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Priority Habitats
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The UKBAP Partnership has divided the whole land surface of the country and surrounding marine environment into broad habitat types. These are further divided and the sub-habitats of particular national importance are defined as UK priority habitats of which there are currently 65.
Gloucestershire Biodiversity Partnership reviewed the county priority habitats in 2008. The result was the identification of 26 UK Priority Habitats and 10 Local Priority Habitats.
Gloucestershire's Priority Habitats were selected using one or more of the following criteria:
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Habitats for which the UK has international obligations |
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Habitats at risk, such as those which are rare or have undergone rapid recent decline |
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Habitats which are functionally important for species inhabiting wider environments |
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Habitats important for the survival of key species. |
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Neutral grassland UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Lowland Meadows Definition This type includes all semi-improved and unimproved grassland occurring on circumneutral soils. It includes enclosed and managed grassland such as hay meadows and pastures, a range of grasslands which are inundated with water periodically, permanently moist or even waterlogged grassland, where the vegetation is dominated by grasses, and tall and unmanaged grassland.
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Calcareous grassland UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Lowland calcareous meadows Definition In the UK calcareous grasslands are developed on shallow lime-rich soils most often derived from chalk and limestone rocks. They are widely distributed, from the south Devon coast to Shetland.
It is estimated there are 40,000-50,000 ha of calcareous grassland in the UK.
Calcareous grasslands contain an exceptional diversity of rare plants, but are particularly characterised by a series of widespread grassland plants which are mainly restricted to lime rich soils. Species include upright brome Bromus erecta, blue moor-grass Sesleria caerulea and common rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium. Due to the high plant variation of these grasslands 13 different types are recognised.
These vary from mostly coastal grasslands rich in warmth-loving, southern species, such as hoary rock-rose Helianthemum canum and honewort Trinia glauca, through to upland and mountain grasslands rich in arctic-alpines, such as spring gentian Gentiana verna and mountain avens Dryas octopetala.
Scrub is a prominent feature of many sites. In the absence of grazing scrub can spread to replace grasslands, with a negative effect upon the conservation value of the site. With balanced management, however, species-rich scrub-grassland mosaics can be conserved giving increased plant and animal diversity.
Certain types of calcareous scrub, such as juniper Juniperus communis scrub, and the species-rich hazel Corylus avellana scrub of the Derbyshire Dales have a high intrinsic conservation value and are rare.
Source: JNCC 2001, UKBAP website. |
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Arable and horticulture UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Arable field margins Definition Arable field margins are herbaceous strips or blocks around arable fields that are managed specifically to provide benefits for wildlife. The arable field must be in a crop rotation which includes an arable crop, even if in certain years the field is in temporary grass, set-aside or fallow. Arable field margins are usually sited on the outer 2-12m margin of the arable field, although when planted as blocks they occasionally extend further into the field centre. In general terms, the physical limits of the arable field margin priority habitat are defined by the extent of any management undertaken specifically to benefit wildlife. Single payment cross-compliance margins are considered as part of the boundary habitat and are not part of the arable field margin habitat. The outer edge refers to the edge closest to the field boundary. Where there is a living field boundary (hedgerow or line of trees), any herbaceous vegetation within 2m from the centre of the living boundary is considered to be part of the living boundary habitat. The arable field margin outer boundary starts at the edge of this boundary habitat. Where the boundary is a ditch or other water body, any herbaceous vegetation within 2m from the centre of the water body (or one metre from the edge of the water body if this extends further into the field) is considered to be part of the boundary habitat. The arable field margin outer boundary starts at the edge of this boundary habitat. Where the boundary is non-living (e.g. a fence or wall), the outer edge is defined by the extent of any management undertaken specifically to benefit wildlife. Where the habitat comprises a block of, for example, wild bird seed mixture, it has only an outer edge. The inner edge refers to the edge closest to the centre of the field. In all cases, the inner edge is defined by the extent of any management undertaken specifically to benefit wildlife.
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Boundary and linear features UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Hedgerows Definition A hedgerow is defined as any boundary line of trees or shrubs over 20m long and less than 5m wide, and where any gaps between the trees or shrub species are less that 20m wide (Bickmore, 2002). Any bank, wall, ditch or tree within 2m of the centre of the hedgerow is considered to be part of the hedgerow habitat, as is the herbaceous vegetation within 2m of the centre of the hedgerow. All hedgerows consisting predominantly (i.e. 80% or more cover) of at least one woody UK native species are covered by this priority habitat, where each UK country can define the list of woody species native to their respective country. Climbers such as honeysuckle and bramble are recognised as integral to many hedgerows, however they require other woody plants to be present to form a distinct woody boundary feature, as such they are not included in the definition of woody species. The definition is limited to boundary lines of trees or shrubs, and excludes banks or walls without woody shrubs on top of them. Based on an analysis of Countryside Survey data, using the threshold of at least 80% cover of any UK native woody species, it is estimated that 84% of countryside hedgerows in GB would be included.
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Acid grassland, Dwarf shrub heath UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Lowland heathland
Lowland dry acid grassland Definition
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PLEASE NOTE
"Heathland and Acid Grassland" has two Action Plans on the BARS website.
Scroll down for more information and links to the respective Action Plans. |
Acid Grasslands
Acid grasslands are probably one of the most extensive semi-natural habitats in Britain, yet surprisingly little is known about their true extent or conservation management requirements, especially in the lowlands. Estimates suggest that there is in excess of 1,200,000 ha of acid grassland in the uplands but in the lowlands it is unlikely to exceed 30,000 ha. Lowland acid grassland is becoming increasingly rare in Britain. However, in the uplands much acid grassland is often of low biological interest and is the product of poor management of other priority habitats, such as dwarf-shrub heath. Acid grassland also occurs in the montane zone, however, montane habitats are covered by a separate Statement.
Acid grasslands occur on acid rocks such as sandstones, acid igneous rocks and on superficial deposits such as sands and gravels. Although the habitat is typically species-poor a wide range of communities occur in the UK. Large expanses of acid grassland, uniform in character, occur in the uplands. These areas have a limited biodiversity interest, but a proportion contribute to the conservation interest of the moor. In the lowlands, acid grasslands are now rare and particularly in areas such as East Anglia they provide an important reservoir of rare species.
Source: JNCC 2001, UKBAP website.
» View Acid Grassland Action Plan on BARS (Biodiversity Action Reporting System)
Heathland
Lowland heathland is characterised by the presence of plants such as heather, dwarf gorses, and cross-leaved heath and is generally found below 300 metres in altitude. Areas of good quality heathland should consist of an ericaceous layer of varying heights and structures, some areas of scattered trees and scrub, areas of bare ground, gorse, wet heaths, bogs and open water. The presence and numbers of characteristic birds, reptiles, invertebrates, vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens are important indicators of habitat quality.
Lowland heathland is a priority for nature conservation because it is a rare and threatened habitat. In England only one sixth of the heathland present in 1800 now remains. The UK has some 58,000 ha of lowland heathland of which the largest proportion (55% ) is found in England. The most significant areas for lowland heathland include the counties of Hampshire, Cornwall, Dorset, Surrey, Devon, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Pembrokeshire, West Glamorgan and west Gwynedd. The UK has an important proportion (about 20%) of the international total of this habitat.
Source: JNCC 2001, Habitat Action Plans, UKBAP website.
Additional Information
Lowland acid grassland typically occurs on nutrient-poor, generally free-draining soils with pH ranging from 4 to 5.5 overlying acid rocks or superficial deposits such as sands and gravels.
Lowland heathland is characterised by the presence of plants such as heather, dwarf gorses, and cross-leaved heath and is generally found below 300 metres in altitude.
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Full Action Plan UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Traditional Orchards Definition Habitat structure rather than vegetation type, topography or soils, is the defining feature of the habitat. Traditional orchards are structurally and ecologically similar to wood-pasture and parkland, with opengrown trees set in herbaceous vegetation, but are generally distinguished from these priority habitat complexes by the following characteristics: the species composition of the trees, these being primarily in the family Rosaceae; the usually denser arrangement of the trees; the small scale of individual habitat patches; the wider dispersion and greater frequency of occurrence of habitat patches in the countryside. Traditional orchards include plantings for nuts, principally hazel nuts, but also walnuts. Management of the trees is the other main feature distinguishing traditional orchards and woodpasture and parkland. Trees in traditional orchards are, or were, grown for fruit and nut production, usually achieved through activities such as grafting and pruning, whereas timber has been the main product from trees in wood-pastures and parkland, mostly derived from pollarding or selective felling. Grazing or cutting of herbaceous vegetation are integral to orchard management, as they are in wood-pastures and parkland. The presence of scrub, mostly the form of hedgerows on the site boundaries, or sometimes, especially in unmanaged orchards, among the orchard trees, is analogous to the frequent occurrence of scrub in wood pastures and parkland and plays a similar ecological role. Ponds and other wetland features are often present, being used now, or in the past, for watering livestock.
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Habitat Statement Local Habitat
UK Recommendations is to clarify relevant grassland priority habitat types definition to explicitly include this habitat. Therefore statement only. Definition Note
Action Plan Definition is being prepared. |
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Fen, Marsh and Swamp UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Lowland Fens, Reedbeds Local Habitat
Marsh Definition This type includes vegetation that is ground water fed; and permanently, seasonally or periodically waterlogged peat, peaty or mineral soils where grasses do not predominate. It also includes emergent vegetation or frequently inundated vegetation occurring over peat or mineral soils. This type includes neither areas of carr that are greater than 0.25ha which should be included in the "Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland" broad habitat type nor include wet grassland (with the exception of purple moor grass, reed, or sweet-grass dominated vegetation) which should be included in the "Neutral grassland" broad habitat type. |
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Improved grassland UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Coastal and flood plain grazing marsh Definition Grazing marsh is defined as periodically inundated pasture, or meadow with ditches which maintain the water levels, containing standing brackish or fresh water. The ditches are especially rich in plants and invertebrates. Almost all areas are grazed and some are cut for hay or silage. Sites may contain seasonal water-filled hollows and permanent ponds with emergent swamp communities, but not extensive areas of tall fen species like reeds; although they may abut with fen and reed swamp communities. The exact extent of grazing marsh in the UK is not known but it is possible that there may be a total of 300,000 ha. England holds the largest proportion with an estimate in 1994 of 200,000 ha. However, only a small proportion of this grassland is semi-natural supporting a high diversity of native plant species (5,000 ha in England, an estimated 10,000 ha in the UK). Grazing marshes are particularly important for the number of breeding waders such as snipe Gallinago gallinago, lapwing Vanellus vanellus and curlew Numenius arquata they support. Internationally important populations of wintering wildfowl also occur including Bewick swans Cygnus bewickii and whooper swans Cygnus cygnus.
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Broad leaved and mixed yew woodland
Coniferous UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Lowland beech and yew woodland, Upland mixed ashwoods, Upland Oakwood, Wet woodland Definition This type includes all broadleaved and yew stands and mixed broadleaved and coniferous stands which have more than 20% of the cover made up of broadleaved and yew trees, apart from Woodpasture and Parkland which has its own Action Plan. It also includes patches of scrub of above 0.25ha which form a continuous canopy. Areas of recently felled broadleaved woodland are also included in this type, along with other integral features of woodland such as glades and rides.
Source: JNCC 2001, UKBAP website. |
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Broad leaved and mixed yew woodland UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Wood pasture and parkland Definition Lowland wood-pastures and parkland are the products of historic land management systems, and represent a vegetation structure rather than being a particular plant community. Typically this structure consists of large, open-grown or high forest trees (often pollards) at various densities, in a matrix of grazed grassland, heathland and/or woodland floras.
There are no reliable statistics on the extent of the overall resource, nor on historical and current rates of loss or degradation of this type of habitat. The figure of 10-20,000 ha 'currently in a working condition' given in the 'habitat statement' of the UK Biodiversity Steering Group report is the current best estimate. This habitat is most common in southern Britain, but scattered examples occur throughout the country for example Hamilton High Parks and Dalkeith Oakwood in Scotland. Outgrown wood-pasture and mature high forest remnants ('virgin forests') occur in northern and central Europe, but the number and continuity of ancient (veteran) trees with their associated distinctive saproxylic (wood-eating) fauna and epiphytic flora are more abundant in Britain than elsewhere. Parklands and wood-pasture may also be of interest for bats and birds and may preserve indigenous tree genotypes. These areas are outstanding at a European level. These sites are frequently of national historic, cultural and landscape importance. Some, but not all, of the individual habitat components (lowland beech and yew woodland, lowland heathland, lowland dry acid grassland) are biodiversity action plan priority habitats in their own right. Requirements of these plans will need to be given due regard during implementation.
Included in this plan are:
Lowland wood-pastures and parklands derived from medieval forests and emparkments, wooded commons, parks and pastures with trees in them. Some have subsequently had a designed landscape superimposed in the 16th to 19th centuries. A range of native species usually predominates amongst the old trees but there may be non-native species which have been planted or regenerated naturally.
Parklands with their origins in the 19th century or later where they contain much older trees derived from an earlier landscape.
Under-managed and unmanaged wood-pastures with veteran trees, in a matrix of secondary woodland or scrub that has developed by regeneration and/or planting.
Parkland or wood-pasture that has been converted to other land uses such as arable fields, forestry and amenity land, but where surviving veteran trees are of nature conservation interest. Some of the characteristic wood-pasture and parkland species may have survived this change in state.
Links with other action plans
Lowland wood-pasture and parkland is an important habitat for a number of priority species including violet click beetle Limoniscus violaceus, the stag beetle Lucanus cervus, a bark beetle Emoporus tiliae, a wood boring beetle Gastrallus immarginatus, orange-fruited elm lichen Caloplaca luteoalba, the lichens Bacidia incompata, Enterographa sorediata and Schismatomma graphidioides, the royal bolete fungi Boletus regius, oak polypore Buglossoporous pulvinus and the heart moth Dicycla oo. Their requirements should also be taken into account in the implementation of this plan. Other rare species include Moccas beetle Hypebaeus flavipes, and the lichen the New Forest parmelia Parmelia minarium.
Source: JNCC 2001, Habitat Action Plans, UKBAP website. |
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Full Action Plan Local Habitat
Veteran trees Definition A tree which, because of its great age, size or condition is of exceptional value culturally, in the landscape or for wildlife. |
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Habitat Statement Definition UK Recommendations is to clarify relevant grassland priority habitat types definition to explicitly include this habitat. Therefore statement only. |
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Full Action Plan UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Costal saltmarsh
Intertidal mudflats
Martine Cliff and Slope
Estuarine rock habitats
Definition The Severn Estuary is an internationally important conservation area. The section within Gloucestershire holds extensive areas of mudflats and salt marsh. The intertidal mudflats are home to many species of worms, molluscs and crustaceans which provide food for large numbers of migratory wildfowl, wading birds and fish. This action plan covers all habitats in the estuary.
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Standing open water and canals UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Mesotrophic Lakes, Eutrophic Standing Waters, Ponds Local Habitat
Ditches
Canals Definition All lakes, ponds and canals
This type includes natural systems such as lakes, meres and pools, as well as man-made waters such as reservoirs, canals, ponds and gravel pits. It includes the open water zone which may contain submerged, free floating or floating-leaved vegetation, and water fringe vegetation. It also includes adjacent wetland habitats with contiguous water levels that are less than 0.25ha. Ditches with open water for at least the majority of the year should also be included in this type. Small areas of open water in a predominately terrestrial habitat such as bog pools or temporary pools on heaths should be included in the appropriate terrestrial broad habitat type.
Source: JNCC 2001, UKBAP website. |
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Rivers and Streams UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Rivers Local Habitat
Streams Definition This action plan covers rivers and streams to the saline limit. Rivers and streams are widespread across the county and vary in character and quality from rivers of international importance such as the Wye to those which have been degraded and constrained by engineering and development.
In their natural state rivers are dynamic systems, continually modifying their form. However in many cases their ability to rejuvenate and create new habitat has been reduced or arrested by flood defence structures and impoundments. Few rivers in the UK have not been physically modified by man and such rivers represent a very valuable resource. Erosion of banks has also been caused by canalization and the removal of tree cover in historic times. Such activities have resulted in changes in the frequency and magnitude of flooding, altering seasonal patterns of flows and hydrograph form. In addition, flow regulation has altered patterns of sediment transport and nutrient exchange in river systems. Any resulting eutrophication can have detrimental effects on floodplain habitat which still retains some connection with the main stream.
The mosaic of features found in rivers and streams supports a diverse range of plants and animals. For example, riffles and pools support aquatic species, and exposed sediments such as shingle beds and sand bars are important for a range of invertebrates, notably ground beetles, spiders and craneflies. Marginal and bankside vegetation support an array of wild flowers and animals. Rivers and streams often provide a wildlife corridor link between fragmented habitats in intensively farmed areas.
The plant and animal assemblages of rivers and streams vary according to their geographical area, underlying geology and water quality. Swiftly-flowing upland, nutrient-poor rivers support a wide range of mosses and liverworts and relatively few species of higher plants. The invertebrate fauna of upland rivers is dominated by stoneflies, mayflies and caddisflies, while fish such as salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta will almost certainly be present. In contrast, lowland nutrient-rich systems are dominated by higher plants, and coarse fish such as chub Leuciscus cephalus, dace Leuciscus leuciscus and roach Rutilus rutilus. Where nutrient levels are artificially raised, the occurrence of algae increases. |
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Built up Areas and Gardens Local Habitat
Gardens, Urban green space, Green infrastructure Definition The UK broad habitat type includes urban and rural settlements, farm buildings, caravan parks and other man made built structures such as industrial estates, retail parks, waste and derelict ground, urban parkland and transport infrastructure. It also includes domestic gardens and allotments. This type does not include amenity grassland which should be included in the "Improved grassland" broad habitat type.
Source: JNCC 2001, UKBAP website.
1.1 Definition
Simply any habitat that exists within, and is typical of, developed areas. Urban areas provide a myriad of ecological niches that taken together are very rich in species. Some habitats may be unique and will be important from a strictly scientific point of view. Others, though biologically interesting, will be of greater value by virtue of them being accessible and potentially interactive with a large number of people. The urban habitat will range from derelict industrial areas to motorway embankments to people's back gardens. What they all have in common is that they are a product of man's development of land.
This habitat type excludes those covered by the Post Industrial HAP. |
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Full Action Plan UK Broad Habitat Type
Built up areas and gardens UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land Definition Includes new UK priority habitat Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land but it is unclear how broad this category will be.
The habitat is best defined in terms of structure and growth forms, rather than through specific vegetation communities. It comprises mosaics of bare ground with, typically, very early pioneer communities on skeletal substrates, more established open grasslands, usually dominated by fine-leaved grasses with many herbs, areas of bare ground, scrub and patches of other habitats such as heathland, swamp, ephemeral pools and inundation grasslands. High quality examples may be characterised as "unmanaged flower-rich grasslands with sparsely-vegetated areas developed over many years on [edaphically-] poor substrates" (Harvey 2000, referring to the East Thames Corridor, but it applies to all types).
These are generally primary successions, and as such unusual in the British landscape, especially the lowlands. The vegetation can have similarities to early/pioneer communities (particularly grasslands) on more ‘natural’ substrates but, due to the edaphic conditions, the habitat can often persist (remaining relatively stable) for decades without active management (intervention). Stands of vegetation commonly comprise small patches and may vary over relatively small areas, reflecting small-scale variation in substrate and topography.
Plant assemblages are unusual, selected by propagule supply as well as site conditions (Ash, Gemmell and Bradshaw 1994 for several waste types, Shaw 1994 on Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA)). The habitat supports a range of notable vascular plant, moss and lichen species. These often include species declining in the wider countryside such as Ophrys apifera, Gymnadenia conopsea (alkaline wastes), Epipactis youngiana (acid waste), Osmunda regalis (acid sandstone quarries), Peltigera rufescens (lime waste, PFA), Cladonia pocillum (calcareous wastes), Diploschistes muscorum (PFA) and a UK BAP priority liverwort, Petalophyllum ralfsii (PFA). Exotic plant species, which are well adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions, are a characteristic component of associated plant assemblages.
Invertebrate faunas can be species-rich and include many uncommon species (Eyre and others., 2002, 2004). Between 12 and 15% of all nationally-rare and nationally-scarce insects are recorded from brownfield sites, which will include many post-industrial examples (Gibson 1998; Jones 2002) (see below). Exotic plants provide for an extended flowering season and, with the floristic and structural diversity of the habitat mosaic, contribute to the value of the habitat for invertebrates (see Bodsworth and others, 2005).
Some areas are important for birds that are primarily associated with previously developed or brownfield land such as little ringed plover (in 1984 97% of LRP nests in England were in ‘man-made’ habitats), as well as more widespread, but UK BAP priority species, including skylark and grey partridge. The habitat provides secure breeding and feeding areas commonly absent from land under agricultural management.
The heterogeneity within the habitat mosaic reflects chemical and physical modification by former development or previous industrial processes, including the exposure of underlying substrates and the tipping of wastes and spoils. Features such as ditches, other exposures, spoil mounds and even the relicts of built structures provide topographical heterogeneity at the macro and micro scale. Sealed surfaces and compaction add further variation and contribute to the modified hydrology of such habitats resulting in areas of impeded and accelerated drainage. Stochastic factors also have a significant influence in shaping the habitat.
Edaphic conditions for this habitat are severely limiting on plant growth. Examples are substrates with extreme pH, whether alkaline (e.g., chemical wastes) or acid (e.g., colliery spoils); deficiency of nitrogen (PFA), or available phosphate (highly calcareous Leblanc waste, blast furnace slag and calcareous quarry spoil); or water-deficient (dry gravel and sand pits). Other typical situations where such conditions arise include disused quarries, former railway sidings, extraction pits and landfill sites.
The main criteria for selection of qualifying habitats of high nature conservation value are:
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Rich and/or large examples of habitats typical of the substrate/edaphic conditions concerned, which demonstrate the characteristic mosaic of bare ground, pioneer communities, flower rich grassland and other habitat patches with associated structural and topographical features;
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Areas that have retained bare ground and pioneer communities over an extended period, demonstrating arrested succession;
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Threatened areas that support either the last remaining examples where the habitat was formerly widespread/extensive, or rare/ specialised types of this habitat for example where the nature of the substrate is particularly unusual;
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Presence of UK BAP priority species or Red Data Book/List species;
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Importance for an exceptional assemblage of key species groups.
The habitat is concentrated in urban, urban fringe and large-scale former industrial landscapes, especially in the lowlands, though more isolated examples can be found on previously developed land in more remote rural areas. Although there are inventories of previously developed land the habitat has not been mapped consistently at a UK level. A Defra research proposal (title - Definition & mapping of open mosaic habitats on previously developed land) will further quantify and refine the definitions as well as mapping much of the habitat. It is expected to report in 2009.
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Habitat Statement UK Broad Habitat Type
Inland Rock UK Priority Habitats found in Gloucestershire
Limestone pavements Definition Note
Action Plan Definition is being prepared. |
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