P6 Dry – N/A

P7 Dry – N/A

P8 Infilled – N/A

P9 Dry – N/A

P10 A 1 15 0.05 Annually 0.1 Poor 0.33 80 0.6 Minor 0.67 Absent 1 1 Moderate 0.67 0 0.3 Poor

P11 A 1 55000 0.01 Never 0.9 Moderate 0.67 20 1 Major 0.01 Major 0.01 1 Moderate 0.67 20 0.5 Poor

P12 A 1 29000 0.01 Never 0.9 Moderate 0.67 20 1 Major 0.01 Major 0.01 1 Moderate 0.67 60 0.9 Poor

P13 A 1 1000 0.95 Never 0.9 Moderate 0.67 20 1 Minor 0.67 Minor 0.33 1 Good 1 40 0.7 Good

P14 Dry – N/A

P15 A 1 8000 0.01 Never 0.9 Moderate 0.67 70 0.9 Minor 0.67 Possible 0.67 1 Good 1 10 0.38 Poor


Habitat Suitability Index Summary and Conclusions

A summary of the results are shown in Table 5 below, with a comparison against those recorded as 3.13.part of the assessment completed by Middlemarch Environmental Ltd.

HSI Score and Rating 2013 Survey 2015 Survey

Excellent (≥0.8) P2, P13 P2, P4, P5

Good (0.7 – 0.79) P4, P5 P1, P13

Average (0.6 – 0.69) - P3

Below Average (0.5 – 0.59) P3, P9 -

Poor (<0.5) P1, P7, P10, P11, P12, P15 P10, P11, P12, P15

Table 5: GCN HSI Summary Results

Since 2013 the ponds have remained in similar condition with several improving slightly in quality 3.14.(notably P4 and P5). These changes predominately relate to reductions in shade and improvements in water quality. Variances in recording between the two years are likely to account for the differences noted with the other ponds.

P10 located adjacent to the Site boundary is in very poor condition. The pond is heavily over-shaded, 3.15.clogged with deadwood and the water is nutrient rich and stagnant. Currently this waterbody is of minimal ecological value.

The connectivity of the Site to surrounding waterbodies has deteriorated since the previous 3.16.assessment in 2013. The land to the west has been developed, with a section of the hedgerow along the northern boundary removed. Based on a review of the local landscape including likely dispersal barriers Ponds 1-9 have poor connectivity to the Site boundary (with roads, built development in between) and are distant. Therefore development of the site is considered unlikely to impact upon Great Crested Newts if present within these ponds.

The remaining ponds (P10-P15) with the exception of P13 are either dry, or of low suitability for GCN. 3.17.As a result it is considered that these waterbodies are unlikely to support breeding populations of GCN which could disperse in to the Site.

P13 is relatively remote (370m north-west) and as the site has already been worked, the likelihood of 3.18.the works impacting on any GCN within this waterbody is considered to be low.

Taking the findings above in to account, coupled with previous survey results from FPCR in 2010 3.19.confirming the likely absences of GCN within these waterbodies, the proposed re-development of the Site is considered unlikely to impact upon GCN and a derogation licence covering these species from Natural England is not considered to be required.

Although the likely presence of GCN and other amphibians within the Site boundary is considered to 3.20.be low a series of reasonable avoidance measures should be implemented. These are detailed in Section 4 (Recommendations).

Based on the review of the available information and the current condition of the Site the impact of 3.21.the proposed construction of the school, subject to implementation of the avoidance measures, on GCN is considered to be low.


Badger Survey Summary and Conclusions

Field Survey Limitations

All of the Site including a 30m buffer around the perimeter was accessible. Parts of the survey area 3.22.particularly along the hedgerow to the north-west of the site were covered by tall nettles and bramble which restricted access, visibility in a small number of areas. This constraint was overcome through the use of binoculars, and a careful searching for trails leading to and from these areas.

Results and Conclusions

The survey was undertaken in suitable conditions (10-15°C, dry, BFS1-2) on 22nd April, 2015. 3.23.

The previous assessment completed by Middlemarch Environmental Ltd (Ref: RT-MME-114350-01). 3.24.Confirmed the presence of an active badger sett to the north-west of the Site boundary. The sett and associated entrances were located approximately 120m to the west along a historic hedgerow. Based on the number of entrances and pattern activity observed this sett was classified as a subsidiary sett.

This sett and corresponding hedgerow were re-surveyed, the findings of the assessment are 3.25.presented on the Badger Survey Plan in Appendix 3. The survey confirmed that the badger sett had been subject to a period of exclusion using one-way gates and has then been closed permanently.

Timber one-way gates matching Natural England’s specification had been installed over two entrance 3.26.holes. A stake had been installed over the opening of the gate furthest east (indicative of a successful exclusion), with the other gate covered over by galvanised mesh. See photographs presented in Appendix 4 for further information.

In addition a series of other holes and areas of fresh excavation had been covered over with 3.27.galvanised mesh pinned to the floor using stakes and metal pins.

The exclusion appeared to have been successful. There was no evidence of badger activity noted in 3.28.the area of historic badger activity, or along the remaining section of hedgerow which extends east towards the north-west corner of the Site.

It should be noted that a 60-70m section of hedgerow along the northern boundary of the Site had 3.29.been removed sometime prior to the site visit.

No other evidence of badger activity was found within the Site boundary. Nor was any activity noted 3.30.within a 30m buffer around the perimeter including the double hedgerow along the footpath opposite the eastern boundary of the Site.


4. RECOMMENDATIONS

Amphibians including great crested newts

The following reasonable avoidance measures should be implemented as part of the works: 4.1.

All excavations are to have at least one ramped side (Max. 30° slope), or are to be covered over

No petrochemicals or other materials are to be stored near to P10, located near the north-eastern corner of the site boundary. Care is to be taken to avoid spoil, or run off entering into this waterbody as part of the works

The existing development plateau is to remain bare to discourage amphibians from moving through the site, either through strimming of appropriate herbicide application

The remaining hedgerow along the northern and eastern boundary is to remain undisturbed. If works to these features are undertaken a Method Statement will be required and agreed in writing with the Planning Ecologist before works commence.

Materials should be stored on hard standing, or elsewhere on double height wooden pallets

Site staff responsible for undertaking the work are to remain vigilant, for the potential presence of amphibians and other species (e.g. badgers, reptiles).

If in the event any amphibians are encountered works are to stop immediately and Lockhart Garratt (01536 408840) contacted immediately for advice.

Section 4.1 is to be inserted in to the Site Induction pack. 4.2.

Pond Creation / Enhancement

As part of the Outline Planning Application a commitment to construct a new pond was made by the 4.3.previous Ecological Consultants, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd.

Section 6 of the previous HSI report (RT-MME-114350-03) made the following commitment; 4.4.

“at least one pond should either be enhanced or created as part of the scheme”

The school site has several options; this requirement could be met either through the enhancement of 4.5.Pond 10 which adjoins the site, or through the creation of an entirely new waterbody. Information relating to either of these options is presented below;

Pond Enhancement

Pond 10 would be a suitable candidate for improvement. Enhancements measures would need to 4.6.include;

Removal of rubbish and deadwood

Deepening/de-silting/enlarging (between 1st November – 31st January)

Retention of an unmanaged buffer around the perimeter (c.2-3m width) which connects into hedgerow to east

Removal of blanket weed

Planting of shade tolerant native marginal species around 30% of water’s edge

Pond Creation

If in the event the creation of an onsite pond is preferred the following parameters should be taken 4.7.into account:

Surface area of 20-30m2, ovoid shape, majority of pond of 300mm depth, grading into one deeper area 600-750mm depth

At least one bank with 1:15 slope


Clay lined or with butyl liner

Soil covered banks

Marginal planting incorporating native species (e.g. coir role) around 25% of pond boundary

2m rough grass buffer around perimeter incorporating 3 log piles

Badgers

The Site survey has confirmed that no active or disused badger setts would be directly or indirectly 4.8.impacted as part of the works. The previous survey findings have confirmed that badgers are active in the local area and so a series of reasonable avoidance measures should be implemented:

All excavations are to have at least one ramped side (Max. 30° slope), or are to be covered over

A check of excavations, or existing spoil heaps and banks for mammal holes is to be undertaken, prior to these features being infilled, or removed. If in the event any mammal holes are to discovered works are to stop immediately and Lockhart Garratt contacted for advice.

Any removal of hedgerow along the northern or eastern boundary is to be preceded by a pre-works check by a suitably qualified Ecologist. This assessment is to be made 14 days before works are due to commence

If work within the Site does not begin within 18 months of the date of this assessment, this survey should be updated.

The landscaping scheme should consider reinstatement of the hedgerow to the north using a mixture 4.9.of native seed and berry producing species to provide additional foraging habitat for badgers, and a secure dispersal route for these species.

The installation of badger proof mesh along the bottom of school’s boundary may reduce the 4.10.likelihood of badgers occupying formal landscaping areas post-construction. Further information on this item can be provided upon request.


5. REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cresswell, P., Harris, S. and Jefferies, DJ. (1990) The History, Distribution, Status And Habitat Requirements Of The Badger In Britain

English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines

JNCC (1998) The Herpetofauna Worker’s Manual

Langton et al (2001) The Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook

Mammal Society (2013) How to Find and Identify Mammals, 2nd Edition

Oldam R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S.& Jeffcote M. (2000) Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetological Journal 10 (4), 143-155


Appendix 1: Desk Study Results Ref: 14-3167

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre

Marie Allcoat Lockhart Garratt Ltd 7-8 Melbourne House, Corbygate Business Park, Weldon, Northants NN17 5JG

Our Reference: 15-091 28 April 2015 Dear Marie, Re: Ecological data search, Upton (Ref: Upton) Thank you for approaching the NBRC with this enquiry. All the information that you have requested is contained within this report. This includes a map of the search area, statutory and non-statutory site details and a list of protected and notable species records from your specified search area. For definitions of these sites please refer to the document at the end of this report. Statutory sites The following statutory site is located within your specified search area. This site has been labelled on the accompanying map. Storton's Pits LNR

Further details, such as SSSI status and citations, can be accessed through the Natural England website using the following links; http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/search.cfm http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_search.asp http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SPA/UK9020296.pdf http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UK11083.pdf Non-statutory sites Following the Natural Environment White Paper (2011), twelve Nature Improvement Areas (NIA’s) were designated and granted government funding in February 2012. They should aim to achieve significant and demonstrable enhancements of the

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre

C/O The Wildlife Trust Lings House Billing Lings

Northamptonshire NN3 8BE

Tel: 01604 400448 Fax: 01604 784835

[email protected]

ecological network over large areas by undertaking the actions prioritised in the review. Further information regarding the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area can be found on the Natural England website using the following link: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/funding/nia/projects/nenevalley.aspx The following non-statutory sites are located within your specified search area. These sites have been labelled on the accompanying map. Site Name Site Status Banbury Lane Meadow Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Bottom Spinney Local Wildlife Site/NIA Briar Hill Canal Marsh Local Wildlife Site/NIA Camp Lane & Drain Local Wildlife Site/NIA Duston Flood Channel Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Duston Gravel Pit Local Wildlife Site/NIA Duston Mill Fields Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Duston Mill Fields South Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Duston Mill Meadow Local Wildlife Site/NIA/Wildlife Trust Reserve Duston West Meadow Local Wildlife Site/NIA Duston West Wood Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Grand Union Canal - Northampton Arm Local Wildlife Site/NIA Hill Farm Quarry East (No information) Potential Wildlife Site Hunsbury Hill Country Park Local Wildlife Site/NIA/Local Geological Site Hunsbury Hill Cutting Local Geological Site Hunsbury Hill Spinney Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Kislingbury Field East Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Quinton House School (No information) Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Shelfleys Lake Local Wildlife Site/NIA Storton's Gravel Pits Local Wildlife Site/NIA/Wildlife Trust Reserve/LNR Swan Valley Meadow Potential Wildlife Site/NIA Upton East Field Local Wildlife Site/NIA Upton Mill Dyke Local Wildlife Site/NIA Upton Mill North Lake Local Wildlife Site/NIA Upton Mill South Lake Local Wildlife Site/NIA Upton Pasture Local Wildlife Site/NIA Upton Pasture East Potential Wildlife Site/NIA

Descriptions for most of these non-statutory sites are attached to this report. In addition 3 Potential Wildlife Sites have been highlighted in blue on the map. Please note that we do not hold information for these sites. For a full definition of

Potential Wildlife Site please refer to the section “Sites of wildlife and geological importance in Northamptonshire” below. Species records

Please note that we do not provide data for bats. This information can be obtained directly from the Northants Bat Group/County Recorder for Mammals using the contact details already provided. 474 protected and notable species records fall within your specified search boundaries. A list of these species records is attached to this report. This report contains sensitive information about the location of protected species and has been provided in confidence to assist you in your work. Because of this OS Grid References must be withheld from documents destined for public consumption. I would remind you that these data are limited spatially and temporally and I would strongly recommend that follow-up surveys be carried out to support the baseline provided. I would also like to draw your attention to our terms and conditions once again.

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre Terms and conditions

1. All rights to the data are reserved and ownership is not transferred with it. Data held by the Northamptonshire

Biodiversity Record Centre (N.B.R.C.) remains the intellectual property, and in the ownership and copyright, of the originator(s).

2. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all the data provided, the N.B.R.C. can accept no responsibility

for any costs, damages or liabilities whatsoever arising from the use of the data or for any omissions or inaccuracies within it.

3. The data held by the N.B.R.C. may not be comprehensive and the absence of data, in response to a data search,

does not imply that a species, important habitat or designation does not exist within that search area. Recorded presence does not imply current presence and the date for all records will be provided.

4. Data is provided solely for the use of the enquirer (and their client) and only for the purpose(s) specified by the

enquirer at the time of its request. Data must not be reused or stored beyond the life of the project for which they were acquired.

5. Data may be used as required in support of the planning process but OS grid references must be removed from

documents destined for public consumption due to sensitive data concerning protected species. 6. The N.B.R.C. will provide access to data subject to any conditions imposed on its use by the Data Protection Act,

Environmental Information Regulations 2004, Copyright and Intellectual Property Right Law or the data owner. Restrictions on the release of information may therefore apply.

7. The N.B.R.C. will only release un-interpreted data and will not usually comment upon its significance. 8. The N.B.R.C. will release as soon as possible, and within twenty working days of receipt, the request unless an

extension of time is necessary. In this event the enquirer will be informed within ten working days. 9. All charges made by the N.B.R.C. relate to the provision of administration, data handling and search services.

As agreed, the total charge for the time taken to extract this information and put together the report is £270 plus VAT (£324 including VAT). An invoice will be sent under different cover from our Cambridgeshire office.

Should you have any enquiries please feel free to contact me at the above address. Yours sincerely,

James Skinner Biodiversity Data Officer

Sites of wildlife and geological importance in Northamptonshire Statutory Sites: Special Protected Area (SPA) SPAs are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC), the Birds Directive. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) The SSSI series provide statutory protection for the best examples of the natural environment. SSSI were originally notified under the National Park and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and they were renotified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Improved provisions for their protection and management were introduced in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. National Nature Reserve (NNR) NNRs are declared by the statutory country conservation agency (English Nature) under the National Park and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. NNR contain the most important examples of natural and semi-natural ecosystems within Great Britain. NNR conserve the habitats within them and offer opportunities for research. Local Nature Reserve (LNR) LNRs are declared under the National Park and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by local authorities. LNR are declared and managed for nature conservation, education and research or opportunities for public access to nature. Non-statutory sites: Nature Improvement Area (NIA) Following the Natural Environment White Paper (2011), twelve NIAs were designated and granted government funding in February 2012. They should aim to achieve significant and demonstrable enhancements of the ecological network over large areas by undertaking the actions prioritised in the review:

• Improving the management of existing wildlife sites • Increasing the size of existing wildlife sites • Increasing the number of wildlife sites • Improving connectivity between sites • Creating wildlife corridors

Local Wildlife Site (LWS) Local Wildlife Sites are areas of land which are rich in wildlife and are the equivalent to Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. Criteria for selection take in threats and declines in certain species, national priorities and local distinctiveness. The LWS system is managed, in partnership, by The Wildlife Trust, local authorities, statutory nature conservation agencies, local naturalists and landowners. Local Wildlife Sites were previously known as County Wildlife Site (CWS) in the past. Protected Wildflower Verge (PWV) Protected Wildflower Verges are roadside verges rich in wildlife and are crucial to the success of the local Biodiversity Action Plan. Criteria for selection take in threats and declines in certain species, national priorities and local distinctiveness. The PWV system is managed, in partnership, by The Wildlife Trust, local authorities, statutory nature conservation agencies, local naturalists and landowners. Pocket Park The Pocket Park vision is to develop easy public access to the countryside, bringing the countryside to the people and providing opportunities for enjoyment and understanding of 'Countryside on the Doorstep'. Over the past 18 years, the county council has worked in partnership with many organisations and other local authorities to help create 80 Pocket Parks. For more information on this scheme please refer to the website at www.pocketparks.com. Local Geological Site (LGS) Local Geological Sites (LGS) are the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside the statutory SSSI. The sites are designated using locally developed criteria and are assessed by the local geological group. Potential Local Geological Site (PLGS) Potential Local Geological Sites (PLGS) are sites that were identified and considered to be important geological exposures. These sites have not yet been formally notified as Local Geological Sites by the local geological group. Currently these sites can only be located by a grid reference, as they do not have a formal site boundary and there is no descriptive survey information.

Potential Wildlife Site (PWS) Potential Wildlife Sites (PWS) are sites that are either known or thought to be of higher biodiversity value than the average countryside but have not been confirmed to be of Local Wildlife Site (LWS) standard.

PWS can belong to one of three categories: 1. Sites never fully surveyed and assessed against LWS criteria. 2. Sites surveyed and assessed against the LWS criteria but not currently reaching the standard. 3. Sites previously recognised as LWS but not currently meeting the latest LWS criteria.

PWS were originally outlined using a combination of local knowledge and looking at aerial photographs for evidence of biodiverse habitats. All PWS are likely to be important for the County’s biodiversity, either in their own right, or through buffering and linking current LWS and contributing to Green Infrastructure. Many of these sites could potentially be of LWS standard once surveyed.

Banbury Lane Meadow

Administrative areas: Northampton(E District (74-))

Status(es): PWS

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Banbury Lane Meadow

SP724587 (Site Centroid)

Site

N1226

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005: A long narrow field sloping down to the Grand Union canal. The field was fenced but was crossed by 2005: A long narrow field sloping down to the Grand Union canal. The field was fenced but was crossed by several informal footpaths leading to the canal. This was largely species poor MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, less than 1 metre tall, but there was also one large spoil heap, some disturbed ground and a small,

2005: A long narrow field sloping down to the Grand Union canal. The field was fenced but was crossed by several informal footpaths leading to the canal. This was largely species poor MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, less than 1 metre tall, but there was also one large spoil heap, some disturbed ground and a small, fenced, young willow plantation.

2005: A long narrow field sloping down to the Grand Union canal. The field was fenced but was crossed by several informal footpaths leading to the canal. This was largely species poor MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, less than 1 metre tall, but there was also one large spoil heap, some disturbed ground and a small, fenced, young willow plantation.

Description:

Total number of records:

Total number of species: 23

23

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11/04/2013, Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre

Site Name: Bottom Spinney Site Code: N686 Status: LWS Other Designations: Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP716595 Area (ha): 1.1 District: Northampton Site History: 29/06/1994 LWS 18/07/2007 LWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Woodland BAP Habitat: Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland Reason for Designation: A narrow strip of broadleaved woodland, the site qualifies as a LWS with 41 woodland plants including 6 ancient woodland indicator species recorded. Site Description: 25/05/2005 This long, narrow strip of woodland has previously been used for pheasant rearing and shooting but now has a rather neglected appearance. A dead badger was found during the survey, along with the skeletons of several farm animals. Tall trees here were rather scattered but included Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur, Ash Fraxinus excelsior, Poplar Populus sp., Horse Chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum and Hybrid Lime Tilia x europaea, several of which had become uprooted and continued to grow in situ. Rare Downy Birch Betula pubescens occurred near the damper southern end of the wood. The shrub layer consisted mainly of Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and Elder Sambucus nigra, along with young trees and suckering Elms Ulmus spp.. Less frequent were Hazel Corylus avellana and Wayfaring Tree Viburnum lantana. The variable density of trees and shrubs meant a variety of shade on the woodland floor. In more open parts there was abundant Common Nettle Urtica dioica, Cleavers Galium aparine or Rough-stalked Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, while in heaviest shade there was just a scattering of Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Cuckoo Pint Arum maculatum. A strong flowing stream ran the length of the wood and provided habitat for additional species, including Gypsywort Lycopus europaeus, Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima and Brooklime Veronica beccabunga, while damper ground near the southern end of the site also held locally frequent Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia and Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria. A gappy hedgerow edged the wood with frequent tall and rambling Hawthorn, along with less frequent Elder and Blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Breeding birds here included Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Treecreeper, and it is likely that a full survey of the site would produce many more. The site also has a wetland habitat associated with a stream running through the wood; this provides a home for a variety of wetland flora including plants from the fen, swamp and marsh indicator list.


29/06/1994 A strip of park woodland with a mixture of trees including one or two specimen conifers. Some may have been planted, but on the whole the site looks as if it has been allowed to grow up naturally along a small (now mostly dry) stream that once acted as a tributary to Upton Mill Race. The southeast end of the wood has some marshy vegetation including Angelica sylvestris, Veronica beccabunga, Valeriana sp., Epilobium hirsutum, Viburnum opulus and Carex riparia. Suckering elm and some old stumps suggest that this was once elm-dominated. It now supports a good variety of trees including sycamore, larch, ash, oak, beech, common lime and localised crack willow patches. The conifers present are Scots pines, at the southeast end. The understorey varies according to the wetness of the ground, and includes hazel, young sallow and willow, hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose. The groundflora is also rather patchy, with dense ivy in some parts, and sparse Brachypodium sylvaticum in others. Some bulb species are present which may have been introduced or more probably naturalised from the nearby Mill gardens. These include bluebells, snowdrops and daffodils (the latter recorded during a previous, Spring survey). Although not a very natural assemblage of trees and groundflora, this site offers a useful and varied source of cover for birds and mammals in the Nene Valley which has importance in the context of the growing urbanisation of the surrounding area. It may also support birds of prey that have nowhere else nearby to hunt from; this includes barn owls, which have suffered a reduction in numbers in the area despite there being a good amount of suitable hunting territory. Apart from a derelict pheasant pen there is no sign of human activity in the wood. This could also be a badger site.


Site Name: Briar Hill Canal Marsh Site Code: N682 Status: LWS Other Designations: Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP739596 Area (ha): 1.2 District: Northampton Site History: 22/07/1996 LWS 18/07/2007 LWS 15/09/2014 LWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Wetland, Woodland BAP Habitat: Lowland Fen, Wet Woodland Reason for Designation: A mosaic of habitats along a linear feature sandwiched between the canal and disused railway. The site has zonations from open water, through swamp (and more rarely mire) to willow carr woodland. From the wetland part of this site six plants from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh Indicator Species were recorded and in the drier sections areas of W21 and W22 woodland, along with more than 8 woody species. Site Description: 03/06/2014 A linear feature immediately south of the Northampton branch of the Grand Union Canal and sandwiched between the canal and a dismantled railway line immediately to the south. To the north of the canal was a large area of unmanaged land, while to the south of the old railway track there was housing and amenity grassland. There were quite steep but short slopes up to the canal and to the railway embankment. Roughly half the site, in the east, was occupied by swamp vegetation and wet woodland, with a border of slightly higher, drier ground, while the western part comprised largely of dense scrub succeeding to young woodland. Scrub was often so dense that access was impossible without cutting a lot of vegetation back. East section There was a considerable overlap between dry and wet communities in the east, with some swamp species growing on what was very dry ground at the time of this survey. There were also areas of deeper open water. Water depth here may have been rather greater than usual here due to recent rain and an overflow from the adjacent canal. In the wetter east species of willow were the most abundant tree and shrub. In places Osier Salix viminalis was dominant, in others Grey Willow Salix cinerea. They were often growing over a variety of swamp vegetation. Quite a lot of the willow carr had collapsed More open parts held swamp vegetation of a rather limited variety, with the depth of water apparently having limited willow encroachment in some places. Present here were areas of dominant Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia, Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum and Slender Tufted-sedge Carex


acuta, some of which was growing as a floating mat over quite deep water. Also present was more scattered Lesser Pond-sedge Carex acutiformis and Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima. The swamp areas were occasionally bordered by drier vegetation dominated by Greater Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, or fragments of mire vegetation with locally frequent Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris and Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria. The Greater Pond-sedge swamp itself was occasionally growing on very dry ground with plants such as Black Bryony Tamus communis and Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium scrambling over the sedges. There were also a few areas of open water, with and without willow carr. Associated plants of swamp and mire communities were rather scarce. Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca occasionally grew with the Meadowsweet, Marsh Horsetail Equisetum palustre was occasional and Yellow Flag Iris pseudacorus locally frequent. Also present were small quantities of Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea, Gipsywort Lycopus europaeus Great Water Dock Rumex hydrolapathum and Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata. At the more open and drier edges in the east, were fragments of grassland, mostly MG1 in character with locally frequent False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris and others. West Section To the west the ground was mostly much drier with scrub dominated by Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Close to the western end of the site there was a low platform of higher ground with very dense scrub. Just to the east of this was an area of open water, but it was too heavily shaded to harbour any amount of swamp or aquatic vegetation. Ivy Hedera helix was locally abundant on the trees and as a ground carpet. There were local swarms of Ash Fraxinus excelsior seedlings or saplings, and a scattering of typical shade species such as Ground ivy Glechoma hederacea and scattered Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas and Broad Buckler Fern Dryopteris dilatata. However, the scrub was often so dense that bare ground was abundant, and most interest was at the long northern edge adjacent to the canal tow-path. In the 1970s this was a much more open site with large amounts of Common Reed Phragmites australis, and was used as a bird ringing site, capturing birds coming to roost in the reeds. Common Reed is still present at the adjacent canal edge. To the west of the site the interest continues as Greater Pond-sedge dominated swamp with locally frequent Meadowsweet, Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil and Rough Meadow-grass in an open pasture field. In the adjacent grassland and at the swamp edge Oval Sedge was quite abundant and in the wider grassland was Field Wood-rush, Ribwort Plantain, Germander Speedwell, Meadow Buttercup and others. The scrub was of value to various bird species and those present included Turtle Doves. A Water Rail was calling from the willow carr. 16/09/2005 This is a wetland site on the south side of the canal. Some areas are shaded by mature willows Salix sp. and Ash Fraxinus excelsior, some open, but all support a good wetland flora. The site is apparently an old pond and is still wet but with little standing water. Land gradually rises to the west and is thus dryer; other boundaries are marked by a sharp rise - to a disused railway to the south, to the canal towpath to the north and to a footpath to the east. 22/07/1996 A very narrow band of scrub and swampy vegetation alongside the canal towpath north of the park at Briar Hill. The swamp derives from an overgrown pond in the centre of the site, which now supports a tall sedgemarsh dominated by Carex acutiformis. Other species present include C. riparia, Iris


pseudoacorus, Phalaris arundinacea, Glyceria maxima, Rumex hydrolapathum and Filipendula ulmaria. The wettest, swampy area grades into Salix scrub, including S. cinerea, S. alba, S. fragilis, S. viminalis, S. capraea, S. fragilis and frequent hybrids (thought to be S. fragilis X S. cinerea or similar). The scrub extends either side of the wettest central area, but still has frequent C. acutiformis underneath except in the driest areas. Other species present in the tree belt (which becomes less marshy to the west of the site) include English elm suckers, ash, elder and hawthorn. This unexpectedly diverse habitat offers a very useful extension to the canal, particularly for dragonflies and damselflies. The site appears to be very well-established. This site was discovered during the 1996 Nene Survey.


Site Name: Camp Lane & Drain Site Code: N701 Status: LWS Other Designations: Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP712590 Area (ha): 1 District: Northampton Site History: 19/07/1996 LWS 30/10/2007 LWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Wetland Reason for Designation: Hedges flank both sides of this lane with a drain rich in aquatic vegetation along the north side. It is for the wetland communities that the lane is selected as a LWS, but the hedgerows are also diverse and a valuable wildlife resource. The drain was assessed against the ditch section of the freshwater habitats criteria, i.e. wetland plants were counted in 20 metre sections along the dyke and 9 of the 12 sections qualified. Site Description: 03/06/2005 This lane runs south of the Nene, between Kislingbury and Bly Lane, which crosses the river at Upton Mill. Hedges flank both sides of the lane with a drain rich in aquatic vegetation along the north side set 1 to 1.5 metres below the banks. Although it is for the wetland communities that the lane is selected as a LWS the hedgerows are also diverse and a valuable wildlife resource. At the east end the drain opens out into the Nene, the LWS being mapped up to the point at which the river and mill race re-converge. This is not an entirely logical cut-off point for the site as the river and mill race are significantly different habitats to the drain. It may have been more appropriate to have the LWS focussed solely on the drain or to include the whole of the mill race and river section in the LWS. However, as the eastern end of the LWS does meet the criteria, this stretch should be kept in the LWS now and perhaps the remainder of this watercourse be considered for inclusion. The drain is quite open in the east, although shaded by the shrubs and trees on the north bank; further west the hedgerows grow partially over the drain casting heavy shade and resulting in a decline in the abundance of wetland vegetation (survey stretches 11 and 12). The drain becomes shallower and dryer to the west beyond the boundary of the LWS. 19/07/1996 A stretch of track that now partly runs alongside Upton Mill Lakes. There is a drain by the track that is variably dry or damp, but which widens into a broad ditch that acts as a tributary to the Mill Stream. This is an ancient hedgeline/bridleway and the tree and scrub species list is good. Species include lime, ash, beech, wych elm, guelder rose, field maple, horse chestnut, English elm, blackthorn, hawthorn, field maple, goat sallow, crab apple and balsam poplars, amongst others. The drain contains species such as Berula erecta, Apium nodiflorum (not together), Veroncia beccabunga, Glyceria spp, Valeriana dioica, Angelica sylvestris and Lemna trisulca in the more shaded areas. Where it broadens out to the east of the site, the open channel has abundant Lemna minor and L. trisulca, with Glyceria maxima along the edges and emergent species such as Impatiens capensis,


Lycopus europaea and Myosotis scorpioides. There are breeding sedge warblers at this end of the drain. Other species seen include common blue damselflies and hawker sp. dragonflies. It is very likely that other aquatic invertebrates of interest are present. NB. the drain at Upton Mill itself was noted in 1985 as having a more than usually good mollusc diversity, with more than 20 species recorded. An unusually diverse hedgeline for this area, offering a valuable addition to the Nene Valley habitats. Boundary Changes 25/04/2013 Site extends from SP705594 to SP721591

Duston Flood Channel

Administrative areas: Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northampton(E District (74-))

Status(es): PWS

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Duston Flood Channel


Site

N1218

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005: This site is a section of the Duston Flood Channel. It was visited briefly in August, at which time the water 2005: This site is a section of the Duston Flood Channel. It was visited briefly in August, at which time the water was clear and the banks supported a reasonably diverse wetland flora. The site was visited again in September to carry out a survey but at this time, west of the bridge at SP742597, the bank-side vegetation had been cut

2005: This site is a section of the Duston Flood Channel. It was visited briefly in August, at which time the water was clear and the banks supported a reasonably diverse wetland flora. The site was visited again in September to carry out a survey but at this time, west of the bridge at SP742597, the bank-side vegetation had been cut and the water was murky and scummy with brown algae; east of the bridge the channel was less scummy but

2005: This site is a section of the Duston Flood Channel. It was visited briefly in August, at which time the water was clear and the banks supported a reasonably diverse wetland flora. The site was visited again in September to carry out a survey but at this time, west of the bridge at SP742597, the bank-side vegetation had been cut and the water was murky and scummy with brown algae; east of the bridge the channel was less scummy but not diverse and not of CWS quality. Therefore a full survey was not carried out. This site needs to be surveyed before cutting to assess it against the CWS criteria.

Description:



0

Page 1 05/02/2013

Duston Gravel Pit


Status(es): County Wildlife Site

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Duston Gravel Pit


Site

N724

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005: This is a recently flooded gravel pit between the Nene and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union 2005: This is a recently flooded gravel pit between the Nene and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The margins hold some swamp vegetation but it is unlikely to qualify as a CWS for its botanical interest. However, the site will meet the recommendations for the revision of the non-breeding birds section of the

2005: This is a recently flooded gravel pit between the Nene and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The margins hold some swamp vegetation but it is unlikely to qualify as a CWS for its botanical interest. However, the site will meet the recommendations for the revision of the non-breeding birds section of the criteria: more than 0.1% of the 3 year mean with a minimum of 5 individuals of great-crested grebes.

2005: This is a recently flooded gravel pit between the Nene and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The margins hold some swamp vegetation but it is unlikely to qualify as a CWS for its botanical interest. However, the site will meet the recommendations for the revision of the non-breeding birds section of the criteria: more than 0.1% of the 3 year mean with a minimum of 5 individuals of great-crested grebes.This site qualifies as a CWS because it contains more than 0.1% of the British population of wintering great-crested grebes.



2009 Update


2009 Update

This was a quite large and fairly newly flooded gravel pit with most of the site being standing water. There was a


2009 Update

This was a quite large and fairly newly flooded gravel pit with most of the site being standing water. There was a narrow and patchy swamp fringe around the edge, which was frequently interrupted by small bushy willows.


2009 Update


On the sloping banks and the level ground above there was a variety of dry grassland plants, often reasonably


2009 Update


On the sloping banks and the level ground above there was a variety of dry grassland plants, often reasonably species-rich but also with frequent coarser grassland. It seems likely that wildflower seeds were spread here, as


2009 Update


On the sloping banks and the level ground above there was a variety of dry grassland plants, often reasonably species-rich but also with frequent coarser grassland. It seems likely that wildflower seeds were spread here, as is often the case where Chicory is found.


2009 Update



The only aquatic plant found in the gravel pit was locally abundant Nuttall's Pondweed Elodea nuttallii. The steepness of the pit edges was such that there was only room for a narrow swamp fringe. This was mostly


2009 Update



The only aquatic plant found in the gravel pit was locally abundant Nuttall's Pondweed Elodea nuttallii. The steepness of the pit edges was such that there was only room for a narrow swamp fringe. This was mostly Common Reed Phragmites australis but it was occasionally replaced by Branched Bur-reed Sparganium


2009 Update



The only aquatic plant found in the gravel pit was locally abundant Nuttall's Pondweed Elodea nuttallii. The steepness of the pit edges was such that there was only room for a narrow swamp fringe. This was mostly Common Reed Phragmites australis but it was occasionally replaced by Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum or Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima. Much rarer were patches of Bulrush Schoenoplectus lacustris, Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia and Reedmace Typha latifolia. Plants of the swamp understorey were rather


2009 Update



The only aquatic plant found in the gravel pit was locally abundant Nuttall's Pondweed Elodea nuttallii. The steepness of the pit edges was such that there was only room for a narrow swamp fringe. This was mostly Common Reed Phragmites australis but it was occasionally replaced by Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum or Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima. Much rarer were patches of Bulrush Schoenoplectus lacustris, Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia and Reedmace Typha latifolia. Plants of the swamp understorey were rather scarce but there was occasional Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides, Brooklime Veronica beccabunga,


2009 Update



The only aquatic plant found in the gravel pit was locally abundant Nuttall's Pondweed Elodea nuttallii. The steepness of the pit edges was such that there was only room for a narrow swamp fringe. This was mostly Common Reed Phragmites australis but it was occasionally replaced by Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum or Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima. Much rarer were patches of Bulrush Schoenoplectus lacustris, Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia and Reedmace Typha latifolia. Plants of the swamp understorey were rather scarce but there was occasional Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides, Brooklime Veronica beccabunga, Gypsywort Lycopus europaeus, Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus uliginosus, Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria and a few others.


2009 Update




In the zone between swamp vegetation and dry grassland on the quite steeply sloping banks there was locally


2009 Update




In the zone between swamp vegetation and dry grassland on the quite steeply sloping banks there was locally frequent Soft Rush Juncus effusus, Hard Rush J. inflexus, Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea and Water


2009 Update




In the zone between swamp vegetation and dry grassland on the quite steeply sloping banks there was locally frequent Soft Rush Juncus effusus, Hard Rush J. inflexus, Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea and Water Chickweed Myosoton aquaticum. Small willows were locally abundant around the water's edge, and they often shaded out the swamp communities. Grey Willow Salix cinerea and Osier S. viminalis were the main species,


2009 Update




In the zone between swamp vegetation and dry grassland on the quite steeply sloping banks there was locally frequent Soft Rush Juncus effusus, Hard Rush J. inflexus, Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea and Water Chickweed Myosoton aquaticum. Small willows were locally abundant around the water's edge, and they often shaded out the swamp communities. Grey Willow Salix cinerea and Osier S. viminalis were the main species, together with occasional Crack Willow Salix fragilis and some Golden Willow Salix alba vitellina.


2009 Update





On the upper banks and on the level ground at the edges, there was various dry grasslands. This was often


2009 Update





On the upper banks and on the level ground at the edges, there was various dry grasslands. This was often quite fine and could be considered as MG1a and the richer MG1e grassland. The tall False Oat-grass


2009 Update





On the upper banks and on the level ground at the edges, there was various dry grasslands. This was often quite fine and could be considered as MG1a and the richer MG1e grassland. The tall False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata were joined by locally abundant Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra, Wild Carrot Daucus carota, Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus,


2009 Update





On the upper banks and on the level ground at the edges, there was various dry grasslands. This was often quite fine and could be considered as MG1a and the richer MG1e grassland. The tall False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata were joined by locally abundant Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra, Wild Carrot Daucus carota, Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus, Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare and several others. Remnants of the earlier ruderal vegetation were shown in occasional Bristly Oxtongue Picris echioides, Colt's-foot Tussilago farfara and Mugwort Artemisia


2009 Update





On the upper banks and on the level ground at the edges, there was various dry grasslands. This was often quite fine and could be considered as MG1a and the richer MG1e grassland. The tall False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata were joined by locally abundant Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra, Wild Carrot Daucus carota, Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus, Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare and several others. Remnants of the earlier ruderal vegetation were shown in occasional Bristly Oxtongue Picris echioides, Colt's-foot Tussilago farfara and Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris.


2009 Update






The grassland was often much coarser though, with stands of tall Hemlock Conium maculatum, Teasel


2009 Update






The grassland was often much coarser though, with stands of tall Hemlock Conium maculatum, Teasel Dipsacus fullonum, Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and Nettle Urtica dioica.


2009 Update







Various shrubs and young trees grew on the drier ground around the gravel pit and most, if not all had clearly


2009 Update







Various shrubs and young trees grew on the drier ground around the gravel pit and most, if not all had clearly been planted. Species included Hazel Corylus avellana and Dogwood Cornus sanguineus.


2009 Update








Indicator Species


2009 Update








Indicator Species

Though not extensive, the swamp fringe of this gravel pit held seven plants from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh


2009 Update








Indicator Species

Though not extensive, the swamp fringe of this gravel pit held seven plants from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh indicator species list, and a further seven plants from the Submerged, Floating and Emergent plant list. A few of


2009 Update








Indicator Species

Though not extensive, the swamp fringe of this gravel pit held seven plants from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh indicator species list, and a further seven plants from the Submerged, Floating and Emergent plant list. A few of these were rather rare but this does bring the site close to LWS quality.


2009 Update








Indicator Species


In the dry grassland of the upper gravel pit slopes and the level ground above, five neutral to calcareous


2009 Update








Indicator Species


In the dry grassland of the upper gravel pit slopes and the level ground above, five neutral to calcareous indicator species were found, along with one further plant from the calcareous indicator list. Some of this may have originated from planted seed but it is developing into nice grassland communities in places. The main


2009 Update








Indicator Species


In the dry grassland of the upper gravel pit slopes and the level ground above, five neutral to calcareous indicator species were found, along with one further plant from the calcareous indicator list. Some of this may have originated from planted seed but it is developing into nice grassland communities in places. The main NVC communities here would be the poorer MG1a grassland with abundant False Oat Grass and Red Fescue, and the richer MG1e community where the previous two grasses are joined by Common Knapweed Centaurea


2009 Update








Indicator Species


In the dry grassland of the upper gravel pit slopes and the level ground above, five neutral to calcareous indicator species were found, along with one further plant from the calcareous indicator list. Some of this may have originated from planted seed but it is developing into nice grassland communities in places. The main NVC communities here would be the poorer MG1a grassland with abundant False Oat Grass and Red Fescue, and the richer MG1e community where the previous two grasses are joined by Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra and a few other indicators.


2009 Update








Indicator Species



Although not a great example of a Northamptonshire gravel pit this site qualifies as an LWS as it contains


2009 Update








Indicator Species



Although not a great example of a Northamptonshire gravel pit this site qualifies as an LWS as it contains greater than 0.1% of the over-wintering UK population of Great Crested Grebe.

Description:

Page 1 05/02/2013



114

Page 2 05/02/2013

Duston Mill Fields


Status(es): PWS

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Duston Mill Fields


Site

N1202

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005: This site comprises two fields separated by a drain. The field to the north of the drain is low-lying with a 2005: This site comprises two fields separated by a drain. The field to the north of the drain is low-lying with a varied sward and reasonably diverse flora but not sufficient to meet CWS criteria. Management probably involves an occasional cut; this site might be a flood storage area. The southern field is part of the same field as

2005: This site comprises two fields separated by a drain. The field to the north of the drain is low-lying with a varied sward and reasonably diverse flora but not sufficient to meet CWS criteria. Management probably involves an occasional cut; this site might be a flood storage area. The southern field is part of the same field as Duston Mill Fields South.

2005: This site comprises two fields separated by a drain. The field to the north of the drain is low-lying with a varied sward and reasonably diverse flora but not sufficient to meet CWS criteria. Management probably involves an occasional cut; this site might be a flood storage area. The southern field is part of the same field as Duston Mill Fields South.

Description:



12

Page 1 25/04/2013

Duston Mill Fields South


Status(es): PWS

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Duston Mill Fields South


Site

N1219

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005 Survey2005 Survey

This field is part of one of the fields in Duston Mill Fields. This part of the field is lower-lying and wetter. The

2005 Survey

This field is part of one of the fields in Duston Mill Fields. This part of the field is lower-lying and wetter. The drain is species-rich with the following species: Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum, Carex riparia, Carex riparia, Filipendula ulmaria, Glyceria maxima, Juncus effuses, Juncus inflexus, Lythrum salicaria, Mentha

2005 Survey

This field is part of one of the fields in Duston Mill Fields. This part of the field is lower-lying and wetter. The drain is species-rich with the following species: Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum, Carex riparia, Carex riparia, Filipendula ulmaria, Glyceria maxima, Juncus effuses, Juncus inflexus, Lythrum salicaria, Mentha aquatica, Phalaris arundinacea, Scrophularia auriculata, Sparganium erectum, Sonchus arvensis and Typha

2005 Survey

This field is part of one of the fields in Duston Mill Fields. This part of the field is lower-lying and wetter. The drain is species-rich with the following species: Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum, Carex riparia, Carex riparia, Filipendula ulmaria, Glyceria maxima, Juncus effuses, Juncus inflexus, Lythrum salicaria, Mentha aquatica, Phalaris arundinacea, Scrophularia auriculata, Sparganium erectum, Sonchus arvensis and Typha latifoliia.

2005 Survey


The species diversity gradually decreases moving north-wards along the drain.

2005 Survey



The grassland between the drain and the canal bank is marshy and was flooded at the time of the site visit. The following species were recorded in a brief look: Carex hirta, Epilobium hirsutum, Lotus pedunculatus, Potentilla

2005 Survey



The grassland between the drain and the canal bank is marshy and was flooded at the time of the site visit. The following species were recorded in a brief look: Carex hirta, Epilobium hirsutum, Lotus pedunculatus, Potentilla anserina and Rumex acetosa.

2005 Survey




Further survey is required to confirm whether this site qualifies as a CWS for both the drain and the marshy

2005 Survey




Further survey is required to confirm whether this site qualifies as a CWS for both the drain and the marshy grassland.

Description:



29

Page 1 25/04/2013


Site Name: Duston Mill Meadow Site Code: N678 Status: LWS Other Designations: Wildlife Trust Reserve, Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP729598 Area (ha): 1.3 District: Northampton Site History: 22/07/1994 LWS 18/07/2007 LWS 09/10/2014 LWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Grassland, Wetland BAP Habitat: Lowland Meadow, Rivers Reason for Designation: A wet meadow and mill race on the banks of the River Nene, across which 10 wetland and 8 meadow species were recorded. From the wetter parts of the meadow and the adjacent river arm, 9 plants from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh indicators were recorded, along with a further 10 marginal species, whilst in the the drier grassland areas, 6 neutral grassland indicators were found. Site Description: 03/06/2014 A Wildlife Trust reserve on low-lying ground beside a branch of the river Nene, and crossed by a public footpath in the south. A large pipe covered with earth also crossed in the south and then ran parallel to the western edge. The field was wettest in the east where there were stands of swamp vegetation, and somewhat drier to the west and north-west where rush-pasture was more abundant. Some drier grassland was found on the pipeline and its slopes. The branch of the river forming the southern boundary of the site was with a selection of aquatic and emergent plants. It was fenced off from the rest of the site with a fenced cattle-drink present Most heavily grazed at this time were the sweet-grasses Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima and Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria Fluitans. In the east there was quite a lot of Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia swamp, and smaller amounts of Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima swamp. Areas where stands of Common Sedge Carex nigra and Brown Sedge Carex disticha were previously recorded were particularly heavily grazed. Both species were still present but it was difficult to decide on their abundance. Very locally abundant Common Spike-rush Eleocharis palustris was also present at low abundance. Rush-pasture was often more abundant in the north and centre of the site, with Soft Rush Juncus effusus most abundant, with lesser amounts of Hard Rush Juncus inflexus and Jointed Rush Juncus articulatus. Here there was also grassland with abundant Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera, while Marsh Fox-tail Alopecurus geniculatus was occasional beside the remnants of ditches. Access to the river in the south was rather difficult. There was quite frequent Common Water-starwort Callitriche stagnalis at the cattle-drink, from where could be seen stands of dominant Common


Reedmace Typha latifolia and Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum. Among this was more scattered Yellow water-lily Nuphar lutea. The drier grassland had typical plants such as rare Common Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus, rather more frequent White Clover Trifolium repens and Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea. Swifts Apus apus fed overhead, Kestrels Falco tinnunculus were nesting in a hollow tree and a Cuckoo Cuculus canorus was present. 09/06/2005 The main interest here was in the wetland parts of the site, the grassland areas being rather species poor. A small, low-lying meadow to the north of an old branch of the river Nene and with a raised bank to the west and south, which concealed a drainage pipe. The higher ground and the slope down to the river are dominated by coarse grassland with abundant False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata and Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, occasionally with Hairy Sedge Carex hirta growing below, along with locally abundant Common Nettle Urtica dioica and Greater Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum. There was also locally frequent sprawling Cleavers Galium aparine, with the northern edge of the field having locally abundant nettle and Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.. Within the main meadow, much of the ground to the south and west was rather species poor with abundant Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, beneath which were occasional Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, Hairy Sedge, Silverweed Potentilla anserina and Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa. Common Sorrel became locally abundant toward the western edge of the field. This vegetation also held locally frequent False Oat-grass and Cock's-foot toward the edges. The meadow became damper to the east and north, where there were areas dominated by Soft Rush Juncus effusus, Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima, Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia and Lesser Pond-sedge Carex acutiflorus. There was a large patch of Brown Sedge Carex disticha near the northern edge of the site, amongst which were scattered plants of Common Spikerush Eleocharis palustris and Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile, and patches where Silverweed, Rough-stalked Meadow-grass Poa trivialis and Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus were abundant. The site was most wet near its eastern edge, and here several plants, including locally frequent Common Sedge Carex nigra, had formed small tussocks, probably as a result of fluctuating water levels. There were also the ghosts of old streams or ditches where the damper ground held locally abundant Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans and Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera. Tussocks of Common Sedge occurred at the edges of some of these. The wetter parts of this meadow hold a good diversity of species. 22/07/1994 A small wet field with areas of sedge swamp, rank grassland and tussocks. the areas nearest the river tend to be dominated by thistles and MG1 grassland, with frequent stinging nettles. Towards the edge of Stortons gravel pits (the east side of the field) the vegetation forms patches dominated by tussocks of Deschampsia cespitosa and Juncus effusus and/or J. inflexus, or by stands of sedges. There are areas of single-species swamp dominated by stands of Carex disticha, C. acutiformis, C. panicea, Eleocharis palustris and Glyceria maxima. Carex hirta, C. flacca and C. riparia also occur, throughout the grassland and next to the river respectively. The course of a (now-dry) drain across the field is marked by low vegetation dominated by Agrostis stolonifera and Alopecurus geniculatus. Other species present throughout the above vegetation types include Galium palustre, Lotus uliginosus, Glyceria fluitans, Stellaria graminea, Phalaris arundinacea and Potentilla anserina. Favoured by dragonflies and damselflies and a potential snipe field, but appearing rather dry at present, with some areas plainly having lost the sedges etc that form the main interest of the site. Further drying out could lead to all of the site becoming dominated by thistles and rank grassland, as is possibly starting to happen. This part of the Nene Valley is rapidly dwindling as a natural habitat due to the encroachment of development, so this small fragment of wet meadow has additional significance as an example of a


now-scarce habitat type. It appears to need some attention to prevent further deterioration of the wetland interest. Boundary Changes 06/02/2014 This site now encorporates Duston Mill Race, which provides additonal habitat along the meadow bank. Related Site Information Duston Mill Race, Historical Duston Mill Race 22/07/1994 A short stretch of the River Nene which broadens into a derelict millpool next to the ruins of Duston Mill. All of the river in the area is of some value as wildlife habitat, but this area has particularly good aquatic vegetation that supports dragonflies and damselflies. Emergent plants include Lycopus europaeus, Glyceria maxima and Sparganium erectum. Submerged species include Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Elodea canadensis, Nuphar lutea, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Potamogeton lucens, Callitriche stagnalis and submerged Galium palustre. Great Aeshna dragonflies, common blue damselflies and blue-tailed damselflies were all frequent over the pool, feeding off large numbers of smaller insects which may have been attracted by the shallow, muddy edges of the pool, or possibly by the large, broken crack willow pollards on the banks. The old pollards are neglected and parts have split or fallen open, providing a useful habitat for invertebrates. They may also provide a hibernation site for amphibians in the pool. The east stretch of this site has the much faster water of the main course of the river as it comes off the weir. This also has emergent vegetation, and the faster water supports Ranunculus fluviatilis in addition to the species above. 1998 Update In summer, 1997, the Environment Agency carried out dredging work on the watercourse behind the pumping station. Late 97/early 98 saw a complete re-working of the whole of the drain and millpool area west of the Duston Mill Lane bridge, reducing the whole site to bare mud and a completely new channel. This part of the site has had to be taken off the list, but the little stretch of water alongside the meadow to the east of the bridge remains a CWS. The diversity of the river will be particularly important for the remaining wildlife of the area. This site was chosen as the most botanically diverse stretch in the immediate area. 15/06/2005 Survey information is confidential 11/07/2013 A short section of a Nene backwater, with a good quantity of marginal, emergent and aquatic vegetation. Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima dominated the emergents, with much of the banks shaded by willow salix sp, ash Fraxinus excelsior and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. The vegetation progresses out into the channel, which also has a good quantity of yellow water-lily Nuphar lutea. There is plenty of stonewort Characeae sp in the channel. This was a good site for kingfishers Alcedo atthis and dragonflies. Most of the site was inaccessible to survey, but provided an excellent sheltered spot for wildlife. To the north of the backwater is Duston Mill Meadow reserve, whilst to the south is an area of ruderal vegetation in between the backwater and the main Nene channel. The site is an excellent site for wildlife and makes an excellent addition to the adjacent Duston Mill Meadow reserve. The site is becoming over-shaded, which also adds to its seclusion, with the open areas providing the best habitat.

Duston West Meadow



Site/Subsite hierarchy: Duston West Meadow


Site

(N/22.7.96 ) N679

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

A dry, rather sandy pasture, heavily rabbit-grazed. The sward is more or less homogeneous except for a swathe A dry, rather sandy pasture, heavily rabbit-grazed. The sward is more or less homogeneous except for a swathe of almost-bare, disturbed vegetation along the path of the recently-dug gas pipeline along the west edge of the field. There are faint ridge and furrow marks over the rest of the site, running north-south. Species present

A dry, rather sandy pasture, heavily rabbit-grazed. The sward is more or less homogeneous except for a swathe of almost-bare, disturbed vegetation along the path of the recently-dug gas pipeline along the west edge of the field. There are faint ridge and furrow marks over the rest of the site, running north-south. Species present include abundant Agrostis capillaris with Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Holcus lanatus. This was

A dry, rather sandy pasture, heavily rabbit-grazed. The sward is more or less homogeneous except for a swathe of almost-bare, disturbed vegetation along the path of the recently-dug gas pipeline along the west edge of the field. There are faint ridge and furrow marks over the rest of the site, running north-south. Species present include abundant Agrostis capillaris with Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Holcus lanatus. This was once more varied, and still has Holcus-dominated grassland over the south end and shorter, finer, Agrostis-dominated herb-rich turf at the north end. Herb species include Galium verum, Sanguisorba officinalis, Stellaria

A dry, rather sandy pasture, heavily rabbit-grazed. The sward is more or less homogeneous except for a swathe of almost-bare, disturbed vegetation along the path of the recently-dug gas pipeline along the west edge of the field. There are faint ridge and furrow marks over the rest of the site, running north-south. Species present include abundant Agrostis capillaris with Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Holcus lanatus. This was once more varied, and still has Holcus-dominated grassland over the south end and shorter, finer, Agrostis-dominated herb-rich turf at the north end. Herb species include Galium verum, Sanguisorba officinalis, Stellaria graminea, Carex hirta, Rumex acetosa, Lotus corniculatus and L. pedunculatus, Potentilla reptans, P. anserina, P. erecta, Lathyrus pratensis, Geranium dissectum and a small amount of Gnaphalium uliginosum and Juncus

A dry, rather sandy pasture, heavily rabbit-grazed. The sward is more or less homogeneous except for a swathe of almost-bare, disturbed vegetation along the path of the recently-dug gas pipeline along the west edge of the field. There are faint ridge and furrow marks over the rest of the site, running north-south. Species present include abundant Agrostis capillaris with Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Holcus lanatus. This was once more varied, and still has Holcus-dominated grassland over the south end and shorter, finer, Agrostis-dominated herb-rich turf at the north end. Herb species include Galium verum, Sanguisorba officinalis, Stellaria graminea, Carex hirta, Rumex acetosa, Lotus corniculatus and L. pedunculatus, Potentilla reptans, P. anserina, P. erecta, Lathyrus pratensis, Geranium dissectum and a small amount of Gnaphalium uliginosum and Juncus bufonius on the disturbed ground. Ringlet, small skipper and common blue butterflies were all frequent.



2005 Update


2005 Update

Much of this meadow is rather herb-poor although patches are richer with sufficient neutral grassland indicators


2005 Update

Much of this meadow is rather herb-poor although patches are richer with sufficient neutral grassland indicators to meet the CWS criteria. The site is currently unmanaged and is in need of some grazing, without which the


2005 Update

Much of this meadow is rather herb-poor although patches are richer with sufficient neutral grassland indicators to meet the CWS criteria. The site is currently unmanaged and is in need of some grazing, without which the interest of the site will soon be lost. There is a small amount of grazing by rabbits of the site.

The meadow is surrounded by defunct hedgerows of mature trees and tall shrubs; these are not stock-proof.


2005 Update


The meadow is surrounded by defunct hedgerows of mature trees and tall shrubs; these are not stock-proof. Dry drains run beneath some of the hedgerows; the drain along the southern edge was still damp and is


2005 Update


The meadow is surrounded by defunct hedgerows of mature trees and tall shrubs; these are not stock-proof. Dry drains run beneath some of the hedgerows; the drain along the southern edge was still damp and is possibly wet for most of the year.


2005 Update



This meadow meets the CWS selection criteria for neutral grassland, holding eight neutral grasland indicator


2005 Update



This meadow meets the CWS selection criteria for neutral grassland, holding eight neutral grasland indicator species including two strong indicators.


2005 Update





2005 Update




2011 Update

The site consists of a neutral grassland on rather vague ridge and furrow, with a ditch on the south-eastern


2005 Update




2011 Update

The site consists of a neutral grassland on rather vague ridge and furrow, with a ditch on the south-eastern


2005 Update




2011 Update

The site consists of a neutral grassland on rather vague ridge and furrow, with a ditch on the south-eastern boundary and a raised bund at the south-western edge.

The main area of grassland had a selection of typical meadow plants, including Creeping Bent Agrostis


2005 Update




2011 Update


The main area of grassland had a selection of typical meadow plants, including Creeping Bent Agrostis capillaris, Meadow Fox-tail Alopecurus pratensis, Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus, Tormentil Potentilla erecta and Great Burnet Sanguisorba


2005 Update




2011 Update


The main area of grassland had a selection of typical meadow plants, including Creeping Bent Agrostis capillaris, Meadow Fox-tail Alopecurus pratensis, Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus, Tormentil Potentilla erecta and Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis. The coarser grasses False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata were


2005 Update




2011 Update


The main area of grassland had a selection of typical meadow plants, including Creeping Bent Agrostis capillaris, Meadow Fox-tail Alopecurus pratensis, Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus, Tormentil Potentilla erecta and Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis. The coarser grasses False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata were scattered over the field but never really abundant. Close to the northern edge there was some local disturbance by rabbits and it was here that Yarrow Achillea millefolium and Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum were most


2005 Update




2011 Update


The main area of grassland had a selection of typical meadow plants, including Creeping Bent Agrostis capillaris, Meadow Fox-tail Alopecurus pratensis, Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus, Tormentil Potentilla erecta and Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis. The coarser grasses False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata were scattered over the field but never really abundant. Close to the northern edge there was some local disturbance by rabbits and it was here that Yarrow Achillea millefolium and Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum were most frequent.


2005 Update




2011 Update



The drought of early 2011 had left the grassland looking rather parched with the rather vague ridge and furrow


2005 Update




2011 Update



The drought of early 2011 had left the grassland looking rather parched with the rather vague ridge and furrow being highlighted by the taller, more lush vegetation in the furrows. In the furrows Meadow Vetchling was more abundant, along with very locally frequent Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, while the ridges were


2005 Update




2011 Update



The drought of early 2011 had left the grassland looking rather parched with the rather vague ridge and furrow being highlighted by the taller, more lush vegetation in the furrows. In the furrows Meadow Vetchling was more abundant, along with very locally frequent Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, while the ridges were where Bird's-foot Trefoil and Tormentil Potentilla erecta were found.


2005 Update




2011 Update




The bund held a coarser and more mixed vegetation with tall Nettle Urtica dioica and Creeping Thistle Cirsium


2005 Update




2011 Update




The bund held a coarser and more mixed vegetation with tall Nettle Urtica dioica and Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense growing alongside finer plants, especially Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea. Hogweed Heracleum


2005 Update




2011 Update




The bund held a coarser and more mixed vegetation with tall Nettle Urtica dioica and Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense growing alongside finer plants, especially Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea. Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium was locally abundant on the bund.

Small patches of Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria occurred, mostly toward the edge of the field, while a small


2005 Update




2011 Update





Small patches of Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria occurred, mostly toward the edge of the field, while a small patch of Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia spread out from the ditch near the south-east corner of the field, and


2005 Update




2011 Update





Small patches of Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria occurred, mostly toward the edge of the field, while a small patch of Greater Pond-sedge Carex riparia spread out from the ditch near the south-east corner of the field, and along here there was a little Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima in the rather heavily shaded ditch.


2005 Update




2011 Update






The field has been reduced in size slightly since the last survey, as a little land in the north has been lost to the Country Park. The field now has a new wire fence on the inner side of the defunct hedgerows. The field has


2005 Update




2011 Update






The field has been reduced in size slightly since the last survey, as a little land in the north has been lost to the Country Park. The field now has a new wire fence on the inner side of the defunct hedgerows. The field has been mown or grazed since the last survey and now has a finer sward with typical meadow plants more


2005 Update




2011 Update






The field has been reduced in size slightly since the last survey, as a little land in the north has been lost to the Country Park. The field now has a new wire fence on the inner side of the defunct hedgerows. The field has been mown or grazed since the last survey and now has a finer sward with typical meadow plants more abundant.


2005 Update




2011 Update







There was a little bare ground where rabbits were most active and ant hills were rare. The site probably floods in the winter from the ditch along the southern boundary. The site is open to cattle grazing the surrounding fields


2005 Update




2011 Update







There was a little bare ground where rabbits were most active and ant hills were rare. The site probably floods in the winter from the ditch along the southern boundary. The site is open to cattle grazing the surrounding fields which are replaced by sheep later in the summer.


2005 Update




2011 Update








The meadow qualifies as a LWS as nine neutral grassland indicator species were found here, including the


2005 Update




2011 Update








The meadow qualifies as a LWS as nine neutral grassland indicator species were found here, including the strong indicators Tormentil and Great Burnet in a grassland with many elements of MG4 grassland.


2005 Update




2011 Update









2012


2005 Update




2011 Update









2012

Boundary Change: North boundary reduced as part of site lost to country park. Area reduced from 3.19ha to

Description:

Page 1 25/04/2013

2.84ha.2.84ha.2.84ha.2.84ha.2.84ha.



122

Page 2 25/04/2013

Duston West Wood

Administrative areas: Northampton(E District (74-))Northampton(E District (74-))Duston(Civil Parish)

Status(es): PWS

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Duston West Wood


Site

N1334

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005 Survey2005 Survey

A band of woodland to the west of the meadow. This is a deciduous woodland with mature oak standards. The

2005 Survey

A band of woodland to the west of the meadow. This is a deciduous woodland with mature oak standards. The shrub layer includes elder (Sambucus nigra) and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). The field-layer is

2005 Survey

A band of woodland to the west of the meadow. This is a deciduous woodland with mature oak standards. The shrub layer includes elder (Sambucus nigra) and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). The field-layer is predominantly nettle (Urtica dioica), also patches of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), occasional red campion (Silene dioica). There are some flooded small linear pits within the wood (about 2 metres by 0.5 metres) and

2005 Survey

A band of woodland to the west of the meadow. This is a deciduous woodland with mature oak standards. The shrub layer includes elder (Sambucus nigra) and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). The field-layer is predominantly nettle (Urtica dioica), also patches of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), occasional red campion (Silene dioica). There are some flooded small linear pits within the wood (about 2 metres by 0.5 metres) and other boggy areas; these held common duckweed (Lemna minor) and various bryophytes. There has been

2005 Survey

A band of woodland to the west of the meadow. This is a deciduous woodland with mature oak standards. The shrub layer includes elder (Sambucus nigra) and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). The field-layer is predominantly nettle (Urtica dioica), also patches of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), occasional red campion (Silene dioica). There are some flooded small linear pits within the wood (about 2 metres by 0.5 metres) and other boggy areas; these held common duckweed (Lemna minor) and various bryophytes. There has been recent planting of oaks and shrubs; it might be used as a timber source.

2005 Survey

A band of woodland to the west of the meadow. This is a deciduous woodland with mature oak standards. The shrub layer includes elder (Sambucus nigra) and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). The field-layer is predominantly nettle (Urtica dioica), also patches of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), occasional red campion (Silene dioica). There are some flooded small linear pits within the wood (about 2 metres by 0.5 metres) and other boggy areas; these held common duckweed (Lemna minor) and various bryophytes. There has been recent planting of oaks and shrubs; it might be used as a timber source.

A patch of woodland surveyed alongside the meadow in 2005, but no species list was produced, so it has become a PWS.

Description:



1

Page 1 09/06/2014

Grand Union Canal - Northampton Arm

Administrative areas: Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northampton(E District (74-))Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northampton(E District (74-))Northamptonshire(GB Vice-County)

Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northampton(E District (74-))Northamptonshire(GB Vice-County)Wootton(Civil Parish)

Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northampton(E District (74-))Northamptonshire(GB Vice-County)Wootton(Civil Parish)Milton Malsor(Civil Parish)


Site/Subsite hierarchy: Grand Union Canal - Northampton Arm


Site

S561

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots,

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank)

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5.

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5. The canal on either side of the A45 bridge is more or less the most varied for both Odonata and plants. Aeshna mixta and A.grandis both breeding, both very common here. Emergent and submerged vegetation includes

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5. The canal on either side of the A45 bridge is more or less the most varied for both Odonata and plants. Aeshna mixta and A.grandis both breeding, both very common here. Emergent and submerged vegetation includes Valeriana officinalis, abundant Saggittaria sagittifolia, Nuphar lutea (occasional along most of the arm), Alisma lanceolata (county rarity), A. plantago-aquatica, Impatiens capensis and all the species mentioned above. The

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5. The canal on either side of the A45 bridge is more or less the most varied for both Odonata and plants. Aeshna mixta and A.grandis both breeding, both very common here. Emergent and submerged vegetation includes Valeriana officinalis, abundant Saggittaria sagittifolia, Nuphar lutea (occasional along most of the arm), Alisma lanceolata (county rarity), A. plantago-aquatica, Impatiens capensis and all the species mentioned above. The lack of boat traffic and necessarily low speed of passing craft have probably greatly benefitted the submerged

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5. The canal on either side of the A45 bridge is more or less the most varied for both Odonata and plants. Aeshna mixta and A.grandis both breeding, both very common here. Emergent and submerged vegetation includes Valeriana officinalis, abundant Saggittaria sagittifolia, Nuphar lutea (occasional along most of the arm), Alisma lanceolata (county rarity), A. plantago-aquatica, Impatiens capensis and all the species mentioned above. The lack of boat traffic and necessarily low speed of passing craft have probably greatly benefitted the submerged vegetation and emergent fringe respectively. 6. Blackwood Hodge works - Cotton End. Most of the vegetation is good, but liter and pollution are a problem especially by the factories leading up to Cotton End. A broad `bay' of

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5. The canal on either side of the A45 bridge is more or less the most varied for both Odonata and plants. Aeshna mixta and A.grandis both breeding, both very common here. Emergent and submerged vegetation includes Valeriana officinalis, abundant Saggittaria sagittifolia, Nuphar lutea (occasional along most of the arm), Alisma lanceolata (county rarity), A. plantago-aquatica, Impatiens capensis and all the species mentioned above. The lack of boat traffic and necessarily low speed of passing craft have probably greatly benefitted the submerged vegetation and emergent fringe respectively. 6. Blackwood Hodge works - Cotton End. Most of the vegetation is good, but liter and pollution are a problem especially by the factories leading up to Cotton End. A broad `bay' of Glyceria maxima fringes the end of the canal just before the river. This arm of the Grand Union Canal has the

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5. The canal on either side of the A45 bridge is more or less the most varied for both Odonata and plants. Aeshna mixta and A.grandis both breeding, both very common here. Emergent and submerged vegetation includes Valeriana officinalis, abundant Saggittaria sagittifolia, Nuphar lutea (occasional along most of the arm), Alisma lanceolata (county rarity), A. plantago-aquatica, Impatiens capensis and all the species mentioned above. The lack of boat traffic and necessarily low speed of passing craft have probably greatly benefitted the submerged vegetation and emergent fringe respectively. 6. Blackwood Hodge works - Cotton End. Most of the vegetation is good, but liter and pollution are a problem especially by the factories leading up to Cotton End. A broad `bay' of Glyceria maxima fringes the end of the canal just before the river. This arm of the Grand Union Canal has the best diversity of common aquatic and submerged species of all the canals in Northants - although it lacks the one-off rarities of the Crick stretch. One county rarity, Alisma lanceolata, is present although in small numbers.

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5. The canal on either side of the A45 bridge is more or less the most varied for both Odonata and plants. Aeshna mixta and A.grandis both breeding, both very common here. Emergent and submerged vegetation includes Valeriana officinalis, abundant Saggittaria sagittifolia, Nuphar lutea (occasional along most of the arm), Alisma lanceolata (county rarity), A. plantago-aquatica, Impatiens capensis and all the species mentioned above. The lack of boat traffic and necessarily low speed of passing craft have probably greatly benefitted the submerged vegetation and emergent fringe respectively. 6. Blackwood Hodge works - Cotton End. Most of the vegetation is good, but liter and pollution are a problem especially by the factories leading up to Cotton End. A broad `bay' of Glyceria maxima fringes the end of the canal just before the river. This arm of the Grand Union Canal has the best diversity of common aquatic and submerged species of all the canals in Northants - although it lacks the one-off rarities of the Crick stretch. One county rarity, Alisma lanceolata, is present although in small numbers. Increased boat traffic is likely in a year or so, following which the flora may be adversely affected. Until then the

This narrow arm of the Grand Union connects the main Grand Union Canal with the River Nene via Northampton City. Despite its usefulness as a throughfare the locks are neglected and frequently stopped and the waterway at the city end has litter hazards and and rampant aquatic vegetation; on the whole it seems the waterway is not used. The Milton Malsor/Gayton end is much better maintained. NB, 17 locks drop this canal from 100m to 61m; the Nene end is 60m. From south to north 1.A marina at Gayton is the start of the arm. After the main mooring areas the canal is well hedged up to the Milton Malsor lock house. All the mooring areas along this part seem to have caused less loss of emergent vegetation than might have been expected. 2. Milton Malsor locks (a short flight) have mown paths, tended by the lock-keeper. A broad strip of emergent vegetation on the east side contains Lythrum salicaria, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica, Sparganium ramosum, Impatiens capensis, Stachys palustris and most of the species commonly found in emergent canal habitats. The structure of Glyceria maxima swamp - Carex riparia - Iris and Sparganium - shorter herbs - meadow species is one of the best examples of canalside vegetation forming a distinctive, consistent habitat of graded vegetation. Coots, moorhens, common frogs, common newts and a variety of Odonata were using this habitat during the time of the survey. The west side of the canal has a patchy hawthorn hedge and tall emergent herbage, providing a variety of habitats in combination with the east bank. 3. This staircase/series of locks leads down to the bridge over the M1 where the short wooded section of western bank gives way to fields. Here both edges of the canal have a 2-3m strip of emergent vegetation. The west is mostly dominated by Carex riparia, Sparganium sp. or Glyceria maxima. East banks have more variety including frequent Rumex hydrolapathum. The east (towpath) side has a tall hedgehedge for part of hedge for part of the stretch. 4. From the lock south of the A45 (Hunsbury roundabout) and Rothersthorpe Road bridge, the canal narrows slightly. The hedges are taller, the emergent vegetation slightly narrower but more varied. The west edge borders a strip of rough pasture. The thick fringes of emergent vegetation are dominated by Typha angustifolia, Carex acutiformis, Glyceria maxima (east bank) and Sparganium and Glyceria (west bank). This area is heavily fished, the path gravelled for easier access. 5. The canal on either side of the A45 bridge is more or less the most varied for both Odonata and plants. Aeshna mixta and A.grandis both breeding, both very common here. Emergent and submerged vegetation includes Valeriana officinalis, abundant Saggittaria sagittifolia, Nuphar lutea (occasional along most of the arm), Alisma lanceolata (county rarity), A. plantago-aquatica, Impatiens capensis and all the species mentioned above. The lack of boat traffic and necessarily low speed of passing craft have probably greatly benefitted the submerged vegetation and emergent fringe respectively. 6. Blackwood Hodge works - Cotton End. Most of the vegetation is good, but liter and pollution are a problem especially by the factories leading up to Cotton End. A broad `bay' of Glyceria maxima fringes the end of the canal just before the river. This arm of the Grand Union Canal has the best diversity of common aquatic and submerged species of all the canals in Northants - although it lacks the one-off rarities of the Crick stretch. One county rarity, Alisma lanceolata, is present although in small numbers. Increased boat traffic is likely in a year or so, following which the flora may be adversely affected. Until then the present level of management seems to suit the site .... although the mowing around locks is too heavy to encourage meadow species. Partially dredged 1994-95.




2005 Update


2005 Update

This branch of the canal was surveyed from the canal towpath, part of a long-distance public footpath.


2005 Update


This arm of the canal runs from the main canal near Gayton to join the river Nene near the centre of


2005 Update


This arm of the canal runs from the main canal near Gayton to join the river Nene near the centre of Northampton. It is less heavily used than the main canal, but a steady stream of boats was passing along it


2005 Update


This arm of the canal runs from the main canal near Gayton to join the river Nene near the centre of Northampton. It is less heavily used than the main canal, but a steady stream of boats was passing along it during the survey. A large selection of aquatic, swamp and grassland plants was found, the most notable being the county rarities hemlock water-dropwort and long-stalked pondweed; the county occasionals fan-leaved


2005 Update


This arm of the canal runs from the main canal near Gayton to join the river Nene near the centre of Northampton. It is less heavily used than the main canal, but a steady stream of boats was passing along it during the survey. A large selection of aquatic, swamp and grassland plants was found, the most notable being the county rarities hemlock water-dropwort and long-stalked pondweed; the county occasionals fan-leaved water-crowfoot and grass-wrack pondweed.


2005 Update



Gayton marina lies at the southern end of the site, while the Northampton end was being redeveloped at the


2005 Update



Gayton marina lies at the southern end of the site, while the Northampton end was being redeveloped at the time of the survey with blocks of flats springing up immediately adjacent to the canal. The towpath is on the eastern side of the canal and was well used by fishermen during the survey, pedestrians and cyclists, while on


2005 Update



Gayton marina lies at the southern end of the site, while the Northampton end was being redeveloped at the time of the survey with blocks of flats springing up immediately adjacent to the canal. The towpath is on the eastern side of the canal and was well used by fishermen during the survey, pedestrians and cyclists, while on the much less accessible western side occurs undisturbed swamp that was being used by breeding birds such


2005 Update



Gayton marina lies at the southern end of the site, while the Northampton end was being redeveloped at the time of the survey with blocks of flats springing up immediately adjacent to the canal. The towpath is on the eastern side of the canal and was well used by fishermen during the survey, pedestrians and cyclists, while on the much less accessible western side occurs undisturbed swamp that was being used by breeding birds such as sedge warblers. Shrubs, mainly hawthorn, frequently overhang the canal, and this habitat has been shown to be important for nesting and roosting birds.


2005 Update





2005 Update




Immediately north of the Gayton marina a narrow strip of swamp vegetation frequently flanks either side of the canal, this occasionally broadens out to wider areas of swamp in places such as passing bays in the lock flight;

Description:

Page 1 05/02/2013

but with swamp occasionally being absent where the bank had been strengthened. The swamp vegetation is but with swamp occasionally being absent where the bank had been strengthened. The swamp vegetation is very mixed with sedges (Caex spp.), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), reedmace (Typha latifolia) and bur-reeds (Sparganium erectum and S. emersum) forming a canopy beneath which plants such as meadow

but with swamp occasionally being absent where the bank had been strengthened. The swamp vegetation is very mixed with sedges (Caex spp.), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), reedmace (Typha latifolia) and bur-reeds (Sparganium erectum and S. emersum) forming a canopy beneath which plants such as meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) and water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) grew. Often the gradation from

but with swamp occasionally being absent where the bank had been strengthened. The swamp vegetation is very mixed with sedges (Caex spp.), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), reedmace (Typha latifolia) and bur-reeds (Sparganium erectum and S. emersum) forming a canopy beneath which plants such as meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) and water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) grew. Often the gradation from path to swamp is so narrow that weed, grassland and even woodland species such as hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) grew among the swamp plants. Towards Northampton, some taller swamp in the form of

but with swamp occasionally being absent where the bank had been strengthened. The swamp vegetation is very mixed with sedges (Caex spp.), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), reedmace (Typha latifolia) and bur-reeds (Sparganium erectum and S. emersum) forming a canopy beneath which plants such as meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) and water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) grew. Often the gradation from path to swamp is so narrow that weed, grassland and even woodland species such as hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) grew among the swamp plants. Towards Northampton, some taller swamp in the form of quite large patches of reed (Phragmites australis) and smaller areas of bulrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris)

but with swamp occasionally being absent where the bank had been strengthened. The swamp vegetation is very mixed with sedges (Caex spp.), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), reedmace (Typha latifolia) and bur-reeds (Sparganium erectum and S. emersum) forming a canopy beneath which plants such as meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) and water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) grew. Often the gradation from path to swamp is so narrow that weed, grassland and even woodland species such as hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) grew among the swamp plants. Towards Northampton, some taller swamp in the form of quite large patches of reed (Phragmites australis) and smaller areas of bulrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) occur.


The water is quite turbid at both ends with few aquatics to be seen, although there are occasional patches of


The water is quite turbid at both ends with few aquatics to be seen, although there are occasional patches of locally abundant arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) and emergent water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile). In the lower parts of the lock flight though, and perhaps due to the constant flushing as water pours down the overflow


The water is quite turbid at both ends with few aquatics to be seen, although there are occasional patches of locally abundant arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) and emergent water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile). In the lower parts of the lock flight though, and perhaps due to the constant flushing as water pours down the overflow channels bypassing the locks, there is much clearer water where it was possible to see stoneworts growing on the canal bottom. Also growing here were locally frequent fennel pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), along


The water is quite turbid at both ends with few aquatics to be seen, although there are occasional patches of locally abundant arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) and emergent water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile). In the lower parts of the lock flight though, and perhaps due to the constant flushing as water pours down the overflow channels bypassing the locks, there is much clearer water where it was possible to see stoneworts growing on the canal bottom. Also growing here were locally frequent fennel pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), along with rarer but locally abundant plants of grass-wrack pondweed and long-stalked pondweed. The fast flowing


The water is quite turbid at both ends with few aquatics to be seen, although there are occasional patches of locally abundant arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) and emergent water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile). In the lower parts of the lock flight though, and perhaps due to the constant flushing as water pours down the overflow channels bypassing the locks, there is much clearer water where it was possible to see stoneworts growing on the canal bottom. Also growing here were locally frequent fennel pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), along with rarer but locally abundant plants of grass-wrack pondweed and long-stalked pondweed. The fast flowing overflow channels attracted feeding grey wagtails.



The well-trodden canal towpath was mainly close mown, occasionally made up of hardcore or metalled. Where



The well-trodden canal towpath was mainly close mown, occasionally made up of hardcore or metalled. Where mowing had been less frequent, a form of MG6 grassland with frequent crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) occurred, or this had succeeded to MG1 grassland with abundant false



The well-trodden canal towpath was mainly close mown, occasionally made up of hardcore or metalled. Where mowing had been less frequent, a form of MG6 grassland with frequent crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) occurred, or this had succeeded to MG1 grassland with abundant false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata). In the area of the lock flight, the wider



The well-trodden canal towpath was mainly close mown, occasionally made up of hardcore or metalled. Where mowing had been less frequent, a form of MG6 grassland with frequent crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) occurred, or this had succeeded to MG1 grassland with abundant false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata). In the area of the lock flight, the wider areas of grassland had been tightly mown but taller and flowering plants of many grassland herbs were present at the very edges of the canal. These included several associated with neutral to calcareous grassland such as



The well-trodden canal towpath was mainly close mown, occasionally made up of hardcore or metalled. Where mowing had been less frequent, a form of MG6 grassland with frequent crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) occurred, or this had succeeded to MG1 grassland with abundant false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata). In the area of the lock flight, the wider areas of grassland had been tightly mown but taller and flowering plants of many grassland herbs were present at the very edges of the canal. These included several associated with neutral to calcareous grassland such as bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), fairy flax (Linum perenne), rough hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), greater



The well-trodden canal towpath was mainly close mown, occasionally made up of hardcore or metalled. Where mowing had been less frequent, a form of MG6 grassland with frequent crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) occurred, or this had succeeded to MG1 grassland with abundant false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata). In the area of the lock flight, the wider areas of grassland had been tightly mown but taller and flowering plants of many grassland herbs were present at the very edges of the canal. These included several associated with neutral to calcareous grassland such as bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), fairy flax (Linum perenne), rough hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa), meadow oat-grass (Helictotrichon pratense), sheep's fescue (Festuca ovina), lady's bedstraw (Galium verum) and glaucous sedge (Carex flacca).




The brickwork of the locks provided a niche for wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) and black spleenwort




The brickwork of the locks provided a niche for wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) and black spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum), as well as some less expected plants such as lesser water-parsnip (Berula




The brickwork of the locks provided a niche for wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) and black spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum), as well as some less expected plants such as lesser water-parsnip (Berula erecta) and hairy sedge (Carex hirta). Abundant dragonflies and damselflies were seen during the survey.





This site qualifies as a county wildlife site on several counts:






A total of 35 submerged, floating and emergent native species was recorded in this survey and a further 30






A total of 35 submerged, floating and emergent native species was recorded in this survey and a further 30 species from the other wetland and riparian plants list. Thirteen of these are listed as Fen, Swamp, and Marsh Indicators, including two strong indicators: slender tufted-sedge (Carex acuta) and tussock-sedge (C.






A total of 35 submerged, floating and emergent native species was recorded in this survey and a further 30 species from the other wetland and riparian plants list. Thirteen of these are listed as Fen, Swamp, and Marsh Indicators, including two strong indicators: slender tufted-sedge (Carex acuta) and tussock-sedge (C. paniculata).







The site supports more than three species of native pondweed.








It supports at least one species of stonewort.









It holds populations of several county rarities: narrow-leaved water-plantain (Alisma lanceolatum), hemlock









It holds populations of several county rarities: narrow-leaved water-plantain (Alisma lanceolatum), hemlock water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), long-stalked pondweed (Potamogeton praelongus), knotted pearlwort









It holds populations of several county rarities: narrow-leaved water-plantain (Alisma lanceolatum), hemlock water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), long-stalked pondweed (Potamogeton praelongus), knotted pearlwort (Sagina nodosa).

The bank-side vegetation also meets the CWS selection criteria for both neutral and calcareous grassland










The bank-side vegetation also meets the CWS selection criteria for both neutral and calcareous grassland habitats.











Other notable species found: fan-leaved water-crowfoot (Ranunculus circinatus) and grass-wrack pondweed











Other notable species found: fan-leaved water-crowfoot (Ranunculus circinatus) and grass-wrack pondweed (Potamogeton compressus) which is described in Aquatic Plants in Britain and Ireland (Preston and Croft 1997) as one of the most threatened pondweeds, in need of positive conservation measures to prevent extreme rarity











Other notable species found: fan-leaved water-crowfoot (Ranunculus circinatus) and grass-wrack pondweed (Potamogeton compressus) which is described in Aquatic Plants in Britain and Ireland (Preston and Croft 1997) as one of the most threatened pondweeds, in need of positive conservation measures to prevent extreme rarity or extinction. The identity of grass-wrack pondweed was confirmed by Alex Lockton. At this site the plant was











Other notable species found: fan-leaved water-crowfoot (Ranunculus circinatus) and grass-wrack pondweed (Potamogeton compressus) which is described in Aquatic Plants in Britain and Ireland (Preston and Croft 1997) as one of the most threatened pondweeds, in need of positive conservation measures to prevent extreme rarity or extinction. The identity of grass-wrack pondweed was confirmed by Alex Lockton. At this site the plant was growing in a situation similar to one of its typical habitats in the Montgomery arm of the Shropshire Grand Union Canal, as described in Aquatic Plants in Britain and Ireland: "growing in clear, moderately deep water, often in











Other notable species found: fan-leaved water-crowfoot (Ranunculus circinatus) and grass-wrack pondweed (Potamogeton compressus) which is described in Aquatic Plants in Britain and Ireland (Preston and Croft 1997) as one of the most threatened pondweeds, in need of positive conservation measures to prevent extreme rarity or extinction. The identity of grass-wrack pondweed was confirmed by Alex Lockton. At this site the plant was growing in a situation similar to one of its typical habitats in the Montgomery arm of the Shropshire Grand Union Canal, as described in Aquatic Plants in Britain and Ireland: "growing in clear, moderately deep water, often in aqueducts or other places where the flow is accelerated…".












Original file code S&N/6.9.91&SEPT.96












Original file code S&N/6.9.91&SEPT.96



350

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Hunsbury Hill Country Park


Status(es): Part LGSPart LGSLocal Wildlife Site

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Hunsbury Hill Country ParkHunsbury Hill Country Park....Hunsbury Green LaneHunsbury Hill Country Park....Hunsbury Green Lane....Hunsbury Hill Country Park subsite

Hunsbury Hill Country Park....Hunsbury Green Lane....Hunsbury Hill Country Park subsite....Hunsbury Ironstone Railway....Hunsbury Ironstone Gullet


Site

N810

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005: The complex meets the woodland section of the CWS criteria in that it holds 45 woodland species, 4 of 2005: The complex meets the woodland section of the CWS criteria in that it holds 45 woodland species, 4 of which are ancient woodland indicators.2005: The complex meets the woodland section of the CWS criteria in that it holds 45 woodland species, 4 of which are ancient woodland indicators.

2009 Update

2005: The complex meets the woodland section of the CWS criteria in that it holds 45 woodland species, 4 of which are ancient woodland indicators.

2009 UpdateThe park is currently recognised as a Local Wildlife Site. This means that it has been identified as being of county importance for biodiversity. The park was last surveyed in detail in 2005 by a Wildlife Trust surveyor.



The walkover survey carried out on 28th May sought to update the previous survey information and to identify



The walkover survey carried out on 28th May sought to update the previous survey information and to identify any opportunities for improved management of the park for biodiversity. A full species list was not produced.




The key habitats on the park are acid grassland, lowland meadow and woodland. All of these are UK and




The key habitats on the park are acid grassland, lowland meadow and woodland. All of these are UK and Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. The most significant of these is acid grassland as this




The key habitats on the park are acid grassland, lowland meadow and woodland. All of these are UK and Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. The most significant of these is acid grassland as this habitat has a restricted range in Northamptonshire. The acid grasslands on the site appeared to be the most botanically diverse from a quick glance. The true value of each of these habitats should be identified through




The key habitats on the park are acid grassland, lowland meadow and woodland. All of these are UK and Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. The most significant of these is acid grassland as this habitat has a restricted range in Northamptonshire. The acid grasslands on the site appeared to be the most botanically diverse from a quick glance. The true value of each of these habitats should be identified through detailed botanical surveying.





The combination of woodland and grassland habitats makes the site good for birds, but as yet this value is un-





The combination of woodland and grassland habitats makes the site good for birds, but as yet this value is un-quantified. It will be of benefit for a bird survey to be carried out on the park in order to help inform the ecological management plan.











Short mown and rabbit grazed grasslands:







The grasslands to the south and south-east of the fort, and on the fort itself appeared to have formed on acidic







The grasslands to the south and south-east of the fort, and on the fort itself appeared to have formed on acidic sandy soils, which overlay ironstone rock. Some of these areas are being mown and others are being grazed heavily by rabbits. The turf is short and a number of plant species are evident such as germander speedwell,







The grasslands to the south and south-east of the fort, and on the fort itself appeared to have formed on acidic sandy soils, which overlay ironstone rock. Some of these areas are being mown and others are being grazed heavily by rabbits. The turf is short and a number of plant species are evident such as germander speedwell, lesser stitchwort and small leaved crane's-bill(?).








The habitat provided in these areas is of county significance, and is currently being fairly well maintained by the








The habitat provided in these areas is of county significance, and is currently being fairly well maintained by the rabbits. Ideally the intensive mowing of some areas should be stopped or reduced to allow more plant species to flower and reproduce.

















Scrub and ragwort may need controlling periodically on these areas of grassland to prevent loss of the diverse open habitat.



















Lowland meadow habitat:











Areas of meadow-like habitat occur to the east of the fort and within the circular railway track.












The grassland within the railway track appears to have developed on sandy soil but the vegetation has been












The grassland within the railway track appears to have developed on sandy soil but the vegetation has been allowed to grow taller, resembling a meadow. This area of grassland is fairly diverse, and on the day of the walk over was full of butterflies and damselflies. This area would benefit from being managed as a meadow or from












The grassland within the railway track appears to have developed on sandy soil but the vegetation has been allowed to grow taller, resembling a meadow. This area of grassland is fairly diverse, and on the day of the walk over was full of butterflies and damselflies. This area would benefit from being managed as a meadow or from being grazed over winter. There is currently a layer of dead plant material on the ground beneath this year's












The grassland within the railway track appears to have developed on sandy soil but the vegetation has been allowed to grow taller, resembling a meadow. This area of grassland is fairly diverse, and on the day of the walk over was full of butterflies and damselflies. This area would benefit from being managed as a meadow or from being grazed over winter. There is currently a layer of dead plant material on the ground beneath this year's growth which should be removed by grazing or cutting and raking. More detailed survey work is required to determine the most appropriate method of management of this area.













To the east of the fort the grassland appears more nutrient rich and is dominated by rye grass and creeping













To the east of the fort the grassland appears more nutrient rich and is dominated by rye grass and creeping buttercup. The botanical diversity of this area is currently lower than other grasslands on the site. Long term













To the east of the fort the grassland appears more nutrient rich and is dominated by rye grass and creeping buttercup. The botanical diversity of this area is currently lower than other grasslands on the site. Long term management of this area as a hay meadow would encourage more wild flower species to colonise and grow here. In the long term the area could be seeded with wildflower seeds to increase the diversity artificially. The













To the east of the fort the grassland appears more nutrient rich and is dominated by rye grass and creeping buttercup. The botanical diversity of this area is currently lower than other grasslands on the site. Long term management of this area as a hay meadow would encourage more wild flower species to colonise and grow here. In the long term the area could be seeded with wildflower seeds to increase the diversity artificially. The management of this area could be combined with development into an area of traditional parkland, with native













To the east of the fort the grassland appears more nutrient rich and is dominated by rye grass and creeping buttercup. The botanical diversity of this area is currently lower than other grasslands on the site. Long term management of this area as a hay meadow would encourage more wild flower species to colonise and grow here. In the long term the area could be seeded with wildflower seeds to increase the diversity artificially. The management of this area could be combined with development into an area of traditional parkland, with native trees such as oak planted in it.














Tall ruderal:














Tall ruderal:

The area of tall vegetation around the school would mainly be classed as tall ruderal, with some pockets of














Tall ruderal:

The area of tall vegetation around the school would mainly be classed as tall ruderal, with some pockets of grassland. This area has obviously remained uncut and ungrazed for many years. Although the area is dominated by common 'weed' species such as thistle, bramble, nettle and rosebay willowherb, it will still be














Tall ruderal:

The area of tall vegetation around the school would mainly be classed as tall ruderal, with some pockets of grassland. This area has obviously remained uncut and ungrazed for many years. Although the area is dominated by common 'weed' species such as thistle, bramble, nettle and rosebay willowherb, it will still be providing food for insects and birds. The long term management of this area will take some thought.

Description:

Page 1 05/02/2013

Depending on the hydrology of this area it may be a good candidate for creation of a pond/s. Open water is fairly scarce on the site, so adding a new water feature will be of benefit to the diversity. Guidelines on pond Depending on the hydrology of this area it may be a good candidate for creation of a pond/s. Open water is fairly scarce on the site, so adding a new water feature will be of benefit to the diversity. Guidelines on pond creation should be taken from Pond Conservation.

Depending on the hydrology of this area it may be a good candidate for creation of a pond/s. Open water is fairly scarce on the site, so adding a new water feature will be of benefit to the diversity. Guidelines on pond creation should be taken from Pond Conservation.

Woodlands:


Woodlands:

There are no true areas of semi-natural woodland on the site. However, there are areas of dense sycamore and


Woodlands:

There are no true areas of semi-natural woodland on the site. However, there are areas of dense sycamore and silver birch plantation, narrow strips of non-native tree plantation, and sections such as the green lane which


Woodlands:

There are no true areas of semi-natural woodland on the site. However, there are areas of dense sycamore and silver birch plantation, narrow strips of non-native tree plantation, and sections such as the green lane which may have historic origins of woodland, but are now very narrow linear features containing mature trees, remnant hedgerows and scrub.


Woodlands:



Woodlands:


The existing 'woodland' areas of the park do not have a typical woodland structure and contain very limited ground flora, although over the entire area of the park 45 woodland species were recorded in 2005.


Woodlands:




Woodlands:



There is potential to restore a more natural structure and species composition to the plantations between the fort and the circular railway. This could be achieved by significantly thinning the plantations and then planting


Woodlands:



There is potential to restore a more natural structure and species composition to the plantations between the fort and the circular railway. This could be achieved by significantly thinning the plantations and then planting native shrubs and trees in some of the cleared areas. The aim should be for a W10 woodland (National Vegetation Classification), of pedunculate oak, silver birch, and hazel, with small amounts of holly, wild cherry


Woodlands:



There is potential to restore a more natural structure and species composition to the plantations between the fort and the circular railway. This could be achieved by significantly thinning the plantations and then planting native shrubs and trees in some of the cleared areas. The aim should be for a W10 woodland (National Vegetation Classification), of pedunculate oak, silver birch, and hazel, with small amounts of holly, wild cherry and crab apple. Bramble, bracken, honey suckle, wood anemone and bluebell are all typical species that might


Woodlands:



There is potential to restore a more natural structure and species composition to the plantations between the fort and the circular railway. This could be achieved by significantly thinning the plantations and then planting native shrubs and trees in some of the cleared areas. The aim should be for a W10 woodland (National Vegetation Classification), of pedunculate oak, silver birch, and hazel, with small amounts of holly, wild cherry and crab apple. Bramble, bracken, honey suckle, wood anemone and bluebell are all typical species that might naturally recolonise. A felling license is probably required for this work due to the significant amount of timber to be removed. The work may also be applicable for a grant through the English Woodland Grant Scheme


Woodlands:



There is potential to restore a more natural structure and species composition to the plantations between the fort and the circular railway. This could be achieved by significantly thinning the plantations and then planting native shrubs and trees in some of the cleared areas. The aim should be for a W10 woodland (National Vegetation Classification), of pedunculate oak, silver birch, and hazel, with small amounts of holly, wild cherry and crab apple. Bramble, bracken, honey suckle, wood anemone and bluebell are all typical species that might naturally recolonise. A felling license is probably required for this work due to the significant amount of timber to be removed. The work may also be applicable for a grant through the English Woodland Grant Scheme administered by the Forestry Commission.


Woodlands:




Work on the tree belts and other areas of woodland should be informed by the bird survey.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:

The Ironstone gullet is part of the Wildlife Site and also a Regionally Important Geological Site. The management of this should take place in consultation with the Northamptonshire RIGS group. Initial suggestions


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:

The Ironstone gullet is part of the Wildlife Site and also a Regionally Important Geological Site. The management of this should take place in consultation with the Northamptonshire RIGS group. Initial suggestions for the management of this area for wildlife would be to thin some of the bramble that is covering the rock face


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:

The Ironstone gullet is part of the Wildlife Site and also a Regionally Important Geological Site. The management of this should take place in consultation with the Northamptonshire RIGS group. Initial suggestions for the management of this area for wildlife would be to thin some of the bramble that is covering the rock face and to improve the ponds.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:


The ponds are heavily shaded and full of leaf matter and rubbish. Clearing out the litter and leaves should


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:


The ponds are heavily shaded and full of leaf matter and rubbish. Clearing out the litter and leaves should expose more open water. In order to maintain the open water the overhanging trees should be thinned to reduce shading.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:



Annual cutting back of the nettles along the base of the gullet will open up access and encourage less vigorous


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:



Annual cutting back of the nettles along the base of the gullet will open up access and encourage less vigorous plant species to grow.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:

The green lane shows remnants of old hedgerows including some mature ash and oak trees. In between the hedgerows are areas of scrub, tall grasses and ruderal vegetation, and short mown grass strips along the path.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:

The green lane shows remnants of old hedgerows including some mature ash and oak trees. In between the hedgerows are areas of scrub, tall grasses and ruderal vegetation, and short mown grass strips along the path. Garden plant species have spread into some sections of the green lane.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:


Removal of the non-native garden plants will be beneficial as these can have a tendency to dominate over


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:


Removal of the non-native garden plants will be beneficial as these can have a tendency to dominate over native vegetation.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:



In the 2005 survey changing forget-me-not, which is uncommon in Northamptonshire, was found at the eastern


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:



In the 2005 survey changing forget-me-not, which is uncommon in Northamptonshire, was found at the eastern end of the green lane past the fort. This plant likes dry, open grassland on sandy soils, which occur in and around the fort and on some of the grasslands in the park.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:




The hedges bordering the green lane would benefit from being properly identified, gaps replanted with


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:




The hedges bordering the green lane would benefit from being properly identified, gaps replanted with appropriate species, and then sections layed each year. Laying the hedges will prolong their lives and will


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:




The hedges bordering the green lane would benefit from being properly identified, gaps replanted with appropriate species, and then sections layed each year. Laying the hedges will prolong their lives and will maintain a more bushy growth which benefits bird and mammal species.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:





There has been concern that older trees are being felled but no provision is being made for their replacement in


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:





There has been concern that older trees are being felled but no provision is being made for their replacement in time. Young saplings of certainly ash were present along the green lane, and oak may also be present. Some of these saplings should be protected from cutting so that they can grow to become the next generation of mature


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:





There has been concern that older trees are being felled but no provision is being made for their replacement in time. Young saplings of certainly ash were present along the green lane, and oak may also be present. Some of these saplings should be protected from cutting so that they can grow to become the next generation of mature trees. A selection of young trees of various ages should be selected so that they mature at different stages.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:






Less frequent cutting of the grass along the path will benefit wildflowers as it will give them more opportunity to


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:






Less frequent cutting of the grass along the path will benefit wildflowers as it will give them more opportunity to flower and this will provide food for insects.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:








Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:







2011 UpdateA country park on the outskirts of Northampton, the site contains a mixture of grassland and woodland habitats


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:







2011 UpdateA country park on the outskirts of Northampton, the site contains a mixture of grassland and woodland habitats and is well used by the local public. Much of the grassland is species poor amenity grassland. This survey


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:







2011 UpdateA country park on the outskirts of Northampton, the site contains a mixture of grassland and woodland habitats and is well used by the local public. Much of the grassland is species poor amenity grassland. This survey focussed on the grassland areas of interest as identified in previous surveys.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:








Meadow 1 (SP736585)A species poor unmanaged meadow, which was very dry at the time of the survey with few herbs recorded, with


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:








Meadow 1 (SP736585)A species poor unmanaged meadow, which was very dry at the time of the survey with few herbs recorded, with the exception of frequent ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, yarrow Achillea millefolium and upright hedge


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:








Meadow 1 (SP736585)A species poor unmanaged meadow, which was very dry at the time of the survey with few herbs recorded, with the exception of frequent ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, yarrow Achillea millefolium and upright hedge parsley Torilis japonica. The grass sward is dominated by cocks-foot Dactylis glomerata, false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and there are frequent hawthorn Crataegus


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:








Meadow 1 (SP736585)A species poor unmanaged meadow, which was very dry at the time of the survey with few herbs recorded, with the exception of frequent ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, yarrow Achillea millefolium and upright hedge parsley Torilis japonica. The grass sward is dominated by cocks-foot Dactylis glomerata, false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and there are frequent hawthorn Crataegus monogyna saplings across the site. Overall the grassland is tussocky with a build-up of thatch below.


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:









To the centre of the site there is abundant creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, common vetch Vicia sativa and


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:









To the centre of the site there is abundant creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, common vetch Vicia sativa and hairy tare Vicia hirsute as well as frequent hawthorn scrub. There is increased rabbit grazing along the east and


Woodlands:





Ironstone Gullet:




Green Lane:









To the centre of the site there is abundant creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, common vetch Vicia sativa and hairy tare Vicia hirsute as well as frequent hawthorn scrub. There is increased rabbit grazing along the east and south boundaries causing a much shorter and species rich sward. Within this was abundant sheep's sorrel Rumex acetosella and mouse-ear hawkweed Pilosella officinarum, suggesting the overall site could increase in

Page 2 05/02/2013

diversity should appropriate management be introduced.diversity should appropriate management be introduced.

Tall ruderal vegetation was frequent around most of the boundary including rosebay willowherb Chamerion

diversity should appropriate management be introduced.

Tall ruderal vegetation was frequent around most of the boundary including rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium and nettle Urtica dioica.



To the east of the field ragwort Senecio jacobaea and yarrow Achillea millefolium becomes much more



To the east of the field ragwort Senecio jacobaea and yarrow Achillea millefolium becomes much more abundant.




The site is bounded by the railway line on all sides, between which is a (non-stockproof) post and wire fence.




The site is bounded by the railway line on all sides, between which is a (non-stockproof) post and wire fence. There is plenty of birdsong from the surrounding trees which line the railway line, predominantly oak Quercus robur and hawthorn.









A large number of grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, butterflies and moths were recorded across the field as well as common blue damselflies Enallagma cyathigerum. A large number of small skippers Thymelicus sylvestris





A large number of grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, butterflies and moths were recorded across the field as well as common blue damselflies Enallagma cyathigerum. A large number of small skippers Thymelicus sylvestris and meadow browns Maniola jurtina were recorded, as well as a hawker dragonfly.






Meadow 2 (SP739585)






Meadow 2 (SP739585)This grassland has a little more interest than the surrounding amenity grassland, with rabbit grazing providing a variety of shorter and longer grassland areas. There were fairly frequent herbs including creeping buttercup






Meadow 2 (SP739585)This grassland has a little more interest than the surrounding amenity grassland, with rabbit grazing providing a variety of shorter and longer grassland areas. There were fairly frequent herbs including creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, white clover






Meadow 2 (SP739585)This grassland has a little more interest than the surrounding amenity grassland, with rabbit grazing providing a variety of shorter and longer grassland areas. There were fairly frequent herbs including creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, white clover Trifolium repens and germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys. Dock Rumex obtusifolius and ragwort Senecio jacobaea were occasional. The areas of longer grassland were very species poor, with frequent false-






Meadow 2 (SP739585)This grassland has a little more interest than the surrounding amenity grassland, with rabbit grazing providing a variety of shorter and longer grassland areas. There were fairly frequent herbs including creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, white clover Trifolium repens and germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys. Dock Rumex obtusifolius and ragwort Senecio jacobaea were occasional. The areas of longer grassland were very species poor, with frequent false-oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius.







Fort grassland (SP738584)







Fort grassland (SP738584)This is a short rabbit grazed grassland, with frequent herbs including creeping buttercup, white clover and selfheal Prunella vulgaris. Slender Veronica filiformis and thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia are also







Fort grassland (SP738584)This is a short rabbit grazed grassland, with frequent herbs including creeping buttercup, white clover and selfheal Prunella vulgaris. Slender Veronica filiformis and thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia are also fairly frequent across the site alongside common mouse-ear and lesser stitchwort. There were occasional







Fort grassland (SP738584)This is a short rabbit grazed grassland, with frequent herbs including creeping buttercup, white clover and selfheal Prunella vulgaris. Slender Veronica filiformis and thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia are also fairly frequent across the site alongside common mouse-ear and lesser stitchwort. There were occasional patches of ragwort and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare but the grassland was generally controlled by rabbit grazing. The grassland is surrounded by steep embankments with developing woodland, predominantly oak,







Fort grassland (SP738584)This is a short rabbit grazed grassland, with frequent herbs including creeping buttercup, white clover and selfheal Prunella vulgaris. Slender Veronica filiformis and thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia are also fairly frequent across the site alongside common mouse-ear and lesser stitchwort. There were occasional patches of ragwort and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare but the grassland was generally controlled by rabbit grazing. The grassland is surrounded by steep embankments with developing woodland, predominantly oak, ash and hawthorn with bare ground beneath. The grassland margins have a thin boundary of tall ruderal







Fort grassland (SP738584)This is a short rabbit grazed grassland, with frequent herbs including creeping buttercup, white clover and selfheal Prunella vulgaris. Slender Veronica filiformis and thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia are also fairly frequent across the site alongside common mouse-ear and lesser stitchwort. There were occasional patches of ragwort and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare but the grassland was generally controlled by rabbit grazing. The grassland is surrounded by steep embankments with developing woodland, predominantly oak, ash and hawthorn with bare ground beneath. The grassland margins have a thin boundary of tall ruderal vegetation. There are anthills to the eastern side of the grassland.








Woodland








WoodlandThe main woodland area is planted woodland with dense lines of sycamore, norway maple and silver birch, with little growing beneath. There is more natural woodland along the path edges and scattered across the site, with








WoodlandThe main woodland area is planted woodland with dense lines of sycamore, norway maple and silver birch, with little growing beneath. There is more natural woodland along the path edges and scattered across the site, with frequent large oak, and ash with typical hedgerow species below.









The site originally qualified as an LWS under the woodland criteria. The grasslands were the focus of this









The site originally qualified as an LWS under the woodland criteria. The grasslands were the focus of this survey and provide a useful habitat alongside the woodland. The site should therefore be retained as a LWS site is retained as a LWS until it is next fully surveyed.









The site originally qualified as an LWS under the woodland criteria. The grasslands were the focus of this survey and provide a useful habitat alongside the woodland. The site should therefore be retained as a LWS site is retained as a LWS until it is next fully surveyed.



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Page 3 05/02/2013


Site Name: Hunsbury Hill Spinney Site Code: N1049 Status: PWS Other Designations: Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP730588 Area (ha): 3.2 District: Northampton Site History: 18/08/1992 LWS 30/08/2007 PWS 17/09/2013 PWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Woodland BAP Habitat: Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland Reason for Designation: A small broadleaved spinney on the outskirts of Northampton, likely replanted and doesn’t contain an ancient woodland flora. Retained as a PWS, is on the first OS map, and is to start being managed by ACRE. Site Description: 14/05/2013 A predominantly sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and ash Fraxinus excelsior woodland, with occasional mature oaks Quercus robur and an understorey of hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and abundant elder Sambucus nigra. The ground flora suggests enrichment with abundant nettles Urtica dioica, cleavers Galium aparine and frequent red campion Silene dioica alongside areas of bare ground and dead wood. The boundary has signs of an old hedgerow, with some mature beeches Fagus sylvatica. To the south is a young deciduous plantation. Towards the southwest corner the woodland is much more open with a carpet of nettles, red campion and ground ivy Glechoma hederacea below mature ash trees. The pond is almost entirely dried out, with a small patch of muddy water and yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, whilst the rest of it is ruderal vegetation surrounded by thick bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. The ivy Hedera helix present on many of the trees provides a useful cover for bats, and there is a large bank of hedge garlic Alliaria petiolata on the western side. Alongside the dual carriageway is a young plantation of ash and beech. A deep dry ditch crosses the eastern portion of the site, running N-S. Above the ditch are more mature trees, below in the centre the vegetation is fairly dense, and predominantly elder but opens up towards the west. Two possible rides cross the site N-S and E-W, forming informal footpaths. A second pond is also dry and silted. 18/08/2005 This is a deciduous woodland on a west facing slope dominated by mature Ash Fraxinus excelsior and Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus with Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur more frequent on the lower slopes; many of the mature trees support scrambling Ivy Hedera helix which provides valuable summer roosting sites for species of bat. The canopy is dense, casting heavy shade and thus the field-layer is sparse. A steep-sided ditch runs through the woodland to a shaded, shallow, silty pond - again, vegetation is sparse here but it provides a very successful breeding site for Common Frogs Rana temporaria; at the time of the survey young frogs carpetted the ground around the pond. Another low-lying area, probably a dried pond, occurs in the south of the site - Yellow iris Iris pseudacorus grows here but it is dominated by Common Nettle Urtica dioica and Bramble Rubus


fruticosus agg.. This habitat holds good numbers of large, old mature Ash and Pedunculate Oak, and some very large old coppice stools of Ash and Sycamore. The north-east of the site is more recently planted woodland (probably planted sometime in the 1980s, and possibly in association with construction of the adjacent dual carriageway). An old boundary bank with large old stools of Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and Ash separates this from the mature woodland; this bank continues along the west and part of the south-east boundaries of the site. Particular features of wildlife value: Old deciduous trees - these can support a high diversity of native invertebrates; cracks and hollows in the trees, together with associated scrambling ivy, can provide bat-roosting sites. The woodland pond provides an additional valuable habitat; in addition to providing the excellent frog breeding site it could provide refuge for various aquatic invertebrates. Linkages to other features of wildlife value: The Grand Union Canal County Wildlife Site lies 200 metres to the north of the site and the Hunsbury Country Park County Wildlife Site lies about 300 metres to the south-east. Woodland north-east of the Hunsbury Centre buildings is separated from Hunsbury Hill Spinney by a row of trees and nettle beds. This site visit was not carried out at the best time of year for a woodland survey (which is late spring), therefore it is likely that some species will not have been recorded that may have earlier in the year but it is nevertheless unlikely that the site would qualify as a CWS for its woodland flora. However, the high numbers of mature trees is a very valuable feature and during the CWS review it will be proposed that this site be designated as a potential CWS with the view that there is potential for the site. 18/08/1992 A spinney dominated by mature oaks and ash, possibly on an ancient woodland site. There is also a small area of more recently planted oak to the south of the site. NB. The pond on the north side of the wood is written up separately as a subsite. The structure of this spinney is quite varied and consists of a more or less bare litter layer with scattered groundflora, a patchy scrub layer of old hawthorns, privet and field maple, and mature oak and ash standards with a few other tree species such as beech, holly, crab apple and sycamore. Groundflora species include Silene latifolia, Moehringia trinerva, Dryopteris filix-mas, occasional Pteridium aquilinum, Brachypodium sylvaticum and frequent patches of Mnium hornum. NB the small pond to the south of the site is now quite dry and mostly covered with moss, with a clump of hawthorn in the centre. In the very centre of the wood there are signs of badger activity and it may be that there is a newer sett in this wood that was overlooked - or that the disappearance of the surrounding grassland has meant the badgers no longer favour the site. This appears to be a neglected wood although it is not too overgrown. The groundflora is sparse but not particularly rank, and might not improve if the canopy was opened up, so it may be that this valuable undisturbed habitat should be left without management for longer. The pond might however need some attention. Boundary Changes 10/04/2014 Historical boundary information: Following the 2005 survey the original boundary area increased from 2.64ha to 3.21ha. Site was extended to the NW and SW and now includes Hunsbury Hill Spinney Pond Related Site Information Hunsbury Hill Spinney Pond, Historical Hunsbury Hill Spinney Pond


18/08/1992 A small pond in the Hunsbury Hill Spinney. Despite quite heavy shading this has a fairly dense, although not yet choking, vegetation. Species include Solanum dulcamara, Callitriche stagnalis, Veronica beccabunga, Lemna minor, Iris purpurea, Ranunculus lingua and a population of newts, apparently both great crested and smooth (this needs confirming). A dragonfly was seen and it seems likely that the invertebrate fauna here is good. A very nice woodland pond with apparently a good amphibian population - likely to have a good invertebrate fauna as well. It may be that this pond will need clearing at some point to stop it from choking up though.


Site Name: Kislingbury Field East Site Code: S1474 Status: PWS Other Designations: Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP702596 Area (ha): 13.1 District: South Northamptonshire Site History: 01/01/2005 PWS 20/11/2012 PWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Grassland Reason for Designation: A species poor wet grassland adjacent to the River Nene. Its not of LWS quality, but likely to be of value to birds and so has been retained as a PWS. Site Description: 20/07/2012 A large sheep grazed pasture adjacent to the River Nene. A bund, part of the flood defences, runs alongside the north (Nene) and west (village) boundaries of the site. The sports club forms the southern boundary. This was an undulating field, either ridge and furrow or old field drains and due to the wet summer, there were large areas of ponded water in the centre of the site. Around one fifth of the site was under water at the time of the survey. The grassland consisted of a heavily grazed semi-improved pasture with few herb species. Potentially of interest to wading birds and currently popular with greylag geese and black headed gulls. The herb content was low, but a good variety of finer grasses are in places. It is likely water moves up and down with the water table rather than floods onto the site. Boundary Changes 26/03/2013 The original PWS was split into two sites following the 2012 survey. Only the East site has been surveyed.


Site Name: Shelfleys Lake Site Code: N695 Status: LWS Other Designations: Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP731578 Area (ha): 1.8 District: Northampton Site History: 19/08/1992 LWS 09/07/2007 LWS 29/10/2014 LWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Grassland, Wetland Reason for Designation: A lake on the edge of Northampton with a wide marginal fringe of wetland vegetation. This site qualifies as a Wildlife Site with 11 wetland indicators recorded and supports a range of invertebrates. Site Description: 23/07/2014 The previous description still stands, although the water quality is perhaps slightly improved. The wide marginal fringe around nearly all of the lake holds a nice range of wetland plants. Some parts of the dry grassland, particularly in the south-west where the soil is thinner and more gravelly, hold some wild flowers as well. The small river channel that feeds the lake has very steep banks which are eroding. There are many holes in the banks, most likely from signal crayfish. Young fish were seen in the river at the time of the survey. Small fish were also seen in the lake. The lake is obviously well used by waterfowl, and people were visiting to feed them. 21/07/2005 This is a popular site in a town park. The banks are mostly gently sloping; unshaded sections (the majority of the west bank and parts of the north and south banks) support wide bands of wetland vegetation. Above the banks is mown improved grassland. The submerged aquatic flora, however, is very poor; this could be due to eutrophication by waterfowl faeces - waterfowl numbers are quite high and probably artificially so due to the levels of duck-feeding by the general public. The increase in eutrophication by waterfowl species results in reduced water oxygen levels and increased turbidity, thus aquatic invertebrates cannot breathe and aquatic plants cannot photosynthesise and the lake loses the ability to support aquatic species. 19/08/1992 A lake at the north end of the Wootton Brook Park at East Hunsbury, separated by a road into a pond and a larger lake to the north (although they are in fact joined under the road). The large lake has a fringe of vegetation including Glyceria maxima, Typha latifolia, Lycopus europaea, Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris, Stachys palustris, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica and Salix spp. This fringe is 3-5m broad in places, and crisscrossed with orb-spider webs, of which there are an enormous number. Other invertebrates also flourish, particularly damselflies. There seems to be a fish


population in the lake large enough to warrant angling, although it is unlikely to have been stocked. Both frogs and a toad were seen amongst the fringing vegetation at the time of survey. The main island has tall white and crack willows and a small amount of scrub, and is used by waterfowl including mallard, coot and mute swan. The smaller pond to the south of the road is joined to the lake, under the road, and is essentially the same habitat. It has a thick fringe of Glyceria maxima, Typha latifolia, Sparganium erectum and Salix spp. and like the bigger lake attracts damselflies. This site is likely to improve with time and does not seem to need any extra management at the moment. The grassland around the lake however is not currently being managed for its wildlife habitat potential and it would greatly improve the interest of the site if this were to change. Boundary Changes 23/05/2013 Grid ref changed from SP735576 to SP731578 as was not near the site

Storton's Gravel Pits

Administrative areas: Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northampton(E District (74-))Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northampton(E District (74-))Northamptonshire(GB Vice-County)

Status(es): Wildlife Trust ReserveWildlife Trust ReserveCounty Wildlife SiteWildlife Trust ReserveCounty Wildlife SiteLNR

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Storton's Gravel PitsStorton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lakeStorton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lake....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake and islands

Storton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lake....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake and islands....Storton's Gravel Pits: flood meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake surrounds

Storton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lake....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake and islands....Storton's Gravel Pits: flood meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake surrounds....Storton's Gravel Pits: Northern ditch and marsh

Storton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lake....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake and islands....Storton's Gravel Pits: flood meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake surrounds....Storton's Gravel Pits: Northern ditch and marsh....Storton's Gravel Pits: scrub meadow

Storton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lake....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake and islands....Storton's Gravel Pits: flood meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake surrounds....Storton's Gravel Pits: Northern ditch and marsh....Storton's Gravel Pits: scrub meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: central marsh

Storton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lake....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake and islands....Storton's Gravel Pits: flood meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake surrounds....Storton's Gravel Pits: Northern ditch and marsh....Storton's Gravel Pits: scrub meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: central marsh....Storton's Gravel Pits: North willow scrub....Storton's Gravel Pits: willow carr

Storton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lake....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake and islands....Storton's Gravel Pits: flood meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake surrounds....Storton's Gravel Pits: Northern ditch and marsh....Storton's Gravel Pits: scrub meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: central marsh....Storton's Gravel Pits: North willow scrub....Storton's Gravel Pits: willow carr....Storton's Gravel Pits: reedbed

Storton's Gravel Pits....Storton's Gravel Pits: middle lake....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake and islands....Storton's Gravel Pits: flood meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: Westlake surrounds....Storton's Gravel Pits: Northern ditch and marsh....Storton's Gravel Pits: scrub meadow....Storton's Gravel Pits: central marsh....Storton's Gravel Pits: North willow scrub....Storton's Gravel Pits: willow carr....Storton's Gravel Pits: reedbed....Storton's Gravel Pits: reedbed meadow and woodland


Site

N696

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, asparagus and a large and flourishing patch of a legume, probably fodder vetch or a lucerne cultivar. The diversity of more standard riparian species is fairly good, with frequent Angelica slkvestris,

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, asparagus and a large and flourishing patch of a legume, probably fodder vetch or a lucerne cultivar. The diversity of more standard riparian species is fairly good, with frequent Angelica slkvestris, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Equisetum palustre, Myosoton aquaticum, Glyceria fluitans, Potamogeton natans, P.

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, asparagus and a large and flourishing patch of a legume, probably fodder vetch or a lucerne cultivar. The diversity of more standard riparian species is fairly good, with frequent Angelica slkvestris, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Equisetum palustre, Myosoton aquaticum, Glyceria fluitans, Potamogeton natans, P. pectinatus, Veronica beccabunga, Carex acutiformis, Solanum dulcamara and Lycopus europaeus. The banks of the pits vary considerably, with a tangle of rank vegetation on the southeast hanks, dense scrub on much of

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, asparagus and a large and flourishing patch of a legume, probably fodder vetch or a lucerne cultivar. The diversity of more standard riparian species is fairly good, with frequent Angelica slkvestris, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Equisetum palustre, Myosoton aquaticum, Glyceria fluitans, Potamogeton natans, P. pectinatus, Veronica beccabunga, Carex acutiformis, Solanum dulcamara and Lycopus europaeus. The banks of the pits vary considerably, with a tangle of rank vegetation on the southeast hanks, dense scrub on much of the southwest side and ruderal and casual colonizers on the barest banks to the north. The scrub is particularly

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, asparagus and a large and flourishing patch of a legume, probably fodder vetch or a lucerne cultivar. The diversity of more standard riparian species is fairly good, with frequent Angelica slkvestris, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Equisetum palustre, Myosoton aquaticum, Glyceria fluitans, Potamogeton natans, P. pectinatus, Veronica beccabunga, Carex acutiformis, Solanum dulcamara and Lycopus europaeus. The banks of the pits vary considerably, with a tangle of rank vegetation on the southeast hanks, dense scrub on much of the southwest side and ruderal and casual colonizers on the barest banks to the north. The scrub is particularly diverse and offers very good cover for wildlife. Scrub species include hawthorn, goat sallow, white willow, dogrose, bramble, raspberry, birch, ash, crack willows, osier and frequent hops. On the banks are Conyza

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, asparagus and a large and flourishing patch of a legume, probably fodder vetch or a lucerne cultivar. The diversity of more standard riparian species is fairly good, with frequent Angelica slkvestris, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Equisetum palustre, Myosoton aquaticum, Glyceria fluitans, Potamogeton natans, P. pectinatus, Veronica beccabunga, Carex acutiformis, Solanum dulcamara and Lycopus europaeus. The banks of the pits vary considerably, with a tangle of rank vegetation on the southeast hanks, dense scrub on much of the southwest side and ruderal and casual colonizers on the barest banks to the north. The scrub is particularly diverse and offers very good cover for wildlife. Scrub species include hawthorn, goat sallow, white willow, dogrose, bramble, raspberry, birch, ash, crack willows, osier and frequent hops. On the banks are Conyza canadensis, Potentilla anserina, Urtica dioica, Ranunculus repens, Tussilago farfara, epilobium hirsutum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Conium maculatum, Rumex crispus, R. obtusifolius, Chamaerion angustifolium,

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, asparagus and a large and flourishing patch of a legume, probably fodder vetch or a lucerne cultivar. The diversity of more standard riparian species is fairly good, with frequent Angelica slkvestris, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Equisetum palustre, Myosoton aquaticum, Glyceria fluitans, Potamogeton natans, P. pectinatus, Veronica beccabunga, Carex acutiformis, Solanum dulcamara and Lycopus europaeus. The banks of the pits vary considerably, with a tangle of rank vegetation on the southeast hanks, dense scrub on much of the southwest side and ruderal and casual colonizers on the barest banks to the north. The scrub is particularly diverse and offers very good cover for wildlife. Scrub species include hawthorn, goat sallow, white willow, dogrose, bramble, raspberry, birch, ash, crack willows, osier and frequent hops. On the banks are Conyza canadensis, Potentilla anserina, Urtica dioica, Ranunculus repens, Tussilago farfara, epilobium hirsutum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Conium maculatum, Rumex crispus, R. obtusifolius, Chamaerion angustifolium, Melilotus officinalis, Cirsium arvensis and Amoracia rusticana. The lake supports dragonflies including Anax

A large area of interlinked flooded gravel pits on the outskirts of Northampton city. These vary in age, the southwest pits being the better established. All are surrounded by scrub and tall, riparian and ruderal vegetation, whilst the northernmost pit is more recently flooded and has a gravelly margin with ruderal species as well as young scrub. The various small promontories and islands around the margins of the lakes increase the edges available to wildlife and emergent vegetation alike. Species amongst the fringes of vegetation around the lake margins include Glyceria maxima, Alopecurus geniculatus, Typha latifolia, Salix alba, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus articulatus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Galeopsis tetrahit, a young osier patch and a large reedbed at the far east edge of the pits. Perhaps because of the proximity to the refuse tip, there is a large number of casual and introduced species dotted around the lake margins, including larkspur, Oxford ragwort, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, asparagus and a large and flourishing patch of a legume, probably fodder vetch or a lucerne cultivar. The diversity of more standard riparian species is fairly good, with frequent Angelica slkvestris, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Equisetum palustre, Myosoton aquaticum, Glyceria fluitans, Potamogeton natans, P. pectinatus, Veronica beccabunga, Carex acutiformis, Solanum dulcamara and Lycopus europaeus. The banks of the pits vary considerably, with a tangle of rank vegetation on the southeast hanks, dense scrub on much of the southwest side and ruderal and casual colonizers on the barest banks to the north. The scrub is particularly diverse and offers very good cover for wildlife. Scrub species include hawthorn, goat sallow, white willow, dogrose, bramble, raspberry, birch, ash, crack willows, osier and frequent hops. On the banks are Conyza canadensis, Potentilla anserina, Urtica dioica, Ranunculus repens, Tussilago farfara, epilobium hirsutum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Conium maculatum, Rumex crispus, R. obtusifolius, Chamaerion angustifolium, Melilotus officinalis, Cirsium arvensis and Amoracia rusticana. The lake supports dragonflies including Anax imperator, Libellula sp. and Aeshna mixta, and a large number of visiting birds. The fish density and diversity is reportedly good. This site is likely to improve as the pits and the marginal vegetation get better established.




2005 Update

This site is currently under large-scale re-structuring as part of urban development. It has not been assessed


2005 Update

This site is currently under large-scale re-structuring as part of urban development. It has not been assessed against the CWS criteria in 2005 for its botanical interest. However, it qualifies as a CWS on account of its


2005 Update

This site is currently under large-scale re-structuring as part of urban development. It has not been assessed against the CWS criteria in 2005 for its botanical interest. However, it qualifies as a CWS on account of its invertebrates diversity. Aquatic invertebrate surveys have been carried out in 2004 and 2005 although results from the 2005 surveys are not yet complete. The site may also qualify for its birdlife - counts are being made


2005 Update

This site is currently under large-scale re-structuring as part of urban development. It has not been assessed against the CWS criteria in 2005 for its botanical interest. However, it qualifies as a CWS on account of its invertebrates diversity. Aquatic invertebrate surveys have been carried out in 2004 and 2005 although results from the 2005 surveys are not yet complete. The site may also qualify for its birdlife - counts are being made and results will be available at a later date;


2005 Update


The specific criteria within the CWS Selection Guidelines that the site meets are as follows: any site with over one hundred invertebrates species recorded, and where two or more species are of national RDB or Na/Nb


2005 Update


The specific criteria within the CWS Selection Guidelines that the site meets are as follows: any site with over one hundred invertebrates species recorded, and where two or more species are of national RDB or Na/Nb


2005 Update


The specific criteria within the CWS Selection Guidelines that the site meets are as follows: any site with over one hundred invertebrates species recorded, and where two or more species are of national RDB or Na/Nb status, and where those species are associated wit sustainable habitats (7a).

Survey work undertaken May and June 2004 gave records of 364 invertebrates (2 RDB3, 1RDBK, 2Na, 1BAP,


2005 Update



Survey work undertaken May and June 2004 gave records of 364 invertebrates (2 RDB3, 1RDBK, 2Na, 1BAP, 25Nb, 3N, 30Local and 300 Common). Detailed survey work has also been carried out in May and June 2005


2005 Update



Survey work undertaken May and June 2004 gave records of 364 invertebrates (2 RDB3, 1RDBK, 2Na, 1BAP, 25Nb, 3N, 30Local and 300 Common). Detailed survey work has also been carried out in May and June 2005 but the survey results are not yet available.


2005 Update





2005 Update




Original file code N/1.9.92&SEPT.96


2005 Update




Original file code N/1.9.92&SEPT.96

Description:

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Swan Valley Meadow


Status(es): PWS

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Swan Valley Meadow


Site

N1203

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005: Viewed from a public bridle path, this was a site belonging to Swan Valley and comprised several quite 2005: Viewed from a public bridle path, this was a site belonging to Swan Valley and comprised several quite different habitats. 2005: Viewed from a public bridle path, this was a site belonging to Swan Valley and comprised several quite different habitats.

In the south of the site there was a quite large lake with an island, through which flowed the same brook as that

2005: Viewed from a public bridle path, this was a site belonging to Swan Valley and comprised several quite different habitats.

In the south of the site there was a quite large lake with an island, through which flowed the same brook as that which flows through some of the lakes of Collingtree golf course. The rest of the site was situated between this brook and the Northampton arm of the Grand Union canal.





A brief view of the lake produced 9 species from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh indicator species list. The presence of locally abundant galingale beside the lake does make the origin of some other species rather



A brief view of the lake produced 9 species from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh indicator species list. The presence of locally abundant galingale beside the lake does make the origin of some other species rather suspect, though many other swamp and wetland species could also be seen, including branched bur-reed



A brief view of the lake produced 9 species from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh indicator species list. The presence of locally abundant galingale beside the lake does make the origin of some other species rather suspect, though many other swamp and wetland species could also be seen, including branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum, marsh yellow-cress (Rorippa amphibian), water chickweed (Myosoton aquaticum) and others. The immediate edges of the lake also held grassland and wet grassland species such as wild carrot



A brief view of the lake produced 9 species from the Fen, Swamp and Marsh indicator species list. The presence of locally abundant galingale beside the lake does make the origin of some other species rather suspect, though many other swamp and wetland species could also be seen, including branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum, marsh yellow-cress (Rorippa amphibian), water chickweed (Myosoton aquaticum) and others. The immediate edges of the lake also held grassland and wet grassland species such as wild carrot (Daucus carota), meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) and tufted vetch (Vicia cracca).




Land between the lake and the bridle path in the south was neatly maintained. The path was regularly mown,




Land between the lake and the bridle path in the south was neatly maintained. The path was regularly mown, and there was an area of recently mown grassland punctuated by small enclosures of young trees such as




Land between the lake and the bridle path in the south was neatly maintained. The path was regularly mown, and there was an area of recently mown grassland punctuated by small enclosures of young trees such as white willow (Salix alba) and crack willow (S. fragilis). There were also occasional individual planted trees with memorial plaques. This grassland held locally abundant black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) as well as ribwort




Land between the lake and the bridle path in the south was neatly maintained. The path was regularly mown, and there was an area of recently mown grassland punctuated by small enclosures of young trees such as white willow (Salix alba) and crack willow (S. fragilis). There were also occasional individual planted trees with memorial plaques. This grassland held locally abundant black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) as well as ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), hard rush (Juncus inflexus), ox-eye daisy




Land between the lake and the bridle path in the south was neatly maintained. The path was regularly mown, and there was an area of recently mown grassland punctuated by small enclosures of young trees such as white willow (Salix alba) and crack willow (S. fragilis). There were also occasional individual planted trees with memorial plaques. This grassland held locally abundant black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) as well as ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), hard rush (Juncus inflexus), ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) and bedstraws (Galium species). In this area, and to the east of the bridle path, there was land gently rising to the higher level of the canal, and this grassland was




Land between the lake and the bridle path in the south was neatly maintained. The path was regularly mown, and there was an area of recently mown grassland punctuated by small enclosures of young trees such as white willow (Salix alba) and crack willow (S. fragilis). There were also occasional individual planted trees with memorial plaques. This grassland held locally abundant black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) as well as ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), hard rush (Juncus inflexus), ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) and bedstraws (Galium species). In this area, and to the east of the bridle path, there was land gently rising to the higher level of the canal, and this grassland was species poor.





Towards the northern end of the lake there was taller, unmanaged vegetation between the path and lake,





Towards the northern end of the lake there was taller, unmanaged vegetation between the path and lake, including abundant angelica (Angelica sylvestris) and water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) growing among nettle (Urtica dioica), orange balsam (Impatiens capensis), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and great willowherb





Towards the northern end of the lake there was taller, unmanaged vegetation between the path and lake, including abundant angelica (Angelica sylvestris) and water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) growing among nettle (Urtica dioica), orange balsam (Impatiens capensis), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum). There were also inaccessible patches of swamp here, which included a horsetail





Towards the northern end of the lake there was taller, unmanaged vegetation between the path and lake, including abundant angelica (Angelica sylvestris) and water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) growing among nettle (Urtica dioica), orange balsam (Impatiens capensis), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum). There were also inaccessible patches of swamp here, which included a horsetail (Equisetum sp.), water chickweed and sedges (Carex spp.).






To the north of the lake the path crossed the brook to leave the site to the west. North of here the remainder of






To the north of the lake the path crossed the brook to leave the site to the west. North of here the remainder of the site comprised a large area of unmanaged vegetation 2 metres or more tall where a mixture of plants grew. Great willowherb, angelica, hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) were






To the north of the lake the path crossed the brook to leave the site to the west. North of here the remainder of the site comprised a large area of unmanaged vegetation 2 metres or more tall where a mixture of plants grew. Great willowherb, angelica, hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) were abundant, along with occasional greater burdock (Arctium lappa), and through this struggled patches of marsh






To the north of the lake the path crossed the brook to leave the site to the west. North of here the remainder of the site comprised a large area of unmanaged vegetation 2 metres or more tall where a mixture of plants grew. Great willowherb, angelica, hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) were abundant, along with occasional greater burdock (Arctium lappa), and through this struggled patches of marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris) and water chickweed.






To the north of the lake the path crossed the brook to leave the site to the west. North of here the remainder of the site comprised a large area of unmanaged vegetation 2 metres or more tall where a mixture of plants grew. Great willowherb, angelica, hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) were abundant, along with occasional greater burdock (Arctium lappa), and through this struggled patches of marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris) and water chickweed.

At least some of this site is of County Wildlife Site quality, and permission should be obtained for a more thorough survey.

Description:



52

Page 1 18/12/2014


Site Name: Upton East Field Site Code: N1472 Status: LWS Other Designations: Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP721589 Area (ha): 6.6 District: Northampton Site History: 12/06/2012 PWS 19/11/2012 LWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Grassland BAP Habitat: Floodplain Grazing Marsh Reason for Designation: A wet grassland with wide ditches on the banks of the River Nene. The site had a good scattering of wetland plants and is popular with grass snakes. It qualifies as a LWS with 10 wetland indicators recorded, including 1 strong. Site Description: 12/06/2012 Low lying ground with the river Nene and a wide drainage channel on the eastern side. With a green-lane with abundant shrubs and trees on the western edge. The site, which was crossed by three narrow drains, was immediately to the east of Upton Mill South Lake. It gave the impression of being rarely disturbed. A lot of this site was under water at the time of this survey, some parts being really quite deep. The three drains held deep water at the time of survey, with the flooding making it rather difficult to see the drains in places. Present in the drains in small numbers were Carex riparia Greater Pond-sedge, Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass, Lemna minor Lesser Duckweed and Typha latifolia Reedmace. Locally frequent Salix cinerea Grey Willow and small Salix alba White Willow were inhibiting swamp growth in some places. The edge of the most southerly drain had a gappy rush-pasture edge with Juncus effusus Soft Rush and more frequent J. inflexus Hard Rush present. Persicaria amphibia Amphibious Bistort was quite frequent. Away from the rush-pasture there were small stands of Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag as well as Epilobium parviflorum Hoary Willowherb, Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife and Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort. Among these were lesser amounts of Cardamine pratensis Cuckoo Flower, Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw and others. There was a little Glyceria fluitans Floating Sweet-grass in the deepest part of this drain. The central drain had larger areas of Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass swamp associated with it, in one place stretching a few metres out into the grassland, as well as a tiny amount of Carex acuta Slender Tufted Sedge. Where the central and northern drains converged in the east, there was a patch of Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-grass. With this, Purple Loosestrife was locally very abundant. The northern drain also had sizeable stands of Reed Sweet-grass associated with it, as well as much smaller stands of Reed Canary-grass. There was a pond in the eastern corner of this site. Here were some larger stands of Greater Pond-sedge swamp, which in places was being invaded by Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle, Galium


aparine Cleavers and Urtica dioica Nettle. The pond edges had Grey Willow and S. viminalis Osier. On the open water of the pond was a little Nuphar lutea Yellow Water-lily. Reed Sweet-grass was present as a narrow strip along the south-eastern edge of the pond and around a small island and there was also a small amount of Schoenoplectus lacustris Bulrush. The grassland between the drains had locally abundant Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail, Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass, Elytrigia repens Couch Grass, Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog and less frequent Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort. The grassland had occasional wetland plants such as Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica, Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife, Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort and Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort growing well away from the drains. Among this were occasional to locally frequent Angelica sylvestris Angelica, Persicaria amphibia Amphibious Bistort, Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup and R. repens Creeping Buttercup. Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent was more abundant in the north. Areas without vegetation may have been flooded for a long period, but not enough for swamp communities to develop. At the edges here were plants such as Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh Fox-tail, Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent, Persicaria maculosa Redshank, Potentilla anserina Silverweed and Rumex crispus Curled Dock. Along the western edge of the site, Urtica dioica Nettle was often abundant, with frequent scrambling Galium aparine Cleavers. In the shade of the overhanging trees and shrubs beside the green lane though, there were also a few shade plants such as Red Campion Silene dioica and rare Ranunculus auricomus Goldilocks Buttercup. Prunus spinosa Blackthorn was occasionally suckering out from the hedge line. To the south of a wooden fence across the site, there was disturbed ground with abundant Elytrigia repens Couch Grass, Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock. There was also a small amount of Carex riparia Greater Pond-sedge growing on this disturbed ground also. However, close to a footpath at the south-east edge, there was a narrow strip of grassland with locally frequent Centaurea nigra Knapweed, Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw and Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy in what may be a seeded area. The strip was recently mown, with the cuttings removed. A strip of higher ground along the edge of the drain in the east grew locally abundant Conium maculatum Hemlock and Epilobium hirsutum Greater Willowherb, along with less frequent Arctium minus Lesser Burdock, Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle and nettle. Barbarea vulgaris Wintercress was also locally frequent. The slightly higher ground alongside the main river in the east had plants such as Dipsacus fullonum Teasel, Epilobium hirsutum Greater Willowherb and Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed. Grass snakes were frequent at this site. Reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers were breeding here. Birds using the flooded areas included Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Mallard.

Upton Mill Dyke

Administrative areas: Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Northamptonshire(E County (74-))Upton(Civil Parish)


Site/Subsite hierarchy: Upton Mill Dyke


Site

N685

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain and culvert). Unfortunately the west end of the dyke disappears into a culvert and the field drain to the west does not have anything like the same degree of interest, and in places has dried up. Species in the dyke

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain and culvert). Unfortunately the west end of the dyke disappears into a culvert and the field drain to the west does not have anything like the same degree of interest, and in places has dried up. Species in the dyke include Valeriana officinalis, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum, Salix cinerea, Glyceria maxima,

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain and culvert). Unfortunately the west end of the dyke disappears into a culvert and the field drain to the west does not have anything like the same degree of interest, and in places has dried up. Species in the dyke include Valeriana officinalis, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum, Salix cinerea, Glyceria maxima, Myosotis scorpioides, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus sceleratus and abundant Filipendula ulmaria. The banks have frequent nettles but also grassy vegetation dominated by Poa trivialis, with species such as

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain and culvert). Unfortunately the west end of the dyke disappears into a culvert and the field drain to the west does not have anything like the same degree of interest, and in places has dried up. Species in the dyke include Valeriana officinalis, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum, Salix cinerea, Glyceria maxima, Myosotis scorpioides, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus sceleratus and abundant Filipendula ulmaria. The banks have frequent nettles but also grassy vegetation dominated by Poa trivialis, with species such as Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium, Galium aparine, G. palustris, Rubus fruticosus, Epilobium

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain and culvert). Unfortunately the west end of the dyke disappears into a culvert and the field drain to the west does not have anything like the same degree of interest, and in places has dried up. Species in the dyke include Valeriana officinalis, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum, Salix cinerea, Glyceria maxima, Myosotis scorpioides, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus sceleratus and abundant Filipendula ulmaria. The banks have frequent nettles but also grassy vegetation dominated by Poa trivialis, with species such as Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium, Galium aparine, G. palustris, Rubus fruticosus, Epilobium hirsutum and Juncus effusus in a dense tangle making the banks impenetrable. The west part of the dyke is more open than the mill end, which has quite heavy shading in places with trees and scrub that include ash,

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain and culvert). Unfortunately the west end of the dyke disappears into a culvert and the field drain to the west does not have anything like the same degree of interest, and in places has dried up. Species in the dyke include Valeriana officinalis, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum, Salix cinerea, Glyceria maxima, Myosotis scorpioides, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus sceleratus and abundant Filipendula ulmaria. The banks have frequent nettles but also grassy vegetation dominated by Poa trivialis, with species such as Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium, Galium aparine, G. palustris, Rubus fruticosus, Epilobium hirsutum and Juncus effusus in a dense tangle making the banks impenetrable. The west part of the dyke is more open than the mill end, which has quite heavy shading in places with trees and scrub that include ash, blackthorn, hawthorn, field maple and grey sallow. The west end of the dyke is the most open, and the water here contains Berula erecta, Glyceria fluitans and Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum in addition to the above

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain and culvert). Unfortunately the west end of the dyke disappears into a culvert and the field drain to the west does not have anything like the same degree of interest, and in places has dried up. Species in the dyke include Valeriana officinalis, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum, Salix cinerea, Glyceria maxima, Myosotis scorpioides, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus sceleratus and abundant Filipendula ulmaria. The banks have frequent nettles but also grassy vegetation dominated by Poa trivialis, with species such as Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium, Galium aparine, G. palustris, Rubus fruticosus, Epilobium hirsutum and Juncus effusus in a dense tangle making the banks impenetrable. The west part of the dyke is more open than the mill end, which has quite heavy shading in places with trees and scrub that include ash, blackthorn, hawthorn, field maple and grey sallow. The west end of the dyke is the most open, and the water here contains Berula erecta, Glyceria fluitans and Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum in addition to the above species. The dyke is a popular bird habitat, with inhabitants including blackcap, sedge warbler, willow warbler

A short dyke with a good rate of flow that eventually runs into the Upton Mill Race (via a small adjacent drain and culvert). Unfortunately the west end of the dyke disappears into a culvert and the field drain to the west does not have anything like the same degree of interest, and in places has dried up. Species in the dyke include Valeriana officinalis, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum, Salix cinerea, Glyceria maxima, Myosotis scorpioides, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus sceleratus and abundant Filipendula ulmaria. The banks have frequent nettles but also grassy vegetation dominated by Poa trivialis, with species such as Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium, Galium aparine, G. palustris, Rubus fruticosus, Epilobium hirsutum and Juncus effusus in a dense tangle making the banks impenetrable. The west part of the dyke is more open than the mill end, which has quite heavy shading in places with trees and scrub that include ash, blackthorn, hawthorn, field maple and grey sallow. The west end of the dyke is the most open, and the water here contains Berula erecta, Glyceria fluitans and Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum in addition to the above species. The dyke is a popular bird habitat, with inhabitants including blackcap, sedge warbler, willow warbler and garden warbler. A useful component of the surrounding wetland habitats, although the length of this drain is unfortunately not extensive enough to provide much more than a localised habitat corridor.




2005 Update

Apart from the western end, the open section of drain is steep-sided with areas of deep silt therefore access to


2005 Update

Apart from the western end, the open section of drain is steep-sided with areas of deep silt therefore access to view the vegetation within the ditch is very difficult and thus it is possible that some species may have been


2005 Update

Apart from the western end, the open section of drain is steep-sided with areas of deep silt therefore access to view the vegetation within the ditch is very difficult and thus it is possible that some species may have been missed. Reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) was abundant along this stretch although with a number of other species scattered throughout or locally frequent.


2005 Update



2005 Update


The eastern section is shaded by trees and shrubs on the south bank, although breaks in the canopy allow sufficient light through for a diversity of wetland plants to have become established, although as large patches


2005 Update


The eastern section is shaded by trees and shrubs on the south bank, although breaks in the canopy allow sufficient light through for a diversity of wetland plants to have become established, although as large patches or scattered individuals rather than dense vegetation throughout.


2005 Update



The central wooded island is heavily shaded and has little in the field-layer though the 3 large, very old ash


2005 Update



The central wooded island is heavily shaded and has little in the field-layer though the 3 large, very old ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees are of high interest. The dyke flows around the south and east sides of the island. A shallower ditch skirts around the northern part of the island - at the time of the site visit this held some water


2005 Update



The central wooded island is heavily shaded and has little in the field-layer though the 3 large, very old ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees are of high interest. The dyke flows around the south and east sides of the island. A shallower ditch skirts around the northern part of the island - at the time of the site visit this held some water though it was not flowing; it appears that this would flow during flood events.


2005 Update




The dyke is culverted at the western end. It is not entirely clear from above ground exactly which direction the


2005 Update




The dyke is culverted at the western end. It is not entirely clear from above ground exactly which direction the ditch flows into the culvert but it appears that it is linked to the ditches beneath Upton Pasture (CWS567) around


2005 Update




The dyke is culverted at the western end. It is not entirely clear from above ground exactly which direction the ditch flows into the culvert but it appears that it is linked to the ditches beneath Upton Pasture (CWS567) around which the interest of that CWS is centred.


2005 Update





Much of the land in this part of the borough is owned by developers thus it is of particular importance that


2005 Update





Much of the land in this part of the borough is owned by developers thus it is of particular importance that features of interest are monitored.


2005 Update






This site qualifies as a CWS, with 4 out of 6 of the surveyed ditch sections meeting the criteria. Six sections of the dyke were assessed against the criteria,


2005 Update








2005 Update







The east end of the dyke contained 7 aquatic species, 4 other wetland species and 3 indicator species. The central section contained 5 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 3 indicator species. The southern arm of the two


2005 Update







The east end of the dyke contained 7 aquatic species, 4 other wetland species and 3 indicator species. The central section contained 5 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 3 indicator species. The southern arm of the two western parallel ditches contained 6 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 4 indicator species. The western end of the


2005 Update







The east end of the dyke contained 7 aquatic species, 4 other wetland species and 3 indicator species. The central section contained 5 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 3 indicator species. The southern arm of the two western parallel ditches contained 6 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 4 indicator species. The western end of the northerly ditch of the two western parallel ditches contained 7 aquatic, 5 other wetland and 3 indicator species. The centre of northerly ditch of the two western parallel ditches contained 3 aquatic, 5 other wetland and 2


2005 Update







The east end of the dyke contained 7 aquatic species, 4 other wetland species and 3 indicator species. The central section contained 5 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 3 indicator species. The southern arm of the two western parallel ditches contained 6 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 4 indicator species. The western end of the northerly ditch of the two western parallel ditches contained 7 aquatic, 5 other wetland and 3 indicator species. The centre of northerly ditch of the two western parallel ditches contained 3 aquatic, 5 other wetland and 2 indicator species. The eastern end of the northerly ditch of the two western parallel ditches contained 5 aquatic,


2005 Update







The east end of the dyke contained 7 aquatic species, 4 other wetland species and 3 indicator species. The central section contained 5 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 3 indicator species. The southern arm of the two western parallel ditches contained 6 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 4 indicator species. The western end of the northerly ditch of the two western parallel ditches contained 7 aquatic, 5 other wetland and 3 indicator species. The centre of northerly ditch of the two western parallel ditches contained 3 aquatic, 5 other wetland and 2 indicator species. The eastern end of the northerly ditch of the two western parallel ditches contained 5 aquatic, 4 other wetland and 2 indicators.


2005 Update








It is recommended that the entire current CWS is reselected (although re-mapped) and extended to include the


2005 Update








It is recommended that the entire current CWS is reselected (although re-mapped) and extended to include the central wooded island. Perhaps the three large ash trees could be considered for Tree Preservation Orders.


2005 Update








It is recommended that the entire current CWS is reselected (although re-mapped) and extended to include the central wooded island. Perhaps the three large ash trees could be considered for Tree Preservation Orders.

Original file code N/29.6.94&AUG.96

Description:



259

Page 1 02/07/2014

Upton Mill North Lake



Site/Subsite hierarchy: Upton Mill North Lake


Site

(N/22.7.96) N680

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

A newly-formed lake which has already develped a fringe of emergent vegetation that is valuable for the many A newly-formed lake which has already develped a fringe of emergent vegetation that is valuable for the many damselflies and dragonflies in the area. Mute swans breed here, and the water provides a habitat for many other visiting and resident waterfowl. This forms part of a mosaic of habitats that includes the south Upton Mill

A newly-formed lake which has already develped a fringe of emergent vegetation that is valuable for the many damselflies and dragonflies in the area. Mute swans breed here, and the water provides a habitat for many other visiting and resident waterfowl. This forms part of a mosaic of habitats that includes the south Upton Mill Gravel Pit and adjacent streams and drains, all of which enhance the overall habitat value of the Nene Valley.

A newly-formed lake which has already develped a fringe of emergent vegetation that is valuable for the many damselflies and dragonflies in the area. Mute swans breed here, and the water provides a habitat for many other visiting and resident waterfowl. This forms part of a mosaic of habitats that includes the south Upton Mill Gravel Pit and adjacent streams and drains, all of which enhance the overall habitat value of the Nene Valley. This lake is not quite as well-vegetated as the south lake.



2005 Update


2005 Update

This is an excellent wetland site with a wide diversity of aquatic species including a number of county rarities.


2005 Update


The lake lies on the west edge of Northampton Borough, adjacent to CWS881 Upton Mill South Lake. The lake


2005 Update


The lake lies on the west edge of Northampton Borough, adjacent to CWS881 Upton Mill South Lake. The lake is set within sheep-grazed pasture, predominantly herb-poor. Only a narrow band of land separates the south bank of the lake from Camp Lane and this is less heavily grazed and holds patches of scrub which cast shade


2005 Update


The lake lies on the west edge of Northampton Borough, adjacent to CWS881 Upton Mill South Lake. The lake is set within sheep-grazed pasture, predominantly herb-poor. Only a narrow band of land separates the south bank of the lake from Camp Lane and this is less heavily grazed and holds patches of scrub which cast shade over some of this bank. In contrast, the east, north and west banks are not shaded and are open to grazing,


2005 Update


The lake lies on the west edge of Northampton Borough, adjacent to CWS881 Upton Mill South Lake. The lake is set within sheep-grazed pasture, predominantly herb-poor. Only a narrow band of land separates the south bank of the lake from Camp Lane and this is less heavily grazed and holds patches of scrub which cast shade over some of this bank. In contrast, the east, north and west banks are not shaded and are open to grazing, though not heavily poached; the ground around the lake on these banks is heavily enriched with goose faeces. Hard rush (Juncus inflexus) and spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris) dominate the open banks but many other


2005 Update


The lake lies on the west edge of Northampton Borough, adjacent to CWS881 Upton Mill South Lake. The lake is set within sheep-grazed pasture, predominantly herb-poor. Only a narrow band of land separates the south bank of the lake from Camp Lane and this is less heavily grazed and holds patches of scrub which cast shade over some of this bank. In contrast, the east, north and west banks are not shaded and are open to grazing, though not heavily poached; the ground around the lake on these banks is heavily enriched with goose faeces. Hard rush (Juncus inflexus) and spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris) dominate the open banks but many other wetland species are recorded as frequent or occasional.


2005 Update



The water of the lake is clear and dominated by Nuttall's pondweed (Elodea nuttallii) but with lesser pondweed


2005 Update



The water of the lake is clear and dominated by Nuttall's pondweed (Elodea nuttallii) but with lesser pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus) and three species of charophyte - Chara vulgaris was frequent off both the north and


2005 Update



The water of the lake is clear and dominated by Nuttall's pondweed (Elodea nuttallii) but with lesser pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus) and three species of charophyte - Chara vulgaris was frequent off both the north and east banks whereas Chara contraria, and possibly also Chara globularis, was only recorded from the north bank.


2005 Update





2005 Update




This site qualifies as a CWS on a number of counts:


2005 Update





It holds good populations of one charophyte, Chara vulgaris, and also smaller numbers of two other species of charophyte, Chara contraria and Chara globularis, both of which are listed in the Northamptonshire Red Data


2005 Update





It holds good populations of one charophyte, Chara vulgaris, and also smaller numbers of two other species of charophyte, Chara contraria and Chara globularis, both of which are listed in the Northamptonshire Red Data Book.


2005 Update






It holds a stand of the county rarity round-fruited rush (Juncus compressus), although rare on this site there is a


2005 Update






It holds a stand of the county rarity round-fruited rush (Juncus compressus), although rare on this site there is a larger population around Upton Mill South Lake adjacent to this site.


2005 Update







It holds more than six species from the fen, swamp and marsh indicator list; however, four of these were


2005 Update







It holds more than six species from the fen, swamp and marsh indicator list; however, four of these were recorded as rare on the site.


2005 Update








Lesser pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus), frequent in the lake, is an uncommon species in the county.


2005 Update








Lesser pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus), frequent in the lake, is an uncommon species in the county.

Description:



135

Page 1 18/12/2014


Site Name: Upton Mill South Lake Site Code: N727 Status: LWS Other Designations: Nene Valley NIA Grid Reference: SP718590 Area (ha): 7.86 District: Northampton Site History: 22/07/1996 LWS 30/10/2007 LWS 16/11/2012 LWS Habitats present Broad Habitat: Grassland, Wetland BAP Habitat: Eutrophic Standing Waters, Floodplain Grazing Marsh Reason for Designation: A gravel pit at Upton Mill surrounded by marginal vegetation and rush pasture which is often species rich in places. The site qualifies as a LWS as the surrounding marginal and wetland vegetation contain 13 wetland and 16 neutral grassland indicator species. Site Description: 12/06/2012 Close to the river Nene, this site was to the south of Upton Mill North Lake and only separated from Upton East Meadow by the heavily shaded green lane/bridleway. There was also a well-used bridleway along the northern edge of the lake. Here there was the open water of the flooded gravel pit as well as fringing swamp and wet grassland. There was an inaccessible island in the lake. The banks of the lake were grazed by sheep, but a small area in the south-east, including the large peninsula, were fenced off from stock. The dam at the eastern end had concrete blocks with gaps in which grew Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw, Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil, Trifolium repens Red Clover, Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup, R. bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup, Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell and others. There was only a narrow shelf of shallow water available to swamp vegetation at the pit edge before the water quickly became much deeper. Swamp vegetation included stands of tall Phragmites australis Common Reed swamp with rather mixed and patchy Carex riparia Greater Pond-sedge swamp, Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass swamp, Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed swamp and Typha latifolia Reedmace swamp. Among this vegetation grew locally frequent Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw, Rorippa amphibia Greater Yellow-cress, Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife, Lemna minor Lesser Duckweed and a few others. There were also much smaller stands of Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush swamp. On the terrestrial side of the swamp vegetation there was often rush-pasture dominated by Juncus inflexus Hard Rush. Among the rushes in the west, where it was open to grazing by sheep, there was occasional Carex otrubae False Fox-sedge, C. spicata Spiked Sedge, Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin, Potentilla anserina Silverweed and a few others. Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass was occasional among the rushes, Cynosorus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail and Festuca rubra Red


Fescue locally frequent. Wave erosion in the west had formed an earth cliff several centimetres high and meant that rush-pasture often reached the water's edge, where it tended to be undermined, with soil and rushes collapsing into the water. The rush-pasture was best closer the lake edge, with increasing amounts of Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle and Urtica dioica Nettle appearing to the south-west as the Juncus inflexus Hard Rush dominated vegetation broke up into a mosaic with MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosorus cristatus pasture. The large peninsula that extended to the north from the southern edge of the lake had a more gently sloping edge and was within the area protected from grazing. There was often a mosaic of rush-pasture and plants of disturbed ground. The rush-pasture was clearly richer in this ungrazed vegetation. Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin was much more abundant and there was frequent Cardamine pratensis Cuckoo Flower, Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony, Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet, Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling, Lotus pedunculatus Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife, Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch and others. Here also was more abundant Eleocharis palustris, together with Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stemmed St. John's-wort, Mentha aquatica Water Mint, Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw, Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort, Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass, Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort and others, often growing with plants of drier situations such as Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain and Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort. Carex hirta Hairy Sedge was also quite frequent as was Scutellaria galericulata Skullcap. Here too though, were plants such as Trifolium repens White Clover and Sanguisorba officinalis Greater Burnet growing in water several centimetres deep, indicating that the water level was higher than normal, as did the occasional under-water fishing-platform. The more disturbed ground here had plants such as Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Cranes-bill, Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue and Dipsacus fullonum Teasel. Part of the rush-pasture had small willows growing over it. These were mainly Salix cinerea Grey Willow with occasional Salix viminalis Osier, rare S. caprea Goat Willow. small Fraxinus excelsior Ash was also present. On the lake edge here Salix cinerea formed an almost continuous strip, together with occasional Alnus glutinosa Alder, which perhaps explains why the more gentle slopes here didn't have more marginal swamp vegetation. There was a small amount of Phragmites australis Common Reed swamp on the eastern edge of the peninsula, where there was something of a gap in the shrubs, and this was backed by a little Carex disticha Brown Sedge. To the east of the peninsula there was a small amount of swamp and water-margin vegetation at the lake edge. Plants present included Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not and Rorippa amphibia Greater Yellow-cress. On the northern edge of the gravel pit in the east, Phragmites australis swamp was backed by a little Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass, which was backed by rush-pasture. Typha latifolia Reedmace was occasional and the swamp understorey included Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain, Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort and more Lythrum salicaria. Carex disticha Brown Sedge was occasional in the rush-pasture. To the west, shrubs and small trees became more abundant and there was just a very scrappy swamp fringe at the lake edge. Most of the emergent swamp consisted of Glyceria maxima, but it was occasionally replaced by small amounts of Carex riparia Greater Pond-sedge, Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed or Typha latifolia Reedmace. The main shrub was Salix cinerea Grey Willow and there were some locally frequent small Alnus glutinosa Alder and less frequent Fraxinus excelsior Ash. In this area there was a small amount of Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean. The water was very turbid at the time of this survey and the use of a grapnel produced only Elodea nuttallii Nuttall's Pondweed.


There was some tussocky vegetation and variety in sward height. There were seasonally wet areas and patches of bare ground. There was also rare occurences of the invasive Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan balsam. Reed Warblers were breeding in the Phragmites swamp 26/08/2005 2005 Update This lake lies on the west edge of Northampton Borough, adjacent to another LWS, Upton Mill North Lake. Adjacent land-use is sheep-grazed improved pasture to the west and south-west, species-rich wet grassland to the south-east and a bridleway, Camp Lane to the north. Although the east and south-east banks are shaded by trees and shrubs (predominantly fairly young Willows (Salix sp.)and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees), the majority of the lake is open and unshaded - it is also the east and south-east banks that are un-grazed, along with the north bank which runs close to Camp Lane. The south-west banks are sheep-grazed with the lake margins The north bank supports wide bands of well-established water-margin vegetation dominated by Branched Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima). Although it is this bank that holds the densest marginal vegetation, wetland flora occurs around the whole lake including the county rarity Round-fruited Rush (Juncus compressus) and a large number of fen, swamp and marsh indicator species. The water of the lake is clear and dominated by Nuttall's Waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) but with occasional Spiked Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). A considerable amount of dead Nuttall's Waterweed had been washed into the lake margins. This site meets the fen, swamp and marsh section of the LWS selection criteria; it holds ten species from the fen, swamp and marsh indicator list, four of which are frequent or abundant. The county rarities Round-fruited Rush and Grey Club-rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) are present; the former is occasional, the latter, which is also listed as a strong indicator on the fen, swamp and marsh indicator list, was only recorded rarely. The banks also support 7 species from the neutral grassland list. 22/07/1996 A larger and better-established lake than the newer Upton Mill North Lake. The margins support a diverse emergent vegetation with species including Juncus inflexus, J. effusus, Stachys palustris, Angelica sylvestris, Impatiens capensis, Epilobium hirsutum, Glyceria maxima, Lycopus europaeus, Veronica beccabunga, Valeriana dioica, Myosotis scorpioides and other common emergent species. The east end of the site includes a strip of species-rich marshy grassland and scrub which reaches as far as Bly Lane. This area provides an excellent hunting zone for dragonflies and damselflies and is also likely to be good amphibian habitat. Species include Lotus pedunculatus, Juncus spp, Lythrum salicaria, Stellaria graminea, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus and Festuca rubra. The lake is regularly fished, and offers valuable bird and invertebrate habitat. It also has a good submerged vegetation despite some evidence of nutrient enrichment. Included in the 1996 Nene Survey. Boundary Changes 26/03/2013 The site was extended to the south following the 2005 survey to include Upton Mill South Lake Meadow. 22/01/2013 Slight boundary change following 2012 survey Related Site Information Upton Mill South Lake Meadow, Historical Upton Mill South Lake Meadow


03/06/2005 This is a nice area of species-rich wet grassland with enough species from the neutral grassland indicators list to meet the CWS selection criteria. It was visited at the beginning of June (3rd) as meadow saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) had been reported on the site two weeks previously - this is an early summer species and had disappeared by the time the site visit was carried out. The site has been sheep-grazed in the past but is now fenced off from the area of more improved sheep-grazed pasture to the west. It has, till now, not scrubbed up but is beginning to show signs of losing the quality of its wet grassland habitat due to the lack of grazing. The boundary to the south is a tall, species-rich hedgerow; to the north the site abuts Upton Mill South Lake - the banks of the lake are flanked by trees and shrubs including goat willow (Salix caprea) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The peninsula reaching out into the lake is less species-rich but still holds a variety of plants of wet grassland. A grass snake was seen basking here. This site is included in the boundary of CWS881 Upton Mill South Lake. It qualifies as a CWS for its wet grassland, with ten species from the neutral grassland indicator list including two strong indicators. More indicators would also have been found with site visits slightly earlier and slightly later in the season.

Upton Pasture



Site/Subsite hierarchy: Upton Pasture


Site

N684

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely distinguishable in places from the surrounding grassland but the vegetation betrays the higher water content as

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely distinguishable in places from the surrounding grassland but the vegetation betrays the higher water content as they are mostly dominated by either Glyceria fluitans or Alopecurus geniculatus. The drier areas of the pasture are not high in herb content, but in the north area species include frequent Caltha palustris (rarely getting past

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely distinguishable in places from the surrounding grassland but the vegetation betrays the higher water content as they are mostly dominated by either Glyceria fluitans or Alopecurus geniculatus. The drier areas of the pasture are not high in herb content, but in the north area species include frequent Caltha palustris (rarely getting past the small-leaved stage due to grazing), Cardamine pratensis, Saxifraga granulata, Cerastium fontanum, Filipendula ulmaria, Bellis perennis, Galium palustre and Prunella vulgaris. Ranunculus repens, Trifolium

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely distinguishable in places from the surrounding grassland but the vegetation betrays the higher water content as they are mostly dominated by either Glyceria fluitans or Alopecurus geniculatus. The drier areas of the pasture are not high in herb content, but in the north area species include frequent Caltha palustris (rarely getting past the small-leaved stage due to grazing), Cardamine pratensis, Saxifraga granulata, Cerastium fontanum, Filipendula ulmaria, Bellis perennis, Galium palustre and Prunella vulgaris. Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens and Plantago lanceolata are frequent throughout the field, with scattered patches of Cirsium vulgare

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely distinguishable in places from the surrounding grassland but the vegetation betrays the higher water content as they are mostly dominated by either Glyceria fluitans or Alopecurus geniculatus. The drier areas of the pasture are not high in herb content, but in the north area species include frequent Caltha palustris (rarely getting past the small-leaved stage due to grazing), Cardamine pratensis, Saxifraga granulata, Cerastium fontanum, Filipendula ulmaria, Bellis perennis, Galium palustre and Prunella vulgaris. Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens and Plantago lanceolata are frequent throughout the field, with scattered patches of Cirsium vulgare (the latter have been weed-wiped with specific herbicide). Sedges are frequent, particularly Carex flacca, C. spicata and C. hirta, with one area of abundant sedge too heavily grazed to identify; possibly C. panicea.

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely distinguishable in places from the surrounding grassland but the vegetation betrays the higher water content as they are mostly dominated by either Glyceria fluitans or Alopecurus geniculatus. The drier areas of the pasture are not high in herb content, but in the north area species include frequent Caltha palustris (rarely getting past the small-leaved stage due to grazing), Cardamine pratensis, Saxifraga granulata, Cerastium fontanum, Filipendula ulmaria, Bellis perennis, Galium palustre and Prunella vulgaris. Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens and Plantago lanceolata are frequent throughout the field, with scattered patches of Cirsium vulgare (the latter have been weed-wiped with specific herbicide). Sedges are frequent, particularly Carex flacca, C. spicata and C. hirta, with one area of abundant sedge too heavily grazed to identify; possibly C. panicea. Eleocharis palustris is frequent in all the more damp areas, sometimes replacing the grasses. The site has

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely distinguishable in places from the surrounding grassland but the vegetation betrays the higher water content as they are mostly dominated by either Glyceria fluitans or Alopecurus geniculatus. The drier areas of the pasture are not high in herb content, but in the north area species include frequent Caltha palustris (rarely getting past the small-leaved stage due to grazing), Cardamine pratensis, Saxifraga granulata, Cerastium fontanum, Filipendula ulmaria, Bellis perennis, Galium palustre and Prunella vulgaris. Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens and Plantago lanceolata are frequent throughout the field, with scattered patches of Cirsium vulgare (the latter have been weed-wiped with specific herbicide). Sedges are frequent, particularly Carex flacca, C. spicata and C. hirta, with one area of abundant sedge too heavily grazed to identify; possibly C. panicea. Eleocharis palustris is frequent in all the more damp areas, sometimes replacing the grasses. The site has good potential for invertebrates, and should be checked for the rare grass Danthonia decumbens, which could well be present. The most botanically diverse site in the area, and one which will probably have more species

A large area of heavily-grazed sheep pasture with shallow drains crossing the northeast corner. The grassland is deceptively homogeneous, but in fact the whole field has a good diversity of grass species whilst the northeast corner is particularly rich in both grasses and wet meadow herb species. The field as a whole has frequent Hordeum secalinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Avenula pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne, whilst the corner by the drains has Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis stolonifera. The drains are barely distinguishable in places from the surrounding grassland but the vegetation betrays the higher water content as they are mostly dominated by either Glyceria fluitans or Alopecurus geniculatus. The drier areas of the pasture are not high in herb content, but in the north area species include frequent Caltha palustris (rarely getting past the small-leaved stage due to grazing), Cardamine pratensis, Saxifraga granulata, Cerastium fontanum, Filipendula ulmaria, Bellis perennis, Galium palustre and Prunella vulgaris. Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens and Plantago lanceolata are frequent throughout the field, with scattered patches of Cirsium vulgare (the latter have been weed-wiped with specific herbicide). Sedges are frequent, particularly Carex flacca, C. spicata and C. hirta, with one area of abundant sedge too heavily grazed to identify; possibly C. panicea. Eleocharis palustris is frequent in all the more damp areas, sometimes replacing the grasses. The site has good potential for invertebrates, and should be checked for the rare grass Danthonia decumbens, which could well be present. The most botanically diverse site in the area, and one which will probably have more species than those that could be identified during the heavy grazing.



2005 Update


2005 Update

This is a flood meadow on the north bank of the River Nene close to the west boundary of the Borough of Northampton. The meadow is roughly rectangular with the Nene as the southern, meandering boundary, and


2005 Update

This is a flood meadow on the north bank of the River Nene close to the west boundary of the Borough of Northampton. The meadow is roughly rectangular with the Nene as the southern, meandering boundary, and other boundaries marked by fences with scattered shrubs. Surrounding land use is predominantly pasture with


2005 Update

This is a flood meadow on the north bank of the River Nene close to the west boundary of the Borough of Northampton. The meadow is roughly rectangular with the Nene as the southern, meandering boundary, and other boundaries marked by fences with scattered shrubs. Surrounding land use is predominantly pasture with an oil seed rape field to the north; the Nene Way footpath passes the north-west corner of the meadow.


2005 Update


The banks of the Nene here appears to have been built up in the past with the meadow dropping away to the


2005 Update


The banks of the Nene here appears to have been built up in the past with the meadow dropping away to the north. The built up banks are not of high botanical interest but the northern half has an excellent diversity and richness of wetland plants, centred around two shallow ditches which run east-west across the meadow,


2005 Update


The banks of the Nene here appears to have been built up in the past with the meadow dropping away to the north. The built up banks are not of high botanical interest but the northern half has an excellent diversity and richness of wetland plants, centred around two shallow ditches which run east-west across the meadow, originating from flushes in the north-east of the meadow and petering out towards the north-west. Despite being


2005 Update


The banks of the Nene here appears to have been built up in the past with the meadow dropping away to the north. The built up banks are not of high botanical interest but the northern half has an excellent diversity and richness of wetland plants, centred around two shallow ditches which run east-west across the meadow, originating from flushes in the north-east of the meadow and petering out towards the north-west. Despite being surveyed early in the season when many species would not have yet developed, the meadow easily met the CWS selection criteria supporting a particularly high diversity of grasses and sedges although some of the latter


2005 Update


The banks of the Nene here appears to have been built up in the past with the meadow dropping away to the north. The built up banks are not of high botanical interest but the northern half has an excellent diversity and richness of wetland plants, centred around two shallow ditches which run east-west across the meadow, originating from flushes in the north-east of the meadow and petering out towards the north-west. Despite being surveyed early in the season when many species would not have yet developed, the meadow easily met the CWS selection criteria supporting a particularly high diversity of grasses and sedges although some of the latter were in too early a stage of development to identify to species level. This area also holds a number of different


2005 Update


The banks of the Nene here appears to have been built up in the past with the meadow dropping away to the north. The built up banks are not of high botanical interest but the northern half has an excellent diversity and richness of wetland plants, centred around two shallow ditches which run east-west across the meadow, originating from flushes in the north-east of the meadow and petering out towards the north-west. Despite being surveyed early in the season when many species would not have yet developed, the meadow easily met the CWS selection criteria supporting a particularly high diversity of grasses and sedges although some of the latter were in too early a stage of development to identify to species level. This area also holds a number of different wet grassland vegetation communities including MG13 Agrostis stolonifera-Alopecurus geniculatus grassland in the ditches and MG8 Cynosurus cristatus-Caltha palustris grassland around and between the ditches.


2005 Update



The River Nene running past the site was flanked by reeds (Phragmites australis), club-rush (Schoenoplectus


2005 Update



The River Nene running past the site was flanked by reeds (Phragmites australis), club-rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris), branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) and greater pond-sedge (Carex riparia); yellow water-lily


2005 Update



The River Nene running past the site was flanked by reeds (Phragmites australis), club-rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris), branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) and greater pond-sedge (Carex riparia); yellow water-lily (Nuphar lutea) was frequent as a floating aquatic plant.


2005 Update




This meadow is locally called Hall Farm Meadow. This site qualifies as a CWS under several criteria, including


2005 Update




This meadow is locally called Hall Farm Meadow. This site qualifies as a CWS under several criteria, including the presence of 10 neutral grassland indicators, 3 of which are strong indicators. The site also include approximately 1 hectare of MG8 grassland and approximately 0.1 hectares of MG13 grassland (Rodwell, 1992).


2005 Update






2005 Update





Strong indicators (3 species): brown sedge (Carex disticha), carnation sedge (Carex panicea), ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi).


2005 Update







2005 Update






Other indicators (7 species): bugle (Ajuga reptans), cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), hairy sedge (Carex hirta), common spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris), meadow barley (Hordeum secalinum), field wood-rush (Luzula


2005 Update






Other indicators (7 species): bugle (Ajuga reptans), cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), hairy sedge (Carex hirta), common spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris), meadow barley (Hordeum secalinum), field wood-rush (Luzula campestris), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa)


2005 Update







A sedge was present that has been identified as probably Carex nigra (common sedge), also a strong indicator,


2005 Update







A sedge was present that has been identified as probably Carex nigra (common sedge), also a strong indicator, but definite identification was not possible due to only young vegetative growth being present at the time of the survey.


2005 Update









2005 Update








2011 Update


2005 Update








2011 Update


2005 Update








2011 Update

File code originally N/29.6.94&AUG.96Boundary change: Area reduced from 6.90ha to 5.21ha. The west and south edges of the site have been lost to


2005 Update








2011 Update

File code originally N/29.6.94&AUG.96Boundary change: Area reduced from 6.90ha to 5.21ha. The west and south edges of the site have been lost to road develeopement and bunding.

Description:

Page 1 02/07/2014

Wet grassland, rush-pasture, swamp and flood meadow.Wet grassland, rush-pasture, swamp and flood meadow.

Since the last survey, in 2005, a higher bund has been raised on the southern edge beside the river Nene as

Wet grassland, rush-pasture, swamp and flood meadow.

Since the last survey, in 2005, a higher bund has been raised on the southern edge beside the river Nene as well as along the eastern side of the site. Also a new road has been constructed on the western edge of the site with a new bridge taking it over the river. Stock grazing this field can now pass under the bridge to graze


Since the last survey, in 2005, a higher bund has been raised on the southern edge beside the river Nene as well as along the eastern side of the site. Also a new road has been constructed on the western edge of the site with a new bridge taking it over the river. Stock grazing this field can now pass under the bridge to graze pastures further to the west.



The new works have decreased the area of richer grassland somewhat.







Near the northern edge of the site two seasonal shallow ditches crossed the site and associated with these were areas of rush-pasture, swamp and wetter grassland.





Away from here there was drier grassland and areas of recently disturbed ground connected to the recent





Away from here there was drier grassland and areas of recently disturbed ground connected to the recent works. The river was not fenced here and stock grazed the river bank.






Most of the field was occupied by MG6 grassland with frequent Cynosorus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail and






Most of the field was occupied by MG6 grassland with frequent Cynosorus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail and Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass along with locally frequent Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat-grass, Hordeum






Most of the field was occupied by MG6 grassland with frequent Cynosorus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail and Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass along with locally frequent Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat-grass, Hordeum murinum Meadow Barley and Festuca rubra Red Fescue. There was also a small amount of Briza media Quaking Grass. Forbs were rather scarce, perhaps partly due to the somewhat overgrazed short sward.













Toward the northern edge of this field were areas of Juncus effusus Soft Rush dominated rush-pasture, a small area of S5 Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass swamp and areas of MG9 grassland with abundant Holcus







Toward the northern edge of this field were areas of Juncus effusus Soft Rush dominated rush-pasture, a small area of S5 Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass swamp and areas of MG9 grassland with abundant Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog and Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass. Both these vegetation types were rather







Toward the northern edge of this field were areas of Juncus effusus Soft Rush dominated rush-pasture, a small area of S5 Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass swamp and areas of MG9 grassland with abundant Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog and Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass. Both these vegetation types were rather open though, and were broken up by smaller patches of MG13 grassland with locally abundant Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent and Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh Foxtail and areas dominated by Carex acuta







Toward the northern edge of this field were areas of Juncus effusus Soft Rush dominated rush-pasture, a small area of S5 Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass swamp and areas of MG9 grassland with abundant Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog and Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass. Both these vegetation types were rather open though, and were broken up by smaller patches of MG13 grassland with locally abundant Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent and Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh Foxtail and areas dominated by Carex acuta Slender Tufted-sedge, C. acutiformis Lesser Pond-sedge and C. disticha Brown Sedge. Less abundant but locally frequent were Carex hirta Hairy Sedge, Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw , Lathyrus pratensis Meadow







Toward the northern edge of this field were areas of Juncus effusus Soft Rush dominated rush-pasture, a small area of S5 Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass swamp and areas of MG9 grassland with abundant Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog and Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass. Both these vegetation types were rather open though, and were broken up by smaller patches of MG13 grassland with locally abundant Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent and Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh Foxtail and areas dominated by Carex acuta Slender Tufted-sedge, C. acutiformis Lesser Pond-sedge and C. disticha Brown Sedge. Less abundant but locally frequent were Carex hirta Hairy Sedge, Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw , Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling and a few others. Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle was particularly abundant in the north-east corner of







Toward the northern edge of this field were areas of Juncus effusus Soft Rush dominated rush-pasture, a small area of S5 Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet-grass swamp and areas of MG9 grassland with abundant Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog and Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass. Both these vegetation types were rather open though, and were broken up by smaller patches of MG13 grassland with locally abundant Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent and Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh Foxtail and areas dominated by Carex acuta Slender Tufted-sedge, C. acutiformis Lesser Pond-sedge and C. disticha Brown Sedge. Less abundant but locally frequent were Carex hirta Hairy Sedge, Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw , Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling and a few others. Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle was particularly abundant in the north-east corner of the field.








The dry ditch along the northern edge of the site had locally abundant Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-grass,








The dry ditch along the northern edge of the site had locally abundant Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-grass, which had been nibbled down short, together with some Soft Rush.









The river bank was grazed down to the waters edge. There was Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass









The river bank was grazed down to the waters edge. There was Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass on the banks as well as locally frequent Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed. The river had a swamp fringe with Reed Sweetgrass and Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed while out in deeper water there was









The river bank was grazed down to the waters edge. There was Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass on the banks as well as locally frequent Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed. The river had a swamp fringe with Reed Sweetgrass and Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed while out in deeper water there was Schoenoplectus lacustris Bulrush, Sparganium emersum unbranched Bur-reed and Nuphar lutea Yellow Water-









The river bank was grazed down to the waters edge. There was Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass on the banks as well as locally frequent Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed. The river had a swamp fringe with Reed Sweetgrass and Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed while out in deeper water there was Schoenoplectus lacustris Bulrush, Sparganium emersum unbranched Bur-reed and Nuphar lutea Yellow Water-lily.










Between the riverbank and the main grassland there was the new bund with a variety of ruderal plants and locally abundant Perennial Ryegrass, which may have been seeded in.





















Assessment











Assessment

From the wet grassland and swamp of this site five neutral grassland indicators were recorded, including the











Assessment

From the wet grassland and swamp of this site five neutral grassland indicators were recorded, including the strong indicator Spiked Sedge. Also found here were seven Fen, Swamp and Marsh Indicators, including the strong indicator Carex acuta, and a further five species from the list of Submerged, Floating and Emergent











Assessment

From the wet grassland and swamp of this site five neutral grassland indicators were recorded, including the strong indicator Spiked Sedge. Also found here were seven Fen, Swamp and Marsh Indicators, including the strong indicator Carex acuta, and a further five species from the list of Submerged, Floating and Emergent plants.











Assessment


This flood meadow contains good areas of species rich wet grassland surrounding ditches across the north of











Assessment


This flood meadow contains good areas of species rich wet grassland surrounding ditches across the north of the field and a scattering of neutral grassland indicators were recorded in the drier grassland, Despite loss of











Assessment


This flood meadow contains good areas of species rich wet grassland surrounding ditches across the north of the field and a scattering of neutral grassland indicators were recorded in the drier grassland, Despite loss of grassland to the adjacent road development and new bunds this field still qualifies as a LWS due to the presence of patches of MG13 grassland, 6 fen/swamp/marsh indicators and 11 neutral grassland indicators.











Assessment


This flood meadow contains good areas of species rich wet grassland surrounding ditches across the north of the field and a scattering of neutral grassland indicators were recorded in the drier grassland, Despite loss of grassland to the adjacent road development and new bunds this field still qualifies as a LWS due to the presence of patches of MG13 grassland, 6 fen/swamp/marsh indicators and 11 neutral grassland indicators.



176

Page 2 02/07/2014

Upton Pasture East


Status(es): PWS

Site/Subsite hierarchy: Upton Pasture East


Site

N1204

Centroid:

Site type:

File code:

2005: This site links two current (and re-selected CWS): CWS567 Upton Pasture and CWS568 Upton Mill Dyke. 2005: This site links two current (and re-selected CWS): CWS567 Upton Pasture and CWS568 Upton Mill Dyke. At the time of the site visit it was under-going heavy sheep-grazing as one unit with Upton Pasture. The grassland to the north and east of a dry drain through the site was similar to the area of interest in Upton

2005: This site links two current (and re-selected CWS): CWS567 Upton Pasture and CWS568 Upton Mill Dyke. At the time of the site visit it was under-going heavy sheep-grazing as one unit with Upton Pasture. The grassland to the north and east of a dry drain through the site was similar to the area of interest in Upton Pasture therefore it is highly recommended that this area is re-visited early in the summer for a detailed survey.

2005: This site links two current (and re-selected CWS): CWS567 Upton Pasture and CWS568 Upton Mill Dyke. At the time of the site visit it was under-going heavy sheep-grazing as one unit with Upton Pasture. The grassland to the north and east of a dry drain through the site was similar to the area of interest in Upton Pasture therefore it is highly recommended that this area is re-visited early in the summer for a detailed survey. The vegetation community south of the drain appeared less botanically interesting.

2005: This site links two current (and re-selected CWS): CWS567 Upton Pasture and CWS568 Upton Mill Dyke. At the time of the site visit it was under-going heavy sheep-grazing as one unit with Upton Pasture. The grassland to the north and east of a dry drain through the site was similar to the area of interest in Upton Pasture therefore it is highly recommended that this area is re-visited early in the summer for a detailed survey. The vegetation community south of the drain appeared less botanically interesting.

Description:



0

Page 1 02/07/2014

14-3155 PINEHAM BARNS ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL V3 JW JU 290415 Page 21 of 23

Appendix 2: Pond Survey Plan Ref: D14-3157

D14-3157 HSI Pond Survey Plan v1 JW 280415

Client:

Reference:

Date:

Produced by:

Checked by:

Title: HSI Pond Survey Plan

Lend Lease Ltd

D14-3157 V1

JW

28.04.15

P11

P12

P14

P13

P15

P9

P7

P6

P5 P4

P2

P1

P3

P10

600m

Site boundary

Google Earth Base Map—Dated 2009


Appendix 3: Badger Survey Plan Ref: D14-3160

Client:

Reference:

Date:

Produced by:

Checked by:

Title: Badger Survey Plan

Lend Lease Ltd

14-3160 V1

JW

28.04.15

Disused by badgers. Rabbit activity

Gated and closed. Stake across gate.

Gated and closed. Galvanised mesh over surface. Disused by badgers

Hedgerow removed

Active rabbit burrows


Appendix 4: Photographic Record Ref: 14-3174

14-3174 Pineham Barns PS Photographic Record v1 BM 290415

Ecological Survey Photographic Record

Client:

Reference:

Date:

Produced by:

Checked by:

Title: Ecological Survey Photographic Record

Lend Lease Projects / Pineham Barns PS

14-3174

Becky Mckay

Jim Whiteford

29th April 2015

Photo 1. Closed badger entrance located furthest east. Photo 2. Closed badger entrance to west, gate in place. Photo 3 Closed badger sett in foreground viewed from

east. Site boundary is located beyond houses to east.

Photo 4. Closed badger sett viewed from south. Note galvanised mesh.

Photo 5. Closed badger tunnel entrance. Photo 6. Example of galvanised mesh over old badger and rabbit tunnels.



Client:

Reference:

Date:

Produced by:

Checked by:



14-3174

Becky Mckay

Jim Whiteford

29th April 2015

Photo 7. Rabbit warren located offsite to east. Photo 8. View of current site looking north-west. Photo 9. Current site looking south-east.

Photo 10. Current site northern boundary looking west. Photo 11. Current site. Eastern boundary. Photo 12. Current site. Viewed looking south.



Client:

Reference:

Date:

Produced by:

Checked by:



14-3174

Becky Mckay

Jim Whiteford

29th April 2015

Photo 13. Current site. Viewed looking south-west. Photo 14. View of current site looking north. Photo 15. Offsite view east. Hedgerow removed in background.



Client:

Reference:

Date:

Produced by:

Checked by:



14-3174

Becky Mckay

Jim Whiteford

29th April 2015

P1 P3 P2

P5 P4b P4a



Client:

Reference:

Date:

Produced by:

Checked by:



14-3174

Becky Mckay

Jim Whiteford

29th April 2015

P6

P9b

P8a P7

P9a P8b



Client:

Reference:

Date:

Produced by:

Checked by:



14-3174

Becky Mckay

Jim Whiteford

29th April 2015

P10 P11

P15 P13 P12

P11a

Planning Statement

Document Approval

Approved and Authorised By

Glenn Mathew Associate

KRJ/dmv/Sch.241

35 Headlands Kettering Northants NN15 7ES

Tel : 01536 513165

Eden Office Park 73 Macrae Road Ham Green Bristol BS20 0DD

Tel : 01275 378310

The Tower Studio Fourth Avenue Hornbeam Park Harrogate HG2 8QT

Tel : 01423 815121

R01

27th January 2015

© Gotch Saunders & Surridge LLP

ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL - northamptonshire.gov.uk · 14-3155 PINEHAM BARNS ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL V3 JW...

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