Emma-Louise Spicer

Course/unit: Advanced

Monitoring and Habitat

Assessment

Course Code: AGRI 1146

Hand in date: 2/12/14

Hadlow College BSc Conservation and Biodiversity

Habitat Management Plan For Broadview Wildlife Area 2015-2020

Contents1. Introduction and description of Broadview Wildlife Area.................................................................................12. Rational..................................................................................................................................................................... 33. Vision........................................................................................................................................................................ 34. Goals......................................................................................................................................................................... 45. Identification of key users and those who many have an interest..................................................................56. Evaluation of site as a conservation interest..................................................................................................... 67. Problems with the site............................................................................................................................................ 88. Five Year Timetable................................................................................................................................................ 99. Current and future educational use....................................................................................................................1510. Financial Plan...................................................................................................................................................... 1611. Future Proofing................................................................................................................................................... 1812. Summary of key plan points.............................................................................................................................. 19References.................................................................................................................................................................. 20Acknowledgements................................................................................................................................................... 24Appendices................................................................................................................................................................. 25

Maps of area......................................................................................................................................................................................................25Risk Assessments.............................................................................................................................................................................................28

1. Introduction and description of Broadview Wildlife Area Broadview wildlife area is owned and managed by Hadlow College as part of the Broadview Gardens. These gardens are managed

by Head Gardener Alex Rennie along with the land management and fisheries departments. There is no current written

management plan for the area, with only a simple flexible plan in place.

The Broadview gardens are formal, with intensive management and public access for recreation. However, the wildlife area is less

intensively managed and is utilised as a naturalistic site for education purposes as well as for the benefit of wildlife species. There

is still public access to the site meaning that safe guarding policies are in place meaning that personal identification must be worn

by students and staff at all times.

Historically the gardens where agricultural land and used for grazing sheep. This changed twenty years ago when the area was

converted into gardens and the pond area was created.

Currently the wildlife pond is managed by fisheries students with the use of electrofishing to remove stickleback that predate on

vital invertebrate species within the pond; this is however difficult due to siltation. Additionally the fisheries department set traps for

Red Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculs) in the wildlife pond as surrounding ponds in the gardens contain this invasive

species; this is however carried out irregularly as a means of monitoring species presence.

The wildlife area receives little management as a whole, with occasional removal of overhanging trees and litter picking by the land

management department.

Fig.1. The wildlife pond

(Spicer, 2013)

Fig.2. The wildlife meadow

(Mitchell, 2014)

Nevertheless 50% of pond reeds are removed annually to prevent coverage over the wildlife

pond and the meadow adjacent to the pond receives annual cutting with cuttings removed to

encourage growth of wildflower. Despite this there is currently no evidence of wildflower

growth in the meadow.

Due to prevailing weather conditions between 2013-2014, the footpath surrounding the pond

has been blocked by fallen trees. However, the fallen trees provide living spaces for

invertebrate species and insect hotels have also been constructed in the past year (2014)

for conservation purposes.

Site InformationLocation, Grid reference, area size, ownership, public access

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2. Rational The five year management plan is

required in order to ensure that the

habitat is appropriately managed and

that goals set are achieved. The

management plan can be referred to in

order to keep on track of tasks

throughout the five year period and keep up to date with required tasks and maintenance. This structured plan also ensures that

management of the habitat can be continued by other parties if members withdraw from the project.

Conservation and education enhancement is key to the wildlife area and preparation of a management plan will ensure that

management tasks incorporate conservation and education benefits.

Having a clear and structured management plan will aid in decision making, ensure achievable goals are set, and aid in financial

planning.

3. Vision The vision of Broadview wildlife area is to create educational opportunities for a range of age groups and academic levels and to

improve and enhance the habitat making it suitable for a range of wildlife species increasing the biodiversity value of the site.

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Site name Broadview Gardens Wildlife AreaLocation Hadlow College

Tonbridge Rd,Hadlow,KentTN11 0AL

Area Size 455m2

Grid Reference TQ629 495Ownership Hadlow CollegePublic Access Broadview Gardens is open to the public visiting the gardens. For this

reason safe guarding policies are in place for the safety of the students of the college The original footpath around the wildlife pond has however recently been blocked by fallen trees.

4. Goals

To improve the management of the site in order to benefit vital wildlife species and increase biodiversity.

To ensure long term survival of the site into the future.

To carry out research and surveys in order to build on existing data for the site.

To maintain the management of the meadow area in order to promote growth of wildflowers.

To clear and maintain the footpath bordering the wildlife pond in order to maintain access for conservation and education

activities.

To increase the quality of the pond by removing duck weed and sediments and planting oxygenating plants.

To put in place more insect hotels and refugia and ensure these are maintained and monitored.

To enhance the forest area by appropriately coppicing and allowing sunlight onto the forest floor.

To put in place signage in order to promote the importance of the site for conservation and provide educational benefits.

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To promote community involvement and create recreational opportunities in the form of picnic benches, play equipment for

children and events such as nature trail walks.

To reduce miss-use and littering of the site by putting litter bins in place as well as a site warden.

To meet legal requirements and other obligations (e.g. Occupiers Liability Act 1984, Public Rights of Way and The Wildlife

and Countryside Act 1981).

5. Identification of key users and those who many have an interest. Broadview wildlife area and pond is used by members of the public and by the students of Hadlow College.

The area is used by further education students participating in diplomas in Animal Management, Countryside Management and

fisheries and by the higher education students participating in degree courses including Animal Management, Countryside

Management, and Conservation and Biodiversity.

In September 2013, Hadlow College opened a unique school for pupils between the ages of 11 to 16 known as the Hadlow Rural

Community School. The school’s curriculum aims to provide students with opportunities to learn in the land based environment and

for this reason the wildlife area has potential to be of great use to the school children for educational activities such as pond dipping

and nature walks in the near future once the area has been made more suitable for educational use.

As well as student use, the area is also used as a recreational area by members of the public visiting the gardens; however this

area is left to be more naturalist rather than aesthetic making it less appealing to the public and more of educational use for

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students. With creation of a small scale play area for children (in the form of swings and a climbing frame) the wildlife area may be

more commonly used by members of the public

In 2007, Hadlow village was chosen to be a low carbon community and a group of local people have formed to work together to

raise awareness concerning climate change and sustainable use of resources. The group have potential use of this site for raising

awareness along with sustainable use of sweet chestnut for naturalistic fencing and for sale in the Broadview Garden Centre.

6. Evaluation of site as a conservation interest The wildlife pondPond dip surveys in recent years (2012 and 2013) have revealed that the pond supported primarily species able to survive in low

oxygen levels. Records suggest presence of amphibian species including Small Newt (Lissotriton sp) and Palmate Newt

(Lissotriton helveticus), nonetheless the last record taken of these species was in 2010. Understanding of pollution reduction and

pond population dynamics is needed in order to support amphibian species such as Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus).

Meadow areasMeadows are considered species rich habitats which are of high conservation value. Therefore maintenance and management of

the meadow habitat in the Wildlife area is vital for conservation purposes. Wildflower meadows have high potential to support a

variety of insect species such as pollinating bees; along with birds, bats, and small mammal species.

Hedgerows

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Hedgerows and treeline are valuable habitats for species biodiversity. Hedgerows improve the connectivity of habitats, acting as

wildlife corridors, and are important feeding and breeding areas for small mammals, birds and invertebrates. Additionally hedgerow

create a linear feature for bats feeding and roosting in the area.

Woodland areasThe wooded areas in the wildlife area are vital for nesting birds and foraging bats; additionally fallen trees create microhabitats for

invertebrate species providing food and shelter. There are currently refugia and an insect hotel in place to encourage invertebrate

and amphibian species; this in turn creates a food source for bird and bat species.

Species recorded on site from past surveys and historic records from the Biological Records Centre

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Non NativesSignal crayfish Pacifastacus

leniusculusCanadian Pondweed

Elodea canadensis

MammalsNoctule bat (Protected) Nyctalus noctulaCommon pipistrelle (Protected)

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Soprano pipistrelle (Protected)

Pipistrellus pygmaeus

Common Shrew (Protected)

Sorex araneus

Pygmy Shrew (Protected) Sorex minutusRed fox Vulpes vulpesEuropean Badger (Protected)

Meles meles

European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus)

InvertebratesWater flea CladoceraWater mite HydrachnidiaeWater Bug NepomorphaLesser Water Boatman

Corixa punctata

Greater Water Boatman

Notonecta glauca

Midge DipteraMayfly Lymph EphemeropteroideaWoodlouse OniscideaHarvestmen OpilionesSpringtail CollembolaGround Beetle Nebria brevicollisDevils Coach Horse Ocypus olens

BirdsAmerican Crow Corvus

brachyrhynchosMagpie Pica picaRobin Erithacus rubecula

Tree SpeciesSweet Chestnut Castanea sativa

Lime Tilia americanaWillow Salix

Ash FraxinusHornbeam CarpinusBlackthorn Prunus spinosa

Common Alder Alnus glutinosaElm Ulmus

Field Maple Acer campestreHawthorn Crataegus

FishStickleback Gasterosteus

aculeatus

Amphibians

Palmate Newt Lissotriton helveticusSmall Newt Lissotriton spCommon frog Rana temporaria

7. Problems with the site Following poor weather in the winter months of 2013 to 2014 many trees have fallen blocking the footpath around the pond

reducing accessibility to students for educational activities and surveying.

As well as this the trees surrounding the pond and the meadow require coppicing in order to establish varied topography in tree

heights and allow sunlight to reach the ground thus encouraging further growth of plants and an increase in biodiversity.

Previous analysis of the pond water quality in 2013 has shown that there are nitrites and nitrates present in the water and a low

oxygen level (19%) suggesting eutrophication due to run off from the adjoining agricultural land (see fig.3). There is also a lack of

oxygenating plants in the pond, with additional build-up of sediment and decaying plant matter from the surrounding trees.

In previous years the pond has had refugia in place in the form of carpet tiles and wooden creates. The carpet tiles are now

decaying and in need of replacement and the wooden creates have been discarded in the surrounded stream and require removal.

The habitat is known to support various bird and bat species; however there are no bat or bird boxes in place to support breeding

and nesting of such wildlife. There are rabbits present at the site, however these are considered pests due to heavy grazing

pressures.

The site has no educational signage in place to increase public and student understanding of the conservation value of the site.

There is currently no management plan in place for the wildlife area; the meadow has no evidence of wildflower growth and no

coppicing is carried out in the woodland resulting in shading preventing the growth of shrubs and plants on the woodland ground.

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8. Five Year Timetable Year 1: 2015-2016

Objective Process and outcomes Timescale

Meeting to discuss plans for the Wildlife Area

Discussions made with agreed agendas for the Wildlife Area for conservation and educational use.

September 2015

Removal of fallen trees in woodland surrounding the wildlife pond

Clear footpath surrounding the wildlife pond of fallen trees; this will allow access for surveying and educational activities. Additionally trees over hanging the wildlife pond will be removed.

September 2015

Establishment of educational signage Establishment of appropriate educational signage in each habitat and area of interest in order to increase the education value of the site

October 2015

Establishment of coppicing regime for woodland area

Creation of varied topography in the woodland and increased sunlight reaching the wildlife pond and forest floor to increase biodiversity. Coppicing will not need to be repeated for ten years; therefore will coppicing will be considered in future habitat management plans for the site

Oct 2015-February 2016

Removal of shrub Removal of shrub in the forest and adjoining meadow to prevent shading and encroachment on germinating plant species.

Oct 2015- February 2016

Water Test Water test samples taken from the wildlife pond and adjoining stream to measure levels of nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, ammonia and oxygen levels in order to monitor over the five year plan

January 2016

Set up appropriate bird boxes in the Wildlife Area

2, boxes in pond woodland, 4 in woodland surrounding the meadow area; set up by volunteers and students in accordance to health and safety guidelines

February 2016

Clear old carpet tiles and debris around wildlife pond

Clear existing decaying carpet tiles, clear wooden creates from stream and remove litter around Wildlife area

February 2016

Replace carpet tile refugia 5 carpet tiles in the woodland adjoined to the wildlife pond and 5 additional carpet tiles added to the meadow area for potential reptile use

March 2016

Set up appropriate bat boxes 6 bat boxes in the woodland adjoined to the wildlife pond; put into place by licensed personnel

March 2016

Removal of excess sedges and reeds in wildlife pond, as well as Canadian Pondweed

Removal of sedges and reeds will decrease shading and depletion of oxygen levels in the pond

April 2016

Establishment of benches, picnic tables and play area

Volunteer and student involvement to make the site more suitable for visitors that will in turn receive educational benefits from the site

April 2016

Plant aquatic plants in wildlife pond Purchase of aquatic plants from Waterside Nursery and plant into pond in order to increase water quality for amphibian species

May 2016

Butterfly Survey Volunteer and student educational scheme in order to build records of current butterfly species in the wildlife area

May- August 2016

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Cut meadow and remove weeds in preparation of sowing wildflower seeds

Preparation of the meadow area for seeding wildflower mix in order to increase the biodiversity value of the site.

March and July 2016

Seed meadow with wildflower seed mix Seed mix purchased from Emorsgate and sown by students and volunteers. Wildflower mix is effective for 25 years, therefore the area will not require additional seeding in the five year plan.

July 2016

Year 2: 2016- 2017

Objective Process and outcomes Timescale

Meeting to discuss process of the Wildlife Area

Discussions made, areas for improvements and further work identified Sept 2016

Annual maintenance of woodland and footpath

Remove any trees over hanging the wildlife pond and ensure footpath is kept clear for safe access around the wildlife pond for surveying and educational activities

Sept 2016

Put litter bins in place and site warden Put waste bins in place in order to reducing littering issue in the wildlife area with an additional site warden to monitor the site for anti-social use

February 2017

Cut meadow Cut meadow in order to promote growth and species biodiversity March and July 2017

Establishment of insect and bee Hotels Two additional insect hotels put in place in the woodland adjoin the wildlife pond and two bee hotels placed into the meadow area in order to increase the conservation value of the site for insects and keystone bee species

March 2017

Monitoring of Bird Boxes Monitoring of bird boxes for evidence of breeding and brood size; records of species data will be added to the current data for the site. Bird boxes can be checked by volunteers and students under supervision in order to provide an educational experience

April-May 2017

Monitoring refugia Refugia monitoring to be carried out by students and volunteers in order to keep records of invertebrate, amphibian and any potential reptile species in the area; records will be added to species data for the site

April- June andSept- Oct 2017

Annual removal of excess sedges, reeds and Canadian Pondweed

Removal of excess sedges, reeds and Canadian Pondweed in order to maintain stable oxygen levels

April 2017

Water Test Conduct water test on samples from pond and adjoining stream to monitor levels of nitrites, nitrates, phosphate, ammonia and oxygen levels to monitor eutrophication.

May 2017

Monitoring of bat boxes Monitoring of bat boxes by licensed personnel as well as removal of droppings and May- Sept 2017

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maintenance; records of species presence will be added to the current data for the site

Conservation education fun day event Educational fun day with recreational learning activities for school children, talks, reading materials for all age groups with additional arts, face paintings, raffles and competitions; raised funds will be invested into management of the site.

July 2017

Butterfly survey and Bee survey Student and volunteer involvement to build open species data in the wildlife area and keep records.

March- August 2017

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Year 3: 2017-2018

Objective Process and outcomes Timescale

Meeting to discuss process of the Wildlife Area

Discussions made, areas for improvements and further work identified Sept 2017

Clean out bird boxes and maintenance Clean out bird boxes in preparation of nesting in the spring months and ensure that the boxes are maintained for damage.

Sept 2017

Annual Maintenance of woodland and footpath

Remove any trees over hanging the wildlife pond and ensure footpath is kept clear for safe access around the wildlife pond for surveying and educational activities

October 2017

Trim Hedgerow Trim hedgerow surrounding the meadow in order to maintain continuous hedgerow January 2018

Creation of a buffer strip along the waterside

Creation of a buffer strip surrounding the wildlife pond and meadow in the form of a ditch system. The aim of the buffer strip is to reduce runoff from agricultural land entering the wildlife pond and associated stream.

January- May 2018

Cut meadow Cut meadow in order to promote growth and species biodiversity March and July 2018

Scrub maintenance Maintenance of shrub in the forest and adjoining meadow; preventing shading and encroachment

March 2018

Monitoring Bird boxes Monitoring of bird boxes for evidence of breeding and brood size; records of species data will be added to the current data for the site. Bird boxes can be checked by volunteers and students under supervision in order to provide an educational experience

April-May 2018

Monitoring Bat boxes Monitoring of bat boxes by licensed personnel as well as removal of droppings and maintenance; records of species presence will be added to the current data for the site

May- Sept 2018

Monitoring refugia Refugia monitoring to be carried out by students and volunteers in order to keep records of invertebrate, amphibian and any potential reptile species in the area; records will be added to species data for the site

April- June andSept- Oct 2018

Annual removal of sedges, reeds and Canadian Pondweed

Removal of excess sedges, reeds and Canadian Pondweed in order to maintain stable oxygen levels

April 2018

Pitfall trapping survey Set out pitfall traps with the Hadlow Rural Community School in order to promote increase education concerning invertebrate species and the importance of such species to food chains and ecological processes. Records will be added to current data.

May 2018

Pond dip surveying Involve college, university and school pupils in surveying the wildlife pond to build open existing data and monitor the quality of the pond for species biodiversity.

June 2018

Bee conservation day Conservation and education event concerning the importance of keystone bee species. To include talks, activities for all age groups, face painting and sale of organic honey. Funds raised will be invested into the management of the site.

July 2018

Nature trail walks Nature walks for Hadlow Rural Community school in order to provide land based learning for the younger age group of students on the college campus. Small donations from parents and guardians.

August 2018

Bat walks Bat walks and surveying with bat detectors to build open species data for the site and record activity

June- August 2018

Year 4: 2018- 2019 Objective Process Timescale

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Meeting to discuss process of the Wildlife Area

Discussions made, areas for improvements and further work identified Sept 2018

Clean out bird boxes and maintenance Clean out bird boxes in preparation of nesting in the Spring months and ensure that the boxes are maintained for damage.

Sept 2018

Annual Maintenance of woodland and footpath

Remove any trees over hanging the wildlife pond and ensure footpath is kept clear for safe access around the wildlife pond for surveying and educational activities

October 2018

Small Mammal surveying Conduct small mammal surveys with Sherman traps and bait tubes to establish presence of small mammals in the area; records will be added to the species data for the site

November 2018

Trim Hedgerow Trim hedgerow surrounding the meadow in order to maintain continuous hedgerow and prepare for seeding

January 2019

Plant new hedgerow species Planting new hedgerow species with Hedgerow Collection- wildlife friendly from Suttons Seeds. Planting new hedgerow species will ensure that the hedgerow is maintained and kept continuous with no openings in vegetation

February 2019

Cut meadow Cut meadow in order to promote growth and species biodiversity March and July 2019

Scrub maintenance Maintenance of shrub in the forest and adjoining meadow; preventing shading and encroachment

March 2019

Monitoring Bird boxes Monitoring of bird boxes for evidence of breeding and brood size; records of species data will be added to the current data for the site.’ Bird boxes can be checked by volunteers and students under supervision in order to provide an educational experience

April-May 2019

Monitoring Bat boxes Monitoring of bat boxes by licensed personnel as well as removal of droppings and maintenance; records of species presence will be added to the current data for the site

May- Sept 2019

Monitoring refugia Refugia monitoring to be carried out by students and volunteers in order to keep records of invertebrate, amphibian and any potential reptile species in the area; records will be added to species data for the site

April- June andSept- Oct 2019

Annual removal of sedges, reeds and Canadian Pondweed

Removal of excess sedges, reeds and Canadian Pondweed in order to maintain stable oxygen levels

April 2019

Environmental Change and Pollution Event focusing on topics such as agriculture runoff, lighting pollution on species such as July 2019

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event bats, loss of habitats and flooding with talks and educational materials. This event will be aimed at both adults and children, students and non-students. Small donations to be invested into management of the site.

Creation of naturalistic fencing Creation of naturalistic fencing from recycled plant materials part way around pond footpath in order to increase the safety of the site for young children.

August 2019

Year 5: 2019- 2020 Objective Process TimescaleMeeting to discuss process of the Wildlife Area

Discussions made, areas for improvements and further work identified Sept 2019

Clean out bird boxes and maintenance Clean out bird boxes in preparation of nesting in the Spring months and ensure that the boxes are maintained for damage.

Sept 2019

Annual Maintenance of woodland and footpath

Remove any trees over hanging the wildlife pond and ensure footpath is kept clear for safe access around the wildlife pond for surveying and educational activities

October 2019

Trim Hedgerow Trim hedgerow surrounding the meadow in order to maintain continuous hedgerow with no openings in vegetation

January 2020

Cut meadow Cut meadow in order to promote growth and species biodiversity March and July 2020

Scrub maintenance Maintenance of shrub in the forest and adjoining meadow; preventing shading and encroachment

March 2020

Butterfly Survey and Bee Survey Student and volunteer involvement to keep records in order to establish evidence of increased in biodiversity of the five year plan

March- August 2020

Monitoring Bird boxes Monitoring of bird boxes for evidence of breeding and brood size; records of species data will be added to the current data for the site.’ Bird boxes can be checked by volunteers and students under supervision in order to provide an educational experience

April-May 2020

Monitoring Bat boxes Monitoring of bat boxes by licensed personnel as well as removal of droppings and maintenance; records of species presence will be added to the current data for the site

May- Sept 2020

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Monitoring refugia Refugia monitoring to be carried out by students and volunteers in order to keep records of invertebrate, amphibian and any potential reptile species in the area; records will be added to species data for the site

April- June andSept- Oct 2020

Annual removal of sedges, reeds and Canadian Pondweed

Removal of excess sedges, reeds and Canadian Pondweed in order to maintain stable oxygen levels

April 2020

Water Test Conduct water test on samples from wildlife pond and adjoining stream to monitor the effectiveness of management of pollution and shading.

May 2020

Pond dip survey Conduct pond dip survey in order to evaluate the quality of the wildlife pond for species biodiversity and determine any improvements, new species, or lack of improvement

June 2020

Conservation grazing: Discussion and evaluation meeting

Discuss the potential benefits of conservation grazing for meadow management. Grazing could have negative effects on hedgerow growth. However, introduction in the future could have potential.

July 2020

Quadrate survey meadow Conduct quadrate survey on the meadow area in order to establish evidence of any significant growth of wildflowers over the five year plan

July 2020

End of plan fun day Fun day with educational activites for kids and reading materials for all age groups, face painting and stalls, raffles and competitions; all profit will be invested in future management plans

August 2020

Evaluation of plan Final evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the plan for the benefit of education and conservation and identification of areas for improvement in future management plans

September 2020

9. Current and future educational useCurrently students on the Hadlow campus use the site for practical lessons to build up surveying skills such as pond dips, pitfall

trapping, mammal trapping and quadrats. These practical activities are carried out by both college and university students.

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The area is managed by both land management students and fisheries students, which build upon industry skills by maintaining the

habitat through activities such as electrofishing and removal of reeds and sedges.

There is no educational signage in place at the present time, meaning that species found within the habitat cannot be readily

identified by students, or public, unless identification charts are obtained from the science department. In the future signage will be

put into place in order to increase the educational value of the site whilst enhancing student’s species identification skills. As well as

this, signage discussing the importance of each habitat for wildlife conservation will be put into place to increase understanding of

habitats vital for biodiversity, and the reasons for loss of such habitats in recent times (e.g. agricultural intensification and pollution).

At the present time the wildlife area is not utilised by the by the Rural Community School; however the area could be used in the

future to meet the curriculum goals of the school and provide opportunities for learning in a land based environment.

With educational signage put into place and improved footpaths the site could be used for practical lessons and nature walks.

Additionally, further establishment insect hotels, bee hotels and refugias in the future can also be of educational value to enhance

understanding of the importance of pollinating insects, invertebrates, amphibians and the associated habitats.

10. Financial Plan Recreation Quantity/details Estimated priceBench 2 £79.98 (2×£39.99)Panic table 3 £18.54 (3×£6.18)Swing (set of two) 1 £108.32Climbing frame 1 £174.99

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Waste bins £183 (£61×3)SignageTrees 2 (1 about woodland, 1 for species ID) £136 (£79.00+£57.00)

Insect/Bee hotels 4 (2 about insects, 2 for species ID) £136 (£158 +£114)Wildlife pond 2 (1 about ponds, 1 for species ID) £136 (£79.00+£57.00)Meadow 2 (1 about meadows, 1 for species ID) £136 (£79.00+£57.00)Wildlife ProvisionsInsect hotel 2 £0 recycled materialsBee hotel 2 £0 recycled materialsRefugia 10 £0 recycled materialsBird box 6 £29.94 (6×£4.99)Bat box 6 £111.88 (2× set of 3 at £55.94)

Wildflower seed mix 4 £460 (£115 per kg)

Oxygenating plants Pond Collection British Native 1 £84

Hedgerow seed mix Hedgerow Collection- Wildlife Friendly £99.96 (4 packs)

StaffStudents and volunteers N/A £0

Habitat management toolsDonations and current equipment from college Multiple £0

In order to increase the conservation and education value of the site funds will need to be raised by organisation of fund raising

events and activities; with additional donations from members of the public and student parents and guardians.

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Total: 1894.61 (+/- any expenses)

In addition to fund raising activities and donations, the head department of finance at the college can be approached for funding

and lent use of gardening equipment held by the college. Organisations such as the National Lottery Fund and the Nuffield

Foundation can also be contacted for potential funding.

The expenses of the habitat are predominantly in setting up the management and enhancement of the site in the first initial years;

with establishment of signage, the picnic area, the play area, bird boxes, bat boxes and meadow and hedgerow seed mixes.

A wildflower seed mix has been selected for use rather than cultivator mix as, although cultivator mix is 90% cheaper, wildflower

mix is effective for approximately twenty five years in comparison to four years; this option is therefore more cost effective

(Gammans, 2014).

Student and volunteer involvement will be utilised for labour management of the site to keep staffing and labour cost minimal.

Additionally this will offer educational and employment opportunities to those involved.

11. Future Proofing The sports field adjacent to the wildlife area (see fig.3.) could potentially have additional lighting put in place in the future which will

have negative effects on foraging behaviours of protected Pipistrellus bat species. It is suggested that bats have potential to adapt

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to artificial lighting, nonetheless at the current time there is strong evidence that lighting disrupts bat behaviour (Stone, et al, 2009).

Additional surveying is needed to establish the presence of bat species in order prevent further light pollution by legislative means.

As well as artificial lighting, there are plans in place to build a new school building on the sports ground. The school building has

potential to be of benefit by increasing the conservation value of the site. However, consideration should be made in planning in

order to ensure that there are no environmental effects on the wildlife area (e.g. light and sound pollution, and habitat destruction).

The wildlife area adjoins agricultural land (Faulkners farm) and the A26 Tonbridge Road and (see fig.3), which has potential to have

anthropogenic effects on the habitat in the future. Expansion of the road and further pollution of the wildlife pond could have

significant impacts on species biodiversity and the educational value of the site; again regular surveying for evidence of

endangered species will aid in preventing further developments and testing of water quality will aid in monitoring pollution.

Faulkner’s farm currently participates in a Higher Level Agro-environmental Stewardship scheme. The farm plans to be involved in

the new Environmental Land Management Steward Scheme in 2016; this could have long term benefits for the Wildlife Area in the

future by incentives such as conservation grazing and reduction of fertilisers.

12. Summary of key plan pointsThe Wildlife Area has a high potential to be of benefit for conservation and education incentives with enhancement and appropriate

habitat management put into place for the wildlife pond, meadow, forest and hedgerow.

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There is a lack of species data and in recent years the area has fallen into neglect with fallen trees, neglected refugia, pollution of

the wildlife pond and shading due to lack of coppicing and shrub management.

There are historic records (held by the biological records centre) of amphibian species such as common frog (Rana temporaria)

and palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) dating back to 2010. However, pond surveys in recent years have not shown evidence of

amphibian populations and water tests have revealed low oxygen levels and evidence of eutrophication.

Further surveys are required in order to build open current records, thus allowing conservation incentives to be put into place to

enhance the value of the site for conservation and education.

There is currently no evidence of wildflower growth in the meadow area. With annual spring and summer cutting and seeding of a

high quality wildflower seed mix the meadow has potential to be of benefit to invertebrate species and keystone bee species.

Establishment of educational signage and recreational areas will increase public use and promote the importance of the area for

wildlife biodiversity. Fund raising events, educational talks and student and volunteer involvement in surveying and habitat

management not only benefits the site, but also provides education and employment skills thus ensuring that the vision of the

habitat plan is met. Word count: 2537

References Bat Conservation Trust, (2014) Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines. 2nd Edition. London. Bat Conservation Trust

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Bat Conservation Trust, (2014). Bat Boxes. (pdf) Available at file:///C:/Users/emmal_000/Downloads/Bat_Box_Information_Pack%20(1).pdf (Accessed 26/10/2014)

Big Lottery Fund, (2014). Funding (online) Available at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/funding (Accessed 10/11/2014)

Blacksley, T., and Buckley, P., (2010) Managing your Woodland for Wildlife (pdf) Newbury, Berkshire. Pices Publications. Available at http://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood/managing-your-woodland-for-wildlife/managing-your-woodland-for-wildlife.pdf Accessed (07/11/14)

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25

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AcknowledgementsThe Broadview Wildlife Area Habitat plan would like to Acknowledge the Kent and Medway Biological Records centre for species

data utilised in the plan and habitat maps (see appendices).

26

Appendices

Map s of area Fig.3. The Wildlife area and surrounding Hadlow College campus

27

Ordnance Survey, 2014

Fig.4. Map of Hadlow wildlife area from the Kent and Medway Biodiversity Records Centre

28

fig.5.Streetview of the Wildlife area, Hadlow College

(Esri, 2014)

29

W

Risk Assessments Contact Name: Pamala WorrallAssessment undertaken by: Emma-Louise Spicer Date of Assessment 30/09/14

Activity: Walk over survey

Location: Broadview Gardens wildlife pond (TQ629 497)

Equipment: Appropiate footware and protective clothing, tree and hedge ID charts,

clipboard for notes

Potential Hazards:

-Slips, Trips and falls -Weils Disease

-Drowing - Lymes Disease

-Cuts and grazes -Hypothermia

PERSONS AT RISK (TICK)

Employees : Clients Staff : Members of Public:

Others: o S/C Employees:

INITIAL RISK RATING (TICK)

Potential Severity X Probability = Risk Rating

Trivial Injury =

1

2 Unlikely Occurrence

= 1

2 0 – 5 Low

Minor Injury =

2

2 Possible Occurrence

= 2

4 6 – 11 Medium

Major Injury =

3

1 Likely Occurrence =

3

3 12 – 16 High

Fatal = 4 1 Probable Occurrence =

4

4

Specific Precautions to be Taken:

Wear appropriate footwear and clothing and avoid hazardous areas. No eating or

drinking whilst working on site. No lone working. Wash hands after completing walk

over.

RESIDUAL RISK RATING (TICK)

High Medium Low

Supervisor responsible for controlling work activity: Pam Worrall

Contact Name: Pamala WorrallAssessment undertaken by: Emma-Louise Spicer Date of Assessment 15/10/14

Activity: Water Test and Soil Test

Location: Broadview Gardens wildlife pond (TQ629 497)

Equipment: Appropriate footwear and protective clothing, sample pots, testing

chemicals

Potential Hazards:

-Slips, Trips and falls -Weils Disease -Ingestion of chemical

-Drowning - Lymes Disease -Chemical irritation on skin

-Cuts and grazes -Hypothermia -Breaking Limbs

-Insect bites

PERSONS AT RISK (TICK)

Employees : Clients Staff : Members of Public:

Others: o S/C Employees:

INITIAL RISK RATING (TICK)

Potential Severity X Probability = Risk Rating

Trivial Injury =

1

2 Unlikely Occurrence

= 1

2 0 – 5 Low *

Minor Injury =

2

2 Possible Occurrence

= 2

4 6 – 11 Medium

Major Injury =

3

1 Likely Occurrence =

3

3 12 – 16 High

Fatal = 4 1 Probable Occurrence =

4

4

Specific Precautions to be Taken:

Wear appropriate footwear and clothing and avoid hazardous areas. No eating or

drinking whilst working on site or in lab. No lone working. Wash hands after collection

of water and soil and after lab work. Take care in handling chemicals and wear

gloves.

RESIDUAL RISK RATING (TICK)

High Medium Low *

Supervisor responsible for controlling work activity: Pam Worrall