www.staffordbc.gov.uk
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Local Nature Reserves NEWCASTLE UNDER-LYME
M6 J15
C
MEIR HEATH
STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS
B BARLASTON < A34
B5026
SWYNNERTON COTES HEATH YARNFIELD
FULFORD
EAST STAFFORDSHIRE
STONE
F >
>
A520 >
To Uttoxeter
B5027
NORTON BRIDGE M6 J14
>
< A519
B5405
STAFFORD A518
GREAT HAYWOOD LITTLE HAYWOOD < A34
HAUGHTON M6 J13
To Cannock
CONTENTS
< A518
>
GNOSALL
A D E
PAGE
Introduction
03
Local Nature Reserves
04
Biodiversity
07
Astonfields A Barlaston and Rough Close Common B Ferndown C Kingsmead D Kingston Pool Covert E Stone Meadows F
09
Local Widlife Sites
21
Other Sites
23
11 13 15 17 19
>
HIGH OFFLEY
A51 >
ECCLESHALL
A513
To Rugeley
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Introduction This leaflet is intended to be a guide to Stafford Borough Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Local Nature Reserves (LNR). Stafford Borough is fortunate in having a wide range of habitats that includes areas of woodland, heathland, wetland and meadows. The LNR programme was introduced to help conserve and enhance the best natural areas owned by the Council and reflects the diversity of habitats found across the borough. The LNRs are great places to visit to see a variety of wildlife or just to take a relaxing stroll. Each reserve has a five-year management plan that aims to conserve and enhance the habitats found on site. A full description of the LNR is provided and includes information on the conservation work and the species present. The local community help with many of the reserves, either formally as 'Friends of' group, or informally as volunteers. Their contribution is really important, both in keeping an eye on the reserves, recording wildlife and supporting events.
Every year we hold a number of events including practical conservation work, and a wide range of nature walks, where we look at different aspects of the natural history of the sites. Further information on all of our nature conservation and biodiversity work can be found on our website. www. staffordbc.gov.uk/sd
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Local Nature Reserves 09
11 A5005
< COCKNAGE RD
<
ON
RD
A520
D CA RV ER R
BARLASTON AND ROUGH CLOSE COMMON
ASTONFIELDS BALANCING LAKES D AN
LL
E TW AR
S
E
LAN
H
Astonfields Balancing Lakes, Stafford Approx. 4.2 hectares Main Habitats: Open water, Phragmites reedbed and saltmarsh
E
LAN
E
AN
LL
MIL
D WIN
< ROUGH CL
< LEADONDALE LANE
Barlaston and Rough Close Common Approx. 21 hectares Main Habitats: Lowland heathland and lowland acidic grassland
13
15 NO
QUE
OO
W RTH
STLE RD
EN S
WA Y A3
AN
DL >
4
E
KINGSMEAD MARSH FERNDOWN NORTH WALLS
<
A519 NEWCA
<
LE
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COMMON RD
< DRUMMOND RD
LONGTON RD
RD COMMON
SWAY
EEN A500 QU
<
EASTGATE ST
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LAMMASCOTE RD
Kingsmead Marsh, Stafford Approx. 6 hectares
4
A3
Ferndown, Clayton, Newcastle Approx. 5.5 hectares Grassland and scrub woodland
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17
19 CR
WESTON RD A518
OW
T
>
CL
STAFFO
D OR FF
A ST
MORRIS > DRIVE
RD RD A
<
CROWN MEADOW
520
RIVER TRENT
KINGSTON POOL COVERT
LONGHURST DRIVE
NS
<
< BIRKDALE DRIVE
WESTBRIDGE PARK
>
A3 4
Kingston Pool Covert [South], Stafford Approx. 4.5 hectares Main Habitat: Wet woodland
Crown Meadow, Stone Approx. 3 hectares Main Habitat: Lowland wet grassland Owned and managed by Stone Town Council
19
TO STOKE >
19 < VALLEY RD
TOW PATH >
< TRENT RD
SOUTHERN MEADOW
NEWCASTLE ST >
GOODALL MEADOW D
RIVER TRENT
Stone Meadows [Goodall Meadow] Approx. 8.4 hectares Main Habitats: Lowland wet grassland and diverse hedgerows
4
>
34
>
SA
RD
>
A3
RD FO
RD
OK
AF
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AF
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ILL YB
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TO
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AF
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TRENT HOSP
TH
Stone Meadows [Southern Meadow] Approx. 5.5 hectares Main Habitat: Lowland wet grassland, diverse hedgerows and wet woodland
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pg 07
Biodiversity Biodiversity means the variety of living things. It indicates not just the vast array of life but also its inter-connectedness. Protection of biodiversity is important for many reasons. Firstly there is a moral argument of preserving that which exists for its own right. Secondly because it provides us with services - that is fresh air, clean water, insects that pollinate our food crops, medicines and many other things. We know that we are losing our biodiversity with many species of animals and plants decreasing in the UK and across the world. We are becoming accustomed to a landscape that is denuded of its wildlife. This means we no longer remember how rich our natural heritage should be. That is why our surviving nature reserves are so important, because they help show us what the natural environment should look like and reveal what we have lost. All sectors of the community have a part to play in helping biodiversity. There are volunteering opportunities on many of the nature reserves in the Borough, including those owned by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. There are many wildlife organisations to join like the RSPB, Plantlife or the Wildlife Trust.
The Eco-schools programme is a vibrant network of schools that undertake a range of green initiatives. Farmers and land managers can be advised on conservation management including Stewardship Schemes. Many businesses now have environmental management systems in place or provide volunteers for conservation. Even in our gardens we can all make a difference for example, by installing a nest box, creating a pond or adding wildflowers to our lawns.
pg pg08 06 #
pg 09
Astonfields Astonfields has a wonderful variety of habitats to discover, including reedbed, open water, scrub and small areas of woodland. The reserve is a great place to watch birds and also has a good variety of wildflowers. It is the combination of habitats and species that makes Astonfields such a special place. The area of land where the balancing lakes are located was originally wet meadowland. The northern balancing lake was constructed in the late 1970s to protect parts of Stafford from flooding and in 1990 the southern balancing lake was added.
The Reedbed
The reedbed mainly consists of Common Reed and provides a home for a number of birds. These include Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, and Sedge Warbler. The warblers can be seen during the spring and summer months. The shy Water Rail can also be seen and heard.
The Lake
The open water is home to Moorhen, Coot and Mallard. In winter, Teal can be found here and in the reedbed. If you are lucky you may see a Kingfisher.
Friends of Astonfields For many years, a group of local residents have been involved with conservation work, surveying the bird population and helping organise litter picks. Every year they hold volunteer work parties and nature walks that are open to anyone to join in.
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pg 11
Barlaston and Rough Close Common The largest of our LNRs and the best surviving remnant of the original Meir Heath. The heathland has been present for at least 300 years, created by generations of commoners who grazed their animals and gathered wood for fuel. The management aim is to preserve the open nature of the site and this requires replicating past activities by grazing and scrub control.
The Top Common
From the top of the common are fabulous views of the countryside and the Wrekin. Large swathes of Bilberry and Heather cover the reserve, the typical vegetation of heathland. There is also an old sandstone quarry where rare insects can be found using the sandy soil to make their homes.
The Lower Common
This larger part of the reserve is quite different in character, with a low-lying habitat of wet heath and acid grassland. Vegetation includes Cross-Leaved Heath, Cowberry and Purple Moor-Grass. Areas of oak woodland have developed on the perimeter.
Grazing
As part of the conservation management of the lower common, grazing was introduced in 2008 to control vegetation in a traditional, natural way. The grazing encourages the regrowth of heathland plants whilst helping to control unwanted scrub growth. The Red Poll cattle are a rare breed and ideally suited to grazing the rough vegetation of the heath. They are on site from April to October.
Wildlife
Many birds have been seen on site including Bullfinch, Green Woodpecker and the uncommon Willow Tit. In the summer, Willow Warbler and Chiff-Chaff can be heard singing in the trees. Common Lizards are present though difficult to see. Many butterflies and moths have been recorded here including the Green Hairstreak butterfly. Noctule and Pipistrelle bats have also been seen here.
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pg 13
Ferndown Ferndown is our newest LNR and was declared in 2008. Within the old field boundaries a set of habitats have developed including meadow, scrub and small areas of woodland, providing a great variety of plants and wildlife.
The Meadows
The main aim of site management is to maintain a series of flower rich meadows. Part of this work is to develop a strip of cornfield annuals. These plants are now increasingly rare and so it was decided to provide a home for them here. During the summer you may see Cornflower, Corn cockle and Corn Marigold plus many more. At least 120 species of plants have been recorded here. Wild flowers to look out for include Common Knapweed, Yellow Rattle and Broad-leaved Helleborine.
Bird Life
Over 40 species of birds have been identified visiting Ferndown. Birds seen in winter include Siskin, Bullfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. In spring many migrant birds can be heard calling, such as Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat. Watch out also for Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. A bird feeding station is maintained all year round.
The Friends of Ferndown
The Friends have contributed to the running of the reserve in many ways. They have made funding applications, aided conservation work and supported the numerous events that have been held. For information please visit ferndownnature. wordpress.com
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pg 15
Kingsmead Kingsmead has a fascinating history stretching back at least 800 years. This low-lying area was once a medieval fishing pond that supplied the old Kings of England. By 1600 the land had been drained and converted to meadows, known as the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meads. The name has been preserved ever since.
The Marsh
The majority of the site is marshland, which contains reed-grasses and sedges. There are a number of ditches running through the site, and scrub and scattered trees are common, particularly around the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perimeter. The marsh supports a variety of flora and fauna, including locally rare plants such as Purple Loosestrife and Brown Sedge. Management on site includes controlling willow growth. The LNR is managed as a wildlife haven at the centre of Stafford and is more extensive than many of the remaining marshes in the county. Although the central area has no public access, the top half of the marsh can be viewed from the path along the Pearl Brook.
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pg 17
Kingston Pool Covert The woodland of Kingston Pool Covert was planted long ago to provide willow for fencing materials. Mature crack willow, alder and sycamore dominate the wood. The understorey contains a large number of young sycamore and ash together with smaller numbers of other woody species including wych elm, hazel and elder. Due to the age of the mature trees and the growth habit of crack willow there is a great deal of fallen deadwood within the woodland. This provides the perfect habitat for a range of beetles and insects. In 2010/11 a large amount of tree works were necessary in order to make the site more secure and this work remains ongoing. A replanting scheme will be undertaken. The reserve mirrors Kingston Pool Covert (North), a privately owned woodland located across the Weston Road. Together they create an important stretch of woodland habitat in Stafford.
Access
Due to the wooded nature of the site please keep to the main path on the edge of the reserve.
Birdlife
Many birds have been seen in the woodland including all three species of native woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and a variety of tits and finches. Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Tawny Owl have also been spotted.
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Stone Meadows Goodall Meadows
The Goodall Meadows are situated in the northwestern corner of Stone, close to the Walton Inn on the A34. These large fields are grazed by sheep as part of a countryside stewardship agreement. Historically, these meadows would have had their water levels carefully controlled, being flooded in winter. Evidence for the old water channels can still be seen here.
Southern Meadow
The Southern Meadow is located in the southern end of Stone. The River Trent runs along the northern and eastern edge of the site, whilst an area of wet woodland provides the western boundary. A herd of cows graze the site to control the vegetation. The rare native Black Poplar tree can be found on site.
Crown Meadow
Crown Meadow is situated at the heart of Stone, close to the Star Inn. The meadow has many wildflowers and is managed in a traditional way by hay cutting, to maintain them. Two new scrapes add extra habitat for many wetland plants. New paths and bridge make the site easily accessible.
This Local Nature Reserve comprises two separate sites Goodall Meadows and Southern Meadow. Stone Town Council also own and manage Crown Meadow. All three sites occur in the River Trent floodplain, an area of meadow and grazing land whose landscape has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. All three sites are managed with the aim of increasing their biodiversity to create more traditional flower rich meadows.
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Local Wildlife Sites In Stafford Borough there are many sites designated for their wildlife value known as Sites of Biological Importance (SBIs). Nationally these areas are generally referred to as Local Wildlife Sites. These areas have good quality habitat and a range of species of county importance. Most of the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SBIs are already designated as Local Nature Reserves however there are two sites that are managed differently for their biodiversity. Both these sites are in a Higher Level Stewardship agreement that pays for annual vegetation control. The Council worked in partnership with the Wildlife Trust and Natural England to achieve this.
Hough Drain
Situated in Stafford, near Radford and Baswich is a remnant flood plain meadow. The field still has a good range of wildflowers such as Great Burnet, Valerian and Cuckooflower.
Tittensor
This attractive area is managed for its marsh and includes uncommon plants like Wood Club-Rush, Tussock Sedge and Water Figwort. The habitat attracts many butterflies and dragonflies.
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Other Sites Staffordshire Wildlife Trust www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk
• Doxey Marshes • Loynton Moss • Radford Meadows • Allimore Green • Pasturefields • Jackson’s Coppice and Marsh
National Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.uk • Downs Banks
Natural England
www.naturalengland.org.uk • Mottey Meadows • Aqualate Mere • Chartley Moss All are worth visiting and have great wildlife interest, check with Natural England for access to their sites as it is limited to certain days and formal events. For further information on Local Nature Reserves in Stafford Borough, please contact: Bill Waller Biodiversity Officer tel
01785 619 676 wwaller@staffordbc.gov.uk
Streetscene
Stafford Borough Council’s Streetscene is working for you to create a safe, healthy, clean and green borough. Any problems with litter or fly-tipping can be reported. tel
01785 619 000 info@staffordbc.gov.uk
WOODLAND
HEATHLAND
WETLAND
MEADOWS
STAFFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford ST16 3AQ
If you need this information in large print, Braille, other language or on audio cassette please contact: email info@staffordbc.gov.uk tel 0 1785 619 000