Management Issues

CURRENT MANAGEMENT & MONITORRING ISSUES

Serial 04/16

Increased use of Motor Cycles on the reserve as a result of removing the Bridge Stile and using as a through route for riders likely not taxed and insured . We have been contacted by about 8 people now who have complianed about danger to themselves or their animals . On the balance of safety the Stile should be replaced to limit drive through access

Serial 03/16

Spagnhum Bog  Pixie Wood and Lagoon 2 . FEET express substantial concern regarding some of the issues related to the management of these  habitats Short Comment 

(i) Rcommendations Retention of Lagoon 2 as Willow Carr Natural extension as transistional habitat from Pixie Wood to Spagnhum Edge 

We do not advocate the Removal of Surface and Sub Surface Vegetation . Recent flooding has substantially contributed to issues in this important area of the reserve however some of the recent interventions may not ammount to best practice . particularly with the General Advice from the EA - Environment Agency . See End Earlier Post Damage Assessment. We are currently compiling a strategey direction on these key areas . The back flow from the Calder recently caused substantial damage to surface vegetation in this area . The extent of removing stabilsing vegetation from the perimeter of Pixie Wood bordering the Bogland area we believe has had a material effect to the overall integrity of this area .Back flow from the Calder could be reduced as a consequence of vegeation impeding , dispersing and slowing a flood event . It has noted that substantive fluid Channels beneath the sub surface that had lost any integrity form root stabilsation and are currently fluid charged contributed to damage immediately behind the Bog area with large number of shallow rooted trees being undermined .; The knock on cycle would continue in dry summers scorching and reducing relative humidity in the Ground and Shrub layers contributing to significant erosion and loss of important species such as early spring Breeding areas for Invertebrates such as Amphibia and Early Spring insect larvae important to early returing migrants such as the Willow Warbler.The sequalae of events have  had significant consequences on some of the Bryophytes some  Notable Species

There are there a number of fundemental reasons why lagoon 2 should remain transistional

(i) There is significantly more Biodiversity Associated with it that being evidented by year on year on recording Life In The Willow Carr and the importance of sheltered shallow waters which are warmed and provide criticaal breeding ground 

(ii) The Structural role in preventing flood 

(iii) Retaining or Sequestering any Fly Ash Waste or components  from the Water Table which can potentially become airborne if surface exposure is allowed to occur

(iv) The inclusion of an  additional NVC Habitat Type on the management plan which is now aprox 16 years out of date 

(v) Given Open Water at Waterski Lake and Angling lake in proximity as well as the Canal and Calder this habitat should be promoted  and given due regard with the area predominately surrounded by open water in any case

Lagoon 2 - This Lagoon is a transistional habitat , meaning it has become overgrown by its natural sucessors such as Willow creating a new and diverse habitat. Willow Carrs particularly with reference to the surface substate will have significant ecological and Biodiverse value one that FEET have recorded through the years . Much of this invertebrate ecology is small and unseen but plays a vital role in the integrity and over all functioning of the reserve and to species higher up the food chain With Lagoon 1 Currrently being managed as Open Water and Reed Bed it is important that the secondary transistional habitat is therefore left to prosper providing a dense harbour for Wildlife to retreat 

Additionally another principle role  this Riverine Reserve has relates to its function as a Wash Plane . Whilst the Trust values all Freshwater in creating Biodiversity we are minded to comment on some of the Bunds containing Freshwater . Notably the crude and limitted crude bunds that where reinforced by brick and pebble to contain the amorphous fly ash are being compromised as pointed out by Path Erosion and the containment of significant water mass at Lagoon 1 . The situation through out the defined Wash Plane is concerning with Roadway Bund Access around the Angling Lake recently breaching tha Canal Tow path at Brookfoot , the provision of a marina containing substantive volume of water near Crowther Bridge all contributing to displacement further down the valley in the event of a flood event . The latter are lawful constraints that the LPA must adhere to 

Some of the recent comments and directions arising out of the Business and Economy Section to say the least are ill informed , presumptuous and possibly ultra vires that to be matter furthered elsewhere

At this point in time we are unable to comment on any management plan proposed by CBWG which has not been consulted upon contrary to the group constution to coperate of with other stakeholder groups on the management of the reserve

END OF COMMUNICATION

                                                                   Serial 03/16

Work in the SEGI Area of North Loop . No work plans where produded for working in this area which carries SEGI status . RD abnd HF has now been alerted to this fact and concern arises as CBWG have not provided a visible copy of their Management Plan . Signage Larger Signage at Stiles making clear there is no Cycling on the reserve . the authority has been advised on Duty of Care in the event of collision or accident within the reserve 

                                                                    Serial 04/15

IMMEDIATE ACTION ON CALERDALES ABANDONMENT POLICY ON CROMWELL BOTTOM AS A CONSERVATION SITE FOR WILDLIFE .

NOTE TO AUTHORITY EXCLUDING INPUT OF LOCAL OR VOLUNATRY GROUPS MAKES NO FRIENDS  AND WILL LIMIT FUTURE FUNDING . SOUND FAMILIAR ?

WE DONT GET IT ???

FEET ACTING TODAY TO PROTECT TOMORROW

CURRENT MANAGEMENT & MONITORRING  ISSUES

Serial 01/15

1. Failure to adopt advice on  access to riverside via bund areas for purpose of conservation, overuse , disturbance of potential nesting water birds Ongoing. Conseervation fencing in place in key areas. Also noted the hard work some CBWG in planting significant number of hedgrows nr the tag meadow  8/14

 

2. Specific concerns on Nationally scarce plants & Bryophytes and Woodland Carr areas regarding recognition and retention of Grey Willow  ( RLW  &  BN ) Noted and Acknowledged .Ongoing FEET continue to monitor Floristic Stands Leaf Litter Depths and general quadrat survey on a year on year on basis . FEET will offer existing seed bank due to the likeliehood of the Authority having no funding for a consiiderred planting  8/14

3. Clear affirmation and recognition of  FEET as a Stakeholder Groups on CB LNR  with equity and parity in the future development of the reserve and with a view to representing the conservation interests of the reserve in accordance with directives inherent within the Local Authority  Constitution Ongoing to include Stakeholder Input to North Loop by 7th June 2014. with the end date for capping approaching Sept  2014 8/14

4. Greater Need for inclusion Transparency within CBWG and to ensure all committee matters are dealt with and approved by committee not in isolation and that the committee is not biassed by appointment. FEET withdrew from Group advisory Work principally due due to the alteration of a post which was wholly factually correct relating to the existing Landfill Desigantion on the Site.  8/14

5. Substantial Concern Regarding tree removal from Willow Carrs to be Discussed with Calderdale Council at length   Currently addressed  subject to adherance

6. Unsupervised cutting and concern on tree and undergrowth clearance in regard to nesting birds and other fauna without autorised chain Saw Certification or in accordance with the management Plan and Approval
Currently noted and knowledged  moving forward  8/14

7. Posts on the CBWG Blog being altered and inappropriately vetted on technical and advisory issues .FEET will no longer contribute   This appears to be occurring outside of any Standing Constitution , which is not visible to any Joining Member.  ( Now ammended and visible ) . The current alteration of members views by individuals without constitutional sanction is wholly bad practice and could be viewed as swaying issues to influence other members outside standing procedure.  8/14

Unclear whether the blog designated CBWG is owned by an individual or is belongs to CBWG and conforms to constitutional procedures.  Clarification and Amendment request on  points of Order Minutes May 2013. Update the blog was owned by an individual not CBWG consequently the vote on moderating was not valid , neither , in the view of a Trustee member was iit advisable to put an online account onto it , in particular , by the banking group sponsorring it ( due diligence ) 

For avoidance of doubt FEET are in no way connected with Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group as of May 2014 or any policy act or omission following the resignation of the organisations regional Director from the position of Ecology and Biodiversity Advisor . For the purpose of clarity we are of the belief that the over promotion of the reserve as an internet group , the consequences of not protecting Wildlife by considered habitat management on a small and local footprint will have significant adverse consequences to the current ecological balance and to the detriment of other stakeholders in the use of the reserve ,and in a wider context as a local resource  8/14

9. FEET will shortly upload Videos on the Habitat Mosaics and Ecology and to illustrate our concerns since the process of consultation and constitution within that stakeholder group  has failed. We will also Highlight aspects of conservation management that are Good and wholly acknowledge those that give their free time and passion for the reserve  8/14 No consultation or sharing of CBWG 5Year Plan 04/16

10, Working strategy Amphibian ( Frogs , Newts and Toads). An advisory framework for protecting the aquatic invertebrate. Following some evidence of potential spraying FEET seek to liase with all stake holders likely to be spraying Herbicides or other chemical residues to form a Register of Who is doing what When and with What Spraying Concentrations and Chemical to assist the Local Authority in managing the reserve.Ongoing Update Pesticide and other residue tests show limitted residue   8/14

11. We have currently no outstanding issues with Calderdale MDC.Recent Positive Measures & Good Work  Fence Protection areas of Concern and wholly acknowledge the hard work and enthusiasm of Countryside Services. 8/14

12

FEET RECENT & ONGOING  WORK   (GENERAL BRIEFS TO BE ADDED|)

1. Revisiting early Coleoptera Work to provide longitudinal data on habitat management

2. Adding significantly to Hymenoptera  (70+ )  Apidae ( 25 spp ) and Diptera records (160 +)

3. Utilising Indicator Species as Biodiversity measures . Hoverflies  Shieldbugs , Beetles et al

4. Plant Galls & Rusts throughout the reserve

5.Acquire Neglected Records Collembola (Springtails) , Lichens, Bryophytes

6 Acquire Ongoing Caddisfly Records + 8 New Records- Miridae 52 Species inc Nymph Stages

7.  The Psylloidea (psyllids) or jumping plant lice are small plant-feeding insects that form the group called Sternorrhyncha together with aphids, phylloxerans, scale insects and whiteflies. 

8. Plans for Field Base in conjunction with the Canal & River Trust in regard to CB LNR being one of eight Phase 1 Biodiversity recording sites ( and opening local FEET membership ). We hope to have a forward operating base for Field Study early Sept / Oct 2014. Fundraising ongoing to ensure free delivery at the point of contatc for schools . and other stakeholder groups 

9.  Final report to Natural England regarding upgrading from LNR to SSI liasion with Calderdale MBC

10 Enhance Educational Delivery ( See current EVENTS )

11 Live NBN Distribution Data National and VC63 . Live Satelite GPS Mapping

Green Corridors - Useful Link