1 Current status
1.1 National
This habitat covers all woodland and scrub on damp substrates, including carr
woodland around water bodies and in hollows, floodplain woodlands, woodland on
remnant raised bogs and the drier parts of basins and valleys and woods on wet
flushes.
Wet woodlands are found throughout the UK. They occur mainly as small woods or
as localised patches in larger woods; large wet woods are extremely rare. Some
examples are difficult to delimit in the field as they occur as small patches in
depressions and along drainage lines which grade imperceptibly into drier ground.
A crude estimate of the total area of wet woodland is 50,000 – 75,000 ha, of which
25,000 – 50,000 ha is ancient woodland. Many more recent semi-natural wet
woodlands are due to succession from wetland and aquatic habitats.
There are seven types of wet woodland identified in the UK by the National
Vegetation Classification. In brief, these are: W1 and W2 Grey Willow woodlands;
W3 Bay Willow woodlands; W4 Downy Birch woodlands; W5, W6 and W7 Alder
woodlands. Wet woodland is a priority habitat in the UK BAP.
1.2 Local
There are no estimates of the total area, distribution, status and condition of wet
woodland for North Merseyside.
North Merseyside has no example of wet woodland which is of international or
national importance (although more research is needed on the Birkdale Green Beach
Alders – see below). North Merseyside has little wet woodland, yet wet woodland
was a significant habitat prior to drainage of the mosslands.
Wet woodland occurs in each district although the areas are small. Examples include:
Red Brow Wood, St Helens; Mull Wood, Liverpool; alder carr in Ainsdale NNR,
Sefton; Acornfield Plantation, Knowsley. Since 2000, a highly unusual linear alder
woodland has sprung up on old strandlines at the landward edge of Birkdale Green
Beach. Much of this woodland occurs in young dune slack and is therefore a type of
wet woodland.
The highest population densities occur in areas of arable farmland that still retain pockets of grassland. High densities also occur on coastal grassland at Marshside, Southport where up to 50 pairs per square km are recorded. Breeding populations persist at various sites within the conurbation, principally at Fazakerley and the Rimrose Valley.
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
1. CURRENT STATUS
1.1 National
1.1.1 The Lapwing population in England and Wales declined by 48% between 1987 and 1998 to around 63,000 pairs. A 13% decline was recorded in Scotland between 1992 and 1997. Declines have been greatest in SW England and Wales and the species is now only numerous in N and NW England, which between them hold at least two thirds of the UK population. Changes in agricultural practices have been the major factor determining both population size and distribution.
1.1.2 The Lapwing is ‘amber listed’ in Birds of Conservation Concern in the UK because it winters here in internationally important numbers. Recent evidence of dramatic declines in the breeding population is likely to result in the species being ‘red listed’ in future editions. It is a Species of Conservation Concern in the UK BAP.
1.2 Local
1.2.1 Lapwings continue to breed in all suitable habitat. Distribution in North Merseyside was surveyed in 1997-99 when breeding was recorded in 89 tetrads out of 140.
1.2.2 The highest population densities occur in areas of arable farmland that still retain pockets of grassland. High densities also occur on coastal grassland at Marshside, Southport where up to 50 pairs per square km are recorded. Breeding populations persist at various sites within the conurbation, principally at Fazakerley and the Rimrose Valley.
1.2.3 The extent of recent declines is not known.
1.2.4 The species is also a locally abundant winter visitor to the region frequenting grassland, arable fields and coastal areas.
The highest population densities occur on arable farmland in Sefton. Together with adjoining areas of West Lancashire, these mosslands support the largest numbers of Grey Partridges in Lancashire with up to 8 pairs per sq. km being recorded. Good numbers are also found in the Rainford area. Smaller populations persist on uncultivated grasslands within the conurbation, notably at Otterspool and the Rimrose Valley.
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
1. CURRENT STATUS
1.1 National
1.1.1 The UK population of Grey Partridge declined by 86% between 1971-1995 to a currently estimated 150,000 pairs. It remains widespread but population declines show marked geographical variation, being linked to farm type and changes in agricultural practice.
1.1.2 The Grey Partridge is a Priority Species in the UK BAP on account of its population decline.
1.2 Local
1.2.1 The extent of local population decline is not known. The North Merseyside population was estimated at 300 pairs in 1997-99 (Knowsley=50, Liverpool=15, Sefton=135, St Helens=100). They are present in all suitable habitat and breed at a density of about one pair per square kilometre (sq. m) which compares favourably with an average density of 0.6 pairs per sq. km in Lancashire as a whole.
1.2.2 The highest population densities occur on arable farmland in Sefton. Together with adjoining areas of West Lancashire, these mosslands support the largest numbers of Grey Partridges in Lancashire with up to 8 pairs per sq. km being recorded. Good numbers are also found in the Rainford area. Smaller populations persist on uncultivated grasslands within the conurbation, notably at Otterspool and the Rimrose Valley.
This sub-species of the Sandhill Rustic Moth is confined to sand dune systems in North Wales and North-West England. Other sub-species – all coastal but with varying habitat requirements – occur in Cornwall (ssp. leechi), South-West Ireland (ssp. knilli) and Essex/Kent (ssp. demuthi). The Red Data Book lists ssp. leechi as Endangered and ssp. gueneei as Vulnerable (Shirt 1987).
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Sandhill Rustic Moth Luperina nickerlii gueneei
1 Current status
1.1 National
This sub-species of the Sandhill Rustic Moth is confined to sand dune systems in North Wales and North-West England. Other sub-species – all coastal but with varying habitat requirements – occur in Cornwall (ssp. leechi), South-West Ireland (ssp. knilli) and Essex/Kent (ssp. demuthi). The Red Data Book lists ssp. leechi as Endangered and ssp. gueneei as Vulnerable (Shirt 1987).
Known extant colonies of ssp. gueneei outside of Lancashire/North Merseyside are West Kirby/Hoylake (Wirral), Talacre/Gronant Flintshire/Denbighshire), Kinmel Bay (Denbighshire), Conwy/Deganwy (Conwy) and Maltraeth/Newborough Point (Anglesey) (Wallace 2008). There are Species Action Plans for Sandhill Rustic in the local BAPs for Wirral (Cheshire), Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy (as well as
North Merseyside). The Sandhill Rustic is a named ‘interest feature’ of the Dee Estuary SSSI and Gronant Dunes & Talacre Warren SSSI (as well as the Sefton Coast SSSI).
The moth’s natural rarity is the result of highly specialised habitat requirements. Ssp. gueneei lays eggs in late summer on Sand Couch – the only known food plant of the caterpillars of this sub-species. For the most part, it seems that plants which are lapped by the highest tides are favoured.
1.2 Local
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries (until 1916), the moth was regularly recorded at St. Annes in Lancashire. There is also strong anecdotal evidence that the colony was extant in the1970s. The last record dates to 1987. Recent searches have failed to locate the moth there.
On Merseyside a single 19th century record for Southport is complemented by several records from Formby in the late 20th century. The last Formby record was made in 1987. Between 1997 and 2003 the moth was recorded on the frontal dunes at Altcar Rifle Range, but only in low numbers. Searches in 2004 and 2007 failed to produce any records of the moth there. This evidence and an apparent deterioration in the habitat (probably due to tidal erosion) suggest that this colony may no longer be extant.
In 2007 a new colony was located at Birkdale Green Beach on the Sefton Coast. Despite a relatively limited search effort, this site produced 16 new records for the moth and there is every indication that there is a substantial colony there.
As its vernacular name suggests, the bee is an early spring species, normally occurring from late March to the end of May. It nests in old blow-outs undergoing secondary plant colonisation in semi-fixed yellow dune habitat. Females forage predominantly, but not exclusively, on the pollen of Creeping Willow Salix repens and mass emergence of both sexes, which are triggered by a period of warm weather, occur over two to three days.
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Vernal Mining-bee Colletes cunicularius
1. Current Status
1.1 National
1.1.1 The British distribution of the Vernal Bee is mapped in Edwards (1997). The species has an unusual distribution, being confined to a number of extensive coastal sand dune systems in North-west England and North and South Wales. However, on the continent, it occurs in a wider range of sandy habitats, both on the coast and inland.
1.1.2 As its vernacular name suggests, the bee is an early spring species, normally occurring from late March to the end of May. It nests in old blow-outs undergoing secondary plant colonisation in semi-fixed yellow dune habitat. Females forage predominantly, but not exclusively, on the pollen of Creeping Willow Salix repens and mass emergence of both sexes, which are triggered by a period of warm weather, occur over two to three days.
1.1.3 British specimens of the Vernal Bee were recognised by O’Toole (1974) as a distinct subspecies – Colletes cunicularius celticus and there is a possibility they might represent a distinct species (Albans et al., 1980).
1.1.4 In Great Britain this species is designated as a British Red Data Book 3 (Rare) species by Falk (1991) who reviewed its conservation management requirements and biology.
1.2 Local
1.2.1 Found along the Sefton Coast sand dune system from Birkdale to Hightown, the latter being the type locality for the subspecies.
The Grayling is a butterfly mostly associated with coastal grasslands. Its caterpillars feed exclusively on grasses, especially fescues, bents and hair-grasses. The adults seek out thistle, bramble and other flowers as sources of nectar and require plentiful areas of bare ground on which to bask to gain sufficient warmth to fly.
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Grayling Hipparchia semele
1 Current status
1.1 National
The Grayling is a butterfly mostly associated with coastal grasslands. Its caterpillars feed exclusively on grasses, especially fescues, bents and hair-grasses. The adults seek out thistle, bramble and other flowers as sources of nectar and require plentiful areas of bare ground on which to bask to gain sufficient warmth to fly.
The species remains widespread but localised. Some populations are quite distinctive and the many local declines this species has suffered may threaten genetic diversity. Although not a UK Priority Species, the Grayling appeared on the original Long List of the UK BAP and is classified in the Red Data Book as ‘out of danger’.
1.2 Local
On Merseyside the Grayling is entirely confined to the Sefton Coast, where it occurs between Hightown and Southport, mostly in more seaward dune habitats.
Sea holly is a particularly important nectar source.
Northern Dune Tiger Beetle is extensively found along a 15 kilometre stretch of the Sefton Coast which is estimated to support up to 75% of the species’ British population. It was recorded from 105, separate 100 metre squares, on the Sefton Coast during a 1999 – 2003 survey. The species is almost continuously recorded between Birkdale in the north and Hightown in the south. The most southerly record for the species is from Hall Road Crosby.
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Northern Dune Tiger Beetle Cicindela hybrida
1. Current Status
1.1 National
1.1.1 Modern and historic British records for this conspicuous and photogenic insect are restricted to coastal sand dunes in North West England. It is no longer found at Wallasey (Merseyside), Carnforth (Lancashire), Walney Island and (probably) Eskmeals (Cumbria). Current records are within four, ten kilometre National Grid squares, and are from Drigg (Cumbria) and a 15-kilometre stretch of the Sefton Coast (Merseyside), This species is found throughout Europe, except the extreme north, and is not restricted to the coast. British populations are isolated and at the extreme north-west of the species’ range.
1.1.2 Northern Dune Tiger Beetle is confined to bare sandy areas between the fore and mobile, Marram Ammophila arenaria covered dunes, close to the shore, and to partly re-vegetated ‘blow-outs’ and eroded areas inland, on fixed dunes. It is more peripheral in its distribution at Drigg, and only occurs in bare sandy areas amongst Marram and sedge on the edge of the sea and river estuaries.
1.1.3 In Great Britain this species is now classified as Vulnerable and is a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
1.2 Local
1.2.1 Northern Dune Tiger Beetle is extensively found along a 15 kilometre stretch of the Sefton Coast which is estimated to support up to 75% of the species’ British population. It was recorded from 105, separate 100 metre squares, on the Sefton Coast during a 1999 – 2003 survey. The species is almost continuously recorded between Birkdale in the north and Hightown in the south. The most southerly record for the species is from Hall Road Crosby.
1.2.2 Most records are from mobile fore dunes. However, the species also occurs along sandy tracks and on fixed dunes, particularly at Ainsdale NNR and Formby, in ‘blow-outs’ and wherever there is extensive open sand. There are even records from sandy clearings in the pine plantations.
Natterjacks require a mosaic of habitats in fairly close proximity: wet slacks and pools of varying depths some of which hold water until mid- to late summer for breeding; short grassland and bare sand for feeding; and open sand ridges for burrows.
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Natterjack Toad Epidalea calamita
1. Current Status
1.1 International/National
1.1.1 The Natterjack Toad is a western European species. Outside of its stronghold in Spain and Portugal, where it remains widespread and common, its status is regarded as unfavourable due to large population declines.
1.1.2 Its distribution and abundance declined markedly in the UK during the 20th century due to loss of habitat (heathland, sand dune and upper saltmarsh). Natterjacks are now restricted to four natural sites in Scotland and 35 in England plus 13 sites to which it has been reintroduced.
1.2 Local
1.2.1 In North Merseyside the Natterjack Toad occurs on the Sefton Coast in seaward dunes between Southport and Hightown. In 2000 it was present on 13 sites (three of which are reintroductions). The breeding population is estimated just over 1000 females.
1.2.2 The largest populations are on Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR and Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills LNR. Natterjacks are absent from much of the dune coast and some breeding sites are relatively isolated.
1.2.3 Natterjacks require a mosaic of habitats in fairly close proximity: wet slacks and pools of varying depths some of which hold water until mid- to late summer for breeding; short grassland and bare sand for feeding; and open sand ridges for burrows.
Between 1995 and 1998, the Pond Life Project undertook a survey of 1000 ponds in the Northwest. Of these 500 were north of the Mersey although no sites surveyed were within the boroughs of Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens or Liverpool. The Pond Life survey showed that 25% of ponds in the northern part of the survey area contained Great Crested Newts. Furthermore, in some urban areas (e.g. Wigan) the percentage of occupied ponds was higher.
Great Crested Newt surveys have been carried out on Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2006. Evidence of Great Crested Newt occupation was found in 31 ponds and temporary slacks.
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus
1 Current status
1.1 National & international
The Great Crested Newt is still widespread in Britain but has suffered a decline since the 1940s with an estimated colony loss of 2% over five years in the 1980s. Britain probably contains the largest population in Europe, it is estimated that there are 50,000–100,000 occupied Great Crested Newt ponds in the whole of Britain.
The Great Crested Newt is listed on Annex IIa and IVa of the EU Habitats and Species Directive, Appendix II of the Berne Convention and Schedules 5 and 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals as Lower Risk: conservation dependent.
1.2 Local
Although present across northwest England, there is currently no population estimate for the whole of North Merseyside.
Between 1995 and 1998, the Pond Life Project undertook a survey of 1000 ponds in the Northwest. Of these 500 were north of the Mersey although no sites surveyed were within the boroughs of Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens or Liverpool. The Pond Life survey showed that 25% of ponds in the northern part of the survey area contained Great Crested Newts. Furthermore, in some urban areas (e.g. Wigan) the percentage of occupied ponds was higher.
Great Crested Newt surveys have been carried out on Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2006. Evidence of Great Crested Newt occupation was found in 31 ponds and temporary slacks.
In 2004/05 the North Merseyside Amphibian & Reptile Group carried out a survey of the Sefton coast. Many of the ponds between Freshfield and Birkdale contained both adults and tadpoles.
There was a very large reduction in the size and distribution of the North Merseyside population during the 20th century – perhaps as much as 80%. The current estimate of the local population is 1,000 adults. These are all located in the Sefton Coast sand dunes and surrounding area and are spread over widely fragmented sites. The Sefton population is considered the rarest of three ‘geographical races’ in Britain. One population within the Sefton coast area appears to be genetically distinct from the others, due to isolation.
North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis
1 Current status
1.1 National & international
The Sand Lizard is under threat throughout its Palaearctic range and beyond. Populations are declining throughout Europe. In the UK, many natural populations have disappeared and the species has been lost from many regions.
Surviving colonies are mostly confined to heathland habitats within coniferous forests and the dry heaths of south Dorset. Only a few populations now remain on the heathlands of south-west Surrey and the Merseyside sand dunes.
Sand Lizards have recently been re-introduced to sites in southern England and north and west Wales. There is one long established, introduced colony in Scotland. It is a Priority Species in the UK BAP on account of its historic decline and current
threats.
1.2 Local
There was a very large reduction in the size and distribution of the North Merseyside population during the 20th century – perhaps as much as 80%. The current estimate of the local population is 1,000 adults. These are all located in the Sefton Coast sand dunes and surrounding area and are spread over widely fragmented sites. The Sefton population is considered the rarest of three ‘geographical races’ in Britain. One population within the Sefton coast area appears to be genetically distinct from the others, due to isolation.
There may have been some improvements in status at some sites but these have, to a degree, been balanced by other localised declines.
Optimal habitat for Sand Lizards includes: un-shaded ground vegetation of suitable structure, (e.g. mature and tangled marram grass or mature dry heath), local topographical variation (including south-facing slopes) and sufficient open sand nearby for breeding (5-20% on dunes and 2-10% on dry heaths).
