Old Sneyd Park, Bristol · 2019-05-21 · GN2019004A Addendum: Old Sneed Park Management and Action...

GN2019004A Addendum: Old Sneed Park Management and Action Plan

Old Sneyd Park, Bristol

Addendum: Management and Action Plan – April 2019 to March 2024

On behalf of Friends of Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve

Project Ref. GN2019004A

Gloucester office Bristol Office

Unit 14 32 Jacobs Wells Road

The Old Bakery Clifton

Lower Tuffley Lane Bristol

Gloucester BS8 1DR

GL2 5DP

Tel 01452 699 190

Email [email protected]

Name Date

Prepared by Glenn Norris Senior Ecologist 20/05/2019

Disclaimer: This report has been produced by Wild Service within the terms of the contract with the client and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. We disclaim any

responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this

report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.

Document Control: The report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of Wild Service.


Contents

1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 1

2 Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve .................................................................. 2

3 Aims and Objectives .................................................................................... 4

4 Management Schedule ................................................................................ 6

5 Management Rationale .............................................................................. 19

6 References .................................................................................................. 28

Appendix 1: Figures ............................................................................................ 29

Appendix 2: Ecological Experience ................................................................... 31


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1 Introduction

1.1 Scope

1.1.1. Wild Service was commissioned by the Friends of Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve (FOSPNR)

to update their lapsed Management and Action Plan for Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve,

Bristol (Avon Wildlife Trust [AWT] Consultancy, 2014).

1.1.2. A site visit undertaken on 16th May to briefly assess the condition of the site in relation to

the aims and objectives of the previous plan. This Addendum provides a brief assessment

of the condition of the site in relation to the previous plan and updates to the Schedules of

Works.

1.1.3. The context of the site remains to same as that in 2014 and this information can be found in

the original management plan (AWT Consultancy, 2014) in Chapters 1 to 4.


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2 Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve

2.1 Overview

2.1.1. The site has benefitted from the effort dedicated by the FOSPNR and Bristol City Council

(BCC) over the last five years. The management has ensure the maintenance of distinct

grassland, reedbed, scrub and woodland habitats whilst protected areas of species-richness

and varied habitat structure. Refer to Figure 1 for the location of meadows, woodland and

scrub.

2.2 Habitats

Grassland

Meadow 1

2.2.1. This meadow largely reflects the description in the previous management plan (AWT

Consultancy, 2014). It is species-diverse, although this appears to be more concentrated

towards the eastern end of the meadow where there was an abundance of southern marsh

orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa. The sward height (approximately 10-20cm in May)

indicates that the existing management of cutting in late summer and removing all arisings

is restricting the nutrient load entering the soil and therefore helping maintain the species

diversity. There is also a healthy abundance of yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor which can

lessen the presence of rank grasses. There is some presence of hogweed Heracleum

sphondylium and broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius which may need controlling in the

future.

Meadow 2

2.2.2. Much the same in appearance to the description in the original management plan, however,

the grassland appeared much less rank with herb species abundant throughout indicating a

positive change since management began. Furthermore, cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis

(the larval foodplant of orange tips Anthocharis cardamines) was occasional throughout the

meadow. The reedbed has remained at the western end of the grassland against the railway

line without an increase of scrub.

2.2.3. Cutting reed has resulted in large piles of dead vegetation as its location adjacent to a railway

line and amount of public access make burning the excess vegetation unfeasible. These are

largely unseen due to the presence of the reedbed but are not decaying as quickly as they


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are being created and are beginning to build up. While some are beneficial to some species

such as grass snake Natrix heltevtica they will ultimately restrict the growth of new reeds.

2.2.4. There is some presence of hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and broad-leaved dock Rumex

obtusifolius which may need controlling in the future.

Meadow 3

2.2.5. The meadow is still rank as described in the original management plan although taller herbs

and those adapted to climbing such as bush vetch Vicia sepium and meadow vetchling

Lathyrus pratensis are present. This area was flagged for woodland planting in 2014 and a

small are to the north of M3 has been planted with whips. However, nettles and cleavers

have colonised the bare soils and begun to dominate. Also, towards the southern end of

M3, there is a patch of self-seeded oilseed rape Brassica napus and other tall ruderal species.

The spread of these plants should be restricted by early cutting to prevent re-seeding.

Meadow 4

2.2.6. This meadow is much the same as described previously but appears less rank.

Scrub/Tall Herb Communities

2.2.7. The extent of scrub remains similar to five years ago and would benefit from occasional

scalloping every other year.

Woodland

2.2.8. Great efforts have been made to reduce the holly Ilex aquifolium understorey and in so doing

has revealed an historic avenue of sweet chestnut Castanea sativa with several mature and

some dead trees. The woodland has an excellent structure of regrowth, moderately aged

trees and mature trees as well as a good supply of standing, aerial and fallen deadwood.

The woodland is diverse with native species but also includes several non-native species as

evidence of previous use of the site. Species such as bamboo Arundinaria sp., cotoneaster

and buddleia should all be monitored and restricted in abundance.

Hedgerows

2.2.9. The hedgerows remain species-diverse and have a good structure with appropriate

management from the FOSPNR and should remain under the same management regime.


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3 Aims and Objectives

3.1 Aims and Objectives

3.1.1. The aims and objectives of the site will continue for the five years included within this plan.

3.2 Overall Objective

3.2.1. The aim of this Management and Action Plan is to ensure that Old Sneed Park is maintained

as a nature reserve, of benefit to both wildlife and people.

3.3 Wildlife Objectives

• To encourage increased wildflower abundance within the meadows;

• To further enhance the woodland as semi-natural broadleaved woodland, but

encouraging its landscape-designed history to be recognised through the retention

of selected non-native species; and

• To create further small areas of new woodland.

3.4 Community Objectives

• To encourage increased wildflower abundance within the meadows;

• To further enhance the woodland as semi-natural broadleaved woodland, but

encouraging its landscape-designed history to be recognised through the retention

of selected non-native species; and

• To create further small areas of new woodland.

3.5 Management Rationale for Objectives

3.5.1. After the initial five years of management, major intervention is unlikely to be required and

the following schedules have only been minimally adjusted. As well as the ongoing

maintenance by BCC, it is anticipated that much of the required work can be carried out by

volunteers at FOSPNR Work Parties.

Grassland

3.5.2. The initial management plan made provisions to attempt to attract a grazier for the site to

graze the meadows in late summer, however, the site is not stockproofed and as the site is


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more heavily used by the public for activities such as dog-walking, grazing as a management

option is unlikely to be pursued in the future.

3.5.3. Attention to the prevalance of negative indicator species within a grassland such as broad-

leaved dock and hogweed should be maintained to ensure they do not begin to shade out

lower-growing plants. These species can be difficult to fully eradicate, especially dock as

even the smallest remnant of the root will develop into another plant. Targeting areas with

the highest number of these species should be actioned in the following years.

Woodland

3.5.4. The woodland structure is in good condition with adequate regeneration of young saplings

to replenish mature trees. Additionally, there is an adequate deadwood resource occupying

a variety of microhabitats beneficial to a range of different invertebrates. Continuing to

select native saplings in favour of non-natives should continue so that a more natural

understorey will develop.

3.5.5. Where new woodland has been planted in the corner of M3, continue to remove nettles and

cleavers that could swamp the new whips. This can be done by cutting the nettles and then

using the arisings of the grassland cuttings to create a mulch around the base of the whips.

This should inhibit the growth of rank vegetation near the whips whilst also providing a long-

term nutrient source.

Monitoring

3.5.6. It is important that features of ecological value on the site are monitored. A considerable

amount of survey data already exists for the site and not all species / habitats need to be

monitored every year, but consideration should be given to establishing a programme of

monitoring for which funding could be sought, unless expert volunteer input is available.


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4 Management Schedule

4.1 Work Programme

4.1.1. The management actions described above are due to cover the next five years (April 2019 to

March 2024). The timing for each management action is shown in the Schedules below. These

actions are to be repeated annually unless a year has been specified.

4.1.2. It is suggested that an ongoing record is kept annually of work completed (including dates and

operators) and work carried forward, and the Plan amended accordingly, so that it is a useful

working document.


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(Please note that for all tasks the rationale is explained in text below the following table)

Schedule A - Wildlife - Annual (Ongoing) tasks

Task Area Carried out by When

Grassland

A1 Cut annually and remove arisings All meadows BCC August

A2 Cut hard rush and remove cuttings M2 FOSPNR Spring, then cut again 4-8 weeks after first cut.

A3 Carry out a second grassland cut, removing arisings,

unless grazing can be achieved.

All meadows BCC October

A4 Remove dense areas of negative indicators such as

broad-leaved dock, hogweed and creeping thistle.

M1 and M2 FOSPNR June to August

A5 Cut 10m x 3m "scallops" into scrub along northern

edge. Mow bays in alternate years.

M1 and M2 FOSPNR/BCC October to February

A6 Cut 5m x 2m "scallops" into scrub along northern edge.

Mow bays in alternate years.

M3 FOSPNR/BCC October to February

A7 Continue to cut bramble between oak tree and

hedgerow.

M3 BCC October to February

Tall herb

communities

A8 Annual cut, ½ in alternate years, removing arisings.

Scallop edges of bramble blocks.

West of lake, south-western end of lake, area between M1 and M2 (see Figure 1).

BCC/FOSPNR August

Woodland

A9 Control holly Woodland FOSPNR October to February


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A10 Control Spanish bluebell Woodland FOSPNR Spring

A11 Ensure bracken does not spread beyond current extent Woodland FOSPNR Spring

A12 Remove saplings of sycamore / horse chestnut / and

some ash.

Throughout woodland FOSPNR October to February

A13 Remove saplings of Turkey oak and holm oak Particularly western end

of woodland

FOSPNR October to February

A14 Consider thinning and check lime growth Planted woodland at

eastern entrance.


Wetland

A15 Control reed so that it does not extend beyond current

area

Western end of M2 FOSPNR October to February

A16 Remove scrub from reedbed. Western end of M2 FOSPNR October to February

A17 Remove invasive goat willow and bramble. Marginal vegetation

around lake


A18 Inspect and maintain lake structures, e.g. dam,

spillway, culvert.

At lake inflow and outflow points.

BCC October to February

Schedule B - People


B1 Encourage dog walkers to use dog bin All FOSPNR, BCC Any time

B2 Maintenance of bins Glenavon Park entrance BCC Any time

B3 Clear flytipping, educate householders Along northern site boundary FOSPNR, BCC Winter only; any time

B4 Litter picking All FOSPNR, BCC Winter


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B5 H&S audit All trees within falling distance of a path or boundary

BCC Annually

B6 Maintenance of metalled footpath surfaces All BCC As needed

B7 Clear encroaching vegetation from footpaths. All FOSPNR As needed

B8 Maintenance of access gates All entrances BCC As needed

B9 Maintenance of site furniture e.g. benches All BCC As needed

B10 Removal of hazardous or large items of rubbish All, but mainly northern boundary of site and at main entrance

BCC As needed

B11 Response to incidents of damage or vandalism All BCC As needed

B12 Maintenance of Site Notice boards BCC As needed

B13 Step and revetment maintenance Woodland FOSPNR Any

Schedule C - Monitoring


C1 Re-appearance of Japanese knotweed - if found report to BCC Between M1 and M2, at

SE junction of woodland

and tall herb community

BCC, FOSPNR Spring / Summer

C2 Re-growth of controlled non-native species Woodland and woodland edge

FOSPNR Spring / Summer

C3 Condition of planted whips - care for or replace as necessary. Woodland, NE of site and in south of M3

FOSPNR Winter

C4 Bamboo potential to spread Woodland FOSPNR Summer

C5 Observe for ash dieback disease Any wooded area FOSPNR/BCC Any time, but easiest in

summer

C6 Send all biological records to BRERC, and to FOSPNR All At least annually


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Capital projects

Schedule D

Year 1 - April 2014 to March 2015


D1 Create made-up paths

M1 and M2 BCC Any time

D2 Install vehicle gate and kissing gate Southern section

of M3

BCC As soon as funding available.

D3 Consider creation of a pond In north-east

corner of M2

FOSPNR Any time

D4 Install an Interpretation Board informing people of a more

wildlife-friendly way of feeding ducks.

Southern area of

lake or near

dipping platform.

FOSPNR Any time

D5 Re-coppice selected hazel - x 2 in 5 Woodland FOSPNR October to February

D6 Remove (and treat most) non-natives as follows:- Woodland FOSPNR Spring 2012 and likely to be

ongoing.

cherry laurel Woodland FOSPNR October to February

Cotoneaster Eastern end of

woodland


Holm oak saplings Upper slope of

woodland


Turkey oak saplings SW woodland FOSPNR October to February


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Bamboo (unless decide to keep as part of landscape planting) Centre of woodland


Sycamore saplings Woodland FOSPNR October to February

Buddleia Woodland FOSPNR October to February

D7 Plant up some open spaces with native ground flora Woodland FOSPNR Bulbs in autumn, other plants in

spring

D8 Create log piles Under shade

anywhere on site


D9 Consider placing Site Interpretation Boards Main entrance, lower meadows, woodland

FOSPNR Any time when funds allow

D10 Plant new trees South-west M3, Bramble Drive, Area west of main entrance


Hedgerows

D11 Cut every 3 years in an A shape, cutting one side in one year,

the other side in a separate year and then the top in the third

year.

All on rotation BCC October to February

D12 Lay (or coppice) once hedgerow is 3-5 metres high. All on rotation FOSPNR / Contractors /

BCC Blue Skies team

October to February

Monitoring

D14 Natural England condition assessment Grassland FOSPNR June

Schedule E



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E1 Re-coppice selected hazel - x 2 in 5 Woodland FOSPNR October to February

Monitoring

E2 Natural England woodland condition assessment Woodland FOSPNR Spring

Schedule F



F1 Re-coppice selected hazel - x 2 in 5 Woodland FOSPNR October to February

Monitoring

F2 Natural England condition assessment Grassland FOSPNR Mid-summer

Schedule G



G1 Re-coppice selected hazel - x 2 in 5 Woodland FOSPNR October to February

Schedule H



H1 Re-coppice selected hazel - x 2 in 5 Woodland FOSPNR October to February

Monitoring

H2 Natural England condition assessment Grassland FOSPNR Mid-summer


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Schedule I – Summary, Costing and Funding

AAPM = Area Assistant Parks Manager

BCC = Bristol City Council

FOSPNR = Friends of Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve

Item Description Lead Backer Estimated

Cost Proposed Funding

Ongoing Wildlife Tasks


14

Ongoing People Tasks


15

Ongoing Monitoring Tasks

Schedule D CAPITAL WORKS Year 1 – April 2012 to March 2013


16

Wildlife Tasks

Monitoring


17

Schedule E CAPITAL WORKS Year 2 - April 2013 to 2014

Monitoring

Schedule F CAPITAL WORKS Year 3 - April 2014 to 2015

Schedule G CAPITAL WORKS Year 4 April 2015 to March 2016

Schedule H CAPITAL WORKS Year 5 April 2016 to March 2017


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5 Management Rationale

5.1 Schedule A – Annual (Ongoing) Wildlife Tasks

Grassland

A1 Cut annually and remove cut material

5.1.1. The botanical diversity of the meadows will be increased by not cutting the grass until the

flowers have seeded and the seed has been dispersed. Cutting too early will prevent seed

dispersal, and cutting later into the autumn increases the risk that thistles and other "weedy"

species will seed and/or that it becomes too wet to cut without damaging the ground. It is very

important that all the cuttings are removed; if they are left they will act as a mulch, suppressing

next year's growth, and there is a risk that their breakdown will release nutrients e.g. nitrates,

back into the ground, which will favour the growth of the coarser grasses at the expense of

the herbs.

A2 Cut hard rush and remove cut material

5.1.2. The hard rush can be limited in extent by cutting. Cut as low as possible, without scraping into

the soil which could encourage rush seeds to germinate. Cut again 4-8 weeks after the first

cut. Or cut then graze. Cattle grazing would be best, but as this is extremely unlikely on this

site, horse grazing will aid the process. Remove the cuttings.

A3 Carry out a second grassland cut

5.1.3. Following the annual meadow cut, the grass should be cut again in October if the weather

permits i.e. not too wet, with the cuttings removed, to further reduce the soil fertility.

A4 Remove negative indicators from grassland

5.1.4. Remove docks, hogweed, thistles where they become abundant and begin to shade out low-

growing perennial species. Ensure that the entire plant is removed to avoid regeneration.

A5/A6 Cut "scallops" into scrub

5.1.5. This will help to control scrub encroachment onto the species-rich meadows and encourage

an increase in the extent of the grassland species, along with tall herbs. It will also create

sheltered bays and an increased scrub edge habitat which will favour use by invertebrates. The

bays should be cut in alternate years, leaving some overwintering fruits and seeds.

5.1.6. A7 Continue to cut bramble between oak tree and hedgerow in M3


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5.1.7. By controlling the scrub in this area it is hoped that the grassland species will spread, increasing

the area of the meadow. FOSPNR have already seen some progress in achieving this.

Tall Herb Communities

A8 Cut tall herb communities annually, half in alternate years

5.1.8. This habitat increases the mosaic of habitat types at Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve and is very

valuable for wildlife. In particular, it provides opportunities for overwintering invertebrates

(and their eggs, larvae and pupae) to persist. Birds will feed on the seed heads and there is

cover for small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Avoiding a straight edge when cutting will

provide a more natural appearance. Scallop edges of bramble blocks. All cut material should

be removed.

Woodland

5.1.9. Please note that brash resulting from woodland work will be used for the creation of log piles

(stems should be left in as long lengths as possible to prolong their life) and/or chipped in situ

for use on paths.

A9 Control holly

5.1.10. Although a desirable component of the woodland shrub layer in this area of the country, holly

spreads vegetatively and its shade can become excessive. Some control would be beneficial

and is likely to be an ongoing process.

A10 Control Spanish bluebell

5.1.11. This species has been introduced to gardens, parks and estates because it is more "showy"

than the native bluebell. Unfortunately, it hybridises with the native species to produce fertile

plants with various characteristics of each species (although Spanish characteristics tend to

dominate). Consequently there is a risk that the native bluebell will be lost. The main

differences between the two species are that native bluebells have flowers that grow only on

one side of the stalk, and have creamy anthers. The Spanish bluebell has flowers that grow all

around the stalk and have pale to dark blue anthers; these two features also typify the hybrid.

5.1.12. Complete elimination is unlikely, but control could be achieved by cutting the leaves and

stems/flowers as they appear, in order to weaken the bulbs.

A11 Control bracken

5.1.13. This species will tend to spread and can shade out ground flora. If it appears to be spreading,

it should be cut to weaken the deep underground rhizomes.


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A12/13 Remove saplings

5.1.14. Sycamore and horse chestnut are not native species and are probably from historic estate

planting. The mature trees add diversity to the woodland, but they seed prolifically and their

seeds germinate and grow readily in shade. If not controlled they will become tall "leggy"

poles and come to dominate parts of the shrub layer, shading out the ground flora. It would

be an impossible task to attempt to clear the woodland of all the sycamore saplings! Therefore

it is proposed that areas where the ground flora is particularly rich should be targeted. A

selected section/s of the wood could therefore be worked on each year. Although ash is

native, the saplings will also grow vigorously. Some healthy selected specimens of this native

species should be left to grow on. This work should mainly be carried out in the winter to

avoid the bird nesting season, although very sparse areas can be tackled at other times of year

providing that a careful check is carried out to ensure there will be no disturbance to nesting

birds. Ash dieback disease should be looked for.

A14 Control planted woodland spread and check lime growth

5.1.15. It is intended that this area will remain under control.

Wetland

A15 Control reed

5.1.16. The reedbed adjacent to the railway line adds diversity to the habitat types at Old Sneed Park

Nature Reserve. However, its proximity to the species-rich grassland and its tendency to

spread means that it requires control. This can be achieved by cutting encroaching growth.

A16 Remove scrub from reedbed

5.1.17. Given the benefit to the site of having (an albeit small) wetland habitat, it is important to

maintain this area in good condition. Invasive scrub will contribute to the drying out of the

habitat and its undesirable eventual succession to secondary woodland. Scrub should be

removed by cutting.

A17 Remove invasive goat willow and bramble

5.1.18. As with A18, if willows are allowed to spread in the lakeside vegetation, they will reduce the

botanical interest of this habitat through shading.

A18 Inspect and maintain lake structures

5.1.19. Appropriate maintenance will control the lake hydrology, ensuring that water levels are

consistent with supporting a wetland habitat.


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5.2 Schedule B – Annual (Ongoing) People Tasks

B1 Encourage dog walkers to use bins.

B2 Maintenance of bins

5.2.1. There is a dog bin available at the Glenavon Park entrance. Maintenance will be carried out

as part of the contract covering all Bristol bins in accordance with the agreed standards and

includes emptying the bins and replacing any that are damaged. Use of the bins will be

monitored by the Park Keeper.

B3 Clear fly tipping and educate householders

5.2.2. This is less of a problem than it used to be but can still occur along the northern boundary of

the site. BCC may approach offending householders in the area if a problem persists. FOSPNR

are keen for approaches to be made but are concerned that local people don't find that the

only notifications about their local woodland are requests not to fly tip!

B4 Litter picking

5.2.3. A major site clear up could be held each year, preferably in the winter when litter is more

visible and less damage would be caused to the ground flora. Local schools and youth groups

could be invited to participate. Local community litter picks can be very successful. It may be

a good approach to include an hour of litter picking at the end of each workday, rather than

making it an entire event.

B5 Health and Safety Audit

5.2.4. Bristol Parks will carry out Health and Safety Audits and risk assessments of the site at least

once per year. This will include an assessment of any dead standing wood, which should be

left in situ if possible for its habitat importance. Further audits will be carried out in the event

of any damage to the site due to vandalism or natural causes such as storms or fires. FOSPNR

will receive copies of these audits and will report any circumstances brought to their attention

that may affect the safety of the site.

B6 Maintenance of Metalled Footpath Surfaces

5.2.5. The surface of these paths will be regularly inspected and maintained in an acceptable

condition to encourage use of the site.

B7 Clear Encroaching Vegetation from Footpaths


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5.2.6. Minor work cutting mainly brambles is sometimes required on informal paths not covered by

the contracts e.g. in the woodland. This work will be undertaken at work parties by FOSPNR.

B8 Maintenance of Access Gates

5.2.7. Entrance gates, field gates and the gate to the lake will be inspected and repaired as necessary.

B9 Maintenance of site furniture

5.2.8. Benches and the dipping platform will also be regularly checked and repaired as necessary.

B10 Removal of Hazardous or Large Items of Rubbish

5.2.9. FOSPNR will report any items to the Park Keeper or Assistant Area Parks Manager.

B11 Response to Incidents of Damage/Vandalism

5.2.10. FOSPNR will report any incidents/damage to the Park Keeper or Assistant Area Parks Manager.

A further risk assessment of the site will be undertaken if necessary after any major incidents.

B12 Maintenance of Site Notice boards

5.2.11. The three boards will be checked regularly for damage and deterioration and

repaired/replaced as necessary.

B13 Step and Revetment Maintenance

5.2.12. These will be checked regularly for damage and deterioration and repaired/replaced as

necessary.

5.3 Schedule C – Monitoring

C1 Re-appearance of Japanese Knotweed.

5.3.1. The patches of Japanese knotweed appear to have been well controlled, but this vigorous and

highly persistent species could re-appear, so it will be necessary to check the vicinities of

earlier records (lower meadows, south-east corner of woodland) during the spring/early

summer. Any signs should be reported to the Park Keeper or the Assistant Area Parks

Manager.

C2 Monitor for re-growth of controlled non-native species

5.3.2. Even once removed, it is likely that some of these species in the woodland may re-grow, so it

will be necessary to check the known sites and remove any re-growth as necessary. It will

also be necessary to be vigilant for the appearance of these species in previously unknown

areas of the site.


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C3 Condition of planted whips

5.3.3. These will be inspected in late summer/autumn by FOSPNR and any problems addressed.

C4 Bamboo potential to spread

5.3.4. There is one species present in the wood, and it provides visual and historical interest. It may

not be a very invasive variety, but its spread should be controlled to avoid any increase in its

present extent.

C5 Observe for ash dieback disease

5.3.5. Currently this fungal disease (Chalara fraxinea) has been recorded NE of Bristol in South

Gloucestershire in a recently planted site. It appears to affect mainly young specimens, and

its symptoms can be similar to other more benign infections. Any suspected cases must be

reported. For guidance about how to identify the disease, please see the Forestry

Commission's website, www.forestry.gov.uk

C6 Send all biological records to BRERC, and to FOSPNR.

5.3.6. BRERC holds and manages the central database for the West of England area and rely on

records being passed to them.

5.4 Schedule D – Year 1 – April 2019 to March 2024

Wildlife Tasks

D1 Create made-up paths on southern edge of M1 and M2.

5.4.1. This will prevent damage to the botanical importance of the meadows by encouraging people

to use the new paths rather than skirt round the current paths when they get waterlogged. It

is also hoped that it will encourage visitors to use the new path rather than cut across the

central desire line in M1 (although this path is likely to continue to be used to some degree).

New paths will require fund-raising. The exact type of path is yet to be determined, and

FOSPNR wish to be involved in its selection. AWT Consultancy has referred FOSPNR to BTCV's

Footpaths publication.

D2 Install vehicle gate and kissing gate on M3.

5.4.2. This will enable grazing to be considered in this field in the future.

D3 Consider creation of a pond

5.4.3. It has been suggested that this could be sited in the north-east corner of M1. A pond would

add further diversity to the reserve habitats.


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D4 Interpretation Board providing guidance about wildlife-friendly duck feeding.

5.4.4. This would be sited at the southern end of the lake, or near the dipping platform. FOSPNR have

encouraged a local retailer to provide suitable duck food and the public would be informed

about good practice.

D5 Re-coppice selected hazel.

5.4.5. Re-coppicing 2 in 5 of the outgrown hazel stools will help to increase the amount of light

reaching the woodland floor, favouring the growth of the ground flora. It will also prolong the

life of the old stools; if left uncoppiced they can collapse, allowing fungal disease to enter.

However, collapsed stools will increase the stock of deadwood habitat and so some may be

left for this purpose.

D6 Remove (and treat most) non-native species

5.4.6. Cherry laurel, Cotoneaster, Holm oak saplings, Turkey oak saplings, ?bamboo, sycamore

saplings and snowberry will be targeted for removal as they are likely to spread and shade out

the native ground flora.

D7 Plant up some open spaces with native ground flora

5.4.7. This will enhance the woodland ground flora; only species that are currently present should

be used and great care taken over provenance, which will be recorded for future reference.

D8 Create log piles

5.4.8. Any timber arising from woodland management work should be used to form log piles, which

will encourage use by amphibians, mosses, liverworts, fungi. Logs should be left in as long

lengths as possible to aid their longevity, and stacked in a shady area in the woodland.

D9 Consider placing Site Interpretation boards.

5.4.9. Additional boards on site would enhance public appreciation. These are likely to require fund-

raising.

D10 Plant new trees

5.4.10. These will enhance three areas of the site.

D11 Cut hedges every three years

5.4.11. If the hedges are cut only partially, i.e. individual sides and top cut once in the three year

period, this will enable flowers and fruit to be available despite the hedge being managed.

D12 Lay (or coppice) once hedgerow is 3-5 metres high


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5.4.12. Hedge laying is beneficial if the hedge has become gappy, but coppicing can also be used to

maintain good structure to a hedge that has not become gappy.

Monitoring

D13 Natural England Condition Assessment of Grassland

5.4.13. This could be achieved on a two to four-yearly basis by using a grassland monitoring procedure

in the more species-rich areas. This can be a simple process but does require some botanical

knowledge. It would provide meaningful data for effective monitoring. It has been developed

for use in Sites of Special Scientific Interest but can be adapted for an individual site. However,

it may be worth checking which type of assessment BCC uses for the Sites of Nature

Conservation Interest (SNCI) as consistency with that process would enable the data to be

used in Bristol SNCI monitoring. Approach the BCC Nature Conservation Officer for further

detail. It could be undertaken by informed volunteers. If the first survey could be carried out

in the summer of 2014, this will help to inform subsequent grassland management.

5.5 Schedule E – Year 2 – April 2015 to March 2016

E1 Re-coppice selected hazel.

5.5.1. See D6 above for rationale.

E2 Natural England Woodland Condition Assessment

5.5.2. As with the Natural England grassland condition assessment process, this is also a fairly easy

to use monitoring method likely to provide useful data for continued site monitoring. It

requires a certain amount of ecological knowledge. Any of these formats could be easily

carried out by informed volunteers.

5.6 Schedule F – Year 3 – April 2016 to March 2017

F1 Re-coppice hazel


F2 Natural England Condition Assessment of meadows.

5.6.2. See D13 above.

5.7 Schedule G – Year 4 – April 2016 to March 2017

G1 Re-coppice selected hazel


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5.8 Schedule H – Year 5 – April 2018 to March 2019

H1 Re-coppice selected hazel


H2 Natural England Condition Assessment of meadows.

5.8.2. See D13 above.


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6 References

Avon Wildlife Trust Consultancy. 2014. Management and Action Plan: Old Sneed Park Nature

Reserve. Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol.


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Appendix 1: Figures

Legend Habitat type

Broad-leaved semi-natural woodland

Bramble scrub / tall herbs

Paths (green = grass)

Planted trees

Semi-improved neutral grassland - cut annually and remove

cuttings, or graze

Grassland invaded by rush - control rush growth

Species-poor grassland

Marginal vegetation - remove invading scrub

Bracken - ensure extent does not spread

Hedge - cut on rotation every 3 years

Reed bed - allow no further encroachment and remove scrub

Standing open water

Bamboo - check spread

Steps - maintain

Boardwalk - maintain

Duck-feeding Interpretation Board

Site boundary

32 Jacob's Wells Road, Bristol, BS8 1DR Tel: 0117 9177273 Fax: 0117 9297273 www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Client: Friends of Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve Title: Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve Drawn: MW Date: 28 November 2013 Job Ref: AWT136 Figure 1: Habitats and Management

Glenavon Park

Entrance

Remove selected

non-native species,

sycamore and horse

chestnut saplings

and control Spanish

bluebell and holly

Re-coppice 2 out of 5

hazel across woodland

over 5 years on

rotation

Steps to Portway

entrance

Planted whips in

woodland - check

condition

Create made-up paths

Cavendish Gardens

entrance

Railway line

footpath entrance

Bishops Knoll

Woodland entrance

Horseshoe Drive

entrance

Remove saplings of

holm oak and Turkey

oak from SW corner of

woodland

Potential

wildflower

meadow if

mown only

late summer

Cut "scallops" back

into bramble

Cut "scallops" back

into bramble

M2

M1

M3

M4

Cut ½ in alternate years

Areas of new whips

Cut ½ in alternate years

"Desire line" path, visitors to be

encouraged to use new made up

path when created

I

Shrubs and tall herbs,

the latter to be cut in

alternate years

I


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Appendix 2: Ecological Experience

Glenn Norris: Senior Ecologist, BSc (Hons) ACIEEM

Since 2011 Glenn has worked as a consultant ecologist. He has undertaken a wide portfolio of work:

a variety of ecological surveys and reporting for renewable energy, including wind farms and

Scotland’s first large solar farm. He has experience in several protected species surveys, including

bats, birds, otter, water vole, badger, pine marten, beaver, great crested newt and reptiles and holds

a CSCS card.

Glenn also specialises in invertebrate survey and identification, particularly of spiders and beetles,

and has completed three Site Condition Monitoring projects for 25 Scottish SSSIs. Glenn brings

experience in ecological report writing having authored and co-authored Ecological Appraisals and

chapters for Environmental Statements and provides ecological services to a local planning

authority. Glenn is experienced in GIS mapping using various software including ArcGIS, MapInfo and

QGIS. Glenn holds a Natural England barn owl licence and great crested newt licence. He is working

towards his bat licence.


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Old Sneyd Park, Bristol · 2019-05-21 · GN2019004A Addendum: Old Sneed Park Management and Action...

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