Management plan

Page 1

Management Plan

Friar Gate, Derby Local Nature Reserve

2018-2038

Christina Goodband LSC335


1.0 Introduction 1.1 The purpose of the plan This management plan has been produced for Derby City Council. It will outline several proposals for the redesign and management of the Friar Gate Site and surrounding neighbourhoods. Components of the new development will be specifically aimed at providing green corridors and networks for wildlife across the city landscape, and further enhancing unique high quality habitats for an increasingly threatened species. Conservation and sustainability will be the two main driving forces throughout the report. The plan will: • Further enhance the habitats (such as the grassland in figure 1) that encourage wildlife to this part of the city, with a specific ambition to improve opportunities for the Red squirrel. • Include a simple Master plan showing habitat types and links to other green spaces and networks. • Include associated sub-area management plans to ensure this quality landscape continues to promote biodiversity Figure 1: (Goodband, 2018) for the foreseeable future. The Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is the primary focus species which will be addressed throughout this report. An example of further species that are expected to inhabit the site includes the following: Birds: Goshawk, Hightjar, Linnet, Kestrel, Long-eared owl, Green woodpecker, Woodlark, Goldcrest, Coal tits, Tree pipit and Warblers. Mammals: Dormouse, Badger, Noctule bat, Fox, Rabbit. Reptiles: Common frog Adder, Grass snake and Slow worm. Insects: Butterflies (extensive) , Moths, Meadow grasshopper, Wood ants. This is only an indicative list. Species such as those listed above are referred to as Sub/associated species’ throughout this report.

1.2 Vision statement The vision is to convert the current brownfield site as shown in figure 2, into an inner city nature reserve. A mosaic of existing and introduced habitats will deeply enhance the diversity of the site. It will function as an educational reserve as well as providing a vital habitat network for existing and introduced species. There is great potential to increase its value to locals and visitors through correct management, so as to encourage positive perceptions of Derby and urban green spaces. A green oasis in the outskirts of the city centre will promote urban biodiversity and form a catalyst to the wider ecological network. The post-industrial heritage and historical context will be retained and enhanced throughout the new design and management proposals. It is hoped, that with the correct guidance and approaches, the ecological richness of the site will improve significantly within the first 5-10 years. This will gradually develop into a thriving nature reserve for a multitude of flora and fauna to inhabit Figure 2: (Google Earth, 2018)

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2.0

Site description

2.1 Location and extent

2.3 Landscape value and context

Figure 1: Site location and boundary Friar Gate is situated to the North West of Derby City Centre and covers an area of 5 ha.

Previously, the area held a strong industrial and economical value but this no longer exists, since the closure of Friar Gate railway station. The site holds a brownfield status. This offers a high ecological value to both the centre of Derby and the wider context. This is due to the reason that brownfield sites are often far richer in wildlife than the intensively agricultural land which lie outside of cities. The former goods yard has seen a low level of human intervention over a period of 50 years, which has allowed nature to reclaim the site. This is typical of brownfield sites, and Figure 2 shows Betula pendula which has most likely self-seeded. The site is surrounded by residential housing, as well as traditional urban built infrastructure such as shops, offices and a nearby university. The majority of the site is accessible to the public with exception to the Friar Gate bridge which is now fenced off. Pedestrians use the site regularly as a cut-through route to and from the ring road. It has also suffered from neglection, which has resulted in several arson attacks. However this has largely affected the buildings and not the landscape itself.

Figure 3: (Google Earth, 2018)

2.2 Past,recent and current land-use The site is a former railway station, as shown in a 1960’s map of the site opposite. The railway was opened in 1878 by Great Northern as the Derbyshire and Staffordshire Extension Line and skirted around the northern end of the city. It was closed down in 1968 by British Railways, and has remained abandoned ever since. Both the old railway warehouse and the engine house on the site are designated as listed buildings. Planning permission was granted to Clowes in 2011 for 140 homes, offices, cafÊs and shops, while turning the warehouse on the site into a supermarket. However, the planning application failed. In September 2017, development site-manager site for Clowes, said the firm was working on a deal to sell about half of the 20-acre site. This follows the latest proposal is to see Derby Cathedral School occupy the western half of the derelict site. This is proposed to be built by 2021 and will link to the reserve, meaning the site can be utilised it as an educational amenity. The school will be able to benefit from the grade 2 listed building when the reserve is quiet (ie winter months) ensuring all year round use.

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Figure 4: (Digimaps, 2018)


3.0

Management Aims And Objectives

AIM

1

2

3

To preserve and enhance the existing diversity of mosaic habitats, as well as introduce a new habitat to provide a suitable environment for protected species.

To develop a recreational use of the site.

To improve the overall visual quality of the site.

OBJECTIVES 1.1 Maintain, enhance and diversify the existing broadleaved for the Red squirrel and associated fauna. 1.2 Create new coniferous plantations to further encourage the Red squirrel and attract a diverse range of wildlife 1.3 Maintain, enhance and diversify the unimproved grassland. Further preserve and enhance the habitat of existing rare butterfly species in the grassland.

2.1 Provide new visitor facilities for the reserve including an education learning centre, restaurant, gift shop, toilets and viewing platforms ect. 2.2 Improve accessibility to and within the site 2.3 Create new wide pathways for running and walking as seen in the image adjacent.. 2.4 Create a new a small play area using reclaimed site materials from excavation works. 2.5 Create and maintain amenity grassland for multi-functional purposes. 3.1 Create focal areas, to also act as meeting points 3.2 Screen unattractive views and noise from beyond the park as shown in the photo. i.e. buffer vegetation can screen traffic noise from the road as seen in the image adjacent. 3.3 Improve the appearance of current unattractive areas such as the existing graffiti areas. 3.4 Create small glade openings throughout the site for seating and educational purposes.

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To encourage all sections of the surrounding community to become actively involved in the site 4.1 Utilise Friar gate Nature Reserve to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of biodiversity and the natural world. 4.2 Encourage the new school build adjacent to the reserve to use the site for educational purposes. 4.3 Work with local community and ‘Friends of Friar Gate’ to improve the current perceptions of the reserve. 4.4 Collaborate with the nearby University of Derby, in order to use the site as an example of urban wildlife and landscape conservation.

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To manage the park in a Sustainable manner

5.1 Make efficient use of the existing resources available 5.2 Preserve the habitat diversity through correct and appropriate management 5.3 Use local resources wherever possible such as sourcing material from reclamation sites 5.4 Encourage sustainable green travel. For example through a new cycle route and cycle storage area.

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4.0

Existing habitat plan

Broad-leaved semi-natural Site Boundary

Dense/continuous scrub

Broad-leaved semi-natural

Scattered scrub

Dense/continuous scrub

X X X X

Tree

Tree

Unimproved Grassland

Unimproved Grassland

Bracken

Bracken

Bramble

Bramble

Ephemeral

Ephemeral

Amenity Grassland

Bare Ground

A

Bare Ground

Hardstanding Hardstanding

Building

Clowes Developments Ltd

fpcr

Friar Gate Derby Clowes Developments Ltd Phase 1 Habitat Plan Friar Gate Derby

Not to scale

NJG

Educational reserve centre 24.02.2011

Proposed school

Educational reserve centre

Figure 5: (Goodband, 2018)

Proposed school

There are three main existing habitat types on the site: • A broad-leave woodland of mature Sycamore, Ash and Birch. This runs along the north-east edge of the site, and can be seen in figure 8. • The former platforms with sapling Sycamores and tall herbaceous vegetation • The third and largest habitat area is the extensive swathe of unimproved grassland, with small patches of Goat willow and bramble. Figure 6 and 7 show this. Figure 6: (Goodband, 2018)

Figure 7: (Goodband, 2018)

Figure 8: (Goodband, 2018)

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5.0

Proposed

plan Darley Park

Key

Wildlife corridor bridge

Visitor threshold

River Derwent

Ecological threshold Existing building - new visitor centre Wider network links (for ecology & humans)

Broad-leaved coniferous woodland

Proposed recreational permeable footpath

Open dry grassland

Dense shrub

Mackworth Brook & Markeaton Park

Coniferous grove Ecological woodland corridor

Bramble Brook & Mackworth Park

Coniferous grove

Wildlife pond Amenity grassland Wildlife pond (SUD)

Raised terrace viewing platform

Plantation Coniferous woodland

Open dry grassland

Educational reserve centre

Plantation Coniferous woodland

Proposed school

Amenity grassland Figure 9: (Goodband, 2018)

Hardstanding

Residental housing

Derby city centre

The proposed plan works alongside the existing habitat mosaic, focusing on enhancing the existing evolution of the site. The existing broad-leave woodland will be thinned in specific areas in order to allow new coniferous plantings. This means the existing habitat will not be lost but instead enhanced for an introduced rare species, the Red squirrel. There will also be several exclusive coniferous forest edges in order to encourage the Red squirrel to thrive. These will also act as small buffer zones from the noise of the nearby school, and act as screening from existing unsightly views. The open grassland will feature a transition of dry to slightly more moist areas. This is in order to create an ecological diversity which is vital for the future conservation methods. The main reason it is vital that the grassland is enhanced and not destroyed, is because it currently provides a habitat for both rare resident and migrant Butterflies. This includes the Brimstone, Small Copper, Wall Brown and Clouded Yellow butterflies, along with 22 other recorded species since 1981. The key focus will be around managing these transitions so it benefits the red squirrel and associated species.

Figure 10: (Nature preserves, 2014)

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Figure 11: (Woodland Trust, 2015)


6.0 Wider ecological network links 6.1 Surrounding land-use Aside from the large sprawl of suburban land-use, improved grassland and broadleaved woodland are the most common land-use types immediately surrounding the site. Coniferous woodland is sparse however potential future sites have been identified: These are Hawksmoor Nature Reserve in Staffordshire Macclesfield forest in Chesire and High park wood in Nottinghamshire. The primary proposed corridor (see 6.3) provides the initial north link into rural Derbyshire. Identifying existing coniferous habitat is crucial towards red squirrel re-introduction and conservation methods.

Figure 12: (Digimaps, 2018)

6.2 Green infrastructure corridors Ecological Wildlife corridor Key local green open spaces

Key local green open spaces Markeaton Brook Potential new access routes/ crossings

Site Key local green open spaces

River Derwent

The site is currently surrounded by a relatively dense urban sprawl, however there are several opportunities to connect with surrounding green spaces. The green path is a primary option and is relatively low intervention because it does not involve a high level of interference. New routes for the benefit of both wildlife and people are shown in white. These would involve a higher intervention and are secondary options. These provide a link to other key open spaces, but are not deemed of high priority or necessity. It would act as an urban green corridor, depending on how well the Red Squirrel and sub species adapt to the management techniques within Friar Gate nature reserve.

Figure 13: (Google Earth, 2018) Mosaic of surrounding habitats

Derbyshire - wider ecoloical network

Ecological corridor

Ecological corridor

Friar Gate Nature reserve Green ecological bridge

Proposed new green bridge/ dense tree planting

Figure 14: (Google Earth, 2018)

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6.3 Primary proposed corridor The current derelict bridge will from the start of a wildlife corridor. There is an existing green corridor which follows Markeaton Brook. This provides an extensive oppurtunity to connect out into the county of Derbyshire. Here, the landscape is mainly greenfield and it is extensive, allowing for increased ecological habitat opportunities or cut-through areas. It is expected over time many species of wildlife will use corridors including birds, small mammals, amphibians and insects. There will be planting of hedgerow and a mix of solely coniferous trees to exclude grey squirrels from using the ecological corridors. Removal of any large-seeded broadleafs will also be required. A follow-up report will address this secondary aim in detail. The primary focused aim is the site itself.


7.0 Management plan - woodland Key

11

Visitor threshold Ecological threshold

8 d ve ea -l Broad coniferous woodland

Existing building - new visitor centre Proposed recreational permeable footpath Fencing

Coniferous grove

RECOMMENDATION (responds to objectives, see page 3)

WHO

1. To preserve and enhance the existing diversity of complex mosaic habitats on the site to provide suitable habitat for protected species (Woodland)

1.1 Selective felling in areas 6,7 and 8 to remove existing Sycamore. This will lower the threat of grey squirrels. 1.2 Plant Scots pine, Corsican pine, Norway Spruce, Sitka Spruce, and Douglas Fir seedlings to create an exclusively coniferous woodland. Locations 2, 3,4 and 5 (see map). The chosen tree variety provide an all year round food source for the Red squirrel. Encourage good seed production by planting in irregular shapes to increase the periphery edge. 1.3 Protect all new trees from potential deer damage by implementing temporary wire fencing. Locations see above (1.2). 1.4 Plant Lodgepole pine, Norway Spruce and Sitka Spruce in existing woodland glades to create a 25:75 conifer:existing broad leaf ratio. (Refer to forestry commission guidance). Planting throughout the broad leaf coniferous mix. Open dry grassland1.5 Selective removal of 20% of Common Ivy in locations 6,7 andy8. Particularly pen dr O no ground understorey to allow space for new plantings (seegr3.1)Ensure Ivyazisinreg assland- no gr moved from existing broadleaf trees because dense ivy isgr good azedfor nesting birds and provides a late nectar source for insects. 1.6 Thin around 30% of existing broadleaf canopies (Ash and Birch) in woodland. This will reduce the shade levels allowing newly planted coniferous and understorey species to grow. 1.7 Monitor site to ensure no Beech, Hazel, dry Chestnut, Oaks, Sweet Chestnut, OpenHorse Walnut trees or shrubs never appear (i.e. assland-bird droppings) to discourage grthrough grazed grey squirrel.

Ecotree company tree surgeons

5

7 13

12

Broad-leaved coniferous woodland 6

Coniferous grove 3

Existing mature tree edge

9

Plantation Coniferous woodland 10 2

AIM

14 2. To develop the recreational and educational use of the site (woodland)

Educationalre reserve cent

Figure 15: (Christina Goodband, 2018)

EFFECTIVE HABITAT MANAGEMENT NOTES • Management should aim to create uneven-aged woodland to ensure a constant supply of seed-producing trees. This acts as a consistent food source. • Seek to avoid felling trees whilst the dreys (nests) are occupied by young (potentially March – October). Squirrels are vulnerable to disturbance during their breeding season, and it is an offence Key under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) to disturb an active Visitor threshold drey. reshold ologicalofthbird • Also ensure any felling occurs Ec outside nesting season (Febnew visitor centre g in ruary August) in order to minimise disturbance. ild Existing bu footpath • Beech, Hazel, Horse Chestnut, Oaks, SweeteaChestnut eableWalnut permand osed recr tional op Pr should be avoided at all costs. Although they are ideal species for g the Grey squirrel. Red Squirrel they are also favoured Fencinby • Species in woodland understorey mix may die back depending on exact locations and level of shade/sun. In this case, do not remove woodland fungi and moss that are expected to form too .

TIME SCALE AIMS January 2019

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust(DWT)

£3k

October 20202022

DWT & Consveration volunteers

£700

August 2020

£1.2k total

October 2019 - 2020

DWT & Friends of Friar gate (FoFG) volunteers

January 2019 DWT & FoFG volunteers Derby City council maintenance team (DCC)

Late winter 2019

Countryside ranger

Quarterly ongoing - 2038

DWT & FoFG

£500

2025

DCC

£800

Summer 2024

DWT & FoFG volunteers

£2k

July 2023

3.1 Plant a woodland understorey mix including Common Spotted Orchid, Wood anemone, White wood aster, Honeysuckle sp., Wild strawberry, Yellow pimpernel, English bluebell, Wild sarsaparilla and Rosebay willowherb. Locations 6,7 and 8.. For visual interest and to enhance ecological diversity levels. 3.2 Consider planting appropriate species of non-invasive climbers to reduce the visual intrusion of new fencing around wildlife ponds. Locations 13 and 14. 3.3 Screening of ring road noise and unsightly view will be gained through coniferous planting in location 4.

DWT & FoFG volunteers

£400Tesco

Spring 2022

DWT & FoFG volunteers

£100

2021 potentially

4. To encourage all sections of the nearby and surrounding community to become actively involved in the site (site-wide)

4.1 Develop a Friends of Friar Gate nature reserve (FoFG) group. Meet with other local successful groups to talk about similar site management and group issues. 4.2 Develop a programme of public events to occur in the woodland. Including early morning and early afternoon Red squirrel walks. This is when the red squirrel is most active. 4.3 Work with DWT to establish a ‘Watch’ group for young people. A Watch group would help to encourage young people to learn about the site and find out more about local schemes.

FoFG

Summer 2019

FoFG & DWT volunteers

Autumn 2019

FoFG & DWT volunteers & local schools

2020 - ongoing

5. To manage the park in a sustainable manner (woodland)

5.1 40% of dead wood from tree felling is to be left in area 12 to decompose in-situ to encourage fungal growth, providing a further squirrel food source. 5.2 The remaining 60% of felled tree will be used for new benches, climbing frame, signage and towards the new pathway.

FoFG & Consveration volunteers

Ongoing 2038 Ongoing 2038

Plantation4 Coniferous woodland 1

Mown

enity am11.This 2.1 Notices to be placed at entrances to locations 9 and Illustrate key grasslandwill D amp sedge species and current management aims. Illustrate to users that the landscape is meadow evolving and to take extra care. 2.2 Children’s woodland climbing frame to be in place in Location 9. Sculpture has y n drengage Opealso to be safe to climb, but children 5-12 years with basic anatomy of squirgrasslandg rel. Funding from local arts council. azin no gr tional Educalines. 2.3 Audit existing (currently unsurfaced) desire a raised timber re e centSurface rv se re board walk along existing desire lines to minimise damage to ground flora and improve access (e.g. wheel chairs). Lottery funding and help from Forestry ComMownity mission - WT volunteers by July 2022) en

COST

3. To improve the visual quality of the site (woodland)

am and grassl

7

DWT

FoFG

2020-2023


grassland

8.0 Management plan - Grassland AIM Key Visitor threshold

14

Ecological threshold Existing building - new visitor centre

7

Proposed recreational permeable footpath Fencing

Open dry grasslandgrazed

1. To preserve and enhance the existing diversity of complex mosaic habitats on the site to provide suitable habitat for protected species (Grassland)

Open dry grasslandno grazing

6

11

10

Open dry grasslandgrazed

Open dry grasslandno grazing

5

8 2

Mown amenity grassland

3

15

Damp sedge meadow

2. To develop the recreational and educational use of the site (Grassland)

9

Educational reserve centre

13

4

Mown 1 amenity grassland

Figure 16: (Christina Goodband, 2018)

12

EFFECTIVE HABITAT MANAGEMENT NOTES • The range of management techniques will create a mosaic of acid grassland areas. This will ensure a diversity of species-rich grassland. • The sheep will tend to graze in different places throughout areas 5 and 7, which will create patches of taller and shorter vegetation. Exclude livestock from early March to July and then graze later in the year (August – December). Aim for a sward height of under 5cm, other than the tussocks and taller grasses. (Kent Wildlife Trust). This regime will allow most plants to set seed and invertebrates to complete their life-cycles. Do not allow sheep to overgraze. • Mowing will create a very uniform sward which is desired for the amenity grassland. • The annual mowing regime in areas 3 and 11 will mean the areas are dominated by taller coarse grasses and shrubs, which is desired. The later this area is mown, the more plants will get a chance to set seed. Do not add fertilizer. • Some protected species such as breeding birds and reptiles may use the site. If such species are likely to be present seek advice from Natural England.

3. To improve the visual quality of the site (Grassland)

4. To encourage all sections of the nearby and surrounding community to become actively involved in the site

5. To manage the park in a sustainable manner (Grassland)

RECOMMENDATION (responds to objectives, see page 3)

WHO

COST

TIME SCALE AIMS

1.1 Remove existing Buddliea (invasive) on the former railway platforms in area 5, 6 and 7. This will allow space for new grassland species. 1.2 Areas 3 and 11 of dry grassland to be mown only once annually. Mowing should take place on a warm day in September. This allows it to naturalise to benefit sub-species refer to the habitat management notes. Remove the cuttings (see 5.1) 1.3 Remove existing bramble in areas 3 and 4 to allow visitors to view new plantations. This will be controlled by burning. 1.4 Monitor remaining scrub on site. If deemed by the site Ranger to be encroaching, or increasing in area, a proportion of the scrub should be cut back (aim should be around 50% scrub). 1.5 Plant wetland species such as Striped bulrush, Reed mace, Carnation grass, Golden sedge, Slender-tufted sedge, Iris sp. and Marsh marigold in the wetland area (Location 9). Provides a key water source and will attract new species such as Great Egret and Herons. 1.6 Plant a seed mix of acidic grassland species such as Heath-grass, Wavy hair-grass, Common bent, Broom, Sheeps fescue, Grey hair-grass, European gorse, Harebell, Heath bedstraw, Sheep’s sorrel, Lousewort, Lesser hawkbit, Common cudweed and Least birdsfoot. These are ideal for the existing nutirent poor & low PH soil. Locations 5,7, 11 & 15.

DWT

Early 2019

DCC

September (Ongoing - 2038)

FoFG

Summers 2020-2021

Countryside rangers

Ongoing - 2038

DWT & FoFG volunteers

£700

2021 (Early autmn or spring)

DWT & FoFG volunteers

£1.5k

2021 (Early autmn or spring)

2.1 Grassland notices to be placed in location 8 and 9. Advise of young plantations, grassland ecological cycle and sheep grazing in order to maintain grass length. Include a board of existing butterflies on site and how the site has enhanced their habitat.2.2 Create new pathways along the grassland for running and walking. 3m width. Ensure that material used is appropriate to ecological conditions. Formal timber edging may be required for more the popular paths. 2.3 Maintain areas 1 and 2 as short mown, amenity grassland. However, once every three years, the grassland should be allowed to set seed. Mow regularly to maintain short sward for uses such as picnic bench seating. 2.4 Timber benches to be provided on longer pathway routes at key junctions and viewpoints. Suggested points: 3 at 150m intervals along ungrazed grassland. 2 at 50m intervals along grazed grassland. To be south facing if possible. 2.5 Ensure that all path surface/widths/gradients are suitable for disabled access – wheelchair users and visually impaired visitors. (Refer to the Countryside Agency publication).

DWT

£500

2021

DWT & FoFG volunteers

£1.5k

Summer 2024

3.1 Improve drainage through creating small depressions (locations 13 and 1) from building run-off rain water. Implement a fun sculptural play aspect related to grassland birds - local artist involvement project.. 3.3 New bins in locations 2,3,7 and 14. 3.4 Observe water levels of sedge meadow wetland area in 9 to ensure no overspill, particularly after levels of high rainfall.

Local artists

Countrysidr R

Ongoing - 2038

4.1 Develop a programme of public events to occur in the grassland. Including early morning bird walks, workshops creating suitable bird and red squirrel boxes, workshops creating insect houses ect. 4.2 Work with local artists to develop ideas for a decorative gateway to the site. Placed in location 12. Rather than form a barrier, the gateway should be a celebration of the site and be a place where information about events can be regularly posted. This will mean that passers by can access the information rather than having to enter the site fully. 4.3 Work with FoFG group and local organisations to provide a welcome board at entrance ( location 12) Include details of site history, habitat and recreational value, activity programmes and other ways for visitors to take an active involvement in the site development. Include funders such as Tesco, Lottery heritage and Waitrose community funding.

FoFG & DWT volunteers

Autumn 2019

5.1 Grass cuttings to be left in area 10, for natural discomposure which will release nutrients back into the soil. 5.2 Purchase 5 sheep for sustainable grazing from nearby Woodside Farm. Place in locations 5 and 7 - free to roam fenced area. Fenced off to ensure sheep do not escape onto the nearby ring-road. 5.3 Use offcuts from tree-felling for new stock-proof fencing in location 6,8 and 9. 1.8 metres high minimum.

DCC maintenance team

8

DCC & DWT DCC

Every 2 weeks (summer) 4 weeks (winter) £200 each

Summer 2022

DCC

DCC

Summer 2022

£400

2025

£300

2024

FoFG & DWT volunteers

2k

Autumn 2021- 2022

DCC, FoFG & DWT volunteers

£500

2024 - 2015

Ongoing - Sep

DWT

£200

DCC & DWT

£1k

Early 2026 ( 4 years from planting) Winter 2020


9.0 Visions

Figure 17: (Christina Goodband, 2018)

Figure 17 shows a green bridge visualisation. Forming an ecological corridor from the site into the wider green network of Derbyshire. Figure 18 shows an example of a well-established mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodland. It is hoped this is how the broadleaf & coniferous trees will establish in many years to come. A relatively dense and lush understorey will eventually form a carpet. This photo is only for reference, as some tree species in the example woodland are not ideal for red squirrel. Figure 19 shows an image of the sedge meadow. It will involve little intervention, other than monitoring the water levels and ensuring the more domineering grasses do not take over the area. Figure 20 shows an example of the Butterfly board. This will highlight details of the butterfly conservation work throughout the management of the site and also show what species visitors might spot and when.

Figure 18: (Christina Goodband, 2018)

Figure 18: (Fowlerhill wood, Woodland Trust 2018) Figure 17: (Christina Goodband, 2018)

Figure 19: (Sedge meadow, 2017)

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Figure 20 (Heart of England Nature. 2016)


10.0 Implementation and monitoring 10.1 Introduction of the Red squirrel

A small number of red squirrels will be removed from sites where populations are well established, for example, the East of Inverness-shire and Moray. Their health will be checked and then they will be placed in special nest boxes for transport to Friar Gate nature reserve. When the boxes (and squirrels) reach the site, the boxes must be fixed to trees and the exit holes filled with loosely packed grass - so the squirrels can find their way out. Food must be provided whilst the squirrels grow accustomed to their new habitat. The predicted time-scale for release is around 25-30 years (2043), when coniferous trees will begin to produce an adequate food source, canopy cover and nesting habitat.

Figure 18: (Trees for life, 2015)

10.2 Monitoring the Red Squirrel

Monitoring of red and grey squirrel populations is essential if the effectiveness of conservation work is to be understood. Allow, and where possible assist in red and grey squirrel monitoring work. New sightings of red and grey squirrels should be reported to a Conservation Officer. Sightings of dead red squirrels or those with disease symptoms resembling myxomatosis may be a sign of squirrelpox virus disease. Therefore it is highly important this is also reported. For the red squirrel to survive it is essential that land managers in the Friar Gate reserve and buffer zones undertake, or allow, an appropriate level of well-targeted grey squirrel control on the land. Although Grey squirrel sightings on sight are currently rare, this still remains a high priority monitoring action. Advice on grey squirrel control best practice and information on training, if this is required, is available from the Conservation Officer. There is the potential to use traps through a trap loan scheme, if deemed a necessary action.

10.3 Implementation of the plan

In order to ensure that this Management Plan is a valid and relevant document it is vital that it is used as a day-today manual for the management and maintenance of Friar Gate nature reserve. The Management Plan should be issued to all staff working within the reserve, and to all groups and individuals having an involvement in the site. This would include the following: • Derby City Council ( County Ecologist, Rights of Way, Forestry and Landscape section, Environment section) • Development & Planning - Conservation Section • Countryside Ranger • Derby Cathedral School • The Conservation Volunteers • Forestry Commission • The Friends of Friar Gate Local nature reserve (to be newly founded in 2019) • Derbyshire Wildlife Trust • Forestry Commission • Heritage lottery fund

10.4 Monitoring of the site

Regular Friar Gate Management reviews should ensure that the aims and objectives of the Management Plan are being properly addressed and implemented. These should take place every quarter. An annual review of the progress made in implementing the aims and objectives of the Management Plan should be produced and presented to Derby City Council Council's Cabinet. The annual report should also be circulated to all relevant parties and community involvement groups.

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11.0 References •

Blakesley, D. and Buckley, P. (2010). Managing Your Woodland for Wildlife. Oxford: Pisces Publications, Chapters 1 ,4 and 5.

CCB Biodiversity Action Plan. PLANTED CONIFEROUS WOODLAND HABITAT STATEMENT. http://llaisygoedwig.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/vol1-pt2-planted-coniferous-woodland.pdf [Accessed 26th March 2018]

Forestry commision. (1998). Red Squirrel Conservation. [online] Available at: https://www.bing.com/cr?IG=F1D51FA245514A1E8BDC3B2A06450794&CID=088D3ED9CFAF691F37E9351FCEE06868&rd=1&h=ifGXx5pwwFO9JYgadHiC5awJS7RDptbqpM-cdeVQafQ&v=1&r=https%3a%2f%2fwww.forestry.gov.uk%2fpdf%2ffcpn5.pdf%2f%24file%2ffcpn5.pdf&p=DevEx,5079.1 [Accessed 1 Apr. 2018].

Foresty commission Scotland. Managing forests as red squirrel strongholds. [online] Available at: https://www. forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcpn102.pdf/$FILE/fcpn102.pdf [Accessed 1 Apr. 2018]

Habitat management. (2009). Habitat Management in Red Squirrel Reserves and Buffer Zones in Northern England. [online] Available at: http://file:///D:/management%20plan/red%20squirrels/Habitat%20Management%20for%20 red%20squirrels.pdf [Accessed 3 Apr. 2018].

Heart of England Nature. (2016) [image] http://heartofenglandnature.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/fenny-compton-tunnels-and-bucknell-wood.html

Kent Wildlife Trust. (Date unknown). Management of Acid Grassland http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/kwt_land_mgt_advice_sheet_4_-_mgt_of_acid_grassland.pdf Accessed 1 Apr. 2018]

Management plans. (2018). [ebook] ECUS. Available at: http://file:///D:/management%20plan/ECUS%20-%20Management%20Plans%20[Compatibility%20Mode].pdf [Accessed 3 Apr. 2018].

Management Plan for Sunnybank Local Nature Reserve. (2015). [ebook] Sheffield: Wildlife Trust. Available at: http://file:///D:/management%20plan/example%20plans/sunnybank_nature_reserve_management_plan_2015__2025_final_0.pdf [Accessed 2 Apr. 2018].

Management Plan for Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve. (2012). [ebook] Bristol: Parks and Estates. Available at: http://file:///D:/management%20plan/example%20plans/troopers%20hill%20management%20plan.pdf [Accessed 2 Apr. 2018].

Natural Heritage Management Plan. (2018). Woodlands for Red Squirrel. [online] Available at: http://file:///D:/management%20plan/red%20squirrels/3.2-Woodland-for-Red-Squirrel-301215.pdf [Accessed 3 Apr. 2018].

• Sedge meadow (2017) [image] https://pxhere.com/en/photo/720391 •

Trees for life. [image] Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project https://treesforlife.org.uk/work/conservation-projects/ red-squirrel-project/ [Accessed 1 Apr. 2018]

Woodland Habitats in Lowland Derbyshire. (2011). Woodland Habitats ‐ Background Information. [online] Available at: http://file:///D:/management%20plan/red%20squirrels/24%20Woodland%20habitats%20background%20 information_tcm44-286752.pdf [Accessed 3 Apr. 2018].

Woodland Trust. (Date unknown) Woodland wildflowers. [online] Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants-and-fungi/woodland-wildflowers/ [Accessed 1 Apr. 2018]

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