University of Winchester BAP Update 2016

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016 The University of Winchester

Sarah Jackson January 2017

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Acknowledgements Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd were contracted by Liz Harris, The University of Winchester to deliver this work. The author would like to thank Liz Harris for arranging and allowing access to conduct the survey work.

Publication Details This document should be cited as: Jackson, S. (2017) Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016.

The University of Winchester. Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd, Curdridge.

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Maps reproduced under Ordnance Survey licence no. 100015632 with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright 2016. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.

Front Cover: Allotments at Holm Lodge by Sarah Jackson Published by: Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd. Beechcroft House Vicarage Lane Curdridge Hampshire SO32 2DP A company Ltd by guarantee & registered in England No. 10033962.

All assessments and recommendations provided are based on the information available to Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd (Arcadian Ecology), and Arcadian Ecology endeavours to ensure all advice is accurate and appropriate at the time of publication. However, it is the sole responsibility of the recipient to ensure that any actions they take are both legally and contractually compliant, and Arcadian Ecology does not accept responsibility or liability for any losses incurred or arising from the advice we provide.

No part of this document may be reproduced without permission. Information contained in this report is intended for The University of Winchester. Records of protected and notable species may be forwarded to relevant recording organisations with site names removed. All other information in this report should not be passed on to any third party without the express permission of The University of Winchester and Arcadian Ecology. For information on how to obtain further copies of this document and accompanying data please contact Arcadian Ecology: arcadian@hiwwt.org.uk.

Document Control Version

Author name

Date

Signed off by

Date

Draft

Sarah Jackson

08.11.2016

Deborah Whitfield

09.11.2016

Draft V2

Sarah Jackson

17.11.2016

Deborah Whitfield Liz Harris

17.11.2016 16.01.2017

Final

Sarah Jackson

17.01.2017

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Executive Summary The University of Winchester commissioned Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd to undertake a review of their existing Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), and to update the plan following a biodiversity assessment of its grounds at King Alfred Campus, West Downs Campus and Bar End Sports Field, and fauna surveys.

An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken over 2 days to identify the key habitat types, the potential species they could support and to review progress towards actions in the current BAP. King Alfred Campus, West Downs and Bar End Sports Field are all primarily areas of amenity grassland, but are interspersed with habitats of higher ecological value such as wildflower meadows, hedgerows, scattered trees and ponds.

Fauna surveys, comprising a breeding bird survey, bat activity surveys and small mammal trapping were carried out to compliment the Phase 1 survey and provide additional species information for the site.

The information gathered during surveys was used to create updated action tables for the individual campuses, and those to be implemented across the University.

Some actions are enhancing features that have already been created to benefit biodiversity such as the maintenance of the green roof and filling in the gaps in the green wall; while others are new ideas for example the creation of a wildlife pond in the cosmic garden at West Downs.

By implementing the actions of the BAP the University will enhance the biodiversity of the campus as part of the University Environment Strategy and create student and staff engagement opportunities through survey and practical tasks implemented through The Student Union Environmental Society (EnvSoc).

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Table of Contents 1.

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1

1.1.

1.2.

1.3.

2.

Background ............................................................................................................................. 1 Site Description....................................................................................................................... 1 Remit and Scope of the Report .............................................................................................. 1

BIODIVERSITY AND LEGISLATION .......................................................................... 2

2.1.

2.2.

2.3.

3.

Value of Biodiversity ............................................................................................................... 2 Planning & Biodiversity ........................................................................................................... 4 Legal context for Protection of Biodiversity ............................................................................ 5

REVIEW OF PROGRESS ............................................................................................ 7

3.1.

3.2.

3.3.

3.4.

4.

King Alfred Campus ................................................................................................................ 7 West Downs ............................................................................................................................ 8 Bar End Sports Field............................................................................................................... 9 Campus Wide Actions ............................................................................................................ 9

CURRENT STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY .................................................................. 10

4.1.

4.1.1.

4.1.2.

4.2.

4.2.1.

4.2.2.

5.

Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 10 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...................................................................................................... 10 Fauna Surveys .................................................................................................................... 10 Results .................................................................................................................................. 12 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...................................................................................................... 12 Fauna Surveys .................................................................................................................... 13

ACTION TABLE ........................................................................................................ 15

5.1.

5.2.

5.3.

5.4.

6.

King Alfred Campus: Action Table and Map......................................................................... 16 West Downs: Action Table and Map .................................................................................... 22 Bar End Sports Field: Action Table and Map ....................................................................... 25 Wider Campus: Action Table and Map ................................................................................. 26

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 28

MAPS Map 1: Map 2:

Campus Locations Small Mammal Trap Locations

APPENDICES Appendix 1: Appendix 2:

Botanical species list compiled during Phase 1 habitat survey with a qualitative measure of abundance based on DAFOR scale Bat Friendly Plants

GLOSSARY

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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1.

Background

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd (Arcadian Ecology) were appointed by The University of Winchester to undertake a review of the existing Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), and to update the plan following a biodiversity assessment of its grounds at King Alfred Campus, West Downs Campus and Bar End Sports Field, and fauna surveys including bats, birds and small mammals.

1.2.

Site Description

The University of Winchester is situated in the heart of the city. It comprises two campuses: King Alfred Campus (SU 4714 2919) and West Downs Campus (SU 4684 2947); and the University sports field at Bar End (SU 4906 2862), and covers approximately 15.4 hectares (Map 1).

The campuses comprise a range of habitats including amenity grassland, rough grassland, wildflower meadows, formal planting, hedgerows, scattered trees, copse, ponds, buildings, hard standing and infrastructure, in an urban setting.

1.3.

Remit and Scope of the Report

This report will assess the University’s progress towards the existing Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), and its current ecological status, and make recommendations on how to improve the biodiversity of the University grounds through an updated BAP.

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2. BIODIVERSITY AND LEGISLATION 2.1.

Value of Biodiversity

The State of Nature report 2013 identifies the biodiversity losses the UK has suffered, with over 60% of species having declined in the last 50 years (Burns et al. 2013). The latest State of Nature report, published in 2016, further highlights the declines with 56% of species having declined between 1970 and 2013; 40% of which demonstrated a strong or moderate decline (Hayhow et al. 2016). This is significant not just for the species and the functioning of the environment, but for the human health, well-being and the economic sustainability of the UK. The economic value of biodiversity has been brought in to focus through ecosystem services. They identify the importance of biodiversity not only for the production of food, fuel etc, but also for the health and well-being of the population.

Ecosystem services are fundamental to understanding the value of ecosystems and their components: water, soil, nutrients and organisms; and how these natural resources are utilised and managed for sustainable development with long-term benefits.

They can be classified in to 4 key services (Ecosystem Services 2013): Supporting services: Key services for the production of all our services such as photosynthesis, soil formation and water cycling Provisioning services: Products sourced from ecosystems including fuel, food, fresh water and pharmaceuticals Regulating services: Benefits gained from regulation of ecosystem processes such as climate regulation, disease regulation, pollination and water regulation Cultural services: Non-material enhancements people gain from ecosystems which include recreational experiences, spiritual enrichment and cognitive development www.ecosystemservices.org.uk Biodiversity and the environment are underfunded, under-valued and not invested in. In the financial year 2010-11, the public sector spending on UK biodiversity was £458.9 million, which is 0.031% of the GDP (DEFRA 2012). There has been a slight decrease in this spending 2014-15 to £452 million, equivalent to £3 in every £10,000 of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Whilst this is a short term decrease there has been an overall long-term (since 2000-01) increase in spending on biodiversity in the UK (Figure 1). However, this figure is not reflective of the economic importance of biodiversity.

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Figure 1. Expenditure on biodiversity in the UK, 2000-01 to 2014-15 (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4251)

Green spaces and contact with nature also provide a number of health and well-being benefits.

Winchester comprises a number of “green� tourism destinations such as the South Downs Way and Farley Mount country park that provide a number of benefits to users. For example, the South Downs National Park visitor survey (environmental element) discovered that the top 3 visitor activities for nature conservation and built heritage sites were: 1. learning and education; 2. walking; 3. wildlife watching and photography; Education and health benefits were listed as the top 2 positive impacts of visiting these sites (Acorn 2012). The sense of well-being and health is a key component of ecosystem services under cultural services.

The Every Child Outdoors report identified the positive impacts that contact with nature has on young people’s education, health and well-being, and personal and social skills, creating more responsible citizens. Children who connected with nature were also more likely to be interested in the environment and take part in nature-based activities (RSPB 2010).

Citizen science plays a key role in the recording and understanding of UK wildlife. With over 70,000 species of plant, animal and fungi currently found in the UK, it is essential for monitoring how species are responding to the ecological pressures currently faced in the UK. There are currently over 200 voluntary wildlife recording initiatives in the UK, recording 4.5 million wildlife observations annually (Hayhow et al. 2016). In Hampshire there are a number of specialist recording groups such as Hampshire mammal group, Hampshire bat group and Hampshire fungus recording group, as well as

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opportunities to submit data particularly with the promotion of online recording systems such as Living Record.

2.2.

Planning & Biodiversity

Biodiversity is a key consideration in local decision making. Newly built and renovation plans for buildings within The University of Winchester should take the following into consideration.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s requirements for the planning system and the development of local and neighbourhood plans. It sets out the purpose of the planning system; to achieve sustainable development through 3 key areas; economic, social and environmental. The environmental strand includes the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and improving biodiversity.

The NPPF highlights key points for consideration in relation to green space and biodiversity: - the promotion of healthy communities requiring access to high quality open spaces including the ability to designate land as Local Green Space; - the protection of green belt land to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment, prevent neighbouring towns merging, preserve the setting and character of historic towns, assist in urban regeneration and to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; and - conserving and enhancing the natural environment through protection of valued landscapes, recognition of the benefits of ecosystem services, minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains where possible.

Natural Environment White Paper (The Natural Choice: Securing the value of nature) provides a ‘clear framework for protecting and enhancing the things that nature gives us for free’ (www.gov.uk).

Published in 2011, it outlines the Governments vision for the natural environment over the next 50 years and links with the National Ecosystem Assessment (UK NEA 2011) and Making Space for Nature (Saltmarsh, N. 2011).

Key measures in the White paper include: 

Reconnecting Nature - Nature Improvement Areas - Biodiversity offsetting - New local nature partnerships - Phasing out use of natural peat



Connecting people and nature for better quality of life - Green areas designation - Green spaces - More children experiencing nature by learning outdoors - Strengthening local public health activities - New environmental volunteering initiative “Muck in 4 life”



Capturing and improving the value of nature - natural capital committee - an annual statement of green accounts for UK Plc - a business-led task force

Green Infrastructure is the planning and delivery of a network of high quality green spaces and other environmental spaces at the strategic level which support the well-being of local communities. The areas should be publicly accessible and multi-functional.

Winchester undertook a Green Infrastructure (GI) Study in 2010 to identify local assets and provide a locally distinctive definition of Green Infrastructure in support of policies in the Local Plan. For the district, GI encompasses the natural and semi-natural areas within and between settlements which benefit health and well-being, support sustainable travel, green tourism and adaptation to climate change (Enfusion 2010).

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Making Space for Nature (Lawton review) was a review of England’s wildlife sites and ecological network submitted to DEFRA by Sir John Lawton in 2010. The review introduced the concept of “More, bigger, better and joined” Two key elements to the review were rebuilding nature and establishing an ecological network, with key factors identified to achieving them.

Rebuilding nature Five key approaches:  Improve quality of current sites through better habitat management  Increase the size of current wildlife sites  Enhance connections between sites via corridors or stepping stones  Create new sites  Improve the wider environment to reduce pressure on wildlife, including the buffering of wildlife sites Establishing a coherent and resilient ecological network This should be underpinned by 3 key objectives:  to restore appropriate species and habitats  to restore and secure the long-term sustainability of ecological and physical processes (enhancing the ability to deliver ecosystem services)  provide access natural environments rich in wildlife for all (Lawton, J. 2010) The England Biodiversity Strategy 2020 identifies how international and EU commitments are being implemented, setting out the strategic direction for biodiversity policy on land and at sea. Its mission is ‘to halt overall biodiversity loss, support healthy well-functioning ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks, with more and better places for nature for the benefit of wildlife and people.’

(DEFRA 2011c) Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) are the regional priority areas of opportunity for restoration and creation of Biodiversity Action Plan habitats (SEB Strategy 2013), which is undertaken on a landscape-scale enabling the development of ecological networks. There are 12 partially or entirely in the Winchester district boundary, three of which are less than 500 metres from the University of Winchester campuses: Bere Ashley, Itchen Valley, and South Downs: St Catherine’s Hill to Beacon Hill.

Living Landscapes is a Wildlife Trust initiative to restore, recreate and reconnect isolated habitats to make the whole landscape more wildlife-friendly. There are four partial or entire living landscape areas in the Winchester district, two of which are within 500 metres of the University of Winchester campuses: Itchen Valley and South Downs.

2.3.

Legal context for Protection of Biodiversity

European Directives The University of Winchester has one site designated for its international and European conservation importance less than 500 metres from Bar End Sports Field and under 1km from King Alfred campus, the River Itchen SAC. European designated sites are the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection areas (SPA) and Ramsar sites (areas of international wetland importance). Together, these are known as ‘Natura 2000’ sites and are protected by European legislation. These directives all have implications for local decision making and special care must be taken to ensure decisions and plans do not adversely impact on these European sites, the species or features for which they have been designated.

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Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the ‘Habitats Directive’) and Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the ‘Birds Directive’); These directives provide for the protection of European species and the habitats that support them including their habitats outside the designated areas.

Directive 92/43/EEC (the Water Framework Directive); This requires member states to achieve stated targets for the protection and improvement of inland and coastal waters. The directive identifies 30 measures to assess and classify waterbodies, which includes their ecological status.

The habitat and water quality for the River Itchen has been assessed as part of a chalk rivers assessment. There is considerable variation in the quality of river habitat from very high to very poor along its length due to the influence of surrounding habitat use on the river system, however the biological water quality of the River Itchen is predominantly very good along its length with one area graded as good at the upper most reaches (EA 2004).

(Note: Full information on these directives can be found on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) website.)

This legislation is translated into UK law by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (commonly known as ‘The Habitats Regulations’).

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 Where impacts cannot be avoided or satisfactorily reduced/mitigated, the competent authority will need to ascertain that the plan or project will not have a negative impact on the designated site populations, which would otherwise constitute an adverse effect on the integrity of the international site as a whole. *Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the ‘Habitats Directive’); and Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the ‘Birds Directive’).

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 requires every local authority to have regard to conserving biodiversity in the execution of their functions. Section 41 of the act lists 65 priority habitats and 1150 priority species, all of which are identified on the ‘UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework’ which succeeded the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, which should be taken into consideration by local authorities when implementing their duty under the NERC Act.

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3. REVIEW OF PROGRESS The University of Winchester Biodiversity Action Plan was written in 2012. The following sections detail the progress towards the actions following meetings and a site visit in July 2016.

3.1.

King Alfred Campus OBJECTIVE

ACTION

OUTCOME

Maintain green roofs

Develop suitable sustainable watering regime

Productive green roof providing additional space for wildlife

Enhance green wall

Plant in spaces on green wall

Create a walled garden

Plant fruit trees along north and west wall of Holm lodge

Create allotments for staff

Create an orchard

Create plots e.g. raised beds at Holm lodge for use by staff

Plant native fruit trees to create a small orchard area to south of Medecroft

Food source and shelter for invertebrates and birds Food source for invertebrates and birds.

Fruit can be used by catering team Engagement with nature for staff Food source for invertebrates Food source for invertebrates especially bees and birds.

Fruit can be used by catering team Insight in to natural world, foster appreciation of biodiversity actions

Student and staff engagement

Install cameras in bird boxes with web link

Create native chalk grassland

On steep slopes create areas of chalk grassland

Native habitat inkeeping with local area

Installation of bat and bird boxes in trees and on buildings

Increased roosting provision for bats and birds

PROGRESS (2016) Complete. Some additional planting may be required to fill in gaps Doing well, but still some gaps Apple trees and other fruit trees present in garden and fruiting Renovated in 2015 to create more robust plots and extend area Being used by staff and students Rose garden created Plans to create a ‘fruit loop’ – walk around campus with fruit and nut trees Bird box installed at cottage with camera in 2016 No progress

Provision of more space for animals Provision of log piles and rough grassland area to south of greenhouse

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More shelter and space for amphibians and reptiles, and invertebrates such as stag beetles

Potential site south of Alwyn Hall has been identified Bird boxes installed, one bat box on building and three bat boxes on trees in 2016 Peregrine box also installed Stag beetle and invertebrate log piles created in wildflower / pond area Log pile also present at Holm Lodge

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Create a wildlife pond

Enhance composting

3.2.

Dig a pond to south of new halls

Plant bed of Comfrey to south of St Elizabeths Hall

Increased habitat for amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and damselflies

Quality of compost enhanced by the addition of Comfrey

No pond at this location, however, wildlife ponds in wildlife area at KAC and by allotments at Holm Lodge Ornamental pond on KAC – attracting damselfly , small newts and frogspawn No progress – not enough space

West Downs Campus OBJECTIVE

ACTION

OUTCOME

Develop understorey amongst boundary trees

Prune trees to allow more light to reach ground and understorey to develop

Increased diversity of habitats

Creation of a sensory garden

Enhance wildflower meadow

Create space for wildlife

Planting of fragrant and colourful herbs and wildflowers in ‘Cosmic garden’

Suitable cutting regime to enhance species diversity and ensure one species does not become dominant

Food plants for invertebrates including butterflies and bees Relaxing area for staff and students

Food source for invertebrates, birds and mammals Species diversity of plant sward

Plant native species hedge with understorey along eastern fence

Enhanced links between habitats on site

Provide log piles in area of trees along northern boundary

Shelter and hibernation areas for invertebrates

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PROGRESS (2016) Not really managed except when requested by neighbours Only grass and nettles currently present Planting still ad hoc in cosmic garden. Need co-ordinated approach with all interested parties Suggestion of bog garden for 2017 Plans for planting need to fit with research project (through time) Grass and dock dominated with some other species such as hedge woundwort and yarrow, but more variety recommended New planting/border put on slope in shape of a person during review period Hedgerow includes hawthorn, blackthorn and bramble Understorey still not present No access but informed they are present during initial meeting

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3.3.

Increased food sources for butterflies

Install bat boxes in suitable trees

Roosting provision for bats

Established butterfly garden attracting bees and butterflies Stag beetle piles in butterfly garden Two bat boxes on trees installed in 2016

Bar End Sports Field OBJECTIVE

Maintain ephemeral pools Create space for wildlife

Develop native species hedgerow

3.4.

Create a butterfly garden in area to west of West Downs workshop

ACTION

OUTCOME

Maintain pools to allow smaller, pioneer species to grow Install bat boxes in suitable trees

Variety of habitat types for a range of invertebrates Roosting provision for bats

Plant more native species in gaps and understorey vegetation

Food source and nesting habitat for birds Food source for invertebrates

PROGRESS (2016) Mowing to retain short and long areas of vegetation No bat boxes present Intact, dense, species diverse hedgerow.

Few gaps present but appear to be filling in as saplings grow Flowers and fruit present

Campus Wide Actions OBJECTIVE

ACTION

OUTCOME

PROGRESS (2016)

Increase interpretation

Create boards with info and/or QR code to link to website with info and audio files

Increased awareness of natural environment and biodiversity issues

Panels present in wildflower areas

Enhance hedges

Create more species diverse hedges

Create nature trail

Identify key areas to create nature and historical landscape trail for staff and students Link with interpretation

Recycling waste from kitchens

Increase knowledge of species found on campus

Compost waste (where safe and possible) from kitchens e.g. coffee grounds

Increased food sources for invertebrates and birds Increased awareness of natural environment and biodiversity issues Highlight work of University for biodiversity and the environment

Reduced waste and costs

Increased awareness of natural environment Hold a BioBlitz

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Engagement with staff, students and local community

Native species hedges present across campus

Plans to create a ‘fruit loop’ – walk around campus with fruit and nut trees

Kitchen waste bins rolled out to departmental kitchens Coffee grounds being used Species surveys being undertaken as part of BAP update 2016 Creation of EnvSoc for 2016-17 academic year

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4. CURRENT STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY The current status of biodiversity at The University of Winchester has been assessed through undertaking a series of botanical and fauna surveys, to establish the habitats and species present on the site.

Whilst these methods will not capture everything present, they will give an indication of the current biodiversity interest of the University, and highlight areas for improvement for inclusion in the action plan.

4.1.

Methodology

4.1.1. Phase 1 Habitat Survey The extended Phase 1 habitat survey was conducted on 6th and 7th July 2016 by Sarah Jackson (MCIEEM) and Laura Goble of Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) methodology for Phase 1 habitat survey was followed (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2010). A walkover survey of the site was undertaken, with areas classified and mapped using a standard set of colours on a Phase 1 Habitat Map to indicate the habitat types present. For each different habitat type a species list was compiled, with particular reference to protected, notable or BAP species; this list will not give every species found on the site, but will give a representation of the diversity, significance, and dominance of plant species found within each habitat type. The location of descriptions relating to specific areas and features of interest or note were annotated on the Phase 1 Habitat Map using Target Notes.

Plant nomenclature in this report follows Rose (1989; 2006) for native and naturalised species of vascular plant. Plant names in the text are given with the common names first, followed by the scientific name in italics. Where there is a degree of doubt in the identification of a plant, ‘cf.’ precedes the specific epithet to signify the plant is very probably the species indicated, but it was not possible to distinguish it from similar members of the genus with certainty.

4.1.2. Fauna Surveys Full details of survey methodologies are included in the individual species survey reports.

Birds Two breeding bird surveys, over three visits, of The University of Winchester’s West Downs Campus, King Alfred Campus and Bar End Sports Field, were undertaken by Sarah Jackson of Arcadian Ecology, on 20th May, 19th June and 21st June 2016.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) breeding bird survey methodology was followed. Transects were created for each campus, with each transect divided into approximately 200 metre sections.

The surveyor slowly but continuously walks along each transect to minimise counting birds more than once.

The BTO breeding bird survey field recording sheets were used to record birds heard or seen within distance bands of 25 metres, 25 to 100 metres and more than 100 metres. If a bird was seen in flight only, it was marked using an arrow on the recording form. The standard two-letter BTO species codes were used for the survey.

The visits were conducted within the recommended guidance of early April to mid-May for the early visit and mid-May to late June for the late visit; within the recommended time period, to start between 6am and 7am and no later than 9am, and during suitable weather condition (not heavy persistent rain, very poor visibility or strong wind).

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Bats Phase 1 Bat Survey The phase 1 bat survey was undertaken by Sarah Jackson (MCIEEM; NE Bat Class Licence (level 2) Number 2015-10695-CLS-CLS) and Laura Goble, of Arcadian Ecology on 8th July 2016.

The phase 1 bat survey was undertaken following best practice guidelines (Collins 2016; MitchellJones 2004; CIEEM 2013). Buildings were inspected using a 1 million candle power torch, binoculars and mirrors. A ladder was used to access loft spaces and accessible features for closer inspection.

Features of interest include lifted/missing tiles, gaps at wall tops, gaps and holes in soffit boxes, gaps under barge boards and weather-boarding and gaps in roof joints. In addition, signs of bats such as droppings, staining and feeding remains were also searched for, as well as looking for the bats themselves.

All buildings were described using a standard recording form, and included descriptions of potential bat entry/exit points and roosting locations. Photographs were taken of buildings, potential features and evidence of bats.

Each building was given a category based on the criteria below, as to the likelihood to support roosting bats: Level of Bat Roosting Potential

Rationale

Negligible

Low

 Building with no or very limited roosting opportunities for bats, no evidence of use by bats and where the feature is isolated from foraging habitat.  Building with a low number of roosting opportunities and with limited connectivity to foraging habitat.  Building has no evidence of current use by bats.  Examples include gaps under facia boards, under roof tiles or under lead flashing in an urban setting.

Medium

 Building with features present that are suitable for roosting bats and with connectivity to foraging habitat.  Building has no evidence of current use by bats.  Examples include cracks in walls and presence of wooden soffit boxes with access points in a suburban/rural setting.

High

 Building with features that are highly suitable for roosting bats and with good connectivity to quality foraging habitat such as woodlands or lakes.  Building has no evidence of current use by bats.  Examples include large uncluttered, draft-free loft spaces with access points or gaps under hanging tiles in a rural setting.

Confirmed roost

 Presence of bats or evidence of use by bats.

Bat Activity Survey Three transects surveys of West Downs and King Alfred campus were led by Sarah Jackson (MCIEEM, NE Bat Class Licence (level 2) Number 2015-10695-CLS-CLS ) of Arcadian Ecology on 16th June, 13th July and 10th August 2016.

Transect surveys identify what bat species are utilising a site, and how. They can also give an indication as to whether bats are roosting on/near to the site. Transect surveys are conducted during the bat active period (April to October), on evenings with no rain, little to no wind and when the temperature is above 8°C.

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The transect survey starts 15 minutes before sunset and continues for 2 to 3 hours, depending on the length of the transect(s) and level of bat activity.

Small Mammal Trapping A small mammal trapping survey at West Downs and King Alfred campus were led by Sarah Jackson of Arcadian Ecology on 11th October 2016.

Forty traps were placed in suitable locations across the two campuses. Traps were placed in pairs at twenty trapping points, ten on each campus, as shown on Map 2.

4.2.

Results

Full results are provided in the individual species and Phase 1 habitat survey reports, but a summary is included here for completeness.

4.2.1. Phase 1 Habitat Survey Habitats There are a range of habitats present at The University of Winchester. The most dominant habitats, amenity grassland and buildings/hard standing, are of limited ecological value, however the areas of wildflowers, hedgerows, ponds and trees create diversity on the campus able to support a range of species.

Protected and Notable Species No protected or notable species were recorded during the Phase 1 habitat survey. However, based on the habitat types and features identified at the site, it is considered that the site has the potential to support common amphibians and common and widespread invertebrates, with limited opportunities for badgers and widespread reptiles.

In addition there are those species/groups identified through the species specific surveys, namely bats and birds.

White helleborine Cephalanthera damasonium was also identified by a local amateur naturalist growing in the grassland in front of St Elizabeth’s Hall in 2016. The species is rare, categorised as Vulnerable on the Vascular Plant Red Data List due to being nationally threatened, and is also a priority species under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (Rand and Mundell 2011). White helleborine is associated with woodlands on well-drained soils on chalk and oolitic limestone where there is little ground cover, and particularly where beech is present, but also extending into chalk scrub; suggesting a developing chalk grassland flora in this area (Online Atlas of the British & Irish Flora).

Conclusion The University of Winchester campuses have a range of habitats, with linked areas of green space within the campus and to the wider landscape offering opportunities for species to move around the landscape. Whilst many of the high ecological value habitats are not extensive, they offer important space for foraging and shelter, particularly for invertebrates, which in turn provides a food source for bats and birds known to be on site.

Further enhancements to the campuses could be made, with more detail included in the biodiversity action tables.

A full species list is provided in Appendix 1.

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

4.2.2. Fauna Surveys Full details of survey results, including maps where appropriate, are included in the individual species reports.

Birds A total of 23 species of bird were recorded across the three campuses over the two surveys, with 20 species recorded on each visit.

Over the two surveys, 423 individuals were recorded, 188 on the early visit and 235 on the late visit.

Table 1 gives a breakdown of species recorded on site, and details of the four protected and/notable species.

Table 1. Bird species recorded at The University of Winchester Common Name

Latin Name

Blackbird

Turdus merula

Blue tit

Cyanistes caeruleus

Carrion crow

Corvus corone

Chiff chaff

Phylloscopus collybita

Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

Dunnock

Prunella modularis

Status

Feral pigeon Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

Great spotted woodpecker

Dendrocopos major

Great tit

Parus major

Herring gull

Larus argentatus

House martin

Delichon urbica

 

Birds of Conservation Concern – Red County Rare

  

Birds of Conservation Concern – Red UK BAP Priority species listed under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006

Birds of Conservation Concern – Red Hampshire BAP Birds of Conservation Concern - Red Birds of Conservation Concern – Amber

House sparrow

Passer domesticus

Magpie

Pica pica

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Nuthatch

Sitta europaea

Pied wagtail

Motacilla alba

Robin

Erithacus rubecula

Song thrush

Turdus philomelos

Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

  

Swift

Apus apus



Wood pigeon

Columba palumbus

Wren

Troglodytes troglodytes

Bats Phase 1 Bat Survey No evidence of current use by bats was found in Masters Lodge, West Downs Centre or Alwyn Hall.

However, there are numerous features on the exterior of the buildings, particularly West Downs Centre, which have the potential to support roosting bats, as detailed in Table 2.

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Table 2. Summary of potential bat features and roost categorisation Building Masters Lodge, West Downs Campus

West Downs Centre

Alwyn Hall

Potential Bat Entry Points    

At wall tops Under tiles Under hanging tiles Under lead flashing

    

Under bargeboard Under hanging tiles Under lead flashing Under tiles Under boarding behind guttering  Around dormer windows (Photograph 3)  Gap between overhanging roof and wall (Photograph 3)    

Under soffit box Under bargeboard Under tiles Gaps at wall tops

Potential Bat Roosting Locations           

Under roof tiles At wall tops In loft space Under lead flashing (Photograph 1) Under hanging tiles (Photograph 2) Under bargeboard Under hanging tiles (Photograph 3) Under lead flashing Under tiles (Photograph 3) Under boarding behind guttering Gaps in brickwork and between wall and wooden ceiling (Photograph 4) in the tower  In loft space – lined with fire retardant membrane covering features and sealing most of loft space except gaps around ventilation pipes (Photograph 5).

Gaps in brickwork.  Under tiles  At wall tops  In loft space (Photograph 6)

Roost Category

Medium

High

Medium

Bat Activity Survey Four species of bat were recorded during the three transect surveys of The University of Winchester’s King Alfred Campus and West Downs Campus. These were common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus, noctule Nyctalus noctula and Serotine Eptesicus serotinus.

Bat Boxes Five bat boxes were installed on 6th October 2016, as detailed in Table 3.

Table 3. Bat box type and location Box Type Schwegler 2FN

Schwegler 1FF

Schwegler 2F Schwegler 2F Schwegler 2F

Location On an alder species in the copse area to the south of Alwyn Hall On beech to east of Elizabeth Hall On holm oak in south west corner of Holm Lodge On sycamore to west of Masters lodge On beech on top of bank in cosmic garden

Target Species Woodland species, particularly noctule Larger box that is big enough to support roosts and nurseries of a number of crevice dwelling species including noctule and pipistrelles Pipistrelle species Pipistrelle species Pipistrelle species

Small Mammal Trapping No small mammals were caught during the survey. Evidence of gnawing on a piece of apple was found in one trap at West Downs.

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

5. ACTION TABLE Based on the results of the extended Phase 1 and fauna surveys suitable actions have been developed that will improve the biodiversity interest of The University of Winchester campus. Actions are focussed on providing a connected space for wildlife at the University in a local context.

Some of the actions listed are already underway; others are potential projects, while others are aspirational, they represent ideal actions given sufficient resources and time. The actions listed represent the current priorities. Priorities will, however, change for many reasons, hence the need for regular review of this BAP. The action tables have been divided into those for King Alfred Campus, West Downs Campus, Bar End Sports Fields and Wider Campus, for those actions that are not location specific.

Each action table is divided into 5 main columns; Objective, Action, Outcome, Targets and Reporting Method. Objectives are the overall aim of undertaking the action, actions are the key activities that need to be undertaken, outcomes are the benefits to biodiversity that will be achieved, the targets are the steps that need to be fulfilled by the end of the stated years, and the reporting method identifies how progress towards the final objective is going to be monitored.

Some targets also include management suggestions on how best to achieve the target, these should be incorporated into the estates management plans for the sites.

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

5.1.

King Alfred Campus: Action Table and Map

OBJECTIVE Maintain green roofs

Maintain wildflower areas

ACTION Maintain suitable sustainable watering and management regime Appropriate management of wildflower areas

by Stripe, KKB and Holm lodge

OUTCOME

1- 2

Productive green roof

Productive wildflower areas Food source and shelter for invertebrates

TARGET (YEARS) 3–5 Flourishing, selfsustaining green roofs

Plant in spaces on green wall

Student and staff engagement

Creation of sensory garden at Queens Road halls

Food source and shelter for invertebrates and birds Food source for invertebrates especially bees and butterflies

Butterfly and bumblebee survey

‘Solid’ green wall

Plant herb and scented plants in beds at Queens Road halls

Area for students to relax and engage with nature

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

REPORTING METHOD Annual biodiversity check

Annual biodiversity check

Areas retained for over-wintering invertebrates and seed source for birds Management: Cut each autumn, but retaining an area of approximately 25% uncut

Enhance green wall

6 – 10

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Annual biodiversity check Annual biodiversity check

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Create practical task list for EnvSoc/staff

Increased engagement and sense of ownership of green spaces on university campus Rolling programme of tasks for EnvSoc

Create native chalk grassland

On steep slopes create areas of chalk grassland e.g. south of Alwyn Hall

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

Native habitat in-keeping with local area

Clear dominant ground flora in copse

Wildlife pond maintenance

Management: Clear sycamore saplings and some ivy to allow woodland flora to develop in copse area

Management: Clearing vegetation in ponds in autumn (max of a quarter to a third at a time) and leave material on bank for at least 24 hours so any wildlife in removed material can get back in to pond if required.

Every 1 to 2 years.

Grassland developing with diverse range of species

Create scrapes to remove grasses and unwanted species Management: Prepare scrapes (either manually or using machinery) removing all nutrientrich topsoil. Collect green hay for strewing from local site

Management: Cut once a year in late summer (after flowering)

17

EnvSoc webpage / Facebook page

Established chalk grassland

Annual biodiversity check Butterfly and bumblebee survey

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Provision of continual food sources for wildlife

Appropriate species planting to habitats and landscape

Connected habitats to aid movement of wildlife through the landscape

Management: Remove pines and sycamore saplings to encourage growth of ground flora.

Provision of more space for wildlife

Monitoring of bat boxes

Increased roosting provision for bats

Installation of swift boxes

Increased nesting provision for swifts

Wildlife sensitive lighting

Bats not dissuaded from using areas due to lighting regime

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

Annual biodiversity check

Encourage growth of native woodland flora in copse to provide Spring flowering species, to link with neighboring native chalk grassland providing summer flowering species Management: If native species of ground flora not present, plant with locally sourced species such as bluebell, wood anemone, primrose, and snowdrop If bat boxes not being used by year 5, site in a different location

Erection of at least 2 swift boxes on suitable buildings – out of direct sunlight with clear airspace (east end of Alwyn Hall and west end of the Fred Wheeler Building) Use of low level lighting or hoods on lamps to direct light down so dark areas for foraging and commuting bats

Bat box check Bird box check

Annual biodiversity check

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Create holes in fence along southern boundary of site for hedgehogs

Develop ecotones along parts of the hedge lines in The Dytche

Hedgehogs able to move around the landscape Part of a national scheme ‘Hedgehog Street’ www.hedgehogstreet.org Opportunity for engagement with neighbours and local community Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Increased standing dead wood on campus

Retention of trees as habitat for invertebrates, birds and bats

Cut 13cm x 13cm holes at base of fence, at approximately 20 metre intervals.

Annual biodiversity check

Reduce mowing frequency along select parts of the hedge to develop gradient in vegetation from hedge into tall ruderals, herbs, long grass and amenity grassland.

Annual biodiversity check

Any trees identified as hazardous retained as monoliths if safe to do so Management: Additional holes drilled to create cavities and stimulate rotting

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Annual biodiversity check

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Retain and protect space for wildlife

Retain and protect current swift nest holes in Main Building Ensure building works and routine maintenance do not block holes or disturb birds during breeding season (AprilAugust)

Holes retained as usable nest sites

Active swift nest site(s) identified

Habitat provision for breeding swifts

Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team up-to-date on location of nest site(s) and restrictions to works

Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team work plans

Identify new areas with potential to support nests for swifts (and other species) Liaise with Estates Projects Team and Maintenance Team

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Maintain wildlife ponds

Regular and appropriate maintenance of ponds and surrounding vegetation

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Increased habitat for amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and damselflies

Pond with a diversity of species including invertebrates, amphibians & plants.

Pond with range of invertebrates & established vegetation.

Management: Pond vegetation should be thinned or seed heads cut before ripening to prevent one species becoming dominate.

Never remove all plants at the same time (including vegetation surrounding the ponds) to ensure some cover is always present for wildlife.

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Annual biodiversity check

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

5.2.

West Downs Campus: Action Table and Map OBJECTIVE

Inclusion of wildlife features on new building (WD1)

ACTION Wildlife / biodiversity enhancements included on new building

Develop understorey amongst boundary trees

Prune trees to allow more light to reach ground and understorey to develop

Appropriate management of limited green spaces Maintain butterfly garden

Coherent approach to management of cosmic garden Appropriate management of butterfly garden

OUTCOME Compensation for habitats lost to development footprint Increased space for wildlife Increased diversity of habitats

1- 2 New building should include features to compensate for the habitats lost including a green roof and wall Trees pruned to create some lighter areas

Wildlife friendly area meeting all the demands of interested parties

Meeting to discuss “vision” for area

Productive wildflower areas

Areas retained for over-wintering invertebrates and seed source for birds

Food source and shelter for invertebrates

TARGET (YEARS) 3–5

Understorey developing. Planting may be required if not occurring naturally e.g. honeysuckle, holly, hazel

Monitoring of bat boxes

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

Increased roosting provision for bats

REPORTING METHOD Annual biodiversity check

‘Layers’ within woodland

Annual biodiversity check

Area meeting targets for all interested parties

Annual biodiversity check Annual biodiversity check Butterfly and bumblebee survey

Management: Cut each autumn, but retaining an area of approximately 25% uncut Provision of more space for wildlife

6 – 10

If bat boxes not being used by year 5, site in a different location

22

Bat box check

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Create holes in fence along northern boundary of site for hedgehogs

Increased standing dead wood on campus

Hedgehogs able to move around the landscape Part of a national scheme ‘Hedgehog Street’ www.hedgehogstreet.org

Cut 13cm x 13cm holes at base of fence, at approximately 20 metre intervals.

Opportunity for engagement with neighbours and local community Retention of trees as habitat for invertebrates, birds and bats

Annual biodiversity check

Any trees identified as hazardous retained as monoliths if safe to do so

Annual biodiversity check

Management: Additional holes drilled to create cavities and stimulate rotting Reduce mowing regime behind hedge on eastern boundary

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Remove nonnative species

Remove pampas and bamboo from cosmic garden

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

Invasive, non-native species removed from site

Reduce mowing frequency behind hedge on eastern boundary to allow rough grassland area to develop and plant with low growing trees such as hazel Remove pampas and bamboo before they spread

Annual biodiversity check

Annual biodiversity check

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Creation of a wildlife pond

Create wildlife pond in cosmic garden

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

Increased habitat for amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and damselflies

Pond created with rough grassland area.

Secure fence with gate to discourage unauthorised access (if required)

Pond with range of invertebrates & established vegetation.

Pond with a diversity of species including invertebrates, amphibians & plants.

Management: Dig out pond with gently sloping or shelved sides. Allow pond to fill naturally with rainwater to stop introduction of nutrients (using water collected in water butts if available).

Plant with suitable vegetation. Leave fauna to colonise naturally. Clay may be required to form a natural liner to the pond.

Management: Pond vegetation should be thinned or seed heads cut before ripening to prevent one species becoming dominate. Never remove all plants at the same time to ensure some cover is always present for wildlife.

Management: Pond with a diversity of species including invertebrates, amphibians & plants.

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Annual biodiversity check

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

5.3.

Bar End Sports Field: Action Table and Map OBJECTIVE

Maintain ephemeral pools

Provision of more space for wildlife

ACTION

OUTCOME

Maintain pools to allow smaller, pioneer species to grow Installation of bat boxes on trees

Variety of habitat types for a range of invertebrates

Installation of swift box Develop ecotones along northern boundary

Increased nesting provision for swifts Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Increased roosting provision for bats

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

1- 2

Erection of at least 2 bat boxes on trees on southern boundary Erection of a swift box on building Reduce mowing frequency along northern hedge to develop gradient in vegetation with area of rough grassland / tall ruderals

TARGET (YEARS) 3–5

If bat boxes not being used by year 5, site in a different location

6 – 10

REPORTING METHOD Annual biodiversity check Bat box check Bird box check Annual biodiversity check

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

5.4.

Wider Campus: Action Table and Map OBJECTIVE

Student and staff engagement

ACTION Develop EnvSoc survey skills to monitor campus

OUTCOME Increased engagement and sense of ownership of green spaces on university campus Rolling programme of tasks and skill development opportunities for EnvSoc Records contributing to local and national databases

Engage with estates and maintenance team to make them aware of biodiversity and legislation relevant to campus

Reduced risk of committing an offence

Put out camera traps around campus and post footage on university website

Insight in to natural world, foster appreciation of biodiversity actions

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

All staff working on grounds aware of potential species issues

1- 2 Training in species surveys e.g. butterflies, bumblebees and small mammal trapping Join in national monitoring schemes e.g. swift monitoring survey Use ‘Living Record’ to record species on campus and contribute to county records Talk for existing estates team staff on biodiversity & legislation.

TARGET (YEARS) 3–5 Hold fundraising event to buy own kit e.g. pond dipping nets, camera traps and longworth traps for small mammal trapping

Include biodiversity and legislation in induction for all new estates / /maintenance team staff.

Develop reference document for estate and maintenance team including species, surveys, timing of works etc

Biodiversity protected on campus

Use camera traps to monitor actions e.g. holes in fences for hedgehogs and share footage online

6 – 10 Hold BioBlitz to engage with local community and utilize survey skills

REPORTING METHOD Results sent to local records centre Report findings on University / EnvSoc webpage / facebook page

Inclusion in induction process Reference document produced

University / EnvSoc webpage / facebook page

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

Create ecotones

Provision of food sources for wildlife

Inclusion of wildlife features on new buildings

Valuing biodiversity

Reduce management around hedge bases to soften edges and vary structure

Increased cover for invertebrates and small mammals

Appropriate species planting to habitats and landscape Bat friendly species planting

Connected habitats to aid movement of wildlife through the landscape

Food source for invertebrates, birds and small mammals

Increased food sources for night flying insects

Wildlife / biodiversity enhancements included on new buildings

Compensation for habitats lost to development footprint

Undertake an ecosystem services assessment of the campus

Provides ‘value’ to the campus

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd

Increased space for wildlife

Reduce mowing frequency along hedges to develop gradient in vegetation from shrubs to tall ruderals, herbs, long grass and amenity grassland Only use locally sourced, native species for new and replacement planting Plant species that provide food sources for night flying insects in wildflower areas.

Suggested species included in Appendix 2

Annual biodiversity check

Annual biodiversity check Annual biodiversity check Bat Transect Survey Annual biodiversity check

New buildings should include features to compensate for the habitats lost as a minimum, with further enhancements included where possible Ecosystem services assessment undertaken

Opportunity to engage with whole university

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Ecosystem services assessment report

Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

6. REFERENCES 

Acorn Tourism Consulting Ltd and Natural Values (2012). South Downs National Park Visitor Survey 2012: Environmental Element

 Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) http://arc-trust.org  Baker, J., Beebee, T., Buckley, J., Gent, T. and Orchard, D. (2011). Amphibian Habitat Management Handbook. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bournemouth. 

Bat Conservation Trust (2015). Encouraging bats: A guide to bat-friendly gardening and living (Updated August 2015) http://www.bats.org.uk/publications_detail.php/231/encouraging_bats [accessed 25th July 2016]

 Beebee, T. and Griffiths, R. (2000). Amphibians & Reptiles: A Natural History of the British Herpetofauna. London: Harper Collins Publishers. 

Burns, F., Eaton, M.A., Gregory, R.D. et al. (2013). State of Nature report. The State of Nature Partnership http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/stateofnature_tcm9-345839.pdf

 CIEEM. (2013). Code of Professional Conduct. CIEEM.  Collins, J. (ed) (2016). Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists, Good Practice Guidelines, 3rd edition. Bat Conservation Trust.  DEFRA (2007). An Introductory Guide to Valuing Ecosystem Services PB12852  DEFRA (2012). Public sector expenditure on UK biodiversity 2000-01 to 2010-11  Department for Communities and Local Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework  Ecosystem services September 2016]

http://www.ecosystemservices.org.uk/ecoserv.htm [accessed

21st



Enfusion (2010). Winchester City Council Local Development Framework: Green Infrastructure (GI) Study  English Nature (2001). Great crested newt mitigation guidelines. Version: August 2001.

English Nature.  Gent, A.H., Gibson, S.D., eds. (1998). Herpetofauna worker’s manual. Peterborough, Joint Nature conservation Committee



Hayhow DB, Burns F, Eaton MA, Al Fulaij N, August TA, Babey L, Bacon L, Bingham, C, Boswell J, Boughey KL, Brereton T, Brookman E, Brooks DR, Bullock DJ, Burke, O, Collis M, Corbet L, Cornish N, De Massimi S, Densham J, Dunn E, Elliott S, Gent, T, Godber J, Hamilton S, Havery S, Hawkins S, Henney J, Holmes K, Hutchinson N,, Isaac NJB, Johns D, Macadam CR, Matthews F, Nicolet P, Noble DG, Outhwaite CL, Powney GD, Richardson P, Roy DB, Sims D, Smart S, Stevenson K, Stroud RA,, Walker KJ, Webb JR, Webb TJ, Wynde R and Gregory RD (2016). State of Nature 2016. The State of Nature partnership.

 Jackson, S. (2016). Breeding Bird Survey, The University of Winchester. Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd, Curdridge.  Jackson, S. (2016). Phase 1 Bat Survey, The University of Winchester. Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd, Curdridge  Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2008). Vertebrate species: amphibians 1166 Great crested newt Triturus cristatus.

Available at: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/species.asp?FeatureIntCode=S1166 [Accessed 15th June 2015].  Joint Nature Conservation Commitee (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey: a technique for environmental audit. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. 

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2015). Expenditure on UK and international biodiversity http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4251 [accessed 21st September 2016]

 Langton, T., Beckett, C. & Foster, J (2001). Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook.

Froglife

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Biodiversity Action Plan Update 2016: The University of Winchester

 Lawton, J [chair] (2010) Making Space for Nature: A review of England’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network  Oldham, R.S., Keeble, J., Swan, M.J.S. & Jeffcote, M. (2000). Evaluating the suitability of habitat for Great Crest Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetological Journal 10(4), 143-155 

Online Atlas of the British & Irish Flora http://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/index.php?q=node/1771 [accessed 17th January 2017)

 Rand, M. and Mundell, T. (2011). Hampshire Rare Plant Register. Rare, Scarce and Threatened Vascular Plants of Hampshire  Rose, F. (1989). Colour identification guide to the grasses, sedges, rushes and ferns of the British Isles and north-western Europe. Viking, London.  Rose, F. (2006). The wildflower key: how to identify wild flowers, trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland (revised edition). Fredrick Warne, London. 

RSPB (2010). Every Child Outdoors: summary report https://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/everychildoutdoors_tcm9-259689.pdf



Saltmarsh, N. (2011). The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140827110041/http://sd.defra.gov.uk/2011/06/the -natural-choice-securing-the-value-of-nature [accessed 21st September 2016]

 The Herpetological Conservation Trust (2002). The Conservation of Great crested newts: A brief guide to habitat management.  Wild About Gardens (2016). Stars of the Night: Working together to create a ‘batty’ neighbourhood http://www.wildaboutgardensweek.org.uk/Downloads/wag-stars-of-thenight.pdf [accessed 1st November 2016]  UK National Ecosystem Assessment (2011). The UK National Ecosystem Assessment: Synthesis of the Key Findings. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge

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MAPS

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Botanical species list compiled during Phase 1 habitat survey with a qualitative measure of abundance based on DAFOR scale

Appendix 1: Botanical species list compiled during Phase 1 habitat survey with a qualitative measure of abundance based on DAFOR scale.

The DAFOR scale provides an assessment of the abundance of particular species.

D = Dominant, A = Abundant, F = Frequent, O = Occasional, R = Rare. Species can also be Locally Dominant (LD) or Locally Abundant (LA) meaning there is a particularly dense patch but it does not extend to an entire area, for example a nettle bed.

O

Rubus fruticosus agg.

bramble

O

Rumex obtusifolius

broad-leaved dock

R

Epilobium montanum

broad-leaved willowherb

R

Buddleja davidii

buddleia

Anchusa arvenis

bugloss

Daucus carota

carrot

Hypochaeris radicata

cat's-ear

Galium aparine

cleavers

Lotus corniculatus

common bird's-foot-trefoil

O

Symphytum officinale

common comfrey

R

Veronica persica

common field speedwell

R

Centaurea nigra

common knapweed

Malva sylvestris

common mallow

Cerastium fontanum

common mouse-ear

R

Urtica dioica

common nettle

R

Senecio jacobaea

common ragwort

R

Rumex acetosa

common sorrel

Linaria vulgaris

common toadflax

Cotoneaster

cottoneaster sp.

Primula veris

cowslip

Ranunculus repens

creeping buttercup

O

F

Potentilla reptans

creeping cinquefoil

O

O

Rumex crispus

curled dock

Geranium dissectum

cut-leaved crane's-bill

Bellis perennis

daisy

O

F

F

Taraxacum

dandelion agg.

O

O

O

Viola sp.

dog-violet sp.

Cornus sanguinea

dogwood

Convovulus arvensis

field bindweed

Medecroft

O

Holm Lodge

black medick

Wildflower areas St Grimbalds (exc. Hedges)

Mown grass

Medicago lupulina

Copse area

Student village

Pond and wildflower area Hedgerows and trees

King Alfred Campus

Herbs R O

O O

O R

R

R

R

R

R R R O

O

R

R

O

R O

O

O

R

R O

F

O

R R R R R

R

R

R

F

O

R

R R

R O

O

O

O

F

O

O

O

O

R

R

O R

R

R R

Viola arvenis

field pansy

Myosotis

forget-me-not sp.

R

Pilosella aurantiaca

fox-and-cubs

R

Fuchsia magellanica

fuchsia

Alliaria petiolata

garlic mustard

Veronica chamaedrys

germander speedwell

R

Epilobium hirsutum

great willowherb

R

Plantago major

greater plantain

R

Senecio vulgaris

groundsel

Galium saxatile

heath bedstraw

Galium mollugo

hedge bedstraw

Calystegia sepium

hedge bindweed

R

Stachys sylvatica

hedge woundwort

R

Geranium pyrenacium

hedgerow crane's-bill

R

R

Geranium robertianum

herb-robert

R

R

Plantago media

hoary plantain

Heracleum sphondylium

hogweed

Hedera helix

ivy

Galium verum

lady's bedstraw

Gernaium columbinum

long-stalked crane's bill

Arum maculatum

lords-and-ladies

Pulmonaria officinalis

lungwort

Ranunculus acris

meadow buttercup

Lathyrus pratensis

meadow vetchling

Soleirolia soleirolii

mind-your-own-business

Malva moschata

musk-mallow

Lapsana communis

nipplewort

Leucanthemum vulgare

oxeye daisy

Hypericum perforatum

perforate st john's-wort

Euphorbia peplus

petty spurge

Papaver rhoeas

poppy

R

Sonchus asper

prickly sow-thistle

R

Linaria purpurea

purple toadflax

Silene dioica

red campion

R

R

Trifolium pratense

red clover

R

R

Plantago lanceolata

ribwort plantain

R

Rosa

rose sp.

Leontodon hispidus

rough hawkbit

Sorbus aucuparia

rowan

Prunella vulgaris

selfheal

O

F

Anagallis arvensis

scarlet pimpernel

R

O

Potentilla anserina

silverweed

R

Sonchus oleraceus

smooth sow-thistle

R

Cirsium vulgare

spear thistle

Euphorbia

spurge sp.

R R

R R R R O

R

R

R R

R R

R O

O

R

R

R

O

R

O O O

O R

A

O

O O

R

R O

O

O R

R

R

R

R

O R

R O

R

R

R

A

F R

R

R

F

O

R

R

O

R

R R

R

R

O

O

O

R

O

O R

O

R

R R

R

O

O

O

O

R

O R

R R

R

O

Epilobium tetragonum

sqaure-stalked willowherb

Veronica serpyllifolia

thyme-leaved speedwell

Vicia cracca

tufted vetch

Verbena officinalis

Vervain

Mentha aquatica

water mint

Silene latifolia

white campion

Trifolium repens Cephalanthera damasonium Fragaria vesca

white clover

Geum urbanum

wood avens

Oxalis acetosella

wood-sorrrel

Veronica montana

wood speedwell

Euphorbia amygdaloides

wood spurge

R

Achillea millefolium

yarrow

R

Orobanche hederae

yellow ivy broomrape

O

Poa annua

annual meadow-grass

O

O

Dactylis glomerata

cock's-foot

F

F

F

Agrostis stolonifera

creeping bent

F

F

F

F

Cynosurus cristatus

crested dog's-tail

R

Arrhenatherum elatius

false oat-grass

Lolium perenne

perennial rye-grass

O

O

O

Festuca rubra agg.

red fescue

R

O

R

Anthoxanthum odoratum

sweet vernal grass

Holcus lanatus

yorkshire-fog

R R O R R R O

O

O

white helleborine

O

O

wild strawberry

O O

R O

R

R

F

O

R

R

R

R R

O

O

O

R

O

R

Grasses

F

F

R

R

R O

F

A

O

Sedges Carex pendula

pendulous sedge

Carex remota

remote sedge

Carex echinata

star sedge

R R R

R

R

R

Rushes Asplenium scolopendrium

hart's-tongue fern

R

R

Woody species apple

R

Fraxinus excelsior

ash

R

Fagus sylvatica

beech

R

Prunus sp.

cherry

Prunus laurocerasus

cherry laurel

Pinophyta

conifer sp.

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

copper beech

Acer campestre

field maple

Crataegus monogyna

hawthorn

Corylus avellana

hazel

Ilex aquifolium

holly

Carpinus betulus

hornbeam

O O

O

R

R O R

O O

R

R

O

R

R

O

O

R

O

O

R

O

R

R R

R

Aesculus hippocastanum

horse chesnut

Tilia x europaea

lime

Tilia

lime sp.

Quercus robur

pedunculate oak

Pinus

pine sp.

Ligustrum vulgare

privet

O

R

Rhododendron ponticum

rhododendron

F

R

Pinus sylvestris

scots pine

O

Betula pendula

silver birch

R

Acer pseudoplatanus

sycamore

R

Liriodendron tulipifera

tulip tree

Salix

willow sp.

Taxus baccata

yew

O R R R O R

R

R O

R

R

R O R

Butterfly garden

Cosmic garden

Tree lines

Wildflower areas

Mown grass

Boundary

West Downs

Herbs Solanum dulcamara

bittersweet (woody nightshade)

R

Medicago lupulina

black medick

R

Rubus fruticosus agg.

bramble

R

Picris echioides

bristly oxtongue

Rumex obtusifolius

broad-leaved dock

Hypochaeris radicata

cat's-ear

Galium aparine

cleavers

Lotus corniculatus

common bird's foot trefoil

Centaurea nigra

common knapweed

F

Cerastium fontanum

common mouse-ear

D

Urtica dioica

common nettle

Senecio jacobaea

common ragwort

Rumex acetosa

common sorrel

R

Vicia sativa

common vetch

O

Ranunculus repens

creeping buttercup

Potentilla reptans

creeping cinquefoil

Geranium dissectum

cut-leaved crane's-bill

Bellis perennis

daisy

Taraxacum

dandelion agg.

Cornus sanguinea

dogwood

Knautia arvensis

field scabious

Myosotis

forget-me-not sp.

Digitalis purpurea

foxglove

Alliaria petiolata

garlic mustard

Veronica chamaedrys

germander speedwell

R

Epilobium hirsutum

great willowherb

R

Plantago major

greater plantain

Galium saxatile

hedge bedstraw

Calystegia sepium

hedge bindweed

Stachys sylvatica

hedge woundwort

Geranium robertianum

herb-robert

Plantago media

hoary plantain

Heracleum sphondylium

hogweed

Lonicera periclymenum

honeysuckle

Hedera helix

ivy

Galium verum

lady's bedstraw

Lavandula

lavender

Arum maculatum

lords-and-ladies

R O O R

R

O

R

O O

R O

R

R

F

R

O

R

R

R

R

R

R

O

O

O

R O

F F

A O

R

O O

R R O

R R

R

R

R R R

O

R

O

R R

O

R

R

R

R R O F

F R

R R O R

R

Malva moschata

musk-mallow

Lapsana communis

nipplewort

R

Senecio squalidus

oxford ragwort

R

Leucanthemum vulgare

O

O

O

oxeye daisy

A

O

F

Hypericum perforatum

perforate st john's-wort

O

Conopodium majus

pignut

Silene dioica

pink campion

O

Papaver rhoeas

poppy

R

Sonchus asper

prickly sow-thistle

R

Linaria purpurea

purple toadflax

Anacamptis pyramidalis

pyramidal orchid

Plantago lanceolata

ribwort plantain

Rosa

rose sp.

Sanguisorba minor

salad burnet

Anagallis arvensis

scarlet pimpernel

Prunella vulgaris Tripleurospermum inodorum Cirsium vulgare

selfheal

Veronica serpyllifolia

thyme-leaved speedwell

R

Echium vulgare

viper's-bugloss

O

Silene latifolia

white campion

R

Trifolium repens

white clover

Daucus carota

wild carrot

Fragaria vesca

wild strawberry

Dipsacus fullonum

wild teasel

Geum urbanum

wood avens

Oxalis acetosella

wood-sorrrel

Veronica montana

wood speedwell

R

Euphorbia amygdaloides

wood spurge

O

Achillea millefolium

yarrow

Rhinanthus minor

yellow-rattle

R

O

R O

R

R R R

O

O

R

R

O

R O R O

O

scentless mayweed

R

spear thistle

R

O

O

O

O

O

R

O O R

F

R

R

O

O

O

O

R

O

O

Grasses Poa annua

annual meadow-grass

O

Dactylis glomerata

cock's-foot

O

Agrostis stolonifera

creeping bent

O

Cynosurus cristatus

crested dog's-tail

Arrhenatherum elatius

false oat-grass

Lolium perenne

perennial rye-grass

O

Festuca rubra agg.

red fescue

R

Phleum pratense

timothy

Holcus lanatus

yorkshire-fog

R O

O O

O R

R

R O

ash

Fagus sylvatica

beech

O

O R O

Woody species Fraxinus excelsior

F

R

R O

O

Prunus spinosa

blackthorn

Sambucus nigra

elder

R

Acer campestre

field maple

O

Crataegus monogyna

hawthorn

O

Corylus avellana

hazel

O

Ilex aquifolium

holly

O

Rhododendron ponticum

rhododendron

O

Betula pendula

silver birch

Salix

willow sp.

Taxus baccata

yew

Aesculus hippocastanum

horse chestnut

R

Prunus laurocerasus

cherry laurel

LA

Pinophyta

conifer sp.

O

Ligustrum vulgare

privet

O

Tilia x europaea

lime

O

Acer pseudoplatanus

sycamore

Pinus

pine sp.

Moss species

R

O O R

F

F O O

Rough grass

Hedges

Mown grass

Bar End Sports Field

Herbs Ballota nigra

black horehound

R

Medicago lupulina

black medick

R

Rubus fruticosus agg.

bramble

Epilobium montanum

broad-leaved willowherb

Galium aparine

cleavers

Lotus corniculatus

common bird's-foot-trefoil

R

Pulicaria dysenterica

common fleabane

O

Centaurea nigra

common knapweed

F

Urtica dioica

common nettle

Senecio jacobaea

common ragwort

Vicia sativa

common vetch

Ranunculus repens

creeping buttercup

Potentilla reptans

creeping cinquefoil

O

Cirsium arvense

creeping thistle

LA

Rumex crispus

curled dock

O

Geranium dissectum

cut-leaved crane's-bill

R

Bellis perennis

daisy

O

Taraxacum

dandelion agg.

O

Ulex europaeus

european gorse

Convovulus arvensis

field bindweed

Viburnum opulus

guelder-rose

Calystegia sepium

hedge bindweed

R

Geranium pyrenacium

hedgerow crane's-bill

R

Plantago media

hoary plantain

Heracleum sphondylium

hogweed

Hedera helix

ivy

Gernaium columbinum

long-stalked crane's bill

R

Lathyrus pratensis

meadow vetchling

O

Malva moschata

musk-mallow

O

Lapsana communis

nipplewort

R

Leucanthemum vulgare

oxeye daisy

O

Trifolium pratense

red clover

R

Plantago lanceolata

ribwort plantain

O

Rosa

rose sp.

Sorbus aucuparia

rowan

R

Prunella vulgaris

selfheal

O

Capsella bursa-pastoris

shepherd's purse

Cirsium vulgare

spear thistle

O

R

O

R

R

R

R O O

O

O R R

O R R

R

R O

Trifolium repens

white clover

Geum urbanum

wood avens

O

O R

Grasses Poa annua

annual meadow-grass

F

Dactylis glomerata

cock's-foot

O

Elytrigia repens

common couch

Agrostis stolonifera

creeping bent

O

Arrhenatherum elatius

false oat-grass

O

Lolium perenne

perennial rye-grass

Festuca rubra agg.

red fescue

R

Phleum bertolonii

smaller cat's tail

R

Holcus lanatus

yorkshire-fog

F

Alnus glutinosa

alder

R

Prunus spinosa

blackthorn

LD

Sambucus nigra

elder

O

Acer campestre

field maple

Crataegus monogyna

hawthorn

O

Corylus avellana

hazel

R

Aesculus hippocastanum

horse chesnut

O

Ligustrum vulgare

privet

O

Betula pendula

silver birch

R

Euonymus europaeus

spindle

R

Acer pseudoplatanus

sycamore

O

O F

O R

O

Woody species

R

R

Appendix 2: Bat Friendly Plants

Appendix 2: Bat Friendly Plants To further attract bats onto the campus night flowering blossoms should be included in planting schemes.

Try to include some of the following:  Flowers that vary not only in colour and fragrance, but also in shape.  Pale flowers that are more easily seen in poor light, so attracting insects at dusk.  Single flowers, which tend to produce more nectar than double varieties.  Flowers with insect-friendly landing platforms and short florets.

Suitable species include: angelica borage cornflower evening primrose feverfew hebe hemp agrimony honeysuckle knapweed Lavenders mallow marjoram ox-eye daisy primrose red campion rowan scabious St John’s wort thyme

Angelica sylvestris Borago officinalis Centaurea cyanus Oenothera biennis Tanacetum parthenium Hebe spp.

Eupatorium cannabinum Lonicera periclymenum Centaurea nigra Lavandula x intermedia Malva sylvestris Origanum vulgare Leucanthemum vulgare Primula vulgaris Silene dioica Sorbus aucuparia Scabiosa spp. hypericum perforatum Thymus serpyllum

Species selection should focus on those that are native and of local provenance.

GLOSSARY

Glossary of Biodiversity Terms and Acronyms Biodiversity – the diversity of life in an area.

Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA) – regional priority areas of opportunity for restoration and creation of Biodiversity Action Plan habitats.

Buffer zone - a strip that partially or fully encloses an area to protect the inner section from ecological disturbance by outside pressures.

Corridor - the principle of connections between wildlife habitats. Closely related to the theory of fragmentation, ecological corridors aim to provide a corridor for migration of all species between suitable habitat areas.

Ecosystem - the interactions of animals, plants, fungi, and micro-organisms with each other and the nonliving world.

Ecosystem Services – the natural resources and processes supplied by the ecosystem.

Edge-effects – where much of the biodiversity in small or narrow sites is under the influence of factors from outside the site. Larger blocks of habitat have an inner core which is buffered from these influences.

Eutrophication – the enrichment by nutrients of waterbodies leading to algal blooms which disrupt the ecosystem.

Fragmentation - the disruption of large areas of habitat into smaller, separate units. Involves both a total loss of habitat area and the isolation of remaining habitat patches, which prevents interaction between some organisms located in the fragments, and renders them effectively separate populations.

Green Infrastructure – a term used to describe the accessible ‘multi-functional’ green space that should accompany housing developments for residents’ quality of life. These areas provide potential direct and indirect benefits for biodiversity.

Habitat - a place where animals, plants, fungi, and micro-organisms live.

HLF – Heritage Lottery Fund Improved land – land that has been improved for the purposes of agricultural production, usually through ploughing, sowing, drainage, and the application of fertilisers.

Invasive alien species - species from other countries not naturally found growing in Britain, with a tendency to dominate communities to the detriment of native species.

Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) – plans produced at county, district, parish or similar level to interpret the actions of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act (2006) – Legislation which places a duty upon local authorities to protect and enhance biodiversity through their activities.

NIA - Nature Improvement Area Ramsar – The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of wetlands.

Ride - open track-ways cut through woods originally for the extraction of timber. Now important conservation areas for butterflies, other invertebrates and wildflowers growing there due to the increased sunlight along the woodland edge.

Riparian – living or growing along the banks of a river.

SDNP – South Downs National Park Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) - A non-statutory designation of sites at the county/district level. Sites are generally assessed by either local authorities or county wildlife trusts, and adopted in local plans. For the criteria used for selecting SINCs, see section 2.

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - an area of land notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as being of special nature conservation interest. The SSSI designation applies in England, Wales and Scotland. Sites are notified by the appropriate country conservation agency, in England this is Natural England.

Special Area for Conservation (SAC) - a site designated by the UK Government under EC Directive 92/43 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.

Special Protection Area (SPA) - a site designated under Article 4 of EC Directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds. Together SACs and SPAs form a network of European sites known as Natura 2000.

Tree Preservation Order (TPO) – an Order which causes the prohibition of cutting down, topping, lopping or the wilful destruction of trees except with the consent from the Local Authority to ensure the preservation of trees, groups of trees and woodlands. Type “W” refers to TPOs for woodlands.

UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) - the UK’s priorities in biodiversity conservation, formulate a series of focused action plans designed to achieve these objectives.

#wildaboutgardens

Stars

of the

Night

Working together to create a ‘batty’ neighbourhood

Find more information at

wildaboutgardens.org.uk

an t Da m Ch ris ©

Roosting Bats do not make nests, but choose to roost in various places throughout the year. They hang upside down or creep into cracks and crevices to roost. Some prefer hollow trees, others caves, whereas some use both at different times. Many shelter in buildings, behind hanging tiles and boarding, or in roof spaces. For several weeks in summer females gather in a maternity roost, choosing somewhere warm to give birth and look after their baby. They remain here until the young are able to fly and feed themselves.

Hibernation Because there are few flying insects (bat food) to be found in the UK during winter, British bats hibernate. They find somewhere cool and humid like a disused tunnel or cave free from disturbance and tuck themselves away. Their heart rate and breathing slow down and their temperature drops to save energy.

Occasionally you may see a bat flying during the winter, as they sometimes wake to move to a new site or to look for food or water.

Bats are mammals Like us and many of our pets, they give birth to live defenceless young that feed on their mother’s milk.

Of over

rk

Bats are nocturnal creatures, seen dimly at dusk and very occasionally during the day. Their large wings make them look bigger than they really are, and as they swoop down chasing insects, people sometimes feel uneasy. Misunderstandings can arise from just not knowing much about them, despite the fact that one in four mammal species is a bat.

Did you know…? la gh C © Hu

What do you know about these fascinating animals?

1,300 species

worldwide, 17 are known to breed in the UK These amazing mammals range from the pipistrelle, weighing only 4-7g, (about the same as a 2p coin) to the noctule, weighing in at up to 40g! (about the same as four £1 coins).

All British bats eat insects Flying uses lots of energy so bats have huge appetites, each species having their own favourites. A pipistrelle can eat more than 500 tiny insects in an hour. Some species even eat spiders!

Bats are

threatened

© Hugh

Clark

Bats are

not blind

They can see, but at night their ears are more important than their eyes.

They use echolocation, a system of locating things by sound, to find their way and catch their food in the dark.

There are fewer wooded areas, ponds and open grass spaces for bats to feed and roost as roads and buildings have now replaced them. These features can also create barriers for some bats. Links to the countryside, like hedges and front gardens that make up green corridors, have been lost or fragmented.

You can help them There are estimated to be over 15 million gardens in the UK, covering an area greater than all the National Nature Reserves combined! So our gardens and public green spaces are vitally important habitats for wildlife, including bats. By taking small steps to make them more wildlife friendly we can make a big difference – and there are lots of benefits for gardeners too.

Jan-Feb

March

April-May

June-July

Sept, Oct, Nov

Dec

Bats are hibernating to conserve energy as insects are hard to find.

As the weather gets warmer bats wake more often to feed.

Bats are more active, feeding most nights.

Females are forming maternity groups, usually returning to roosts previously used.

Females give birth, usually to a single pup, suckling them frequently.

Young start flying from about three weeks.

Mating occurs in autumn. Bats feed as much as they can preparing for winter, but spend longer periods torpid (sluggish and cold).

Most bats drop their temperatures further and go into hibernation.

02

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wildaboutgardens.org.uk

03

Lay on a banquet for bats

Careful planning will increase the value of your garden or green space to bats and other wildlife, however small it is.

As bats need a huge number of insects, a garden that is good for insects is good for bats. Even a window box or tiny town garden can attract insects, which in turn attract bats.

Aim to grow as wide a range of flowers throughout the year as possible to attract a diversity of insects. Here are some suggestions:

Daisies or similar flowers

Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

Wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris)

Bishop’s weed (Ammi majus)

Sea holly (Eryngium spp.)

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Night-scented stock (Matthiola longipetala)

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Water mint (Mentha aquatica)

Hebe (Hebe spp.)

Common ivy (Hedera helix)

Tall, pale or night-scented flowers

Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum)

Plants in ponds and marshy areas provide habitat for aquatic larvae such as mayflies

Lady’s smock or cuckoo flower (Cardamine pretensis)

Trees, shrubs and climbers Common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium)

Purple top (Verbena bonariensis)

Image credits for pages 4&5: Bee bombus © Rachel Scopes; Oxeye daisy © Carol Sheppard; Cosmos © RHS; Michaelmas daisy © RHS; Hoverfly © Mark Robinson; Oxeye daisy © Carol Sheppard; Wild angelica © RHS Simon Garbutt; Bishop’s weed © RHS Susan Grayer; Sea holly © RHS Tim Sandall; Yellow-barred longhorn moth © RHS Andrew Halstead; Common honeysuckle © RHS Christopher Whitehouse; Purple top © RHS Anna Brockman; Common carder bee © Penny Firth; Lavender © RHS Jullian Weigall; Marjoram © RHS Carol Sheppard Borage © Dawn Dickens; Hemp agrimony © RHS Wendy Wesley; Evening primrose © Graham Titchmarsh; Night-scented stock © RHS Katy Prentice; Mayfly © Jon Hawkins; Purple loosestrife © Carol Sheppard; Winter mint © Phillip Precey; Caterpillar © Chris Maguire; Mountain ash or rowan © Neil Hepworth; Hebe © RHS Graham Titchmarsh; Common ivy © Phillip Precey

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Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)

Aquatic plants

Flowers with long pollen-tubes

04

Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia)

Cosmos – single Michaelmas daisy flower forms (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii)

Umbellifers

Can attract longer tongued insects such as butterflies, moths and some bumblebees

Popular with a wide-range of insects

These are more obvious to night time insects such as moths

Short florets attract many pollinating insects including solitary bees

‘Landing platforms’ attractive to a very wide range of insects including longhorn beetles, solitary wasps, hoverflies and other flies

Herbs and aromatic flowers

Will support a huge range of insects Mountain ash or rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

wildaboutgardens.org.uk

05

© h ug H k ar Cl

Welcome bats into your garden or green space

Reduce your light pollution

As well as growing flowers, there are other ways to attract insects to your garden. You can create microhabitats, by making log or leaf piles, mulching garden beds and leaving hollow stems standing over winter for bugs to shelter in.

h Clark © Hug

flying insects which in turn will attract more birds and bats.

06

wildaboutgardens.org.uk

al H dr ew An

a Guth

rie

S

© Ann

A small hedge or a shelter belt created by walls and fences encourages a concentration of

Trees and shrubs

provide food and shelter for many insect larvae.

In a small garden, choose trees that can be coppiced – cut down to the ground every few years – such as hazel to allow new shoots to spring from the base.

Young shoots and leaves will support leaf-eating insects, even if they do not produce flowers. They can also be striking focal points in a small garden.

RH

against it to add another level to your garden structure

©

climbing plants

st ea d

If you have a wall or fence grow

All bat species are nocturnal, resting in dark conditions during the day and emerging at night to feed. Artificial light, such as street lights, garden security lighting, or decorative lighting on homes and trees, can have a detrimental effect on bats by affecting the time they roost and come out to hunt.

You can support bats in your neighbourhood by reducing or turning off your garden lighting. If you’d prefer to keep on your security lighting, consider changing your settings to a dimmer light or fit hoods or cowls over them to limit light pollution.

A pond or marshy area will support

the aquatic larvae of insects such as small flies, which are a favourite of pipistrelle bats.

Allow a patch of grass

to grow long as this is an important habitat for many insect larvae.

Avoid using pesticides

and encourage natural predators instead. Predatory beetles, centipedes, hoverflies, ladybirds, lacewings and ground beetles are the gardener’s friends. They will happily move into compost heaps, log piles and rockeries and will show their appreciation by polishing off your garden pests.

© Tom Marshall

wildaboutgardens.org.uk

07

08

© Corinne Welch, copyright Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts 2015

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How to make your own compost

wildaboutgardens.org.uk

A compost heap will attract bat prey – insects!

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© Corinne Welch, copyright Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts 2015

How to make an insect hotel

09

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An insect hotel will provide a feast for bats

Plant nectar-rich plants, trees and shrubs for example lungwort, primrose, honesty and wallflower.

Build a pond or water feature.

Join a local Bat Group to find out more about bats in your area.

Summer Count the bats near your home as part of the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) and help to gather important data.

Create a compost bin, the perfect habitat for some of the bat’s insect prey.

Plant nectar-rich plants, including corncockle, fennel, knapweed, lavendar, red campion, sea holly, scabious and ox-eye daisy.

Do a spot of bat watching at a ‘bat haven’ close to you. For hints on where to watch for bats go to the Big Bat Map www.bigbatmap.org Add your own sightings too to help others enjoy your discoveries. Add your own sightings too to help others enjoy your discoveries.

Autumn

Winter

Put up bat boxes for next year’s roost. Ensure that you never disturb a bat box once its up.

All bat species and their roosts are now legally protected.

Leave hollow stems for overwintering insects.

er © Aubr ey Furn

Any bat that is found on the ground, especially during the day, is likely to need help. Contain in a box using gloves or a soft cloth and call the Bat Helpline 0345 1300 228 for further advice.

Be an ambassador for bats

Tell other people what amazing animals bats are, especially during Halloween when bats are a hot topic!

Share the ideas in this booklet to help people make their gardens and green spaces more bat-friendly.

Bat watch!

Not sure where to go to see bats? Take a look at our top reserves to spot these flying mammals: wtru.st/see-bats

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Plant new trees and shrubs including buddleia, common honeysuckle, crab apple, dog rose, hawthorn, hazel and ivy.

When winter pruning trees be aware of any hollow cavities or potential roosting sites and ensure these are not disturbed.

What do I do if I find a grounded bat?

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Buy yourself a bat detector and get listening to their pips and squeaks.

Find out if you have a bat visitor.

Keep cats indoors from an hour before sunset, when bats emerge from their roosts.

Which flowers attract most insects?

Look at the flowers in your garden to see which ones are most attractive to insects. Look at other gardens to see which flowers are in bloom at different times. This will be a help in planning the best way to attract insects throughout the year. YIf you’re unsure, you can also use this list to help you to choose insect-attracting plants: rhs.org.uk/perfectforpollinators

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Here’s a handy guide to the small actions you can take throughout the year to support the stars of the night in your garden or green space:

Spring

All year round:

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Looking after bats through the seasons

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Š Corinne Welch, copyright Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts 2015

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How to make a bat box

Produced in collaboration with Kent Bat Group

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Š Corinne Welch, copyright Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts 2015

How to make a wildlife pond

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* Look for a spot with plenty of sun, ideally with some shade in the afternoon. Try to avoid trees nearby, as fallen leaves can pollute the pond.

So which

bats live in

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Pipistrelles are the bats you are most likely to see in your garden.

They emerge around sunset and have an erratic flight as they chase tiny insects. There are three species of pipistrelle in the UK that look very similar: the common pipistrelle, the soprano pipistrelle and the rarer Nathusius’ pipistrelle.

Erratic flight path

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noctule is one of our biggest bats. They emerge early in the evening, just as it starts to get dark, and can sometimes be seen flying in a straight line high overhead, with sudden swoops to catch an insect. The noctule looks about the same size as a starling, and has long narrow wings.

Scan the QR code with your smart phone and listen for yourself!

Bats, like us, can see when it is light, but at night they send out pulses of sound and listen to the echoes bouncing back from trees or insects. These act as a torch of sound to give them a picture of their surroundings. Humans can usually only hear

these echolocation calls by using a device called a bat detector, which makes them audible to humans. This is because echolocation calls are too high pitched for us to hear. Different species echolocate at different frequencies, and can sound very different as well.

brown long-eared bat is much more difficult to spot. It comes out after dark and usually flies very close to trees, or even in and out of the branches. Its flight is slow and hovering, a bit like that of a big butterfly.

F lies in a straight line with a sudden swoop Listening to bats

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To listen to more bat species visit wildaboutgardens.org.uk 14

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About Us For more information about how you can help wildlife in your garden, including gardening advice, activity ideas and wildlife guides, visit The Wildlife Trusts and RHS joint partnership website wildaboutgardens.org.uk

Many Wildlife Trusts run projects to specifically address the disappearance of our bats, including raising awareness amongst local communities, conducting surveys, encouraging people to take action at home, running family and educational events and targeting bat hotspots for conservation effort. You can find out more about some of these projects and download our educational resources at: wildlifetrusts.org/bats The Wildlife Trusts, The Kiln, Mather Road Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1WT e: info@wildlifetrusts.org w: wildlifetrusts.org @WildlifeTrusts

The Royal Horticultural Society For more than 210 years the RHS has been the force behind gardening in the UK. We’re driven by a desire to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the nation a greener, more beautiful place.

We believe that everyone in every village, town and city should benefit from growing plants to enhance lives, build stronger, healthier, happier communities, and create better places to live.

Our work in education, science and communities is only possible thanks to the generous support of our visitors, members, partners, donors and sponsors. With your help we can harness the power of horticulture, one gardener at a time.

The Royal Horticultural Society, 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE t: 0845 260 5000 e: membership@rhs.org.uk w: rhs.org.uk

/wildlifetrusts

Registered Charity No 207238

Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262

The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) BCT are the leading NGO solely devoted to the conservation of bats and the landscapes on which they rely. We work closely with many organisations including over 100 bat groups across the UK. Bats are unique and play a vital role in our environment but during the last century bat populations suffered severe declines. We are working to secure the future of bats in our ever changing world by tackling the threats to bats, from persecution to loss of roosts and changing land use.

As the authoritative voice for bat conservation we work locally, nationally, across Europe and internationally. @_BCT_

Registered Charity No 271823

/BatConservationTrust

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National Bat Helpline: 0345 1300 228 e: enquiries@bats.org.uk w: bats.org.uk

Find more information at

wildaboutgardens.org.uk

Cover image © Hugh Clark

The Wildlife Trusts The Wildlife Trusts are the UK’s largest peoplepowered organisation caring for all nature – rivers, bogs, meadows, forests, seas and much more. There are 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK with a shared mission to restore nature everywhere we can and to inspire people to value and take action for wildlife.

Encouraging bats

Brown long-eared Š Hugh Clark

A guide for bat-friendly gardening and living

Seeing bats in our gardens on a warm summer evening is a magical experience. These small and fascinating creatures often live close to us, using our gardens as a source of food, water and shelter.

Here we offer advice on creating a haven for bats in your garden, along with some helpful tips on how to identify these nocturnal visitors.

Gardening for bats Gardens can be wonderful places for people and wildlife, particularly bats. A garden that is good for insects is good for bats, as all species of British bat eat only insects such as midges, moths, mosquitoes and beetles. Whether you have a tiny city garden or acres in the countryside, you can do your bit to help bats.

Bats need insects Flying uses a lot of energy, so bats have huge appetites! For example, a tiny common pipistrelle can eat around 3,000 midges, mosquitoes and other small flies in a single night. Moths, beetles and craneflies (daddylong-legs) are popular with other species, but flies are the main food for most British bats.

Most plants depend on insects We grow flowers in our gardens for our own enjoyment, but their colour and perfume are really the plants’ way of advertising themselves to insects. Sweet nectar and protein-rich pollen are bait to encourage insects to visit. In return, the insects carry pollen on their bodies from one flower to another so the flowers are fertilised.

The key to a successful wildlife garden is to include plenty of plants that will attract insects, and to ensure that your garden has a good supply of insects from spring through to autumn.

far more species of insect than hybrids or exotics, so they should be used as much as possible.

Different plants attract different types of insects. Flowers with long narrow petal tubes, such as evening primrose and honeysuckle, are visited by moths; only their long tongues can reach deep down to the hidden nectar. Shorttongued insects include many families of flies and some moths; they can only reach nectar in flowers with short florets.

Try to include some of the following: H Flowers that vary not only in colour and fragrance, but also in shape.

H Pale flowers that are more easily seen in poor light, so attracting insects at dusk.

H Single flowers, which tend to produce more nectar than double varieties.

Choose the right plants

H Flowers with insect-friendly landing platforms and short florets, like those in the daisy or carrot families.

Grow a wide range of plants to attract insects, and by planting a mixture of flowering plants, vegetables, trees and shrubs, you can encourage a diversity of insects to drop in and refuel from spring to autumn. Native plants tend to support

The plant list overleaf may give you some ideas, although the best method is often to simply watch and see which insects you find feeding on which plants.

Looking after your visitors A problem often faced by bats in gardens is cats. If you own a cat, you can help to save lives this summer by bringing your cat in for the night half an hour before sunset. This will allow bats to emerge from their roosts undisturbed. This is especially important from mid-June to the end of August, which is when bats are rearing their young. The bats will also be able to return at dawn undisturbed by cats. If you find a bat that appears to have been injured by a cat, call the Bat Helpline (0345 1300 228) for details of your nearest bat carer.

Plant trees and shrubs

Avoid using pesticides

These are important in providing food for insect larvae and adult insects, shelter for flying insects and roosting opportunities for bats. In a small garden, choose trees that can be coppiced – cut down to the ground every few years – to allow new shoots to spring from the base.

Young shoots and leaves will support leaf-eating insects, even if they do not produce flowers, and bulbs will flourish under the reduced canopy.

Chemical pesticides kill non-target beneficial invertebrates including natural predators and so may do more harm than good. They reduce bats’ insect prey.

Create a wet area No wildlife garden would be complete without a water feature. Not only will a small pond, marshy area or even a bog garden provide bats with somewhere to drink, but they will also attract insects, as many of the tiny flies favoured by bats start life in water as aquatic larvae. Marginal plants can be planted around the pond to create soft edges and encourage insects further. Goldfish should definitely be avoided as they eat the insect larvae.

Make a compost heap or log pile Recycle kitchen and garden waste – such as fruit and vegetable trimmings, annual weeds and lawn clippings – to produce useful garden compost, as well as an ideal habitat for insects.

A log pile in a damp, shady spot will also encourage insects, particularly beetles.

Encourage natural predators Hoverflies, wasps, ladybirds, lacewings, ground beetles and centipedes are the gardener’s friends, and natural pest controllers. Follow these suggestions to help maintain a natural balance: H Allow some weeds to grow to provide ground cover for natural predators.

H Leave hollow-stemmed plants to overwinter as shelter for ladybirds.

H Leave heaps of dead leaves and brushwood undisturbed for hedgehogs.

H Provide regular food and water for garden birds, as they are also effective predators.

Which plants should I choose?

Bat-friendly gardeners should aim to plant a mixture of flowering plants, vegetables, trees and shrubs to encourage a diversity of insects, which in turn may attract different bat species. Flowers that bloom throughout the year, including both annuals and herbaceous perennials, are a good idea: nightflowering blossoms attract night-flying insects. Trees and shrubs provide food for insects and roosting opportunities for bats.

Approximate flowering periods are listed below, although they may vary according to area and weather conditions!

Flowers for borders *Aubretia (spring to early summer) *Candytuft (summer to autumn) *Cherry pie (summer to autumn) Corncockle Cornflower Corn marigold Corn poppy *Echinacea English Bluebell (spring) *Evening primrose (summer to autumn) Field poppies (summer) *Honesty (spring) *Ice plant ‘Pink lady’ (early autumn) Knapweed (summer to autumn) Mallow (summer to autumn) *Mexican aster (summer to autumn) *Michaelmas daisy (summer to autumn) *Night-scented stock (summer)

Ox-eye daisy (summer) *Phacelia (summer to autumn) *Poached egg plant (summer) Primrose (spring) Red campion (spring) *Red valerian (summer to autumn)

Scabious (summer) St John’s wort (spring) *Sweet William (summer)

*Tobacco plant *Verbena (summer to autumn)

*Wallflowers (spring to early summer)

Wood forget-me-not (spring)

Yarrow (early summer)

Plants marked * are hybrids or exotics that may be useful in the garden

Herbs (both leaves & flowers are fragrant) Angelica Bergamot (summer to early autumn) Borage (spring to early autumn) Coriander (summer) English marigolds Fennel (summer to early autumn) Feverfew (summer to autumn)

Hyssop (summer to early autumn) Lavenders Lemon balm Marjoram (summer) Rosemary (spring) Sweet Cicely (spring to early summer) Thyme (summer)

Things to remember H Pesticide-free gardens tend to be better for wildlife and bats.

H Wherever possible, try to choose native plants and trees.

H Never dig up plants from the wild. Buy native plants from reputable suppliers who breed their own stock.

H Use peat-free compost or peat-substitutes such as coir. Peat extraction is unsustainable and seriously damages our unique bog habitats. Gardeners can help by reducing the demand for this product.

H Creating a range of habitats such as a pond, vegetable garden and hedgerow makes your garden more attractive to insects and in turn bats.

H Add a seat, put your feet up and watch your garden come to life!

H Hedge and tree lines are important to help bats navigate.

H Use lighting sensitively in your garden and do not point it at a bat box or roost.

Trees, shrubs & climbers Bramble (climber) *Buddleia (shrub) Common alder (suitable for coppicing)

Dog rose (climber) Elder (small) English oak (large gardens only) Gorse (shrub) Guelder rose (shrub)

Hawthorn (suitable for coppicing) Hazel (suitable for coppicing) Honeysuckle (native honeysuckle) Hornbeam Ivy (climber) *Jasmine (night-scented) Pussy willow (suitable for coppicing) Rowan Silver birch

Wild flowers for pond edges & marshy areas Bog bean Bugle Creeping Jenny (spring to summer) Flag iris Hemp agrimony (summer) Lady’s smock (spring to summer) Marsh mallow Marsh marigold (spring)

Marsh woundwort Meadowsweet (summer to early autumn)

Purple loosestrife (summer) Water avens Water forget-me-not (summer to autumn)

Water mint (summer to autumn)

Bat boxes Bat boxes are artificial roosts designed to encourage bats into areas where there are few roosting sites, such as holes in trees or buildings.

Once up, a bat box cannot be opened legally without a licence. For more information on bats and the law call the Bat Helpline (0345 1300 228).

There are various designs of bat box, some that can be made at home and some that are available commercially. Different bat species also need different spaces.

Things to remember

Wooden boxes Are usually cubic or wedgeshaped, with a grooved ‘bat ladder’ and a narrow entrance slit at the bottom. They can be nailed to trees or walls.

H Make sure joints are well sealed and avoid large, loose-fitting front panels H All timber used in bat boxes should be roughsawn (unplaned) and untreated from sustainable sources H Keep entrance slits small (15 -20mm) H Removable lids should not be used and the box should not be opened Designs and instructions for making your own bat box can be found at www.bats.org.uk.

Putting up your box Woodcrete boxes Are usually of two basic types: H cylindrical with an access hole in the front and designed to be hung on tree branches with a wire loop; or H brick-shaped, usually with narrow roosting crevices inside and an entry slit at the bottom, designed to be fixed to flat surfaces such as walls of buildings.

Making your own box Bats do not like draughts, and prefer well insulated boxes where temperature and humidity remain constant. They also need a rough textured wood to cling to.

The wood should not be treated because bats are very sensitive to chemicals. A ‘bat ladder’ or other landing area that leads to an entry slit wide enough to admit bats, but narrow enough to keep out predators is also essential (15 – 20 mm).

Boxes are more likely to be used if they are located where bats are known to feed. Ideally, several boxes should be put up facing in different directions to provide a range of conditions. Some bats use a tree line or hedgerow for navigation.

Putting boxes near these features may help the bats find the box.

Boxes should be put as high as possible in sheltered sunny places. On buildings, boxes should be placed as close to the eaves as possible.

Where to put boxes H close to hedges and tree lines that bats fly along H at least 4 or 5m above the ground H sheltered from strong winds and exposed to the sun for part of the day (usually S/SW) Bats need time to find and explore new homes, and it may be several years before boxes have residents – be patient! Droppings on the landing area, urine stains around the lower parts of the box and chittering noises from inside on warm afternoons and evenings are signs of occupation.

Watching for bats Here’s a guide to the species of bat that you’re most likely to see in and around your garden, particularly as it begins to get dark.

Pipistrelles emerge around sunset, and these are the bats that you are most likely to spot. They have an erratic flight – twisting and turning around buildings, streetlights, trees and hedges. There are three species of pipistrelle that look very similar: common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and the rarer Nathusius' pipistrelle.

Another of our bats is the brown long-eared bat. Long-eared bats come out after dark, and usually fly very close to trees, making them difficult to spot. Their flight is slow and hovering, a little bit like that of a big butterfly.

The noctule is one of our biggest bats; noctules emerge early in the evening, just as it starts to get dark. They can sometimes be seen flying in a straight line, high overhead. About the size of a starling, their narrow wings are quite distinctive.

If you see a bat flying very low over water, skimming the surface like a mini hovercraft, it’s a Daubenton’s bat. Watch Daubenton’s bats carefully and you may see them touch the water’s surface to seize an insect with their big hairy feet.

The best way to experience the usually secret nocturnal world of bats is by using a bat detector. These amazing devices enable you to listen in to bat calls, usually too high-pitched for humans to hear - with a bit of practice it’s very satisfying to be able to distinguish between bat species! Your local bat group will probably hold bat walks and talks throughout the summer months to provide an introduction to these fascinating creatures and how to spot them.

Photos: Pipistrelle, Noctule, Daubenton’s bat – Hugh Clark; Brown long-eared – Steve Parker

If you regularly see bats in your garden, it’s possible that bats are roosting in your home, or perhaps in one of your neighbours’ houses. Call the Bat Helpline (0345 1300 228) to ask for a copy of the ‘Living with bats’ booklet, which gives advice on what to do if you share your house with bats. The Bat Helpline will also be able to provide details of your nearest bat group, and also more information on taking part in our summer bat surveys – if you enjoy watching and listening for bats, why not sign up for our National Bat Monitoring Programme and help us to count the UK’s bats?

The future for bats The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) is working towards a future where everyone, everywhere can enjoy seeing and hearing bats as a natural part of their environment.

Join the Bat Conservation Trust and donate today. Visit www.bats.org.uk for more details on how you can support bat conservation.

Useful contacts Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) Quadrant House, 250 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5RD. National Bat Helpline 0345 1300 228, enquiries@bats.org.uk

www.bats.org.uk Contact BCT for more information on gardening for bats, bat box advice, taking part in the National Bat Monitoring Programme and for details of your local bat group or bat carers.

Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations (SNCOs) Natural England 0300 060 6000 www.naturalengland.org.uk

Natural Resources Wales 0300 065 3000 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Scottish Natural Heritage www.snh.org.uk

Northern Ireland Environment Agency 028 9054 0540 www.ni-environment.gov.uk

The Bat Conservation Trust (known as BCT) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1012361) and in Scotland (SC040116).

Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England No: 2712823.

Registered office: Quadrant House, 250 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5RD. Vat Reg No: 877158773

Updated August 2015 Printed on chlorine-free paper made of wood pulp from sustainable forests.