| Lowland Neutral Grassland - Cotswold Water Park |
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Cotswold Water Park Action Plan |
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| Extent/Distribution The Cotswold Water Park contains at least 55 ha of species-rich unimproved neutral grassland of which 6 are SSSIs. These include Pike Corner, Elmlea Meadows,Whelford Meadows, Wildmoorway Meadow, Upper Waterhay Meadow and Long Meadow. Note that SSSIs are privately owned and access is not necessarily permitted. Part of the candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated species rich grasslands of Clattinger Farm falls within the Cotswold Water Park and the candidate SAC and National Nature Reserve of North Meadow borders the park. The hydrological impacts of gravel extraction could affect these reserves and therefore the Cotswold Water Park Biodiversity Action Plan also refers to them. The area of wet grassland in the Cotswold Water Park is unknown but probably small. There is the potential to create this habitat however through gravel pit restoration. In presently occurs around some lake boundaries. Hydrology. Studies are in progress to determine if the pumping of gravel workings for mineral extraction may affect nearby meadows depressing water table and changing sensitive vegetation types. There is no evidence of this at present. Restoration of pits as open water may also affect ground water levels or alter patterns of surface water flow. One possible mechanism for this could be increased evaporation. Increased water levels may also adversely affect grassland vegetation and alter management practices such as hay cutting. Recent work by Silsoe College at North Meadow has demonstrated the critical importance of river water levels in maintaining ground water conditions and vegetation at North Meadow. River engineering and management is therefore a critical factor in maintaining neutral grassland interest. Development and recreation Direct loss of neutral grassland SSSIs to development is not likely to be a factor in the Water Park. Loss of sites that are not known or evaluated is more likely to be a risk, however, it is unlikely that there are significant areas of high quality neutral grassland remaining that have not been identified. Indirect effects of development or of increasing recreation is more likely to have an impact on grasslands. Creation of new grasslands Possibilities for the creation of new wet grasslands exist in the CWP. These could be created as part of agricultural restoration of gravel pits by establishing an appropriate water level or on areas adjoining watercourses. Such grasslands need not be botanically rich to benefit waders, but need to be significant in area (greater than 5 ha). MAFF have indicated that they would find restoration to wet grassland as more acceptable than open water on best and most versatile agricultural land (grade 3a and above). Such a restoration would conserve the agricultural capacity and increase biodiversity. Opportunities to create extensive wet grassland may be found in several of the new areas of search. Land north of the Thames close to Latton and between the the River Coln and Dudgrove Lane could be a high priority for wet grassland creation. An additional benefit would be enhancement of the river corridor contributing to the conservation of otter and water vole. Creation of botanically rich grassland might also be considered in some areas close to or between existing neutral grassland sites. The high cost and uncertain success associated with creating such grasslands require careful targeting to ensure results. Restoration of Thames and Severn Canal. Wildmoorway wet meadow SSSI abuts the Severn and Thames canal tow path east of South Cerney. The site may be affected by engineering works associated with the restoration of the canal. 1) Maintain the area of unimproved neutral grassland and the quality
of the characteristic plant communities and associated species. Target
date: ongoing
see above no information currently available Policy and legislation Policy and Legislative LEAD: EN Seek MAFF's support for the creation of wet grassland with low
intensity livestock farming , as a possible option for agricultural
restoration on best and most versatile land.
Habitat Creation Consider establishing a demonstration site for wet grassland creation on restored mineral working LEAD:NCF PARTNERS: WWT TARGET: 2010 Management
Site Management Ensure all SSSI managers receive Site Management Statements (ongoing)
identifying nature conservation features and management objectives. Protect grassland sites within and close to the Cotswold Water
Park from adverse hydrological change (ground water and surface water),
particularly in North Meadow, Cricklade and Clattinger Farm.
Monitor effectiveness of water table management where this is
adopted as a way of managing the effect of gravel working as at Upper
Waterhay Meadow. Protect from development and increases in recreational pressure
likely to damage the grassland interest. Encourage a standard of path and visitor management that minimises
impact on the conservation and management of sites. Advisory Research and monitoring
Research and Monitoring Education and awareness raising
none no information currently available |
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