Update March 2016

 

So near and yet …           

 

Now that clearance work has started on the site [viewable in Gallery/Development], it seems timely to put on record one major ecological disappointment.  The possibility of the allotment site being designated a Local Wildlife Site was actively pursued by two keen amateur ecologists, and of the designation categories (Amphibians and reptiles, Bats, Birds, Butterflies, Dragonflies and damselflies, Fish, Mammals (excluding bats),  Moths, Water beetles and water bugs, White-clawed Crayfish, Grassland fungi , Rare plant) it was considered that the highest potential for success was the category of Birds.  The site was monitored from 2011 to 2015 in terms of its importance for breeding birds and overwintering birds.  Records, to very strict criteria and standards, were kept and submitted to the appropriate authority to seek designation of the site as a Local Wildlife Site in respect of this category.  The criterion for age of records meant that we were also able to include records submitted by the ecologists acting on behalf of the developers, although it was a race against the calendar!

 

What are Local Wildlife Sites? [1]

 

"Local Wildlife Sites are a local, non-statutory designation that sits below, but complements, the national suite of statutorily designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). They are of substantive value for the conservation of biodiversity in the county of Nottinghamshire, and are home to rare and scarce species, or represent the best surviving examples of habitats that were once widespread and typical of the Nottinghamshire landscape. Collectively, these Sites form an essential ecological network and act as wildlife corridors and stepping stones, allowing species to migrate and dispersal between sites. The continued existence of these sites is vital to safeguard wildlife from the pressures of development, intensive agriculture and climate change…  In many cases, LWSs also contribute to the quality of life of local communities, providing valuable areas of greenspace for exercise, education and the quiet enjoyment of the countryside, and contributing to health and well-being. They also have a role to play in providing essential natural services, including atmospheric, climatic and hydrological regulation, nutrient cycling, pest control and pollination; they can act as flood storage areas protecting our towns and villages; and they contribute to Nottinghamshire’s special character. "

 

So, LWS designation does not preclude development taking place, but it is a 'Planning Consideration' during the decision-making process when applications are made.  The designation would have acknowledged the importance of this area and its link in the chain of nearby habitats.   

 

Our results…

Unfortunately although we recorded 48 bird species, our numbers fell short to qualify for LWS status; the site was designated as 'scrub', and was judged against the criteria for this designation.  Of course, two willing recorders, who also had allotments to tend, were never going to be able to comprehensively cover 27 acres.  If only more people had had the time to appreciate and record the wildlife.  Having said that, the ecology report which was part of the planning application recorded merely 16 species! 

 

Photos of most of the recorded birds appear in the Biodiversity/Birds gallery.  The complete list is:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the audit of our submission, we have also recorded: grey wagtail

 

And now…

Fortunately, we are able to report that currently the clearance work on site is being audited by ecologists and they are being vigilant in checking for breeding activity before any trees/scrub/hedgerows are removed. 

 

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[1]

Crouch, N.C. (2014) Nottinghamshire LWS Handbook – Guidelines for the selection of Local Wildlife Sites in Nottinghamshire. Part 1 – An overview of Local Wildlife Sites in Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre, Nottingham.

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