Open Mosaic Habitats - Summary report

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Open Mosaic Habitats on previously Developed Land - it is one of the most important and extensive wildlife habitats left in the lowlands of Derbyshire and a habitat of principal importance for biodiversity conservation as prescribed in Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006.

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Open mosaic habitats have so far been identified across an estimated 784 ha in Derbyshire.

They occur in most areas, but are especially significant in the Coalfields and Magnesian Limestone of north east, eastern and southern Derbyshire, but are also associated with quarries, ironworks, disused railway sidings, sandpits and old industrial land.

430 ha of open mosaic habitat (55% of what remains) is threatened by development, remediation, landscaping or forestry. Many sites have already been remediated or developed.

It is essential that Brownfield Site registers take account of the biodiversity value of sites and identify sites of high environmental value.

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Open mosaic habitat is rich in wildlife and supports many species that are in serious decline across the British Isles and in Derbyshire.

In many cases brownfield sites are of far greater value for wildlife than more intensively managed greenfield sites.

As many as 80 species listed as UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species (species of principal importance listed under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006) occur on brownfield sites in Derbyshire.

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42 plant species that are rare or in decline and listed on the Derbyshire Red Data List

for vascular plants are found on brownfield sites.

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Some species are dependent on habitats found within brownfield sites. For example half of the brownfield sites that currently support the UK BAP priority butterfly

Dingy skipper could disappear in the next 15 years, threatening the future viability of this species in many parts of the County.

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These habitats are widely used by local people and contrary to received opinion are often well loved places that provide much needed respite from the stresses of modern life.

Photo, Anne-Marie Randall

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Opportunities to avoid and minimise this potential loss must be taken wherever possible.

Where losses are unavoidable the habitat must be replaced by the creation and restoration of similar habitats that support a similar composition of species and continue to provide corridors for dispersal.

Retained, created and restored habitat needs careful and long term management to sustain the biodiversity and key species.

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The present and future extent (ha) of open mosaic habitats on previously developed land in Derbyshire based on current threats (excluding the Peak District National Park)

Defending wildlife, restoring habitats, inspiring people

Defending wildlife, restoring habitats, inspiring people