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Bourley Training Areas Natural Environment & Designated Ecological Sites Plan
South East – Bourley & Long Valley Training Areas
Draft:
V1.2 - 2020 Review and HRA
Date:
2/7/2020
Author:
Reviewed by:
Distribution
HQ DTE SE & Natural England
1
Contents
• Introduction
• Aims and Objectives
• Contractual Requirements
• Designated Sites (Objective NE1)
• Protected species (Objective NE2)
• Habitats and Species of Principal Importance (Objective NE3)
• Local Wildlife Sites (Objective NE4)
• Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services (Objective NE5)
• Biodiversity Offsetting & Habitat Banking (Objective NE6)
• Planning Conditions and Other Commitments (Objective NE7)
Survey, Assurance Monitoring and Adaptive Management
• Works Programme & Identified Actions
• Record of Consultation
• References
Annexes
Annex A – Bourley and Long Valley SSSI Citation
Annex B – Heath Brow SSSI Citation
Annex C - Basingstoke Canal SSSI Citation
Annex D – Thames Basin Heaths SPA details
Appendices
• Appendix A – Bourley & Long Valley and Heath Brow SSSI unit Map
• Appendix B –Thames Basin Heaths SPA Map
• Appendix C – Bourley Environmental Stewardship
• Appendix D – Bourley HIWWT let under licence areas
• Appendix E1-5 – Bourley 5 year work programme map
2
Introduction
It is MOD policy to ensure that natural environment issues are fully integrated with
operational and training requirements and safety issues. All military and estate management
activities must comply with all current UK conservation legislation. Through this compliance it
aims, in so far as is compatible with operational requirements, to fulfil MOD obligations with
all relevant International Conventions. All biodiversity and conservation management should
be managed through the relevant establishments EMS, Integrated Estate Management Plan
(IEMP) or IRMP (JSP 362 Vol 2, Leaflet 7).
Current (2018) MOD natural environment targets are:
• to be an exemplar in the management of designated sites where compatible with
military requirements
• to ensure natural environment requirements and best practice are fully integrated into
the estate management
• to contribute, as appropriate, to the Country Biodiversity Strategies for England,
Scotland, Wales and NI
The MoD has also committed to the Government Biodiversity 2020 targets for SSSI
condition in England which are to achieve 50% favourable condition and at least 95%
unfavourable recovering condition by 2020 with no slippage in condition from the 2010
position.
Similar targets exist for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This plan has been developed by Landmarc Support Services Ltd in partial fulfilment of the
National Training Estate Prime (NTEP) contract and has been reviewed and approved by
DIO Environmental Support & Compliance and DIO Service Delivery Training.
As part of the Integrated Rural Management Plan for Aldershot this plan is owned by the
Head of Establishment supported and advised by the DIO Environmental Support &
Compliance Ecology Team who are responsible for ensuring that all policy is adhered to.
The DIO Senior Ecologist is the Designated Officer (DO) on behalf of the Secretary of State
for Defence for all matters relating to Natural Environment Policy delivery and should be
consulted on all matters relating to Natural Environment on the MOD Estate.
3
Aim & Objectives
Aim
This plan ensures that management of the natural environment on Bourley Training Areas is
commensurate with MOD priorities for operational and training commitments, complies with
government commitments to sustainable development and biodiversity. It clearly identifies a
range of management actions required to maintain and enhance the natural environment.
This plan is intended to function as an agreed management plan and consenting document with
Natural England and is subject to annual review.
Objectives
This plan forms part of the Aldershot
Integrated Rural Management Plan. It provides a brief
overview of the key features and identifies the management actions required to maintain
and, where applicable, enhance the resource.
The objectives in Table 1 are the standard natural environment objectives used in all IRMPs.
They are based on the high level objectives from the MOD’s Sustainable Operations on the
Government Estate Biodiversity and nature conservation statement against which MOD
reports.
Table 1: Objectives
Objectives
NE1: To maintain and, where appropriate, enhance the special features of designated sites
where compatible with military requirements.
NE2: To conserve populations of all legally protected species.
NE3: To conserve and, where appropriate, enhance species and habitats identified as a
priority for conservation action, as identified by the relevant Country Biodiversity Strategy).
NE4: To conserve and, where appropriate, enhance features of local nature conservation
importance, subject to other constraints.
NE5: To maintain and where appropriate consider opportunities to enhance natural capital
and ecosystem services
NE6: To, where appropriate, consider opportunities for biodiversity offsetting and habitat
banking
NE7: To implement any ecological impact avoidance, mitigation, compensation, monitoring
and adaptive management measures agreed with regulators
(especially conditions and commitments relating to Protected Species Licences, SSSI
Assents, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and/or Planning Permissions)
4
Contractual Requirements
The National Training Estate Prime (NTEP) contract requires the contractor (Landmarc
Support Services Ltd) to carry out the following duties in relation to the management of
biodiversity and nature conservation.
Table 2:
Module
Requirement
Module A 6.8.1
The Contractor shall develop and provide management plans required to maintain
statutorily designated nature conservation sites in consultation with the sustainability
SMR.
Module C
Deliver statutory and mandatory inspections in accordance with the schedules set down
in relation to natural environment contained on the Environmental tab of Hard FM
Standards & Tasks V1.1 Job Plan element 30.
Remedial Works identified that are required to maintain the integrity of the site and its
features should be delivered as a Reactive Maintenance task subject to the Inclusive
Repair Limit (IRL).
Module D – 9.2.4 - Where a current management plan for the Establishment states the maintenance
9.2.6
standards to be observed, delivery will be as per the management plan. All such work
will be carried out under the CIDP.
Where no such management plan exists, delivery will be carried out as Remedial Works
under Reactive Maintenance up to the value of the IRL. Any additional work required
over the value of the IRL will be carried out under the CIDP or transferred to the Service
Register as appropriate.
Module D 9.2.4.5 &
Where works to a designated feature require consent from a statutory body, this will be
9.4.1
obtained by the Contractor. The Contractor will retain written evidence of this consent
and comply fully with any conditions imposed by the statutory body.
Module G 5.2.1.11
Artificial, semi-natural and natural habitats. To include but not limited to: unimproved
grassland, heath land, moor land, coastlines, cliffs, otter holts and stone curlew plots as
agreed with the SM in accordance with the management plan for the Establishment
Potential Additional Works required over and above the reactive maintenance measures
identified above will be incorporated into the Command Infrastructure Development Plan
(CIDP).
The CIDP is submitted, developed and delivered in accordance with Module I of the NTEP
contract as amended by the requirements of the Conservation Stewardship Fund (CSF)
process.
5
Description of the Resource – Designated Sites (Objective NE1)
The Bourley Training Areas falls within the Bourley and Long Valley and Heath Brow Sites of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA).
It is bordered by the Basingstoke Canal SSSI and a number of its units affect the DIO SD
Trg Estate.
See Annexes A, B, C & D for the full citations with maps in Appendix A & B.
Bourley and Long Valley SSSI – summary of interests
The site comprises a diverse mosaic of heathland, woodland, mire, scrub and grassland
habitats. Such habitat diversity supports a rich flora and fauna including nationally scarce
plants, nationally rare insects and three bird species listed in Annex 1 of the EC Directive on
the Conservation of Wild Birds.
Notified Features:
• Aggregations of breeding birds - Dartford Warbler,
Sylvia undata • Aggregations of breeding birds - Hobby,
Falco subbuteo
• Aggregations of breeding birds - Nightjar,
Caprimulgus europaeus
• Aggregations of breeding birds - Woodlark,
Lullula arborea • H2 -
Calluna vulgaris - Ulex minor heath
• Invertebrate assemblage
• M16 -
Erica tetralix - Sphagnum compactum wet heath
• M21 -
Narthecium ossifragum - Sphagnum papillosum mire
• M25 -
Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta mire
Heath Brow SSSI – summary of interests
Heath Brow provides exposures in one of the recent Pleistocene gravel aggradations of
southern England. The Caesar’s Camp Gravel was probably deposited by a braided river in
flood events during a cold, periglacial period. This relates to one of the earliest periglacial
deposits and thus the site is of vital importance to reconstructions of the environmental
history of southern.
Basingstoke Canal SSSI – summary of interests
The Basingstoke Canal, together with associated “flashes” and heathland, is nationally
important for aquatic plants and invertebrates. The transition from calcareous spring water to
slightly acidic conditions produces an extremely England diverse flora, containing
approximately half (87) of Britain’s native aquatic higher plant species, including 5 nationally
scarce species. The Basingstoke Canal is botanically the most species-rich aquatic system
m England
Notified Features
• H2 -
Calluna vulgaris - Ulex minor heath
• Invertebrate assemblage
• M16 -
Erica tetralix - Sphagnum compactum wet heath
• Outstanding dragonfly assemblage
• S10 -
Equisetum fluviatile swamp
• S12 -
Typha latifolia swamp
• S13 -
Typha angustifolia swamp
• S14 -
Sparganium erectum swamp
• S16 -
Sagittaria sagittifolia swamp
• S19 -
Eleocharis palustris swamp
• S22 -
Glyceria fluitans water-margin vegetation
• S26 -
Phragmites australis - Urtica dioica tall-herb fen
• S28 -
Phalaris arundinacea tall-herb fen
• S4 -
Phragmites australis swamp and reed-beds
• S5 -
Glyceria maxima swamp
6
• S6 -
Carex riparia swamp
• S7 -
Carex acutiformis swamp
• S8 -
Scirpus lacustris ssp. lacustris swamp
• Standing waters
• Vascular plant assemblage
Thames Basin Heaths SPA
The Thames Basin Heaths SPA is a composite site that is located across the counties of
Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire in southern England. The open heathland habitats overlie
sand and gravel sediments which give rise to sandy or peaty acidic soils, supporting dry
heathy vegetation on well-drained slopes, wet heath on low-lying shallow slopes and bogs in
valleys.
The site consists of tracts of heathland, scrub and woodland, once almost continuous, but
now fragmented into separate blocks by roads, urban development and farmland. Less open
habitats of scrub, acidic woodland and conifer plantations dominate, within which are
scattered areas of open heath and mire.
The site supports important breeding populations of a number of birds of lowland heathland,
especially Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus and Woodlark
Lullula arborea, both of which nest
on the ground, often at the woodland/heathland edge, and Dartford Warbler
Sylvia undata,
which often nests in gorse
Ulex sp. Scattered trees and scrub are used for roosting.
For further details about the SPA site and features see Annex D or refer to
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-2050-theme=default
7
Condition Assessment (Bourley and Long Valley SSSI)
This section is taken from the most up to date published information on the Natural England (NE) website.
Table 3:
Main
Unit
Area
Last
Condition &
Comments on Assessed Condition & Objectives
DIO Ecology comments
Habitat
Number
(ha)
Assessment
reason for
Date
adverse condition
DWARF
001
113.754
02/12/2011
Unfavourable
Tree and scrub removal over recent years has been Needs updated NE assessment.
SHRUB
Recovering
successful in extending the area of open heath on this site. DIO Ecology expect this unit to be in
HEATH
-
The cover of gorse in the heathland area is slightly above favourable or near favourable condition
Lowland
target as was the cover of negative indicator species. The after 10 years of HLS & annual work
cover of dwarf shrubs, particularly in the newly cleared plans discussed & agreed between
areas, is low and overall does not meet the 40-90% required HWT, MOD & NE & wider Conservation
for the open heath. The cover of trees and scrub on the Group input with the objectives and
open heath exceeds targets. The frequency of grasses, management prescriptions in the new
sedges and rushes met the SSSI target, although Molinia Countryside Stewardship agreement
cover exceeded target. The frequency of positive indicator started 1 Jan 2019.
species on the open heath did not meet the target, although For other areas managed in -house eg
several species (eg Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile) Norris Hill on east part see Woodland
were classed as occasional to rare, showing potential for the CMP
future. There was a higher proportion of heather at the
pioneer stage than desirable, but building, mature,
degenerate and dead heather were all within standards. The
cover of bracken and bracken litter is within target. The
cover of bare ground is acceptable, and evidence of
disturbance (other than on paths) is within standards, being
less than 1%. Cattle are grazing the HLS area, leading to a
reduction in biomass and leaf litter as well as small areas of
bare ground beneficial to floral diversity and invertebrates.
Nightjar and woodlark numbers are in excess of target.
Dartford Warbler numbers have declined in the last 2 years
due to adverse weather, but over the last 6 years the
average is above target at 23 pairs. Hobby is present on the
SSSI but not confirmed as breeding.
8
DWARF
002
364.9828 02/12/2011
Unfavourable
This unit is partly covered by an HLS agreement. Although Needs updated NE assessment.
SHRUB
Recovering
the HLS agreement is only 3 years old, the effects of DIO Ecology expect this unit to be in
HEATH
-
positive management are already visible. The non-HLS area favourable or near favourable condition
Lowland
also shows signs of management that will benefit the SSSI, after 10 years of HLS & several years of
particularly felling and birch scrub clearance. The cover of MOD in-house annual habitat
dwarf shrubs in the heathland area is within target. There management works in areas outwith
are large areas where the heather is present at only one or Agri Scheme areas.
two growth stages, but over the whole unit, all stages are As discussed & agreed between HWT,
present at target levels. There were a good number of MOD & NE with wider Conservation
positive indicator species, such as Potentilla erecta, Rumex Group input.
acetosella, Illecebrum verticillatum and Galium saxatile in See objectives and management
some areas. However harder grazing would increase the prescriptions in the new Countryside
diversity of the heathland, reducing leaf litter and reducing Stewardship agreement started 1 Jan
scrub cover. The cover of Common Gorse is higher than 2019
5%. Although negative indicator species were present,
these were well within the SSSI target of 1%. The cover of
dwarf shrubs on the open heath was within target. The
cover of trees and scrub on the open heath was in excess of
target, being over 10% cover, further work will be required to
meet SSSI targets. The frequency of graminoids was found
to be within target. Molinia cover was acceptable being less
than 50% overall. Bracken cover was within target for the
HLS indicator of success at the 5 year point. Taking the
driver training areas and established tracks out of the
calculation, over the whole unit the cover of bare ground is
within target, although on the high side. Areas of
disturbance including trampling, and burning and were in
excess of SSSI targets, particularly outside of the HLS area.
Nightjar and woodlark numbers are in excess of target.
Dartford Warbler numbers have declined in the last 2 years
due to adverse weather, but over the last 6 years the
average is above target at 23 pairs. Hobby is present on the
SSSI but not confirmed as breeding.
9
DWARF
003
220.8284
30/08/2012
Unfavourable
- The heath varies across the site with some areas of recent Needs updated
SHRUB
Recovering
tree clearance still establishing and other areas of more NE assessment. DIO Ecology expect
HEATH -
mature heath. Areas of pioneer heather are restricted to this unit to be in favourable or near
Lowland
recently cleared areas, but lacking in areas of more mature favourable condition after 10 years of
stands where often single age groups dominate. In some HLS & annual work plans discussed &
areas Molinia is fairly dominant, while in other areas it has agreed between HWT, MOD & NE &
been reduced by the grazing animals on site to more with wider Conservation Group input.
favourable levels. Gorse cover is appropriate and has a See the objectives and management
wide range of structures, favourable to birds such as prescriptions in the new Countryside
Dartford Warblers. Trees and scrub are also maintained at Stewardship agreement started 1 Jan
appropriate levels across the whole unit. Bracken is 2019 .
restricted to certain areas of the heath where in some cases
it should be prevented from becoming too dominant.
Heathland plants such as heath bedstraw, heath milkwort,
tormentil, bilberry, dwarf gorse, lousewort, common cotton
grass and pill sedge are found in good numbers across the
site. Species such as bog myrtle and sundews are frequent
in the areas of mire.There are also good amounts of bare
ground and south facing sandy banks, providing good
reptile basking sites and good areas for invertebrates.
DWARF
004
32.0926
26/06/2013
Unfavourable
- A site visit was carried out to assess reports of damage to Needs updated NE assessment in light
SHRUB
Declining Reasons the SSSI and also to assess the condition of the unit on 1st of new Countryside Stewardship
HEATH
-
-
AGRICULTURE May 2012. There are large areas of the site were vegetation agreement started 1 Jan 2018 and the
Lowland
INAPPROPRIATE
has been lost leaving bare, soft sand, not suitable for associated extensive habitat
CUTTING
invertebrates due to disturbance. These areas appear to be management works done by new tenant.
MOWING
LACK expanding. Much of the grassland and heather has been NE advised from site visit meeting with
OF CORRECTIVE mown very short, this may lead to loss of more vegetation. TBH SPA wardens, 2J's, NE & MOD in
WORKS
IN In particular, the heather which is not part of the few May 2019 that condition upgrade will be
APPROPRIATE
remaining large blocks, is tending to thin. Areas suitable for done at end of 2019 bird breeding
SCRUB CONTROL
woodlark and nightjar have declined in recent years season with data from 2 J'.s.
although a few birds do still succeed in fledging young. An It is very likely the updated condition will
area to the east of the site which was cleared of all heather be unfavourable recovering with
and gorse in 2012 is showing scant signs of heather favourable status after 1-2 more bird
regeneration. The sections which were not scraped too breeding seasons.
deeply have some pioneer Calluna but most of the area is
either bare or becoming dominated by to weedy species
and European gorse.
10
ACID
005
7.0473
05/09/2012
Favourable
The area has a population of Adders, Common Lizards and Needs updated NE assessment. from
GRASS
Grass Snakes, with appropriate habitat to support them annual work plan reviews of the HLS
LAND
-
including tall grasses and open basking areas. The area between HWT, MOD & NE & should still
Lowland
consists of species-poor grassland surrounded by trees and be favourable
scrub, providing good cover for reptiles. There are patches
of bracken around the edges of the grassland. The sward
itself is dominated with grasses with some herbs including
stitchwort, sheep?s sorrel, meadow buttercup, germander
speedwell, birds-foot-trefoil and ribwort plantain.
DWARF
006
84.7767
31/08/2012
Unfavourable
- This unit is dominated by areas of woodland with open Needs updated NE assessment in light
SHRUB
Recovering
areas of heath within the woodlands. Areas of heath are of extensive renegotiated HLS to deliver
HEATH
-
often dominated by Bell heather and Bilberry. These areas biodiversity gain whilst protecting
Lowland
are also dominated by birch and pine scrub, often with a military woodland training resource as
bracken understory. Bracken is dominant in some areas of agreed via annual work plans between
open heath.There are recently cleared areas of scrub which HWT, MOD & NE.
are in early successional stages, but have a good For other areas managed in -house see
assemblage of species such as Caluna, tormentil and Woodland CMP
graminoids such as Carex binervis and Carex panacea.
Areas of mire are currently dominated by Molinia and are
species poor, however grazing is helping to open up these
areas and they will improve in time. There is one area
dominated by Molinia and Bog myrtle.There are some
patches of Rhododendron in areas of woodland and scrub.
11
Condition assessment Heath Brow SSSI
This section is taken from the most up to date published information on the Natural England (NE) website.
Table 4
Main Habitat
Unit
Area
Last
Condition
Comments on Assessed Condition &
DIO Ecology comments
Number
(ha)
Assessment
Objectives
Date
Earth
1
1.89
16/02/2016
Favourable
The Northern face of the unit which represents the Lies within the previous HLS and since 1
heritage
key feature of the site is partially exposed and can Jan 2019 new Countryside Stewardship
practically be re-exposed if required. There is a agreement held by HWT
moderate amount of vegetation growing on the DIO Ecology agree with the findings and
face but these are shallow rooted herbaceous there has been a recent assessment by
plants that are currently not damaging the feature. NE
There is no evidence of damage to the deposits
from other sources such as tipping or landfill, tree
planting or engineering works. The pit itself was
flooded and so the base of the pit could not be
accessed. This is normal for the winter months
and the rain fall has been exceptionally high this
year, and so was viewed as acceptable.
12
Condition Assessment (Basingstoke Canal SSSI)
This section is taken from the most up to date published information on the Natural England (NE) website.
Table 5:
Main Habitat
Unit
Area
Last
Condition
Comments on Assessed Condition & Objectives
DIO Ecology comments
Number
(ha)
Assessment
Date
DWARF
006
6.1129
26/03/2009
Unfavourable
Tree and scrub clearance has been agreed in this unit for
Needs updated NE assessment. See
SHRUB
- Recovering
2009/2010. After which the area will be fenced to allow for grazing
file note 9 Nov 2018 with map from
HEATH -
by HWT in 2010.
NE/DIO Ecologist site visit to review
Lowland
SSSI condition and recent and
planned MOD works in 5 year rolling
works plan
STANDING
007
2.1443
17/07/2017
Favourable
The area was visited with a representative of Landmarc to review
Agree with 2017 NE assessment.
OPEN
management. The area is in good condition. The central area of
Rotational scrub management and
WATER AND
marshy ground is occupied by tall fen vegetation with a wide
small scale ditch-scrape works etc in
CANALS
diversity of plant species and with good habitat structure for
5 year MOD works plan
wetland invertebrates associated with fens. A large number of
damselflies and dragonflies were in flight. Plants noted include hop
sedge, bottle sedge, yellow sedge, marsh horsetail, yellow
loosestrife, meadowsweet and water dock. There are shorter areas
of vegetation surrounding the flash with plants typical of short mire
including an abundance of sundew, as well as many-stalked spike
rush, cotton grass, carnation sedge, bog pondweed, lesser
spearwort, marsh pennywort and tormentil. The vegetation is clear
of large trees and bushes but there are frequent young grey willow
and some alder is regenerating from stumps. Work to clear the
scrub had already been planned for later this year but it was
proposed that this would be brought forward to take place in
August to take advantage of the current low water levels.
Nevertheless, habitat quality for specialised plants of mire and tall
fen is good, and there is good habitat structure for odonata.
STANDING
008
4.4224
26/03/2009
Unfavourable
Scrub and tree clearance has been agreed and funding put in
Not MOD management responsibility
OPEN
- Recovering
place for it to be undertaken in 09/10. Crassula helmsii control is
WATER AND
also continuing to take place
CANALS
13
STANDING
009
3.8574
25/10/2010
Favourable
is is a small area of shallow open water connected to the canal but
Not MOD management responsibility
OPEN
'off-line' so it provides a refuge for plants which are otherwise
WATER AND
uncommon in the canal system. Levels of shading from
CANALS
surrounding trees are perhaps higher than desirable but there is a
wide range of aquatic plants present nevertheless and water
quality appears to be good. The invasive, non-native plant New
Zealand stonecrop is present but it does not currently appear to be
adversely affecting overall plant diversity. The aquatic flora
includes the locally uncommon plants marestail, bogbean and
water violet, as well as the more common water forget-me-not,
water mint and water starwort. Part of the pond has a fringe of
emergent vegetation consisting of reedmace and reed sweet-grass
with smaller amounts of water dock. Conditions appear suitable for
odonata and other wetland invertebrates.
14
Implementation
The highest priority natural environment objective is the maintenance and enhancement of
designated site features where compatible with military use of the Training Areas (TA’s). The
overarching approach for the management of the site is the maintenance of a diverse
landscape supporting both the high biodiversity of the heathland ecosystems and military
training.
Roles and responsibilities
Maintenance of the Training Estate is contracted by DIO’s to Landmarc Support Services
(LSS). However, the majority of Bourley’s DTA’s (Dry Training Areas) is occupied by
agricultural tenants Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) with participation in
agri-environment schemes. The agreements in place at 2020 are shown in Table 6:
Management of Bourley & Long Valley and Heath Brow SSSI’s
Summary of Unit Management
Table 6:
Unit No.
Managed by
Leased / licenced to
001
HIWWT / DIO /LSS
In part to HIWWT
002
HIWWT / DIO /LSS
In part to HIWWT
003
HIWWT
HIWWT
004
Tweseldown Ltd
Tweseldown Ltd
005
HIWWT
HIWWT
006
HIWWT and MOD
HIWWT
Much of the management of the Bourley & Long Valley SSSI and the Heath Brow SSSI is
carried out by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust under a Countryside Stewardship
agreement with Natural England from 1 January 2019 covering the ‘open heathland’ parts of
Units 001, 002,003 and 005. There is also a Higher Level Stewardship Agreement No.
AG00339139 covering unit 5 and parts of 6. The areas under Licence to HIWWT are shown in
Appendix D –
181129 Licence area map of BLV for IRMP.
The remaining areas comprising of the eastern end of Unit 001 (around Norris Hill West), the
centre & eastern end of Unit 2 (Long Valley), part of Unit 6 and all of Unit 7 are managed “in
house” by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and their industry partner Landmarc
Support Services (LSS).
Unit 4 is managed by Tweseldown Ltd as part of their tenancy of Tweseldown Racecourse.
They have a Countryside Stewardship agreement No AG00728616 started 1 January 2018 on
33.2 ha.
Within Units 1 & 2 of the Bourley & Long Valley SSSI are a series of silt control measures
installed following a report by Entec UK Ltd (2007) into the management and control of
sediment run-off into Fleet Pond SSSI from the vehicle testing area in Long Valley. The
mesures include silt ponds, semi permeable dams and settlement areas. A formal review of
their effectiveness has been requested in 2019 by NE. (ref Sustainable Sediment
Management of Long Valley – Phase 2 final report Nov 2007 Entec UK Ltd).
Management of Basingstoke Canal SSSI
Summary of Unit Management
Table 7:
Unit No.
Managed by
Leased / licenced to
006
DIO/LSS & HIWWT
HIWWT
007
DIO/LSS
008
BVCMP
Leased to the Land Trust as SANG
009
BVCMP
Leased to the Land Trust as SANG
15
Units 8 & 9 are on along lease to the Land Trust as SANGs (Suitable Alternative
Natural Greenspace) as part of the Aldershot Urban Extension (AUE). They are
currently managed by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.
The works listed below in “Works Programme & Identified Actions” are compiled
through a series of meetings and site visits involving both the military users, DIO, LSS
and other stakeholder’s including Natural England and Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Funding for works is bid for on an annual basis and allocated on a priority basis across
the whole of the MOD estate.
These works are guided by on the requirements of a number of previous plans, most
notably:
• Aldershot Training Area ILMP 2004 –
Auth. DTE Various
16
Description of the Resource – Protected species (Objective NE2)
International - European protected species (EPS)
Herptiles
Great Crested Newt
Triturus cristatus is present at Bourley / Long Valley DTA on parts of B6
(SSSI units 3 & 6) with historic records from the gravel pits. Three water bodies in SSSI units
3 and 6 around the Reservoir(s) were reported as having positive eDNA results in 2107 (Ref
Hale Service Reservoir Off Site Reinforcement Main Jacobs Oct 2017 with wider distribution
as to presence by later pers comms DIO Ecology / Ecological consultants.
Historic records exist of Smooth Snake
Coronella austriaca but none have been recorded
recently. There is a proposal from ARC to MOD May 2016 about possible re-introduction of
sand lizard and / or smooth snake to B&LV.
Bats
Bat species use the area for roosting, foraging and commuting. There are no comprehensive
site wide survey records. A 2007 scoping survey for Rushmoor Arena (TASD B5) identified 7
species of bat as being recorded within 10km square including, Daubentons
Myotis
daubentonii, Noctule
Nyctalus noctula, Common pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Soprano
pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pygmaeus), though their distribution and numbers are unknown.
Trees with moderate to high roost potential have been identified near Tweseldown / B2 with 2
confirmed as roosts and overall of low to moderate potential habitat value. (Ref Esso Pipeline
2018-19).
A number of redundant Pillboxes were converted to hibernacula in 2011/12 in TASD B7. A
survey of the Beacon Hill Pill Boxes by Johns Associates in July – September 2019, found
evidence of use by at least one bat in one of the pill boxes with high activity by common and
soprano pipistrelles in the immediate and nearby woodland and indicators that common
pipistrelle (unknown number) are likely roosting in one of the boxes. A drive through transect
around this western woodland area recorded mainly common and soprano pipistrelle activity
with one location by nyctaloid spp spp.
National
Mammals
Badgers
Meles meles occur in patches of suitable habitat throughout the site.
Dormice have been recorded as present in B2. (Ref Esso Pipeline surveys 2018-19 Fig A7.9.1)
Birds
All nesting birds are protected in the breeding season. Birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife
& Countryside Act (WCA 1981 as amended) that have been recorded on the TAs, include the
Dartford warbler, Woodlark and it should be noted it is an offence to:
Intentionally or recklessly
disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or
young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.
Other birds recorded on site include, Stonechats
Saxicola torquata, Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialis,
Stonechat
Saxicola rubicola, Whitethroat
Sylvia communis, Linnet
Linaria cannabina, and Reed
Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclus. Little Ringed plover
Charadrius dubius and skylark
Alauda
arvensis returned to
breed on B&LV near the driver test circuit in 2019 (MOD Conservation
group Minutes September 2018) with snipe and other bird species using the Jack Snipe area in
B&LV during winter. Lapwing were observed displaying breeding behaviour in Eelmoor Flash in
2018 (Ref DIO staff) and DEFRA MAGIC maps show a small area targeted for lapwing which
likely corresponds to damper parts of B&LV and Eelmoor Flash.
17
Species recorded visiting or possibly breeding on Bourley Lake include mallard,
Anas
platyrhynchos great crested grebe,
Podiceps cristatus moorhen
Gallinula chloropus and little
grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis. The Fishing Club report a reduction in wild fowl and river fly
numbers and discussions as to possible remedial options have (re) started 2018 between
HIWWT, DIO, LSS and the Fishing Club. Signal crayfish
Pacifastacus ieniusculus are
present with the advice from the Environment Agency to not trap and destroy as the bigger
animals can keep the population ‘from growing’. (MOD Conservation Group Minutes March
2018 and 2019).
Bird surveys were carried out in Long Valley for a number of years until 2016 paid for by TAG
Farnborough. Electronic records exist from 2007 until 2016 and older paper versions are also
available. Further surveys have been carried out on behalf of Natural England as part of their
ongoing monitoring of the SPA. An assessment as to breeding success of the 3 SPA bird
species and other heathland -scrub bird species plus habitat condition are reported upon
regularly. See Johns Associate Heathland Restoration Scheme in the B&LV 2016 Breeding
Bird Survey Report by 2J's Ecology.
Herptiles
All reptiles and amphibian species that are not EPS are partially protected under the WCA.1981
as amended. The Esso Pipeline Surveys 2018 reported HBIC records for adder
Vipera berus,
common lizard
Zootoca vivpara and grass snake
Natrix natrix. In B3 area with most of the
pipeline corridor between Tweseldown and B2 having low habitat potential for reptiles with
small patches of moderate to high potential.
Surrey and Amphibian Group website show recent records for adder, grass snake, common
lizard smooth newt and common frog although records for amphibians are very sparse. MOD
Conservation Group Minutes Sept 2017 report a poor season for common frog and common
toad. Slow worm and adder plus suitable hibernation features were found during surveys in
2017 in and around SSSI unit 3 B&LV (Ref Hale Service Reservoir Off Site Reinforcement Main
Jacobs Oct 2017.
Invertebrates
Invertebrates present on the site, include the nationally rare (Red Data Book) insects Ruby-
tailed wasp
Chrysis fulgida and Hoverfly
Pelecocera tricincta; nationally scarce heathland
insects such as the Silver-studded blue butterfly
Plebejus argus, Mottled bee fly Thyridanthrax
fenestratus and the Heath potter wasp
Eumenes coarctatus.
HIWWT have commissioned surveys to help assess habitat condition and management and
work with Conservation Group specialist Stephen Miles to advise on locations of suitable
bare ground including for mottled bee fly (Conservation Group Minutes eg Sept 20-17) . The
dry-wetter bare ground scrapes have held 18 species including key heathland species of
small red damselfly
Ceriagrion tenellum (nationally scarce) , keeled skimmer
Orthetrum
coerulescens, black darter
Sympetrum danae (Ref
Odonata monitoring at new pools within
B&LV Summer 2016 by C Hall) A diverse and species rich assemblage was also found at
Hale Gravel Pits of small red damselfly, nationally uncommon downy emerald
Cordulia
aenea, emerald damselfly
Lestes sponsa and black darter plus wetland plants of
conservation significance such as shoreweed
Littorella uniflora & bog St Johns wort
Hypericum anagalloides (Ref Survey of Odonata of Hale Gravel Pits by C Hall Sept 2012).
Flora
Flora identified on site include some nationally scarce plants marsh clubmoss
Lycopodiella
inundata pale dog-violet
Viola lactea, mossy stonecrop
Crassula tillaea; green-flowered
helleborine
Epipactis phyllanthes. (Ref A survey of the past & current status of marsh
clubmoss in NE Hampshire & East Berkshire Dec 2005 by C Hall)
18
Bryophytes
Limited survey work on three pools in TASD B6 in 2011/12 by Johns Associates
identified approximately 36 species of bryophyte.
Actions
There are no specific actions for protected species in the works programme. However,
all IRMP works programme activities must consider whether there is potential for
negative impacts on protected species; and SSSI and SNCI works will substantially
benefit national and international protected species.
19
Description of the Resource –Habitats and Species of Principal Importance
(Objective NE3)
A number of NERC Act section 41 Habitats of Principal Importance are present at
Bourley:
Table 8:
Habitat of Principal Importance
Bourley DTA -SSSI
Lowland heathland
Yes
Lowland dry acid grassland
Yes
Lowland fens
Yes
Ponds
Yes
Oligotrophic and dystrophic lakes
-
Hedgerows
-
Purple moor grass and rush pastures
Yes
Lowland mixed deciduous woodland
Yes
Wet woodland
Yes
Wood-pasture and parkland
Yes
The Bourley & Long Valley DTA also support a number of NERC Act s41 Species of
Principal Importance, summarised below:
• Woodland lichens;
• Bryophytes;
• Bats;
• Birds - e.g. skylark,
• Rare flora;eg
marsh clubmoss
• Butterflies and moths. Silver-studded blue
• Flies & Bees
• Herptiles e.g. adder
Actions
The only specific actions for priority habitats and species in the Works Programme are
control of invasive species outside designated sites. However SSSI and SNCI works
will take account of and substantially benefit priority habitats and species throughout
the site.
20
Description of the Resource – Local Wildlife Sites (Objective NE4)
There are currently limited details of SNCI sites on or adjacent to the DIO SD Trg
estate at Bourley available to the authors.
There are 9 SINCs that are either within or adjacent to Bourley & Long Valley DTA’s; a
map of these will be produced and included as an annex when the relevant data
becomes available. A short summary is provided below in Table 8.
Table 8:
MOD
SINC
Species supported (SINC
TASD
SINC Name and area (ha)
Owned
Criteria
selection criteria 6)
Bristle bent
Heather
Small Heath
Bell heather
Cross-leaved Heath
Claycart Bottom / Rushmoor 3Bii
Small Cudweed
Yes
B5
Hill
1Cii (?)
Mat-grass
Wood-sorrel
Tomentil
Goldenrod
Wild service tree
Heath Speedwell
2B
Yes
B5
Claycart Hill
3A
No
SANG
Claycart Hill Wood (SANG)
Heather
Yes
B6
Pavillion Hill
Bell heather
Heath speedwell
No
SANG
Puckridge Hill
Pyestock hill / Pondtail
Yes
B1
Heath SINC
No
SANG
Rushmoor Bottom
1Cii
Yes
B5
Rushmoor Arena
Common cudweed
Bristle bent
Heather
2B
Bell heather
Yes
B6
Skirmishing Hill
3A
Mat-grass
3Bii
Tomentil
Common Frog
Heath Speedwell
Actions
There are no specific actions for Local Wildlife Sites in the Works Programme.
21
Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services (Objective NE5)
Natural Capital is defined as the stock of our physical natural assets (such as soil, forests,
water and biodiversity) which provide goods and benefits to people (such as crops,
protection from flooding, climate regulation or the health benefits of recreation). The four
countries of the UK are preparing reports on the state of natural capital and developing
frameworks for national and corporate natural capital accounting and for incorporating
natural capital assessment into decision-making.
Ecosystem services are the goods and benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to
making human life both possible and worth living. Examples include products such as food
and water; regulation of floods, soil erosion and disease outbreaks; and non-material
benefits such as recreational and spiritual well-being in natural areas.
MOD policy is that biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystem services shall be given
appropriate consideration in estate management and estate change, in accordance with
government policy, UK and national strategies and industry best practice. The principal
current MOD tools for this are, for estate management: IEMP, EMS and IRMP; and for
estate change: Sustainability Appraisal and related assessments and approvals.
An initial, high level review of key ecosystem services provision, constraints and opportunities is
set out in the Table below, following the approach of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment
(2012-14):
Ecosystem Service
Relevance
Constraints and Opportunities
Provisioning Services Crops, Wild Fish,
No significant direct exploitation.
Extent and productivity is limited by
Aquaculture, Water,
Local honeybees probably forage on the military training and conservation
Peat, Wild game,
TAs.
objectives
Honey, Ornamentals,
Some culling of wild deer takes place
Genetic Resources
through Defence Deer Management
Potential pheasant, partridge and other
wild game hunting by licenced shoots
Fishing occurs at Bourley Lake
(stocked)
Livestock
Conservation grazing on SSSI and
Extent and productivity is limited by
SNCI sites produces high quality, low
military training and conservation
quantity beef products
objectives
Timber, vegetation and
Extensive plantation and semi-natural
Extent and productivity is limited by
wood fibres
woodlands throughout the Bourley
military training and conservation
estate. Commercial timber Harvesting
objectives
and Marketing. Some small scale
firewood collection licenced.
Opportunity for forestry and habitat
Habitat management arisings, eg
management arisings to be fed to
Heather, gorse, bracken
biomass fuel production
Regulating Services Climate
Significant area and biomass of open
Balance of habitat types and other
Diseases & Pests
and wooded habitats affecting gas
land uses is generally optimised for
Pollination
exchange, absorbing and regulating
military training and conservation
Noise
dust, nutrients, noise, water and erosion
objectives. Noise regulation
Water Quality
enhanced by woodland retention
Air Quality
Silt traps and other measures on B&LV
around ranges
driver training area contribute to water
quality protection ‘downstream’ eg Fleet
Pond
22
Hazard - Fire
Potential for wildfires from military,
Fire management plans,
regulation
public or natural causes
pyrotechnic restrictions, firebreaks,
Standing Orders, Byelaws, Military
and SSSI objectives
Cultural Services Environmental settings
Extensive use of training areas and
Extent, intensity and frequency is
for eg recreation and
ranges (when not in use) by members of limited by military training and
tourism
the public and for licenced activities
conservation objectives. Controlled
by MOD Byelaws and SSSI
legislation.
Supporting Services Biodiversity, habitats
Much of the site is internationally
Extent and quality / condition is
and species
important for lowland heathland habitats
limited by military training and public
and species, remainder is designated
access objectives
SNCI, with substantial protected species
and wider biodiversity value.
Opportunity for further
enhancement through MOD
Conservation Stewardship Fund,
tenants and agri-environment
schemes
Soil formation, nutrient
Extensive areas of natural and semi-
Maintain habitats and
cycling, water cycling,
natural habitats contribute to local /
environmental protection – Standing
primary production
regional carbon storage and water
Orders, Sustainability Appraisals.
cycling. Heathland habitats can act as a Avoid drainage of wet / humid
nutrient sink, absorbing airborne nitrates
heaths
and suffering eutrophication
Continue to remove nutrients
through grazing and tree / scrub
clearance
Actions
Subject Matter Expert review and development of the above Table - To a large extent the
MOD’s IRMP process already provides a framework for identifying, integrating and optimising
ecosystem service provision across the defence estate, but occasional targeted review may
identify opportunities for enhancement.
There are no specific actions for Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services in the IRMP Works
Programmes.
23
MOD Habitat Banking & Biodiversity Offsetting (Objective NE6)
To facilitate developments at sites with European designations (Special Area for
Conservation or Special Protection Area) MOD has agreed to use Habitat Banking as a way
of identifying and undertaking ecological improvements that can be counted as mitigation or
compensation in advance of damage occurring to habitat that qualifies as a designated site
feature.
A ‘MOD Habitat Banking Principles’ document has been developed in consultation with
DEFRA and the national nature conservation agencies and published in the MOD SEAT
Handbook. Key aspects of the principles are that Habitat Banking measures can be on
designated or undesignated land, but must be:
-
above and beyond what is required to meet MOD statutory commitments to manage
designated sites and achieve Favourable condition targets
-
agreed with military users, DIO LMS and statutory bodies
-
recorded in Integrated Rural Management Plans (IRMPs) and/or Habitat Banking
Trackers
In conjunction with military staff and commercial partners the DIO Ecologists will identify and
develop MOD Habitat Banking opportunities across the estate, through targeted studies at
priority sites and routine IRMP reviews elsewhere. Once agreed in principle with all
stakeholders, relatively small and/or low cost measures may be delivered using the MOD
Conservation Stewardship Fund, while larger schemes may require project-specific business
cases and funding.
Biodiversity Offsetting can be used to improve or create wildlife habitat as a way of
compensating for the impacts of MOD development on habitats and/or species outside of
designated sites. In accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and BS
42020:2013 (Biodiversity- Code of practice for planning and development) biodiversity
offsetting can only be used to compensate for impacts where the mitigation hierarchy has
been followed and there is no other option. Biodiversity offsets are distinguished from other
forms of ecological compensation by the requirement for measurable outcomes with the
losses incurred and gains achieved through an offset being measured in the same way. The
approach to biodiversity offsetting at each site may depend on the Local Planning Authority
policy on offsetting.
Actions
In general DIO Ecologists are responsible for identifying biodiversity offsetting opportunities
where they may be required to support development. These must be agreed with military
staff and other colleagues using the same process established for Habitat Banking. Where
opportunities have been identified they should be recorded on the Habitat Banking Tracker
and it is expected that project funding will be used to deliver biodiversity offsetting measures
via an industry partner.
Longmoor Ranges (Hampshire) has been used as a pilot for the MOD Habitat Banking
approach, and much of the mitigation and compensation works for the A new ETR and
replacement GZR were delivered in advance of planning permission being granted. All of
the banked measures have been allocated and committed to the new range development
and so are recorded in the Planning Conditions and Other Commitments section of its CMP.
24
Example Record of Habitat Banking & Offsetting Measures:
Cost Estimate to Status (
General Comments
Potential Implement, including 1. Identified - Provisional;
SDT / LMS / ES&C
Mitigation Option
including
Statutory Body
Designations (e.g. SSSI Current and Potential;
Biodiversity long term monitoring 2. Agreed - Unallocated;
Comment /
Name and Grid
Area (ha)
Project Allocation
monitoring and
Comment / Approval
/ CWS / None)
Habitat Type
Offsetting / Net
and adaptive 3. Agreed Allocated;
Approval (incl date
reference
adaptive
(incl date & reference)
Gain Credits
management if 4. Complete -Unallocated;
& reference)
management
appropriate 5. Complete - Allocated)
Previous coniferous
plantation has been
cleared,
This area will provide
rhododendron
supporting habitat
removed and
for SPA bird species,
expansion on the
and SAC dry heath
small scale mosaic of
habitat (including for
[Works complete,
Approved as part
Eg
Was conifer
wet heath-mire,
Approved and endorsed
associated plants,
maintenance
of mitigation /
Brimstone
plantation, cleared in
timber stacked to
by NE and SDNPA as
SSSI / SPA / SAC
2.73 birds, invertebrates, incorporated into core Complete - Allocated
Longmoor Range 4
compensation
Enclosure
2016 and reverting to
increase reptile
part of project HRA &
IRMP / SSSI works
package for new
SU 7950 3240
dry heath
and herptiles) as well
refugia, new
Planning permission
as a small extent of
programme]
ranges
horseshoe shaped
wet heath and lichen
pond and ring barked
grassland habitats
a small number of
remaining coniferous
trees to create
standing dead wood.
25
Planning Conditions and other Commitments (Objective NE7)
A summary of ongoing natural environment planning conditions and other commitments is
given in the table below. Short-term conditions and commitments are not shown.
Bourley & Long Valley Dry Training Areas – None applicable.
26
Survey, Assurance Monitoring and Adaptive Management
This section sets out how the objectives in this plan will be monitored, to align with statutory
obligations and the DIO audit and assurance process EM02
Ongoing monitoring is undertaken by MOD and contractor staff, consultants (where
employed for specific tasks), MOD Conservation Group members such as county bird and
plant recorders, NGOs such as HIWWT, SARG and RSPB, as well as Natural England.
Adaptive management is achieved by feedback of monitoring results to MOD site-
management staff and, where appropriate changes to the above controls. Feedback can be
via informal liaison, or via more formal MOD Conservation Groups, Environmental Steering
Groups or direct liaison with external regulators.
Survey and Monitoring specific to particular objectives is summarised below:
Designated Sites (Objective NE1)
-
NE SSSI Integrated Site Assessments, based on a 6 year cycle
-
NE monitoring of tenancy implementation of ELS and HLS and CS options
-
DIO/LSS annual monitoring of the condition of rural assets, which includes natural
environment features where there is a retained MOD maintenance liability
Protected species (Objective NE2)
-
Amphibian and reptile distribution and population monitoring by SARG / HWT
-
SPA and other notable bird spp by 2 J’s Ecology
Habitats and Species of Principal Importance (Objective NE3)
-
Conservation Group and consultancy surveys
Description of the Resource – Local Wildlife Sites (Objective NE4)
-
DIO/LSS annual monitoring of the condition of rural assets, which includes natural
environment features where there is a retained MOD maintenance liability
Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services (Objective NE5)
-
All IRMP CMPs contribute to Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services – No specific
monitoring planned / proposed.
Biodiversity Offsetting & Habitat Banking (Objective NE6)
-
All measures are incorporated into NE7
Planning Conditions and Other Commitments (Objective NE7)
-
Sets out detailed annual monitoring conditions for the new ranges and mitigation
areas (which are also summarised in the Works Programme).
27
Works Programme & Identified Actions
Works will be undertaken in accordance with generic prescriptions (see MU CMP Appendix R / NEDES CMP Annex D) and checks will be
made for protected species etc as part of legal complaince processes and best practice standards.
Maps showing proposed works to be funded by DIO SD Trg over next 5 years are attached to this document. They show some of the areas
described below and / or in a particular year. The maps and programme are subject to change with on-going amendments at annual reviews to
ensure integration with other land uses especially military training; evolving work proposals based on habitat condition; supporting ecological
data & funding options where some proposed works in a F/Y are carried forward etc.
SE_SSSI_Works_20182019_
SE_SSSI_Works_20192020_
SE_SSSI_Works_20202021_
SE_SSSI_Works_20212022_
SE_SSSI_Works_20222023_
28
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
2018-19 Completed (2016-18 available on record as part of rolling 5 year plan of works)
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Jubilee Hill GR
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 840/512 (south of TDU circuit) - clear scrub from
West Block of
Additional
2018 - 2019
support of SPA
Long Valley
2.9ha
management
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Heathland / scrub management – scrub removal, bare ground
2
Additional
2018 - 2019
support of SPA
Long Valley
creation and fire break management North of Outer Test Circuit
management
Off-site – Benefit for
Wetland & grassland management B4b - Eelmoor Flash - GR
SPA supporting habitat /
842/527 - From bridge scrape off bracken litter into a roadside
Eliminated from HRA
Basingstoke
bund removing enriched material & clearing litter. Create 10 no.
7
Additional
2018 - 2019
(No possibility of
Canal SSSI
2mx5m scrapes in wet marginal area as part of ongoing rotational
significant negative
management. Arisings deposited on bund. Forage harvest
effect on SPA off-site
grassland area (NB – grassland area to west is NOT SSSI)
supporting habitat)
2019-20 Completed
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Jubilee Hill GR
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 840/512 (south of TDU circuit) - clear scrub from
East Block of
Additional
2019 - 2020
support of SPA
Long Valley
3.3ha.
management
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Jubilee Hill GR
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 840/512 (south of TDU circuit) – additional 1 ha scrub in 3 blocks
Additional
2019 - 2020
support of SPA
Long Valley
30m x 30m – LSS to provide map / Grid Ref & Compt Refs
management
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Cocked Hat
2
Additional
2019 - 2020
support of SPA
Long Valley
wood – Moto Cross area 2.1ha. clear scrub from open heath
management
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – North of Outer
Test Circuit and Between theTest Circuits Eelmoor Hill West.
West
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2
End of Compt GR 839/527 clear scrub over part of 3ha (plus
Additional
2019 - 2020
support of SPA
Long Valley
smaller area of scrub nearby); bare ground scrapes & new fire
management
breaks
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – S&W of Long
2
Additional
2019 - 2020
support of SPA
Long Valley
Valley in ‘woodlark area’ GR 835/516 -clear scrub over part of area
management
29
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Outridden Firs.
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
In Compt OUT2 GR834/510 clear scrub & create bare ground
2
Additional
2019 - 2020
support of SPA
Long Valley
scrapes & Compt OUT 3 GR 836/510 clear scrub. NB – part of
management
OUT 4 done too.
Off-site – Benefit for
SPA supporting habitat /
Adjacent to
Wetland & grassland management B4b - Eelmoor Flash - GR
Eliminated from HRA
Basingstoke
7
842/527 - Forage harvest grassland area ie cut & collect (NB –
Additional
2019-20
(No possibility of
Canal SSSI
grassland area to west is NOT SSSI)
significant negative
effect on SPA off-site
supporting habitat)
Species Survey Bourley B7 - Carry out inspection of converted
pillboxes on TASD B7 to establish presence or absence of bats.
Other areas /
Hibernacula conversion funded under REES in 2006. To include
Additional
2019-2-
N/A - inspection
SINC
daylight inspection and dusk emergence survey and basic report
detailing findings inc species detected.
Other sites or
No other submitted works eg Claycart Stream area approved for
non SSSI works
funding 19-20
Additional
N/A
N/A
eg SINC
2020-21 Funding bids approved
Heathland / gorse management. Bourley B4a – on & around
Miles Hill. Cut 2 blocks of gorse ~ 0.1ha to manage for age
diversity as part of wider heathland mosaic & reduce fire risk. Nice
patches of dwarf shrub – either on poor / disturbed soil & sparsely
vegetated or mature growth as part of mosaic with Molinia etc.
Parts recently burnt & dense even aged gorse regen. For 20/21
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
a)flail approx 30m x 30m (1 block) by cut & collect on younger
2020-21
2
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
gorse growth
management
b) another 30m x 30m block in total (but spread over the ‘middle
plateau’) hand cut & remove arisings & treat to knock back dense
gorse encroaching onto dwarf shrub patches in ‘middle’ & retain
‘gorse’ screens around network of paths / tracks to help reduce
further fragmentation.
Some patches cut 2017-18
30
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Jubilee Hill
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 (south of TDU circuit) – 50% thin of scrub incl gorse from
South
Additional
2020-21
support of SPA
Long Valley
East Block GR 841/511 of 3.2ha
management
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Jubilee Hill
(south of TDU circuit) – 1day of spraying recently cut ‘mono
culture’ gorse bocks to control re-growth & allow dwarf shrubs /
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 acid grassland spp opportunity to develop + break up extent &
Additional
2020-21
support of SPA
Long Valley
ages of gorse regen. 1 day of bare ground scrape creation across
management
areas recently cut of dense gorse & other heathland / scrub
mosaics in locality
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Cocked Hat
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
wood area and Eelmoor Hill West – create bare ground scrapes
2
Additional
2020-21
support of SPA
Long Valley
on dry- wetter ground (do similar work in B&LV over 1 day with
management
same machine for cost efficiencies)
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – North of and
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
between Test Circuits Eelmoor Hill West –
East end of Compt GR
2020-21
2
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
839/527 -clear as much of scrub as monies permit over other part
management
of ~3ha block (roll f/wd non funded works)
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – S&W of Long
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 Valley in another part of ‘woodlark area’ GR 838/517 -clear scrub
Additional
2020-21
support of SPA
Long Valley
over 3ha
management
Heathland / scrub management. Bourley B4a – Outridden Firs.
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 In Compt OUT4 GR834/508 - clear remaining part of dense scrub
Additional
2020-21
support of SPA
Long Valley
& gorse (part done previous year)
management
Wetland management – ground disturbance over 1.9ha of jack
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 snipe area as follow – up to HIWWT scrub management works
Additional
2020-21
support of SPA
Long Valley
Dec 2019 as discussed & agreed with Cons Grp J Eyre
management
Pondtail – B1. Heathland / scrub management. Cut scrub -trees
to reduce heathland habitat fragmentation & part along canal edge;
Exempt – Activity in
Basingstoke
6 bracken management by scrapes / spray; create small scrapes to
Additional
2020-21
support of SPA
Canal SSSI
protect & enlarge sphagnum moss ‘pools’ & mow smal strips in
management
mature heather (may be done over 2 years)
31
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Off-site – Benefit for
SPA supporting habitat /
Eliminated from HRA
Adjacent to
Wetland & grassland management B4b - Eelmoor Flash - GR
Basingstoke
7
842/527 - Forage harvest grassland area ie cut & collect (NB –
Additional
2020-21
(No possibility of
Canal SSSI
grassland area to west is NOT SSSI)
significant negative
effect on SPA off-site
supporting habitat)
Heathland management Claycart Stream B5 - GR 843/511 clear
Off-site – Benefit for
scrub to restore / create more open heathy corridor across
SINC
Additional
2020-21
adjacent SPA supporting
Claycart Stream to link open heaths to the east & west. West side
habitat
is Bourley & Long Valley SSSI / SPA
SSSI / SPA /
Annual review by MOD with NE & HIWWT of agri environmental
Additional
2020-21
N/A
SINC
schemes
2021-25/26 Proposed. Compartment mapping & location title with central Grid Ref to be updated by LSS. To
include areas where TAG monies plan to do / have done tree/scrub works, Current locality references:
Jubilee Hill locality – south of TDU circuit B4a Split in to 4 blocks total area approx 4 ha. GR 839/509
2022-23
Scrub management.. On rotation in earlier years as above. SW
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Thereafter every
2 block - 50% scrub thin 2022-23. Link with gorse regen control
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
1-2 years on
below
management
rotation
Gorse regeneration control -Ongoing management to maintain /
improve heathland mosaics & control previous dense gorse
2022-23
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
monoculture over parts.
2
Additional
Thereafter as
support of SPA
Long Valley
2022-23 – follow up spray gorse regen across recently cut gorse
required
management
areas + 1 day scrapes for bare ground creation
32
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Scrape / bare ground management. – On going management to
maintain / improve heathland mosaics incl % of bare – semi bare
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2022-23
2 ground
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
2025-26
1 day machine work across B&LV incl here for scrapes
management
Thereafter every 2-3 yrs as required
Miles Hill locality B4b
Top Plateau & slopes -Gorse/pine -birch management –
probably split area into 2-3 smaller compartments & rotationally cut
2022-23
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 every 4-5 years to manage for age diversity as part of wider
Additional
Thereafter as
support of SPA
Long Valley
heathland mosaic & reduce fire risk. Works done on parts 16-17 &
agreed
management
17/18
Top plateau – northern slope towards main road & ditch at
bottom. Bracken management
Faces north; has old foxholes. Extensive bracken; patches dwarf
shrubs. a)Spray bracken around heathy edges eg near top
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2021-22
2 b)on hillside, where practicable regarding machinery, trial spray ?
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
2024-25
& scraping off biggish patch(s) of bracken / bramble & litter layer
management
down to mineral soil & put spoil at base (south aspect) to try &
regenerate dwarf shrub patches.
Some spraying 16-17
Proposed for 20/21 but unfunded so roll f/wd
Middle plateau & slopes mainly to NE Mainly gorse
management. Nice patches of dwarf shrub – either on poor /
disturbed soil & sparsely vegetated or mature growth as part of
mosaic with Molinia etc. Parts recently burnt & dense even aged
2022-23- every
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 gorse regen. Small scale rotational works to keep on top of gorse
Additional
2 years as
support of SPA
Long Valley
regen; knock back gorse from dwarf shrub patches in ‘middles’ &
needed
management
probably retain ‘gorse’ screens around network of paths / tracks to
help reduce further fragmentation. Some patches cut 2017-18 &
20/21
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Top & Middle Plateau & slopes (except North slope listed
2022-23
2
Additional
support of SPA
2
Long Valley
above) – bracken / other management – as needed
As neded
management
Other management –Pole Barrier - small scale scrub / scrape /
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2024-25 or as
2 bund repair to ‘shal ow pond & bare – semi bare sunny banks’
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
agreed
created CSF 2017/18
management
33
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Cocked Hat Wood / Long Hill locality B4 .
Scrub management. Includes
a)heathy glade at Moto Cross compensation area also called Long
Hill 0.6ha GR 833/519.
b) open heathy area on NE slope to Cocked Hat Wood GR832/52
approx 6ha. This needs to cover all of open heathland area North
Part 2021-22
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
of CH/Long Hill Wood extending northwards towards test circuits –
2
Additional
Part 2024/25 & /
support of SPA
Long Valley
may be useful to split into 2-3 Compartments
or 2025-26
management
.
Overall ~ 6ha (check figure ) of on-going rotational pine / other
scrub regen management as & where agreed over the area with
large part done CSF 2015/16 & another area 2019/20. Treat
broadleaf stumps, arisings burnt or disposed off on/ near site
Bracken management usu after scrub clearance – on rotation.
2021-22
Sprayed CSF 2016-17 & proposed 2020/21 for Eastern side
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Priority 1
2 bracken spray GR 836/530 1.5ha (or larger TBC from June 2020
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
visit & DIO / LSS review ) but no funds so roll f/ wd to 2021/22.
management
2024-25
Follow -up 3- 5yrs as needed
Scrape management- create bare ground scrapes every 2-3
years (do similar work in other B&LV localities over 1 day with
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 same machine for cost efficiencies machine but try to keep
Additional
2022-23
support of SPA
Long Valley
diversity in condition too
management
)
Test Circuit(s) / Eelmoor Hill West North of Outer Test Circuit AND between the 2 Test Circuits locality B4
Scrub management.
North of Outer Test Circuit.
Compartments to be updated / mapped
2021-22
Rotational scrub management around this locality.
2022-23
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 Next 1-2 years of works include:
Additional
Annual
support of SPA
Long Valley
a) other parts of East end of Compt GR 839/527 not cleared by
thereafter as &
management
CSF funds 2020/21
where agreed
b) GR 837/527 at NW end 1ha
.
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Bracken management North of Outer Test Circuit. Linked to &
2022-23/
2
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
often follows scrub management as above.
2023-24
management
34
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Bare ground / wetland management North of Outer Test
Circuit – recently done 17/18 & 20/21 in locality (to be mapped) /
older circular scrapes in shallower damp hollow Linked to scrub /
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 bracken control as above. May be done during such works as best
Additional
2024/25 d
support of SPA
Long Valley
fits with habitat mosaic & cost efficiencies eg do similar work in
management
B&LV over 1 day with same machine but try to keep diversity in
condition too
Scrub management. Between Test Circuits Compartments to
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
be updated / mapped
2
Additional
2022-23
support of SPA
Long Valley
Rotational scrub management around this locality
management
Probably - 5.3ha 2022-23
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Bracken management Between Test Circuits. Linked to & often
2022-23/
2
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
follows scrub management as above.
2023-24
management
Bare ground / wetland management Between Test Circuits –
recently done 17/18 & 20/21 in locality (to be mapped) + older
circular scrapes in shallower damp hollows Linked to scrub /
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 bracken control as above. May be done during such works as best
Additional
2024/25 d
support of SPA
Long Valley
fits with habitat mosaic & cost efficiencies eg do similar work in
management
B&LV over 1 day with same machine but try to keep diversity in
condition too
Scrub management.
South, West & East of test circuit tracks-
‘woodlark areas GR 835/516 rotational works to keep good as
‘woodlark area’. These comprise a series of areas eg alongside the
2022-23
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
tracks or ‘at corners etc with lot of regenerating pine but otherwise
2
Additional
Every 1-2 years
support of SPA
Long Valley
poor soil / sparsely vegetated dwarf shrub/ acid grassland. To be
on rotation
management
mapped
Eg Area 2 GR 841/517- 2.6ha – 2022/23.
2022-23 or as
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Scrub management – Woodlark ‘North’ – by Green Route. As
2
Additional
needed every ~
support of SPA
Long Valley
above Works TBC
2 years TBC
management
Heathland / Wetland management Balancing Pond area GR
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2021-22
2 836/524 - 3.ha. Snipe habitat; rotational manage scrub regen;
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
consider if scrape ‘management / creation may be beneficial
May be 2024-25
management
35
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Scrub management - on corner of outer TDU track GR 843/526. 1
2
Additional
2021 - 2022
support of SPA
Long Valley
ha.
management
Claycart Stream
Scrub management. 9.5ha Compartment -GR 844/ 515. Thin by
202/22 and / or
50% over whole area 2022-23 or split into 2 compartments over 2
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2022-23
2 yrs TBC
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
Thereafter as
On rotation as needed thereafter.
management
agreed
Significant scrub works done CSF 2017-18
Outridden Firs
Scrub management.Split into 5 Compartments for rotational
2020-21
heathland works.
2022-23
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 2021-22 Compt OUT 5 2.3ha
Additional
Thereafter
support of SPA
Long Valley
2022-23 Compt OUT 1- 8.7ha- 1 ha gorse mgt from the drier
annual or as
management
edges £2500 & Compt OUT 2 -2.9ha Scrub mgt
agreed
Scrape management.Split into 5 Compartments as above
2022-23
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 2022-23 - Scrapes in Compt OUT 1
Additional
Thereafter every support of SPA
Long Valley
Thereafter every 1-3 years around the Compts
1-3 yrs
management
2022-23
Bracken management- split into 5 compartments as above.
Thereafter
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 2022-23 - all areas as reqd say 4ha
Additional
annual or as
support of SPA
Long Valley
Thereafter as needed
agreed
management
Outridden Copse
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
Scrub management -Triangle 830/515 1ha
2
Additional
2022-23
support of SPA
Long Valley
management
Bracken management Triangle 830/515 1ha
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 Bracken sprayed CSF 2016-17.
Additional
2023-24
support of SPA
Long Valley
Follow up bracken control (after next round of scrub mgt) - 2023-24
management
Jack Snipe area
Wetland management – ground disturbance & perhaps scrub
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
2 regen cutting over 1.9ha of Jack Snipe area on recommendation
Additional
Annual
support of SPA
Long Valley
from Cons Grp J Eyre
management
36
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Heathland / Wetland management Balancing Pond area GR
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
836/524 - 3.ha. Snipe habitat; rotational manage scrub regen;
2021-22
2
Additional
support of SPA
Long Valley
consider if scrape ‘management / creation may be beneficial
May be 2024-25 management
Other areas / features
Scrub / other heathland management. Other priority areas &
Annual as &
All SSSI
habitat works not picked up by other line entries Eg manage
where required
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
units where
scattered scrub on islands on edge(s) of test track so suitable for
Additional
& not picked up
support of SPA
Long Valley
in-house
SPA birds. Eg
by other line
management
management a)GR 835/527. 0.7 Ha.
entries
Scrub / other heathland management –B6
South edge along line of 2018/19 water mains work. No longer in
Agri envt Scheme with HWT. Kept open / short sward by external
2022-23
Exempt – Activity in
Bourley and
fence for visibility & maintenance. HWT cattle access this area to
3
Additional
Thereafter as
support of SPA
Long Valley
help manage. Good area for herptiles eg develop a wide scruffy
agreed
management
edge to remaining trees - south facing - & keep sward short for 2m
along fence & if so, some intervention management via CSF
required. Needs site visit to see how stony for eg machine use
Exempt – Activity in
Woodland management - B3 Bickley Woods - halo oaks GR
support of SPA
Bourley and
As per forestry
829/518. Fund and undertake as part of MOD forestry works in
Additional
management / see
Long Valley
work plan
locality– see Woodland CMP
Forestry Plan &
approval
Pondtail B1
Heathland / scrub / wetland scrape management. Follow up
2020-21 works as to any outstanding works to be rolled f/wd to
2021-22.
See DIO Ecologist work plan from site visit with NE 9 Nov 2018
Rotational scrub / bracken / scrape management – every 4-5 years
Exempt – Activity in
Basingstoke
2022-22
6
Additional
support of SPA
Canal SSSI
2025-26
management
37
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Eelmoor Flash GR 842/527
Adjacent to
Off-site – Benefit for
Grassland management– annual forage harvest grassland area
Basingstoke
7
Additional
Annual
SPA supporting habitat /
ie cut & collect (NB – grassland area to west is NOT SSSI)
Canal SSSI
Eliminated from HRA
Wetland / scrub management - Cut & treat scrub, willow and
Off-site – Benefit for
Basingstoke
7
gorse every 3 years along canal bank and road side. 1ha.NB – the
Additional
2021-22
SPA supporting habitat /
Canal SSSI
bracken area to east & the wetland of scrapes IS SSSI
Eliminated from HRA
Off-site – Benefit for
Wetland management - Occasional small scrape management ~
2021-22 or
SPA supporting habitat /
every 3 years. Done 2018-19 so re-do eg 2022-23 unless more
2022-23
Eliminated from HRA
Basingstoke
7
cost efficient to do with larger scrape below in same year
Additional
(No possibility of
Canal SSSI
Extend wetland scrape by creating large scrape on west edge
significant negative
2021-22
effect on SPA off-site
supporting habitat)
Non SSSI
Adjacent to
Bourley and
Wetland management Fence off small sections of Bourley Lake
Off site – no possibility
Long Valley
bank edge to encourage marginal vegetation to grow as part of
of significant negative
Additional
2021-22
Unit 6 & SINC –
larger scale development of refuges for flora & fauna – as
effect on SPA off-site
Gelvert
discussed 2018 with Fishing Club & HIWWT
supporting habitat
Catchment
Claycart Stream GR 844/511 Bracken spray hill side 2ha on east
Adjacent to
side of stream & scrape patch(es) of thick bracken litter to mineral
Off-site – Benefit for
Bourley and
Additional
2021-22
soil away from path towards slope. Linked with enhancement of
SPA supporting habitat /
Long Valley
heathland habitat corridor above
38
bjective /
Core or
Works (Financial
Unit Feature
Works Description
HRA Conclusion
Feature
Additional
Years)
Works
Off site – no possibility
Near Bourley &
B7 pill box bat hibernaculum – follow up roost features works to
of significant negative
Long Valley
Additional
2021-23
2019 Johns Associates Report
effect on SPA off-site
SSSI / SINC
supporting habitat
Pyestock Hill B1
Management of 2 glades 2h & 1.5ha - cleared of most scrub &
Off-site – Benefit for
SINC
NE 2 & 4
Additional
2022-23
bracken sprayed / 2 scrapes made to mineral soil CSF 2017-18
SPA supporting habitat /
Follow up with similar works as & when needed probably ~ 5 year
.
Undertake annual review of Agri Environment Scheme by NE/
Annual
SSSI/
NE 1-6
HWT/DIO & ensure annual work plans are produced, discussed &
Additional
DIO/ NE /
N/A
SPA/SINC
agreed by MOD
HIWWT
Undertake / support surveys to improve knowledge of
presence & distribution of protected or notable /S41 species
NE2 & 3
Additional
2021-25
N/A
eg bats, herptiles; other mammals; butterflies (eg re-visit SSB
records & for Bourley Fields & Tweseldown 1993/4 ) – via CGroup
SINC / other
SINC sites – review condition, any habitat management proposals
areas in-house
NE4
as and when during annual reviews by DIO / LSS / other C Grp
Additional
2021-25
N/A
or features of
parties
interest
39
Record of Consultation & Agreement
Plan Prepared by:
Date
Signature
P Austoni
The following confirms that this management plan is considered accurate and appropriate to the management of the Natural
Environment and Designated Sites on Bourley & Long Valley Training Areas
for the period 2020-2025.
Date
Position
Name
Signature
Commander: SDT SE Region
02.07.2020 Environmental Support &
Esigned
Compliance HRA
Statutory Body (where
(NE)
applicable)
Review due on: July 2021
40
References - For further information
General
• Aldershot Training Area ILMP 2004 –
Auth. DTE Various
• Investigation of Diesel Spillage at Area B6 – Final Ecological Report –
Auth. Johns
Associates
• Draft Wetland Restoration for Training Area B7 -Gelvert Catchment 2011/12 & Phase
1 Restoration of Fleet Pond SSSI Draft Environmental Appraisal Report by Johns
Associates for Hart District Council Feb 2011
• Hale Service Reservoir Off Site Reinforcement Main Jacobs Oct 2017).
• MOD Bourley Conservation Group Minutes e.g. September 2018 & March 2019
• Johns Associate Heathland Restoration Scheme in the B&LV 2016 Breeding Bird
Survey Report by 2J's Ecology
• Odonata monitoring at new pools within B&LV Summer by C Hall 2016
• Survey of Odonata of Hale Gravel Pits by C Hall Sept 2012
• A survey of the past & current status of marsh clubmoss in NE Hampshire & East
Berkshire by C Hall Dec 2005
• 2018 Ecological Surveys for the Esso pipeline by Jacobs consultants
• Defence Estates Sustainable Sediment Management of Long Valley – Phase 2
2012 Entec UK Ltd
Annex A
Bourley and Long Valley SSSI Citation
Description and Reasons for Notification:
41
The site comprises a diverse mosaic of heathland, woodland, mire, scrub and grassland habitats.
Such habitat diversity supports a rich flora and fauna including nationally scarce plants, nationally rare
insects and three bird species listed in Annex 1 of the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds.
The majority of the site is underlain by gently undulating deposits of gravels and sands from the
Tertiary era, with Quaternary gravel deposits forming a high ridge to the south of the site and
Quaternary Barton sand deposits exposed in Long Valley. Wetter areas such as Bourley Bottom and
Long Bottom are underlain by Bagshot Beds. The dry heathland areas are dominated by heather
Calluna vulgaris, bell heather
Erica cinerea and dwarf gorse
Ulex minor with bilberry
Vaccinium
myrtillus a frequent associate. Extensive patches of dodder
Cuscuta epithymum occur on dense
heather areas. Cross-leaved heath
Erica tetralix is found in more humid heathland areas, with purple
moor-grass
Molinia caerulea dominating locally. The acidic grassland includes areas dominated by
bristle bent
Agrostis curtisii, a grass with a restricted distribution in south-east England. Scrub,
dominated by gorse
U l e x europaeus, forms part of this habitat mosaic. Springs and ditches, and
valleys where drainage is impeded, support valley mire communities. Here, cross-leaved heath and
bog mosses
Sphagnum spp., dominate, with other typical bog plants occurring including common
cottongrass
Eriophorum angustifolium, round-leaved sundew
Drosera rotundifolia and the nationally
scarce marsh clubmoss
Lycopodiella inundata. The nationally scarce pale dog-violet
Viola lactea is
also found on the site. The rich invertebrate fauna includes three nationally rare species,* ruby-tailed
wasp
Chrysis fulgida and the heathland flies
Pelecocera tricincta and
Thyridanthrax fenestratus.
Three nationally scarce heathland insects include the potter wasp
Eumenes coarctatus, silver studded
blue butterfly
Plebejus argus and downy emerald dragonfly
Cordulia aenea. The mixture of open
heathland, scrub, sandy areas and clearings in the coniferous woodland provide habitat for heathland
birds including three particularly vulnerable species on Annex 1 of the Birds Directive; woodlark
Lullula arborea, nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus and Dartford warbler
Sylvia undata. The site also
supports a small breeding population of hobby
Falco subutteo which is important in a British context,**
and on a European basis as a migratory species. Nationally important populations of the adder
Vipera
berus are also found.
42
Annex B
Heath Brow SSSI citation
Description and Reasons for Notification:
File ref: County: Hampshire Site Name: Heath Brow SSSI Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 Local Planning Authority:
Hampshire County Council, Hart District Council National Grid Reference: SU 823494 Ordnance
Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 186 1:10,000: SU 84 NW Area: 1.93 (ha) 4.76 (ac) Date Notified (Under 1949
Act): – Date of Last Revision: – Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 26 January 1995 Date of Last
Revision: – Date Confirmed: 17 August 1995 Other Information: GCR (Geological Conservation
Review) Block – Quaternary of the Thames.
Reasons for Notification: Heath Brow provides exposures in one of the recent Pleistocene gravel
aggradations of southern England, the Caesar’s Camp Gravel. The origin of this deposit has been
widely disputed; marine, glacial and fluvial processes have all been invoked at various times to
explain their depositional environment. The sediments have been keenly researched since the early
part of the century and active study continues. This recent research suggests that the Caesar’s Camp
Gravel was deposited by a braided river in flood events during a cold, periglacial period. This
conclusion is supported by the large size (up to 350 mm in diameter) of the flint cobbles present in
the deposit. Despite the detailed environmental history now established for the Caesar’s Camp
Gravel their stratigraphical position is still uncertain. The elevation of the gravel precludes
correlation with the river terraces of the London Basin, making the Caesar’s Camp Gravel one of the
earliest periglacial deposits in southern England. The site is therefore of vital importance to
reconstructions of the environmental history of southern England
43
Annex C
Basingstoke Canal SSSI Citation
Description and Reasons for Notification:
The Basingstoke Canal, together with associated “flashes” and heathland, is nationally important for
aquatic plants and invertebrates. The transition from calcareous spring water to slightly acidic
conditions produces an extremely diverse flora, containing approximately half (87) of BritainÕs native
aquatic higher plant species, including 5 nationally scarce* species. The Basingstoke Canal is
botanically the most species-rich aquatic system m England. Twenty-four species of dragonfly occur
on the Canal and other insects, including two nationally rare** (Red Data Book) species, are well
represented. Two sections of the Basingstoke Canal are of SSSI status. The western section lies
between Greywell in Hampshire and Hermitage Bridge in Surrey; the eastern section lies between
Monument Bridge and Scotland Bridge in Surrey. The relative lack of pollution in the Canal and the
variation in water chemistry throughout its length have given rise to a diversity of plant species and
communities that has no parallel elsewhere in Britain. This, together with a rich and varied
invertebrate fauna, makes the Basingstoke Canal a waterway of exceptional value to nature
conservation: The Canal is largely supplied by calcareous water from springs situated at the junction
of the chalk and Reading Beds (clays) at Greywell. Moving downstream, it is supplemented by
progressively more acidic spring and stream water from the Aldershot heathland district. Due to a
slight west-east gradient, which gives rise to a definite water movement, the overall system is
analogous to a slow-flowing river with initially alkaline water which gradually becomes more acidic and
less charged with calcium. Such a combination is a rare feature in Britain.
The vegetation types reflect this gradual change in water chemistry. At Greywell the flora is typical of
that of a nutrient-rich southern chalk stream. Here it is dominated by the moss
Fontinalis antipyretica,
the starworts
Callitriche obtusangula and
C. stagnalis, Fool’s watercress
Apium nodiflorum, lesser
water-parsnip
Berula erecta and the water crowfoot
Ranunculus pencillatus subspecies
pseudofluitans var.
vertumnus, the latter here in its
locus classicus, from which it was formally studied
and described. As the calcareous water moves across the London Clays the flora changes, with
locally abundant mareÕs tail
Hippuris vulgaris, river water dropwort
Oenanthe fluviatilis, arrowhead
Sagittaria sagittifolia, the pondweeds
Potamogeton alpinus and
P. berchtoldii and stoneworts
including
Nitella flexilis and several varieties of
Chara vulgaris. The Canal then passes onto the Bracklesham Beds and Bagshot Sands of the Aldershot heathland
district. In the downstream stretch some of the species abundant upstream disappear, to be replaced
by a very species-rich flora which comprises a remarkable assemblage combining both nutrient-rich
and acidic elements. Amongst the characteristic plants of this long stretch are the pondweeds
Potamogeton natans and
P. perfoliatus, water soldier
Stratiotes aloides, Canadian and NuttallÕs
pondweeds
Elodea canadensis and
E. nuttallii and greater bladderwort
Utricularia australis. Frogbit
Hydrocharis morsusranae and greater
duckweed
Spirodela polyrhiza occur amongst the emergent vegetation.
Plants typical of acidic waters, which occur in this stretch, are bulbous rush
Juncus bulbosus, floating
club-rush
Eleogiton fluitans and alternate-flowered water-milfoil
Myriophyllum alterniflorum. The
Monument Bridge-Scotland Bridge stretch at Sheerwater to the east of Woking, is rich in open water
and emergent species characteristic of the main part of the Canal such as the pondweed
Potamogeton natans, frogbit
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, greater duckweed
Spirodela polyrhiza, water
plantain
Alisma plantago-aquatica, and narrow leaved water plantain
Alisma lanceolatum. Of
particular note within the Monument Bridge-Scotland Bridge stretch are the nationally scarce
pondweed
Potamogeton trichoides and the nationally scarce tasteless water pepper
Persicaria
laxiflora Certain stretches of the Canal are less species-rich, due to shading by overhanging trees, or
very localised pollution problems, but these stretches have been included in the SSSI because they
enable the continuum from calcareous to acidic water to be expressed within the SSSI: Ninety
species of aquatic plants, including a number of native stoneworts (charophytes) and the aquatic
moss
Fontinalis antipyretica, have been recorded in 1992 and 1993 from the main line of the canal
and its extensions (or “flashes”); an additional 16 native wetland species have been recorded on the
Canal system since 1986: Of the 90 plants recorded in
1992 and 1993, 5 are nationally scarce* being
river water dropwort
Oenanthe fluviatilis, the pondweed
Potamogeton trichoides, tasteless water
pepper
Persicaria laxiflora, the horsetail
Equisetum 3
litorale and the water crowfoot
Ranunculus
pencillatus subspecies
pseudofluitans var.
vertumnus. The nationally scarce water soldier
Stratiotes
44
aloides and fringed water lily
Nymphoides peltata have been introduced. Other noteworthy plants
include needle spike rush
Eleocharis acicularis and variousleaved pondweed
Potamogeton
gramineus.
The invertebrate fauna is correspondingly rich. Twenty-four species of Odonata (dragonfly and
damselfly) have been recorded on the Canal in 1992 and 1993, making the
Canal one of the most important sites for Odonata in terms of species diversity in Britain.
Surveys undertaken during 1992 and 1993 revealed evidence of breeding of 19 species. Of particular
note are populations of the nationally scarce brilliant emerald
Somatochlora metallica, the hairy
dragonfly
Brachytron pratense and the downy emerald
Cordulia aenea. In addition to the Odonata
fauna, the Canal supports a wide range of other insects, associated particularly with the rich emergent
and bank vegetation. Hoverflies are well represented. About eighty-five species have been recorded
along the Canal, including the nationally scarce
Anasimyia contracta,
Didea intermedia,
Epistrophe
diaphana,
Volucella inanis and
Xylota tarda. The scarce snail-killing fly
Psacadina verbeckei, the
nationally rare (Red Data Book)** solitary bee
Macropis europaea and the scarce dentated pug moth
Anticollix sparsata are also present. The Canal also supports populations of water birds such as little
grebe, kingfisher and grey wagtail which are of considerable local importance.
Several off-line ÔflashesÕ have been included in the site, as they are an integral part of the
hydrological system and provide shallow-water conditions which are rare in the restored main line of
the Canal. Of particular significance are Eelmoor Flash, the extensive Mytchett Lake and Great
Bottom Flash and the small, shallow Potter’s Pool. Great Bottom Flash is fringed on the eastern side
with reed
Phragmites australis and supports a rich marginal flora including water violet
Hottonia
palustris and royal fern
Osmunda regalis. Mytchett Lake is an extensive area of open water with
abundant white water lily
Nymphaea alba and common bulrush
Schoenoplectus lacustris and is
notable for its fringing colony of purple willow
Salix purpurea which is rare in Surrey. The lake
supports a large colony of red-eyed damselfly
Erythromma najas. PotterÕs Pool, adjacent to open
heathland, is an excellent site for dragonflies and supports a rich flora dominated by greater
bladderwort
Utricularia australis, with bottle sedge
Carex rostrata in the emergent fringe of vegetation.
Adjacent to the Canal, but not linked to it, is New Pond at Pirbright, which supports an acid bog
marginal flora including a number of plants not recorded from the Canal, for example marsh St
JohnÕs wort
Hypericum elodes, bog myrtle
Myrica gale, many-stalked spike-rush
Eleocharis
multicaulis, cotton grass
Eriophorum angustifolium and lesser bladderwort
Utricularia minor. Of
additional note are the sedges
Carex rostrata,
C. vesicaria and
C. curta and floating club-rush
Eleogiton fluitans. Dogmersfield Lake is included within the SSSI as it forms part of the CanalÕs
water catchment, and supports a rich flora including some species which are very rare in or extinct
from the remainder of the Basingstoke Canal system, for example lesser water plantain
Baldellia
ranunculoides, bogbean
Menyanthes trifoliata and water purslane
Lythrum portula. The lake also has
strong populations of needle spike rush
Eleocharis acicularis and fan-leaved water crowfoot
Ranunculus circinatus. The hinterland of woodland, heath, unimproved meadows and fens through
which the Canal flows increases the value of the aquatic habitats. Pondtail Heath (Fleet) has been
included within the SSSI since it is of direct importance to invertebrates such as the dragonflies which
hawk over this area. Pondtail Heath comprises an area of largely wet heath dominated by ling
Calluna
vulgaris, cross-leaved heath
Erica tetralix and purple moor-grass
Molinia caerulea. The flora is rich,
with species such as oblong-leaved sundew
Drosera intermedia, meadow thistle
Cirsium dissectum,
petty whin
Genista anglica and blunt-flowered rush
Juncus subnodulosus, the latter in an atypical
acidic locality. The invertebrate fauna includes the nationally rare** (Red Data Book) hoverfly
Pelecocera tricincta and a population of the keeled skimmer
Orthetrum coerulescens, which breeds in
small bog pools on the heath.
*Nationally scarce species occur in 16Ð100 of 10 3 10km squares in Britain.
**Nationally rare species are listed in the relevant Red Data Book, i.e. British Red Data
Book 2: Insects.
45
Annex D
SPA description
(information as published 2001)
Thames Basin Heaths
Country
England
Unitary Authority
Bracknell Forest, Hampshire, Surrey
SPA status
not yet available
Latitude
15 18 18 N
Longitude
00 45 06 W
SPA EU code
UK9012141
Area (ha)
to be confirmed upon site classification
Ash to Brookwood Heaths
Bourley and Long Valley
Bramshill
Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods and Heaths
Castle Bottom to Yately and Hawley Commons
Chobham Common
Component SSSI/ASSIs Colony Bog and Bagshot Heaths
Eelmoor Marsh
Hazeley Heath
Horsell Common
Ockham and Wisley Commons
Sandhurst to Owlsmoor Bogs and Heaths
Whitmoor Common
The Thames Basin Heaths SPA is a composite site that is located across the
counties of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire in southern England. The open
heathland habitats overlie sand and gravel sediments which give rise to sandy or
peaty acidic soils, supporting dry heathy vegetation on well-drained slopes, wet
heath on low-lying shallow slopes and bogs in valleys. The site consists of tracts of
heathland, scrub and woodland, once almost continuous, but now fragmented into
separate blocks by roads, urban development and farmland. Less open habitats of scrub, acidic woodland and conifer plantations dominate, within which are
scattered areas of open heath and mire. The site supports important breeding populations of a number of birds of lowland heathland, especially Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus and Woodlark
Lullula arborea, both of which nest on the ground, often at the woodland/heathland edge, and Dartford Warbler
Sylvia
undata, which often nests in gorse
Ulex sp. Scattered trees and scrub are used for roosting.
Together with the nearby Wealden Heaths SPA and Ashdown Forest SPA, the Thames Basin Heaths form part of a complex of heathlands in
southern England that support important breeding bird populations.
Qualifying species
For individual species accounts visit the Species Accounts section
This site qualifies under
Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European importance of the following species
listed on Annex I of the Directive:
During the breeding season; Dartford Warbler
Sylvia undata, 445 pairs representing at least 27.8% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Count as at 1999)
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus, 264 pairs representing at least 7.8% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Count mean (1998-99))
Woodlark
Lullula arborea, 149 pairs representing at least 9.9% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Count as at 1997)
46