NOSES POINT LOCAL NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN

JANUARY 2010 DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

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CONTENTS 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Site Name 1.2 Location 1.3 Grid Reference 1.4 Designations 1.5 Land tenure 1.6 Public Rights of Way 1.7 Size of site 1.8 Site Plans

Plan 1: Location of Noses Point Plan 2: Site Boundary Plan 3: Public Rights of Way (PROW) Plan 4: Ancient Woodland Plan 5: Aerial Photograph Plan 6: Compartments and Management

2 SITE DESCRIPTION

2.1 General Description 2.2 History 2.3 Utilities 2.4 Past Management

3 WELCOMING PLACE

3.1 What to do 3.2 Signage 3.3 Car park 3.4 Dogs 3.5 Open Times

4 HEALTHY, SAFE & SECURE

4.1 Identifiable staff 4.2 Volunteers 4.3 Seats 4.4 Site checks

5 CLEAN & WELL MAINTAINED 5.1 Litter and dog bins

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5.2 Management 5.3 Paths 5.4 Health and safety of Work Party

6 SUSTAINABILITY

6.1 Environmental Management System 6.2 Green Transport Policy 6.3 Chemicals 6.4 Habitat Management Plan 6.5 Introduction 6.6 Sustainable Materials 6.7 Invasive species

7 CONSERVATION & HERITAGE

7.1 Habitat description 7.2 Magnesian Limestone Grasslands 7.3 Scrub 7.4 Wetlands 7.5 Invasive species 7.6 Trees

8 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

8.1 Number of visits 8.2 Volunteers 8.3 Partnership working

9 MARKETING

9.1 Adverstising 10 MANAGEMENT

10.1 Management Compartments 10.2 Compartment Map 10.3 Works Programme

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Site Name: Noses Point LNR

Noses Point Local Nature reserve is managed by Durham County Council for the

dual aims of Nature Conservation and Public Access.

Where conflicts arise between these two aims Nature Conservation will have

priority, however, wherever possible a suitable compromise be sought. The major

conservation aim for this site is the restoration of the cliff-top magnesian

limestone grassland.

1.2 Location: From A19 follow A182 to Seaham Industrial Estate.

Turn right off the round-about, by the Wind Sock installation and

continue along track to car parks.

Bus Route 60 (Go North East) passes the site entrance

1.3 Grid Reference NZ 435 482

1.4 Designations

Local Nature Reserve

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SSSI / SAC

Footpath and Bridleway

Plan Showing Noses Point Local Nature Reserve boundary and position of Public Rights of Way

FP Number 0540000005

Bridleway Number 1040000014

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1.5 Land Tenure Freehold (Durham County Council) 1.6 Public Rights of Way

There is a Public Bridleway 14, Seaham which links to Footpath 5, Hawthorn, before becoming the Coastal Path. See site plan above showing PRoW’s.

1.7 Size of Site: 22ha 2.0 Site Description 2.1 General Description Designation: Wildlife Site and Local Nature Reserve SSSI and SAC UKBAP: Lowland Magnesian Limestone Grassland DBAP Habitats:

Lowland Magnesian Limestone Grassland Ponds Hedgerows

UKBAP species Bullfinch Song Thrush DBAP Species Song Thrush Linnet Reed Bunting Skylark Northern Brown Argus (Durham Argus) 2.2 History

Noses Point was the location of Dawdon Colliery and the site was used for the purposes of storage and removal of coal by train. The area was heavily degraded with industrial waste which included dumping of material on the foreshore. Durham County Council undertook a reclamation scheme – the Millennium Commission funded Turning The Tide (TTT)

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project, which removed much of the waste and carried out remedial works to reduce the long-term contamination of the site. The current Coal Authority compound was the actual site of the working Pit Head. The whole area has a long history of industrial use, all of which impacted on the site heavily. There is still much evidence relating to the industrial past and indeed the Blast Beach (to the South) and Chemical Beach (to the North) show incredible amounts of ex mining detritus. These elements, combined with the restoration work and recent large scale improvements have left a fascinating mixture of old and new with huge biodiversity gain and excellent access opportunities for all.

2.3 Utilities Within the site is a compound owned and managed by the Coal Authority which houses the pumping infrastructure for the mine water outfall system. Other than the pipe work for this activity, there are no other known utilities.

2.4 Past Management

The site has been developed since restoration was completed in 2001. The management of the site for biodiversity has been undertaken over the intervening period with considerable work still required on all habitats and the magnesian grasslands in particular.

3 Welcoming place 3.1 What to do

Noses Point is a gateway to Durham’s Heritage Coast with extensive views and access to the coastal footpath. Opportunities for access to the beach are limited but the beach can be reached from a point approximately one kilometre to the south.

3.2 Signage There is a new sign planned for the main entrance and this should be installed by early Spring. The main car park area has many interpretation boards with information on history and wildlife with many utilizing art techniques and poetry to convey the information.

3.3 Car park There are two car parks, both of which have white lined bays and a number of signed disabled bays.

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3.4 Dogs Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control. There are two dog bins, one in each car park and are managed by the Clean and Green Team.

3.5 Open Times Noses Point is open to the public all year round.

4 Healthy, safe and secure 4.1 Identifiable Staff

The site is managed by members of the Northern Ranger Team. All Rangers have clearly marked vans and wear a uniform which makes them readily identifiable to visiting public.

4.2 Volunteers

This site is also managed by a number of Voluntary Site Rangers who also carry out regular inspections and report or deal personally with any hazards. Volunteer work tasks carried out by Durham Voluntary Countryside Ranger Service occur regularly.

4.3 Seats

Seats and picnic tables have been installed on this site. The seats are in locations that provide panoramic views of the surrounding area and assist people with ambulant difficulties to explore the site and enjoy the coastal environment.

4.4 Site Check

There is unrestricted public access to the site at all times of day. The Countryside Service operates a comprehensive site check system and inspects all issues including paths and infrastructure within the site on a pre-determined schedule. Where repairs are necessary, they are rectified as necessary and, along with any problems identified during the checks, recorded on the Site Check Sheets - see appendix 1

5. Clean and well maintained

5.1 Litter and Dog Bins Litter is a continuous but relatively minor problem in the car parks and is dealt with on a daily basis or when necessary. Any fly tipping is reported to Clean and Green and removed as soon as possible. General waste bins (also for dog waste) are provided adjacent to the car parks and are maintained by the Clean and Green Team. Servicing is undertaken every Monday and more frequently if requested.

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5.2 Management The site will be managed for both biodiversity and for recreation; this will be addressed more fully in section 10.

5.3 Paths Public Rights of Way and permissive paths within the site are kept open and free from vegetation during the summer months. Although the responsibility of the Public Rights of Way team, both the Countryside Rangers and appropriately trained Volunteer Rangers undertake this work to ensure high standards are maintained.

5.4 Health and Safety of work party

A significant volume of site work is undertaken by Countryside Volunteers. The Service’s Volunteer Manager and Senior Rangers are responsible for organising a programme of work parties across the County. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are carried out prior to the work party and that sufficient stocks of appropriate PPE etc are available.

The Countryside Ranger is responsible for the implementation of the work party, site-specific risk assessments and the supply of materials.

The Countryside Ranger is also responsible for the daily maintenance of any plant and machinery used. All machinery is regularly inspected and serviced by the Authority’s Direct Services team. Comprehensive service, inspection and repair records are maintained.

6 Sustainability

6.1 Environmental Management System

Durham County Council has an Environmental Management System for all its operations and procedures. This ensures that any contractor employed by Durham County Council supplies a risk assessment and a working method statement which outlines how they intend to work to minimise the environmental impact. The Countryside Service is committed to ensuring its work has the absolute minimum negative impact on the environment and utilises biodegradable and ethically sourced products, energy efficient plant and recycled products wherever possible.

6.2 Green Transport Policy

The Countryside Service follows the Authority’s Sustainable Environmental Policies and ensures its vehicles are appropriate for purpose, properly maintained to reduce emissions and maximise fuel economy and work is managed to minimise miles travelled.

6.3 Chemicals There is a general presumption against the use of chemicals. However their use may be required for controlling invasive vegetation, for

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biodiversity conservation, and controlling vegetation encroachment on surfaced paths. Where chemicals are used the minimum amount required is applied. Chemicals are only used by suitably qualified individuals and in accordance with relevant Health & Safety and COSHH guidelines. Chemical use adjacent to watercourses will be conducted within advice provided by the Environment Agency. All chemicals are stored in a secure depot and are transported to site in a chemical store on a van or a portable store, and always with a spill kit. Pesticide application records are maintained by the individuals, and a ‘decision record form’ is completed before each application. These are kept in the relevant site file.

6.4 Habitat Management Plan

A habitat management plan has been developed for this site that details objectives and targets for environmental improvements. This includes monitoring to evaluate outcomes and ensure that the works undertaken achieve their objectives. For further details, see section 10. The habitat management plan was produced in 2011 with a revision determined for 2016. This document is considered to be dynamic and can be changed at any time.

6.5 Introductions Where introductions of plant species are required (e.g. hedgerow species) all plants will be native species and of local provenance.

6.6 Sustainable material Durham County Council uses timber that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and, wherever possible, environmentally friendly products are sourced. The majority of seats and all picnic tables used by Durham County Council are constructed from recycled plastic or locally sourced timber.

6.7 Invasive species

Alien invasive species are dealt with as soon as they are recorded on site. Although complete eradication is recognised as impossible, the removal of alien invasive species is undertaken using suitable methodologies and compliance with legislation.

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7 Conservation and Heritage 7.1 Habitat Description

Noses Point Local Nature Reserve has a diverse mix of habitats including wetlands, ponds, scrub, magnesian limestone and neutral grassland. Also, although not the responsibility of the Countryside Service, there is the full range of marine aquatic and foreshore habitats immediately adjacent to the site. The habitats on the site have been influenced by the past industry history of coal extraction. Management Aims and Objectives: The long term aims are to conserve and enhance the existing nature conservation value of the site and provide people with accessible places in which they can view and enjoy wildlife. The objectives of the site management are:

Enhance species richness in grassland

Maintain and enhance the structural diversity of scrub

Ensure that measures are used to safeguard adjacent SSSI and SAC.

7.2 Magnesian Limestone Grassland

Magnesian limestone grassland and neutral grassland are both present. Most of the Magnesian limestone grassland is on the cliff top exposures. The Magnesian Limestone Grassland is of national importance (SSSI) and this grassland is characterized by blue moor grass and small scabious. There is also a small population of Northern Brown Argus butterfly (the Northern Brown Argus requires a varied sward, with a large population of common rock rose; the larval food plant). The grasslands are still developing and, where appropriate, cutting and removal of arisings takes place.

7.3 Scrub Small areas of scattered scrub are evident and these will be monitored and managed to enhance biodiversity, whilst not threatening grassland species

7.4 Wetlands In 2006 three ponds were installed in compartment 5. These are developing although amphibians have used them for breeding since they were installed. These ponds will be managed to ensure at least 40% open water is retained.

7.5 Invasive species

Invasive species such as Common Ragwort and spear thistle will be controlled only where strictly appropriate. Control will be by uprooting

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individual plants or by spot application of specific herbicides. Ragwort will be controlled according to the DEFRA code of practice which requires action should be taken to control Ragwort within 50 m of grazing animals or land used for feed/forage production. In areas outside this limit, Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) will be allowed to grow as it offers an essential food source to many species of pollinating insect and is the principal food plant of the Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae) which is in decline. The plant has considerable value in the interests of biodiversity.

7.6 Trees

Newly planted scrub and trees (comp. 4 & 5) will be managed in the first three years to encourage good strong growth and prevent weed growth which may choke the plants.

8 Community involvement 8.1 Number of visits

Visitor numbers are estimated based on traffic counters and surveys of numbers of vehicle occupants. It is estimated that Noses Point Local Nature Reserve receives at least 67,000 annual visitors. The site is busy all year round mainly serving the local community with numbers increasing during the summer months and school holidays. The site is popular with fisherman particularly during the winter months. The Heritage Coast Team is promoting Noses Point as a “Gateway Site” to the Heritage Coast and will be sign-posted using brown tourist signs.

8.2 Volunteers Countryside Rangers work with a number of local volunteers as well as Durham Voluntary Countryside Ranger Service. Volunteers undertake a variety of tasks to assist in the management of the site and attain the objectives of the habitat management plan.

The Site Rangers also develop informal relationships with regular visitors who offer the valuable service of acting as “eyes and ears” and report issues or problems.

8.3 Partnership working

Regular meetings are held with Parish and Town Councils and the DHC Partnership and Steering Group. This helps determine future works and discussion of development and management issues.

9. Marketing

9.1 Advertising The site is promoted through a range of media types by a variety of organisations.

The site is promoted by all County Council media

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Noses Point periodically features in the County Council’s Durham County News delivered to every household in the County.

The site periodically features in the Countryside Service’s ‘Country Durham’ guided walks and events programme.

The site is advertised on several third-party websites.

The site features in all Durham Heritage Coast promotional media 10 Management 10.1 Management by Compartments

To assist in implementation of the management plan, the site has been divided into a number of compartments on the basis of habitat type or other physical attribute. Each compartment is described below along with the management required. The compartment boundaries and summary management statements are shown in the compartment map section 10.2.

10.1.1 Compartment 1 Description: Compartment contains first car park with disabled bays,

seats, rubbish and dog bin included. The rest of the compartment has grassland bounded by short “birdsmouth” fencing. The surfaced coastal path joins the site here. There are various access controls and the main access to the second car park. The large bank up to the main road is managed by Highways.

Objectives: Maintain and enhance infrastructure and manage grassland.

Prescription: Inspect, repair and replace infrastructure as necessary,

install new entrance sign, Cut and remove grass 1 year in 3.

10.1.2 Compartment 2 Description: This compartment comprises the end of the access road with

car park, bounded by “birdsmouth” fencing, rubbish / dog bins, Surfaced paths, interpretation boards, shelter wall, picnic benches and seats, and the “Sky Field” sculpture. There is also a large area of unimproved grassland. This area also includes the main headland which has superb views to the South. There is an informal and hazardous access to the beach where access is positively discouraged because of the Health and Safety implications. The sea will eventually reclaim this part of the site making access impossible.

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Objectives: Increase species diversity of the grassland. Maintain and enhance the infrastructure. Monitor the erosion of access to the beach.

Prescription: Cut and remove the grass 1 year in 3. Replace and repair

infrastructure as necessary. 10.1.3 Compartment 3

Description: Surfaced paths, leading to circular route, metal bridge offering shortcut across gulley. Areas of developing grassland; which will be monitored for condition and cut when necessary. Gulley has area of newly-planted scrub and trees to mimic a “wooded” coastal dene. Interpretation associated with wildlife found at bridge and on cliff top. Developing areas of scrub on the cliff top.

Objectives: Maintain and enhance infrastructure. Monitor condition of

grassland, and extent of scrub. Ensure survival of trees and scrub in dene and replace when necessary.

Prescription: Replace and repair infrastructure as necessary. Manage

scrub and grass when necessary. 10.1.4 Compartment 4

Description: This large compartment is dominated by restored grassland areas with scrub on the eastern boundary with the railway line. There are 3 ponds that have been recently installed. There is internal post and wire fencing and an area of recently planted trees. Along with all-weather paths completing a circular route, there are various interpretation stations with links to history and wildlife. There is also a WW2 pill box which has been made safe by filling in and covering up following a thorough archaeological survey

Objective: Maintain and enhance infrastructure. Monitor condition of

grassland, and extent of scrub. Ensure survival of trees and scrub and replace when necessary.

Prescription: Replace and repair infrastructure when necessary. Manage scrub and grass when necessary. Monitor new ponds and manage when necessary. Monitor security of pill box.

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10.2 Compartment map

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10.3 Works Programme

Task Compartment Yr 1 2010

Yr 2 2012

Yr 3 2013

Yr 4 2014

Yr 5 2015

Health and safety management

All

Removal of invasive species (general)

All

Repair and replace infrastructure

All

Monitor pond

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Cut grass and remove arisings

1, 2

Monitor grassland condition

3,4

Monitor scrub extent

3,4

Liaise with National Trust as neighbours and owners of SSSI

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Monitoring

Written review of management plan

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Appendix 1

Durham County Council

Countryside Section – Site Safety Check

Name:………………………………………………. Date:…………………………………………

Site Name:…………………………………………..

Time:………………………………………..

Type of Check: (Partial/Drive Through; Full;

Boundary)……………………………………………

Brief Description of Problem or Incident, including

location and Action Taken,

O.S.

Grid

Ref.

Inciden

t Code

Item Description

Further Details / Comments:

……………………………………………………………………….……………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………

………..

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Appendix 2 List of Incident Codes 1. Unusual litter (either in quantity or quality, please give details). 2. Fly tipping. 3. Evidence of drugs, including alcohol, glue sniffing, etc (please specify). 4. Graffiti or vandalism to County Council property (please specify). 5. Theft of County Council property. 6. Motorbikes and other vehicles, including quad bikes. 7. Guns and other weapons. 8. Other wildlife crime, badger digging, plant theft, etc. 9. Car theft (of and from) and damage to vehicles. 10. Abandoned vehicles, including burnt out cars etc. 11. Antisocial behaviour, including loud music, aggressive behaviour etc (by adults, see

next entry). 12. Youth disorder or antisocial behaviour. 13. Verbal or Physical assault to staff 14. Sexual activity, including witnessing and evidence of. 15. Other, please give details. Grid square refers to the grid marked on your site check sheets. OS grid reference should be a six figure grid reference and is only necessary when reporting an incident. Smaller sites will only need a reference for the site, on larger sites try to be as accurate as possible. Please add details as appropriate in description box. Do not report rumours, only incidents where there is evidence, either visual or physical. If the incident is reported to the police please record crime reference no., etc. in the further details / comments section. Please make a note of any health or safety matters encountered, with location and a brief description. Problems which are not listed on site maps or the incident list should also be reported, with their location related to the nearest marked point. If in doubt report it!