Annex 2 - Castle Point
Transcription
Annex 2 - Castle Point
ANNEX 2 LOCAL WILDLIFE SITE REGISTER 2007 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP2 Montgomery School Meadow (3.8 ha) TQ 765889 This site comprises species-rich grassland with scattered scrub, developing on a very poor, thin soil, with a low nutrient status helping to keep the seasonally parched soils flower-rich. The grassland contains a number of sedges, including Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca) and Black Sedge (Carex nigra), which is rare in south Essex. Other components of the sward include Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea), Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), various clovers (Trifolium spp.) and Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica). This wide range of albeit common grassland herbs provides an extremely good food source for invertebrates, providing both nectar and pollen sources from early in the spring right through to late autumn, with the result that invertebrate populations are likely to be very rich here. A sample of bumblebees showed five of the six common species to be present on the site, along with a good range of butterfly species. Lack of recent management is allowing the spread of scrub, although this still largely remains scattered bushes within the grassland matrix. Some form of management would be desirable in order to maintain the current diversity of plant species. Common Lizard and Slow-worm have both been recorded. Selection Criteria: HCr11; SCr5 Condition Statement: Scrub encroachment is continuing, but is not yet a serious issue, with limited scattered scrub adding to the wildlife value of the site. Management Issues: It is assumed that this site was soil stripped for development and must be viewed as under threat. Retain limited scrub growth. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP3 Rushbottom Lane Flood Pound (3.1 ha) TQ 766894 This is a very varied site containing both marshy and dry grassland with scattered scrub. This is the only site in the borough with a significant stand of marshy grassland (as defined by the Phase 1 Habitat Survey), which elsewhere only occurs as narrow fringes to drainage ditches and pond margins. The grassland is species-rich with a good mix of sedges, rushes, grasses and herbs, including Black Sedge (Carex nigra), which is rare in south Essex. Other characteristic species include Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), Crested Dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus), Common Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), False Fox-sedge (Carex otrubae), Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum), Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia), Hard Rush (Juncus inflexus) and Meadow-grasses (Poa spp.). Management in the form of scrub control and some form of grassland cropping will be necessary to maintain the value of the site. Selection Criteria: HCr6(b); HCr13 Condition Statement: Stable Management Issues: There will be a need to strike a balance between the extent of scrub growth and areas of open grassland/marshy grassland. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP4 West Canvey Marshes (293.4 ha) TQ 770850 West Canvey Marshes are a very extensive area of grazing-marsh, ditches and scattered scrub. The seawall is largely part of the overall grazing land and is included within the site, as are the generally small and seasonally dry “borrow dykes”. The ecological value of the site lies in the large expanse of grazing marsh grassland (representing 18% of Essex's Thames Estuary grazing-marsh). The sward is floristically variable, but includes several characteristic species, especially associated with the margins of the ditches and main fleet. The Nationally Scarce Small Red Goosefoot (Chenopodium chenopodioides) has been recorded here. Other notable species include the local, coastal plant Slender Hare's-ear (Bupleurum tenuissimum). These brackish-waters should be good quality habitat for invertebrates. Areas that have a longer history of continuous grazing are likely to be of importance for their terrestrial invertebrates, although those areas subjected to annual hay cropping are more limited in this respect. The Marbled White – a rare butterfly in Essex – occurs here in areas of tall, unmanaged grassland fringing the ditches and along some sections of seawall. Such areas of grazing marsh provide resting, nesting and feeding grounds for very substantial numbers of birds such as Lapwing, Redshank and Curlew. Parts of the site host a very large gull roost from the adjacent Pitsea landfill site. Much of this land has recently been acquired by the RSPB. Selection Criteria: HCr16 Condition Statement: Good. Extensive grazing continues across most of the site. Some relatively newly re-sown areas of grassland are included here. This recognises the role of extensive grassland for wintering wildfowl and waders, not just ancient sward areas. Management Issues: Maintenance of a stable grazing regime is important, as is management of the ground water regime. Coastal defence issues will impact on this site in the long term. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP5 Canvey Village Marsh (41.0 ha) TQ 773827 This site represents a relatively complete and complex old grazing marsh system, making it a scarce and declining Essex habitat. Features of particular interest include the network of brackish-water drains, which support a rich invertebrate fauna and saltmarsh flora, a narrow reedbed along the main drain and notable bird, mammal and invertebrate populations. Bird records include Stonechat, Corn Bunting, Snipe, Jack Snipe, Sparrowhawk and Reed Bunting. Much of the grassland is flower-rich, with an abundance of Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus spp.). This, in turn, supports a large population of the nationally threatened BAP species Shrill Carder Bee (Bombus sylvarum), along with a general diversity of solitary bees and wasps. The relatively rougher grassland of the inner face of the seawall is includes as additional habitat, with the scarce Essex butterfly the Marbled White known to frequent the seawalls of Canvey. Its larvae develop in areas of taller, rough grassland. The main drainage fleet supports a relatively large (for Essex) reedbed, which is a Local BAP habitat that provides nesting habitat for Reed and Sedge Warbler. Mammalian interest includes Badgers and Water Voles, the latter being a national BAP species which receives limited legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Selection Criteria: HCr16; HCr22; SCr10; SCr14 Condition Statement: Stable. This site has been slightly enlarged, adding in a section along the northern boundary. There has been a slight encroachment/expansion of the two “stable” areas to the south. Management Issues: Maintenance of suitable grazing is of great importance. This Site is believed to be threatened by proposals to construct a major access road across the south side of Canvey Island. If permitted, this further fragmentation and introduction of traffic disturbance is likely to have a significant impact on the ecology of this area. In terms of site management, grazing intensity is an important issue, with too high a stocking density likely to lead to vegetation loss and poaching of soils under heavy trampling. Grazing of the Reed bed should be avoided. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP6 Benfleet Sewage Works (6.5ha) TQ 773861 This area of rough, coastal grassland and associated scrub habitat supports a very diverse wildlife assemblage. Much of the value lies in it being unmanaged, flower-rich grassland, even if there is a large ruderal component within the flora. This is a site for the nationally scarce Bithynian Vetch (Vicia bithynica). Two other nationally rare plants that are arguably native and occur here are Hartwort (Tordylium maximum) (Red Data Book – “Endangered”) and Hairy Vetchling (Lathyrus hirsutus). Detailed survey work to map the current distirbution of these important plants is now desirable. The invertebrate fauna includes a good suite of grasshoppers and bush-crickets, including Roesel's Bushcricket, Marbled White butterfly and the ant Formica cunicularia. A worker of the Shrill Carder Bee (Bombus sylvarum) was also noted during 2002 survey work. This site would not represent typical foraging habitat for this national BAP species, but it is known to occur on a number of nearby sites to the south and might thus be trying to spread northwards. Slow-worm and Grass Snake, both legally protected species, were recorded during 2002. Such areas of coastal grasslands are under considerable pressure of development. Selection Criteria: SCr5; SCr15 Condition Statement: Stable. Scrub encroachment seems to be progressing very slowly here, but may be an issue in need of attention in future years. Management Issues: Maintenance of an undisturbed environment will be important, although localised light disturbance may help seed germination of some of the critical flora. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP7 North Benfleet Hall Wood (3.6ha) TQ 773896 This woodland site was formerly considered to be ancient, but is now thought to probably be an old secondary wood or at best derived from part ancient wood or hedgerows. The canopy is typified by relatively young Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) with Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Field Maple (Acer campestre) and abundant Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) scrub underneath. Despite its dubious status in terms of antiquity, there are several indicators of ancient woodland conditions within the flora and fauna. These include the presence of Wood Ant (Formica rufa), frequent Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and also lesser quantities of Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula), Remote Sedge (Carex remota), Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola) and Hairy St. John’s-wort (Hypericum hirsutum). The flora also includes Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) and Common Dog Violet (Viola riviniana). Recent coppicing has greatly improved the amount of light reaching the ground layer and this should greatly improve the flora and structural diversity. The number of standards left within the coppice plots is perhaps a little too high, but this can be rectified at a later date and future cut plots should have a greater proportion of tall trees removed. Selection Criteria: HCr2(b) Condition Statement: Improving, with the resumption of coppicing. Management Issues: Recent coppicing is a welcome management initiative, which should be continued in order to maximise structural diversity and stimulate the growth of the shrub and ground flora layers. There is a small problem with the dumping of garden waste and garden encroachment along the southern boundary, which should be addressed before more of the wood is despoilt Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP8 Fane Road Meadows (2.1 ha) TQ 776899 This site has been reduced in size following the 2007 revision, with the loss of an eastern meadow to garden conversion. The two remaining old meadows support a rich grassland flora, being of importance as surviving examples of a now rare grassland type in the county. The larger western section is managed by the owner, including the grazing of horses. The sward includes Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Crested Dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus), Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) and Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa). Pepper Saxifrage (Silaum silaus) and Green-winged Orchid (Orchis morio), both indicative of unimproved grassland, are also present. Selection Criteria: HCr10 Condition Statement: The remaining grassland appears in satisfactory condition, but the eastern end of the former Site has been lost on account of its conversion to part of a garden. Management Issues: conversion of these small paddocks to gardens is a wider issue in this part of the borough. Light grazing is the preferred management. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP9 Kents Hill Wood (0.6 ha) TQ 781880 This small, possibly ancient woodland fragment is all that remains of a somewhat larger scarp wood. The canopy is dominated by large Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) coppice, Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) standards and scattered Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) with Field Maple (Acer campestre). Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) dominates the ground layer, with few other ancient woodland plants recorded. Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) is locally abundant. Selection Criteria: HCr1(b) Condition Statement: Stable, but the extent of Laurel invasion should be monitored. Management Issues: This wood is but a small fragment of its former extent and must be perceived to be under threat from further garden encroachment. The few Laurel bushes present should be removed before they become established. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP10 Coombe Wood (11.8 ha) TQ 782882 N.B. The boundary delineated in red is approximate on account of the increasingly blurred distinction between wood and “garden” as sections of the wood become subsumed into the adjacent properties. Some of these gardens undoubtedly include areas of ancient woodland but the principle of not including residential gardens within the Local Wildlife Site network favours the exclusion of such land from the Site. This Site comprises the remnants of a large ancient wood and two sections of recent secondary woodland that now support many typical old woodland flora and fauna. It lies within a narrow waist of semi-natural habitat that forms an important corridor between South Benfleet and the open land of North Thundersley. The ancient Coombe Wood is a remnant of a much larger ancient wood (largely lost to housing) on a plateau and steep valley side. The main tree species are Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), with some Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and Wild Cherry (Prunus avium). The flora is particularly species-rich and noted for its Giant Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia), Goldilocks Buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus) - rare in south-east Essex and Soft Shield-fern (Polystichum setiferum). Ancient woodland plants include Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus), Sanicle (Sanicula europaea), Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa), Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola), Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) and Wood Melick (Melica uniflora). The recent woodland directly adjoining Coombe Wood to the south-west and north-west is chiefly composed of Pedunculate Oak and Ash with a Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) shrub layer. The ground flora is at its most diverse near the stream and includes Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina), Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola – a scarce Essex plant, especially in the south-east) Sanicle, Yellow Archangel, Soft Shield-fern, Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula), Bluebell and Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana). Selection Criteria: HCr1(a); HCr2(a) Condition Statement: Largely stable, but under pressure at its boundaries. Management Issues: Further loss to garden encroachment and invasion by Laurel and Mahonia are ongoing problems. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP11 Mount Road Wood (3.8 ha) TQ 785877 This block of recent Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) wood with Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Elder (Sambucus nigra) scrub comprises one of the largest blocks of contiguous ex-plotland habitat left in South Benfleet. Such scrub and rough grassland habitat is of great importance within the modern urban environment as refuges for wildlife that can also infiltrate into modern garden surroundings, bringing people into contact with wildlife, which one of the key features of the Urban Habitats Biodiversity Action Plan. The site lies within Green Belt, separating South Benfleet from Thundersley, and this Belt plays a dual role as a wildlife corridor, linking the open countryside of Thundersley Glen and Shipwrights Wood with the Coombe Wood and Thundersley complex. In particular, it forms a natural and complementary extension to the wood and parkland habitats of Thundersley Glen. The site is notable for a very substantial badger sett, with the whole area forming an important foraging habitat for Badgers. Other notable aspects of the site’s ecology includes the occasional presence of all three British Woodpeckers (including recent breeding records for the scarce Lesser Spotted Woodpecker), breeding Tawny Owl, records for all four native reptiles and a good population of Song Thrush (a BAP species and, along with the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, a bird on the RSPB’s “Red List” of Birds of Nature Conservation Concern). Selection Criteria: HCr2(a); SCr4; SCr11 Condition Statement: Slow decline. The canopy is becoming increasingly tall and uniform, with the ground vegetation prone to trampling as well as dense shading. Management Issues: A large section of the former Site has now been removed on account of conversion to garden space. The remaining wood would benefit from some form of coppicing to diversify the canopy structure. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP12 Vicarage Hill (16.7 ha) TQ 786864 The southerly slope of Vicarage Hill has an extensive area of tall grassland with a scrubby wood summit to the north-west. The summit area supports an acidic-grassland, which is characterised by Common Bent-grass (Agrostis capillaris), Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Crested Dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) and Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella). A grazed horse paddock borders Vicarage Hill road. The small scrubby woodland summit provides an area of additional habitat that supports woodland birds and mammals. The lower slopes comprise taller grassland in which wild rose (Rosa agg.) scrub is becoming locally widespread, although finer grasses such as Sweet Vernal-grass, Yellow Oatgrass (Trisetum flavescens) and Crested Dog's-tail are still frequent. Other typical species include Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia) amongst a varied herb community. Of particular note is the scattered population of Pale Flax (Linum bienne). The site provides an important open link between Benfleet Downs and the Hadleigh Castle complex to the south and the Thundersley Glen corridor, via Boyce Hill golf course, to the north. Selection Criteria: HCr11; SCr15 Condition Statement: Significant decline in the face of scrub encroachment and lack of some grassland management. Management Issues: Rose scrub needs urgent control. Management should take the form of direct removal of scrub plants rather than large-scale flailing of the whole sward. Localised patch cutting of rank grassland would diversify the sward. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP13 Reeds Hill Pasture (1.6 ha) TQ 787863 This small area of grazed grassland ecologically supplements the Vicarage Hill Site (CP12). The site has a species-rich sward that has escaped agricultural improvement and, as such, is a rare habitat type in Essex. Its landform suggests that it is unlikely to have been ploughed within recent history. Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and Crested Dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) are common in a sward that includes several species of Fescue (Festuca sp.) and Bent (Agrostis sp.). A varied mix of herbs includes Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella). Selection Criteria: HCr10 Condition Statement: Stable. Management Issues: It is assumed that periodic grazing maintains the sward in its current condition. This should be maintained. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP14 Thundersley Glen (13.7 ha) TQ 788876 Thundersley Glen occupies part of the site of a former, large ancient Jervis Wood, a small patch of which still remains in the south-west corner, as do several ancient hedges, probably derived from the wildwood. Today the site mainly comprises old to recent secondary woodland, acid grassland and overgrown hedges. The main tree species are Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Field Maple (Acer campestre), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and Birch (Betula spp.) with Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) scrub widespread. A varied ground flora persists, including several ancient woodland plants such as Spurgelaurel (Daphne laureola), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Wood Millet (Milium effusum), Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), Remote Sedge (Carex remota), Spindle-tree (Euonymus europaeus), Hairy St. John’s-wort (Hypericum hirsutum) and Sanicle (Sanicula europaea). Of particular interest is the beetle Agrilus pannonicus, a nationally rare (Red Data Book 2) beetle associated with old Oak trees. This is possibly only the second Essex record, with very few known locations nationally. Butterflies include Ringlet, Purple Hairstreak, Small Heath and Brown Argus. More open areas have an acid grassland sward of Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Common Bent-grass (Agrostis capillaris), Sheep’s Fescue (Festuca ovina), Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and Heath Wood-rush (Luzula multiflora). Several species of unimproved acid grasslands/open woodlands are present, including Betony (Stachys officinalis), Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea), Autumn Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis), Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia). Selection Criteria: HCr1(b); HCr2(a); HCr13; SCr14 Condition Statement: Very slow decline as tall, uniform canopy takes over. Need to maintain open grassland. Management Issues: Thin canopy to improve light regime; dumping of garden waste along south-west boundary. Giant Hogweed near the main pond should be eradicated. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP15 "Jervis Wood Lane" (1.1 ha) TQ 791874 This site represents the ancient lane that formerly formed the southern boundary of the now lost ancient Jervis Wood and a strip of developing recent wood spreading south from the lane. Besides its antiquity, the site's importance lies in its position as a woodland corridor between Thundersley Glen and Shipwrights Wood. The large blocks of secondary woodland to the north of this might ultimately merit inclusion as part of the site, but a lack of information restricts designation at present. They effectively lie within large wooded gardens. There are large standards of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), some Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). The presence of Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis) is of particular note. The lane has an exceptionally rich flora for such a small site, including 15 ancient woodland species. These include Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola), Sanicle (Sanicula europaea), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora), Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) and Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). Selection Criteria: HCr9 Condition Statement: Stable, but suffering from variable amounts of trampling pressure. Management Issues: A balance needs to be struck between providing a surfaced path/bridleway and retaining the native ground flora. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP16 The Chase Paddocks (5.2 ha) TQ 791884 These three paddocks represent a scarce and declining habitat in the county. They are all floristically diverse and include several plants indicative of ancient, unimproved grassland. Typically, the sward comprises Crested Dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) and Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). The central paddock supports Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) in some quality, although rare in Essex and Heath Grass (Danthonia decumbens), a scarce Essex plant, particularly so in the south. The small, unimproved species-rich plot to the north includes herbs such as Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia) and Pepper Saxifrage (Silaum silaus), whilst the eastern field has Heath Grass, Heath Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) and Sneezewort. An area of scrub to the north provides an additional habitat although further scrub invasion will lead to deterioration of the site. Selection Criteria: HCr10 Condition Statement: Stable, although prone to over-grazing. Management Issues: The most important issue is maintaining the correct intensity of horse grazing to maintain the sward in good condition. Future development pressure is likely. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP17 Shipwrights Meadow (1.1 ha) TQ 793872 This species-rich damp meadow has a sward is characterised by an abundance of Common Bent-grass (Agrostis capillaris), Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Crested Dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) and Timothy-grass (Phleum pratense agg.). The diverse flora includes several species of interest, such as Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi), Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia), Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca) and Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). A large number of solitary bees forage on this rich nectar source, although their nesting sites are likely to be some distance away. Also of interest is the population of the spider Argiope bruennichi, a Nationally Scarce (Na) spider with a distinctly southern distribution in Britain and Essex. Selection Criteria: HCr11 Condition Statement: Moderate – summer cutting is a negative impact on invertebrates. Management Issues: Abundant invasive scrub is currently being kept in check by summer hay cutting, although this management is likely to have a negative impact on the invertebrate interest. Scrub control is best achieved by controlling the scrub i.e. with a more significant investment in time and effort to physically remove the offending bushes directly, rather than cutting the whole sward when in full flower. This might then allow a less intensive (and therefore cost-saving) management regime in the future, whilst keeping future scrub encroachment under control. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP18 Shipwrights Wood (12.4 ha) TQ 794871 This site comprises the ancient Shipwrights Wood, an ancient north-eastern arm (formerly part of the now essentially lost Jervis Wood) and a small block of recent secondary woodland that is intimately associated with the ancient stands. Shipwrights Wood is an ancient woodland lying on steep valley slopes and landslips. The canopy comprises mainly Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), with lesser amounts of Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Birch (Betula spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Field Maple (Acer campestre) and Aspen (Populus tremula). The shrub and ground flora layers are equally varied, including a good range of ancient woodland plants, with Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) abundant, along with Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina), Remote Sedge (Carex remota), Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora), Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), Early Dog-violet (Viola reichenbachiana) and Sanicle (Sanicula europaea). Swampy areas support Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula) and Giant Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia). The recent woodland in the north-western section forms a natural extension to the ancient wood canopy. The western section comprises a dense stand of Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), with occasional Pedunculate Oak, Ash and Birch. The eastern section is a more mature wood of Ash and Oak, with some Hornbeam and a varied shrub layer that includes Hazel, Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) and Hawthorn. The unusually swampy ground conditions support Giant Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia) and Pendulous Sedge in abundance, with Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria), Sanicle and Bluebell amongst a varied flora that includes many ancient woodland indicators colonising from Shipwrights Wood itself. Selection Criteria: HCr1(a); HCr2(a) Condition Statement: Very slow decline? Canopy structure is becoming rather uniform and tall. Management Issues: Recent woodland section could be coppiced to diversify canopy structure. eradicating before it becomes widespread on the light soils. Laurel needs Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP19 The Lake, Canvey Island (4.4 ha) TQ 795841 This site supports the largest pure stand of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) in the borough and is also the largest body of essentially open body of water in Castle Point. Whilst the site does suffer from urban pressures (water pollution, litter and trampling) it is large enough to buffer such pressures and provide refuge for birds such as Heron and Reed Warbler. Its invertebrate life has not been studied in detail, but could well be important for Reed-dependent invertebrates. The nationally rare Scarce Emerald Damselfly (Lestes dryas) is known to occur here. A large population of aquatic crustacea thrive in the slightly brackish waters, which feed a large number of fish, which will in turn attract birds such as Heron and Cormorant. As a Public Open Space, the site provides a local focal point for informal recreation for much of the population of Canvey Island and, as such, has an important role to play in environmental education and drawing wildlife into an essentially urban environment. Selection Criteria: HCr21 Condition Statement: Inevitably, slowly declining due to natural processes of siltation and succession. Management Issues: The main issues here are those of human control in terms of trampling, litter and other pollution. Dredging parts of this old formerly tidal fleet may be necessary in the long-term, tackling small sections on a cyclical basis. This would help to remove centuries of accumulated silt and also provide a greater diversity of aquatic habitats by providing areas of deeper water. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP20 Coopers Wood (1.3 ha) TQ 795874 This site comprises a small block of mainly recent secondary woodland on the site of the ancient Jervis Wood and a small glade of species-rich unimproved acidic grassland. The woodland canopy is mainly Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and Birch (Betula spp.), with lesser amounts of Aspen (Populus tremula) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium) in the understorey. The varied ground flora includes Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), Giant Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) amongst Bramble (Rubus fruticosus). The grassy glade represents a scarce habitat type in Essex and supports a number of restricted plants as well as good numbers of butterflies and other insects. The glade has abundant Devil's-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), along with Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia), Golden Rod (Solidago virgaurea), Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and Trailing St. John's-wort (Hypericum humifusum). Selection Criteria: HCr2(b); HCr19 Condition Statement: Stable to improving, with recent thinning of the tree canopy. Management Issues: There will need to be ongoing work to ensure the viability of the open acid grassland sward, in the face of scrub woodland encroachment. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP21 Thundersley Great Common Wood (5.0 ha) TQ 796893 This site comprises the woodland that separates the two portions of the Thundersley Great Common SSSI. Some sections of wood are depicted on the 1777 map of Essex produced by Chapman and André, giving rise to the possibility that some parts of this wooded common might effectively be considered to be “ancient”. Such a status would also be supported by the locally abundant Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and the presence of Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense). The great abundance of Holly (Ilex aquifolium) might indicate some sort of wood-pasture origin; a land use that would be in keeping with its status as an old common. The majority of the canopy is dominated by Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) standards, although Birch (Betula spp.) is abundant in more recent woodland invasion over heathland along the northern fringes. The ground flora reflects the acidic, sandy nature of the soil, although it is generally quite poor (another possible indication of former grazing). Typical species include Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia), Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum). The presence of Ribbed Sedge (Carex binervis), a rare species in Essex, is of particular interest as is the presence of a few plants of Heather (Calluna vulgaris) in an open grassy area in the extreme south-west of this site. Selection Criteria: HCr1(b); HCr2(c) Condition Statement: Probably declined over the last few decades. Management Issues: Despite its possibly very old, if not ancient origins, there would be some ecological value in thinning the canopy somewhat to allow for the development of an acid grassland flora that would provide more connectivity between the two sections of the adjacent SSSI. A strip embracing the two northern parallel paths would be an appropriate location for this exercise. The number of Oaks would need quite significant reduction in places. The overgrown Hornbeam coppice could be “stored” i.e. cut to leave a single trunk on each crown as a means of further opening up the very dense canopy. Laurel needs removing before it becomes too well established. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP22 Wall Wood/Nine Acre Wood (6.0 ha) TQ 797867 This was formerly one large expanse of woodland, lying immediately to the south of Benfleet Road and Shipwrights Wood. Wall Wood has almost entirely disappeared under housing, with some fragments remaining in gardens. The canopy comprises mainly Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) with some Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium). One named fragment remains on the Ordnance Survey base maps and is included here. Nine Acre Wood is probably an ancient or at least very old scarp-wood lying at the head of a small valley. The northern boundary is ill-defined, grading into gardens. The canopy throughout the west and central areas is typified by Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), with some Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), although there is a local invasion by Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). The eastern arm is dominated by invasive Elm (Ulmus sp.), with fewer canopy trees and hence a more varied structure. Ancient woodland indicator species are perhaps below average, possibly owing to the unstable nature of the scarp slope providing more difficult conditions. Of particular note amongst the ground flora are the rare Essex fern Soft Shield-fern (Polystichum setiferum) and Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina), along with numerous ancient woodland plants, such as Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula), Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus), Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon). The value of the site is furthered by its close proximity to the SSSI grasslands and other semi-natural habitats to the south. Selection Criteria: HCr1(a); HCr1(b); Hcr2(b) Condition Statement: Moderate: stable or slow decline? Management Issues: Invasion by Sycamore from adjacent land is likely to become a serious issue in the near future. Encroachment of gardens along the northern boundary may also erode the extent of semi-natural vegetation. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP23 Thundersley Plotlands (22.4 ha) TQ 797883 This Site has been identified in order to highlight the value of the last remaining contiguous blocks of old plotland habitat north of Kiln Road in Thundersley. By their very nature they represent a cross-over between old rural gardens and the open countryside and they exemplify the type of habitat targeted by the urban habitats Local BAP, providing a green “oasis” within an increasingly urbanised surroundings. As such the mapping of their boundaries is approximate and any accidental inclusion of more obvious garden space may need rectifying. They ensure that wildlife is still close at hand within east Thundersley as well as helping to provide the last tangible wildlife corridor linking the open spaces of Daws Heath to the east and the Thundersley Glen/Coombe Wood corridor to the west. These areas of plotland habitat are a mosaic of woodland, scrub, paddocks and rough grassland. The woodland is generally dominated by Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), with lesser amounts of Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Birch (Betula spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium). Grassland areas are typified by Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus), Bent-grasses (Agrostis spp.), False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Crested Dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus) and Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), with a good mix of common herbs. Selection Criteria: HCr2(c); HCr6(b); HCr13 Condition Statement: Variable. Periodic clearance of some areas to create pasture reverses succession to woodland but garden conversion has a potential negative impact. Management Issues: Given the evolution of this site from old residential plotland, the distinction between garden and countryside is sometimes subtle and the process of reversing natural succession by clearance and recreation of gardens will be ever-present. More drastic is the pressure to sell of blocks of plots for new housing development. Traditional pasturing should help maintain areas of open grassland. Some coppicing of overgrown Hawthorn scrub would benefit nesting birds and help encourage woodland flora to develop and diversify. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP24 West Wood (33.1 ha) TQ 805882 The northern plateau of this ancient wood supports abundant Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) coppice along with Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) coppice and Silver Birch (Betula pendula), whilst the southern plateau supports a good amount of Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis). Notable plants amongst a varied ground flora include Woodruff (Galium odoratum), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora), Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica), Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima) and Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus). The site is rich in ancient woodland species, including Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Remote Sedge (Carex remota), Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Wood Millet (Milium effusum), Hart’s-tongue Fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium) and Primrose (Primula vulgaris). The Prittle Brook, which separates the two plateaux, provides an additional habitat. A small section of wood here is recent secondary woodland. West Wood is recognised as a nature reserve by Castle Point Borough Council who lease the site. A very small section of the wood lies within the grounds of an adjacent school. Some recent coppicing of the overgrown Hornbeam should increase structural diversity and stimulate ground flora growth. The wood supports a typical assemblage of woodland and grassland ride butterflies, including Purple Hairstreak, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip, Gatekeeper and, less common, the Wall Brown. Selection Criteria: HCr1(a); HCr2(a) Condition Statement: Improving, with recent resumption of coppicing. Management Issues: The dumping of garden waste and encroachment into the wood is becoming an increasing problem where the wood borders residential properties. There are scattered small Laurel bushes, which should be removed before this invasive alien species becomes well established. The recent resumption of coppicing should be continued. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP25 Castle Farm/Hadleigh Castle Grasslands (73.4 ha) TQ 807861 These pastures form a natural extension to the Country Park SSSI grasslands to the west, forming one of the largest non-grazing-marsh grassland sites in the south of the county. The grazing of horses and cattle over most of the site maintains a short to medium height sward that supports a number of scarce plants. The Salvation Army is now considering organic livestock husbandry. Sandpit Hill and Adders Hill support an acid grassland sward comprising Common Bent-grass (Agrostis capillaris), Crested Dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus) and Sheep’s Sorrel. The grassland around the ruined castle is particularly species-rich, with several scarce Essex species including Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia), Corn Parsley (Petroselinum segetum), Pale Flax (Linum bienne), Pepper Saxifrage (Silaum silaus) and Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). Within the matrix of these grasslands are a number of ponds and reservoirs which, along with the small groves of trees, hedgelines and ditch-line watercourses, add significantly to the habitat diversity and also landscape quality of this site. Some of the larger hedges support an ancient woodland flora that includes Wood Millet (Milium effusum), Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis), Giant Fescue (Festuca gigantea) and Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula). The invertebrate fauna has been only briefly sampled, but several species of note have already been recorded, such as the solitary wasp Mimesa equestris (a new county record in 2002), the Red Data Book wasp Philanthus triangulum, the Nationally Scarce hoverfly Volucella zonaria, the rare Essex hoverfly Cheilosia griseiventris and the uncommon Great Green Bush-cricket (Tettigonia viridissima). The sandy summit of Sandpit Hill should prove to be of great interest for solitary bees and wasps. Selection Criteria: HCr10; HCr11; SCr15 Condition Statement: Good, stable Management Issues: Maintenance of appropriate grazing levels will be of critical importance in maintaining the value of this site. Localised visitor pressure trampling around the castle may have a localised impact. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP26 Cottage Plantation and Rag Wood (6.7 ha) TQ 807886 Cottage Plantation is a very old, if not strictly ancient wood. The canopy is dominated by maturing and overgrown Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) coppice (possibly anciently planted and the source for the site name of “plantation”), with some Oak (Quercus sp.) standards. Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa), Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora) and Wood-spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides) are present amongst the ground flora, which is generally dominated by Bramble (Rubus fruticosus). Some coppicing is still in evidence. Rag Wood, to the south-west of Cottage Plantation, is an area of recent Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), which is of particular value in linking Cottage Plantation and West Wood in the south into one ecological unit. Selection Criteria: HCr2(a) Condition Statement: Good, but prone to decline if coppicing is not maintained. Management Issues: maintenance of coppice regime will be important. Some areas are now ready for harvesting. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP28 Little Haven Complex/Tile Wood (48.6 ha) TQ 812892 This large nature reserve comprises a mosaic of ancient woodlands, hedgerows, hay meadows and rough grassland. The majority comprises a reserve leased from the Little Haven hospice, whilst Tile Wood East is a reserve under a separate lease agreement. It will, however, effectively be managed as part of the same reserve complex. The key sections are: Starvelarks Wood: probably at least in part derived from an ancient woodland site, although it is documented as an old plantation. The wood contains a rich flora of ancient woodland species including Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora), Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa), Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica), Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and Yellow Archangel (Galeobdolon luteum). The canopy is dominated by Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), with lesser amounts of Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Alder (Alnus glutinosa) as a stand of Plateau Alderwood, a scarce woodland type. Tile Wood West: although not clearly documented as an ancient wood this site has nonetheless been wooded for some time, being apparently a plantation on the site of the ancient Tilehurst Wood. This wood contains the largest area of Plateau Alderwood (a scarce woodland type) in south Essex, whilst the remainder of the canopy comprises Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) over Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), with scattered Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Hazel (Corylus avellana). The flora is rich in ancient woodland species, including Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula), Remote Sedge (Carex remota), Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora), Wood Millet (Milium effusum) and Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella). Other characteristic species include Creeping Soft-grass (Holcus mollis) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus). Tile Wood East: This is one of the earliest woods to have been recorded in south-east Essex, being mentioned in Anglo-Saxon times. Despite this it is no more species-rich than Tile Wood West, and with a markedly different canopy composition. The tree species are predominately Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), with some Wild Service (Sorbus torminalis). The flora is particularly rich in ancient woodland plants, including Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora), Wood Millet (Milium effusum), Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Hairy wood-rush (Luzula pilosa). The population of wood-ants is also notable. Hay Meadows: The grasslands of the reserve have been derived from agriculturally improved swards, although the flora is gradually diversifying under less intensive management and some re-seeding. One of the best fields lies at the western end of the reserve. It comprises a small triangular meadow and the north western section of the immediately adjacent meadow (the remainder being lost to the hospice buildings), both plots being relatively unimproved grassland. The triangular meadow has a flora typified by Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus), Common Bent-grass (Agrostis capillaris) and Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra). Less frequent species include Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre), Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus) and Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.). The section of meadow to the north has a diverse grass sward characterised by Meadow Foxtail, Sweet Vernal Grass, Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Bent-grasses (Agrostis spp.), Yorkshire Fog and a variety of typical grassland herbs. The rare fungus Boletus versicolor has been recorded from this field. The remainder of the meadows are typified by an abundance of Yorkshire Fog, Rough Meadow-grass (Poa trivialis), Common Bent-grass, False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Timothy-grass (Phleum pratense) and Meadow Foxtail. Corky-fruited Water-dropwort (Oenanthe pimpinelloides) has been introduced to one field and is now seemingly spreading to others. It is a rare plant in Essex. Selection Criteria: HCr1(a); HCr1(b); HCr2(d); HCr9(a); HCr13 Condition Statement: Moderate to good. There is a need to continue current coppicing within the woodland to maintain habitat diversity. A more varied grassland management regime, other than extensive hay cropping may benefit invertebrate populations. Management Issues: Management should aim to enhance structural diversity in the woodlands, maintain hedgerows as important connections between these woods and manage the grasslands to provide a diversity of sward conditions. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP29 Two Tree Island Lagoon (3.0 ha) TQ 813849 This small lagoon, formed by the flooding of land enclosed within old sea walls, is of importance as a quiet water/marsh roosting and resting site for wildfowl and waders adjacent to the Benfleet and Southend Marshes SSSI. In recent years it has been the location of breeding Avocet, a special protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In ecological terms it is undoubtedly associated with more classic saline lagoons that are identified as a national and local BAP habitat. Selection Criteria: HCr28; SCr11 Condition Statement: Good. Management Issues: Control of public access and criminal activity during the Avocet breeding season is the most critical consideration. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP30 Coxall Wood (0.8 ha) TQ 816881 The remaining fragment of a once larger ancient wood, Coxall Wood has a canopy of Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) with a ground flora very similar to that of Dodd's Grove, including Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Creeping Bent-grass (Holcus mollis), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora) and Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea). Prittle Brook, which runs through the woods, adds further interest, whilst its own intrinsic conservation value is increased in the context of the wood forming an ecological extension of the Great Wood/Dodd's Grove SSSI. Selection Criteria: HCr1(a) Condition Statement: Stable. No current access to site. Management Issues: Maintain status quo. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP31 Pound Wood (22.5 ha) TQ 820887 This Site largely comprises an Essex Wildlife Trust reserve, being largely ancient wood with a section of old, though technically "recent" wood to the south-west. A second small triangle of recent wood is not included within the Wildlife Trust reserve but effectively now forms part of the woodland complex. The ground flora is particularly rich for a south-east Essex wood, including Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa), Remote Sedge (Carex remota) and Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides). The tree species are mainly Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). The site is notable, also, for the abundance of wood Ants (Formica rufa). The small triangle of wood to the north-east lies outside the ownership of the Essex Wildlife Trust and is not ancient in origin. The canopy is dominated by Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) with some Hornbeam, Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Field Maple (Acer campestre). Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) form a dense understorey, particularly to the east. The ground flora is varied and acquiring many characteristic ancient woodland species. Selection Criteria: HCr1(a); HCr2(a); SCr12 Condition Statement: Good, improving with maintenance of coppice regime. Management Issues: Maintain coppice cycle that is vital for the growth of Common Cow-wheat, which is the larval food plant of the Heath Fritillary butterfly. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP33 Oakwood Reservoirs (5.8 ha) TQ 823883 The species-rich mown grassland around the covered reservoirs exhibit a variety of habitat types, including significant areas of essentially unimproved acid grassland. The grassland comprises a mixture of Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella), Field Club-rush (Luzula campestris) and Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare). Notable plant species include Green-winged Orchid (Orchis morio) - rare in Essex and declining due to habitat destruction - along with Milkwort (Polygala sp., possibly Heath Milkwort, P. serpyllifolia), Trailing St. John's-wort (Hypericum humifusum), Heath Grass (Danthonia decumbens) and, most notably, Blinks (Montia fontana). The south-eastern corner of the site comprises the site of a former covered reservoir and now supports a tall herb vegetation, with Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and scattered conifers. This part of the site provides additional habitat variety in the form of scrub and tree cover, although no species of note have been recorded here. Selection Criteria: HCr10; SCr15 Condition Statement: Moderate to good. Previous problems with the mowing regime around the reservoir banks has impacted upon the quality of the sward in places. Management Issues: Establishing an appropriate mowing regime across the site is of primary importance. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP34 Belfairs Park Wood (15.8 ha) TQ 826879 Part of the Belfairs Park and golf course, this ancient wood retains a considerable general wildlife interest. The main block of woodland has been bisected by a number of fairways, tees and greens that, in their current close-mown condition, are of no particular wildlife value and are excluded from the Site. There has been some recent coppice management, which should improve the structural diversity and hence wildlife value of the wood. The tree canopy is dominated by Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and Oak (Quercus spp.) with, locally, Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis), Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa). Despite the heavy recreation pressure exerted upon the wood, the ground flora remains rich, with many ancient woodland species, such as Remote Sedge (Carex remota), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Wood Melick (Melica uniflora), Common Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides), Wood Millet (Milium effusum), Primrose (Primula vulgaris) and Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa). The presence of Broadleaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) is of particular note. Grassier, open areas have a flora indicative of the light, acid sandy soils, typified by Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile), Betony (Stachys officinalis) and Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia). Selection Criteria: HCr1(a) Condition Statement: Moderate to poor Management Issues: Extremely heavy trampling pressure is limiting the growth of ground flora in places. The very tall, dense and uniform canopy is also inhibiting the ground flora. Thinning of Oak standards should be a high priority. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey® 1:10 000 scale map by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Licence number AL 100020327 CP35 Thorneycreek Fleet (1.4 ha) TQ 792827 This Site supports a significant bed of Common Reed (Phragmites australis), along with associated birds such as Reed and Sedge Warbler. Adjacent to Thorney Bay Road, a small section of rough grassland is included within the Site as a transitional area where Reed is spreading. This rough grassland may also support reptiles, but this is in need of further investigation. However, at least three species of reptile have been recorded in the immediate vicinity, prior to the construction of the Magnolia Close/Jasmine Close housing areas. It is not known to what extent these populations remain on site. Selection Criteria: HCr21 Condition Statement: Good. Management Issues: The main issues will be the control of the water table and the prevention of human access and the prevention of fires.