Tag: Species Plan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris

1 Current status
1.1 National

Once ubiquitous in Britain, the Red Squirrel has undergone a drastic decline during the last 100 years. Following the introduction of North American Grey Squirrels in the nineteenth century, Red Squirrels have been lost from most of southern and central England. They are now essentially restricted to parts of Scotland and the north of England with small isolated populations elsewhere. There is no sign that their rate of decline is slowing.

Squirrel pox virus carried by Grey Squirrels is now proven to be the main threat to the Red Squirrel’s survival.

1.2 Local
In North Merseyside the Red Squirrel remains relatively widespread. The key stronghold is in Sefton where the coastal woodlands support higher than average population levels. The population extends into the urban areas of Southport, Formby, Crosby and Blundellsands. Regular monitoring of the Sefton Coast Woodlands Red Squirrel population has shown a relatively stable population of around 800 – 1200 animals. Population estimates are worked out using ‘distance’ techniques and represent minimum numbers. Natural fluctuations occur in any small mammal population due to variations in over-wintering and breeding success.

This number is further boosted by an estimated population of around 600 animals in the urban areas and Buffer Zone Woodlands, Recent losses have occurred in both the Sefton Coast Woodlands and Buffer Zone due to squirrel pox.

There are small numbers in Knowsley and St. Helens. Surrounding populations in West Lancashire are under severe threat and some have become extinct.

When faced with competition from Grey Squirrels, Red Squirrels have been shown to compete for longer in conifer forests with a mix of tree species and a diverse age structure of trees to ensure continuity of food. The presence of large-seeded broadleaved trees (oak, chestnuts, beech and hazel) aids Grey Squirrel colonisation and threatens Reds.

North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Water Vole Arvicola terrestris

1 Current status
1.1 National

The water vole is found throughout Britain but is confined mainly to lowland areas near water. Once common and widespread, it has suffered a severe decline in both numbers and distribution. A national survey in 1996-98 estimated an 89% loss since 1939, with a projected 94% loss by 2000.

The British population is estimated to have declined by 88% over the seven year period between the two national surveys of 1989-90 and 1996-98.
The Water Vole is a Priority Species in the UK BAP because of its declining population.

1.2 Local
The national survey of 1989-90 located water voles at 75% of Merseyside sites. A 1999-2000 survey found water voles present in 53% of all suitable North Merseyside locations. Liverpool has little suitable habitat for water voles, whereas 75% of sites in St Helens were positive. In Knowsley, Sefton and St. Helens water voles are relatively common on canals, rivers, brooks and ditches. It appears that North Merseyside, together with neighbouring areas, remains a stronghold for water voles. If they are declining locally, it is almost certainly at a much slower rate than nationally.

North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Urban Birds

1.1 National
Although only a small proportion of the country’s birds is found in urban areas, for very large numbers of people they provide their main contact with wildlife. Most species are not truly urban but woodland birds that have adopted parks and gardens as their home.

One such species, the Song Thrush, is in serious decline in the countryside but is holding its own in urban and suburban areas. Feeding garden birds is a major recreational activity, as indicated by the huge numbers of people who contribute to the BTO and RSPB garden bird surveys.

A small number of species, including House Sparrow, House Martin and Swift, are truly urban in that they breed almost entirely in or on buildings. Starlings are also highly dependent on buildings for nest sites. All these species are believed to be in significant decline but survey difficulties in urban areas have meant that scientific data have been difficult to assemble. However, both House Sparrow and Starling were added to the list of UK BAP Priority Species in 2007 because of their declining populations. Monitoring data suggest a 64% reduction in House Sparrow numbers since 1977 and some surveys put this decline at closer to 90% in urban areas. Starling numbers have declined by 72% since 1970 and House Martins by 32%. Information on Swifts is difficult to obtain but the Breeding Bird Survey indicates a decline of 26% since 1994.

1.2 Local
The North Merseyside conurbation supports a remarkable diversity of breeding and wintering bird species. Breeding Peregrine Falcons and Ravens are amongst the more spectacular of these. The largest numbers of birds are found in lightly managed greenspaces but parks, gardens and buildings are also important. One iconic species, Black Redstart, has been lost as a breeding bird since the 1990s but several others, notably Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit and Jay, have successfully colonised urban areas.

House Sparrows and Starlings continue to breed in all areas of urban North Merseyside. During 1997-2000 House Martins bred in 80 out of 140 tetrads, mostly in the outer areas where supplies of mud necessary for nest-building are available. Swifts are more restricted in their distribution and bred in only 55 tetrads.

Local population sizes and trends of most species are not known but a sample survey in 2001-2002 estimated that a total of 11,400 pairs of House  Sparrows nested in North Merseyside. House Sparrows have almost completely disappeared from large areas of inner city Liverpool in the past 10 to 15 years but strong populations persist in many St Helens, Crosby, Southport and north Liverpool.

North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

1 Current status
1.1 National
Although still common and widespread, the Song Thrush went into dramatic decline in the mid-1970s with an estimated reduction in numbers of 73% in farmland and 49% in woodland between 1968 and 1993. Overall numbers fell by 50% between 1970 and 2005 but more recently have increased by 17% between 1994 and 2006. The decline is believed to have been more marked in the north of the country.

The species is partly migratory with many British birds wintering in southern Europe and being replaced by Scandinavian breeders. The causes of the breeding decline are believed to be linked to a very high level of mortality of first-winter birds. Recent research indicates that Song Thrushes may need to produce up to five broods per year in order to maintain their population level and that recent habitat changes have reduced them to an average of 2-3 broods a year.

The Song Thrush is a Priority Species in the UK BAP on account of its population decline.

1.2 Local
Anecdotal evidence suggests a large decline in North Merseyside in recent years but the species remains widespread, breeding in 90% of surveyed  tetrads in 1997-2000 and absent only from the most built-up areas.

The North Merseyside population was estimated at 500 breeding pairs during 1997-2000. These were mostly quite thinly spread with an average  density of about one pair per square kilometre, similar to the average for the whole of Lancashire. Liverpool supports the highest densities with closer to 1.5 pairs per sq. km. The largest concentrations occur in suburban areas of south Liverpool and Blundellsands, and in the Prescot  Reservoir/Eccleston Mere area of St. Helens – perhaps suggesting that gardens and parkland are crucial local habitats.

North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
Skylark Alauda arvensis

1 Current status
1.1 National
The Skylark is amongst the most widespread of open country breeding birds with an estimated UK population of 1,785,000 pairs in 2000. Up to 25 million northern European birds may join the UK residents in winter. Nonetheless, the UK breeding population is in sharp decline. Numbers on  lowland farms fell by 75% between 1972-1996. Recent studies indicate similarly steep declines in upland habitats. The overall UK population declined by 53% between 1970 and 2005 and by 15% between 1994 and 2006.

The Skylark is a Priority Species in the UK BAP on account of its declining
population.

1.2 Local
Skylarks continue to breed throughout North Merseyside wherever suitable habitat remains and are absent only from the most heavily built-up areas.
Breeding was confirmed in 109 tetrads (78%) in 14 10km squares in 1997-2000. The breeding population in 1997-2000 was at least 750 pairs, roughly 0.5% of the UK population. (Knowsley = 130, Liverpool = 75, Sefton = 300, St. Helens = 250). They breed at an average density of about 1.5 pairs per square kilometre – similar to Lancashire as a whole. The extent of recent decline in North Merseyside is not known but it probably reflects the national situation.

The Sefton Coast between Blundellsands and Cabin Hill NNR supports densities of up to 37 pairs per square km – amongst the highest known in the UK lowlands. Farmland around Rainford also supports above average densities (up to 8 pairs per square km). Smaller, but still notable densities are found in Speke/Garston, Tarbock and farmland between St. Helens and Kirkby. Small populations persist in urban areas including at Otterspool and the Rimrose Valley.

Large winter concentrations occur on stubble fields, saltmarshes and strandlines.