Wildlife of Whitehill (annual report)

Wildlife of Whitehill

WOW

A Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Supplement 2012

Acknowledgements Work is already on-going in Whitehill Parish to protect its biodiversity. This plan has been prepared by the Environment Conservation Group in consultation with its partners: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust British Dragonfly Society Deadwater Valley Trust East Hampshire District Council Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Hollywater Society The Botanical Society of the British Isles Walldown Preservation Society Whitehill Town Council The following organisations are also thanked for providing information: British Trust for Ornithology Environment Agency Hampshire County Council Longmoor Conservation Group (MoD) National Trust Natural England RSPB Continued support and collaboration will be required to ensure that the actions of this plan are implemented. Contact between organisations and individuals on the progress of this plan will be made possible through the Whitehill Bordon Town Partnership and the Local Nature Partnership.

Particular recognition must go to Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership.

This has recognised the wealth of biodiversity in the parish, and the need to produce a Local Biodiversity Action Plan to ensure its continued survival at a time of considerable change with the withdrawal of the Bordon Garrison from the town.

Data has been analysed for the purposes of this project, but they remain the copyright of the data providers.

Photocredits Photographs kindly provided by the following, who retain their copyrights for images Richard Ford Tony Mundell Bill Wain Chris Wain

CONTENTS Page Introduction

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Action for the Priority Areas 7. Standford Grange Farm

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8. Round Hill

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Appendix 1 Useful Contacts

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General information For ease of use and compatibility with the BAP for East Hampshire, the Site Action Plans are colour coded according to the following system: Action Type

Description

Designated Sites Wider Countryside Species Education, Awareness and Involvement

Actions relevant to designated sites.

Actions for areas not designated.

Actions relevant to priority species.

Actions engaging people with Biodiversity.

Time scale * ** ***

- Short term - Progress within two years - Mid term – Projects possible within five to ten years - Long term – These Projects may be ongoing with minor revisions to the overall

aim, or may be a long term goal, which will require significant changes in local, regional or national policy in order to achieve them.

INTRODUCTION Bell Heather

WOW! I n t r o

Introduction Since 2008 a number of significant milestones have been reached to support the planning and delivery of the Eco-town Vision in Whitehill & Bordon. Crucially on 18th July 2011 the Secretary of State for Defence confirmed that the Ministry of Defence would be withdrawing from Bordon by 2015. This confirmation has meant key project partners have been able to continue developing plans to regenerate the town over the next 25 years.

In 2010 a Draft Framework Masterplan was published and new governance structure was established, which provided the local community and key stakeholders with a greater say and influence on the way the project was taking shape. It also created a new Delivery Board, which supported by five Specialist Groups signed off the Eco-town Vision, which put the natural environment at the heart of the redevelopment of the town. This is important for the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) as it signifies that the protection and enhancement of areas to support wildlife runs through the whole Eco-town Project from European and locally designated sites to peoples back gardens in the new and existing communities.

A range of studies were completed in 2011 to improve our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing wildlife in Whitehill & Bordon with the planning growth and regeneration of the town. Three principles pieces of work were carried out, including the Whitehill & Bordon Green Infrastructure Strategy, Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Report and HRA Land Management Report, which can be found on the Whitehill & Bordon Eco-town website www.whitehillbordon.com. This work prompted Bruce Collinson (Environmental Sustainability Theme Lead, Eco-town Team) to ask the Whitehill & Bordon Town Partnership’s Environmental Conservation Group to examine the areas covered by Wildlife of Whitehill (LBAP) and extend it to include two additional areas, which will be affected by the Eco-town proposals. The first is Standford Grange Farm (including Eveley Wood) and the second being Round Hill SINC, which will both form key components of the green infrastructure network for the eco-town. This means it is important that the LBAP gives due consideration to these areas and registers their ecological importance supported by data from local recorders and Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre.

The completion of all the studies in 2011 meant the 2010 Draft Framework Masterplan required updating. The Revised Framework Masterplan for the eco-town was completed in May 2012 to form part of the evidence base for East Hampshire’s Joint Core Strategy, which will be adopted later this year following an examination in public process. The revised masterplan reaffirms the importance of understanding the opportunities and challenges associated with protecting and enhancing local biodiversity, alongside the establishment of long-term monitoring, management and maintenance regimes within the wider green infrastructure network. The 2008 LBAP and 2012 supplement will play a key role in guiding that process.

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INTRODUCTION Bell Heather

I n t r o

Statutory and Non-Statutory Sites in and around Whitehill Parish 3

7. ACTION FOR STANDFORD GRANGE FARM Cows on Standford Grange Farm

Total Area – 59.3 Ha (Standford Grange Farm – 46.7 Ha, Eveley Wood 13.6 Ha)

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Location – centred on National Grid reference SU 809349. It is bounded by Hollywater Road on the east, Whitehill Road on the south and finishes on the north east side along the high ground of the ridge. Part of the original estate on the eastern side has been used to provide a school, playing fields and a cemetery.

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7. ACTION FOR STANDFORD GRANGE FARM Cows on Standford Grange Farm

Description This area is first mentioned in a survey in the reign of Edward VI (1547 – 1553) where it is noted as part of the wasteland of Royal Woolmer Forest called Evelye Marsh. By 1576 the estate was well established with one of the principal houses of the area. In the 18th century it passed into the hands of the Knight family whose descendants still live in Headley. At the turn of the 19th century, the estate was bought by Major General William Vesey Brownlow, a veteran of the Boer War, and he lived there for 20 years. On his death the estate was sold to Mr.G.L.C.Fisher, who substantially altered the mansion. When he moved to a cottage in Standford he took the name Eveley with him and so the new owner Mrs Leadingham decided to call the estate Standford Grange.

7 When Hampshire County Council wished to build a new town in the area in the 1950s it acquired the estate of Standford Grange in the Parish of Headley. It subsequently sold off the mansion in June 2000, but retained the farm, which is leased out and supports a beef herd.

Grazing Cows in 2012

Part of the estate houses the area known as Eveley Wood. This has been designated an Ancient Woodland as it has many of the plants recognised as belonging to ancient woodland (although not as many as the riverside area of the Deadwater Valley). However the main feature of this wood is the spectacular display of bluebells in May. UK BAP Species Woodlark – Lullula arborea Nightjar – Caprimulgus europaeus Bluebells – Hyacinthoides non-scripta Hampshire BAP Priority Habitat Action Plans Ancient semi-natural Woodland

Current Action Woodlark Hampshire County Council will not allow any conservation work in the wood until an equality agreement with MoD is signed. The rest of the estate is managed for the beef herd.

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7. ACTION FOR STANDFORD GRANGE FARM Cows on Standford Grange Farm

Proposed Action Lack of Management Threat 1 The fields will be used for grazing animals when they are not required on the SPAs, meaning that the mix of livestock is likely to change over time. Seeding the fields Objective Manage the fields in a more eco-friendly manner with the establishment of meadow flora and a greater diversity of species in the hedges. Maintain the woodland so that the native species can flourish

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Action It is probable that the beef herd will be moved to another farm. The fields can then be used for grazing animals when they are not required on the SPAs. Seeding the fields with meadow plants and increasing flowering shrubs in the hedgerows will increase the nectar production in the area for invertebrates and provide more cover. In the woodland remove the rhododendron including the fallen leaves, and thin the canopy in the bluebell glades.

(HCC, Sustainable Environment Specialist Group (SESG), Delivery Board (DB) ***) Outcome Standford Grange Farm is in a favourable condition for wildlife and an increase in biodiversity.

Threat 2

Unrestricted Access

A doubling of the population in the town will increase the numbers visiting the farm and woodland for recreational purposes..

Objective As a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG),[see HRA Report 2011 for explanation] Standford Grange Farm will be preferred by the public for leisure activities, such as dog walking, instead of the SPAs. Recent work suggests Standford Grange Farm can continue to support farming practice, whilst delivering the Eco-town Vision, which includes a net gain in biodiversity.

Action Design the farm so that it is accessible and produces an experience that will encourage people away form the SPAs, but also increase its value for wildlife. Re-instate the Victorian paths in the woodland so that the bluebell areas are not trampled, but can be appreciated from the edges. ( HCC, SESG, DB ***) Outcome A SANG that attracts people and fulfils their needs for natural leisure activities, while increasing biodiversity at the same time.

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7. ACTION FOR STANDFORD GRANGE FARM Cows on Standford Grange Farm

7. ACTION FOR STANDFORD GRANGE FARM Lack of information 7. ACTION FOR STANDFORD GRANGE FARM The ancient woodland has been surveyed for its flora Cows andonhas beenGrange Farm Standford

Threat 3.

Cows on Standford Grange Farm

investigated as a site for dormice (none found). The fields have been surveyed for birds.

In a Bird Survey in 2007 a pair of Woodlark were found to be nesting in on a fallow Cows Standfordfield Grange Farm and foraging Nightjars, thought to be flying over from Passfield Common, an SPA, have Lack of information Threat 3.

Lack of information Threat 3. also been noted.

Both these birds are Annex 1 listed.

See 2010 Bird Survey, [Cox The ancient woodland has been surveyed for its flora and has been The ancient woodland has been surveyed for its flora and has been J R & Combridge P (2010) Bordon Breeding Bird Survey : Standford Farm].

In 2008for a terrestrial investigated as a site site for dormice (none found). found).

The fields fields have been been surveyed for birds.

Lack offor information Threat 3. as investigated a dormice (none The have surveyed birds. survey wasa andbeen aswere a result theto area was as being Ininvertebrate a Bird Bird Survey Survey inancient 2007 acarried pair of of out Woodlark were found tofor beitsnesting nesting in a ahas fallow field of The woodland has surveyed floraregarded and been In a in 2007 pair Woodlark found be in fallow field moderate invertebrate interest and foraging Nightjars, thought to be flying over from Passfield Common, an SPA, have investigated a site forthought dormice found). haveCommon, been surveyed for birds. and foraging as Nightjars, to (none be flying over The fromfields Passfield an SPA, have Objective also beenSurvey noted.inBoth Both these birds are Annex Annex 1 listed. listed.

See 2010 Bird in Survey, [Cox R& & In a Bird 2007these a pairbirds of Woodlark were foundSee to be nesting a fallow field also been noted. are 1 2010 Bird Survey, [Cox JJ R Increase knowledge of under-recorded groups, such as bats and fungi.

Combridge P (2010) Bordon Breeding Bird Survey : Standford Farm].

In 2008 a terrestrial and foragingPNightjars, thought to be flying from Passfield Common, an SPA, have Combridge (2010) Bordon Breeding Birdover Survey : Standford Farm]. In 2008 a terrestrial Action invertebrate survey wasthese carried outare andAnnex as a a result result theSee area2010 was Bird regarded as [Cox beingJof ofR & also been noted.

Both birds 1 listed.

Survey, invertebrate survey was carried out and as the area was regarded as being Survey the site for other lesser known groups as well, (HCC, DB,SESG **) moderate invertebrate interest Combridge P (2010) Bordon moderate invertebrate interestBreeding Bird Survey : Standford Farm]. In 2008 a terrestrial Outcome survey was carried out and as a result the area was regarded as being of Objective invertebrate Objective Biodiversity protected and enhanced by knowledge of the present and their habitat Increase knowledge ofinterest under-recorded groups, such as as batsspecies and fungi. fungi. moderate invertebrate Increase knowledge of under-recorded groups, such bats and requirements and interaction with the public.

Action Objective Action Survey the the site for for other other lesser known known groups groups assuch well,as (HCC, DB,SESG **) Increase knowledge of under-recorded groups,as bats and fungi. **) Survey site lesser well, (HCC, DB,SESG Outcome Action Outcome Biodiversity protected and enhanced by knowledge of (HCC, the species species present and their their habitat habitat 7 Survey the site for other lesser knownby groups as well, DB,SESG **) and Biodiversity protected and enhanced knowledge of the present requirements and and interaction interaction with with the the public. public.

Outcome requirements Biodiversity protected and enhanced by knowledge of the species present and their habitat requirements and interaction with the public.

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Bluebells in Eveley Wood

Bluebells in in Eveley Eveley Wood 7 Wood Bluebells Bluebells in Eveley Wood

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Common Wintergreen

Total Area – 31.8 ha

8. ACTION FOR ROUND HILL SINC

Common Wintergreen

Total Area – 31.8 ha

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Location – centred on British National Grid reference SU 798337. The site is bounded on the north by Liphook Road, on the west and south by the old LMR railway line and on the east by Firhill Pets and the River Deadwater.

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Location – centred on British National Grid reference SU 798337. The site is bounded on the north by Liphook Road, on the west and south by the old LMR railway line and on the east by Firhill Pets and the River Deadwater.

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Common Wintergreen

Total Area – 31

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8. ACTION ACTION FOR FOR ROUND ROUND HILL HILL SINC SINC

Common CommonWintergreen Wintergreen

Description Description This This area area of of Round Round Hill, Hill, part part of of the the MoD MoD training training lands lands of of Woolmer Woolmer Forest, Forest, is is designated designated aa Site Site of of Importance Importance for for Nature Nature Conservation Conservation and and itit also also falls falls within within the the new new South South Downs Downs National National Park.

Park. ItIt has has aa superb superb topography topography with with generally generally south south facing facing slopes. slopes. Until Until recently recently this this area area was was mostly mostly covered covered to to aa large large extent extent by by pine pine trees trees planted planted around around 40 40 years years ago. ago. However, However, the the north-west north-west corner corner has has natural natural springs, springs, which which produce produce an an area area of of mire.

At the eastern end of this SINC, there have been records in the early 1980s of mire. At the eastern end of this SINC, there have been records in the early 1980s of Natterjack Natterjack toads, toads, Bufo Bufo calamita, calamita, by

by Col Col Norman Norman Clayden, Clayden, the the MoD’s MoD’s first first Conservation Conservation Officer.

Officer.

Hollywater Hollywater Clump Clump is is situated situated at at the the eastern eastern end end of of this this SINC, SINC, and and while while the the whole whole area area of of st st Woolmer Woolmer Forest Forest was was proclaimed proclaimed aa Royal Royal Hunting Hunting Forest Forest by

by Edward Edward 11 when when he he had had aa hunting hunting lodge lodge built built at at Lynchborough Lynchborough in in 1285, 1285, the the Hollywater Hollywater (Holy (Holy water) water) was was thought thought to to have have healing healing powers. powers. There There is is some some suggestion suggestion that that Hollywater Hollywater Clump Clump was was the the site site of of aa leper leper colony colony with with many many burials burials there. there.

UK UK BAP BAP Species Species Common Common Frog Frog -- Rana Rana temporaria temporaria Common Common Toad Toad -- Bufo Bufo bufo bufo Slow Slow worm worm -- Anguis Anguis fragilis fragilis Viviparous Viviparous Lizard Lizard -- Lacerta Lacerta vivipara vivipara Adder Adder –– Vipera Vipera beris beris Grass Grass Snake Snake –– Natrix Natrix Helvetica Helvetica Bullfinch Bullfinch –– Pyrrhula Pyrrhula pyrrhula pyrrhula

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Hampshire Hampshire BAP BAP Priority Priority Action Action Plans Plans Lowland Heath, Mire, Acid grassland Lowland Heath, Mire, Acid grassland Notable Notable Hampshire Hampshire Species Species Silver-washed Silver-washed Fritillary Fritillary –– Argynnis Argynnis paphia paphia AA solitary solitary wasp wasp –– Philanthus Philanthus triangulum triangulum Lesser Lesser Wintergreen Wintergreen –– Pyrola Pyrola minor minor Round-leaved Round-leaved Sundew Sundew –– Drosera Drosera rotundifolia rotundifolia Common Cotton Grass – Eriophorum Common Cotton Grass – Eriophorum angustifolium angustifolium Bog Bog Asphodel Asphodel –– Narthecium Narthecium ossifragum ossifragum

Location – cen the north by Lip east by Firhill P Round RoundHill HillMire Mire

Current Current Action Action Some management Some management has has recently recently been been undertaken undertaken by

by Amphibian Amphibian and and Reptile Reptile Conservation Conservation Trust Trust (ARC).

(ARC). Trees Trees have have been been removed removed in in the the eastern eastern part part of of the the SINC SINC to to re-establish re-establish Natterjack Natterjack Toad Toad habitat. habitat. Other Other clearance clearance work work and and scraping scraping will will maintain maintain the the mire mire and and its its characteristic characteristic species. species. The The rabbit rabbit fenced fenced areas areas provide provide relatively relatively undisturbed undisturbed areas areas for for reptiles reptiles and and birds. birds. Recent Recent extensive extensive thinning thinning (2011 (2011 –– 2012) 2012) of of the the conifer conifer crop crop by by Landmarc Landmarc will will promote promote the the spread spread of of the the heather heather understory, understory, especially especially ifif the the brash brash is is removed. removed. This This will will improve improve the the SINC SINC for for ground ground living living species. species.

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Common Wintergreen

Total Area – 31.8 ha

8. ACTION FOR ROUND HILL SINC

Common Wintergreen

Proposed Action Disturbance The large increase in the town’s population following the development of Bordon Garrison makes greenspace vulnerable to the resulting activities: (i) continuous use by local residents can cause undue pressure on sensitive sites, especially in habitats occupied by adders and ground nesting birds. (ii) The walking of dogs causes eutrophication or enrichment of the ground with dog faeces (iii) The dumping of garden rubbish will increase the possibility of alien plants being introduced. These species are often aggressive in their growth and can change the composition and character of the habitats. (iv) The possibility of fires (often by arson) will increase especially in the current drought conditions.

Threat 1

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Objective Eliminate or minimise these threats Action (i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

encourage the use of paths already present around the area to minimise disturbance education packs which are being designed for the ecotown inhabitants with regard to collecting dog faeces and being aware of roaming dogs where there are ground nesting birds, need to include this SINC area as well as the European Protested sites.

This problem also needs to be emphasised in the education pack Care with regard to fires, especially on heathland, is needed in the education pack (EHDC Eco-team, SESG *)

Outcome Location – centred onofBritish National Grid reference SU 798337. The site is bounded on The biodiversity the SINC is maintained. the north by Liphook Road, on the west and south by the old LMR railway line and on the east by Firhill Pets and the River Deadwater.

Lack of information Threat 2 More information of the species present would be beneficial, especially as 8 the botanical survey was carried out in 1987.

It is doubted that many of the species found then are still present, as the mire particularly had become very overgrown.

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Common Wintergreen

Total Area – 31

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8. ACTION ACTION FOR FOR ROUND ROUND HILL HILL SINC SINC

Common CommonWintergreen Wintergreen

Description This area of Round Hill, part of the MoD training lands of Woolmer Forest, is designated a Objective Site of Importance forofNature Conservation and it also falls within the new South Downs Increase knowledge species present National Park. It has a superb topography with generally south facing slopes. Until recently Action this area was mostly covered to a large extent by pine trees planted around 40 years However, thesurvey north-west cornerishas naturalplus springs, which produce an area An upago. to date botanical particularly needed, surveys of other groups suchof as mire.

At the eastern end of this SINC, there have been records in the early 1980s of beetles. (LCG-MoD, DB, SESG *) Natterjack toads, Bufo calamita, by Col Norman Clayden, the MoD’s first Conservation Officer.

Outcome Improved management for the species present Hollywater Clump is situated at the eastern end of this SINC, and while the whole area of Woolmer Forest was proclaimed a Royal Hunting Forest by Edward 1st when he had a hunting at Lynchborough in 1285,ofthe Hollywater (Holy water) was thought to Continuity of Management the whole SINC Threatlodge 3 built have healing powers.

There some suggestion Hollywater Clump was sitehave of a Maintenance ofisthe recently clearedthat areas and those where thethe trees leper many burials there. been colony thinnedwith is needed.

UK BAP Species Objective Common Frog - Rana temporaria To keep the mire and the south facing Common Toad - Bufo bufo slopes more open Slow worm - Anguis fragilis Viviparous Lizard - Lacerta vivipara Action Adder – Vipera berisof birch and pine and Remove seedlings Grass Snake –species Natrix Helvetica other invasive to keep the area Bullfinch – Pyrrhula pyrrhula open.(LCG-MoD, ARC, DB ***)

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Hampshire Outcome BAP Priority Action Plans Lowland Heath, Mire, grassland The biodiversity of theAcid whole site is enhanced.

Notable Hampshire Species Silver-washed Fritillary – Argynnis paphia A solitary wasp – Philanthus triangulum Lesser Wintergreen – Pyrola minor Round-leaved Sundew – Drosera rotundifolia Common Cotton Grass – Eriophorum angustifolium Bog Asphodel – Narthecium ossifragum

Location – cen the north by Lip east by Firhill P Round Hill Mire

Current Action Some management has recently been undertaken by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC). Trees have been removed in the eastern part of the SINC to re-establish Natterjack Toad habitat. Other clearance work and scraping will maintain the mire and its characteristic species. The rabbit fenced areas provide relatively undisturbed areas for reptiles and birds. Recent extensive thinning (2011 – 2012) of the conifer crop by Natterjack Toad Landmarc will promote the spread of the heather understory, especially if the brash is removed. This will improve the SINC for ground living species.

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Useful Contacts Amphibian and Reptiles Conservation Trust 655a Christchurch Road, Boscombe Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 4AP BTCV, Conservation Centre, Micheldever Wood, Micheldever, Hants SO21 3BP TEL: 01962 774714 E-MAIL: btcvhampshire@btcv.org.uk WEBSITE: www.btcv.org.uk

Discover Whitehill and Bordon www.discoverwhitehilland bordon.org.uk

British Dragonfly Society 23 Bowker Way Whittlesey Peterborough PE7 1PY

Environment Conservation Group Whitehill Town Council Pinehill Road, Bordon, Hants GU35 0BS TEL: 01420-472329

Butterfly Conservation Manor Yard, East Lulworth, near Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP TEL: 01929 400209 www.butterfly-conservation.org

Forestry Commission South East England Conservancy, AliceHolt, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LF TEL: 01420 23337 E-MAIL: enquiries@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Council for the Protection of Rural England Beaconsfield House, Andover Road, Winchester, Hants SO22 6AT TEL: 01962 843655

Friends of the Earth 64A Park Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6LG TEL: 01252 521891

Country Landowners Association Highclere Office, Brookfields, Westridge, Highclere, Newbury, Berks RG20 9RX TEL: 01635 255412

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP. TEL: 01489 774 400

Department of Environment, Food And Rural Affairs Rural Development Service, Government Offices, Coley Park, Reading Berks RG1 6DT TEL: 01189 581222, WEBSITE: www.defra.gov.uk

Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre The Economy, Transport and Environment Department, Elizabeth 2 Court, Sussex Street Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UD

Deadwater Valley Trust Phoenix Arts Centre Station Road Bordon, Hants GU35 0LR TEL: 01420-479070

Hampshire County Council Countryside Services Castle Avenue, Winchester SO23 8UL. tel 01962 847354

Environment Agency Swift House, Frimley Business Park Frimley, Camberley Surrey GU16 7SQ TEL: 01276 454501

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Hampshire Ornithological Society The Membership Secretary, 36 Penhale Gardens, Fareham PO14 4NL TEL: 01489 571486, E-MAIL: hos.membership@virgin.net

South Downs National Park Authority Western Area Office Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire, PO8 OQE 023 9257 1381

Natural England 2nd Floor Cromwell House 15 Andover Road Winchester SO23 7BT TEL: 03000 604921

Walldown Preservation Society The Haywain, Hollywater Road Bordon, Hants, GU35 0AD Tel 01420-472329

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL TEL: 01767 680551

The Woodland Trust Autumn Park Grantham Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL TEL: 01476 581111

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