1 Current status
1.1 National
Reedbeds are wetlands dominated by stands of Common Reed Phragmites australis,
where the water table is above ground level for most of the year.
Reedbeds often include areas of open water and ditches. Small areas of wet grassland
and carr woodland may also be associated with them.
Reedbeds occur in most water conditions including brackish waters, and on both peat
and mineral soils. Typical NVC communities include S4 (Phragmites australis
swamp and reed-beds) in brackish waters and S25 / S26 (Phragmites australis-
Eupatorium cannabinum tall-herb fen/Phragmites australis-Urtica dioica tall-herb
fen) in fresh waters.
Nationally there are around 5000ha of Phragmites reedbed. A survey carried out by
RSPB in 1993 showed that of the 926 sites identified, most were fragmented into
areas of less than 1 ha.
In NW England, extensive reedbeds are extremely rare although small stands are
relatively frequent around lake shores and along the banks of rivers and canals.
Regionally important examples are associated with lowland water bodies and wet
hollows throughout the region.
1.2 Local
In 2003, LWT collated the extent of all reedbed habitat in Merseyside giving us
excellent information on the extent of this habitat and meeting the targets of the first
edition of this HAP for baseline information.
A total of 23.715 ha of reedbed was identified in North Merseyside; 17.615ha in
blocks and 6.1ha alongside ditches and other watercourses.
St Helens holds 8.7ha spread over 11 individual sites, none of which are linear. The
largest of its sites is 4 ha at Sankey Valley Park, this being the largest reedbed on
Merseyside. The Bold Moss complex is also very important, with 4.2 ha in total. The
reedbed at this site is fragmented within a habitat mosaic of wet woodland, wet
grassland, open water, heathland and bog.
Sefton has a total area of 11.945ha, approximately half the regions resource, at 11
individual sites, the largest areas are those at Rimrose Valley over two sites – 1.5ha at
Brookvale LNR and 2.5ha at Fulwood Way (Rimrose Valley Marsh). In the Sefton
Village/Lunt area a matrix of ditches adds up to 4 ha of reed – a substantial portion of
the Sefton resource.
Liverpool has 2.87ha of reedbed over 10 sites, the largest being 0.8ha at Fazakerley.
Knowsley has just one site – 0.2ha at Netherley Brook.
In North Merseyside, most original Phragmites reedbed habitat has been lost, due to
urban development and land drainage for agriculture.
Targets to maintain the quality of the existing resource have been progressed by such
measures as the management plan for Colliers Moss (see Lowland Raised Bogs),
which includes provision for reedbed and the funding provided by the Environment
Agency and Atlantic Gateway to Sefton Coast and Countryside Service to restore 4.4
hectares of reedbed at Rimrose Valley Country Park. The Environment Agency also
provided ecological survey and management advice on the reedbeds and Water Voles
issues.
New reedbeds are being created for a variety of purposes such as water quality
improvement and encouragement of wildlife. Many of these are less than 1ha in size
and are isolated from each other. A small number of habitat creation projects resulted
in around 1.6 hectares of new reedbed between 2002 and 2005.
1 Current status
1.1 National
Coastal saltmarshes comprise the upper, vegetated portions of intertidal mudflats.
Saltmarshes are usually restricted to comparatively sheltered locations in estuaries,
saline lagoons, behind barrier islands, at the heads of sea lochs and on beach plains.
The development of saltmarsh is dependent on the presence of intertidal mudflats.
Saltmarsh vegetation consists of a limited number of salt-tolerant plants adapted to
regular immersion by the tides. At the lowest level pioneer plants can withstand up to
600 tides per year whereas upper marsh plants can only tolerate a few tides per year.
Saltmarsh communities are affected by many factors such as climatic differences from
west to east, sediment types, decreasing salinities and land management, especially
grazing. For example, on traditionally grazed sites, saltmarsh vegetation is shorter
and dominated by grasses. Saltmarshes on the west coast tend to differ in species and
community composition from those on the east coast.
Grazing by domestic stock is traditional for many saltmarshes, creating a sward
attractive to wintering and passage waterfowl. Less intensive grazing is better for
breeding waders in summer.
Saltmarshes are a very important resource for wading birds and wildfowl. Acting as
high tide refuges for waterfowl, breeding sites for terns, gulls and waders and a source
of food for passerine birds in autumn and winter. In winter, large flocks of geese and
ducks rely on saltmarshes.
A 1989 survey estimated the total extent of saltmarsh at 45,500 ha. England has
approximately 32,500 ha, Scotland 6,747 ha, Wales 6,089 ha and Northern Ireland
215 ha. This resource is mainly found in the major estuaries of north-west England
and in Wales. It is estimated that at the mean high water line, 24% of the English
coastline, 11% of the Welsh coastline and 3% of the Scottish coastline consists of
saltmarsh.
1.2 Local
In North Merseyside, most coastal saltmarsh is found on the Ribble Estuary to the
north of Southport, between Southport and Ainsdale, and on the Mersey Estuary at
Oglet, Liverpool. Small areas also exist on the Alt Estuary at Hightown and in the
Seaforth Docks.
Very large areas of the saltmarsh in each estuary have been reclaimed for other land
uses including agriculture, industry, and development. No areas of saltmarsh in North
Merseyside are now subject to grazing by livestock, but the Birkdale Green Beach is
grazed by Rabbits.
The original extent of saltmarsh in Merseyside has been considerably reduced by land
claim. NVC surveys of the Ribble & Alt (2003) and the Sefton Coast (2004)
identified 447ha of land with a primary classification of Saltmarsh within the area
corresponding to the North Merseyside LBAP as supplied by Natural England in
2007. If the area is limited to the LA boundaries (principally Sefton) then the area is
reduced to 348ha. The extent of the Liverpool section of the Mersey Estuary is
unknown but judging from aerial photographs taken in 2005, is likely to be in the
region of 20-30ha.
In addition there is estimated to be some 138ha of coastal grazing marsh at Marshside
in Sefton. Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh is a UK Priority Habitat for which
North Merseyside does not, at the time of writing (2008), have a separate HAP and
will therefore be considered within this HAP.
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.
