West Yorkshire Local Sites Partnership Local Wildlife Site Proposal Projects/Natural and Built...

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West Yorkshire Local Sites Partnership Local Wildlife Site Proposal Site name: Killingbeck Meadows Planning authority: Leeds Grid reference: SE340346 Date of review: 16/10/2012 Date approved by LS Partnership: 18/10/2012 Site boundary:

Qualifying criteria: Gr1 – Neutral grassland MG5 Gr3 – Species rich neutral grassland Gr5 – Moderately species rich grassland within 500m of Gr3 Mh2 – Mixed habitat Vanl 1 – Good access in an urban area Inv 2 – White clawed crayfish in beck Criteria version: 19/07/2011

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West Yorkshire Joint Services are provided by a Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.

Management Plan Killingbeck Meadows

2012/13 to 2021/22 03/05/2012

Robert Masheder West Yorkshire Ecology Registry of Deeds Newstead Road Wakefield WF1 2DE Tel: 01924 306 793 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.wyjs.org.uk


Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1 1. General information .................................................................................. 2

1.1. Location ............................................................................................. 2 1.2. Tenure ............................................................................................... 2

2. Conservation status .................................................................................. 2 2.1. Site description .................................................................................. 2 2.2. Operations likely to damage the special interest ............................... 2 2.3. Evaluation against Nature Conservation Review critieria ................. 3

2.3.1. Size ............................................................................................ 3 2.3.2. Diversity ...................................................................................... 3 2.3.3. Naturalness ................................................................................ 3 2.3.4. Rarity .......................................................................................... 4 2.3.5. Fragility ....................................................................................... 4 2.3.6. Typicalness ................................................................................ 4 2.3.7. Recorded history ........................................................................ 4 2.3.8. Ecological position ...................................................................... 5 2.3.9. Potential ..................................................................................... 5 2.3.10. Intrinsic appeal ........................................................................... 5

2.4. Identification/confirmation of important features ................................ 6 2.5. Ideal management objectives ............................................................ 6 2.6. Rationale ........................................................................................... 6 2.7. Operational objectives, management options and outline

prescriptions. ......................................................................................... 8 3. Prescriptions ........................................................................................... 11

3.1. Project register ................................................................................ 11 3.2. Project groups ................................................................................. 17 3.3. Work Programme ............................................................................ 21

3.3.1. 10 Year Work Programme ........................................................ 21 Appendix 1 Management compartments ....................................................... 25 Appendix 2 Grassland management .............................................................. 26 Appendix 3 Hedgerow management programme .......................................... 28 Appendix 4 Work recording form.................................................................... 31 References .................................................................................................... 32

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Introduction West Yorkshire Ecology was commissioned by the Environment Agency to write an ecological management plan for Killingbeck Meadows an area of the Wyke Beck Valley in east Leeds. The brief was to produce an ideal management plan for maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity of the site. The document follows the method set out in “Site management plans for nature conservation” NCC (1988). The plan includes remedial management to bring the site back into better condition; on-going management to maintain the interest of the site; and optional work which can be undertaken to enhance the site should resources become available. Whilst it is recognised that Killingbeck Meadows and the wider Wyke Beck Valley are an excellent resource for local people, this plan does not attempt to provide details of works to enhance the facilities and plan activities for recreational and educational use of the site. The impact of any planned facilities and activities should be considered against the biodiversity objectives set out in this plan, particularly where the impacts will have more than short term consequences. Any with longer term consequences should be agreed in writing with the Natural Habitats Manager, Leeds City Council as they may have wider implications for the management set out in this plan.

Figure 1 – Wyke Beck Valley wildlife corridor showing Killingbeck Meadows

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1. General information

1.1. Location Site name Killingbeck Meadows Site status Part designated as Leeds Nature Area but the whole site qualifies as a Local Sites under new criteria for grassland, mixed habitats and value for the appreciate of nature. County West Yorkshire District Leeds Local Planning Authority Leeds City Council Grid reference SE 340 347 Area 31.44ha

1.2. Tenure The site is owned by Leeds City Council Contact Natural Habitats Manager, Parks and Countryside, Elaine Hill 0113 395 7400 [email protected] Rights of access All of the site is designated as public open space in the Leeds UDP. There are no public rights of way marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 289 (Scale 1:25000).

2. Conservation status

2.1. Site description Killingbeck Meadows is the richest remaining area of species rich neutral grassland in the Wyke Beck Valley, an important wildlife corridor which cuts through the heart of urban east Leeds. The site is divided up by a complex of old hedgerows which generally follow the curve of the contours and terraces/linchets cut into the side of the valley. A section of the Wyke Beck runs through the site and is an important refuge for the nationally threatened white clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). Small woodland blocks, scrub and a pond add further dimensions to the mosaic of habitats, providing niches for 4 red list and 19 amber list “Birds of Conservation Concern”, as well as three species of amphibian. The site provides opportunities for a large urban population to enjoy quiet recreational activities and wildlife within the conurbation.

2.2. Operations likely to damage the special interest Species rich grasslands are vulnerable to damage from fly tipping, vehicles and fires; damage from the use of artificial fertilizers and slurry; and spraying with pesticides. The timing and intensity of cutting and grazing is critical to the species diversity of the grassland. Over-management, cutting too early and

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too often favours grasses at the expense of other wild flowers. Under-management from cutting too late or not at all results in dominant coarse grasses, scrub encroachment and ultimately woodland, with the loss of open conditions favourable to grassland plants and animals. This process can be accelerated by tree planting, which on most of this site will be more damaging than beneficial.

2.3. Evaluation against Nature Conservation Review critieria

2.3.1. Size The site currently supports approximately 7ha of species rich neutral grassland and a further 17ha of moderately species rich sward which should become more diverse with better management.

2.3.2. Diversity Diversity is reflected in both the range of habitats and the assemblage of species. UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats include Lowland Meadow, River, Lowland Fen, Wet Woodland, Hedgerows, Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland and Ponds. A rich assemblage of grassland plants can be seen which include great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), common bistort (Persicaria bistorta), pignut (Conopodium majus), meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) and black knapweed (Centaurea nigra). The woodland flora is relatively restricted, but there are good carpets of native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). 50 bird species including 5 UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species have been recorded bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), song thrush (Turdus philomelos), dunnock (Prunella modularis), house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and starling (Sturnus vulgaris), the first three of which breed on the site. Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and red kite (Milvus milvus) both nationally, specially protected species have been recorded on the site (non-breeding). The invertebrate assemblage has yet to be fully investigated, but a population of white clawed crayfish, a nationally protected species, are present in the beck. 21 species of butterfly have also been recorded on the site. Notable mammals include feeding noctule (Nyctalus noctula) and common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) bats both nationally protected species and hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species. Common frog (Rana temporaria) , common toad (Bufo bufo) and smooth newt (Triturus vulgaris) have been recorded in the pond the latter two are also UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species.

2.3.3. Naturalness The hedgerow pattern on the site can clearly be traced back to the 1851 Tithe Map for this area and are likely to be considerably older. This is an

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uncommon relict feature within the urban environment, reflecting an earlier agricultural land use. Some of the land was recorded as grassland at this time in the apportionment and old meadow indicators such as pignut (Conopodium majus) can still be found in some of the fields. The field adjacent to the A64, York Road was historically landfilled over a lower lying area which included a mill pond. The Wyke Beck retains some of the meandering characteristics of a more natural stream and has mainly earth banks. Some sections have been straightened and deepened to improve the water carrying capacity. The bed consists of silt and building rubble, but the latter can provide valuable cover for crayfish. The woodland in the centre of the meadows is the former site of a farm house (Killingbeck Farm) and later a small pox isolation hospital. The last admission was in 1931. The farm had a small orchard which is evident from a number of remaining fruit trees in the woodland. The woodland supports a carpet of native bluebells but lacks other woodland indicator species.

2.3.4. Rarity The unimproved grassland on this site is a habitat which suffered rapid decline in the 20th century, largely as a result of changes in agriculture. This grassland is of added interest because it has also survived the dramatic expansion of urban Leeds in the same period. White clawed crayfish is a species which is becoming scarce in West Yorkshire and is also declining nationally. This is linked to the spread of the non-native signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and associated disease “crayfish plague”. The Wyke Beck still has a healthy population of native crayfish with a range of age classes. There are no records of nationally rare species for the site.

2.3.5. Fragility The habitats found on the site are relatively robust, but can be damaged by problems such as fires and fly tipping. The white clawed crayfish as well as being at risk from the spread of signal crayfish could also be harmed by pollution of the water course and excessive trampling of the beck banks where the animal lives in burrows.

2.3.6. Typicalness The site is good example of species rich neutral grassland in an urban setting. The mixture of habitats provides plenty of niches for passerine birds associated with woodland edge habitats.

2.3.7. Recorded history Most of the records held by West Yorkshire Ecology have been collected since 1997. A lot of effort was put into recording the flora and fauna of the site

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by Killingbeck Conservation Group (2004) and subsequently by West Yorkshire Ecology.(2010). The latter was part of a programme of survey work of the whole Wyke Beck Valley including Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Breeding Birds Survey, Water Vole and Otter Survey and Bat Transect Survey.

2.3.8. Ecological position Killingbeck Meadows holds a critical position in the centre of the Wyke Beck Valley which stretches from the River Aire in the south to Roundhay Park in the north. The corridor supports a mixture of grassland, woodland, wetland, arable farmland and ‘brown field’ land linked by the flowing water habitat of the Wyke Beck. Killingbeck Meadows is of particular importance for retaining a rich assemblage of grassland plant species such as great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), pignut (Conopodium majus) common bistort (Persicaria bistorta) and sweet vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). It is likely that the site also acts as a refuge for grassland invertebrates, reflected in the list of recorded butterfly species. The site links to other grassland areas which have suffered less sympathetic management through intensive amenity mowing regimes. Killingbeck Meadows could provide a source of seed of local provenance to enhance nearby grasslands.

2.3.9. Potential The grassland at Killingbeck Meadows has suffered from under-management in recent years. The introduction of an optimal management regime for species rich grassland will maintain existing high quality grassland and also restore and enhance large additional areas. Similarly the hedgerows have suffered from a lack of management for considerable time and these will be enhanced for breeding and feeding birds, bats and invertebrates by a programme of management .

2.3.10. Intrinsic appeal The site offers a sizable corridor of semi-natural habitats within the urban environment. This offers landscape, recreational and educational benefits to local people The continuing appeal of the site is reflected in the commitment of voluntary groups such as the Wyke Beck Valley Community Forum.

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2.4. Identification/confirmation of important features Important Site Features Importance

National Regional (W. Yorks.)

Local (Leeds)

Geology & geomorphology Meandering beck

Medium

Habitat types Lowland meadow Rivers (beck) Hedgerows Lowland mixed deciduous woodland Lowland fen Pond

High Medium

High High Medium Low Low Low

Species White clawed crayfish Birds Amphibians Mammals (bats and hedgehogs)

High

High Medium Low Low

2.5. Ideal management objectives The ideal management objective for the site are:

a) Manage the grassland to increase the abundance and distribution of better quality neutral grassland indicator species.

b) Manage the hedgerows on a long rotation to maintain vigour and restock where needed.

c) Maintain and enhance the population of white clawed crayfish in the beck.

d) Limit the area of scrub to avoid coalescence and ensure that the area of high quality grassland is maintained.

e) Increase the area of fen/wet grassland/standing water habitat on land close to the Wyke Beck.

f) Enhance the diversity of native flora and fauna in the existing pond. g) Enhance the species and structural diversity of the woodland.

2.6. Rationale Species rich grassland is the highest value habitat on the site and meets the selection criteria for Local Sites in West Yorkshire. As such activities which reduce the area of this habitat need to be resisted. Tree planting and under-management are the main threats. Some of the grassland will need remedial management before settling into a regular management programme. The mixture of habitats on the site is also another Local Site qualifying features, in particular the structural diversity provided by grassland, hedgerows/scrub, woodland and wetlands. The

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hedgerows which dissect the site provide plenty of cover for breeding and feeding birds, feeding bats and invertebrates. White clawed crayfish, a nationally protected species occurs along the Wyke Beck. This species has suffered a rapid decline in the UK, as a result of introduced signal crayfish and crayfish plague. As one of the best remaining water courses in West Yorkshire for this species, optimal management is a high priority. Hedgerow and scrub provide valuable habitat for birds, bats and invertebrates. In some areas scrub is spreading at the expense of the grassland and needs to be cut back. Some additional scrub may be beneficial in limited areas for white clawed crayfish and amphibians. Retained areas of scrub provide better habitat niches if scrub is not allowed to coalesce into a solid stand. This reduces the more valuable grassland-scrub interface particularly favoured by birds. Hedgerows need to be managed to maintain vigour and limit spreading, particularly of species like blackthorn. The grassland opposite Pembroke Grange is species poor and generally low lying. It abuts a small area of fen/wet grassland and wet woodland to the south. In this location it is considered that the habitat could be enhanced by reducing ground levels and allowing the area to flood more regularly, expanding the existing fen habitat. This work would need to avoid damage to white clawed crayfish habitat along the beck banks. The pond in the south east corner of the site has a problem with Crassula helmsii an invasive alien species. Eradication of this species is a high priority but may result in significant collateral damage to other plants and will require restocking of the pond. The existing woodland within the site can be divided into riparian woodland beside the beck and drier woodland in the centre of the site. Both have limited woodland flora, but do make a significant contribution to the structural diversity of the site. They would benefit from limited management and enhancement particularly of the ground flora.

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2.7. Operational objectives, management options and outline prescriptions.

Operational

objective Management option

Outline prescription

1. To maintain and enhance the grassland habitat.

A3 Active management

a) Ensure that better quality fields are cut and arisings removed off site every year in July. Where the aftermath growth is strong undertake a second cut in September. b) Cut down, chip and remove scrub in selected areas, outside of the bird breeding season, spot treating stumps with appropriate herbicide (Garlon 4). Do not chip onto the grassland. c) For fields requiring remedial management ensure that the grassland is cut and arisings removed off site in early July every year, then harrowed to break up the thatch and a second cut made in September. d) Undertake spot treatment of creeping thistle, spear thistle and docks and pull and remove ragwort when necessary to maintain low levels. e) Monitor rosebay willowherb and bracken and cut back before it sets seed where it shows evidence of spreading. f) Monitor sward diversity to establish if the regime is achieving the desired results. g) When fields have reached favourable condition, delay hay making on some areas no more than one year in five to encourage perennials to set seed.

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2. To maintain and enhance the hedgerows

A2 Limited intervention

a) Lay all hedgerows on a long 15 to 20 year rotation. Restocking with locally native woody species. b) Trim layed hedgerows every second year outside of the bird breeding season to promote bushy regrowth. Avoid damage to old wood by allowing hedgerows to grow taller each year of cutting. c) Remove litter which has accumulated within hedgerows when laying.

3. To maintain and enhance the Wyke Beck for white clawed crayfish.

B3 Action required for species enhancement.

a) Ensure that all works within 5m of the water course or which may result in pollution or increased silt load include mitigation for the protection and enhancement of white clawed crayfish. b) Retain features within the beck which provide cover for crayfish. Some of these may not be naturally derived materials. c) Retain earth beck banks and bankside trees to provide stable burrow sites for crayfish. d) Focus and reduce areas of trampling damage of beck banks. e) Monitor crayfish population and threats

4. To maintain scattered scrub in specified areas.

A3 Active management

a) Retain scattered scrub in specified areas as singing posts for birds where it will not have a significant impact on the grassland. b) Monitor scrub and revise management plan if it starts to expand and coalesce.

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5. To enhance the flora and fauna of the pond in the south east corner of the site.

A3 Active management.

a) Eradicate Australian stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) an invasive alien from the pond. b) Remove litter from the pond. c) Restock the pond with appropriate locally native plant species. d) Retain small muddy margins for breeding dragonflies. e) Provide additional below ground hibernation sites for toads and newts. f) Provide scrub and unmanaged grassland habitat adjacent to the pond for amphibians.

6. To enhance wetland habitats adjacent to the Wyke Beck. (Optional)

A3 Active management Or A2 Limited intervention

a) Reduce the ground levels on low lying grassland near Pembroke Grange to extend the area of fen and create a number of small off-line amphibian ponds. b) Monitor and control weeds, especially Himalayan balsam. Or a) Leave as rank grassland and scattered scrub for invertebrates and amphibians. b) Cut down and chip some scrub outside of the bird breeding season, spot treating stumps with appropriate herbicide in order to prevent succession to woodland and maintain scattered scrub for birds, bats and invertebrates.

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7. To enhance the species and structural diversity of the woodland.

A2 – Habitat management limited intervention.

a) Restore ground flora of woodland used for tipping soil stripped for the cycleway. b) Monitor and control weed species. c) Monitor the density of the woodland canopy and, where appropriate for enhancing the ground flora and woodland structure, undertake limited felling favouring retention of native canopy species. d) Maintain some older trees, dead branches and standing deadwood for the benefit of birds, bats, invertebrates and fungi.

3. Prescriptions

3.1. Project register Records RF03/01 Collect data, vegetation, monitor (abundance of coarse

grasses (cocksfoot, false oat-grass, tufted hairgrass) and weeds (docks, thistles, ragwort, rosebay willowherb, bracken) in each grassland compartment).

RF06/01 Collect data, vegetation, list species (grassland by compartment with DAFOR abundance)

RF14/01 Collect data trees/scrub, estimate (percentage scrub cover, outside of the main line of the hedgerows by grassland compartment).

RA82/01 Collect data, white clawed crayfish, survey (Before any work which is likely to impact on the beck banks (up to 5m from the top of the bank); the bed of the stream including removal of obstructions and large items of rubbish; or the water quality, a survey and assessment of the section of the beck likely to be impacted should be undertaken by a licensed crayfish surveyor. A Natural England license will be required for any activity which involves “taking” crayfish and it must be demonstrated that this is for the conservation of the population or the species).

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RA83/01 Collect data, white clawed crayfish, monitor (Check for presence or absence, sex, carapace length, signs of damage or disease and evidence of breeding, this will require a licensed crayfish surveyor. Avoid late May and June when young are being released. This information should be used to assess the health of the population).

RA83/02 Collect data, signal crayfish, monitor (Check for presence or absence. Kill and remove any animals caught. They should be disposed of carefully to avoid the spread of crayfish plague, away from potential contamination of other water bodies. If found discuss with the Environment Agency).

RH70/01 Collect data, public use, undesirable activities (Survey the banks of the Wyke Beck within the Killingbeck site and map areas of heavy trampling damage to the beck banks).

RH70/02 Collect data, public use, undesirable activities (Illegal trapping of crayfish. Monitor the beck when on site and look for and remove any traps which do not have Council or Environment Agency approval).

Management MH01/01 Manage habitat, woodland, planting (Near to water course in

conjunction with survey RH70/01 consider using thorny scrub planting near to some areas of high trampling damage to restrict access. Care must be taken to avoid the problem moving to new areas and extending the area of damage). Do not dig within 5m of the bank top to avoid crayfish burrows. Dense willow scrub may be better in wetter areas.

MH01/02 Manage habitat, woodland-scrub by planting/sowing (woodland ground flora by spreading locally derived woodland flower seed, for example native bluebell, ramson, dog violet and greater stitchwort, if this does not produce the desired result introduce wildflower plugs).

MH02/01 Manage habitat, woodland-scrub by thinning (limited felling to enhance the woodland structure, aim for 10 to 20% light penetration of the canopy during the summer, mark trees in summer but fell outside of the bird breeding season (March to August)).

MH05/01 Manage habitat woodland-scrub by non-intervention (retain older trees, dead wood and dead trees where they do not pose a significant hazard, for the benefit of bats, deadwood invertebrates, fungi and birds, trees to be monitored with the presumption being to retain if at all possible).

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MH07/01 Manage habitat, woodland-scrub, scrub control (reduce areas of scrub marked on Grassland Management Options Map 2, Appendix 2 “Scrub to be removed” by felling outside of the bird breeding season (March to August), chipping directly to a trailer (not onto the grass) and removing from site. Paint the stumps with herbicide (Garlon 4) to kill any regeneration. Requires operator to hold a Pesticide Application licence).

MH07/02 Manage habitat, scrub, (in areas where scrub is to be retained, thin the scrub to prevent it coalescing to increase available edge habitats for displaying/breeding birds in areas shown on Grassland Management Options Map 2, Appendix 2 marked “Scrub to retain”. Fell outside of the bird breeding season (March to August), and chip directly to a trailer (not onto the grass) and removing from site. Paint the stumps with herbicide (Garlon 4) to kill any regeneration. Requires a Pesticide Application license).

MH09/01 Manage habitat, hedgerows, hedge laying/coppicing (lay or coppice one hedgerow every two years to establish a 20 year cycle. Follow the sequence set out in the Hedge Laying Table and Map 3 in Appendix 3 to minimise laying neighbouring hedgerows. Remove elder and treat stumps with herbicide to stop this species dominating the hedgerow regeneration. Restock gaps in the hedgerow with locally native trees (hawthorn, hazel, field maple, holly and blackthorn – not elder) planted in a double row 300mm apart at 5 plants per metre of hedgerow. Protect the regenerating hedgerow from trampling with a post and single rail fence with rails secured by a strand of high tensile line wire and staples. Avoid blocking obvious desire line footpaths. New trees should be protected with tree guards. Monitor regeneration for signs of rabbit or deer damage and take appropriate action to remedy. Consider using some cut material to protect the regenerating hedgerow, but monitor for fire damage. Remove remaining cut material by chipping directly to a trailer (not onto the grass) and removing from site, to minimise fire risk).

MH09/02 Manage habitat, hedgerows, cutting (following hedge laying, the hedgerows should be flailed every 2 years per Appendix 3 Hedge trimming table and Map 3. This seeks to cut half of the hedgerows in any one year. Avoid cutting into old wood and allow the hedgerows to grow taller each year. This will help to maintain feeding and breeding habitat for birds and feeding habitat for bats. Avoid flailing hedgerows which have been unmanaged for many years).

MH09/03 Manage habitat, hedgerows, (newly planted and restocked hedgerows, weed and maintain the tree guards and supporting canes).

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MH12/01 Manage habitat, grassland, by mowing (annual remedial management – cut and remove arisings in early July, chain harrow, cut and ideally remove arisings again in September, until in favourable condition then MH12/02).

MH12/02 Manage habitat, grassland, by mowing (annual continuing management – cut and remove arisings in July (using ripening of first yellow rattle seed as a good indicator of the exact date each year, which accounts for seasonal variation) [see also MH12/03 – late cut]. Undertake a second cut and ideally remove arisings in September.

MH12/03 Manage habitat, grassland, by mowing (a late first cut can be undertaken in August on grassland which is already in good condition, to allow for the seeding of perennial flowers - not to be undertaken more than 1 year in every 5 and ideally rotated around the good fields [note that regular late cutting will lead to a proliferation of undesirable, ubiquitous coarse grasses] .

MH15/01 Manage habitat, grassland non-intervention (Provide an area of unmanaged grassland linking the pond to the hedgerow network on the main site down the eastern side of compartment 1 (see Appendix 1 Map 1). Monitor scrub and apply MH07/02 if required.

MH15/02 Manage habitat, grassland non-intervention (provide an area of unmanaged grassland on low lying land adjacent to the Wyke Beck near Pembroke Grange (see Appendix 1, Map 1, Compartment 9) for invertebrates and small mammals. Monitor scrub and apply MH07/02 if required.)

MH55/01 Manage habitat, swamp/fen/inundation by excavation (Optional: Reduce the ground levels on low lying land adjacent to the Wyke Beck opposite Pembroke Grange (see Appendix 1, Map 1, Compartment 9). This project will need detailed drawings and planning permission and must be undertaken in consultation with the Environment Agency as it is within the flood plain. The plans will need to make careful provision for the disposal of spoil where it will not impact on other sensitive habitats and will not reduce the capacity of the flood plain. Any work will need to pay particular attention to underground services (water, sewage, gas, electricity and telephone). The objective would be to extend the existing fen community which exists at the southern end of the field. The wetland should be off-line and not cut into the banks of the beck to minimise risk to white clawed crayfish. Some small areas of permanent open water should be included for amphibians.

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MH62/01 Manage habitat, open water by plant introduction (re-stock the pond by introducing locally native wetland plants from a reliable source (not contaminated with Crassula or similar problems species). Species to use include branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), lesser pond sedge (Carex acutiformis), common spike rush (Eleocharis palustris), yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus), broad-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton natans), water plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) and water mint (Mentha aquatica). Do not overstock the pond and avoid vigorous species such as Bulrush/reedmace (Typha latifolium) common reed (Phragmites australis). Retain some muddy margins for breeding dragonflies.

MA02/01 Manage habitat, artificial weed control/spraying (grassland by spot treatment with non-residual herbicide or hand weeding docks, thistles and ragwort. Do not boom spray).

MA02/02 Manage habitat, artificial weed control/cutting (grassland, cut rosebay willowherb or bracken before seeding, but only if monitoring indicates that they are spreading. Pay particular attention to areas damaged by fires).

MA02/03 Manage habitat, artificial weed control/pulling (Himalayan balsam to be pulled well before seeding)

MA02/04 Manage habitat, weed control, Crassula helmsii (This plant is found in the pond to the south east of the site. It is a highly invasive alien species which can not be controlled by mechanical methods. The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Information Sheet 11 recommends treatment of the submerged form with dichlobenil as Midstream GSR in February/March and emergent plants with glyphosate approved for aquatic situations between April and November. This will be likely to kill many other plants within the pond but is necessary to prevent the plant spreading and damaging other sites. The work can only be undertaken by someone with a Pesticide Application certificate which specifically covers them close to water. Once it is clear that the plant has been eradicated from the pond and neighbouring habitat it will be possible to replant the pond.

MS50/01 Manage species, herptile (Provide hibernacula for smooth newts and common toad including large logs or boulders near the pond. See Great crested newt mitigation guidelines (Natural England 2001 Figure 3 p42)

ME40/01 Protect site by removing rubbish (laying the hedgerows provides a good opportunity to clear accumulated litter/rubbish).

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ME40/02 Protect site by removing rubbish (Beck -Look for objects in the beck which might pose a threat to white clawed crayfish, other wildlife or humans. Remove with reference to licensed crayfish worker. If there is an imminent threat of harm take immediate action to minimise the risk.

ME40/03 Maintain site by removing rubbish (Pond -Ensure that removal of Crassula helmsii has been undertaken before rubbish is moved. Any equipment such as waders and nets need to be carefully checked before leaving the site. Small 5mm sections of the plant can germinate.

Administration Al10/01 Safeguard title, legal (check for illegal activities such as

unlicensed grazing, over-night stays, encroachment of gardens, tipping of waste, felling of trees)

AR00/01 Prepare report, project recording forms (all management work and site visit reports should result in the completion of a report form (Appendix 4) which should be filed as a record of historical management, monitoring and issues)

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3.2. Project groups Operational objective: To maintain and enhance the grassland habitat. Outline prescription Project group a) Ensure that better quality fields are cut and arisings removed off site every year in July. Where the aftermath growth is strong undertake a second cut in September. b) Cut down, chip and remove scrub in selected areas, outside of the bird breeding season, spot treating stumps with appropriate herbicide (Garlon 4). Do not chip onto the grassland. c) For fields requiring remedial management ensure that the grassland is cut and arisings removed off site in early July every year, then harrowed to break up the thatch and a second cut made in September. d) Undertake spot treatment of creeping thistle, spear thistle and docks and pull and remove ragwort when necessary to maintain low levels. e) Monitor rosebay willowherb and bracken and cut back before it sets seed where it shows evidence of spreading. f) Monitor sward diversity to establish if the regime is achieving the desired results. g) When fields have reached favourable condition, delay hay making on some areas no more than 1 year in 5 to encourage perennials to set seed.

RF03/01, MH12/02, AR00/01 MH07/01, AR00/01 RF03/01, MH12/01, AR00/01 RF03/01, MA02/01, AR00/01 RF03/01, MA02/02, AR00/01 RF06/01, AR00/01 MH12/03, AR00/01

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Operational objective: To maintain and enhance the hedgerows Outline prescription Project group a) Lay all hedgerows on a long 15 to 20 year rotation. Restocking with locally native woody species. b) Trim layed hedgerows every second year outside of the bird breeding season to promote bushy regrowth. Avoid damage to old wood by allowing hedgerows to grow taller each year of cutting. c) Remove litter which has accumulated within hedgerows when laying. d) For all newly planted and restocked hedgerows, weed and maintain the tree guards and supporting canes.

MH09/01, AR00/01 MH09/02, AR00/01 ME40/01, AR00/01 MH09/03, AR00/01

Operational objective: To maintain and enhance the Wyke Beck for white clawed crayfish Outline prescription Project group a) Ensure that all works within 5m of the water course or which may result in pollution or increased silt load include mitigation for the protection and enhancement of white clawed crayfish. b) Retain features within the beck which provide cover for crayfish. Some of these may not be naturally derived materials. c) Retain earth beck banks and bankside trees to provide stable burrow sites for crayfish. d) Focus and reduce areas of trampling damage of beck banks. e) Monitor crayfish population and threats

RA82/01, AR00/01 RA82/01 RH70/01, MH01/01, AR00/01 RA83/01, RA83/02, RH70/02, ME40/02, AR00/01

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Operational objective: To maintain scattered scrub in specified areas Outline prescription Project group a) Retain scattered scrub in specified areas as singing posts for birds where it will not have a significant impact on the grassland. b) Monitor scrub and revised management plan if it starts to expand and coalesce.

MH07/02 RF14/01, AR00/01

Operational objective: To enhance the flora and fauna of the pond in the south east corner of the site Outline prescription Project group a) Eradicate Australian stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) an invasive alien from the pond. b) Remove litter from the pond. c) Restock the pond with appropriate locally native plant species. d) Retain small muddy margins for breeding dragonflies. e) Provide additional below ground hibernation sites for toads and newts. f) Provide scrub and unmanaged grassland habitat adjacent to the pond for amphibians.

MA02/04, AR00/01 ME40/03, AR00/01 MH62/01, AR00/01 MH62/01 MS50/01, AR00/01 MH15/01

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Operational objective: To enhance wetland habitats adjacent to the Wyke Beck. (Optional) Outline prescription Project group a) Reduce the ground levels on low lying grassland near Pembroke Grange to extend the area of fen and create a number of small off-line amphibian ponds. b) Monitor and control weeds, especially Himalayan balsam. Or a) Leave as rank grassland and scattered scrub for invertebrates and amphibians. b) Cut down and chip some scrub outside of the bird breeding season, spot treating stumps with appropriate herbicide in order to prevent succession to woodland and maintain scattered scrub for birds, bats and invertebrates.

RA82/01, MH55/01, AR00/01 MA02/03, AR00/01 MH15/02 MH07/02, AR00/01

Operational objective: To enhance the species and structural diversity of the woodland Outline prescription Project group a) Restore ground flora of woodland used for tipping soil stripped from the cycleway. b) Monitor and control weed species. c) Monitor the density of the woodland canopy and, where appropriate for enhancing the ground flora and woodland structure, undertake limited felling favouring retention of native canopy species. d) Retain some older trees, dead branches and standing deadwood for the benefit of birds, bats, invertebrates and fungi.

MH01/02, AR00/01 RF03/01, MA02/03, AR00/01 MH02/01, AR00/01 MH05/01

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3.3. Work Programme

3.3.1. 10 Year Work Programme Project code Project title Financial Year (Months 1-12)

Important in bold, desirable normal, optional in brackets ( ), 4-3 = any time of year

12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 Records RF03/01 Collect data, vegetation, monitor

(grassland condition) 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

RF06/01 Collect data, vegetation, list species (grassland survey)

7 7

RF14/01 Collect data trees/scrub, estimate (scrub cover)

4-3 4-3 4-3

RA82/01 Collect data, white clawed crayfish, survey (before work near beck)

7-8 7-8

RA83/01 Collect data, white clawed crayfish, monitor

7-8 7-8

RA83/02 Collect data, signal crayfish, monitor 7-8 7-8 RH70/01 Collect data, public use, undesirable

activities (Wyke Beck trampling) 8 8

RH70/02 Collect data, public use, undesirable activities (Crayfish traps)

4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3

Management MH01/01 Manage habitat, woodland, planting

(beck protection) (9-3) (9-3)

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Project code Project title Financial Year (Months 1-12) Important in bold, desirable normal, optional in brackets ( ), 4-3 = any

time of year 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22

MH01/02 Manage habitat, woodland-scrub by planting/sowing (ground flora)

6-7 6-7 4-5

MH02/01 Manage habitat, woodland-scrub by thinning (limited in woodland)

(10-2)

MH05/01 Manage habitat woodland-scrub by non-intervention (monitor old trees, dead trees, retain as much as possible)

9-3 9-3 9-3 9-3

MH07/01 Manage habitat, woodland-scrub, scrub control (removal)

9 9 9 9

MH07/02 Manage habitat, scrub, (thin scrub) 9-2 9-2 9-2 MH09/01 Manage habitat, hedgerows, hedge

laying/coppicing 9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2

MH09/02 Manage habitat, hedgerows, cutting 9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2 MH09/03 Manage habitat, hedgerows (newly

planted) 6,9 6,9 6,9 6,9 6,9

MH12/01 Manage habitat, grassland, by mowing (remedial)

7 7 7 (7) (7) (7)

MH12/02 Manage habitat, grassland, by mowing (maintenance)

7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

MH12/03 Manage habitat, grassland, by mowing (late cut)

(8) (8) (8)

MH15/01 Manage habitat, grassland non-intervention (no cutting, scrub monitoring)

9-2 9-2 9-2

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time of year 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22

MH15/02 Manage habitat, grassland non-intervention (no cutting, scrub monitoring)

9-2 9-2 9-2

MH55/01 Manage habitat, swamp/fen/inundation by excavation (option project)

(8-9)

MH62/01 Manage habitat, open water by plant introduction (pond restocking)

6

MA02/01 Manage habitat, artificial weed control/spraying (docks, thistles, ragwort)

5-6 5-6 5-6 5-6 5-6

MA02/02 Manage habitat, artificial weed control/cutting (rosebay willowherb, bracken)

5-6 5-6 5-6 5-6 5-6

MA02/03 Manage habitat, artificial weed control/pulling (Himalayan balsam)

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

MA02/04 Manage habitat, artificial weed control/spraying (Crassula helmsii)

5-9 (5-9)

MS50/01 Manage species, herptile (Provide hibernacula)

5-9

ME40/01 Protect site by removing rubbish (hedgerows)

9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2 9-2

ME40/02 Protect site by removing rubbish (beck)

7-8 7-8

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time of year 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22

ME40/03 Maintain site by removing rubbish (pond)

6 6 6

Administration Al10/01 Safeguard title, legal (grazing, over-

night stays, encroachment, tipping, tree felling)

4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3

AR00/01 Prepare report, project recording forms (all activities and site visits)

4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3

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Appendix 1 Management compartments Map 1 Management compartments

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Appendix 2 Grassland management Grassland condition assessment 2011 Compartment Condition Prescription for

2012/13 1 Moderate diversity, soft grass

dominated, well managed MH12/02

2 Moderate diversity, soft grass dominated, well managed in most areas

MH12/02, MH12/01

3 Moderate diversity, coarse grass dominated, under-managed.

MH12/01

4 Moderate diversity, soft grass dominated, well managed in most areas

MH12/02, MH12/01

5 Moderate diversity, soft grass dominated, well managed

MH12/02

6 Good diversity, soft grass dominated, under-managed in some areas.

MH12/02, MH12/01

7 Good diversity, soft grass dominated, under-managed in some areas.

MH12/02, MH12/01

8 Poor diversity, coarse grass dominated, under-managed

MH12/01

9 Poor diversity, coarse grass dominated, non-intervention.

MH15/01

On going management will depend on how the grassland compartments respond to remedial management. Compartments with scrub encroachment will require a degree of remedial management in those areas.

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Map 2 Grassland management options

x

Unmown grass

Hay meadow

Scrub to retain

Scrub to be removed

Hedgerows

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Appendix 3 Hedgerow management programme The aim is to regenerate the hedgerows by laying or coppicing and restocking. Elder should be removed at the time of laying, and stumps treated with herbicide so that it does not dominate the regeneration. It will self seed back into the hedges. The layed hedges are then left for two years to regenerate before trimming begins. Trimming is designed to gradually bring hedgerows into a two year rotation, with half of the hedges cut each year. The old growth hedgerows are not included in the trimming. Hedgerow H8 was restocked in 2010/11 and has been left until 2015/16 before the first trim. Trimming should not cut into old growth and should allow the hedgerows to get gradually taller and wider. It is envisaged that the long cycle of hedge laying will continue until it is repeated over about 20 years. The two year cutting regime will increase dense cover for birds whilst allowing the hedge to flower and fruit on the second year growth to provide food for birds and insects. Allowing the hedgerows to gradually increase in height will reduce the visual impact of the flail and retain feeding and commuting corridors for bats. The pattern of laying and trimming is designed so that adjacent hedgerows are not at the same point in the management cycle. This will spread the impact of management work more evenly across the site. The tables below show a complete management cycle. If resources are tight the time frame could be stretched, but if resources are available the laying programme should not be accelerated.

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Hedge laying Year Hedge Length 2012/13 H1 195m (Estimated 50m layed 2011/12) 2014/15 H9 81m 2016/17 H6 302m 2018/19 H3 138m 2020/21 H7 305m 2022/23 H4 86m 2024/25 H10 418m 2026/27 H2 223m 2028/29 H5 221m 2030/31 H8 345m Hedge trimming Year Hedges Length 2012/13 None 2013/14 None 2014/15 H1 195m 2015/16 H8 345m 2016/17 H1, H9 276m 2017/18 H8 345m 2018/19 H1, H9 276m 2019/20 H6, H8 647m 2020/21 H1, H9 276m 2021/22 H6, H8, H3 785m 2022/23 H1, H9, H7 581m 2023/24 H6, H8, H3 785m 2024/25 H1, H9, H7, H4 667m 2025/26 H6, H8, H3 785m 2026/27 H1, H9, H7, H4, H10 1085m 2027/28 H6, H8, H3 785m 2028/29 H1, H9, H7, H4, H10 1085m 2029/30 H6, H8, H3, H2 1008m 2030/31 H1, H9, H7, H4, H10, H5 1306m

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Map 3 Hedgerow management

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Appendix 4 Work recording form

Site name:

Date:

Officer name:

Notes for future management:

Killingbeck Meadows, Leeds

Work undertaken:

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References Nature Conservancy Council (1988), “Site management plans for nature conservation”. West Yorkshire Local Sites Partnership (2011), “West Yorkshire Local Wildlife Site Selection Criteria”. N. O’Hanlon (2010), Wyke Beck Valley, Leeds Phase 1 Habitat Survey 2009 and 2010, West Yorkshire Ecology. N. O’Hanlon (2010), Wyke Beck Valley, Leeds Management Report, West Yorkshire Ecology. N. O’Hanlon (2010), Wyke Beck Valley, Breeding Bird Survey Report, West Yorkshire Ecology. R. Masheder (2010), Killingbeck Meadows Bat Report July 2010, West Yorkshire Ecology. N. Kenally (2004), Killingbeck, Killingbeck Conservation Group April 2004

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