BATFORD SPRINGS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE

MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013 to 2022

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Contents Background Information ...................................................................................................2 Introduction........................................................................................................................3 The immediate future 2012 - 2013 ....................................................................................4 Work planned for 5 year period 2013 to 2017..................................................................7 Potential targets for the period 2018 to 2022 ................................................................12 Associated issues ...........................................................................................................13 APPENDIX A- BATFORD SPRINGS NATURE RESERVE – CONSERVATION SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................15 APPENDIX B – SITE LAYOUT AND HABITAT LOCATOR .............................................16 APPENDIX C – MARSH GRASSLAND PROPOSAL .......................................................17 APPENDIX D – GIBRALTER GLADE PROPOSAL .........................................................18

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Background Information BATFORD SPRINGS is a 10 acre Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It was accredited by the national body Natural England in 1995 and is Harpenden’s only Local Nature Reserve. The accreditation was primarily for the existence of the rare spring-fed freshwater habitat; but three other distinct habitats also exist on the site together with a clean, fast flowing river that runs through it. It is unusual to have this variety of habitats in such a small area. The granting of LNR status carries with it a requirement that the land owner and his agents will be responsible for the conservation and maintenance of the site and the special features it contains. Over the years the Batford Springs Volunteers (BSV), the group carrying out much of this work, have become increasingly aware that the tasks being recommended by the then land owner were not always those best suited to the conservation of the flora and fauna on the various habitats. BSV therefore took the unilateral step of seeking professional advice by recruiting a Panel of suitably qualified practitioners to voluntarily provide ongoing advice and guidance as to the manner in which the conservation programme for the site should be structured and executed. This Panel is now into its third year and has proved to be an invaluable source of information and advice for the planning of both month to month work and the definition of long term strategy (see page 14). This Management Plan is the first presented to Harpenden Town Council (and the Environment Committee). In it we set out, as requested, our proposals for the next 10 years. Work for the coming 12 months can be defined in considerable detail. For the following 5 years we outline our expectations. For the period 6 to 10 years ahead we are setting out our thoughts as to what might be achieved over that time frame. In presenting our Management Plan we are very aware that a significant proportion of the work listed requires funding. Three years ago we obtained Lottery funding for our site signage. In spring 2011 a committee member took on the task of securing project specific grants. They have achieved commendable success over the past year but much more capital funding will be necessary to drive the Management Plan forward. As a group we currently have the highest ever level of active volunteers – 15 to 20 per session. Equipping and supplying them demands an increasing level of revenue funding. In addition we have to meet the costs of running the Head Quarters building and mechanical equipment and obtain public liability and equipment insurance. We (do, however) secure a small income in the form of donations for giving talks about the Reserve. Other than this we are dependent on occasional and unpredictable donations from local charities or grants from appropriate funding bodies. In this Plan we have therefore included predictive running costs which we trust in future will be funded by the more reliable method of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Town Council. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Harpenden Town Council in which we will together further develop the Batford Springs LNR as a wildlife haven for the flora and fauna of the Reserve and the folk of Harpenden.

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Introduction 1. Batford Springs LNR is based on a former watercress farm alongside the River Lea. It currently has four distinct and different wildlife habitats:

- freshwater springs, streams and ponds, a legacy from the watercress farm. This comparatively rare habitat supports a variety of flora and fauna which thrives in the constant temperature of the pure, cool spring water

- ancient meadow, an endangered and declining habitat. In former times both banks of the Lea at this location would have been pasture. There are still local residents who can remember when the meadow was dotted with cowslips and skylarks flew overhead

- reed beds, in rapid decline in Hertfordshire but our main bed, though requiring attention, is in good health

- damp woodland, a relatively rare habitat capable of supporting a wide range of shade and water loving flora and fauna

This Management Plan is based on the conservation and maintenance of these varied habitats. It is important to remember that Batford Springs LNR is located in an urban environment. It has two public footpaths across it and a lot of, generally, well behaved human traffic. Primarily though it is a nature reserve, that is, a series of habitats maintained by man to try to sustain the best possible conditions for the flora and fauna that would naturally inhabit each site. To achieve this balance constant maintenance work has to be carried out which to the untrained eye might at times appear to be intrusive and excessive. As a group we closely follow the specific advice given to us by our Advisory Panel and we are happy to post notices explaining why work is being undertaken. 2. Whenever practical, conservation and maintenance work on the Reserve is undertaken by the BSV team. However, a proportion of the planned tasks require specialist skills and equipment. In these instances it is necessary to bring in contractors. This demands project specific capital funding. To date this has come from the lottery fund and national commercial organisations. We also apply for general purpose capital grants which can be used to fund conservation work of our choice on specific habitats. This work may be undertaken by contractors or BSV. To date we have secured two grants of this nature. As noted earlier, with a team of up to 20 volunteers, we also require revenue funding to cover our fixed annual costs and the provision and replacement of tools and supplies. 3. In this Management Plan we are setting out in moderate detail our objectives and work plans for the next 10 years. For the work scheduled over the coming 12 months we have more detail on file which we are happy to share with you. The same is also true for some of the longer term projects scheduled over the coming 5 years. Where applicable we have indicated the latest quoted and/or estimated costs of the contractor tasks. We have also indicated the scale of the annual revenue costs and where they arise. 4. Included for your information is a plan of the Reserve. This illustrates the location of the Reserve, its overall layout and the specific sites mentioned in this document. We have also included a number of sketch plans relating to the detail of proposed work on selected areas of the Reserve.

The immediate future 2012 - 2013

Objectives – to complete urgent remedial work for which we have already obtained or hope to obtain funding, carry out the ongoing programme of weed and sucker control and to carry out all routine maintenance.

Proposed task

Purpose Benefit Funding Contractor req.

Repairing river leaks

To stop the flow of river water into the Damp Woodland area and then on into the Freshwater habitat.

The spring water comes direct from the chalk aquifers and consequently is almost pure and is of constant temperature. The river water has neither of these attributes and is consequently ‘polluting’ the southern sections of the freshwater habitat.

£1k (charitable award – Marsh Foundation)

Yes

Regeneration of the Damp Woodland

The Damp Woodland habitat has become severely smothered by ‘thug’ vegetation (nettles, ivy and brambles).

The majority of this vegetation has to be removed to allow the site specific flora to flourish. The dredging and clearance of the central pond with its two springs and the stream which connects them to the main freshwater stream. The removal of this material to fill and reinstate the damp woodland floor where the river leaks have scoured out gullies.

£2.3k – (BIFFA) Yes

Reed bed regeneration

Invasive and non native vegetation is encroaching into the reed bed

To improve the quality of the reed beed by the clearance of trees, bushes and rank vegetation, cutting of new growth and access lines into the bed and the restriction of overall reed growth.

£1.1k – (mainly from donation for unspecified work)

Yes

Millpond Bank Completion of the Voice Your Choice project.

To renovate the bank of the old millpond) by removing the smothering vegetation of nettles and other weeds and re-sowing and re-planting with native grasses, flowers, bushes and trees. The final planting work cannot be completed until the autumn as it involves mainly bare root trees. Varieties* have been selected and a supplier identified. *Varieties include: native crab apple, wild privet, midland hawthorn and field maple

£400 – remainder of the £2k Voice Your Choice award

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Proposed task

Purpose Benefit Funding Contractor req.

Thug weed clearance

To control the growth of thug weeds in various areas such as the Meadow, Damp Woodland and Gibralter Glade

To promote the growth of habitat specific species for example in the Meadow area and Gibralter Glade grasses and meadow flowers (advice on seed mixes will be obtained from Emorsgate Seeds).

£600 revenue for new strimmers and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Control of non native species

Seasonal control of non-native species (Himalayan Balsam, Russian Comfrey, Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed etc.) in various areas.

To promote growth of habitat specific species as above.

BSV task

White poplar control

Several decades ago a significant number of white poplar trees were planted along the edges of the main meadow and the Lower Luton Road amenity grassland. These have now reached maturity and are sending out underground suckers into the grassland.

This increasingly rapid spread into the meadow and amenity grassland has to be contained and the number of white poplars reduced to prevent these areas becoming thickets.

BSV task

Routine maintenance

To ensure that the Reserve is maintained in a good condition

To show the general public that the Reserve is being managed and maintained appropriately.

BSV task

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Proposed task

Purpose Benefit Funding Contractor req.

General administration, sourcing and publicity work

To ensure the smooth running of BSV and the Reserve

Upkeep of HQ, utilities costs, PL and general insurance, maintenance and operation of mechanical equipment, tool replacement and repair programme, provision of appropriate PPE to volunteers, publicity material and equipment, presentation material etc.

BSV task Current annual cost est. £1.5k

Summary of estimated costs Total estimated costs for contractor work - £4.4k Total estimated costs for BSV work above Service Level Agreement - £1.0k Presumed Service Level Agreement – up to £2.0k

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Work planned for 5 year period 2013 to 2017 Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req.

De-silting of main pool and streams

Est. £3.5k Yes

Exposing and marking all five springs

BSV task Est. £1.0k

Removing all non-native flora from stream banks

BSV task

Removing inappropriate trees alongside and overhanging the streams

Est. £2.0k

Yes

Freshwater springs and streams

To re-instate and expand the fresh water habitats (water and land based) which existed when the watercress farm ceased production.

Taking steps to encourage freshwater flora and fauna back into the habitat

BSV task possible flora purchase costs

Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req.

Clearance of rank vegetation on the lower section of the meadow

£600 Yes

Continuous strimming to encourage new grass growth.

BSV task

Continue containing white poplars to the fringes of the meadow

BSV task

Maintain and encourage variety in the boundary hedges (laid in 2007)

BSV task

Meadow To restore the whole meadow to native grass cover and introduce appropriate wild flower growth.

Regeneration of meadow flowers across the main body of the meadow

Est. £2.0k Yes

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Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req.

Continue full clearance of thug weeds from the area

Est. £1.5k

Yes

Replant with damp woodland grasses and flowers

BSV task Est. £500

Create conditions to encourage damp woodland flora and fauna such as establishing wood and brush piles, selective planting, installation of bird, bat and insect boxes, etc.

BSV task some associated costs

Damp Woodland

To restore this unusual habitat to attract a specific range of flora and fauna.

Part clearance of canopy

Est. £5.0k Yes

Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req.

Continue programme of new access path creation

Est. £1.0k Yes

Continue programme of reed bed containment

Est. £0.5k Yes

Reed beds

To restore this habitat as a pure reed bed but at the same time to contain and control its spread within the pond.

Examine viability of reed bed regeneration in other areas of the Reserve

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Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req. Routine maintenance

To maintain all areas of the Reserve as appropriate for their designated use.

Amount of work varies considerably with the seasons and weather conditions. With an increasing number of volunteers trained and registered to operate powered equipment we should be able to increase the volume of certain types of work.

This is all revenue cost activity which we would expect to be covered by the SLA .

Most maintenance work is manual and as the quality of habitats is steadily improved there will be a need to increase the number of volunteers, increase the frequency of conservation sessions and to increase the level of assistance required from the HTC maintenance staff.

Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req. Possible new habitat – Flowered Marsh Grassland (see Appendix C, page 18)

With a major reed bed now established on the opposite side of the path this new habitat will attract an additional range of insects, butterflies and birds and will create a new and vibrant attraction for the passing visitors.

To create a new habitat of Flowered Marsh Grassland in the area by the main footbridge which has failed to prosper as a reed bed.

Est. £2.0k Yes

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Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req. Lea Valley Walk through the Reserve

BSV campaigned for this change some years ago. It was finally confirmed in 2011 by Herts County Council (HCC).

The walk will be signposted onto the Reserve at the river by Crabtree Lane ford, will then run along the river and stream banks to the All Saints car park and exit the Reserve through the snicket to the north of the apartments. No start date has yet been advised. HCC stated they will re-instate the crumbling river bank by the ford and signpost the whole route.

We would aim to co-operate with HCC where necessary in this work. .

Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req.

Create riverside walk

Create and maintain both recreational and wild areas

Gibraltar Glade (see Appendix D, page 19)

The initial preparation work in this area was carried out by our work experience student and a local scout group last summer. The aim is to complete the project and create a new attraction for local residents. Part clear canopy

Est. £2.0k Yes

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Area Objective Specific action Costs Contractor req. Amenity Grassland

Improve the Lower Luton Road amenity grassland area for both recreational users and the flora and fauna.

Greater variety of planting, increased amenities, introduction of variety into the flat landscape.

No cost estimates yet produced

Summary of cost estimates Total estimate costs for contractor work over the period - £18.1k Total estimated costs for BSV work above SLA - £2.0k Various projects with no costs yet assessed Presumed that SLA continues with annual review

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Potential targets for the period 2018 to 2022 Objectives At this stage it is not possible to indicate in any detail the type of work we will be carrying out in 5+ year’s time. To a degree nature will dictate how the Reserve will develop. Equally, conservation techniques and objectives will be developed which may help us in our work. If present predictions prove to be correct then we may see changes to the flora and fauna on the Reserve and to the public’s use of open spaces. We are aware that water levels in both the spring fed streams and the river may fall due to over extraction and a decline in rainfall. Should this happen there could be changes in the type and range of habitats the Reserve is able to support. There is currently a significant move on a national basis to try and physically link, where possible, managed open sites, natural open sites and agricultural land to form continuous varying habitats for the native flora and fauna. The following suggestions could lead to this being achieved along the eastern border of Harpenden. 1. Allotments Bring both sets of allotments into the Reserve in the form of further distinct habitats. Those at the northern end are ideally suited to further wetland habitats and to the creation of a riverside walk which could run from the ford to Station Road bridge. The southern area would lend itself to a further flowered meadow area running down to the rivers edge. 2. Marquis Lane fields The Marquis Lane fields have remained unsold for many years and there now appears to be no likelihood that planning permission for housing will ever be granted. That being the case their only use is for agriculture or recreation. For more than a year the public, mainly in the form of walkers, dog walkers and fishermen, have used the fields for recreational purposes. The paths are now very clearly trodden. Acquisition, by public or private funds or a mixture of the two, would seem to be the next logical step. The entire eastern boundary of the site is riverbank so the first major attraction is a riverside walk and the inclusion of the walk into the Lea Valley Walk. The second attraction is the potential to create a wooded habitat on some of the land. There would also be the opportunity to create a permanent Reserve HQ with a car park for visitors. 3. Linear Park As part of the Lea Valley Industrial Estate regeneration, a specific riverside walk could be created on the site. By so doing, a complete natural corridor could be created along much of the River Lea as it flows through Harpenden. The creation of natural corridors is presently seen as the way forward in conservation terms. Free standing habitats are valuable, but with green connections between them the parts become greater than the whole. This approach should receive significant support from the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust who are involved in many schemes of this type along stretches of the Lea and other Hertfordshire rivers.

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Associated issues 1. Co-operation between the Environment Committee and BSV The following issues are tabled as subjects for discussion at the BSLNR working party meetings–to help us achieve the objectives set out above. Working party meetings are to be held quarterly at the Town Hall. The Working Party will consist of members of BSV plus the Chair of the Environment Committee, the Deputy Chair and an East Ward representative. Action Target date Define and establish effective management control

October 2012

Define, set up and maintain a realistic SLA October 2012 Assistance with volunteer training and work practices

Ongoing

Assistance with the recruitment of suitable volunteers

Ongoing

Upgrade Reserve infrastructure – rubbish and dog poo bins, footpath maintenance, improved signage, etc

HTC Litter bin required next to the Millpond Bank picnic tables Dog bin required next to the footpath near the Church entrance

Erection of direction signposting to the Reserve – for example in the High Street, Station Road and the Lower Luton Road

HCC

A clear system of communication between HTC maintenance personnel and BSV

BSV should contact Officers in the first instance HTC to obtainJOC schedule and BSV to inform what actions they require JOC to undertake

Review solutions to the dog walking problems- not on leads and fouling

HTC

Investigate application for Green Flag status Leave this for a year until Mgt Plan fully formed. Submission to be via HTC along with Harpenden Common application. Include Marquis Lane play area and open space.

Long-term solution to the HQ problem HTC and BSV H & S tree survey and works HTC New byelaws HTC Maintenance of Parish Path 22 HTC/HCC Plant and insect surveys BSV 2 Interaction with local community For some years BSV have worked with the local community on a relatively informal basis. With Reserve ownership now in the hands of the HTC the time is right to extend this aspect of our work for two reasons. Firstly to get the local community more involved with the Reserve and for them to get more benefit from it and secondly to make the work of the BSV better known to attract more volunteers.

- Provide more information to users

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- Additional detailed signage - Get local schools, youth groups and others more involved - Encourage use of the Reserve as a research facility for Senior School studies - Regular short guided tours for local residents - Annual/bi-annual walks - Promote BSV at local events such as the Town Council’s Discovery Day or look to

hold a smaller type of event on the Reserve 3. Co-operation with Advisory Panel We have put a lot of effort into creating our panel of advisors. To date their input in terms of advice, guidance and identification has been invaluable to us and to the consequent development of the reserve. It is our aim to maintain and possibly strengthen the team for the following reasons and we would welcome any form of assistance the Environment Committee and others can give us.

- Maintaining the technical strength of Advisory Panel - Regular meetings for practical reviews, advice and guidance on operational and

planning matters - Continuing to survey and define species in individual habitats and to create further

listings of flora and fauna Members of the Advisory Panel include: Ian Denholm (Botanist, Botanical Society of the British Isles) Tim Hill (Conservation Manager, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust), Agneta Burton (Botanist, University of Hertfordshire) Helen Coleman (Technical information) Lucy Evans (Land management) Tom Hewin (Woodsman/hedgelayer, Rural Renovations,) John Davies (Ornithologist) Trevor James (Naturalist, British Naturalist Association) John Brydon (Environment Agency)

APPENDIX A- BATFORD SPRINGS NATURE RESERVE – CONSERVATION SUMMARY

LISTING OF HABITATS, THEIR CURRENT STATUS AND CONDITION

TYPE OF HABITAT STATUS CURRENT CONDITION MAIN CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES Springs feeding Chalk Streams and Ponds (Estimated 10% of total area)

Rare habitat, five active springs - only 200 miles of chalk stream worldwide

Poor 1. Clean and clear streams, ponds and banks 2. Stop river contaminating streams and ponds 3.Thin trees and bushes along stream banks

Ancient Meadow 15%

Diminishing habitat, was flowered 60 years ago

Moderate 1.Clear all rank vegetation 2. Remove creeping white poplar 3. Seed/encourage wild flower growth

Reed beds 5%

Diminishing habitat, one main bed, two minor

Reasonable/poor 1.Remove all non native/invasive vegetation 2. Control/encourage overall growth 3. Cut growth lines to improve reed quality

Damp Woodland 20%

Unusual habitat, contains three springs, chalk stream and pond

Poor 1. Cut broad access pathways 2. Clear springs, pond, streams 3. Control ivy and nettles 4. Re-plant as necessary and clear canopy

River/river banks 15%

Runs through whole length of Reserve. River is responsibility of the Environment Agency (EA)

Generally good, but water level low and some plant intrusion into river bed

1. Control all buffer strips 2. Re-build banks where necessary 3.Remove excessive, non native growth

Amenity grassland with some woodland 35%

Mainly mown grassland with potential

Generally good but edges being attacked by thug weeds

1. Encourage areas back to flowered meadow 2. Introduce stands of trees 3.Re-generate Gibraltar Glade area

Overall features Urban location, full free public access to all areas, dog walking and fishing allowed

Relatively little vandalism but conservation work has to go hand in hand with humanity

Maintenance work – thug weed control, litter picking, path clearance, routine coppicing and pruning, create and sustain laid hedges etc..

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APPENDIX B – SITE LAYOUT AND HABITAT LOCATOR

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APPENDIX C – MARSH GRASSLAND PROPOSAL

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APPENDIX D – GIBRALTER GLADE PROPOSAL

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