Byron's Pool Management Plan

Dear Mr Taylor,

Thank you for your Freedom Of Information request, regarding Byron's Pool Management Plan.

Your e-mail has been forwarded to Glen Richardson in our Policy & Projects section.

Karen Lumb.

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Dear Richard,

The 2004-07 Byron's Pool LNR Management plan has been extended for a further period of 7 years, in line with the other site management plans which are reviewed every 10 years. Therefore there have been no changes made to the management objectives which state:

Objective 1- To enhance the woodland areas and encourage a diverse structure in the
under-storey and ground flora. (LHAP for Cambridgeshire-Trees & Woodlands)
Rationale
The key objective of the management of the woodland at Byron's Pool is to improve its habitat value by promoting
the growth of a diverse structure. Through this management it is hoped that the woodland will develop a structure
which, is favourable to a wider variety of woodland birds, small mammals, invertebrates and help promote the
growth of a diverse ground flora.

Objective2-To enhance the habitat for, and to protect the population of White-letter
Hairstreak and Purple Hairstreak butterflies (LHAP for Cambridgeshire-Trees &
Woodlands).
Rationale
Following the recent discovery of White-letter hairstreak (Strymonidia w-album) and Purple Hairstreak
(Neozephyrus quercus) butterflies on the reserve it is important to preserve and to enhance their favoured food
plants. White-letter hairstreaks food plant is Elms (Ulmus sp) and Purple Hairstreaks food plant is Oaks. Both
species can also be found feeding on Bramble. In the SW area of the reserve there is a good stand of young Elm
following the die back from larger Elms affected by Dutch elm disease. A number of mature Oaks are found
throughout the site but mainly along the southerly boundary on the top of the slope. The aim is to promote the
natural growth of existing species of Elm and Oak by reducing the competition for light by invasive non-native
species and to encourage natural regeneration.

Objective 3- To enhance the riparian habitat by pollarding the bank-side trees. (LHAP for
Cambridgeshire-Rivers & Wetlands)
Rationale
To reduce shading of the watercourse through the selective removal and pollarding of the bank -side trees. An
initial survey of the bank -side trees to ascertain favourable species to retain is required before any work should be
carried out. The works to remove and pollard these trees should only be carried out by qualified
contractors and with consultation with the Environment Agency.

Following an extensive tree survey by the City Council's Tree Officer and Myself, trees were selected on the basis of the on going management objective to remove invasive non native species i.e. Sycamore & Horse Chestnut and/or are being removed due to Health & Safety risks i.e. decay.
Trees have also been selected that obstruct the watercourse and/or cause severe shading of the river. These tree stumps will be treated to prevent re-growth for which consent has been granted from the Environment Agency. These works have been approved by the Environment Agency and other relevant bodies such as the Cam Conservators. The trees have been felled under felling licence 017/133/08-09 with re-stocking a condition of the licence.

The article in the CEN focussed on the navigational accept of the works and failed to address the main reasons for the works as stated above.

I hope that answers your query.

Yours Sincerely,

Ellis Selway.

Mr Ellis Selway
Community Reserves Officer

Cambridge City Council
The Guildhall
Cambridge
Cambs
CB2 3QJ

Tel: 01223 457367
[mobile number]
e mail: [email address]
website: http://lnr.cambridge.gov.uk

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