Threats

• scrub encroachment of invasive species such as bracken, due to lack of management
• uncontrolled, accidental fires
• mineral extraction
• recreational pressure, and atmospheric pollution

Action Plan Objectives

Action Plan Targets

To maintain and improve by management the area of all existing lowland heath within Taunton Deane

CONTRIBUTION OF SERC/PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION: SERC, aided by the resource assessment work in this project, has identified all lowland heath sites in these categories within the Deane, and includes them in County Wildlife Site submissions to the Borough Council for various purposes.

Where lowland heath has become degraded or lost through lack of appropriate management, the reintroduction of traditional heathland management techniques should be encouraged where possible:
grazing to maintain a variety of species
swaling (controlled burning) during winter months
cutting (swiping) usually to create firebreaks in preparation for swaling.

In certain situations, for example when invasive species such as bracken have been dominant, other management may be necessary:
the use of specific chemical herbicides, such as Asulox, to destroy dominant invasive species

CONTRIBUTION OF SERC/PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION: All of these management techniques are recommended, where appropriate, by Wildlife Site Officers of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, working from SERC data, which in turn has been strengthened by resource assessment work in this project

CONTRIBUTION OF SERC/PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION:The habitat resource assessment work in this project has mapped all existing patches of lowland heath. The Quantocks Prime Biodiversity Area, as identified in this report is appropriate for this target.

TDBC, in association with relevant bodies, should identify areas of former heathland which have been lost due to conversion to forestry and agriculture in the last 45 years.

TDBC, in association with relevant bodies, should identify areas of heathland which are currently becoming degraded due to lack of management

CONTRIBUTION OF SERC/PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION: SERC, aided by resource assessment work in this project and the SWT Wildlife Sites Project, can identify such sites

TDBC should aim to develop at least one heathland site as a LNR and should ensure that all heathland sites under TDBC ownership or management have effective management plans

CONTRIBUTION OF SERC/PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION: SWT Wildlife Sites team are currently identifying potential sites, based on SERC data, for recommendation to the Borough Council

Current Action

[no information currently available]

Proposed Action

Policy and legislation

Progress