3.2.30 The South West Coast Path, a National Trail, runs along the

Transcription

Lyme Regis Phase IV Landscape and Visual Baseline Report
CONSULTATION DRAFT February 2007
3.2.30
The South West Coast Path, a National Trail, runs along the Lyme Regis sea front,
Church Street and Charmouth Road. It turns off Charmouth Road just above the
Football Ground and follows Public Footpaths (W2/3 and W2/27) that head northeastwards across the Timber Hill meadows, then follows footpath 28 through the
western end of the Timber Hill plantation. From thence, until recently, the route
followed Footpaths W2/23 and W9/22 along the cliff-top to Charmouth but part of this
section has been lost to coastal erosion, so the Coast Path has been re-routed inland,
at least until such time as a new line closer to the coast can be negotiated.
3.2.31
Public Footpath 3 branches off eastwards from the route across Timber Hill meadows.
This once connected with a vehicular track along the south edge of the Timber Hill
plantation, but on the ground it now peters out in landslips.
3.2.32
The OS Pathfinder map shows a footpath between East Cliff Lane and the allotments,
W2/1. The route still exists along East Cliff Lane and through the allotments, but
because of landslips the central section across the upper slopes of East Cliff is no
longer useable. However, it is still shown as Footpath W2/1 on the Dorset CC
Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way and has not been legally extinguished.
3.2.33
Public Rights of Way, Footpaths W2/2 and W9/13, are also recorded along the foot of
the cliffs between Lyme Regis and Charmouth and appear on the OS Pathfinder map,
but the land on which they ran has been lost to the sea. Although access is possible
along the beach, except at high tide, there is a risk of being cut off by the incoming
tide without refuge in some places. Climbing irons were originally incorporated into
the seawall, and it is understood that new means of escape will be considered under
this Scheme.
3.2.34
Those who venture eastwards along the foot of the cliff are also at risk from
landslides.
3.3
Landscape Character
Published Landscape Character Assessments
3.3.1
In the national character assessment published by the Countryside Agency (now part
of Natural England) (Countryside Character: Volume 8 - South-West, 1999) Lyme
Regis is in Character Area 147: ‘Blackdowns’, which encompasses the coast between
Sidmouth and Charmouth, and extends northwards almost to Taunton. The
assessment description of Area 147 includes among its 8 Key Characteristics
‘Distinctive coastal landscape of unstable undercliffs, irregular headlands and valley
saltmarshes.’ There is also reference to the ‘complex and varied’ coastline which
‘consists mainly of erosional cliffs’ .
3.3.2
One purpose of this Character Assessment is to highlight the pressures changing our
landscapes and make recommendations for enhancing them in future. Under
‘Changing Landscapes’ it is noted that ‘On the coast, tourism–related development
may conflict with landscape character and nature-conservation interest.’
3.3.3
In Dorset County Council’s landscape assessment, ‘The Dorset Landscape’ (1993),
Lyme Regis lies in the ‘West Dorset farmland’ character area.. This is an area
characterised by clusters of hills with ‘a more irregular pattern of small pastures on
the steeper slopes. The farmland patchwork only breaks down towards the summits
of the greensand ridges, where there is a mosaic of heathland vegetation including
bracken, gorse, acidic grassland and sometimes woodland.’ This assessment
explains that,
470/R1/1
8
‘The cliffs between Charmouth and Lyme Regis are subject to landslips, owing to the
presence of impermeable layers of clays of the Lower Lias. The landslips have
caused an uneven landform and substantial parts of the cliff have slumped down the
cliff, leaving dramatic concave slopes and steep undercliffs..’
3.3.4
The ‘Dorset Downs, Heaths and Coast Landscape’ dealing with the Dorset AONB
(1993) was published by the DCC with the Countryside Agency. It uses the same
characterisation as ‘The Dorset Landscape’, but the introductory description of ‘The
Coast’ includes ‘The resistant Upper Greensand ridges of West Dorset form
prominent headlands and cliffs, divided by secluded valleys. Layers of dark,
impenetrable clays within the cliffs near Lyme Regis have caused the landslips of
Black Venn, while, further east, the cliffs are sheer, with horizontal bands of
limestone.’ (This is rather an over-simplification, inasmuch as bands of limestone
also run through Black Venn, the Spittles and East Cliff.). This Assessment also
mentions the cultural associations noted above.
3.3.5
The description of the ‘West Dorset farmland’ in this publication highlights its
‘Secluded coastline’, noting that ‘The verdant, undulating farmland continues right up
to the cliff edge, where it is abruptly truncated by the sea. The west Dorset coast is
particularly beautiful and secluded. The western cliffs and the mudslips of Black Venn
are a favourite haunt for geologists and there are spectacular views along the coastal
footpath.’
3.3.6
In setting out the particular characteristics of the AONB, 'The Dorset Downs, Heaths
and Coast Landscape' publication makes reference to the landscape being of 'great
physical, ecological and historical diversity' and that 'its special qualities derive from a
compelling quality of timelessness, combined with a vast array of historical and
archaeological features'. The feeling of timelessness which can be experienced over
large swathes of the AONB reflects the inherent 'tranquillity' of many of these areas,
including the undeveloped coast.
3.3.7
This Assessment also concludes with a section discussing ‘Forces for change’ in
which it is noted that ‘There may also be problems in reconciling landscape
conservation and engineering issues on the coast. For example some of the cliffs are
unstable and /or subject to coastal erosion, yet they are a unique habitat for protective
and nationally rare species. An insensitive approach to coastal protection in such
cases could be very damaging to the ecology and special landscape quality of the
coastline.’ It is relevant to this scheme to note that, even in this landscape-oriented
publication, the priorities for this coast are acknowledged to be wildlife conservation
above visual or aesthetic landscape concerns (although the two are likely to be
complementary).
3.3.8
This also refers to the sheer numbers of visitors to the Heritage Coast which lead to
serious erosion damage in places, and the need for ‘Provision of carefully sited small
car parks sensitive signing and ongoing footpath maintenance’ on the Heritage Coast.
3.3.9
At the turn of the millennium, West Dorset District Council published ‘West Dorset
2000 – Survey of the Built and Natural Environment of West Dorset’. This draws on
the DCC Assessment, so the Study Area again falls within ‘West Dorset Farmland’.
This Survey did not raise any additional points and the coast is not mentioned under
the ‘Issues’ or ‘Objectives and Opportunities’ relating to landscape change.
470/R1/1
9
Local Character Assessment (Figure 6)
3.3.10
The Site and its setting fit within the character assessments described above, which
emphasise the importance and uniqueness of this part of the West Dorset coastline,
which is valued both for its scenery and tranquillity.
3.3.11
The Site can be sub-divided into smaller landscape and townscape character areas at
a local level;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Untamed coast landscape
Rural hinterland landscape
Urban fringe landscape
20th century townscape
Historic town and seafront
3.3.12
The Untamed Coast is characterised by a sweeping, dramatic combination of natural
features ranging from the massive cliffs and clumps of tree cover through to small
pockets of scrub and grassland on the irregular, disturbed ground on the cliffs. It is
clear that natural forces dominate, which engenders a sense of wildness and gives
the atmosphere of the area a slightly dangerous edge. The relationship of cliffs and
sea, on this linear coastline, also generates an expansive sense of openness and
there is a high degree of tranquillity. There are few detractors other than the derelict
groynes and the rather harsh sea wall, which in their present state suggest that nature
has the upper hand.
3.3.13
The Rural hinterland, by contrast, is an intimate, secluded area, within which there is
a sense of long-standing rural tradition, stability and safety. The landscape character
is the same as much of the inland West Dorset farmland, comprising small, irregular
pastures below wooded hilltops. The only difference is that the open sea is visible in
many places, but always over enclosing trees and hedges.
3.3.14
The Urban Fringe landscape is visually chaotic; it comprises separate ‘cells’, each
with a different character, but all linked by a high degree of functionality and
orderliness. There are many visual detractors, including unbroken expanses of
tarmac, undistinguished toilet and clubhouse buildings, a skip site, chainlink fences
and dead trees.
3.3.15
th
The 20 Century townscape is pleasant and unremarkable. It is entirely residential, of
moderate to low density, comprising mainly detached or semi-detached properties,
with a few flats. Whilst it has subsumed a few traditional cottages, the overall
character could be found in any town in England and is almost entirely lacking in local
distinctiveness. This extends to the boundary treatments of houses and roadside
retaining walls.
3.3.16
The Historic Town and Seafront has a dense, intricate, townscape with a character
unique to Lyme Regis, including civic buildings such as the Town Council premises,
shops and mainly terraced housing. The seafront Phase 1 Scheme, including Gun
Cliff Walk, is recent, but used materials with local references, in a manner that links its
character with the historic Cobb. The area includes some modern redevelopment but
this is compact and does not overwhelm the original character.
470/R1/1
10
3.4
Visual baseline
3.4.1
The visibility of the Site is described with reference to the OS map (Figure 1) and
photographs illustrating the potential public viewpoints that have been identified. The
locations of the photographs described below are shown on Figures 1 and 7.
3.4.2
A visual envelope based on topography is sometimes plotted to illustrate the extent of
a visual baseline. A VE has not been plotted for this Site because the extent of
visibility is determined by simple landform and development boundaries.
3.4.3
The survey of public views to the Site is described, in a clockwise direction, starting
from the south. This is followed by descriptions of apparent views from residential
properties.
3.4.4
From the end of Gun Cliff Walk and the shingle beach the view of the Site is
foreshortened, so only the lower part of the cliffs are seen (Photographs 1 and 2).
The vegetation on the immediate clifftop is clearly visible but this obscures much of
the land beyond, including the Timber Hill meadows. It is just possible to see the
rooftops of some of the houses along the western boundary of the study area.
3.4.5
A more comprehensive and detailed view of the Site from land is obtained from
farther back from the cliffs, on Church Cliff jetty and from Broad Ledge at low tide
(Photograph 3). The interest in this view is the dramatic scale and colour of Black
Venn, the mosaic of exposed geology and mixed vegetation on the Spittles and East
Cliff, and the sweeping landforms, patchwork pastures and hilltop woodlands of their
inland rural setting.
3.4.6
Many tourists also see the Site from farther out to sea, on excursion trips between
Lyme Regis and Charmouth, fishing boats or yachts, dinghies and canoes. They
have the most extensive view of the Site within its setting (Photographs 4 and 5). The
clear-cut locations of the coastal towns, largely contained within their river mouths,
are a satisfying aspect of these scenes, as well as the dramatic cliffs.
3.4.7
The Site is hidden from almost all of the town by the buildings and trees along the cliff
-tops and shoulder of land marking the south-eastern end of the Lym valley. Only
from the end of the Cobb, the historic stone jetty protecting the harbour, can a sliver
of the Site be seen (Photograph 6). From here, just over a kilometre away, it is
possible to discern the cliffs along the eastern part of the study area, the vegetation
cover on East Cliff, the distinctive pattern of allotments and the enclosed Timber Hill
meadows. These features are seen in the context of an extensive panorama which
encompasses the town of Lyme Regis in the foreground and the coastline stretching
away to the east, towards Golden Cap.
3.4.8
From the A3052 Charmouth Road only the car park is visible and this does not
present an attractive frontage to visitors (Photograph 7). From within the car park
there is a panoramic sea view, looking over East Cliff, but when the car park is wellused in summer, this view can only be obtained without cars in the foreground at the
southern edge. This area is used as a ‘civic amenity site’, comprising a line of
recycling skips.
From here, visitors look over a chain-link fence to the sea
(Photograph 8).
3.4.9
There are no views out to the rest of the Study Area from the football ground or the
allotments, due to their enclosing vegetation, although the sea is visible over the
allotment hedges.
470/R1/1
11
3.4.10
From the footpaths across Timber Hill meadows there are impressive views out
across Lyme Regis towards the Cobb, with the rooftops of houses climbing the steep
slopes on the western edge of the town. Approaching from the north on the Coast
Path, the Site is hidden by the dense hedges and trees on Timber Hill (Photograph 9).
It is not seen at all by users of this National Trail, who may also miss the stunning
view of Black Venn obtained from Church Cliff Jetty. The necessity of using
Charmouth Road and Church Street does not enhance the coast path experience,
with Church Street having particularly narrow footways and heavy traffic that can be
intimidating for pedestrians.
3.4.11
There are also superb coastal views from the golf course on the cliff-top to the east, in
the area where the Coast Path used to run (Photograph 10). Again, in this overview
the area of the Site which may be directly affected is hidden below the line of sight,
due to landform and trees, and the crest of the cliffs are seen in the context of much
of the town.
3.4.12
At Charmouth the principal public viewpoint is the beach by the mouth of the River
Char (Photograph 11) where much of Lyme Regis is seen nestling in a backcloth of
trees. Again the foreground cliffs offer a dramatic pattern of vegetation and exposed
geology. The distant cliff-top trees conceal some of the houses immediately west of
the Site, but the town visible above is a positive element of the scene.
Residential views
3.4.13
The residential views of concern are those from the houses and bungalows adjacent
to the Site. The only other residential properties with views of the Site are at
Charmouth, 1.5 – 2 km away, and beyond, where the Site is seen in the context of
much of the rest of Lyme Regis.
3.4.14
The properties around the Site are identified by number references on Figure 7 and
listed in Table 2 below. The following notes apply:
•
1.5 storey means a single storey building with dormer windows.
•
* = property advertising holiday accommodation (B&B, Guest House or flats).
FIGURE 7 AND TABLE 2 HAVE BEEN SUPERSEDED BY THE RESIDENTIAL VISUAL
IMPACT ASSESSMENTS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT, CHAPTER 9.
470/R1/1
12
TABLE 2: SCHEDULE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
THIS SCHEDULE HAS BEEN REVISED AND SUPERSEDED BY THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
VISUAL EFFECTS SCHEDULE IN APPENDIX 6 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Ref. on Name and
Fig. 7 type of property
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
470/R1/1
32 Summerhill Road
Semi-detached 2-storey
33 Summerhill Road
34 Summerhill Road
Ancient Lights?
Semi-detached ? 2-storey
Cumberland Cottage
Semi-detached? 2-storey
Summerhill House Nos. 22
- 29 4-storey flats
Summerhill House
Nos. 1-12 4-storey flats
Providence
1.5 storey
Penrose Cottage
1.5 storey
Cedar Beams
1.5 storey
Rosslyn
2-storey
Bay View Cottage
2-storey? + lookout set
above main roof
Quambi *
2-storey guest house
Squires Mead
2-storey
Albany *
2-storey guest house
Meadway
2-storey
Swift Cottage
2-storey
Rosemount
2-storey
Ardenside, Ferndown Rd.
2-storey
Hollies, Ferndown Rd
2-storey
Akassa, Ferndown Rd
2-storey
Jan-Marie, Ferndown Rd
2-storey
Martinsmead, Ferndown
Road, 2-storey + chalet in
garden (23A?)
Cliff Edge, Ferndown Rd
Bungalow? (may have
dormers to south)
Baseline views
Garden + ground floor largely enclosed by fences and shed.
Car park view from 1 upper gable window (other one frosted)
Clear view to car park and sea from all 4 ground + upper
windows and most of garden lawn.
Car park largely screened from ground floor and garden by
garden shrubs. View to car park and sea from 2 upper rear
windows.
Name on rear wall of property but sub-division not apparent.
See Cumberland Cottage for assessment.
Open view to car park from both storeys and garden, plus
views over to sea + Portland.
Lowest 3 flats no views to Charmouth car park, remainder
may have oblique views partly obscured by other buildings.
Open views to Charmouth car park from all flats and to sea
beyond from most? – no garden at front. (No views from nos.
14 – 21 in wing oriented north – south)
View to car park from 1 upper + 1 lower gable windows +
garden.
View to car park from 2 small lattice dormer windows.
View from 1 upper gable window to car park + Timber Hill
beyond.
Oblique views to car park and Timber Hill from 2 upper bay
windows. Possibly very oblique views from 2 small upper
windows.
Clear views to sea from upper windows and picture windows
of lookout. Sea views from lower windows may be blocked by
garden hedges + trees
Car park visible from rear windows, thinly screened by
unmanaged hedge. Sea views from upper windows over
houses on Ferndown Road
Possible sea views from upper windows /trees?
Set back from and below cliff edge - no apparent sea views
Sea horizon may be visible from upper windows, between
houses to south.
Views blocked by houses to south
Sea views unlikely
Sea views unlikely
Large upper gable window probably has sea view, outlook
from glazed ground floor on east gable enclosed by landslip
scrub.
Open views to south and east (can’t see windows)
13
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
35a
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
42a
42b
42c
43
44
45
46
470/R1/1
Hermon, Ferndown Rd
1.5?/Bungalow
Casa Rosa, Ferndown Rd
2 storey
Weachley, Ferndown Rd
2 storey
Iverna, Ferndown Rd
2-storey
Hove To
2 storey
Scammells
2 storey, semi-detached to
Phoenix House
Bramcote *
1.5 storeys
Iona
Bungalow
4 East Cliff Lane
2-storey terrace
3 East Cliff Lane
2-storey terrace
2 East Cliff Lane
2-storey terrace
Hideaway Cottage (1 or
5?) East Cliff Lane
2 storey terrace
Possible views to SE. Dormers in sea view?
Cedar Cottage
2 storey
Lilac Cottage (No. 39)
2-storey
1 -4 Tudbold Almshouses
1.5 storey terrace
37 / 38 Charmouth Road
Court House/Milton
Cottage 2-storey semi-d
London Bed & Breakfast*
2-storey to road, single
storey extension to rear.
Totteridge
Timber bungalow/chalet
Church Cliff Flats
2 storey
Appears secluded in trees – not assessable from street
2-storey terrace on
Charmouth Road
58 Church Street
(Lansdowne House)
2 storey terrace
57 Church Street
2 storey terrace
Church Cliff Cottage
2 storey, probably was
semi-d, now appears 1.
5 Church Cliff
3 storey semi-detached
4 Church Cliff
2 storey terrace
1-3 Church Cliff
2 storey terrace
Boat photo - sea views to south from both storeys over cliff
edge veg
Sea views appear blocked by Bramcote to south
Sea views unlikely
Possible sea views between / over properties to south
Sea views blocked by trees and properties to south
Views to sea from 2 front dormer windows, over garages.
Ground floor enclosed by 2m+ hedges.
Outlook enclosed by 3m+ high hedges
Sea views
Sea views
Sea views
In accessible for survey. Probable sea views over cliff top
vegetation.
Garden enclosed by trees. Gable end window to east but sea
view may be blocked by trees. – not assessable from street
Separated from Church Cliffsby other properties and landform.
No views to Site or sea.
Separated from Church Cliffs by other properties. No views to
Site or sea.
Windows look onto garden, no window in gable end to sea.
Garden lawn platform with benches / picnic tables at cliff edge
offering open sea views, vegetation appears controlled below.
Windows with sea views. Garden lawn to cliff edge offering
open sea views, vegetation appears to be controlled below.
2 windows (1 each floor) facing sea. Garden deck at cliff edge
offering open sea views, vegetation appears to be controlled
below.
Set down at lower level than cliff edge and views east blocked
by stone garden walls.
1 upper window with view to scrub on cliff edge
One low-level dormer window with possible view to scrub on
cliff edge.
One upper east gable window with view to scrub on Church
Cliffs and Black Ven above.
2 windows + roof terrace with glazed safety railing, with views
to scrub on Church Cliffs and cliffs above.
(No. 6 Church Cliff on west side, no view east.)
Square bay windows on both storeys with views to scrub on
Church Cliffs and cliffs E of Charmouth above.
Staggered frontage offers glimpses of 4 Church Cliff view from
outer edges of bay windows.
14
4
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
4.1
Introduction
4.1.1
This section summarises the potential impacts identified during the baseline survey
that can be addressed by the mitigation proposals described in the following section.
4.1.2
As noted above, the area where works with potentially significant effects on the
landscape are being considered is bounded by the shore, the existing residential
boundaries and the southern edges of the Charmouth Road car park and the
allotments. The eastern extent of such works is expected to be along a line striking
inland from around that end of the sea wall. There may also be secondary works
(e.g. ditch clearance or drainage improvements) in the Timber Hill meadows, but
these are not predicted to have noticeable landscape or visual effects.
4.2
Landscape Impacts
4.2.1
If anything except the ‘do-nothing’ solution is adopted, the landscape of the Site itself
will be changed by the Scheme. Works are likely to include regrading of the landform,
to reduce the gradients of the steep cliff slopes, and a range of drainage and slope
stabilisation measures will be introduced.
4.2.2
Some options will include a new sea wall, which may not be on the line of the present
wall. It is anticipated that the damaged groynes will be removed and new ones might
be considered.
4.2.3
The potential exists for impacts on the significant landscape elements; the trees and
scrub around the cliff-tops.
4.2.4
The character of the Works Site may be temporarily changed from largely vegetated
cliffs to exposed cliffs, which may appear similar to the more geologically active cliffs
to the east.
4.3
Visual Impacts
4.3.1
The baseline views above demonstrate that the most notable potential visual impacts
could be on:
4.3.2
470/R1/1
•
Views from the end of Gun Cliff Walk and Church Cliff Jetty
•
Views from the shore immediately south of the Site
•
Views from the sea
•
Views from Charmouth Road car park
•
Views from residences immediately around the Site
From the other viewpoints described in the baseline, at the end of the Cobb or on
Charmouth Beach, the Site is either largely secluded behind houses or is a small
element in a panoramic view that is dominated by naturally bare, disturbed ground.
15
4.3.3
There is potential for beneficial visual impacts from improvements to the road frontage
of Charmouth Car Park and views from within it.
4.3.4
There is also potential for beneficial visual impacts on the South West Coast path.
4.3.5
There is potential for improvements to the safety and convenience of users of the car
park, if a direct pedestrian route could be provided to the shore.
4.4
Construction impacts
4.4.1
During the construction phase, landscape and visual impacts would arise by virtue of:
•
site clearance
•
movement and stockpiling of soils
•
landform regrading
•
presence of a construction compound
•
the activities of construction including, for example, the passage of heavy
construction plant.
5
MITIGATION STRATEGY PROPOSALS
5.1.1
As noted in the Dorset AONB Assessment, it is considered that ecological mitigation
should be the over-riding concern of mitigation design, due to the locality’s high
conservation status. It is understood that this may involve maintaining naturally
colonising vegetation in a similar state to the nearby geologically active cliffs, instead
of allowing a natural succession to woodland to occur on the artificially stabilised
slopes. This may include recreating bare ground on a cyclical basis and control of
scrub and tree invasion.
5.1.2
Long term maintenance of the Site’s slopes will be an essential aspect of landscape
and biodiversity mitigation strategies. It is understood that although the ownership of
most of the slipped areas is unclear at present, it would be possible to achieve
certainly of ownership for the longer-term via the Compulsory Purchase Order
process.
5.1.3
The most important landscape mitigation aim is considered to be maintaining the
sharp transition in character at Church Cliff jetty, between the intensely urban, historic
town to the west and the undeveloped and largely untamed coast to the east. It is
anticipated that this should be compatible with the requirements of the ecological
mitigation recommendations.
5.1.4
Other potential landscape mitigation measures that would contribute to this goal
would be:
•
470/R1/1
the retention and protection of some of the existing trees and scrub along the
cliff tops
16
•
ensuring that any seawall design (if needed) is rugged and incorporates the
minimum of simple, robust street furniture, such as railings or seats
•
avoiding the introduction of lighting east of Church Cliff jetty.
5.1.5
Vehicular access along the top of any new or improved sea wall and additional
slipways are issues previously considered. The only potential requirement for such
access is understood to be for maintenance to new works arising from this scheme.
5.1.6
Access into the Site area today is restricted, because of safety, and hence a
potentially wider range of walks and associated views are not being exploited
5.1.7
The opportunity to introduce one or two paths between the Charmouth Road car park
and shore should be explored. A route from the Charmouth Road car park to the
Church Cliff jetty end of the Site would be desirable, to allow day visitors direct access
to the beach and promenade without negotiating the Church Street narrows
(particularly if they have children). This would also be a beneficial improvement for
the South West Coast Path route.
5.1.8
A path from the eastern end of the existing sea wall to the car park would provide an
escape route from the section of the beach that is cut off at high tide. This route could
also be used for geology groups heading east along the coast.
5.1.9
If paths prove possible in terms of landform and gradients, they should be simple and
rural in design, using timber details and an unbound surface. This would be in
keeping with other sections of the SW Coast Path that are an accepted part of the
otherwise undeveloped coast. This would also minimise any impact on the wildlife of
the Site. It is unlikely that it would be possible to design such routes to disabled
access standards, and this is not considered essential because an alternative route
for the disabled exists via the tarmacadam footways of Church Street.
5.1.10
A coastal viewing platform south of the Charmouth Road car park is desirable, with
seating and picnic benches. The civic amenity site should be relocated to the rear of
the car park.
5.1.11
The roadside frontage to Charmouth Road car park could be redesigned to improve
the approach to the town.
5.1.12
It is proposed that the owners of each property abutting the cliff edge are consulted
about their preferences with regard to the retention of trees and scrub along their
property boundary.
470/R1/1
17
© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved.
Licence No. AR100009936
0
/23
W2
10
200m
500m
1km
W9/22
11
W9/13
9
CHARMOUTH
5
3
The Cobb
4
6
KEY
The Study Area
The Site
1
W2/22
Photographic viewpoint
(for locations of photographs 1, 2, 7
and 8 see Figure 7)
LOCATION AND DISTANT VIEWPOINTS
Definitive Map Public Footpath
reference no. for paths noted in text
but not shown on Fig. 3.
Prefix W2/ for paths in Lyme Regis
Parish and prefix W9/ for paths in
Charmouth Parish.
1:25,000
1
TAKEN FROM EPR
SURVEY REPORT
OCTOBER 1997
© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved.
Licence No. AR100009936
KEY
CLIFF VEGETATION PATTERN
N.T.S.
4
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS A AND B
5
N/A
Church Cliff
Photographs copyright WDDC
Timber Hill meadows
Football Ground
Church Cliff
jetty
Aerial Photograph A: Western end of the Site:
Church Cliff
Charmouth Road car park
Allotments
East Cliff
Aerial Photograph B: Eastern end of the Site:
East Cliff.
Timber Hill
Timber Hill meadows
The Spittles
Football Ground
Allotments
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS C
East Cliff
N/A
Aerial Photograph B: East Cliff and north-eastern
Study Area (photographs
taken from different angles
and partially spliced).
Photographs copyright WDDC
5a
THIS FIGURE HAS BEEN REVISED AND SUPERSEDED BY THE
RESIDENTIAL VISUAL IMPACT FIGURE IN CHAPTER 9 OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
East Cliff
Church Cliff
PHOTOGRAPH VIEWPOINTS 1 - 3
N/A
8
Photograph 1: Western end of the Site, viewed from top of slipway access to beach.
The Spittles
Church Cliff
Black Venn
East Cliff
Photograph 2: Western end of the Site viewed from end of Gun Cliff Walk
Church Cliff
Timber Hill
Slipway to beach and western end of sea wall behind this wall
Photograph 3: Western end of the Site, viewed from Church Cliff jetty
Charmouth
Eastern end of sea wall
Photograph 4: Panorama of Lyme Regis and its eastern setting from the sea off Church Cliff jetty (image reduced by 50% to fit page)
Church Cliff
Allotments
Timber Hill meadows
The Spittles
Timber Hill
East Cliff
Church Cliff jetty
Photograph 4: Excerpt of panorama above, reproduced full size (if printed on standard 10 x 15cm prints) showing the Study Area
Timber Hill
East Cliff
Church Cliff
Sea wall and groynes
Eastern end of sea wall
Photograph 5: View to the Site from sea south of East Cliff Lane
PHOTOGRAPH VIEWPOINTS 4 + 5
N/A
9
Timber Hill meadows
Timber Hill
Scrub on cliff to east of Site
The Spittles
Black Venn
Photograph 6:
View towards the Site from the end of the Cobb.
St Michaels Church
Photograph 8:
View over the Site from the southern boundary of Charmouth Road Car Park
N/A
Photograph 7:
View to car park from Charmouth Road.
10
The Cobb
Football Ground
Photograph 9: View over the Football Ground and car park from Coast Path,
crossing Timber Hill Meadows on Footpath W2/3.
The Cobb
Photograph 10: View over Site from cliff edge at Golf Course
Timber Hill
Meadows
Photograph 11: View to Lyme Regis from Charmouth Beach.
Approximate extent of the Site
The Spittles
Black Venn
N/A
11
Technical Annex C
Ecological Baseline Validation Report
(EPR, May 2009)
Technical Annex D
Botanical Survey of East and Church Cliff
Landslip Areas
(EPR, September 2009)
Lyme Regis
Environmental Improvements Phase IV
Botanical Survey of East and Church Cliff
Landslip Areas
Final Report
September 2009
P06/41 2-C
LYME REGIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
PHASE IV
BOTANICAL SURVEY
OF
EAST AND CHURCH CLIFF
LANDSLIP AREAS
Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Brief and Survey Objectives
1.2
Background
1.3
Nature Conservation Designations of Church and East Cliff Landslip Areas
1.4
Liaison between EPR, Natural England and Dorset County Council
1.5
Nomenclature
1
1
1
2
2
3
2.0
METHODOLOGY
2.1
SAC and SSSI Citation Details
2.2
Site History
2.3
Fieldwork
2.4
The Vegetation Map
2.5
Hydrology
2.6
Evaluation of the Flora
2.7
Evaluating Habitat Quality
2.8
Garden and Non-native Species
2.9
Japanese Knotweed
4
4
4
4
6
6
6
7
7
7
3.0
RESULTS
3.1
3.2
Site History
3.3
Survey Timing and Personnel
3.4
The Flora of Church and East Cliff
3.5
Vegetation Types and Soft Cliff Components
3.6
Landslip Area Descriptions
3.7
Hydrology
3.8
3.9
3.10 Garden and Non-native Species
3.11 Japanese Knotweed
3.12 Habitat Management
8
8
9
11
12
13
20
27
29
29
29
31
34
4.0
DISCUSSION
4.1
4.2
Site History and Cliff Dynamics
4.3
4.4
4.5
Hydrology
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
Japanese Knotweed
4.10 Habitat Management
35
35
35
36
36
37
37
37
37
38
39
5.0
Summary of Main Findings
5.1
SAC Habitat
5.2
The Quality of the SSSI Habitat at Church and East Cliff
5.3
Japanese Knotweed
40
40
41
41
6.0
42
REFERENCES
Maps
Map 1
Map 2
Map 3
Map 4
Map 5
Map 6
Map 7
Map 8
Map 9
Designations and sub-divisions on Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
Soft Cliff Vegetation Components of Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
Wetland Vegetation & Seepages on Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
Distribution of Bithynian Vetch on Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
Location of Japanese Knotweed on Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
late 1950’s Aerial Photograph of East Cliff
1978 Aerial Photograph of Church and East Cliff
Quadrat data on Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
Area of SAC influenced by Garden & Non-native species
Appendices
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
Appendix 7
Appendix 8
Appendix 9
Appendix 10
Sidmouth to West Bay SAC Information
EU Description and JNCC Interpretation of Annex 1 Habitat 1230
EU Description and JNCC Interpretation of Annex 1 Habitat 9180
West Dorset Coast SSSI Citation
Soft Cliff Vegetation Types from NERR 003 Table 9
Dorset Coastal Notable Species
Plant Species Recorded from Church and East Cliff Landslip
Plant Species Recorded from Individual Church and East Cliff Landslip
Areas
Quadrat Data
Environment Agency ‘The Knotweed Code of Practice’
Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements Phase IV
Botanical Survey of Church and East Cliff 2009
Final Report – September 2009
BOTANICAL SURVEY
OF
EAST AND CHURCH CLIFF
LANDSLIP AREAS
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Brief and Survey Objectives
1.1.1
Brief
Ecological Planning & Research Ltd (EPR) were commissioned by High-Point Rendel
(HPR) to carry out a botanical survey of the Church and East Cliff landslip areas in
Lyme Regis, Dorset. The survey was part of the Lyme Regis Environmental
Improvements Phase IV Preliminary Design Stage.
EPR’s brief was to map and describe the flora and vegetation of Church and East
Cliff landslip areas within the Sidmouth to West Bay SAC boundary. Map 1 shows
the Church and East Cliff Landslip Areas within the Sidmouth to West Bay SAC
boundary that make up the study area for this report.
The brief specified that within the SAC boundary, the vegetation was to be mapped in
each of the landslip divisions as shown in HPR’s Lyme Regis Environmental
Improvements: Phase IV Preliminary Design Stage. Preliminary Design Report –
2009 update (including Revised Scheme), Report No. 2652/R/007 issue 4 –
Consultation Draft, dated September 2009. Map 1 shows the seven individual
landslip areas within the study area.
EPR were requested to note the presence of Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica
where they came across it during the course of the vegetation survey.
1.1.2
Survey Objectives
The key objective of this report were to provide information to prepare an Ecological
Impact Assessment for proposed works on the Church and East Cliffs Landslip area
in the SAC. To ensure that the survey would provide appropriate information, a presurvey meeting was held between Natural England, Dorset County Council (DCC)
and EPR to discuss and agree the survey methodology. A follow-up meeting was
held on site with Phil Sterling, DCC Ecologist, for a final review of the survey
methodology.
1.2
Background
This report is the latest in a series of reports in which EPR have been commissioned
to provide ecological and nature conservation information as part of the Lyme Regis
Environmental Improvements Phase IV (EPR, 1997 to 2006).
P06/41 2-C
1
1.3
Nature Conservation Designations of Church and East Cliff Landslip Areas
1.3.1
Special Area of Conservation
The Church and East Cliff Landslip Areas are part of the European Special Area for
Conservation (SAC) site Sidmouth to West Bay (UK0019864). The boundary of the
SAC within the Church and East Cliff study area is shown on Map 1. The SAC data
form for this site is provided at Appendix 1.
The Sidmouth to West Bay SAC covers 897ha and its selection was based on the
presence of the following Habitats Directive Annex 1 habitats:
Primary reason:
•
1230 Vegetated Sea Cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts; and
•
9180 Tilio-Acerion Woodlands.
Supporting reason:
•
1210 Annual Vegetation of Driftlines.
Two Annex II species are listed on the SAC Data form as being present:
1.3.2
•
Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser Horseshoe Bat; and
•
Gentianella anglica Early Gentian.
West Dorset Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest
Church and East Cliffs are part of the West Dorset Coast Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI). The citation for the SSSI is in Appendix 4. The boundary of the
SSSI in the study area coincides with the SAC boundary as shown on Map 1.
This SSSI was designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
for its interest as:
1.4
•
an internationally important geological site;
•
for the wide range of habitats that occur along the undercliffs;
•
a flora including nationally rare species;
•
a fauna with nationally rare invertebrates; and
•
dormice.
Liaison between EPR, Natural England and Dorset County Council
An important element of the 2009 survey was a pre-survey meeting between EPR,
Natural England (NE) and Dorset County Council (DCC). The objective of this
meeting was to discuss the best approach to mapping the vegetation on the landslip
areas in order that it can address the issues of works within the SAC.
P06/41 2-C
2
The decision arrived at in the meeting was to map the vegetation according to ‘Soft
Cliff Component’ types, as identified in the Natural England Research Report
NERR003 (Hill et al., 2006).
1.5
Nomenclature
Vascular plant nomenclature used in this report follows Stace (1997).
P06/41 2-C
3
2.0
METHODOLOGY
2.1
The SAC and SSSI citation details were reviewed for details on information on the
features of conservation importance for which they were designated.
2.2
Site History
An investigation of the history of the site was carried out by examining and
interpreting the first edition 6” OS map and two aerial photographs, one from c. late
1950’s and the other from 1978. Note that both these historic photos are not
orthorectified and thus the landline data cannot sit accurately over the photograph.
Information on the cliff dynamics has been taken from HPR and the East Cliff, Lyme
Regis, Slope Stabilisation Report (dated Sept 1986) by Geotechnical Consulting
Group. Other information has been researched from sources on the internet and
quoted where relevant.
2.3
Fieldwork
2.3.1
Survey Areas
The area surveyed on Church and East Cliff was the vegetation within the SAC
boundary as shown on Map 1.
Church and East Cliffs have been sub-divided into individual landslip areas as shown
in HPR’s report on drawing: ‘Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements Phase IV
Preliminary Design Stage. Preliminary Design Report Ref 2652/R/007 – Issue 4 (Sept
2009) Drawing PH4\PD\210. The individual landslip Areas shown on Map 1 are
those given in HPR report.
The boundaries of these landslip sub-divisions does not overlap the SAC boundary,
as can be seen on Map 1.
Each of the individual landslip areas was surveyed for its flora and vegetation up to
the SAC boundary. This occasionally included land beyond the HPR landslip areas.
Equally, land outside the SAC was not surveyed even though it may have been
included within the HPR landslip units.
2.3.2
Survey Limits and Constraints
Scrub and Woodland
Much of the vegetation in the survey area is on steep slopes with dense, spiny scrub
that is mostly impenetrable. The survey of this vegetation could only be carried out
by observation from vantage points such as East Cliff Lane, the top of the sea wall
and from where the (very) few informal paths on the slopes led towards or through
P06/41 2-C
4
the scrub. The areas of the cliffs that couldn’t be properly accessed are shown on
Map 5.
Where the scrub and woodland could not be seen from any vantage point it had to be
identified and mapped by interpretation of the aerial photograph.
Cliff Edge Vegetation
Vegetation immediately fringing the top of the sea cliff in Landslip Areas Allotments
West and East was not accessed directly because the nature of the terrain under the
scrub was not known and how stable it was. The vegetation in this zone was mapped
from a distance away either by direct observation or by aerial photograph
interpretation.
2.3.3
Flora
Vascular Plants
A vascular plant species list was compiled for each of the individual landslip Areas.
The locations of any Red Data Book and Nationally Rare & Scarce species were
recorded with GPS receivers.
Species listed on the Dorset Coastal Notable list DERC, 2009 (see Appendix 6) were
recorded as part of the list for each landslip Area surveyed.
Bryophytes and Lichens
EPR’s previous survey work, supported by a consideration of the landscape history of
the site, indicated strongly that the Church and East Cliff landslip areas are not likely
to support a bryophyte or lichen flora of significant nature conservation value (i.e. at
either county or national interest). A detailed survey was not, therefore, carried out
for these groups.
2.3.4
Vegetation
Vegetation types recorded during the survey were referred where possible to those
given in one or more of the following; the NVC (Rodwell, 1991-2000); the Review of
the NVC (Rodwell et al., 2000) and Hill et al.’s (2006) Maritime Cliff and Slope
Inventory.
In certain cases, vegetation types did not match descriptions in any of the above. In
such situations, vegetation types were named in the field using species that most
appeared to characterise them, for example ‘open Brachypodium sylvaticum –
Festuca arundinacea grasslands’.
P06/41 2-C
5
2.4
The Vegetation Map
2.4.1
Field Mapping
An aerial photograph at a resolution of 12.5cm was purchased from
www.Getmapping.com and used as the base map for the field work. The aerial was
taken in 2004 and was the most recently available orthorectified image of the survey
area.
Areas of vegetation were identified in the field and drawn onto the aerial photograph
at a scale of approximately 1:1,500.
The vegetation on site has changed quite substantially since the photograph and thus
an interpretation of the boundaries between types was based on site changes rather
than follow the boundaries as shown on the aerial photo.
2.4.2
The Map of the Soft Cliff Components of Church and East Cliffs
Field maps were transcribed onto fair copy maps in the office and then digitised in
ArcGIS, with each of the areas of vegetation being drawn as polygons. Each of the
polygons was labelled according to the dominant vegetation type that occurred in it.
Note that none of the polygons represents a single vegetation type – the reality on the
ground is that each area of vegetation is composed of a mosaic of different
vegetation types reflecting the complex intermingling of vegetation types that are
colonising and changing rapidly on a mobile landscape.
The polygons with their vegetation types were then labelled according to their
respective Soft Cliff Components as listed in Table 1 below. The Soft Cliff
Components were then used to generate Map 2.
2.5
Hydrology
Communities on wetter soils recorded on the survey are interpreted with reference to
the hydrology of the Landslip areas based on the ‘Plan of Existing Drainage’ Drawing
Number PH4\PD\002 in HPR’s Report Preliminary Design report Issue 4 September
2009. Other background information on hydrology has also been taken from the East
Cliff, Lyme Regis, Slope Stabilisation Report, Sept 1986 by the Geotechnical
Consulting Group.
2.6
Nationally Threatened, Rare and Scarce Species
The national nature conservation value of the flora of Church and East Cliff landslip
areas is described according to the threatened and rarity status of the species
recorded. The threatened and rarity status for species are those listed in the Joint
Nature Conservation Committee ‘Conservation Designations for UK Taxa’
(www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3408).
P06/41 2-C
6
County Value of Flora
The quality of the coastal vegetation in Dorset was assessed by referring to the
Dorset Notable Coastal Species (DERC, 2009 in Appendix 6), with additional
reference to the Flora of Dorset (Bowen, 2000).
2.7
The quality of the habitat as a coastal habitat was evaluated with reference to the
number of Dorset Coastal Notable species present (list provided in Appendix 6).
2.8
Almost the whole length of the SAC surveyed in this report has either gardens or
allotments along its upper boundary. Garden and non-native species, whether from
gardens or not, were recorded for each of the survey units. Japanese Knotweed is
one such species but given that it needs specialist skills for its control and that its
removal from a site is controlled by legislation is addressed in its own section.
2.9
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed was recorded wherever it occurred in the areas walked over.
Areas on the cliffs that could not be properly accessed are shown on Map 5 - there
was little to no opportunity to investigate these areas for Japanese Knotweed.
2.10
Habitat Management
Observations on presence/absence of habitat management were made during the
course of the survey.
P06/41 2-C
7
3.0
RESULTS
3.1
3.1.1
Species
SAC
The SAC Data Form (see Appendix 1) lists the Annex 1 Species Early Gentian
Gentianella anglica is listed as present in the Sidmouth to West BAY SAC
SSSI
The SSSI citation (see Appendix 4) identifies three species that are either protected
or Red Data Book (RDB) species as occurring in the SSSI:
Stinking Goosefoot Chenopodium vulvaria
RDB:Endangered, Nationally Scarce,
Schedule 8, UKBAP Priority Species
Slender Centaury Centaurium tenuifolium,
RDB:Vulnerable, Nationally Rare &
Schedule 8
Bithynian Vetch Vicia bithynica
RDB:Vulnerable, Nationally Scarce
The potential for these species occurring in the study was further investigated by
referring to their habitats and distribution in Dorset as described in Bowen (2000).
These species were searched for and the results given in Section 3.3 below.
3.1.2
Habitats and Vegetation
SAC
The SAC citation gives the area of the SAC as 897.3 hectares. Table 3.1 in the SAC
Citation lists the following Annex 1 Habitats present in the SAC and the site
assessment for them:
Annex I habitat
Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
Annual vegetation of drift lines
Perennial vegetation of stony banks
Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts
Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines
Percentage cover
1
0.5
0.5
90
50
1230 Vegetated Sea Cliffs covers 90% of the SAC, which is approximately 807.3ha.
The SAC vegetation of the study area is wholly 1230 Vegetated Sea Cliffs.
P06/41 2-C
8
SSSI
The SSSI citation describes a range of vegetation types under ‘Cliffs, undercliffs,
landslips’ and then lists the following high quality habitats under ‘Other Habitats’:
•
Species-rich neutral grasslands;
•
Springs with Sphagnum spp.;
•
Base rich flushes with a diverse flora;
•
Dry acidic grassland;
•
Brackish Meadows;
•
Alder Woods; and
•
Dry Woodlands of Oak and Downy Birch.
All the vegetation recorded during the survey matches that described under ‘Cliffs,
undercliffs, landslips’ but with a noticeable garden and non-native influence. None of
the vegetation types listed under ‘Other habitats’ occurs in the Church and East Cliff
study area.
3.2
Site History
3.2.1
Overview
The landscape history of the survey area has reviewed with reference to:
•
the 1st edition 6” OS map (c.1890); and
•
two aerial photos, one from c. late 1950’s and the other from 1978.
The Geotechnical Consulting Group Slope Stabilisation Report for East Cliff (dated
Sept 1986) Figure B3a provides dates and outlines of the movement of the cliff top
and bottom from 1841 to 1980. Their report shows that the cliff top in the Church Cliff
Area has moved inland by about 50metres between 1841 and 1929. In the East Cliff
Main Slip area the movement of the cliff top is more complex. Parts had moved
inland by approximately 20-40 metres between 1841 and 1929; movements after
1929 have ranged from c.15m to c.80 metres.
3.2.2
6” OS Map
Figure 1 below is an extract from the first edition of the 6” OS map and shows the
Church and East cliff landscape in c.1890.
This map shows that the properties along the top of Church cliff have been in place
for at least 120 years and that their gardens then extended, in places, a considerable
distance towards the edge of the cliffs. The receding cliff top has now met these
gardens and is eroding into them.
P06/41 2-C
9
Another feature is that East Cliff has properties on what is now landslip terrain, those
houses - Drop Anchor and Bay Garth – being lost to landslips between 1960 and
1978 (see Fig 3a in Geotechnical Consulting Group 1986).
Figure 1: Extract from the first edition (c.1890) 6” to the mile Ordnance Survey (6”
OS) map showing Church and East Cliff.
The map also shows boundary lines (which are probably also ditches) of fields in the
East Cliff Area in what are now identified as the East Cliff Main Slip, Allotments West
and Allotments East landslip areas. That fields are present could be interpreted as
these areas being grazed.
3.2.3
Historic Aerial Photographs
c. late 1950’s aerial photo
This photo, shown on Map 6, is of unknown date but is estimated to be after 1957
and no later than the 1960 and only shows the East Cliff area. Two houses –
presumably, the southern one being Bay Garth - can be seen clearly in what is now
East Cliff Main Landslip area; Drop Anchor is not shown on the photograph and
presumably had been demolished by this time.
P06/41 2-C
10
The habitat to the east of Bay Garth is a grassland – either amenity grassland or
possibly a paddock. A building (for livestock?) can be seen in this field. Boundary
lines shown on the 1890 6” OS Map can be seen on this aerial photo.
The vegetation of the cliffs appears to be a mosaic of grassland and scrub and has
the appearance of an ungrazed landscape.
1978 aerial photograph
This photo, shown on Map 7, shows both Church and East Cliff. Bay Garth, seen
clearly on the earlier aerial, is no longer present and its gardens now form part of the
landslip.
East Cliff Main slip area has been affected by substantial earth movement, with only a
small area of the grassland/paddock east of Bay Garth now remaining, the rest
having been subject to landslip.
3.2.4
Other information
There was an old gasworks on the East Cliff Main Slip area on its western edge south
of where Drop Anchor used to occur. The gas works were built in 1835 (Dorset
Historic Towns Project Lyme Regis Draft Report March 2009 P Bellamy).
These gas works on East Cliff are also mentioned in Jukes-Browne, A.J. 1908. (The
burning cliff and the landslip at Lyme Regis. Proceedings of Dorset Natural History
and Antiquarian Field Club 29, 153-160), where the following is described:
“The second contributing cause is the land flowing off the slopes above. This partly
issues from springs a little above the contour of 300 feet, and partly runs a surface
water after heavy rain. Above tiers of cliff and broken ground which lies below the
road to Charmouth, Timber Hill rises to a height of 530 feet above the sea. After
rain much water flows off the slopes of the hill, and Mr. Cameron informs me that
the there are two lines of water-flow on its southern side.
One of these watercourses comes down the fields a little east of the house called
Fairfield, and the water which runs along in wet weather cascades over the cliff by
the old Gasworks. Another waterway runs in a parallel line about 330 yards to the
eastward and loses itself in cracks and fissures on the Lias cliff above the very
place where the great fall has taken place.”
Source of above material: http://www.soton.ac.uk/~imw/lymebib.htm
3.3
Survey Timing and Personnel
Andrew Cross and Neil Sanderson of EPR surveyed the site on 30th June, 1st July
and 14th July 2009.
P06/41 2-C
11
A review of the survey methodology and a discussion about mapping the vegetation
on the Cliffs was carried out on 1st July 2009 at a site meeting between EPR and P.
Sterling of Dorset County Council.
Additional data on invasive plants, particularly Japanese Knotweed distribution, was
collected on 17th September 2009 by Andrew Cross from EPR and Rosalyn Guard
from Environs Partnership during the course of a site meeting. Those observations
have been included in this report.
3.4
3.4.1
Total Number of Species Recorded
A total of 130 Vascular Plant species were recorded on the Church and East Cliffs
survey area of which 113 were considered to be native species. 17 or so (but almost
certainly more are present) species recorded were garden escapes or wellestablished non-native species such as Sycamore or Holm Oak and invasive species
such as Japanese Knotweed and Russian Vine.
The list of species recorded from the entire survey area is given in Appendix 7.
The flora list for the less accessible areas in each of the Landslip Areas cannot be
considered as comprehensive though coverage for accessible habitat is good.
3.4.2
Species of Conservation Interest Recorded from Church and East Cliff
Red Data Book, Nationally Rare and Scarce Species
One species was recorded from the survey area:
•
Bithynian Vetch Vicia bithynica, Red Data Book Vulnerable and Nationally Scarce
Bithynian Vetch, an annual species, was recorded in open grassland habitat and its
distribution on Church and East Cliff is shown on Map 4.
P06/41 2-C
12
The following Dorset Coastal Notable species were recorded on the survey:
Bithynian Vetch
Vicia bithynica
Occasional in a few places amongst
open grassland
Spergularia rupicola Occasional on Saline Clay Bank
habitat above the sea wall in East Cliff
Lane and Church Cliffs & London
Guest House Areas
Spergularia marina Rare on Saline Clay Bank habitat
above the sea wall in East Cliff Lane
Area
Rock Sea-spurrey
Lesser Sea-spurrey
3.4.3
Protected and/or Red Data Book Species listed on the SAC Data Sheet and
SSSI Citation
Overview
Four Protected and/or Red Data Book Species listed on the SAC Data Sheet and
SSSI Citation were identified in desk studies (see Section 3.1 above)
•
Early Gentian
•
Stinking Goosefoot
•
Slender Centaury Centaurium tenuifolium; and
•
Bithynian Vetch
Gentianella anglica;
Chenopodium vulvaria ;
Vicia bithynica.
Of the four species above, only Bithynian Vetch was found in the survey area (see
Map 4). The other three species were not seen on the survey.
The habitats for Early Gentian and Stinking Goosefoot as described in Bowen (2000)
were not present in the survey area.
The habitat for Slender Centaury is described in Bowen (2000) as ‘damp unstable
clay undercliffs’, which is present in East Cliff Main Slip Area – this habitat was
investigated in the survey area but the species was not seen.
3.5
3.5.1
Soft Cliff Components and Vegetation Types recorded on the Survey
Vegetation Types
Hill et al. (2006) list the Components of Soft Cliff habitat and their corresponding
NVC/Phase 2 vegetation types in their Table 9 (reproduced in Appendix 5 of this
report).
P06/41 2-C
13
Most of the early succession vegetation types identified in this survey are not
described in the National Vegetation Classification (Rodwell, 1992-2000) though
some are in the Review of the NVC (Rodwell et al., 2000). Coverage in the NVC is
better for the late succession vegetation such as mature grasslands, the various
scrub types etc.
Some of the early succession vegetation types found on this survey match those
listed by Hill et al. (2006), but some do not, for example the open Brachypodium
sylvaticum grasslands that colonise and develop on exposed clay on both Church
and East Cliff.
Soft Cliff Vegetation Components
The Soft Cliff Vegetation Components and their vegetation types as listed by Hill et al.
(2006) are set out in Table 1 below in columns 1 and 2 respectively. The vegetation
types recorded by EPR are listed in column 3 of Table 1 under their relevant Soft Cliff
Component.
The Soft Cliff Components of Hill et al. (2006) have been used but with two
amendments; one is the inclusion of ‘Saline Clay Banks’ and the other was dividing
tall shrubs and woodland from other late successional habitat such as longestablished grassland.
Saline Clay Banks are identified as a distinct component of the soft cliff in this survey
and are a feature of relatively stable steep terrain above the sea wall where,
presumably, relatively prolonged exposure to saltwater has allowed a distinctive
saline habitat to develop. This particular habitat can only be as old as the sea wall; it
is not known if a similar habitat type occurred in the unconstrained cliff.
‘Tall shrubs & woodland’ and ‘Woodland’ on drier soils are part of Hill et al.’s (2006)
Soft Cliff Component ‘Late succession on drier ground’. The approach in this report
has been to separate them into two distinct Components in order to display them on
the vegetation Components map (Map 2) where the more stable parts of the landslip
areas are on East and Church Cliffs – they are a late succession habitat.
The various Soft Cliff Components identified from the EPR survey as shown in Table
1 have been used to generate Map 2 ‘The Soft Cliff Vegetation Components of
Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas’.
P06/41 2-C
14
Table 1: Soft Cliff Vegetation Components of Church and East Cliff Areas
Components (based on Hill et
al., 2006 Table 9)
NVC/Phase 2 Soft Cliff Vegetation Types on slopes
(from Hill et al., 2006 Table 9)
Vegetation Types recorded by EPR in 2009 on Church
and East Cliff
Usually MG1, U4, U20, W25, W21-24
Gardens, Car park and Allotments
Mud and Clay with less than 10%
vegetation cover
Not described in the NVC
Mud and Clay with less than 10% vegetation cover
Saline Clay Banks
Not listed
Saline clay banks above sea wall with Crithmum and
Spergularia spp.; Saline clay banks above sea wall with
Atriplex portulacoides.
Early succession vegetation on
drier ground
Tussilago farfara, Agrostis stolonifera - Tussilago farfara,
Holcus lanatus, Ononis repens-Daucus carota-Holcus
lanatus, Rumex acetosella-Ulex europaeus grassland not
described in the NVC. OV class
Tussilago farfara community; Melilotus altissima tall-herb
community; Phragmites australis on steep slopes; Open
Grasslands dominated by Brachypodium sylvaticum and
Festuca arundinacea; Open grasslands dominated by
Festuca arundinacea.
Early succession vegetation on
wetter ground
A5, A9, Phragmites australis, Phragmites australisCalamagrostis epigejos - Equisetum telmateia, Phragmites
australis - Equisetum telmateia pioneer wetland types not
described in the NVC, OV18, on wetter locations OV26,
OV27
Phragmites australis; Equisetum telmateia pioneer
community; Equisetum telmateia tall herb community
CLIFF TOP
Abandoned ground (semi-natural
vegetation, improved grasslands,
buildings, gardens roads
CLIFF SLOPE
P06/41 2-C
15
Components (based on Hill et
al., 2006 Table 9)
NVC/Phase 2 Soft Cliff Vegetation Types on slopes
(from Hill et al., 2006 Table 9)
Vegetation Types recorded by EPR in 2009 on Church
and East Cliff
Late succession vegetation on
drier ground
MC5, MC8, MC9, MC11, H2, H11, CG1, CG2, U1, MG1,
1
MG5, MG6, MG7, W21-W24, W10, W12
Closed, species-poor grasslands dominated by either
Brachypodium sylvaticum or Festuca arundinacea or a
combination of these two species; Low Scrub (of one or
more of Rubus, Rubia and Ligustrum) and Tall Scrub (e.g.
Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna)
Late Succession vegetation on
wetter ground
A5, A9, S19, S4, S25, M22, MG9, MG11, MG12, W1, W2
Willow Scrub; M22 Fen Meadow
Tall Shrubs and Woodlands
Not listed by Hill et al. (2006) as separate Component
Tall shrubs, which here is almost wholly non-native garden
material (e.g. Prunus domestica and Malus domestica),
with or without emergent trees; Woodland (including any of
mature Quercus ilex, Fraxinus excelsior or Acer
pseudoplatanus).
Dunes at cliff-foot
SD10
Not Present
Coastal Vegetated Shingle
SD1, other NVC and non-NVC vegetation on shingle
Not Present
Strandline
SM28
Not Present
Coast protection works (if present)
Not a Vegetation Type
Sea Wall Present for 6 out of the 7 Survey Areas
.
1
Hill et al. (2006) list woodlands (NVC types W10 and W12) under ‘Late succession vegetation on drier ground’, but do not list the NVC Woodland type W8 as occurring on
Soft Cliffs. Most of the western part of the SAC is W8 Woodland (i.e. the 9130 Tilio-Acerion), so it a bona fide vegetation type of Soft Cliffs. EPR assumes that the omission of
W8 is an error.
P06/41 2-C
16
3.5.2
Areas of Soft Cliff Components
Table 2 below lists the areas of each of the Soft Cliff Components of the habitats on
Church and East Cliffs as a whole within the SAC area of East and Church Cliffs.
Column 3 of Table 2 gives percentage areas of the components amalgamated into
broader categories of Bare Ground, Early Succession, Late Succession and Other.
Table 2: Areas of Soft Cliff Component areas of Habitat on East and Church Cliff
Landslip Areas
Soft Cliff Component Type
Bare Ground
Bare Clay with sparse vegetation
Early Succession
Saline Clay Bank
Early Succession on drier ground
Early Succession on wet ground
Late Succession
Late Succession on drier ground
Late Succession on wetter ground
Tall Shrubs and Woodland
Woodland
Other
Garden
Made ground
TOTAL
Area (Hectares)
% Area
1.0%
0.027
27.2%
0.028
0.432
0.250
66.2%
0.870
0.078
0.559
0.219
5.6%
0.115
.032
2.61ha
100%
The total area of the SAC surveyed within Church and East Cliff is 2.61 hectares.
The Sidmouth to West Bay SAC is 897.3ha and so the Church and East Cliff Landslip
areas amount to approximately 0.3% of the area of the SAC.
90% of the SAC is recorded as 1230 Vegetated Sea Cliff (see Appendix 1), which is
approximately 807.6ha. The area of 1230 Vegetated Sea Cliff surveyed for this
report is 2.61 ha, which is approximately 0.32% of this habitat within the SAC.
3.5.3
Areas of Soft Cliff Components within Individual Landslip Areas
The amount of each Soft Cliff Component within each of the Landslide Areas has
been calculated from Map 2 using ArcGIS and the results are presented below in
Table 3.
P06/41 2-C
17
Key to Landslip Areas in Table 3:
CC
CC&LGH
CedC
ECLane
ECMain Slip
AllWest
AllEast
Church Cliff
Church Cliff & London Guest House
Cedar Cottage
East Cliff Lane
East Cliff Main Slip
Allotments West
Allotments East
Table 3: Soft Cliff Component Types according to Landslip Area
CC
CC&LGH
CedC
ECLane
ECMain
slip
AllWest
AllEast
Area
(hectares)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.04
Percentage
Cover of Soft
Cliff
Component
1.4%
0.02
0.05
0.03
0.02
0.16
0.14
0.00
0.42
16.2%
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.24
0.00
0.00
0.25
9.6%
Garden
0.00
0.04
0.01
0.06
0.01
0.01
0.00
0.11
4.4%
0.01
0.06
0.05
0.32
0.25
0.12
0.00
0.80
30.8%
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.08
0.00
0.07
0.14
5.5%
Made ground
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.03
0.00
0.00
0.03
1.2%
Saline Clay Bank
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.03
1.0%
0.16
0.08
0.00
0.00
0.15
0.09
0.08
0.56
21.4%
Woodland
0.00
0.00
0.11
0.06
0.04
0.01
0.00
0.22
8.4%
Area (hectares)
0.19
0.22
0.20
0.49
0.98
0.39
0.16
2.61
Percentage Cover of Survey Area
7.1%
8.5%
7.6%
18.6%
37.4%
14.8%
5.9%
Landslip Area
Soft Cliff Vegetation Component
P06/41 2-C
18
100%
3.5.4
Quadrat Data and Vegetation Types
The following vegetation types on East and Church Cliffs were sampled by quadrat,
with the data provided in Appendix 9:
Wetter ground
Early succession vegetation on wetter ground
Equisetum telmateia tall-herb community
Late succession vegetation on wetter ground
Fen Meadow (NVC: M22)
Drier Ground
Early succession vegetation on drier ground
Tall Melilot tall-herb community
Open Grasslands dominated by Brachypodium sylvaticum and Festuca
arundinacea;
Open grasslands dominated by Festuca arundinacea;
Open Grasslands with Brachypodium sylvaticum - Festuca arundinacea –
Phragmites australis.
Late successional vegetation on drier ground
Red Fescue – Carrot grassland. Only a few square metres of this habitat occur
in the study area but it was sampled because it is the only sward that
resembles, and that poorly, a true maritime grassland NVC type MC11.
3.5.5
Quadrat data from previous EPR surveys
A number of vegetation types have been recorded from the East Cliff landslip areas in
previous years by EPR. All the quadrat samples in 2006 were recorded from the East
Cliff Main Slip area (see EPR, 2006). Most of the early successional communities
have changed in composition, structure and extend since 2006 as they succeed into
more closed and mature communities.
P06/41 2-C
19
3.6
Landslip Area Descriptions
3.6.1
Church Cliff
Flora
A total of 45 species were recorded from Church Cliff landslip Area – see Appendix 8
for species list.
No national or county level species of conservation interest were recorded.
Vegetation and Soft Cliff Components
The vegetation in Church Cliff Area is on very steep slopes and is predominantly a
stand of tall shrubs - predominantly composed of garden/agricultural species such as
Prunus domestica and Malus domestica - with emergent trees such as White Poplar.
The steep slopes at the western end of the Area have an open, moderately diverse
grassland with Tall Fescue Festuca arundinacea.
Soft Cliff Component
Area (ha)
0.163
0.02
% Cover within Church Cliff
86%
10%
0.01
-
5%
0
0
0
Woodland
Saline Clay Bank
Garden
Total Area
0.19
0
0
0
100%
Vegetation Dynamics
The presence of extensive Tall Shrubs and Woodland vegetation indicates that this
Area has clearly been stable for a reasonable period.
3.6.2
Church Cliff Flats and London Guest House
Flora
A total of 46 species were recorded from Church Cliff Flats and London Guest House
Area – the species list is given in Appendix 8.
One Red Data Book Vulnerable and Nationally Scarce species - Bithynian Vetch was recorded in this Area as occasional in the open grassland on the slopes above
the sea wall and a slip area above this slope (see Map 4).
Two Dorset Coastal Notable species were recorded in this Area; Bithynian Vetch (see
above) and Rock Sea Spurrey. Rock Sea Spurrey was occasional on bare ground
immediately above the sea wall.
P06/41 2-C
20
This area is divisible into two distinctive habitat types; the northwestern half of this
area is largely derived from garden/garden material and the southeastern part on the
steep slopes above the sea wall largely colonised by native species forming an early
succession habitat.
0.08
0.06
0.05
% cover within
area
35%
27.2%
20.9%
Garden
Saline Clay Bank
0.03
0.002
-
16.8%
<1%
0
0
Woodland
Total Area
0.22ha
0
0
100%
3.6.3
Area (ha)
Cedar Cottage
Flora
A total of 34 species were recorded from Cedar Cottage Area, with the full list given in
Appendix 8. One species of conservation interest was recorded from this Area:
Bithynian Vetch was rare in the open grassland on the slopes above the wall (see
Map 4).
The vegetation in this Area includes woodland at the top of the cliff merging into low
scrub until the top of the steep slope above the sea wall. This low scrub includes
garden species such as Wilson’s Honeysuckle Lonicera nitida, Yucca, Cotoneaster
and domestic apples. The composition of the woodland area is not known but it is
likely to be derived, in part, from garden boundary plantings.
The steep slope above the sea wall (see Photo 1 below) is mobile and is mostly open
grassland vegetation, which is part of the Soft Cliff Component ‘Early succession on
drier ground’. Sapling Holm Oaks are well established on this open terrain.
P06/41 2-C
21
Photo 1: The steep slope immediately above the sea wall in Cedar Cottage Area
showing Open Grassland vegetation on mobile ground – this vegetation is in the Soft
Cliff Type ‘Early Succession on Drier Ground’..
Woodland
Garden
Saline Clay Bank
Total Area
Area (ha)
0.11
0.05
0.03
0.01
0.002
0.198ha
% cover
0.57
0.23
0.17
0.03
0.01
0
0
0
0
100%
Vegetation Dynamics
The vegetation in this Area has been stable for a considerable period at the back of
the sea cliff and on the plateau above the cliff, as shown by the development of
woodland. The seaward part of the slope has been more active and has early stage
successional vegetation of pioneer vegetation and open grasslands.
The 1978 photo (Map 7) shows two lines of mature trees, which most likely are
marking a garden boundary at the top of the cliff. These lines of tree form the main
structural element in the woodland now present.
P06/41 2-C
22
3.6.4
East Cliff Lane
Flora
A total of 52 species were recorded from East Cliff Lane Area (list given in Appendix
8). No national or county level species of conservation interest were recorded.
Two Dorset Coastal Notable species were recorded in this Area; Rock Sea Spurrey
and Lesser Sea Spurrey. Both of these were found on the Saline Clay Banks
immediately above the sea wall adjacent to groyne 9 (as numbered from the south).
Garden and Non-native species
Garden and Non-native species form a substantial component of this landslip area.
The northern part of this landslip area can be viewed from East Cliff Lane and this
area is dominated by Japanese Knotweed, Russian Vine, Bindweed and Buddleja –
part of this vegetation is shown in Photo 6 below in Section 3.11.
Japanese Knotweed
A substantial stand of Japanese Knotweed was recorded from this area - see Map 5
and Section 3.11.
The steep bank immediately above the sea wall is mobile and support patches of
pioneer vegetation, open grassland and saline clay banks. The terrace and slopes
above the seaward bank are ‘Late Succession on Drier Ground’ vegetation, of which
large areas are dominated by garden and non-native species.
0.320
% cover
within area
67%
Woodland
Garden
Saline Clay Bank
0.059
0.059
0.022
0.020
12%
12%
5%
4%
0.005
0.001
-
1%
<1%
0
0
0.485ha
100%
Soft Cliff Components
Total Area
Area (ha)
Vegetation Dynamics
The 6” OS map shows the Area to have had gardens extending towards the top of the
sea cliff in the southern part of the Area with the northern area above the sea cliff
possibly as agricultural land rather than garden.
P06/41 2-C
23
The 1978 aerial shows the Area as a mosaic of lighter and darker areas that we
interpret as being a mixture of grassland and scrub. All the grasslands above the
steep seaward slope have been lost to scrub. Note
Note that the Saline Clay Bank above groyne 9 appears to be grassland in 1978.
3.6.5
Flora
A total of 87 species were recorded from the East Cliff Main Slip Area (species list is
given in Appendix 8).
Bithynian Vetch, a Red Data Book Vulnerable, Nationally Scarce and Dorset Rare
Plant Register species, was recorded here as an occasional in open grassland
habitat (see Map 4).
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed occurs in this area in one of the gardens overlooking the area
and at the end of East Cliff Lane - see Map 5.
The vegetation of this area is the most complex of the study area and is the only one
that includes the Soft Cliff Component ‘Early and late successional vegetation of
wetter soils (see Map 3). Early successional vegetation is the most extensive in this
Area, and that is due to the extensive landslipping in this area in the past few
decades. Even within this very mobile area, there are still substantial patches of Late
Succession vegetation, mostly low scrub. Bare Clay vegetation, an extensive
vegetation type only a few years ago, is now reduced to a rather small area
associated mainly with the slip faces. Made ground is the area in front of the car park
and which extends partly into the SAC.
Area (ha)
0.25
% cover within area
25.5%
Woodland
0.243
0.162
0.078
0.04
24.9%
16.4%
8%
3.7%
Made ground
Garden
Saline Clay Bank
0.03
0.019
0.01
0.001
3.3
2%
0.7%
0.1%
0.98ha
100%
Total Area
P06/41 2-C
24
Vegetation Dynamics
The 6” map shows the Area to have had fields extending to the top of the sea cliff.
Properties are shown along the western edge of what is now landslip terrain and
these include the sites of the old gas works, Drop Anchor and Bay Garth. Of the
properties shown, on this strip, only Bay View is still present.
The c. late 1950’s aerial (Map 6) shows the Area with a field/paddock and the cliffs
supporting grassland with patches of scrub. There little obvious open or bare ground
to be seen in the photo. The lines on the eastern sides of the field are probably a
ditchline and a hedge with a ditch.
The 1978 aerial photo shows what was present in the c. late 1950’s picture to have
been substantially torn apart. There now appears to be three distinct zones; one is a
band on a se-nw axis at the top of the Area that is predominantly scrub with
grassland between; another is a central area of grassland with a ‘smooth texture’ (the
relicts of the field/paddock) and the last, and largest, is the southern part of the Area
with rough, complex texture that is the main slip area when compared to the c. late
1950’s aerial.
A steep slope on the southwestern boundary divides this Area from the East Cliff
Lane Area. This steep slope extends up the western side of East Cliff Main Slip
below the properties of the houses overlooking the Area.
3.6.6
Allotments West
Flora
A total of 57 species were recorded from Allotments West Area - the full list is given in
Appendix 8.
Two small, very localised populations each of a few individuals of Bithynian Vetch, a
Red Data Book Vulnerable, Nationally Scarce and Dorset Rare Plant Register
species, was recorded here.
The vegetation of this Area comprises low scrub in the northern parts and open
grasslands with much scrub invasion in the southern part. The vegetation in the Area
is being opened up by landslip activity on the main two scarp faces that extend into
this area from the East Cliff Main Slip. Relict grassland patches still occur but are tiny
fragments and are being overwhelmed by scrub growth.
The northwestern part of this area used to allotments in the 1940’s (see 1940’s aerial
photograph at www.map.dcda.org).
P06/41 2-C
25
0.142
0.124
% cover within
area
36.9%
32.2%
Woodland
Garden
0.088
0.004
0.007
0.01
23.9%
3.1%
1.8%
1.6
Saline Clay Bank
Total Area
0.002
0.385ha
0.5%
0%
0%
100%
Area (ha)
Vegetation Dynamics
In contrast to the East Cliff Main Slip Area, the surface here is still relatively intact
though clearly disturbed by the major land surface movements to the south.
The 6” map shows the Area to have been pasture land.
Both the late 1950’s and the 1978 aerials show this Area as being a mixture of scrub
and grassland – though with more scrub and less grassland in the latter photo. Since
then the scrub has expanded further at the expense of the grasslands. A 1940’s
aerial photo (seen at www.dcda.org.uk) shows that the northwestern part of this Area
was an extension of the allotments, which were later abandoned as can be seen on
the late 1950’s aerial photo.
3.6.7
Allotments East
This Area was not accessed on foot because of dense scrub. All information about
this area is based on aerial photograph interpretation and observations from distant
vantage points.
Flora
A few of the more obvious species in this Area were recorded from distant
observations, but the list is not comprehensive. The terrain and habitat is similar to
that on the rest of the area studied in this report and it is expected that a flora similar
to that recorded elsewhere on Church and East Cliffs would be found. A list of
species seen on the Area is given in Appendix 8.
It is not known if there are any species of conservation interest, such as Bithynian
Vetch. There is some suitable habitat for this species and thus it is possible that a
small population is present.
The vegetation in this Area is scrub to the west being pulled apart by slip at the cliff
edge to the east. This is the only Area to have its entire seaward face unprotected by
P06/41 2-C
26
sea wall, although the cliff dynamics here will be affected by the sea wall and its
groynes thus not fully natural.
Area (ha)
0.078
0.067
Garden
0.009
0.009
0.009
Woodland
Saline Clay Bank
Total Area
0.155
% cover within
area
50.2%
43.1%
6.1%
<1%
<1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
Vegetation Dynamics
The 6” map shows the Area to have been pasture land. Both the late 1950’s and the
1978 aerials show 1978 aerial shows the Area as being a mixture of scrub and
grassland - since then the scrub has expanded at the expense of the grasslands.
3.7
Hydrology
East Cliff Main Slip Area supports areas of vegetation on wetter soils and it is the only
Area on Church and East Cliff to do so – see Map 2.
Map 3 shows the Soft Cliff Vegetation Components of Early and Late Succession on
Wetter soils. Map 3 also shows a potential seepage point at the base of the scarp
slope on the western edge of East Cliff Main Slip as shown on the ‘Plan of Existing
Drainage’ Drawing Number PH4\PD\002 in HPR Report Preliminary Design report
Issue 4 September 2009.
The northernmost of the wetter soils area shown (polygon 10) is on more or relatively
level ground on an upper terrace immediately under the made ground and slip face
under at the seaward edge of the car park. The vegetation is a mosaic of different
types with Equisetum telmateia tall-herb community the most prominent in a mosaic
of a young scrub and open grasslands on poorly drained clay. There is no evidence
of seepages feeding into this vegetation and none have been mapped by HPR.
The main area of vegetation on the lower terrace is a mosaic of one of early and late
succession in wetter soils as defined by Hill et al. (2006). The vegetation types here
include Common Reed Phragmites australis stands (polygon 6), Rush Pastures
(polygon 8) and Willow scrub (polygon 7) with some damp bare ground with pioneer
vegetation (polygon 9) – view of this assemblage is given in Photo 2 below. It is not
yet clear how the springs and drainage lines shown on Map 3 determine the extent of
the wetter soil vegetation in East Cliff Main Slip Area. Most of polygon 7 is
P06/41 2-C
27
impenetrable Willow Scrub on uneven ground; because it is difficult to access its
southwestern boundary is not known and the stand may be larger than that shown on
Map 3.
Photo 2: Looking from terrace towards a stand of Common Reed (polygon 6) with
fringe of Rush pastures with Equisetum sylvaticum in front of it.
Polygons 11 and 12 are an area of vegetation on wetter soils at the base of the lower
slip face.
Several dense Common Reed Phragmites australis stands occur on the talus slopes
(polygons 3, 4, and 5) above the sea wall in East Cliff Main Slip. These Reed Stands
have been mapped as being on wetter soils though they are on very steep slopes – it
may be that they are on drainage channels off the slip are rather than wet soils.
An area of Reed (polygons 1 and 2) within which is a small area stand of Sea
Purslane Atriplex portulacoides (within polygon 2) has developed on wet soils at the
base of the steep scarp slope at the southwestern edge of the East Cliff Main Slip.
This area is wet and is a drainage point off the East Cliff Main Slip area.
P06/41 2-C
28
3.8
3.8.1
Bithynian Vetch
Bithynian Vetch Vicia bithynica is a Red Data Book (Vulnerable), Nationally Scarce
and listed on the Dorset Rare Plant Register (see Appendix 6). Bowen (2000)
describes this species as “local on cliffs railway banks and rough clay grassland
along the coastal belt…” and recorded from 10 locations (tetrads) in Dorset.
The population of Bithynian Vetch on Church and East Cliffs is of County Value.
3.8.2
Rock Sea Spurrey
Rock Sea Spurrey Spergularia rupicola is a Dorset Notable (Coastal) species and is
characteristic of cliffs. It occurs all along the Dorset coast on suitable habitat (Bowen,
2000). The small population on the saline clay banks here is of local interest.
3.8.3
Lesser Sea Spurrey
Lesser Sea Spurrey Spergularia marina is a Dorset Notable (Coastal) species and is
characteristic of saltmarshes. This is a local species on the Dorset coast, primarily in
Poole Harbour and the Fleet, and the record here on Church Cliffs is a new locality on
the Dorset coast (Bowen, 2000). Only a few plants were seen on Church Cliff and
this small population is of local interest.
Other than three species listed above, the native flora of Church and East Cliff is
composed of common and widespread species.
3.9
3 out of 115 Dorset Coastal Notable vascular plant indicator species were recorded:
•
Vicia bithynica;
•
Spergularia rupicola; and
•
Spergularia marina.
These three constitute 2.6% of the total indicator species list and indicates that the
habitat is not of high quality for its Coastal flora within the county.
3.10
Some 17 garden and non-native species were recorded on the survey though
doubtless more are present adjacent to and below the gardens and allotments
fringing – and within - the SAC. A full list could not be made because much of the
terrain was not accessible (see Map 5 for an approximate limit of the survey.
P06/41 2-C
29
Map 9 shows the area of the SAC that either is dominated by garden/non-native
species or is likely to have a substantial component of the vegetation derived form
garden or non-native species. The map is based on the following observations:
•
Church Cliff area has abundant Prunus domestica and Malus domestica;
•
East Cliff Lane has abundant Japanese Knotweed, Russian Vine and Buddleja;
•
The upper areas of Church Cliff Flats & London Guest House and Cedar Cottage
include former garden areas and are immediately adjacent to them; and
•
East Cliff Main (southwestern edge) is on the former gardens of Drop Anchor and
Bay Garth.
Map 9 shows the area where garden and non-native species form a prominent
component of the vegetation. Photo 3 below shows a view of Church Cliff looking
northwards and is intended to complement Maps 2 and 9. The view shows the ‘Early
succession vegetation of drier soils’ on the steep slope immediately above the sea
wall and the dense scrub of ‘Late succession vegetation of drier soils’ above. It is the
latter habitat that has been marked on Map 9 as being strongly influenced by garden
and non-native species.
Photo 3: View of Church Cliff showing ‘Early succession vegetation of drier soils’ on
the steep slope immediately above the sea wall and the dense scrub of ‘Late
succession vegetation of drier soils’ above.
P06/41 2-C
30
Garden and non-native species do, however, occur in all areas of the study area
beyond the immediate vicinity of the gardens and the area marked on Map 9 – for
example Holm Oak Quercus ilex seedlings and Cotoneaster have established in open
ground above the sea wall in the Cedar Cottage area; Buddleja is widespread in the
East Cliff Main Slip areas etc.
3.11
Japanese Knotweed
3.11.1 Overview
Map 5 also shows the extent of the area on the Church and East Cliff landslip areas
that could not be accessed readily and thus it cannot be confirmed whether Japanese
Knotweed is present or absent there.
Japanese Knotweed was seen in three locations in the survey area and these are
shown on shown on Map 5; a very large stand is on East Cliff Lane Landslip Area
and the other; one is in and on East Cliff Lane and the third, found by Environs
Partnership, is on the on East Cliff Main Slip at the end of Ferndown Road.
P06/41 2-C
31
3.11.2 Ferndown Lane
A stand of Japanese Knotweed occurs in the grounds of what used to be the Bay
Garth property and extends up into the garden of the house at the end of Ferndown
Lane on its northern side.
Photo 4: Stand of Japanese Knotweed in garden at the end of Ferndown Lane
P06/41 2-C
32
3.11.3 East Cliff Lane
The stand of Japanese Knotweed on East Cliff Lane is shown as Location B on Map
5. The stand here is both adjacent to and under the lane up to where it overlooks
East Cliff. The full extent of the stand was not mapped and the area shown on Map 5
is indicative only.
Photo 5: Japanese Knotweed at the end of East Cliff Lane
P06/41 2-C
33
3.11.4 East Cliff Lane Slip
An extensive stand of Japanese Knotweed occurs at the northeastern end of East
Cliff Lane landslip area. The vegetation here is dominated by invasive exotic species
in which Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica, Buddleja, Russian Vine Fallopia
baldschuanica and Bindweed Calystegia sp. are abundant. Photo 2 below shows the
upper part of the stand looking down from East Cliff Lane. The full extent of the stand
could not be mapped because the terrain was impenetrable and thus the area shown
on Map 5 should be taken ass indicative only.
Photo 6: Northeastern part of East Cliff Lane Landslip Area showing the upper part
of a Japanese Knotweed stand amongst Russian Bindweed, Bindweed
&Buddleja.
3.12
Habitat Management
No habitat management is being carried out in the survey area, or has been for a
considerable period.
P06/41 2-C
34
4.0
DISCUSSION
4.1
4.1.1
Annex 1 Species listed on Sidmouth to West Bay SAC
The Annex 1 species listed in the SAC data sheets, Early Gentian Gentianella
anglica, was not seen in the study area. Bowen (2000) shows that this species has
never been reported from the Church and East Cliff landslip area (tetrad 39L).
We consider it likely that on the basis of distribution, historic records, habitat
requirements and fieldwork that Early Gentian does not occur in the Church and East
Cliff study area.
4.1.2
Rare and Protected Species listed the SSSI citation
Two Rare and Protected Species, Seaside Centaury Centaurium tenuiflorum and
Stinking Goosefoot Chenopodium vulvaria, are listed on the SSSI citation but neither
was seen on the survey.
Bowen (2000) shows that they have not previously been reported from the Church
and East Cliff landslip area (tetrad 39L). We consider it likely that on the basis of
distribution, historic records, habitat requirements and fieldwork that neither these two
species occur in the Church and East Cliff study area.
4.2
Site History and Cliff Dynamics
The Church and East Cliffs have been subject to substantial movements over a
considerable period of time. The Geotechnical Consulting Group Slope Stabilisation
Report for East Cliff (dated Sept 1986) Figure B3a provides dates and outlines of the
movement of the cliff top and bottom from 1841 to 1980. Their report shows that the
cliff top in the Church Cliff Area has moved inland by about 50metres between 1841
and 1929. In the East Cliff Main Slip area the movement of the cliff top is more
complex. Parts had moved inland by approximately 20-40 metres between 1841 and
1929; movements after 1929 have ranged from c.15m to c.80 metres.
In earlier times, when the cliff top, and its associated undercliff landslip terrain, moved
inland it would have eroded into would have been natural vegetation types – most
likely pastures, sea cliff grasslands and native scrub (an example of this type of
activity is now happening at Timber Meadows). Eventually all the natural habitat
between the old cliff top and the town/property boundaries became eroded away and
at this point, the incursion into natural habitat changed to one that eroded into garden
habitat. This shift from eroding into natural habitat into a garden habitat has had a
profound influence on the types of species that can colonise into the newly created
landslip, providing opportunities for garden species such as Japanese Knotweed to
colonise directly into landslip terrain. At the same time it reduced the pool of native
species that could colonise the landslip.
P06/41 2-C
35
4.3
4.3.1
Overview
130 vascular plant species were recorded during the 2009 survey, with a significant
component – approximately 15% - being garden and/or self sown non native species.
4.3.2
Species of Conservation Interest Recorded on Church and East Cliffs
One species of conservation interest was found on both Church and East Cliffs:
Bithynian Vetch: Red Data Book Vulnerable and Nationally Scarce
Bithynian Vetch was the most significant species recorded in the study area and was
seen at several locations (Map 4). Bowen (2000) records that Bithynian Vetch Vicia
bithynica had been recorded in 1880 and more recently in 1999 - from a 2km x 2km
square (tetrad 39L) in the Lyme Regis locality. This square includes the Church and
East Cliff landslip areas but it is not known whether the species was recorded from
here or elsewhere in the square. The closed, mature grassland habitat of the cliffs
before the main landslip open them up does not favour an annual species such as
Bithynian Vetch. Bithynian Vetch may have been present in localised open patches
on the cliffs before the slip but certainly the post-slip, open habitat landscape appears
to be good habitat conditions for the Bithynian Vetch.
4.4
The survey mapped the following Soft Cliff Components:
Late Succession
Woodland
Subtotal
33.4%
21.4%
8.4%
3%
66.1%
Early Succession
Saline Clay Bank
Subtotal
16.6%
9.6%
1.0%
1.0%
27.1%
Other
Garden
Made Ground
Subtotal
4.4%
1%
5.6%
The majority of the vegetation – some 66% - is late succession mostly made up of
low scrub, tall shrubs and woodland on drier soils, a substantial proportion of which is
strongly influenced by garden and non-native species.
P06/41 2-C
36
4.5
Hydrology
Church Cliff, composed of landslip areas Church Cliff, Church Cliff Flats and London
Guest House and East Cliff Lane are steep slopes with no wetland vegetation.
Allotments East and West appear not to support any wetland vegetation of any note.
The terraces on East Cliff Main Slip are the only location in the study Area to support
wetland vegetation.
It is unclear what the source of the water for the wetland vegetation is though
precipitation and poor drainage on clay must contribute something. The seepage
area shown on Map 3 did not appear as a strong water flow when the area was
visited in July, and it is not clear what role this seepage has in supporting wetland
vegetation on the lower terrace of East Cliff.
What is clear is that there are no old well-established drains, seepages etc feeding
into this system. All former drains, ditches and watercourses etc that across East
Cliff Main Slip area have been destroyed by the encroaching landslips on the
seawards side and intercepted (for example by the car park) on the landward side as
part of various cliff stabilisation works; there is thus no long-established fen or
wetland habitat on Church and East Cliffs. The historic ditches/drains can be seen on
Map 6 the late 1950’s aerial photograph and their course match those as shown on
the first edition 6” OS (see Fig 1, Section 3.2)
4.6
With the exception of Bithynian Vetch, the native flora on Church and East Cliff is
composed of common and widespread species. There is now no direct contact
between the Church & East Cliff landslip areas with any natural vegetation such as
Timber Hill Meadows. This lack of any direct contact indicates that the future flora will
draw on adjacent habitats, here mostly gardens, or otherwise mobile species readily
capable of colonising sites from a distance.
Bithynian Vetch Vicia bithynica is a Red Data Book species and Dorset Notable
species with a limited distribution within Dorset.
4.7
For a coastal habitat, the Church and East Cliff part of the SAC has only 3 coastal
indicator species as listed in Appendix 6, this pointing to a coastal habitat of low
quality. The existing low habitat quality could decline further in future if for example
Japanese Knotweed or Russian Vine were to increase their abundance on the cliffs.
4.8
Some 17 non-native and garden escapes ranging from tree, shrub and herbaceous
species were recorded during the survey. Not all areas were accessed and there are
P06/41 2-C
37
likely to be more of this group of species in the survey area, especially given that
gardens and allotments form the western border of the survey area.
Several of the non-native species have the potential to become a problem on the
survey area – for example:
Buddleja scrub can become dominant on calcareous brownfield sites (e.g. chalk
cliffs and quarries, railway lines etc) though whether it could do so in such
exposed maritime conditions is not known.
Japanese Knotweed – this species is well known as a potential dominant in a
wide range of habitats. There is, however, little data on how this species
functions on calcareous clays in coastal situations. From site observations, it
appears to be readily colonising the East Cliff Lane area. Further information on
Japanese Knotweed is given in Section 4.9.
Russian Vine is present in East Cliff Lane landslip area - this species has the
capability of vigorous growth and could potentially smother substantial areas of
scrub.
Long-established non-natives such as Sycamore and Holm Oak, both already
present on the landslip, could also expand over the survey area were it to
stabilise. Cotoneaster can dominate coastal habitats (for example Portland) but
this is probably most likely to occur on hard limestone rather than soft calcareous
clays. Leycesteria formosa (Himalayan Honeysuckle) is now present in the
survey area and there are concerns that this species could be invasive in some
UK habitats. Pampas grass, present in East Cliff Main Slip and Allotments West,
could become an invasive species.
4.9
Japanese Knotweed
4.9.1
Actual and Potential Locations of Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is well-established and apparently thriving on the cliffs.
Japanese Knotweed was recorded from three locations in the study area - see Map
5. One stand is on East Cliff Main Slip at the edge of a garden north of the end of
Ferndown Road, one is on East Cliff Lane (out of the SAC but within the proposed
works area) and a substantial stand at the northern end of East Cliff Lane landslip
area extending from the top of the slope down to close to the sea wall.
A potential area for Japanese Knotweed is in Allotment East Area, which is adjacent
to the old tip/landfill site. This type of brownfield site could have had Japanese
Knotweed dumped at it or soil with its roots used for capping or even colonised
through dispersal.
P06/41 2-C
38
The upper parts of the cliff from Church Cliff to East Cliff Lane were not accessible in
many places because of dense scrub and neither was Allotments East – these areas
are marked on Map 5. We have little information on these areas and so the presence
or absence of Japanese Knotweed cannot be confirmed.
4.9.2
Legislation Japanese Knotweed and the Code of Practice
Legislation
There are two main pieces of legislation regarding Japanese Knotweed:
•
Japanese Knotweed is listed on Schedule 9 Part II of the Wildlife & Countryside
Act 1981 (W&CA). Section 14 of the W&CA sets out that it is an offence to
actively plant or otherwise cause [Japanese Knotweed] to grow in the wild; and
•
The Environmental Protection Act 1990. Japanese Knotweed is classed as
‘controlled waste’ and as such must be disposed of safely at a licensed landfill
site according to the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations
1991.
source: www.naturenet.net/law/weeds.html
Code of Practice for Japanese Knotweed
A Code of Practice has been issued by the Environment Agency available at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/japnkot_1_a_1463028.pdf
and is provided in Appendix 10 of this report. This Code of Practice provides the
necessary guidance and information on how to deal with Japanese Knotweed on
Church and East Cliff landslip areas.
4.10
Habitat Management
The c. late 1950’s aerial photo shows a grassland/paddock in East Cliff Main Slip
area that might have been used for grazing. There appears to have been no recent
habitat management on the Church and East Cliffs study area.
P06/41 2-C
39
5.0
SUMMARY OF MAIN FINDINGS
5.1
SAC Habitat
5.1.1
Annex 1 Habitat
The vegetation recorded in the survey area is a mosaic of early and late successional
vegetation on drier to wetter calcareous clays. It ranges from pioneer vegetation on
bare clays through drier open grasslands and wetter reed beds to mature scrub, both
wet and dry, and patches of woodland.
JNCC interpret the SAC 1230 Vegetated Sea Cliffs for soft cliffs as
“On relatively stable soft cliffs a wide range of progressively less-specialised
communities can occur, including grassland, heath, scrub and even woodland.
More mobile soft cliffs show a complex sequence of successional communities
related to degrees of instability and the age of the slope. The vegetation of these
sites forms a mosaic of pioneer, ruderal, grassland, scrub and woodland
communities. Streams and flushes provide a freshwater wetland element, and
seepage lines may be rich in orchids. The vegetation of mobile soft cliffs is
inadequately described by the NVC at present.”
(see Appendix 2)
This JNCC interpretation of habitats on soft cliffs ranging from bare clay to woodland
as being all part of the SAC 1230 Habitat is reinforced by Hill et al., (2001) in their
section 4.7 on Soft Cliffs and in Hill et al., (2006) Table 9 , the latter reproduced in
Appendix 5 of this report.
Following the JNCC interpretation of the SAC 1230 habitat the vegetation of the
survey area should all be considered as part of the Annex 1 1230 Vegetated Sea
Cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts habitat. The fragments of scrub and woodland
on the Church and East Cliff slopes are not substantial enough to be considered as
the Annex 1 9180 Tilio - Acerion habitat (see Appendix 3) and following the JNCC
interpretation and Hill et al. (2001) recommendations, the woody stands on Church
and East Cliff should be seen as part of the mosaic of 1230 vegetation.
The Study Area on Church and East Cliffs amounts to c 0.3% of the area of the SAC
and 0.32% of the Annex 1 1230 Vegetated Sea Cliff component of the SAC.
P06/41 2-C
40
5.1.2
5.2
The Quality of the SAC Habitat at Church and East Cliff
The vegetation of the survey has been identified as being part of the Annex 1 1230
Vegetated Sea Cliffs habitat. The following features are of note;
•
The flora is primarily composed of common and widespread species and is not
particularly diverse (approx. 113 native species recorded, although others would
be found with more detailed and longer surveys);
•
There a few species of conservation interest in the flora other than the Bithynian
Vetch;
•
A significant component of the flora is made up of exotic and non-native species –
17 were recorded on the survey (c. 10% of the total flora), though more are
almost certainly present. Most of these will probably function as temporary
garden escapees but several could come to have a significant role in the
vegetation, for example, Buddleja, Cotoneaster, Russian Vine and Pampas Grass
•
Japanese Knotweed is well established in the SAC and there is now a substantial
colony in East Cliff Lane slip (with smaller colonies outside the SAC boundary but
capable of invading into the SAC);
•
The vegetation types are relatively few;
•
There is no grazing in the survey area, which simplifies the successional
sequence and allows the rapid development of scrub with only soil movements
preventing or slowing its development.
The Quality of the SSSI Habitat at Church and East Cliff
Flora and the structure of the vegetation, particularly the early succession vegetation
on damper soils, provides excellent habitat for an important invertebrate assemblage,
a feature for which the SSSI was selected.
This invertebrate fauna is not listed on the SAC data form (see Appendix 1) and
therefore would be excluded from an Appropriate Assessment of the SAC.
The high value of the Invertebrate fauna is identified in the SSSI Citation (see
Appendix 4) and subsequently supported by fieldwork for the Phase IV works.
The range of vegetation types and structures in the study area is fundamental to
supporting the invertebrate interest of the SSSI. Of particular note are the bare
ground and wetter soil habitats being of particular importance though the vegetation
as a whole contributes to supporting the invertebrate fauna, for example nectar
sources in scrub, shelter, etc.
5.3
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is present on Church Cliff and East Cliff – see Map 5.
P06/41 2-C
41
6.0
REFERENCES
Bowen, H.J.B. (2000). Flora of Dorset. Pisces Publications, Newbury.
EPR. (1997). East Cliff, Lyme Regis Coast Protection. Environmental Survey of East
Cliff for Environs Partnership. EPR, Winchester.
EPR. (2001). Vegetation Survey of East Cliff and Timber Hill Meadows, Lyme Regis,
Dorset. Report for High-Point Rendel. EPR, Winchester.
EPR. (2003). Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements Phase IV East Cliff Preliminary Environmental Assessment. Report for High-Point Rendel. EPR,
Winchester
EPR. (2006). Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements Phase IV East Cliff – 2006
Ecological Surveys. Report for High-Point Rendel. EPR, Winchester
European Commission. DG Environment. (2007) Interpretation Manual of European
Union Habitats. Version EUR27. Online at
www.ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective
Geotechnical Consulting Group (1986) East Cliff, Lyme Regis, Slope Stabilisation
Report (dated Sept 1986)
Hill, C., Ball, J. H., Dargie, T., Tantram, D. and Boobyer, G. (2001). Maritime Cliffs
and Slope Inventory. English Nature Research Report 426, Peterborough.
Hill, C., Ball, Downes, R. H. E. and Harfoot, A. J. P. (2006). Maritime Cliff and Slope
Inventory 2004/2005. Natural England Research Report NERR 003. Natural
England, Peterborough.
HPR. (2009). Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements: Phase IV Preliminary
Design Stage. ‘Preliminary Design Report – 2009 update (including Revised
Scheme)’, Report No. 2652/R/007 issue 4 – Consultation Draft, dated
September 2009.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee. (2004). Common Standards Monitoring
Guidance for Maritime Cliff and Slope Habitats. Version September 2004.
Online at www.jncc.gov.uk
JNCC web document Species Status and Conservation Designations.
www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1743 accessed July 2009.
Preston, C. D., Pearman, D. A. & Dines T. D. (2002). New Atlas of the British and
Irish Flora. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Rodwell, J. S. (1991-2000) British Plant Communities. Volumes 1 to 5. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
Rodwell, J.S., Dring, J.C., Averis, A.B.G., Proctor, M.C.F., Malloch, A.J.C.,
Schaminée, J.N.J., & Dargie T.C.D. (2000). Review of coverage of the
P06/41 2-C
42
National Vegetation Classification. JNCC Report No 302. JNCC,
Peterborough.
Rodwell, J.S, (2006). NVC Users' Handbook. JNCC, Peterborough.
Stace, C. (1997). New Flora of the British Isles. Second Edition. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
P06/41 2-C
43
MAP 1 Designations & Subdivisions on
Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
Allotments East
KEY
Allotments West
SAC boundary
Landslip areas
N.B. Aerial photo dated 2005; SAC boundary indicative
and sourced from GIS Digital Boundary Datasets on
Natural England website
http://www.gis.naturalengland.org.uk
East Cliff Lane
Cedar Cottage
Church Cliff Flats & London Guest House
SCALE: 1:1,650 at A3
0
20
40
60
80
100 Metres
Ecological Planning & Research
Church Cliff
CLIENT: West Dorset District Council
PROJECT: Lyme Regis Phase IV
DATE: September 2009
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map1_LandslipAreas_P0641_100809
P06/41
Ordnance Survey (c) Crown copyright 2007. All rights reserved. License number 100005596.
Allotments East
MAP 2 Soft Cliff Vegetation Components on
Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
KEY
Allotments West
SAC boundary
Landslip areas
Early Succession on wetter ground
Tall shrubs and woodland
Woodland
Garden
Saline clay bank
Made ground
East Cliff Lane
Cedar Cottage
0
20
40
60
80
100 Metres
Church Cliff
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map2_FunctionalVeg_P0641_100809
P06/41
MAP 3 Wetland Vegetation & Seepages
on Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
KEY
Allotments East
SAC boundary
Landslip areas
Allotments West
1
Polygon identification number
Early Succession on wetter ground
Strong seepage lines
Groundwater flows emerging from exposed
limestone bands (High-Point Rendel)
12
10
11
9
8
5
6
7
4
3
0
10
20
30
40
50 Metres
2
1
East Cliff Lane
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map3_WetlandVeg_P0641_100809
P06/41
Allotments East
MAP 4 Distribution of Vicia bithynica on
Church and East Cliff Landslip Areas
KEY
Allotments West
SAC boundary
Landslip areas
Vicia bithynica
East Cliff Lane
Cedar Cottage
0
20
40
60
80
100 Metres
Church Cliff
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map4_VicBithynica_P0641_100809
P06/41
MAP 5 Location of Japanese Knotweed
on Church & East Cliff Landslip Areas
Allotments East
KEY
Allotments West
SAC boundary
Landslip areas
Location of Japanese Knotweed
Limited access for survey
GPS locations of Japanese Knotweed
A
A
Stand at Ferndown Lane
B
Stand at East Cliff Lane
C
Stand on East Cliff Lane landslip area
B
East Cliff Lane
C
Cedar Cottage
0
20
40
60
80
100 Metres
Church Cliff
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map5_JapKnotweed_P0641_100809
P06/41
MAP 6 Circa late 1950's Aerial Photograph
of East Cliff Landslip Areas
KEY
SAC boundary
Allotments East
Landslip areas
Allotments West
East Cliff Lane
0
10
20
30
40
50 Metres
Cedar Cottage
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map6_C.1950_Aerial_P0641_300909
P06/41
MAP 7 1978 Aerial Photograph of Church &
East Cliff Landslip Areas
Allotments East
KEY
Allotments West
SAC boundary
Landslip areas
East Cliff Lane
Cedar Cottage
0
20
40
60
80
100 Metres
Church Cliff
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map7_1978_Aerial_P0641_300909
P06/41
MAP 8 Quadrat Data on Church & East
Cliff Landslip Area
Allotments East
KEY
Allotments West
SAC boundary
Landslip areas
Equisetum telmateia Tall-herb community
M22 Fen Meadow
NAS3
Melilotus altissima Tall-herb community
NAS4 NAS6
AC2
NAS2
AC3
Open Brachypodium and
Festuca arundinacea grassland
NAS7
Open Festuca arundinacea grassland
Open Phragmites – Brachypodium –
Festuca arundinacea grassland
NAS8
Red Fescue - Carrot grassland
AC1
Quadrat identification code
East Cliff Lane
NAS1
Cedar Cottage
AC1
0
20
40
60
80
100 Metres
Church Cliff
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map8_QuadratData_P0641_300909
P06/41
Allotments East
MAP 9 Area of SAC Influenced by Garden
& Non-native Species
KEY
Allotments West
SAC boundary
Landslip areas
Approximate extent of vegetation strongly
influenced by garden & non-native species
East Cliff Lane
Cedar Cottage
0
20
40
60
80
100 Metres
Church Cliff
C:\Project Data\Lyme_Regis_Phase4\GIS\BotanicalSurvey_2009\Map9_SAC_Non-native_P0641_300909
P06/41
Appendix1
Appendix 1
Sidmouth to West Bay SAC Information
UK SAC data form
NATURA 2000
STANDARD DATA FORM
FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA)
FOR SITES ELIGIBLE FOR IDENTIFICATION AS SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCI)
AND
FOR SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC)
1. Site identification:
1.1 Type
B
1.3 Compilation date
199601
1.2 Site code
UK0019864
1.4 Update
200101
1.5 Relationship with other Natura 2000 sites
1.6 Respondent(s)
1.7 Site name
International Designations, JNCC, Peterborough
Sidmouth to West Bay
1.8 Site indication and designation classification dates
199601
200412
date site proposed as eligible as SCI
date confirmed as SCI
date site classified as SPA
date site designated as SAC
200504
2. Site location:
2.1 Site centre location
longitude
02 57 16 W
latitude
50 42 57 N
2.2 Site area (ha)
2.3 Site length (km)
897.3
2.5 Administrative region
NUTS code
UK622
UK631
Region name
% cover
Devon
Dorset
55.00%
45.00%
2.6 Biogeographic region
X
Alpine
Atlantic
Natura 2000 Data Form
Boreal
Continental
Page 1
Macaronesia
Mediterranean
Produced by JNCC. Version 2.1, 17/05/06
UK SAC data form
3. Ecological information:
3.1 Annex I habitats
Habitat types present on the site and the site assessment for them:
Annex I habitat
% cover
Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low
tide
Perennial vegetation of stony banks
Representati
vity
1
D
0.5
0.5
90
50
C
D
A
B
Relative
surface
Conservation
status
Global
assessment
B
C
C
B
B
A
B
A
B
3.2 Annex II species
Population
Resident
Species name
Rhinolophus hipposideros
Gentianella anglica
Migratory
Breed
Present
Present
Site assessment
Winter
-
Stage
-
Population
-
Conservation
Isolation
Global
D
D
4. Site description
4.1 General site character
Habitat classes
% cover
Marine areas. Sea inlets
Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons (including saltwork basins)
Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes
Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair
Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets
Inland water bodies (standing water, running water)
Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens
Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana
Dry grassland. Steppes
Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland
Alpine and sub-alpine grassland
Improved grassland
Other arable land
Broad-leaved deciduous woodland
Coniferous woodland
Evergreen woodland
Mixed woodland
Non-forest areas cultivated with woody plants (including orchards, groves, vineyards, dehesas)
Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Permanent snow and ice
Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites)
Total habitat cover
Page 2
1.0
54.2
29.8
15.0
100%
UK SAC data form
4.1 Other site characteristics
Soil & geology:
Basic, Boulder, Clay, Limestone, Nutrient-poor, Nutrient-rich, Pebble, Sandstone, Sandstone/mudstone,
Sedimentary
Geomorphology & landscape:
Cliffs, Coastal, Crags/ledges, Lowland, Open coast (including bay), Slope, Subtidal rock (including rocky
reefs), Subtidal sediments (including sandbank/mudbank)
4.2 Quality and importance
• which is considered to be rare as its total extent in the United Kingdom is estimated to be less than 100
hectares.
• for which the area is considered to support a significant presence.
• for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom.
• for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom.
4.3 Vulnerability
There are no immediate threats to the features of European Importance on this site. Management of the site is
assisted by Countryside Stewardship and English Nature's Reserve Enhancement Scheme.
5. Site protection status and relation with CORINE biotopes:
5.1 Designation types at national and regional level
Code
% cover
UK01 (NNR)
UK04 (SSSI/ASSI)
8.6
100.0
Page 3
Appendix 2
Appendix 2
EU Description and JNCC Interpretation of Annex 1 Habitat
1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts
Appendix 2
Source: European Commission. DG Environment. (2007) Interpretation Manual of
European Union Habitats European Union.
1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts PAL.CLASS.: 18.21
1) Vegetated cliffs exhibit a complex pattern of variation reflecting the degree of
maritime exposure, geology and geomorphology, biogeographical provenance
and pattern of human management. Typically, on the most exposed cliffs
there is a zonation from crevice and ledge communities of the steepest slopes
beside the sea (Crithmo-Armerietalia, Géhu 1964) through to closed maritime
grasslands on upper cliff slopes, cliff tops and cliff ledges where there is
deeper accumulation of soils (Silenion maritimae, Malloch 1973). Further
inland and on more sheltered cliffs, these grade into a complex assemblage of
maritime and paramaritime types of heath, calcareous grassland, acid
grassland, therophyte, tall herb, scrub and wind-pruned woodland vegetation,
each enriched by floristic elements characteristic of coastal habitats. On soft
coasts with much active movement, complex assemblages of maritime and
non-maritime vegetation occur.
2) Plants: Crithmum maritimum, Armeria maritima, Limonium spp., Brassica
oleracea, Silene maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Plantago maritima, Festuca
rubra ssp. pruinosa, Daucus spp., Matricaria maritima, Asplenium marinum,
Spergularia rupicola, Inula crithmoides, Sedum anglicum, Rhodiola rosea,
Lavatera arborea, Scilla verna.
3) Corresponding categories:
United Kingdom Classification: "MC1 Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola
maritime rock crevice", "MC2 Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime
rock crevice community", "MC3 Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima maritime cliff
ledge community", "MC4 Brassica oleracea maritime cliff ledge", "MC5
Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum maritime therophyte community", "MC6
Atriplex hastata-Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima seabird cliff community", "MC7
Stellaria media-Rumex acetosa seabird cliff community", "MC8 Festuca rubraArmeria maritima maritime grassland", "MC9 Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus
maritime grassland", "MC10 Festuca rubra-Plantago spp. maritime grassland",
"M11 Festuca rubra- Daucus carota ssp. gummifer maritime grassland", "M12
Festuca rubra-Hyacinthoides nonscripta maritime grassland", "H6 Erica
vagans-Ulex europaeus heath", "H7 Calluna vulgaris- Scilla verna heath", "H8
Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath".
Nordic classification : "4111 Matricaria maritima-Silene uniflora-typ".
5) Englund, B. (1942). Die Pflanzenverteilung auf den Meeresufern von Gotland.
Acta Bot. Fenn. 32:1-282.
Appendix 2
The JNCC give the following as their interpretation of the Habitats Directive Annex 1
1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts
source:
www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/habitat.asp?FeatureIntCode=H1230
Overview
Vegetated sea cliffs are steep slopes fringing hard or soft coasts, created by past or
present marine erosion, and supporting a wide diversity of vegetation types with
variable maritime influence. Exposure to the sea is a key determinant of the type of
sea cliff vegetation. In the UK exposure is greatest on the south-west and northern
coasts. The long fetch associated with these coasts generates high waves and swell,
and the prevailing winds help deliver salt spray to the cliff face and cliff tops.
However, the degree to which this affects the salinity of cliff-top vegetation also
depends on the amount of rainfall, with high rainfall areas, such as north-west
Scotland, being less saline or maritime than drier areas such as south-east England.
Exposure is another important factor. The most exposed areas support maritime
vegetation dominated by a range of salt-tolerant plants. More sheltered cliffs support
communities closely related to those found on similar substrates inland, such as
grassland and heath, with only a minor maritime element in the flora.
Cliff Vegetation
The vegetation of sea cliffs in the UK includes 12 maritime cliff NVC types, although
the range of vegetation types present is much broader. There is considerable
geographical variation. Southern types are rich in Atlantic-Mediterranean species,
while northern sites support boreal species such as the endemic Scottish primrose
Primula scotica. Cliff-top heath vegetation is included in the Annex I definition, and
comprises maritime heath communities referable to NVC types H7 Calluna vulgaris –
Scilla verna heath and H8d Calluna vulgaris – Ulex gallii heath S. verna subcommunity. Cliff-top heath vegetation may extend landward into non-maritime zones,
where it is considered as part of Annex I type 4030 European dry heaths.
Cliff Structure and Geomorphology
Cliff structure and geomorphological processes are major influences on cliff
vegetation. ‘Hard’ cliffs with vertical or very steep faces are characteristic of hard
igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and also of chalk, which, although a
soft rock, nevertheless forms vertical cliffs. ‘Soft’ cliffs have a sloping or slumped
profile, often with a distinct ‘undercliff’; they occur on a range of soft rocks, or on hard
rocks interspersed with softer deposits. The more mobile soft cliffs occur where there
are unstable soft deposits such as mudstones or glacial drift deposits. They may be
subject to mudslides or landslips, which create complexes of pioneer and more
mature vegetation.
Appendix 2
Cliff Profile and Stability and Associated Vegetation
The profile and stability of the cliff face is one of the major determinants of cliff
vegetation. Even near-vertical cliffs support specialist crevice communities, with
Rock Samphire Crithmum maritimum, and in the north, Scots Lovage Ligusticum
scoticum, while ledges occupied by breeding seabirds may develop specialist
nitrophilous communities comprising plant species which are able to cope with heavy
guano deposition. On less extreme slopes, species tolerant of exposure to wind and
salt spray and of thin soils can find a foothold. The most characteristic maritime cliff
communities occur in such situations. On relatively stable soft cliffs a wide range of
progressively less-specialised communities can occur, including grassland, heath,
scrub and even woodland. More mobile soft cliffs show a complex sequence of
successional communities related to degrees of instability and the age of the slope.
The vegetation of these sites forms a mosaic of pioneer, ruderal, grassland, scrub
and woodland communities. Streams and flushes provide a freshwater wetland
element, and seepage lines may be rich in orchids. The vegetation of mobile soft
cliffs is inadequately described by the NVC at present.
Geology
The second major influence on maritime cliff vegetation is the nature of the underlying
rock or drift deposit, notably whether it is basic or acidic. In the most exposed
situations this effect is masked by the saline influence of sea spray, but more
sheltered cliffs support communities closely related to those found on similar
substrates inland, with only a minor maritime element in the flora. Thus, chalk and
limestone cliffs support calcareous grassland communities, while acidic hard rocks
support heath communities. Base-rich hard rocks, such as the limestones of the
south coast or the basic igneous rocks of the Lizard, support particularly rich
assemblages of rare plants and plant communities.
Maritime Influence
The maritime influence on cliff communities is shown in both vertical and lateral
zonation. The effects of salt spray are greatest close to the sea and least at the cliff
top, especially where a sloping profile sets this back from the shoreline.
Superimposed on this pattern is the effect of local topography. The most maritime
sites are those facing the prevailing winds or the longest ‘fetch’ of open sea, notably
headlands projecting from the coastline and gullies or blowholes which funnel salt
water up the cliff. On the sheltered side of headlands and in bays the maritime
influence is progressively diminished and is replaced by a mild, humid climate in
which plant species normally restricted to woodland are found in open situations,
often associated with bracken Pteridium aquilinum.
Appendix 3
Appendix 3
EU Description and JNCC Interpretation of Annex 1 Habitat
9180 Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines
Appendix 3
Source: European Commission. DG Environment. (2007) Interpretation Manual of
European Union Habitats European Union. (2007)
EU Habitats Directive Description of 9180 Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and
ravines * Priority feature.
PAL.CLASS.: 41.4
1) Mixed forests of secondary species (Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior,
Ulmus glabra, Tilia cordata) of coarse scree, abrupt rocky slopes or coarse
colluvions of slopes, particularly on calcareous, but also on siliceous,
substrates (Tilio-Acerion Klika 55). A distinction can be made between one
grouping which is typical of cool and humid environments (hygroscopic and
shade tolerant forests), generally dominated by the sycamore maple (Acer
pseudoplatanus) - sub-alliance Lunario-Acerenion, and another which is
typical of dry, warm screes (xerothermophile forests), generally dominated by
limes (Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos) - sub-alliance Tilio-Acerenion. The habitat
types belonging to the Carpinion should not be included here.
2) Plants: Lunario-Acerenion - Acer pseudoplatanus, Actaea spicata, Fraxinus
excelsior, Helleborus viridis, Lunaria rediviva, Taxus baccata, Ulmus glabra.
Tilio-Acerenion - Carpinus betulus, Corylus avellana, Quercus sp., Sesleria
varia, Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos.
3) Corresponding categories
United Kingdom classification: "W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis
perennis woodland" and "W9 Fraxinus excelsior-Sorbus aucuparia-Mercurialis
perennis woodland".
German classification: "430604 Sommerlinden-Begulmen-Blockschuttwald",
"430603 Ahorn-Linden- Hangschuttwald (wärmere Standorte)", "430602
Eschen-Ahorn-Schlucht- bzw. –Hangwald (fleucht-kühle Standorte)", "430601
Sommerlinden-Hainbuchen-Schuttwald".
Nordic classification: "2233 Ulmus glabra -typ", "2235 Tilia cordata -typ" and
"2236 Quercus robur-Ulmus glabra-Tilia cordata-typ". In Boreal region
corresponding species-poor communities often with Anemone nemorosa,
Corydalis spp., Primula veris.
4) Slight changes in the conditions of the substrate (especially "consolidated"
substrate) or humidity produce a transition towards beech forests
(Cephalanthero-Fagenion, Luzulo-Fagenion) or towards thermophile oak
forests.
5) Bergendorff, C., Larsson, A. & Nihlgård, B. (1979). Sydliga lövskogsbestånd
i Sverige. Statens naturvårdsverk. Rapport. SNV PM 1278, Solna, 68 pp.
Appendix 3
The JNCC give the following as their interpretation of the Habitats Directive Annex 1
9180 habitat
(source:
www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/habitat.asp?FeatureIntCode=H9180
Overview
Tilio-Acerion ravine forests are woods of ash Fraxinus excelsior, wych elm Ulmus
glabra and lime (mainly small-leaved lime Tilia cordata but more rarely large-leaved
lime T. platyphyllos). Introduced sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus is often present and
is a common part of the community in mainland Europe, where it is native. The
habitat type typically occurs on nutrient-rich soils that often accumulate in the shady
micro-climates towards the bases of slopes and ravines. Therefore it is found on
calcareous substrates associated with coarse scree, cliffs, steep rocky slopes and
ravines, where inaccessibility has reduced human impact. It often occurs as a series
of scattered patches grading into other types of woodland on level valley floors and
on slopes above, or as narrow strips along stream-sides. More extensive stands
occur on limestone and other base-rich rocks.
Habitat Type
This habitat type is ecologically variable, particularly with respect to the dominant tree
species. To the north and west, ash and wych elm assume increasing importance in
the canopy, and lime may be completely absent. Floristic differences due to
variations in slope, aspect and nature of the substrate add to the diversity of the
habitat. The ground flora can be very varied, but the following elements are usually
present: fern banks (particularly hart’s-tongue Phyllitis scolopendrium, soft shield-fern
Polystichum setiferum and buckler-ferns Dryopteris spp.); stands of ramsons Allium
ursinum in the moister zones; dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis and enchanter’snightshade Circaea spp. on drier but still base-rich soils; wood avens Geum urbanum,
and natural ‘disturbance communities’ comprising common nettle Urtica dioica, herbRobert Geranium robertianum and cleavers Galium aparine associated with scree
and cliff-bases. A wide range of other basiphilous herbs and grasses may occur
within these stands.
Vegetation Communities
The main NVC types conforming to Tilio-Acerion forests are the ‘western’ forms (subcommunities d-g) of W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis
woodland, and the equivalent north-western community W9 Fraxinus excelsior–
Sorbus aucuparia-Mercurialis perennis woodland.
Variation in Habitat Type
North of the central belt in Scotland, and in upland areas generally, base-rich
conditions tend to become more restricted in extent; birch Betula spp. and oak
Quercus spp. assume greater abundance in the canopy, and species typical of more
Appendix 3
acidic communities are often found in a close mosaic with more basiphilous
indicators. However, the type is still recognisable in, for example, the hazel Corylus
avellana stands of the north-west coast of Scotland rich in lichens and higher plants.
Associated Rare Species
Tilio-Acerion forests provide a habitat for a number of uncommon vascular plants,
including, dark-red helleborine Epipactis atrorubens, violet helleborine Epipactis
purpurata, wood fescue Festuca altissima, purple gromwell Lithospermum
purpureocaeruleum and herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia. Many sites support notable
bryophytes, in particular calcicoles associated with base-rich rock outcrops and (in
western stands) Atlantic species. Some localities have important assemblages of
epiphytic lichens.
Appendix 4
Appendix 4
West Dorset Coast SSSI Citation
COUNTY: DORSET
SITE NAME: WEST DORSET COAST
DISTRICT: WEST DORSET
Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1981 as amended
Local Planning Authority: WEST DORSET DISTRICT COUNCIL, Dorset County
Council
National Grid Reference: SY 333913ÐSY 498885
Area: 596.3 (ha.) 1473.5 (ac.)
Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 193, 194
1:10,000: SY
39 SW, SY 39 SE, SY 49 SW, SY 49 SE, SY 48 NE
Date Notified (Under 1949 Act): 1952
Date of Last Revision: 1911
Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1991
Date of Last Revision: Ð
Other Information:
Formerly notified as West Dorset Coast and Ware Cliffs SSSI: site boundary amended by
extensions and deletions. The site includes the previously and separately notified
Newlands Batch SSSI. Within Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and West
Dorset Heritage Coast. The site is contiguous with Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs
SSSI to the west and Chesil and the Fleet SSSI to the east. Much of the site is owned by
the National Trust (Golden Cap Estate). The site includes 12 Geological Conservation
Review localities.
Description and Reasons for Notification:
The West Dorset Coast between Chesil Beach and Devonshire Head near Lyme Regis is
an internationally important geological site, particularly famous for its fossil reptiles. The
varied undercliffs have a wide range of habitats which support a number of rare plants
and animals. Adjoining the coastline are unusually large areas of herb-rich grassland of a
type now very restricted in occurrence.
Geology
The seacliffs at this site are of outstanding international importance to geology, and one
of the most important British localities. The coast has been the subject of innumerable
studies documented in an enormous body of literature spanning two centuries. Several
distinct geological interests are represented and are detailed separately below. Particularly
important are the Lower and Middle Jurassic strata and their fossil faunas of
invertebrates, fish, reptiles and rare mammals. The form of the cliffs and their method of
failure is of great importance to coastal geomorphology, as is the coastal shingle structure
of Chesil Beach.
The cliffs from Pinhay Bay to Watton Cliff expose the most complete Lower Jurassic
sequence in Europe. In Britain it is the only single section which provides exposures
through the entire Lias (Hettangian to Toarcian), and thus practically constitutes the
British standard Lias section.
The cliffs of Lyme Regis have yielded hundreds of extremely well-preserved specimens
of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, pterosaurs and dinosaurs, including type specimens of more
than 15 species. Entire skeletons have been extracted from the Blue Lias and the ÔShales
with BeefÕ. Fossil reptiles have been collected here since the 18th century, and important
finds are still being made as cliff erosion exposes fresh rock, making this site the richest
Lower Jurassic reptile site in Britain, and probably the world.
The Woodstones and Flatstones horizons of the Lias at Black Ven and Stonebarrow
(Charmouth) are the most productive source of Lower Jurassic (Lias) insects in Britain.
Five species unique to the site have already been described; many specimens collected
have yet to be studied or described. The fauna includes many representatives of the
Odonata (Dragonflies), Hemiptera (True Bugs), Coleoptera (Beetles) and Orthoptera
(Grasshoppers and Crickets), associated with a normal Lias marine fauna. This derived
but well-preserved insect fauna constitutes the richest accumulation known from the
British Lower Jurassic.
The cliffs between Seatown and Watton Cliff provide the most complete Toarcian
sequence in southern England, exposing the Junction Bed, Down Cliff Clay and Bridport
Sands. Although much of the section is relatively inaccessible, many fallen blocks
supplement excellent exposures of the thin and highly condensed Junction Bed. Together
they are of extreme importance for the illustration of the unique sedimentary features and
complex Ômicro-stratigraphicÕ history of this bed.
The cliff section at East Cliff provides one of the most complete exposures of the
Bridport Sands. This section is complemented by its equally classic continuation in
Burton Cliff. In particular it is one of the few exposures yielding latest Toarcian moorei
Subzone ammonites in South Dorset. Burton Cliff is one of the most visited British
Jurassic localities, and the cliff section displays a complete Inferior Oolite succession
overlying part of the finest available Bridport Sand section, continued from East Cliff.
This locality figures strongly in all previous accounts of the Middle Jurassic geology and
is of great value in several fields of research at the present time. Although not formally
designated as such, for practical purposes the Burton section may be taken as the
international standard for part of the Upper Bajocian State (bomfordi Subzone).
Watton Cliff forms the best single exposure of Bathonian sediments in Dorset. The upper
part of the FullerÕs Earth Clay (ÔFrome ClayÕ), the boueti Bed and the Forest Marble are
exceptionally well-exposed in the cliff. It is the type-locality of the wattonensis Beds,
intermittently exposed beneath the beach, adjacent to the Eype Mouth Fault. This bed
yields a rich and varied fauna, including occasional hodsoni Zone ammonites of the genera
Procerits and Choffatia. The boueti Bed similarly contains an abundant brachiopodbivalve fauna, with bryozoans and occasional corals. The Forest Marble exhibits a variety
of trace fossils, such as Gyrochorte, Imbrichnus and Pelecypodichnus. Watton Cliff is one
of a handful of sites in the world to yield Middle Jurassic mammals, and is only the third
known mammal locality in the Bathonian anywhere in the world. The Forest Marble here
has recently yielded rare specimens of multituberculate manuals in association with the
tritylodont Stereognathus coliticus, previously described from the Stonesfield Slate. The
ÔMammal BedÕ within the Forest Marble (Upper Bathonian) at this site also yields fish
teeth, including teeth from several new undescribed species of shark. Watton Cliff is a site
of great importance for its research potential.
The assemblage of cliffs and beaches at Golden Cap Ð Lyme Regis is of considerable
importance to coastal geomorphology. This area of coast is important for the well
documented changes in the cliff line Ð particularly the landslides at Black Ven. Also, this
site shows excellent examples of beach ramparts formed from the boulder content of the
landslides. The beaches here are fed, in part, by chert and flint from the cliffs, making it
possible to monitor effectively, landslides, cliff erosion and sediment budgets. Some parts
of the beach system here may be relict elements of a once large Lyme Bay Beach which
may have been linked with the western end of Chesil Beach. Golden Cap Ð Lyme Regis is
therefore important for classic coastal landforms and for studying the interrelated
processes of cliff denudation and beach formation.
The cliffs from west of Lyme Regis to Pinhay Bay in Devon are part of the most
renowned area of landslipping in Great Britain. Although movement probably
commenced towards the end of the Pleistocene, the very large Bindon Landslip of 1839 in
Devon, brought the slips to public prominence. The series of slides involve Upper
Greensand and Gault, and Triassic and Jurassic sediments beneath. Large scale
movements are infrequent, but smaller scale movements continue to the present day,
notably near the western fringes of Lyme Regis. This is an historic site which has played
an important part in the elucidation of landslip processes.
The site also includes the western part of the internationally important coastal shingle
structure of Chesil Beach. This feature runs south east from West Bay to Portland, and
with Dungeness and Orford Ness, is one of the three largest shingle structures on the
British coast. It differs from the other examples in being a linear storm beach rather than a
cuspate foreland. It is exceptionally important for its size, for the systematic size-grading
of pebbles and cobbles alongshore and their lithological composition, and for the detailed
historical record of changes to the beach. Chesil Beach is therefore of the highest
geomorphological value both as a classic landform and as a full-scale natural laboratory for
the study of beach processes.
Finally, the soft cliffs at Black Ven provide a classic example of a complex and active
multiple landslip. Here, Cretaceous chert beds and Upper Greensand and Gault (here a
sandy silt) have slipped seaward over impermeable Lower Lias clays. There is much local
faulting and flexure, and a partly eroded syncline within the cliff serves to localise the
discharge of groundwater. This site is particularly important for demonstrating movement
in arenaceous flows of cohesionless remoulded material due to copious water supply
from the Cretaceous strata; it forms a classic, much studied landslip.
Cliffs, undercliffs, landslips
The extreme instability of the cliffs, particularly in the area around Charmouth and Lyme
Regis, has given rise to large undercliff areas with very varied topography. A complicated
mixture of vegetation types is present with the effects of underlying rock type obscured
by the many mud slides and other landslips. The range of plant communities is wide,
from mature woodland to pioneer communities on bare sand or clay.
Characteristic early colonizers of newly exposed areas are Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara,
Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera, Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense and Great
Horsetail Equisetum telmateia, the last often in large stands. Slender Centaury
Centaurium tenuiflorum, a nationally rare species not recently recorded elsewhere in
Britain, is also characteristic of these unstable areas. Areas of impeded drainage and
flushing are frequent over clay substrates and some are dominated by tall herbs and
grasses including stands of Common Reed Phragmites australis. In places, more diverse
communities of shorter vegetation occupy these flushes, with strong populations of
Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris, Southern Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza
praetermissa, Brookweed Samolus valerandi and the nationally scarce Bithynian Vetch
Vicia bithynica.
On more stable soils, short sward communities are maintained by rabbit grazing. The
character of the vegetation is varied because of the very mixed substrate but Red Fescue
Festuca rubra, Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca, Selfheal Prunella vulgaris and Mouse-ear
Hawkweed Hieracium pilosella are frequent. With less grazing, taller grasses dominate,
including Tall Fescue F. arundinacea. Scrub of Bramble Rubus fruticosus, Gorse Ulex
europaeus, Elder Sambucus nigra and Blackthorn Prunus spinosa also occurs in mixed
stands, with more open areas supporting stands of Bracken Pteridium aquilinum. The
most stable areas have developed further to woodland with Ash Fraxinus excelsior,
Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur and elements of a woodland ground flora. The local
Royal Fern Osmunda regalis is also recorded.
The maritime character of the vegetation is most marked at the cliff edge where Thrift
Armeria maritima is important in the sparse turf. The strongest British population of the
nationally rare and protected* plant Stinking Goosefoot Chenopodium vulvaria occurs on
exposed soil in this location.
Other habitats
The effect of the underlying geology is more clearly discernible on the plant communities
inland from the cliff top. Thus over the Lias Clays, notably around Westhay Farm,
neutral grassland of the Crested DogÕs-tail Cynosurus cristatus Ð Common Knapweed
Centaurea nigra type occurs. This is a rich community with a large number of associated
grasses and herbs, maintained by traditional management of grazing and hay cutting.
Grasses and sedges of this neutral grassland include Common Bent Agrostis capillaris,
Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, Quaking-grass Briza media, Spring-sedge
Carex caryophyllea and Carnation Sedge C. panicea. Among the less common herbs are
several largely restricted to long-established swards of this type, such as AdderÕs-tongue
Ophioglossum vulgatum, Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus, the nationally scarce Corkyfruited Water-dropwort Oenanthe pimpinelloides and Green-winged Orchid Orchis
morio.
Springs emerge at the junction of the Lias Clays with the overlying Upper Greensand.
These wet features support further plant communities which reflect a range of base
status. The more acidic flushes are dominated by Bog mosses, mostly Sphagnum
recurvum and S. papillosum, with herbs such as Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris
and Marsh Violet Viola palustris. More base-rich flushes are dominated by a mixture of
grasses and rushes and have a diverse flora including Ragged Robin Lychnis flos-cuculi,
Greater BirdÕs-foot-trefoil Lotus uliginosus, Common Marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre
and Southern Marsh-orchid.
Dry acidic grassland also occurs in the site, on soils derived from the Bridport Sands and
the Upper Greensand. In places, the grassland has a heathy character with stands
dominated by Bristle Bent Agrostis curtisii and including Heather Calluna vulgaris, Bell
Heather Erica cinerea, Heath Milkwort Polygala serpyllifolia and Wavy Hairgrass
Deschampsia flexuosa. This community grades into scrub of Bracken and Gorse, and
both the local Climbing Corydalis Corydalis claviculata and the nationally scarce Greater
Broomrape Orobanche rapum-genistae are present. Especially at the eastern end of the
site, grassland of more calcareous character occurs locally on soils derived from the Forest
Marble and Fullers Earth. Tor-grass Brachypodium pinnatum is locally dominant with
many typical grasses and herbs of downland frequent. Some more restricted species of
calcareous clay soils such as DyerÕs Greenweed Genista tinctoria and Strawberry Clover
Trifolium fragiferum are also present.
The site includes the coastal end of the river valleys at Seatown and West Bay where
several riverine habitats add further diversity. Amongst these are reedswamp and scrub
vegetation and at West Bay, an area of brackish meadow dominated by Creeping Bent
with frequent Bulbous Foxtail Alopecurus bulbosus, a nationally scarce plant.
Woodland is also present, especially north of Stonebarrow Hill. Locally, where it is
associated with some of the flushes, Alder Alnus glutinosa and Grey Willow Salix cinerea
are frequent, with a rich ground flora containing Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula and Greater Tussocksedge C. paniculata. The drier woodland is typically dominated by Pedunculate Oak with
Downy Birch Betula pubescens, an understorey of Hazel Corylus avellana and abundant
Holly Ilex aquifolium.
Fauna
The landslips, seepages and other cliff features provide varied conditions which support a
diverse insect fauna particularly rich in rare species. The warm, south-facing cliff slopes
suit many species with predominantly southerly distributions. Solitary bees and wasps
are especially well-represented, with 5 Red Data Book species present including the
strongest national populations of two mining bees, Lasioglossum laticeps and L.
angusticeps. Red Data Book flies include the endangered cranefly Arctoconopa
melampodia and the chloropid Platycephala umbraculata which have been recorded on
few other sites. There is an important beetle fauna associated with the site. Seven Red
Data Book and 18 nationally scarce species have been recorded to date. These include the
cliff specialists: Cicindela germanica, Scopaeus laevigatus, Boris analis and Sitona
gemellatus. This is the only known British site for the moth MorrisÕs Wainscot Photedes
morrisii.
The cliff-top grasslands are also important for their insect fauna and some of the cliff
species, such as bees, use the flowers as a source of pollen and nectar. The nationally
scarce and declining butterfly Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria Euphrosyne has been
recorded in these areas and the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria silene is locally
common. In the eastern part of the site there are small colonies of another nationally
scarce butterfly Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon. Many species of bird and mammal
have been recorded as breeding within the site including the rare and protected$
Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius.
*Listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
$Listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Appendix 5
Appendix 5
Table 9 ‘Soft Cliff Vegetation Components’
from NERR 003 ‘Maritime Cliff and Slope Inventory 2004/2005’
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
Appendix 6
Appendix 6
Key to Table A5
(Table A5 from Dorset Environmental Records Centre, 2009)
Rarity
National
NR
NS
County
DR
DS
Nationally Rare
Nationally Scarce
Dorset Rare
Dorset Scarce
Priority Species
UK
UKBAP Priority Species
Other
DRPR Dorset Rare Plant Register
Coastal Habitats (C)
cg
cl
sd
= Coastal grassland
= Cliff
= Sand-dune
SNCI habitat type Maritime Grassland
SNCI habitat type Maritime Grassland
SNCI habitat type Sand-dune
sh
sm
= Shingle
= Salt-marsh
SNCI habitat type Shingle
SNCI habitat type Salt-marsh
Table A5: List of Dorset Coastal Notable Species (DERC, 2009)
SPECIES
COMMON NAME
RARITY
PRIORITY
SPECIES
OTHER
Coastal
habitat
cl
Maidenhair Fern
NS
DRPR
a leek
NS
DRPR
Allium oleraceum
Field Garlic
DS
DRPR
cg
Alopecurus bulbosus
Bulbous Foxtail
NS
DRPR
sm
Althaea officinalis
Marsh-mallow
NS
DRPR
sm
Apium graveolens
Wild Celery
Armeria maritima
Thrift
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Allium
ampeloprasum
var.
babingtonii
Arum
italicum
ssp.
Italian Lords-and-Ladies
cl
cg, sm
NS
DRPR
cg
DRPR
sm
neglectum
Asparagus
officinalis
ssp.
Wild Asparagus
UK
prostratus
Asplenium marinum
Aster tripolium
Sea Spleenwort
Sea Aster
cl
cl, sm
Appendix 6
OTHER
Coastal
habitat
DS
DRPR
sd
Long-stalked Orache
NS
DRPR
Cabbage
NS
DRPR
cl
Least Soft-brome
NS
DRPR
cl
Bupleurum tenuissimum
Slender Hare's-ear
NS
DRPR
cg
Cakile maritima
Sea Rocket
Calystegia soldanella
Sea Bindweed
Carex distans
Distant Sedge
Carex divisa
Divided Sedge
Carex extensa
Long-bracted Sedge
Carex punctata
Dotted Sedge
Catapodium marinum
Sea Fern-grass
cg
Dumpy Centaury
cg
SPECIES
COMMON NAME
RARITY
Atriplex laciniata
Frosted Orache
Atriplex littoralis
Grass-leaved Orache
Atriplex longipes
Brassica oleracea
Bromus
hordeaceus
ssp.
PRIORITY
SPECIES
ferronii
Centaurium erythraea var.
sd
DS
DRPR
sd, sh
sm
NS
DRPR
sm
sm
NS
DRPR
cg
capitatum
Centaurium tenuiflorum
Slender Centaury
Cerastium diffusum
Dark-green Mouse-ear
Chenopodium vulvaria
Stinking Goosefoot
Cochlearia anglica
English Scurvygrass
sm
Crambe maritima
Sea-kale
sh
Cynodon dactylon
Bermuda-grass
Daucus
carota
ssp.
Sea Carrot
DRPR
cl
cg
DRPR
NS
cl
DRPR
cg
DRPR
cg
gummifer
Eleocharis uniglumis
Slender Spike-rush
sm
Elytrigia juncea
Sand Couch
DS
DRPR
sd
Epipactis palustris
Marsh Helleborine
DS
DRPR
cl
Equisetum variegatum
Variegated Horsetail
NS
DRPR
cl
Erodium maritimum
Sea Stork's-bill
Erodium moschatum
Musk Stork's-bill
DS
DRPR
cg
Eryngium maritimum
Sea Holly
DR
DRPR
sh
Euphorbia paralias
Sea Spurge
DR
DRPR
sd, sh
Euphorbia portlandica
Portland Spurge
Festuca arenaria
Rush-leaved Fescue
NS
DRPR
Geranium purpureum
Little-Robin
NS
DRPR
Glaucium flavum
Yellow Horned Poppy
Honckenya peploides
Sea Sandwort
DS
DRPR
sd, sh
Inula crithmoides
Golden-samphire
NS
DRPR
cl
Isolepis cernua
Slender Club-rush
Juncus ambiguus
Frog Rush
Juncus subnodulosus
Blunt-flowered Rush
cg
cg, cl
sd
cl, sh
sm
DS
DRPR
sm
sm
Appendix 6
OTHER
Coastal
habitat
DR
DRPR
cl
Yellow Vetchling
NS
DRPR
cg
Lathyrus japonicus
Sea Pea
NS
DRPR
sh
Lathyrus sylvestris
Narrow-leaved
Everlasting-pea
DS
DRPR
cg
Lavatera arborea
Tree-mallow
cl
Leymus arenarius
Lyme-grass
sd
Limonium dodartiforme
Rock Sea-lavender
UK
Limonium recurvum
Rock Sea-lavender
UK
a sea-lavender
UK
SPECIES
COMMON NAME
RARITY
Lactuca virosa
Greater Lettuce
Lathyrus aphaca
Limonium
recurvum
ssp.
PRIORITY
SPECIES
DRPR
cl, sh
cl, sh
DRPR
cl
recurvum
Limonium vulgare
Common Sea-lavender
sm
Lotus glaber
Narrow-leaved Bird's-foottrefoil
sm
Medicago polymorpha
Toothed Medick
NS
DRPR
cg
Mibora minima
Early Sand-grass
NR
DRPR
sd
Oenanthe lachenalii
Parsley Water-dropwort
sm
Orobanche hederae
Ivy Broomrape
cl
Orobanche
minor
var.
a common broomrape
NS
DRPR
cg, cl
DRPR
cg
maritima
Orobanche purpurea
Yarrow Broomrape
Orobanche rapum-genistae
Greater Broomrape
NS
DRPR
cg
Parapholis incurva
Curved Hard Grass
NS
DRPR
cl
Parapholis strigosa
Hard Grass
sm
Petroselinum segetum
Corn Parsley
cg
Phleum arenarium
Sand Cat's-tail
DR
DRPR
sd, cl
Poa bulbosa
Bulbous Meadow-grass
NS
DRPR
cg
Poa infirma
Early Meadow-grass
NS
DRPR
cg
Polycarpon tetraphyllum
Four-leaved All-seed
NR
DRPR
sh
Polygonum maritimum
Sea Knotgrass
Polygonum oxyspermum
Ray's Knotgrass
DR
DRPR
sd
Polypodium cambricum
Southern Polypody
DS
DRPR
cl
Polypogon monspeliensis
Annual Beard-grass
NS
DRPR
sm
Puccinellia distans
Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass
DS
DRPR
sm
Puccinellia fasciculata
Borrer's Saltmarsh-grass
NS
DRPR
cg
Puccinellia rupestris
Stiff Saltmarsh-grass
NS
DRPR
cg
Ranunculus baudotii
Brackish Water-crowfoot
DS
DRPR
cg
Ranunculus parviflorus
Small-flowered Buttercup
cg
Ranunculus sardous
Hairy Buttercup
cg
Ruppia cirrhosa
Spiral Tasselweed
NS
DRPR
sm
Ruppia maritima
Beaked Tasselweed
DS
DRPR
sm
Sagina maritima
Sea Pearlwort
sd
cg
Appendix 6
SPECIES
COMMON NAME
RARITY
PRIORITY
SPECIES
OTHER
Coastal
habitat
Salicornia dolichostachya
Long-spiked Glasswort
DR
DRPR
sm
Salicornia fragilis
Yellow Glasswort
NS
DRPR
sm
Salicornia pusilla
One-flowered Glasswort
NS
DRPR
sm
Salsola kali ssp. kali
Prickly Saltwort
DS
DRPR
sd
Samolus valerandi
Brookweed
Sarcocornia perennis
Perennial Glasswort
Schoenoplectus
sm, cl
NS
DRPR
Grey Club-rush
sm
sm
tabernaemontani
Scirpoides holoschoenus
Round-headed Club-rush
Sedum forsterianum
Rock Stonecrop
Spartina maritima
Small Cord-grass
Spergularia marina
Lesser Sea-spurrey
sm
Spergularia media
Greater Sea-spurrey
sm
Spergularia rupicola
Rock Sea-spurrey
cl
Suaeda vera
Shrubby Seablite
Torilis nodosa
Knotted Hedge-parsley
Trifolium fragiferum
Strawberry Clover
Trifolium scabrum
Rough Clover
Trifolium squamosum
Sea Clover
Triglochin maritimum
Sea Arrowgrass
Valerianella eriocarpa
Hairy-fruited Cornsalad
NR
DRPR
cg
Vicia bithynica
Bithynian Vetch
NS
DRPR
cg, cl
Vicia lutea
Yellow Vetch
NS
DRPR
cg
Vicia parviflora
Slender Tare
NS
DRPR
cg
Vulpia ciliata ssp. ambigua
Purple Fescue
NS
DRPR
sd
Vulpia fasciculata
Dune Fescue
NS
DRPR
sd
Zostera angustifolia
Narrow-leaved Eelgrass
NS
DRPR
sm
Zostera marina
Eelgrass
DS
DRPR
sm
Zostera noltii
Dwarf Eelgrass
NS
DRPR
sm
Total No of Dorset Coastal Notable Species - 115
DRPR
sm
NS
DRPR
cl
NS
DRPR
sm
NS
DRPR
sm, sh
cg
cg, sm
cg
NS
DRPR
cg
sm
Appendix 7
Appendix 7
Species Recorded from Church and East Cliff Landslip Areas
Appendix 7
Key to Table A7:
RDB
NS
DN (C)
DRPR
Red Data Book (from www.jncc.gov.uk)
VU – Vulnerable
Nationally Scarce
Dorset Notable Species (Coastal)
Dorset Rare Plant Register
Table A7.1: Species recorded from Church and East Cliff areas in 2009
RDB
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
Acer campestre
Field Maple
Betula pubescens
Downy Birch
Cornus sanguinea
Dog Wood
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
Fraxinus excelsior
Ash
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
Ligustrum vulgare
Wild Privet
Populus alba
White Poplar
Populus c.f. tremula
Aspen
Prunus spinosa
Blackthorn
Quercus robur
Pedunculate Oak
Salix caprea ssp caprea
Goat Willow
Salix cinerea ssp oleifolia
Grey Willow
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
Sambucus nigra
Elder
Ulmus minor
Elm
Ulmus procera
English Elm
UNDER SHRUBS
Rosa canina agg
Dog Rose
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
CLIMBERS
Clematis vitalba
Traveller’s-joy
Hedera helix ssp hibernica
Ivy
Rubia peregrina
Madder
GRASSES
Agrostis stolonifera
Creeping Bent
Arrhenatherum elatius
False Oat-grass
Brachypodium sylvaticum
False Wood-brome
Calamagrostis epigejos
Wood Small-reed
NS
DN (C)
Appendix 7
RDB
Species
Dactylis glomerata
Cock's-foot
Elytrigia repens
Common Couch
Festuca arundinacea
Tall Fescue
Festuca rubra
Red Fescue
Helictotrichon pubescens
Hairy Oat Grass
Holcus lanatus
Yorkshire Fog
Phragmites australis
Common Reed
OTHER VASCULAR PLANTS
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow
Agrimonia eupatoria
Agrimony
Anthyllis vulneraria
Kidney Vetch
Arum maculatum
Lords-and-Ladies
Atriplex patula
Orache sp.
Atriplex portulacoides
Sea-purslane
Beta maritima
Sea Beet
Blackstonia perfoliata
Yellowwort
Calystegia sepium
Bindweed
Carex flacca
Glaucous Sedge
Carex pendula
Pendulous Sedge
Centaurea nigra
Common Knapweed
Centaurium erythraea
Common Centaury
Centranthus ruber
Red Valerian
Cirsium arvense
Creeping Thistle
Cirsium vulgare
Spear Thistle
Convolvulus arvensis
Field Bindweed
Crepis capillaris
Smooth Hawk's-beard
Crithmum maritimum
Rock Samphire
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Common Spottedorchid
Daucus carota
Wild Carrot
Dipsacus fullonum
Teasel
Dryopteris filix-mas
Male Fern
Epilobium hirsutum
Great Willowherb
Epilobium parviflorum
Hoary Willowherb
Equisetum telmateia
Greater Horsetail
Eupatorium cannabinum
Hemp Agrimony
Fragaria vesca
Strawberry
Galium aparine
Cleavers
Heracleum sphondylium
Hogweed
Hypericum androsaemum
Tutsan
Hypericum perforatum
Perforate St John's-wort
Hypericum tetrapterum
Square-stemmed St
John's-wort
NS
DN (C)
Appendix 7
RDB
Species
NS
DN (C)
Hypochaeris radicata
Cat's-ear
Iris foetidissima
Stinking Iris
Juncus articulatus
Jointed Rush
Juncus inflexus
Hard Rush
Lathyrus pratensis
Meadow Vetchling
Leucanthemum vulgare
Ox-eye Daisy
Linaria purpurea
Purple Toadflax
Lotus corniculatus
Bird's-foot-trefoil
Medicago lupulina
Black Medick
Melilotus altissima
Tall Melilot
Melilotus officinalis
Ribbed Melilot
Mentha aquatica
Water Mint
Ononis repens
Common Restharrow
Oenanthe pimpinelloides
Corky-fruited Waterdropwort
Odontites verna
Red Bartsia
Phyllitis scolopendrium
Hart's Tongue Fern
Picris echioides
Bristly Ox-tongue
Picris hieracioides
Hawkweed Ox-tongue
Plantago lanceolata
Ribwort Plantain
Plantago major
Greater Plantain
Polystichum setiferum
Shield Fern
Potentilla reptans
Creeping Cinquefoil
Primula vulgaris
Primrose
Pulicaria dysenterica
Selfheal
Prunella vulgaris
Common Fleabane
Ranunculus repens
Creeping Buttercup
Rubus fruticosus
Bramble
Rumex crispus
Curled Dock
Rumex sanguineus
Wood Dock
Scrophularia auriculata
Water Figwort
Senecio erucifolius
Hoary Ragwort
Solanum dulcamara
Bittersweet
Sonchus arvensis
Perennial Sowthistle
Sonchus asper
Prickly Sowthistle
Sonchus oleraceus
Smooth Sowthistle
Spergularia marina
Lesser Sea-spurrey
1
Rock Sea-spurrey
1
Stachys sylvaticus
Hedge Woundwort
Tamus communis
Black Bryony
Taraxacum sp.
Dandelion
Trifolium pratense
Hop Trefoil
Appendix 7
Species
Trifolium campestre
Red Clover
Tripleurospermum maritimum
Sea Mayweed
Tussilago farfara
Colt's-foot
Vicia bithynica
Bithynian Vetch
Vicia hirsuta
Hairy Tare
Vicia sativa ssp segetalis
Common Vetch
113
No of species
RDB
NS
DN (C)
VU
1
1
RDB
NS
DRPR
1
1
3
Note that list above includes what are probably garden escapes, for example Tutsan
Hypericum androsaemum and Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula but whose origin
could not be confirmed either way.
Table A7.2: Garden and Non-native species recorded from Church and East Cliff
areas in 2009
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
Acer pseudoplatanus
Sycamore
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly-bush
Fallopia japonica
Japanese Knotweed
Laurus nobilis
Bay Tree
Leycesteria formosa
Himalayan Honeysuckle
Malus domestica
Apples
Prunus c.f. domestica
Plums
Quercus ilex
Holm Oak
Rosa spp.
Garden Roses
Salix sp. garden variety
Garden Willow
Tamarisk
Tamarisk
UNDER SHRUBS
Cotoneaster spp (incl. C. c.f.
horizontalis
Lonicera c.f. nitida
Several Cotoneaster species
Wilson's Honeysuckle
CLIMBERS
Fallopia bauldschuanica
Russian Vine
GRASSES
Cortaderia sp.
Pampas Grass
Crocosmia
Montbretia
Euphorbia garden variety
Garden Spurge
Yucca sp.
Yucca
No of species
17
Appendix 8
Appendix 8
Species Recorded from Individual
Appendix 8
Table A8.1: Flora of Church Cliff
Species
Acer pseudoplatanus
Buddleja davidii
Sycamore
Butterfly-bush
Cotoneaster sp
Ligustrum vulgare
Malus domestica
Populus alba
Cotoneaster
Wild Privet
Apple
White Poplar
Wild Plum
Quercus ilex
Salix sp. garden variety
Sambucus nigra
CLIMBERS
Clematis vitalba
Pedunculate Oak
Rubia peregrina
GRASSES
Arrhenatherum elatius
Ivy
Madder
Dactylis glomerata
Elytrigia repens
Festuca arundinacea
Festuca rubra
False Wood-brome
Cock's-foot
Common Couch
Tall Fescue
Red Fescue
Agrimonia eupatoria
Arum maculatum
Yarrow
Agrimony
Lords-and-Ladies
Yellowwort
Carex flacca
Carex pendula
Cirsium arvense
Glaucous Sedge
Pendulous Sedge
Common Centaury
Creeping Thistle
Field Bindweed
Daucus carota
Epilobium hirsutum
Galium aparine
Wild Carrot
Great Willowherb
Hemp Agrimony
Cleavers
Cat's-ear
Iris foetidissima
Lotus corniculatus
Medicago lupulina
Picris echioides
Stinking Iris
Bird's-foot-trefoil
Black Medick
Bristly Ox-tongue
Picris hieracioides
Plantago lanceolata
Rubus fruticosus
Rumex crispus
Senecio erucifolius
Hawkweed Ox-tongue
Ribwort Plantain
Bramble
Curled Dock
Hoary Ragwort
Solanum dulcamara
Taraxacum sp.
Vicia hirsuta
No of species
Bittersweet
Dandelion
Hairy Tare
45
RDB
NS
DN (C)
0
0
0
Elder
Traveller’s-joy
False Oat-grass
Appendix 8
Table A8.2: Flora of Church Cliff and London Guest House
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
Acer campestre
Buddleja davidii
Ligustrum vulgare
Malus domestica
Populus c.f. tremula
Prunus spinosa
Quercus ilex
UNDER SHRUBS
Cotoneaster horizontalis
CLIMBERS
Clematis vitalba
Rubia peregrina
GRASSES
Dactylis glomerata
Festuca arundinacea
Carex pendula
Centranthus ruber
Crithmum maritimum
Daucus carota
Dipsacus fullonum
Fragaria vesca
Medicago lupulina
Melilotus altissima
Picris echioides
Picris hieracioides
Plantago lanceolata
Rubus fruticosus
Rumex crispus
Rumex sanguineus
Senecio erucifolius
Solanum dulcamara
Sonchus oleraceus
Stachys sylvaticus
Taraxacum sp.
Tussilago farfara
Vicia bithynica
Vicia hirsuta
No of species
RDB
NS
DN -C
Field Maple
Butterfly-bush
Wild Privet
Apple
Aspen
Plum
Blackthorn
Holm Oak
Grey Willow
Traveller’s-joy
Ivy
Madder
False Wood-brome
Cock's-foot
Tall Fescue
Yarrow
Yellowwort
Pendulous Sedge
Common Centaury
Red Valerian
Field Bindweed
Rock Samphire
Wild Carrot
Teasel
Hemp Agrimony
Strawberry
Black Medick
Tall Melilot
Hart's Tongue Fern
Bristly Ox-tongue
Hawkweed Ox-tongue
Ribwort Plantain
Selfheal
Bramble
Curled Dock
Wood Dock
Hoary Ragwort
Bittersweet
Smooth Sowthistle
Rock Sea-spurrey
Hedge Woundwort
Dandelion
Colt's-foot
Bithynian Vetch
Hairy Tare
46
1
VU
1
1
1
1
2
Appendix 8
Table A8.3: Flora of Cedar Cottage
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
Cotoneaster sp
Ilex aquifolium
Ligustrum vulgare
Malus domestica
Prunus spinosa
Quercus ilex
Tamarisk
UNDER SHRUBS
Lonicera nitida
Rosa canina agg
CLIMBERS
Clematis vitalba
Rubia peregrina
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Beta maritima
Carex flacca
Centranthus ruber
Crithmum maritimum
Daucus carota
Leucanthemum vulgare
Linaria purpurea
Lotus corniculatus
Medicago lupulina
Melilotus altissima
Odontites verna
Picris echioides
Plantago lanceolata
Primula vulgaris
Rubus fruticosus
Senecio erucifolius
Vicia bithynica
Yucca sp.
No of species
RDB
NS
DN- C
VU
1
1
1
1
1
Cotoneaster species
Ash
Wild Privet
Apple
Plum
Blackthorn
Holm Oak
Grey Willow
Tamarisk
Wilson’s Honeysuckle
Dog Rose
Traveller’s-joy
Ivy
Madder
False Wood-brome
Tall Fescue
Sea Beet
Yellowwort
Glaucous Sedge
Common Centaury
Red Valerian
Rock Samphire
Wild Carrot
Ox-eye Daisy
Purple Toadflax
Bird's-foot-trefoil
Black Medick
Tall Melilot
Common Restharrow
Bristly Ox-tongue
Ribwort Plantain
Primrose
Bramble
Hoary Ragwort
Bithynian Vetch
Yucca
36
Appendix 8
Table A8.4: Flora for East Cliff Lane
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
Acer pseudoplatanus
Buddleja davidii
Crataegus monogyna
Fallopia japonica
Fraxinus excelsior
Ligustrum vulgare
Prunus spinosa
Quercus ilex
Salix fragilis
Ulmus procera
UNDER SHRUBS
Rosa canina agg
CLIMBERS
Clematis vitalba
Rubia peregrina
Fallopia baldschuanica
GRASSES
Dactylis glomerata
Elytrigia repens
Festuca arundinacea
Festuca rubra
Holcus lanatus
Atriplex patula
Atriplex portulacoides
Calystegia sepium
Carex pendula
Centranthus ruber
Cirsium vulgare
Crithmum maritimum
Daucus carota
Dipsacus fullonum
Fallopia japonica
Medicago lupulina
Melilotus altissima
Picris echioides
Picris hieracioides
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
RDB
Sycamore
Butterfly-bush
Hawthorn
Japanese Knotweed
Ash
Wild Privet
Blackthorn
Holm Oak
Grey Willow
Crack Willow
English Elm
Dog Rose
Traveller’s-joy
Ivy
Madder
Russian Vine
Creeping Bent
False Wood-brome
Cock's-foot
Common Couch
Tall Fescue
Red Fescue
Yorkshire Fog
Yarrow
Orache sp.
Sea-purslane
Yellowwort
Bindweed
Pendulous Sedge
Common Centaury
Red Valerian
Spear Thistle
Rock Samphire
Wild Carrot
Teasel
Hemp Agrimony
Japanese Knotweed
Black Medick
Tall Melilot
Bristly Ox-tongue
Hawkweed Ox-tongue
Ribwort Plantain
Greater Plantain
NS
DN - C
Appendix 8
Species
Rubus fruticosus
Rumex sanguineus
Senecio erucifolius
Sonchus arvensis
Sonchus asper
Spergularia marina
Trifolium pratense
Vicia hirsuta
No of species
RDB
Bramble
Wood Dock
Hoary Ragwort
Prickly Sowthistle
Lesser Sea-spurrey
Rock Sea-spurrey
Hop Trefoil
Sea Mayweed
Hairy Tare
54
NS
DN - C
1
1
0
0
2
Appendix 8
Table A8.5: Flora of East Cliff Main Slip
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
Acer pseudoplatanus
Buddleja davidii
Cornus sanguinea
Cotoneaster sp
Crataegus monogyna
Fraxinus excelsior
Laurus nobilis
Ligustrum vulgare
Prunus spinosa
Quercus robur
Quercus ilex
Ulmus minor
UNDER SHRUBS
Lonicera nitida
Rosa canina agg
Ulex europaeus
CLIMBERS
Clematis vitalba
Rubia peregrina
GRASSES
Cortaderia sp.
Dactylis glomerata
Festuca arundinacea
Helictotrichon pubescens
Holcus lanatus
Agrimonia eupatoria
Carex flacca
Carex pendula
Centaurea nigra
Crepis capillaris
Crocosmia
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Daucus carota
Dipsacus fullonum
RDB
Sycamore
Butterfly-bush
Dog Wood
Cotoneaster
Hawthorn
Japanese Knotweed
Bay Tree
Wild Privet
Blackthorn
Pedunculate Oak
Holm Oak
Grey Willow
Elm
Wilson’s Honeysuckle
Dog Rose
Gorse
Traveller’s-joy
Ivy
Madder
Creeping Bent
False Wood-brome
Wood Small-reed
Cock's-foot
Tall Fescue
Hairy Oat Grass
Yorkshire Fog
Common Reed
Yarrow
Agrimony
Kidney Vetch
Yellowwort
Glaucous Sedge
Pendulous Sedge
Common Knapweed
Common Centaury
Field Bindweed
Smooth Hawk's-beard
Common Spotted-orchid
Wild Carrot
Teasel
Male Fern
NS
DN - C
Appendix 8
Species
Epilobium parviflorum
Equisetum telmateia
Euphorbia garden variety
Fragaria vesca
Hypericum perforatum
Juncus articulatus
Juncus inflexus
Lathyrus pratensis
Lotus corniculatus
Medicago lupulina
Melilotus altissima
Melilotus officinalis
Mentha aquatica
Ononis repens
Oenanthe pimpinelloides
Odontites verna
Picris echioides
Picris hieracioides
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
Potentilla reptans
Primula vulgaris
Prunella vulgaris
Ranunculus repens
Rubus fruticosus
Scrophularia auriculata
Senecio erucifolius
Sonchus arvensis
Sonchus asper
Trifolium campestre
Tussilago farfara
Vicia bithynica
Vicia hirsuta
Vicia sativa ssp segetalis
BRYOPHYTES
Didymodon fallax
Pellia sp.
Moss on tufa
No of species
RDB
NS
DN - C
VU
1
1
1
1
1
Hoary Willowherb
Greater Horsetail
Hemp Agrimony
Strawberry
Hogweed
Tutsan
Perforate St John's-wort
Cat's-ear
Jointed Rush
Hard Rush
Meadow Vetchling
Bird's-foot-trefoil
Black Medick
Tall Melilot
Ribbed Melilot
Water Mint
Common Restharrow
Corky-fruited Waterdropwort
Red Bartsia
Bristly Ox-tongue
Hawkweed Ox-tongue
Ribwort Plantain
Greater Plantain
Shield Fern
Creeping Cinquefoil
Primrose
Selfheal
Common Fleabane
Creeping Buttercup
Bramble
Water Figwort
Hoary Ragwort
Prickly Sowthistle
Red Clover
Colt's-foot
Bithynian Vetch
Hairy Tare
Common Vetch
87
Appendix 8
Table A8.6: Flora of Allotments West
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
Betula pubescens
Buddleja davidii
Cotoneaster sp
Crataegus monogyna
Fraxinus excelsior
Laurus nobilis
Leycesteria formosa
Ligustrum vulgare
Prunus spinosa
Salix caprea ssp caprea
Ulmus minor
UNDER SHRUBS
Rosa canina agg
CLIMBERS
Clematis vitalba
Rubia peregrina
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Agrimonia eupatoria
Calystegia sepium
Carex flacca
Carex pendula
Cirsium arvense
Daucus carota
Dipsacus fullonum
Epilobium hirsutum
Equisetum telmateia
Fragaria vesca
Hypericum tetrapterum
Iris foetidissima
Medicago lupulina
Melilotus altissima
Ononis repens
Picris echioides
RDB
Downy Birch
Butterfly-bush
Cotoneaster
Hawthorn
Japanese Knotweed
Bay Tree
Wild Privet
Blackthorn
Goat Willow
Grey Willow
Elm
Dog Rose
Traveller’s-joy
Ivy
Madder
Creeping Bent
False Wood-brome
Wood Small-reed
Tall Fescue
Common Reed
Pampas Grass
Agrimony
Bindweed
Glaucous Sedge
Pendulous Sedge
Common Centaury
Creeping Thistle
Field Bindweed
Wild Carrot
Teasel
Male Fern
Great Willowherb
Greater Horsetail
Hemp Agrimony
Strawberry
Tutsan
Square-stemmed St
John's-wort
Stinking Iris
Black Medick
Tall Melilot
Red Bartsia
Hart's Tongue Fern
Bristly Ox-tongue
NS
DN - C
Appendix 8
Species
Picris hieracioides
Plantago lanceolata
Potentilla reptans
Rubus fruticosus
Rumex sanguineus
Senecio erucifolius
Sonchus arvensis
Tamus communis
Taraxacum sp.
Tussilago farfara
Vicia bithynica
No of species
Hawkweed Ox-tongue
Ribwort Plantain
Shield Fern
Creeping Cinquefoil
Selfheal
Bramble
Wood Dock
Hoary Ragwort
Black Bryony
Dandelion
Colt's-foot
Bithynian Vetch
57
RDB
NS
DN - C
VU
1
1
1
1
1
Table A8.7: Flora of Allotments East
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
Buddleja davidii
Crataegus monogyna
Ligustrum vulgare
CLIMBERS
Clematis vitalba
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Daucus carota
Dipsacus fullonum
Equisetum telmateia
Melilotus altissima
Ononis repens
Rubus fruticosus
Tussilago farfara
No of species
RDB
NS
DN - C
0
0
0
Butterfly-bush
Hawthorn
Wild Privet
Grey Willow
Traveller’s-joy
Tall Fescue
Common Reed
Wild Carrot
Teasel
Greater Horsetail
Hemp Agrimony
Tall Melilot
Red Bartsia
Bramble
Colt's-foot
15
Appendix 9
Appendix 9
Quadrat Data Recorded from
Appendix 9
1. Communities on Wetter Ground
1A - Early Succession Vegetation on Wetter Ground
Table A9.1: Quadrat Sample from Equisetum telmateia tall-herb community
Species
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Holcus lanatus
Equisetum telmateia
Lathyrus pratensis
Rubus fruticosus
No of species
Bare
Quadrat No.
Grid Reference SY
Easting
Northing
GPS accuracy (+/- metres)
Sward Height (cm)
Soft Cliff Community Type
Comment
DOMIN
2
1
1
3
9
5
4
4
3
1
10
0
NAS3
SY
34480
92508
8
125
Equisetum telmateia Tall-herb
community
Early succession on wet
ground
Tall herb community with
Equisetum telmateia D
Appendix 9
1B - Late Succession Vegetation on Wetter Ground
Table A9.2: Quadrat Samples from M22 Fen Meadow
Species
TREES & TALL SHRUBS
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Holcus lanatus
Equisetum telmateia
Juncus inflexus
Carex pendula
Tussilago farfara
Juncus articulatus
Mentha aquatica
BRYOPHYTES
Pellia sp.
Tufa moss
No of species
Bare
Quadrat No.
easting
northing
Sward Height (cm)
Comment
DOMIN
1
1
3
5
8
2
6
3
5
1
3
3
3
1
1
3
2
1
4
4
11
9
8
AC2
AC3
34506
34511
92484
92480
4
4
100
100
Fen Meadow
Fen Meadow
Late succession on wetter ground
Juncus inflexus
Juncus inflexus
community in wet
community in wet
gully adjacent to
gully adjacent to
reed bed. Wet
reed bed. Drier
variant with damp
variant
mud
Appendix 9
2. Communities on Drier Ground
2A - Early Succession Vegetation on Drier Ground
Table A9.3: Quadrat Sample from Tall Mellilot tall-herb community
Species
CLIMBERS
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Melilotus altissima
Medicago lupulina
Equisetum telmateia
Senecio erucifolius
Rubus fruticosus
Picris hieracioides
No of species
Bare
Quadrat No.
easting
northing
Sward Height (cm)
Comment
DOMIN
1
2
6
10
4
1
1
1
1
9
0
NAS4
34481
92490
5
100
Melilotus altissima
Tall-herb community
Early succession on
drier ground
Tall herb community
with Melilotus
altissima D
Appendix 9
Table A9.4: Quadrat Sample from Brachypodium sylvaticum – Festuca arundinacea
open grassland open grassland community
Species
UNDER SHRUBS
Rosa canina agg
CLIMBERS
Rubia peregrina
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Dactylis glomerata
Medicago lupulina
Daucus carota
Equisetum telmateia
Senecio erucifolius
Juncus inflexus
Tussilago farfara
Picris echioides
Plantago lanceolata
Rubus fruticosus
Picris hieracioides
Ononis repens
Potentilla reptans
Vicia bithynica
MOSSES
Didymodon fallax
No of species
Bare
Quadrat No.
Grid Reference SY
easting
northing
Sward Height (cm)
Comment
DOMIN
3
7
4
3
7
3
4
2
6
1
3
3
1
2
1
4
1
1
3
2
4
4
1
3
3
2
1
2
2
2
2
13
7
AC1
34438
92275
6
Open
Grassland on
very steep
ground
3
10
5
NAS5
34488
98494
5
15
Open
grassland
9
9
NAS6
34489
92489
6
20
An area of
recent slip,
with a open
grassland
Appendix 9
Table A9.5: Quadrat Sample Phragmites – Brachypodium sylvaticum and Festuca
arundinacea open grassland community
Species
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Tussilago farfara
Medicago lupulina
Equisetum telmateia
Melilotus altissima
Carex pendula
Picris hieracioides
Carex flacca
Rubus fruticosus
No of species
Bare
Quadrat No.
Grid Reference SY
easting
northing
Sward Height (cm)
Comment
DOMIN
5
6
5
1
5
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
14
5
NAS8
SY34538 92449 ±7m
34538
92449
7
50cm
Open grassland with
Phragmites –
Brachypodium
sylvaticum – Festuca
arundinacea dominant
Appendix 9
Table A9.6: Quadrat Sample from Festuca arundinacea open grassland community
Species
GRASSES
Festuca arundinacea
Ononis repens
Medicago lupulina
Picris echioides
Senecio erucifolius
Rubus fruticosus
Plantago lanceolata
No of species
Bare
Quadrat No.
easting
northing
Sward Height (cm)
Comment
DOMIN
8
2
4
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
11
6
NAS2
34560
92489
5
Open grassland dominated by
Festuca arundinacea
On slope above sea wall,
Festuca arundinacea
dominant, with some reed
Appendix 9
2B - Late Succession Vegetation on Drier Ground
Table A9.7: Quadrat Sample from Festuca rubra – Daucus carota grassland
Species
GRASSES
Festuca rubra
Festuca arundinacea
Daucus carota
Plantago lanceolata
Picris echioides
Senecio erucifolius
No of species
Bare
Quadrat No.
easting
northing
Sward Height (cm)
Comment
DOMIN
7
5
5
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
10
3
NAS1
34493
92342
8
25
Red Fescue Carrot
Close to MC11, but with clay
species present
Appendix 10
Appendix 10
Japanese Knotweed
Code of Practice from the Environment Agency
Managing Japanese knotweed
on development sites
the knotweed
code of practice
We are the Environment Agency. It’s our job to look after your
environment and make it a better place – for you, and for
future generations.
Your environment is the air you breathe, the water you drink
and the ground you walk on. Working with business,
Government and society as a whole, we are making your
environment cleaner and healthier.
The Environment Agency. Out there, making your environment
a better place.
Published by:
Environment Agency
Rio House
Waterside Drive, Aztec West
Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UD
Tel: 0870 8506506
Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
www.environment-agency.wales.gov.uk
© Environment Agency
All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with
prior permission of the Environment Agency.
Managing Japanese knotweed
on development sites
the knotweed
code of practice
The Environment Agency wish to
thank Defra and Network Rail for their
contribution towards the cost of
production of this code.
Environment Agency Name of publication
3
Contents
Contents
Summary
Introduction Managing Japanese knotweed – legislation
The status of this code
Tips for developers
02
04
05
06
08
09
1
Ecological information on Japanese knotweed
10
1.1 - What is Japanese knotweed?
1.2 -What does Japanese knotweed look like?
1.3 -Regeneration
1.4 -Dispersal
1.5 -Why do I need to manage Japanese knotweed on my development site?
Flowchart for treating Japanese knotweed
12
2
How do I prevent Japanese knotweed spreading?
13
3
2
2.1 -Avoiding contamination around the site
2.2 -Good site hygiene
2.3 -Avoiding new contamination to the site
2.4 -Reusing treated soils on site
How do I manage my Japanese knotweed problem?
3.1 -Japanese knotweed management plans
3.2 -Herbicide treatment
3.3 -Which herbicide should I use?
3.4 -Combined treatment methods
4
How do I use root barrier membranes?
4.1 -Cell formation
4.2 -Protecting structures and hard surfaces
4.3 -Preventing horizontal spread
4.4 -Protecting services, etc
5
How do I treat or dispose of Japanese knotweed on site?
5.1 -Cutting Japanese knotweed canes
5.2 -Burning
5.3 -Excavation
5.4 -The burial method
5.5 -The bund method
6
How do I dispose of Japanese knotweed off-site?
6.1 -Arrangements for landfill
6.2 -Duty of care for hauliers
Environment Agency Managing Japanese knotweed on development sites
15
20
28
32
7
Contents
How do I move soil containing Japanese knotweed?
7.1 - Moving soil on-site
7.2 - Moving soil off-site
7.3 - Decontaminating vehicles
8
How will Japanese knotweed affect using the site in the
long term?
8.1 -Managing buried Japanese knotweed in the long term
8.2 -Controlling potential regrowth around the site
8.3 -Advice to new owners
8.4 -What do I do if Japanese knotweed starts to grow through tarmac and other engineered surfaces and structures?
8.5 -How do I stop Japanese knotweed from neighbouring properties reinfesting the site?
8.6 -How do I treat Japanese knotweed regrowth amongst valuable
shrubs and planting schemes?
9
Sources of additional information
9.1 - Additional information
9.2 -Some useful resources
Glossary
Appendix
34
35
38
41
I
A guide to identifying and excavating Japanese knotweed rhizome
i) What is Japanese knotweed?
ii) What is Japanese knotweed rhizome?
iii) Why is it important to be able to identify Japanese knotweed rhizome?
iv) How do I recognise rhizome?
v) How do I remove rhizome?
II
Root/rhizome identification chart
III
Root/rhizome identification chart – other common plants
IV
Table for identifying Japanese knotweed rhizome
V
Template Japanese knotweed management plan
VI
An example of a Japanese knotweed management plan.
VII Restricted access sign
Environment Agency Managing Japanese knotweed on development sites 3
Summary
Managing land infested by Japanese knotweed in a
timely and appropriate way can avoid:
•
excessive cost
•
potential prosecution and/or compensation claims
•
physical damage to buildings and hard surfaces
•
harm to the environment.
Identifying Japanese knotweed on a site early lets
developers assess and cost options for destroying,
disposing of and managing it, as well as negotiating an
appropriate change in the purchase price of the land.
You should keep the amount of Japanese knotweedinfested soil you excavate to a minimum.
Making sure your staff can identify Japanese knotweed
rhizome can reduce waste costs and improve how you
manage Japanese knotweed on site.
Do not accept topsoil until you have inspected it for
Japanese knotweed rhizome.
Japanese knotweed-infested soil that has been treated
can be reused for landscaping the site, but should not
be taken off site, unless to landfill.
Designating a clerk of works to oversee the Japanese
knotweed management plan is a good way of ensuring
that contractors treat Japanese knotweed in an
appropriate manner.
You have a choice of herbicides that are effective
against Japanese knotweed, depending on
your situation.
It is an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to
spread in the wild under the Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981 and all waste containing Japanese knotweed
comes under the control of Part II of the Environmental
Protection Act 1990.
4
You can get advice on
managing waste from us on
our customer services line; 08708 506 506
If you see anyone illegally
moving or disposing of waste,
call our incident hotline on;
0800 80 70 60.
Introduction
Purpose
This code has been written for anyone involved in the development and haulage industry who may
encounter sites with Japanese knotweed, or soil containing it. It allows our staff to provide consistent advice.
This code replaces “The Environment Agency code
of practice for the management, destruction and
disposal of Japanese knotweed” May 2001.
This code of practice will help developers manage
Japanese knotweed legally. It also gives you options
for cost effectively managing Japanese knotweek on
site. Architects, planners, designers, contractors,
consultants and landscape gardeners can also use
this code.
Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica var japonica
is a non-native invasive species of plant. Since it
was introduced into the UK as an ornamental garden
plant in the mid-nineteenth century it has spread
across the UK, particularly along watercourses,
transport routes and infested waste areas.
Plants within their native range are usually
controlled by a variety of natural pests and diseases.
When these plants are introduced into new areas
that are free from these pests and diseases, they
can become larger and more vigorous. They invade
natural habitats and out-compete the native plants
and animals that normally live there. Rivers, hedges,
roadsides and railways form important corridors
for native plants and animals to migrate, and large
infestations of non-native weeds can block these
routes for wildlife.
Japanese knotweed isn’t just a problem for our
native wildlife. The vigorous growth can damage
buildings and hard surfaces. Once established
underneath or around the built environment, it can
be particularly hard to control. Riverside Japanese
knotweed damages flood defence structures and
reduces the capacity of channels to carry floodwater.
where litter has become caught up and rats can live
there. Lawns and gardens become infested and the
cost of maintaining buildings increases.
There are a number of ways in which we can manage
the impact of Japanese knotweed. It is important
that we find out the ways in which Japanese
knotweed has been spread and try to tackle these.
Disposing of soil from development sites is one way
Japanese knotweed has spread.
Brownfield development is an important aspect of
urban and rural regeneration and protecting green
belt. Many of these sites support infestations of
Japanese knotweed, which can live in poor soil
quality and contamination common to these areas.
These sites have often been used to receive waste,
often fly-tipped by gardeners.
Footpaths become crowded with tall canes, making
it difficult for pedestrians to see and making them
feel less safe. In winter, the tall dead canes show
Managing Japanese knotweed - legislation
Legislation covering the handling
and disposal of knotweed includes
the following:
The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986
require any person who uses a pesticide to take
all reasonable precautions to protect the health of
human beings, creatures and plants, safeguard the
environment and in particular avoid the pollution of
water. For application of pesticides in or near water
approval from the Environment Agency should be
sought before use. Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act
1981 (WCA 1981) states that “if any person plants or
otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which
is included in Part II of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty
of an offence.” Japanese knotweed is one of the
plants listed in the Schedule. Anyone convicted of an
offence under Section 14 of the WCA 1981 may face
a fine of £5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment, or 2
years and/or an unlimited fine on indictment.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990)
contains a number of legal provisions concerning
“controlled waste”, which are set out in Part II. Any
Japanese knotweed contaminated soil or plant
material that you discard, intend to discard or are
required to discard is likely to be classified as
controlled waste. The most relevant provisions are in:
section 33 (1a) and (1b) which create offences to do
with the deposit, treating, keeping or disposing of
controlled waste without a licence. Exemptions from
licensing are available in some circumstances, and
are set out in Schedule 3 to the Waste Management
Licensing Regulations 1994 as amended (the WMLR
1994) s.33 (1c) which makes it an offence to keep,
treat or dispose of controlled waste in a manner
likely to case pollution of the environment or harm to
human health.
6
section 34 places duties on any person who imports,
produces, carries, keeps, treats or disposes of
controlled waste. Waste must be handled responsibly
and in accordance with the law at all stages between
its production and final recovery or disposal. Waste
must be transferred to an authorised person, in other
words a person who is either a registered carrier or
exempted from registration by the Controlled Waste
(Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles)
Regulations 1991. A waste transfer note must be
completed and signed giving a written description of
the waste, which is sufficient to enable the receiver
of the waste to handle it in accordance with their
own duty of care. The provisions concerning waste
transfer notes are set out in the Environmental
Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 (as
amended). Failure to comply with these provisions is
an offence.
The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (HWR
2005) contain provisions about the handling and
movement of hazardous waste. Consignment notes
must be completed when any hazardous waste is
transferred, which include details about the hazardous
properties and any special handling requirements. If a
consignment note is completed, a waste transfer note
is not necessary. Untreated Japanese knotweed is not
classed as hazardous waste, but material containing
knotweed which has been treated with certain
herbicides, may be classified as hazardous waste. The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994
describe ‘waste relevant objectives’ in Paragraph 4
of Schedule 4. These objectives require that waste
is recovered or disposed of “without endangering
human health and without using processes or
methods which could harm the environment and in
particular without –
risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals; or
causing nuisance though noise or odours; or
adversely affecting the countryside or places of
special interest”
The above legal provisions have consequences for a
range of people, including anybody involved in the
management or disposal of knotweed. For example
knotweed which is cut down or excavated and removed
from a development site must be transferred to an
authorised person, and correctly described. It must be
disposed of appropriately, as set out below in this Code.
If you are going to bury knotweed on the development
site you will need to consult us first to make sure that the
material does not contain any other contaminant that
may affect the quality of groundwater. If you pollute the
environment or cause harm to human health you may be
prosecuted. Anyone who uses a herbicide must ensure
that they do not pollute the water environment and the
use of herbicides in or near water requires approval from
us.
Our role
If any waste soil or knotweed is sent for landfill either
before or after any treatment, it must go to a landfill
that is authorised to receive it.
We are not responsible for controlling Japanese
knotweed, other than that growing on our land.
Managing knotweed is the responsibility of the
owner/occupier of a site. We do not endorse
Japanese knotweed management plans, or
endorse companies that do this.
It is not an offence to have Japanese knotweed on your
land and it is not a notifiable weed. Allowing Japanese
knotweed to grow onto other peoples property may be
regarded as a private nuisance under common law, but
this would be a civil matter.
The Environment Agency is responsible for
regulating waste. We grant waste management
licences, register exemptions and can take
enforcement action including prosecution if the law
is not complied with. We give approvals under the
Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 for use of
pesticides in or near water.
We may take enforcement action under WCA 1981,
but there are also a number of other organisations
that can do so. We would not normally use this
legislation unless a waste offence had also been
committed.
Where you rely on the methods of on site
knotweed management in paragraphs 4.1, 5.4
and 5.5 this would normally require you to have
a waste management licence or a pollution
prevention and control permit.
However if you carry out these activities in
full accordance with this code of practice, and
the work meets the waste relevant objectives
described above, then in accordance with our
Enforcement and Prosecution Policy we would
not normally prosecute for failure to have a waste
management licence or permit.
The status and use of this Code
Provided there is a suitable location, this code
describes ways of managing Japanese knotweed
that developers may wish to consider, which will
avoid creating a waste disposal problem. We are
keen to provide alternatives that allow developers to
treat Japanese knotweed on site, so you don’t have
to use landfill. Landfill is very expensive for the
development industry, it reduces valuable landfill
capacity and needs haulage, which damages the
environment and increases the risk of Japanese
knotweed spreading. Sometimes, due to shortage of
time and location, landfill is the only reliable option,
but it should be treated as a last resort.
There are a number of ways of managing Japanese
knotweed within a development site. Site managers
need to be careful of claims made about products
and methods on offer for controlling Japanese
knotweed, particularly those that claim it can quickly
destroy the problem completely.
We cannot guarantee that any of the methods we
describe in this code will be successful. We believe
the methods within this code are among the best
that are currently available, but do not reflect the
complete choice that is available. The contractor and
client need to agree a contract for effectively treating
the problem. Remember that Japanese knotweed can
stay dormant for many years.
You may wish to use this code of practice to assist
you in carrying out your legal duties concerning
knotweed. However this code does not constitute
legal advice and it does not aim to give a detailed
or comprehensive account of the legislation that
could apply to you. You should be aware that is your
responsibility to make sure that the law is complied
with. Waste legislation is especially complex. You
need to discuss these issues with us to make sure
you act appropriately.
If you need advice, call our customer
services line on 08708 506 506. If you
see anyone illegally moving or disposing
of waste, call our incident hotline on
0800 80 70 60.
8
Much of the information in this code concerning onsite treatment options is aimed at suggesting best
practice rather than setting out legal obligations.
This code should be used in conjunction with
other guidance or regulations concerning
Japanese knotweed if relevant, such as the model
specification and tender documents produced by the
former Welsh Development Agency, now part of the
Welsh Assembly Government.
Tips for developers
We hope that, by developing this code, we will help industry to avoid excessive costs,
protect the environment and use natural resources in a sustainable way. We would
encourage developers to consider the following particular points:
Check for Japanese knotweed before buying a site.
a)
The information and internet links within this code should be enough for you to find out about
Japanese knotweed in its various forms. If there is Japanese knotweed on a site, this should not stop you buying it, but you will need to consider
this when working out how profitable a
development is likely to be.
b)
If a site has been skimmed or treated, look for
evidence of Japanese knotweed material.
Consider some form of legal protection from the
potential subsequent cost of managing Japanese
knotweed within the purchase agreement.
c)
If there is Japanese knotweed, consider whether
you will be able to treat the material on site.
Have you bought enough space to shift soil and
create a bund, for instance?
d) If you think there is no Japanese knotweed on
the site, consider getting legal guarantees that
say this before you buy the site.
Timetable for treatment and development.
a) Plan to minimise the amount of Japanese
knotweed that you have to excavate.
b) Make sure you have allocated enough time
within the project timescale to develop and apply
a Japanese knotweed management plan.
c)
You should only use treated soil in localised areas,
where Japanese knotweed control methods could
easily be used, if material starts to grow again. We
advise that you should not use treated soil within 50m
of a watercourse.
Long-term management.
You need to consider the chance that Japanese
knotweed could grow back when you are managing
the site long-term.
Current owners of the site need to accurately record
within the deeds of the property where any material
is buried and make this available to all subsequent
owners so the material is not disturbed.
A summary of the treatment should be included
within the vendor statement declaration.
Winter
Treating Japanese knotweed early and effectively
can significantly reduce the chance of it growing
again. You should agree and implement a
treatment plan as soon as possible.
d) Consider phasing the development, to allow
more time to treat the problem.
e)
Managing treated material.
Just because soil has been treated, this does not mean
Japanese knotweed cannot grow again.
However, if soil is treated effectively, it can be clean
enough to be used for landscaping within the
development.
Use the best methods, including the most
effective herbicides for the site in question.
This will be determined by factors such as how
close the site is to controlled waters and
desirable trees and other vegetation.
Spring
Development site for sale. Would you have
spotted the telltale dead winter canes that
indicated this site was infested with knotweed?
Ecological
information on Japanese knotweed
1.1 What is Japanese knotweed?
Japanese knotweed is a tall, vigorous ornamental
plant that escaped from cultivation in the late
nineteenth century to become an aggressive invader
in the urban and rural environment.
1.2 What does Japanese knotweed look like?
Japanese knotweed, scientific names Fallopia
japonica (Houtt. Ronse Decraene), Reynoutria
japonica (Houtt.) or Polygonum cuspidatum
(Siebold & Zuccarini) is a member of the dock
family (Polygonaceae). It is a rhizomatous (produces
underground stems) perennial plant with distinctive,
branching, hollow, bamboo-like stems, covered in
purple speckles, often reaching 2-3 m high. The leaves
of the mature plant are up to 120 mm in length with
a flattened base and pointed tip and are arranged on
arching stems in a zig-zag pattern.
The plant flowers late in the season, August to
October, with small creamy-white flowers hanging in
clusters from the leaf axils (point at which the leaf
joins with the stem). The underground rhizomes are
thick and woody with a knotty appearance and when
broken reveal a bright orange-coloured centre.
The rhizome system may extend to, and beyond,
a depth of at least 2m and extend 7m laterally from a
parent plant.
During winter, the leaves die back to reveal
orange/brown coloured woody stems which may
stay erect for several years. Stem and leaf material
decomposes slowly, leaving a deep layer of plant
litter. During March to April, the plant sends up new
shoots, red/purple in colour with rolled back leaves.
These shoots grow rapidly due to stored nutrients in
the extensive rhizome system. Growth rates of up to
40 mm a day have been recorded.
1.3 Regeneration
Only female Japanese knotweed (F. japonica var
japonica) plants have been recorded to date in the
UK. Although seeds are produced, they are not
true Japanese knotweed seeds but hybrids, and
rarely survive. 10
Spring Growth
2-3 metre high canes
August - October flowers
Alternate leaves
Zig-zag pattern
Purple speckles
Two species closely related to
Japanese knotweed are also
found in the UK. These are, giant
knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis),
a much taller plant which reaches
a height of 5m; and a smaller
compact variety (Fallopia japonica
var. compacta), which grows to
a height of only 1m. The hybrid
(Fallopia x bohemica) (a cross
between Japanese knotweed and
giant knotweed) is also found
throughout the UK but is not as
common as Japanese knotweed. Both giant knotweed and the
hybrid should be managed in the
same way as Japanese knotweed.
Japanese knotweed rarely
produces viable seeds. In the
UK the plant is mainly spread
through rhizome fragments or cut
stems. Greenhouse trials have
shown that as little as 0.7 gram
of rhizome material (10 mm in
length) can produce a new plant
within 10 days. Cut fresh stems
have also been shown to produce
shoots and roots from nodes
when buried in soil or immersed
in water. Once cut stem material
has been allowed to dry out
thoroughly and has reached the
orange/brown ‘woody’ stage,
there is no further regeneration.
Rhizome material may take much
longer to die and may remain
dormant for long periods, possibly
as long as 20 years.
1.4 Dispersal
The spread and high regeneration
rates of the plant have serious
implications for dispersal by both
natural and human means. In
river catchments, fragments of
rhizomes or cut stems that are
washed into watercourses under
high water flows can form new
plants downstream. Fly-tipping
garden waste that contains
stem or rhizome fragments,
using contaminated topsoil and
transporting soil from infested
sites during construction works
are the main ways that people
spread the plant. Small fragments
of stem and rhizome may also be
transferred from an infested site
to other sites on machinery, for
example for building works or for
maintaining road verges.
1.5 Why do I need to manage
Japanese knotweed on my
development site?
Habitats affected by Japanese
knotweed include those in both
urban and rural areas. In an
urban environment, sites such
as road verges, railway land
and watercourse corridors may
be affected. Waste ground,
cemeteries and heavily disturbed
ground are particularly vulnerable. In rural areas, the problems
include disrupting sight lines on
roads and railways and, in the
riverside environment, disrupting
flood defence structures.
The plant damages the urban
environment by pushing up
through tarmac and paving,
out-competing other species in
planting programmes as part of
landscaping schemes and causing
aesthetic problems as litter
accumulates in the dense thickets
formed by the plant. This also
encourages vermin.
Japanese knotweed is also
invading continental Europe,
particularly in the east. It is also
causing problems on the western
seaboard of the United States.
Within its native range, Japanese
knotweed rarely causes problems.
Dead winter canes
Giant knotweed F.sachalinensis
Japanese knotweed has been
removed from the natural enemies
that control it in its native range in
Japan. It out-competes our native
plants and animals. The spread of
Japanese knotweed is a serious
threat to our countryside, and the
native plants and animals that rely
upon it.
Hybrid knotweed F.x bohemica
Flowchart for treating Japanese
knotweed
YES
YES
Is there Japanese knotweed on site?
Can the site be treated in the
long term (> 3 years)?
Herbicide
Refer to Sections:
•
•
•
2 to avoid Japanese knotweed
spreading further
3 to plan how you will treat it
YES
NO
Refer to Sections:
NO
can the site be treated in
the medium-term
(more than 18 months)?
•
2.3 on how to avoid contaminating
the site again
•
8.5 if Japanese knotweed is
growing near the site.
NO
8 for managing in the long term
Soil only suitable for reusing on site.
Does the infested soil area need
to be disturbed?
Combined treatment
Refer to Sections:
• 3.4, but also consider Section 4 and
5 options
•
8 for managing Japanese knotweed
in the long term.
Soil only suitable for reusing on site.
YES
YES
NO
Is there enough appropriate
space for a bund (see Section
5.5) for 18 months?
Herbicide/barrier
Refer to Sections:
•
•
•
NO
Bund method
Refer to Sections:
•
5 (particularly 5.5) for treatment and Appendix
I for guidance on removing rhizomes
•
7 for moving soil
2 to avoid Japanese knotweed spreading further
•
•
8 for managing it in the long term
Soil only suitable for reuse on site.
4 for containing Japanese
knotweed using root barrier
membrane, if necessary
Can the infested soil be buried up to
5m deep within the site?
YES
NO
•
7 for moving soil
Can a root barrier membrane cell be
safely buried at least 2m deep within
the site?
•
8 for managing it in the long-term.
Do not use a persistent herbicide.
YES
Burial method
Refer to Sections:
• 5 (particularly 5.4) for treatment and Appendix 1 for guidance on removing rhizomes
•
NO
•
4 for guidance on using root barrier membrane and
Appendix 1 for guidance on removing rhizomes
Off-site disposal
Refer to Sections:
• 6 for guidance on disposal and Appendix
I for guidance on removing rhizomes
•
7 for moving soil
•
7 for moving soil
•
8 for managing it in the longterm.
•
2 to avoid Japanese knotweed
spreading further
•
8 for managing it in the long term.
Root barrier membrane
Refer to Sections:
•
12
2 to avoid spreading further.
3 for treatment
How do I prevent Japanese
knotweed spreading?
It is important to make sure that the site is not contaminated by fresh Japanese
knotweed, or that parts of the site previously unaffected by Japanese knotweed do
not become contaminated. We recommend that:
i) you have a Japanese knotweed management plan (see section 3.1);
ii) all staff are aware of what Japanese knotweed
looks like and what their responsibilities are;
iii) you have a clerk of works responsible for the
management of Japanese knotweed.
2.1 Avoiding contamination around the site
It is essential that you find out how much Japanese
knotweed infestation there is on the site and that
everyone working there clearly understands this.
You should brief all contractors fully. You should
record any areas that are contaminated with
Japanese knotweed in the Japanese knotweed
management plan (Appendix V and VI), isolate
them with fencing and put up a restricted access
sign (Appendix VII). Section 7 describes the
precautions you need to take when moving soil
infested with Japanese knotweed.
2.2 Good site hygiene
To maintain good site hygiene, we suggest:
a)
as a general rule, the area of infestation is 7m
horizontally from the nearest growth of
Japanese knotweed that can be seen. To
determine exactly how far the rhizomes have
spread, you would need to dig a series of test
pits and examine them carefully;
b)
a fence that can clearly be seen should mark out
the area of infestation. Signs should warn
people working there that there is Japanese
knotweed contamination (appendix VII);
f)
vehicles used to transport infested soils must
be thoroughly pressure-washed in a designated
wash-down area before being used for other work;
g)
areas infested by Japanese knotweed that are
not going to be excavated should be protected
by root barrier membrane if they are likely to be
disturbed by vehicles (see section 4). Root
barrier membranes will need to be protected
from damage by vehicles with a layer of sand
above and below the root barrier membrane,
topped with a layer of hardcore or other suitable
material as specified by an architect
or engineer (see section 7.1);
h)
the material left after the vehicles have been
pressure washed must be contained, collected
and disposed of along with the other Japanese
knotweed material;
i)
a clerk of works should oversee the Japanese
knotweed management plan (appendix V),
including the provisions for avoiding
contamination. Everyone working on site must
clearly understand the role and authority of the
clerk of works.
c) you should indicate stockpiles of soil
contaminated with Japanese knotweed with
appropriate signs and isolate them;
d) you should not use vehicles with caterpillar
tracks within the infested area;
e)
vehicles leaving the area should either be
confined to haulage routes protected by root
barrier membranes, or be pressure washed
(see section 7.1);
How do I prevent Japanese knotweed
spreading?
2.3 Avoiding new contamination to the site
This advice is particularly relevant to sites fortunate
enough not to be infested by Japanese knotweed.
The three most common ways a site can become
infected are:
Infested topsoil: There have been numerous
incidences where site owners have paid to remove
Japanese knotweed infested soil from their site,
only to introduce it again with topsoil they have
bought and not inspected.
Section N.6.4.5 of BS 3882:1994, the British
Standard for topsoil clearly states that it is critical
that material should be free from Japanese
knotweed propagules, rhizome and vegetative
fragments. You should always inspect topsoil
brought into the site, using the guidance in
appendix I-IV of this code. You can often get topsoil
from different sources. Ideally, you should inspect
these sources before you receive material on site.
You should use topsoil from different sources
within distinct areas of the site and keep a record of
this. This may help you with compensation claims
against the supplier, should Japanese knotweed
subsequently grow. If you have any evidence that
sub-standard topsoil is being sold, you should let
the local Trading Standards Office know.
Contamination on vehicles: You should inspect
vehicles before using them on site. You need to pay
particular attention to caterpillar tracks and where
trucks and dumpers are stowed.
2.4 Reusing treated soils on site
If soil has been treated and is free from Japanese
knotweed contamination and suitable for use, it
can be reused on site without the need for a waste
management licence or an exemption. If taken off
site, this material must be disposed of in a landfill.
Developers reuse treated soils at their own
risk, unless the agreement they have with their
contractors states otherwise. To minimise the
potential problems there could be if the soil was
not treated adequately, you should only use
soil again where there is little risk of spreading
Japanese knotweed. The site should also facilitate
herbicide treatment, if it is necessary. Suitable
areas should be away from:
a) watercourses (we advise, at least 50m)
and ditches;
b) being disturbed by people or livestock;
c) existing amenity areas, lawns and gardens;
d) boundaries with other properties;
e) an area that could be disturbed in the future.
You should also use the soil in a restricted
area, rather than spread out across the site. You
should record this area in the Japanese knotweed
management plan and keep a record of inspection.
You must treat any regrowth appropriately.
Fly-tipping: Most Japanese knotweed infestations
on development sites started as a result of flytipped waste and this often continues after the
development has started.
You should report any fly-tipping
incidences to us on the 24-hour
freephone number 0800 80 70 60.
14
Technical Annex E
Lepidoptera Report on East Cliff Landscape
(Dorset County Council, Dr Phil Sterling, Natural Environment
Manager, September 2009)
Lyme Regis Phase IV
Lepidoptera Report on East Cliff
Surveys undertaken on 27th June and 1st July 2009
Report by
Dr Phil Sterling FRES
Natural Environment Manager, Dorset County Council
25th September 2009
1.0 Introduction
A series of surveys of invertebrates, including Lepidoptera, have been undertaken
by EPR since 1996 to establish an ecological baseline for the Lyme Regis Phase IV
scheme proposals. The last of these was on 12/13 July and 19/20 September 2006
(High-Point Rendel, 2008). The Lepidoptera were specifically targeted in the 2006
survey but recorded only a few local moth species in the area, and did not find two
nationally rare specialities of the area, the Morris’s Wainscot (Chortodes morrisii),
and the micromoth Scrobipalpula tussilaginis.
Morris’s Wainscot, adult and larva pictured below (Figures 1 & 2), is extremely rare
in Britain and Europe. In Britain it is restricted to a short stretch of the rapidly
eroding maritime cliffs of Dorset and east Devon between Thorncombe Beacon and
Culverhole Point, and then only very locally between these points where there is
suitable habitat. It is given the highest Red Data Book status (RDB1) in Shirt (1987).
In Europe it is found only in eastern Austria, at the mouth of the River Seine in
France, and in a few of the Baltic islands. Although the worldwide distribution is
highly restricted, strong colonies may exist where the moth does occur, and dozens
of adults can be observed in good weather conditions at the right time of year. A
colony at Folkestone, Kent, has now almost certainly died out, having not been seen
there since the 1970s.
The larva feeds exclusively on Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in Britain; it feeds
within the lower portion of the stems during autumn and winter. The exclusively
preferred habitat (Figure 3) is where the fescue tussocks are growing in isolated
clumps of any size, surrounded by bare ground, especially of clay. Remarkably,
most populations of the moth are to be found within a few metres of the cliff edge or
sea shore in very unstable ground.
In consultation with local expert lepidopterists, including the author of this report and
Mr Alan Kennard of Uplyme, it was considered that the date of the 2006 survey (12
July) was too late in the season to establish the presence of Morris’s Wainscot.
Scrobipalpula tussilaginis (Figure 4) was first recorded in Britain in 1983 in the
Axmouth to Lyme Regis NNR. The larva feeds in a blotch mine within a leaf of
Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara (Figure 5). The larva is usually very common anywhere
in the undercliff where there is pioneer vegetation on bare clay (Figure 6). However,
the species has a very restricted distribution nationally and is only known from a
handful of sites along the coast between South Devon and Hampshire. It has not
been found inland, and it appears to be an obligate associate with earliest stages of
vegetation colonisation on the clays of maritime soft rock cliffs. According to
Parsons (1995), Scrobipalpa tussilaginis is assigned the Red Data Book status
Indeterminate (RDBI), i.e. nationally-rare, but with inadequate information on the
distribution to be more specific about how rare.
The surveys undertaken in 2009 were timed for the end of June / early July to
coincide with the known flight period for the Morris’s Wainscot and to look for
leafmines of the Scrobipalpula micromoth.
Fig. 1. Morris’s Wainscot – adult
Fig. 2. Morris’s Wainscot - larva
Fig. 3. Undercliff habitat suitable for Morris’s Wainscot
Fig. 4. Scrobipalpula tussilaginis – adult
Fig. 5.Scrobipalpula tussilaginis – leafmine
Fig. 6. Undercliff habitat suitable for Scrobipalpula tussilaginis
2.0 Survey method
Morris’s Wainscot is best looked for shortly after dark, examining medium-sized
whitish moths flying in torchlight, and those at rest on Tall Fescue. Mild evenings,
with night-time minimum temperature forecast no lower than 14C, are best, but if the
temperature drops after a warm dusk then adults are readily observed at rest. The
moth is much less often seen in light traps commonly used for surveying most
Lepidoptera.
On 27th June 2009 a walk over survey of Church Cliff and East Cliff was carried out
during the late afternoon to identify suitable habitat for Morris’s Wainscot and for
Scrobipalpula tussilaginis. One substantial area was identified, on East Cliff Main
Slip, and this was revisited at dusk until 11.00pm (BST). A very much smaller area
suitable for Morris’s Wainscot was found at the southern tip of Church Cliff, but was
not considered worth surveying as it would not be likely to support more than small
numbers of the moth, if any at all. The weather was very warm, with dense fog
descending before dusk maintaining the temperature at 17C during the survey.
A daytime site visit was undertaken on 1st July 2009 to look for microlepidoptera
including Scrobipalpula tussilaginis; the surveyor was accompanied by the botanical
surveyors from EPR.
All moth species found during the two site visits were noted.
3.0 Results
On 27th June at dusk the Morris’s Wainscot was seen in good numbers at East Cliff
Main Slip, with at least 30 in flight in torchlight. Adults were observed flying around
and at rest on Tall Fescue, and a few had alighted on the black drainage pipes
where they appeared to be imbibing dew. Most of the adults were seen flying very
close to the cliff edge in the early successional habitat on drier ground, where it
drops steeply to the old sea wall, and also on the steep sides of the gulleys. A few
were observed on the flatter ground behind this cliff and at the base of the steep
slope leading down to the flatter area, amongst the early successional habitat on
wetter ground. None were seen on the upper flatter area adjacent to the car park.
On 1st July, a large population of the micromoth Scrobipalpula tussilaginis was
observed at East Cliff Main Slip, exclusively in the early successional habitat on
drier ground. Leafmines were found in many Coltsfoot plants wherever these were
growing in bare clay.
A full list of species observed is given in Appendix 1.
4.0 Discussion
30+ Morris’s Wainscot moth in torchlight can be considered a good count in
comparison with numbers seen in other locations around Lyme Regis. In the
author’s experience of surveying for this moth, similar numbers have occurred
elsewhere (e.g. west of Monmouth Beach just into the Axmouth to Lyme Regis
National Nature Reserve, and in the first major landslip west of the Charmouth
Beach Heritage Centre). The presence of the moth on East Cliff is significant as it
represents a current stronghold for the species. The colony ranks as important as
any known today, although it appears that it has gone unnoticed at East Cliff until
found in this survey.
The preferred habitat for Morris’s Wainscot, the isolated tussocks of Tall Fescue in
open ground, is maintained by the rapidly eroding conditions of the maritime slope
at East Cliff Main Slip as elsewhere along this stretch of coast. Where erosion has
slowed, and natural succession has progressed to grassland and scrub, the moth
probably becomes rarer or extinct. For example, in 1995 an open area below
Thorncombe Beacon was found by the author to support a small colony of the
wainscot moth. This area was revisited in 2005 and the habitat had become
dominated by willow scrub and some reedbed, with no Tall Fescue tussocks in open
ground being observed. It is assumed that the moth is now extinct in this location as
a result of habitat succession.
It is regular exposure of bare ground arising from erosion and slumping close to the
cliff edge which seems to provide the critical conditions to enable Morris’s Wainscot
to thrive. Artificial stabilisation of the ground at East Cliff Main Slip would almost
certainly adversely affect the local population of Morris’s Wainscot, if the changes
resulted in a reduction in the area of Tall Fescue tussocks in this open habitat.
However, natural cliff recession, and natural habitat succession would also be likely
to lower habitat suitability in the long term for this species. Erosion of the steep cliff
at the leading edge of East Cliff Main Slip currently provides excellent habitat for the
moth, though over time if the cliff eroded to a gentler slope the open habitat would
be more likely to become closed. The early successional habitat on wetter ground
above the leading cliff edge is already becoming scrubbed up from the margins, and
this area is unlikely to remain suitable for the moth for long.
The presence of a strong colony of the micromoth, Scrobipalpula tussilaginis, is not
a surprise at East Cliff, since this site falls within the core area of the UK distribution
of the moth. It is likely that this species is also found along Church Cliff amongst the
early successional habitat developing on drier ground, providing Coltsfoot is
present, but this survey did not cover the open ground between Church Cliff Flats
and East Cliff Lane. Parsons (1995) comments that the species may be threatened
by cliff stabilisation schemes and construction of sea defences, and activities which
accelerate or reduce rate of erosion should be avoided.
5.0 Summary
Surveys for two nationally rare species of Lepidoptera, Morris’s wainscot Chortodes
morrisii, and the micromoth Scrobipalpula tussilaginis, undertaken at end June /
early July 2009 revealed strong colonies of both species on East Cliff Main Slip,
associated mainly with early successional habitat on drier ground.
6.0 References
High-Point Rendel. 2008. Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements Phase IV Preliminary Design
Stage Environmental Statement. Report for West Dorset District Council.
Parsons, M.S. 1995. A review of the scarce and threatened ethmiine, stathmopodine and gelechiid
moths of Great Britain. UK Nature Conservation 16. 130pp. JNCC, Peterborough.
Shirt, D.B. (ed.) 1987. British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council
Appendix 1. Full list of Lepidoptera recorded (in taxonomic order)
Lepidoptera Records from East Cliff Main Slip (SY 345924)
Recorder: Dr Philip H. Sterling
Code
Taxon
Vernacular
169
Zygaena filipendulae
Six-spot Burnet
288
333
464
Plutella xylostella
504
Coleophora lusciniaepennella
516
Coleophora trifolii
748
Ptocheuusa paupella
823.1
840
Status
Quantity
Date
Method
Stage
at torchlight
Adult
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Larval feeding signs
on Salix cinerea
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Pupal exuviae
on Salix cinerea, identified from pupal exuvia
at torchlight
Adult
Daytime observation
Case
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
at rest on flower Pulicaria dysenterica
50
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Larval feeding signs
tenanted and vacated mines in Tussilago farfara
vacated pupal case in old seedhead of Origanum
1
27-Jun-09
Caloptilia stigmatella
2
Phyllonorycter salictella
1
1
27-Jun-09
1
01-Jul-09
1
Diamond-back Moth
Large Clover Case-bearer
Scrobipalpula tussilaginis
RDBI
Thiotricha subocellea
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Case
964.1
Cochylis molliculana
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
966
Cochylis atricapitana
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1053
Acleris hastiana
2
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Larval
1293
Chrysoteuchia culmella
Garden Grass-veneer
2
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1293
Chrysoteuchia culmella
Garden Grass-veneer
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1294
Crambus pascuella
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1294
Crambus pascuella
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1333
Scoparia pyralella
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1376
Eurrhypara hortulata
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1424
Endotricha flammealis
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1441
Oncocera semirubella
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1495
Marasmarcha lunaedactyla
3
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1507
Stenoptilia zophodactylus
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1526
Thymelicus sylvestris
Small Skipper
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1531
Ochlodes faunus
Large Skipper
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1549
Pieris brassicae
Large White
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1591
Vanessa cardui
Painted Lady
2
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Larval
1620
Melanargia galathea
Marbled White
4
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1626
Maniola jurtina
Meadow Brown
7
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1629
Aphantopus hyperantus
Ringlet
2
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1669
Hemithea aestivaria
Common Emerald
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1669
Hemithea aestivaria
Common Emerald
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1707
Idaea seriata
Small Dusty Wave
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1709
Idaea subsericeata
Satin Wave
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1713
Idaea aversata
Riband Wave
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1742
Camptogramma bilineata
Yellow Shell
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1782
Horisme tersata
Fern
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
Small Magpie
Nb
Comment
on Salix cinerea
on Salix cinerea in spun terminal leaves
flying amongst Ononis repens
larvae on Pulicaria dysenterica, Senecio
erucifolius
1834
Eupithecia vulgata
Common Pug
1
27-Jun-09
1887
Lomaspilis marginata
Clouded Border
1
01-Jul-09
1887
Lomaspilis marginata
Clouded Border
1
27-Jun-09
1956
Cabera exanthemata
Common Wave
1
2068
Callimorpha dominula
Scarlet Tiger
2069
Tyria jacobaeae
Cinnabar
2107
Noctua pronuba
Large Yellow Underwing
2346
Chortodes morrisii
2418
Earias clorana
Morris's Wainscot
Cream-bordered Green
Pea
2441
Autographa gamma
Silver Y
2477
Hypena proboscidalis
Snout
RDB1
Nb
at torchlight
Adult
Daytime observation
Adult
at torchlight
Adult
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
2
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
4
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Larval
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
30
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
1
01-Jul-09
Daytime observation
Adult
1
27-Jun-09
at torchlight
Adult
on Common Ragwort
mostly close to cliff edge
Technical Annex F
Revised Ecology & Landscape Mitigation Design
Report
(Environs Partnership & EPR, November 2009)
LYME REGIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
PHASE IV: PRELIMINARY DESIGN STAGE
FOR
WEST DORSET DISTRICT COUNCIL
REVISED ECOLOGY & LANDSCAPE
MITIGATION DESIGN REPORT
Consultation Draft
NOVEMBER 2009
The Barn Micheldever Station Winchester SO21 3AR
Armitage House
Victor Jackson Avenue
Poundbury
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 3GY
Tel:01305 250455 Fax 01305 264645 Email:landscape@environspartnership.com
Lyme Regis Phase IV Revised Ecology & Landscape Mitigation Design Report
Consultation Draft
LYME REGIS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
PHASE IV PRELIMINARY DESIGN STAGE
REVISED ECOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE MITIGATION DESIGN REPORT
Consultation Draft
CONTENTS
PAGE
1
Introduction
1
2
Engineering Design Summary
6
3
Ecology Design Philosophy
12
4
Landscape Design Philosophy
21
5
Public Access
30
6
References
31
Illustrations
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Location plan
4
Environmental designations
5
Coir honeycomb system in place before filling with soil,
on lower terrace of Langmoor Garden, Lyme Regis, 2005 9
Coir surface matting over honeycomb soil retention
system, Langmoor Garden, 2006
9
Plants established on coir honeycomb system, 2008
10
Existing complex mosaic of vegetation on East Cliff
13
Phase I from the foreshore
25
Overview of eastern end of Phase I
25
Phase I Seating wall
26
Phase I walkway
26
Phase II railings, customised for Lyme Regis
27
An example of a traditional oak post and rail fence
29
An example of a local oak paling fence
29
Appendix 1
Selected High-Point Rendel Preliminary Design drawings
PH4\PD\210
Plan of Principal Landslide Areas
PH4\PD\901
General Arrangement Plan Sheet 1 of 3 (Church Cliff)
PH4\PD\902
General Arrangement Plan Sheet 2 of 3 (East Cliff)
PH4\PD\903
General Arrangement Plan Sheet 3 of 3 (Middle Coastal Slopes)
PH4\PD\910
Foreshore Works – Sea Wall Typical Details
Environs Partnership Mitigation Design drawings
470/14
470/15
470/16
470/17
Appendix 2
Revised Mitigation Strategy – Church Cliff
Revised Mitigation Strategy – East Cliff
Revised Mitigation Strategy – Middle Coastal Slopes
Revised Mitigation Strategy – Seawall East End Spiral
(Appendix 3 – see overleaf)
470/R3/v7
November 2009
Photomontages
Photograph A
Photograph B
Consultation Draft
Appendix 3
Existing view of the Phase IV coastal stabilisation scheme site, seen from the
sea off Church Cliff.
Existing view of the sea wall and coastal slopes east of Lyme Regis, seen
from the end of Gunn Cliff Walk, by Church Cliff Jetty.
A1
A15
Photomontage of view A at completion of works
Photomontage of view A 15 years later
B1
B15
Photomontage of view B at completion of works
Photomontage of view B 15 years later
Tables
Table 1: Proposed flora to establish MC8 and MC11 grasslands
Table 2: Proposed site restoration trees and scrub plant list
Page 18
Page 19
470/R3/v7
November 2009
Consultation Draft
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1.1
West Dorset District Council (WDDC) commissioned High-Point Rendel (HPR) in April
2006 to undertake the preliminary design stage of the Lyme Regis Environmental
Improvements Scheme Phase IV, East Cliff. The scheme location is shown on Figure
1.
1.1.2
The commission is to provide consultancy services to consider options by which the
coastal erosion and slope stabilisation risks can be effectively managed, in order to
improve the stability of the unstable slopes. The purpose of the scheme is to
safeguard public safety, roads, infrastructure and buildings on the eastern side of
Lyme Regis.
1.1.3
Much of the Scheme location is within the West Dorset Coast Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI), a UK site of national importance for geological and nature
conservation which forms part of the Sidmouth to West Bay Special Area of
Conservation (SAC). The SAC is a European site of international importance for
nature conservation (see Figure 2). The Scheme includes several Geological
Conservation Review (GCR) sites. The Scheme is located on the UNESCO Jurassic
Coast World Heritage Site, within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB), part of a UK Heritage Coast and partly within the Lyme Regis urban
Conservation Area. The South West Coast Path, a national walking trail, passes
through the study area. For these reasons there have been extensive regular
consultations with Statutory Consultees about the engineering scheme and mitigation
proposals since 2006.
1.1.4
This study has considered options ranging from ‘do-nothing’ through to minimum
maintenance and to full coast protection including foreshore works and slope
stabilisation measures. In delivering this study West Dorset District Council have
divided the commission into a number of Stages including ‘Stage E Preliminary
design of the preferred solution’.
1.1.5
The engineering deliverable of Stage E is a Preliminary Design Report. In the first
Preliminary Design report (HPR, 2007b – Consultation Draft) the outline coast
protection options addressing both coastal/foreshore erosion and slope instability
formulated in Stage D (HPR, 2007a) were developed to the next stage of design
detail. The 2007 report identified an optimum engineering solution for coastal
stabilisation, referred to as the ‘Preferred Scheme’.
1.1.6
Environs Partnership and Ecological Planning & Research (EPR), respectively the
landscape and ecology sub-consultants appointed by HPR for the scheme, prepared
a Consultation Draft ‘Ecology and Landscape Mitigation Report’ (Environs & EPR,
2007) which described the proposed ecology and landscape mitigation design and the
access proposals for the ‘Preferred Scheme’ of coastal stabilisation measures.
1.1.7
The engineering design options have been considered in terms of two elements: the
foreshore protection works and the unstable coastal slopes above. Ecology and
landscape mitigation design comprises both influences on the preliminary design of
the engineering solution and separate proposals for the finishing works on the
surfaces of the coastal slopes and the seawall.
1.1.8
The Statutory Consultees for the scheme raised concerns relating to the ‘Preferred
Scheme' and its mitigation strategy. In summary the concerns regarding issues
relating to ecology and landscape were:
470/R3/v.7
1
November 2009
Consultation Draft
1. The effect of the scheme on the SAC, SSSI and World Heritage Site.
2. The adverse effects of proposed coastal slopes stabilisation on the SAC,
particularly at East Cliff where the conservation interest is closely linked with
a range of habitats arising from land instability.
3. The mitigation measures devised to re-create similar physical ground
conditions without compromising the proposed engineering stabilisation
measures were considered ‘too simplistic’. The mitigation would not replicate
some types of surface conditions that currently arise as a result of natural
processes and ‘does not replicate the structure and function of the habitat’.
Also the proposed mitigation measures were not supported by evidence that
they would work.
4. That there would be some residual impacts of coastal slope stabilisation that
could not be mitigated.
5. The proposed rock apron in front of the seawall covering the foreshore
ledges and their geological interest.
6. The 60m length of proposed rock armour extending eastwards from the
seawall.
7. That access to the foreshore from Charmouth Road car park should be
removed from the scheme and made the subject of a separate planning
application.
1.1.9
In order to address these concerns and minimise any adverse effects on the SAC and
World Heritage Site, HPR have prepared a 2009 update of the Preliminary Design
Report (HPR Report Ref: 2652/R/07 – issue 4, 2009), in which a number of scheme
modifications have been considered and incorporated into a ‘Revised’ scheme. This
should be referred to for a full explanation and illustrations of the engineering works
described in this mitigation report.
1.1.10
This ‘Revised Ecology and Landscape Mitigation Design Report’, jointly prepared by
Environs Partnership and Ecological Planning & Research (EPR), describes the
proposed ecology and landscape mitigation design and the access proposals for the
‘Revised’ coast protection scheme.
1.1.11
This report follows the ecology and landscape baseline reports listed in Section 6.
These outlined the value and importance of the Scheme location as part of the
Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, in terms of ecology and geology (SSSI, SAC and
GCR sites), in terms of landscape designations (AONB and Heritage Coast) and in
terms of built heritage designations (partly within a Conservation Area and adjacent to
Listed Buildings).
1.1.12
The only significant change since the baseline reports were prepared in 2006 is the
major landslip that occurred just east of the scheme site in May 2008. Its location is
shown on Figure 1. The photographs taken for the baseline report, that have also
been used to illustrate the ‘existing’ conditions for the photomontages in this report,
have not been retaken because the landslip has not altered the landscape character
of the setting or the ecology of the site.
1.1.13
The revised coast protection scheme, described in detail in HPR’s Preliminary Design
Report – 2009 Update (HPR Report Ref: 2652/R/07 – issue 4, 2009), is summarised
in Section 2 below.
1.1.14
The mitigation design for the foreshore protection works, which comprise a seawall
and associated hard engineering elements, will be incorporated into their construction
and will be finished at the completion of the contract.
470/R3/v.7
2
November 2009
1.1.15
Consultation Draft
The implementation of the mitigation design for the soft cliffs will comprise 3 stages:
•
pre-contract site clearance of protected fauna and invasive non-native plants
•
site restoration works that will be undertaken as part of the main contract
•
post-construction site management to achieve the intended habitats and
appearance.
1.1.16
Long term maintenance of the Site’s slopes will be an essential aspect of landscape
and biodiversity mitigation strategies. Thus, it is important that at the same time as
detailed design is developed, an administrative and organisational structure is created
to manage and monitor the Site in the future.
1.1.17
It is understood that ownership of some of the slipped coastal slope areas is unclear
and this should be resolved by WDDC as a matter of priority.
1.1.18
The existing condition of the Phase IV site is illustrated in Photographs A and B, in
Appendix 3. Photograph A is a panorama of the coast east of Lyme Regis and
Photograph B shows the view from the Gun Cliff Walk, by Church Cliff Jetty, which is
the vantage point for the majority of people who approach the site from the town.
1.1.19
Photomontages A1 and B1 illustrate the site from these viewpoints in the first year
after the completion of the main contracts, if the revised mitigation scheme is
adopted.
Photomontages A15 and B15 show the predicted appearance
approximately 15 years later, when plants have colonised and woody vegetation has
become established.
1.1.20
The revised solution described in the Preliminary Design (Stage E) reports will be
further developed for the purposes of: preparation of an Environmental Impact
Assessment (Stage F) where the critical environmental impacts and mitigations will be
described; the submission of a planning application (Stage H); and the undertaking of
an appropriate cost benefit analysis (Stage G). A Management Strategy will also be
prepared to support the planning application.
470/R3/v.7
3
November 2009
Figure 1:
470/R3/v.7
Consultation Draft
Location Plan (not to scale)
4
November 2009
Consultation Draft
Figure 2: Environmental Designations
470/R3/v.7
5
November 2009
Consultation Draft
2
ENGINEERING DESIGN SUMMARY
2.1
Introduction
2.1.1
The seawall east of Church Cliff Jetty, which extends 386m beyond the Phase I sea
defence scheme, was last repaired and extended in 1957 and a concrete apron
added in the 1960’s. The seawall is now nearing the end of its design life. The metal
step ladders that allowed access to the top of the wall at high tide have corroded and
escape access along the top of the wall has been blocked by earth slippages from the
soft cliffs above.
2.1.2
The cliff face beyond the end of the seawall has eroded rapidly and, in 1998, rock
armour was placed at the foot of the cliff face, where it had receded 4m inland from
the seawall end return. As noted in the Introduction, there was also a prominent
landslide in May 2008 at the site of the Town Dump, as shown in Figure 1.
2.1.3
There are 17 associated foreshore groynes, constructed of concrete, steel piles and
timber, that are in an advanced state of deterioration. These are not considered to be
fulfilling a functional role in beach stabilisation. They have been partially dismantled
near the seawall, to allow people to escape from the beach at high tide.
2.1.4
The geologically complex soft cliffs above the seawall are linked to the massive
landslip systems of The Spittles and Black Ven, between Lyme Regis and
Charmouth. Their instability is the result of several different land movement systems,
which have been analysed separately by High-Point Rendel, generating a range of
location-specific stabilisation proposals (see HPR Preliminary Design Report Ref:
2652/R/07 – issue 4, 2009).
2.1.5
In this mitigation report, proposed works on the coastal slopes have been described in
three areas; the Lower Coastal Slopes (sub-divided into Church Cliff and East Cliff),
the Middle Coastal Slopes comprising the Charmouth Road car park, allotments,
football ground and Spittles Lane, and the Upper Coastal Slopes comprising Timber
Hill Meadows and Timber Hill (see Figure 1).
2.1.6
The revised coast protection scheme that has been developed to the preliminary
design stage comprises the following engineering elements, as listed in HPR Report
Ref: 2652/R/07 – issue 4, 2009, Section 2.3 and illustrated on HPR drawings
PH4/PD/901, 902 and 903.
2.1.7
Foreshore protection works, which satisfies the Consultees concerns (see section
1.1.8):
2.1.8
•
New seawall immediately in front of the line of the existing seawall, with no
rock armour apron, and
•
Much reduced extent of rock armour protection to the unprotected cliff toe at
the eastern end of the existing seawall.
Soft cliff works, which satisfies the Consultees concerns (see section 1.1.8):
•
470/R3/v.7
Soil nailing, toe drains and sub-horizontal drilled drains at Church Cliff and
Church Cliff Flats area (referred to as Church Cliff in this report), as in the
Preferred Scheme;
6
November 2009
Consultation Draft
•
Soil nailing, dowel piles, toe drains and sub-horizontal drilled drains at Cedar
Cottage and East Cliff Lane area (referred to as Church Cliff in this report), as
in the Preferred Scheme;
•
Soil nailing and drainage on the western scarp of the East Cliff Main Slip,
where an earth buttress and counterfort drains were previously proposed;
•
Embedded pile walls (underground) in the garden of Bay View Cottage, just
south of the Charmouth Road car park and at the seaward end of the
Allotments. The piling south of the car park would impinge approximately 15 to
20m into the SAC boundary in two places, but all the landshaping and
drainage works on the main East Cliff Main Slip below this that formed part of
the now superseded Preferred Scheme have been deleted;
•
Cut-off drains in the Middle Coastal Slopes area, as in the Preferred Scheme;
•
Instrumentation and monitoring at the Upper Coastal Slopes area (Timber Hill),
as in the Preferred Scheme;
•
Investigation and checking of existing drainage system and maintenance to the
natural drainage streams and ditches across Timber Hill and the Meadows, as
in the Preferred Scheme.
2.2
Foreshore Protection Works
2.2.1
A new concrete seawall will be probably cast in-situ, approximately 3m in front of the
existing wall and between 0.5 – 1.5m or more higher (height of existing wall varies),
with a deeper foundation than previously proposed. The proposed seawall will extend
as far eastwards as the existing seawall.
2.2.2
The top of the seawall will form a walkway, for maintenance and pedestrian use only.
The top will be 3m wide, with a low upstand wall along the inner edge, as a buffer to
the cliff, and railings along the seaward edge.
2.2.3
A new foreshore maintenance access ramp will be formed at the western end of the
seawall, which will be more gently sloping and therefore longer than the existing
ramp.
2.2.4
Three flights of steps will be provided between the wall-top walkway and the
foreshore, to provide an escape route when the tide is rising.
2.2.5
The revised scheme includes a rock armour revetment infilling the eroded return in
the cliff-line, to meet the unprotected seaward-facing cliffs immediately east of the
existing seawall.
2.2.6
All of the foreshore groyne timber and steel elements will be removed down to the
level of the rock ledges or the existing concrete. In addition, concrete groynes will be
removed to the level of the foreshore rock over a distance of 4m seaward of the toe of
the new seawall, to allow access for construction and maintenance traffic.
2.2.7
To avoid disturbance to the rock ledges, no attempt will be made to remove any
existing buried steelwork or concrete below the existing foreshore rock level.
470/R3/v.7
7
November 2009
Consultation Draft
2.3
Works on Church Cliff and the Western Scarp of East Cliff Main Slip
2.3.1
The proposed engineering works will necessitate the removal of all vegetation on
these parts of the Site, due to access requirements for the engineering works, except
possibly for a few trees which it may be possible to retain at the edge of gardens on
the upper crest of Church Cliff. All upper soil layers will also be disrupted by the
engineering works.
2.3.2
The upper soil layers will be removed over the site to an approximate depth of 0.15 0.2m (subject to detailed design and site considerations) and re-used for restoration.
Large tree and scrub roots will be removed from the soil before it is re-spread.
2.3.3
The existing landform will be substantially maintained. However, to provide access to
the seaward-facing slopes it will probably be necessary to form a temporary narrow
works access along the middle of Church Cliff. Should an access be necessary it
would be temporary and may require temporary support works. As the contractor
retreats from the site, a slope similar to the existing landform would be restored along
the route and stabilised with soil nails and mesh, before the surface is reinstated.
2.3.4
A works access will also be needed from the Charmouth Road car park leading to
both the eastern part of the main East Cliff slip and to Church Cliffs. This access will
run along the foot of the western scarp of the East Cliff main slip. This route will not
be retained; the upper soil layer will be reinstated and allowed to recolonise naturally.
2.3.5
The stability of the steep slopes of both Church Cliff and the western scarp of the East
Cliff Main slip will be improved by pinning with grids of soil nails (grouted slender steel
rods with galvanised metal head plates, approx. 0.2 x 0.2m square). The soil nails will
be faced with a structural steel mesh (pvc coated, galvanised steel chainlink, approx.
6 x 6cm mesh size) placed on the slope immediately over the grid of soil nails.
2.3.6
To retain soil on soil-nailed slopes steeper than 1 in 2.5, a non-biodegradable,
honeycomb structure soil retention system will be pinned over the steel mesh, and
soil saved from the existing site surface will be re-spread into the cells of the
honeycomb. The depth of the honeycomb structure and reinstated soil will be 0.2m.
2.3.7
To stabilise the soil surface either a biodegradable surface matting, turf or reinforced
turf will be laid over the top. If matting is used, seed will be sown first (see Ecological
Restoration in Section 3 below) and the coir or jute matting will then be laid over the
top, to protect the seed from erosion and encourage plant growth.
2.3.8
This type of biodegradable soil stabilisation system (Maccaferri’s Biomac) was used
on the steepest slopes in the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements Phase 2
scheme, in Langmoor Gardens, as shown on Figures 3 to 5. The system was
designed for use mainly with grass seeding below the coir mat, rather than planting,
as in Langmoor Gardens. Light penetrates the coir matting, which is sufficiently
loose-textured to allow germination through it.
2.3.9
If soil nailing is carried out on any gentler slopes, the honeycomb system will be
omitted but a 0.2m deep reinstated soil layer will be covered with a coir or jute mat to
prevent surface run-off erosion.
470/R3/v.7
8
November 2009
Consultation Draft
Figure 3: Coir honeycomb system in place before filling with soil, on
lower terrace of Langmoor Garden, Lyme Regis, 2005.
Figure 4: Coir surface matting over honeycomb soil retention system,
with plants inserted through it, Langmoor Garden, 2006.
470/R3/v.7
9
November 2009
Consultation Draft
Figure 5: Plants established on coir honeycomb system, 2008.
2.3.10
On some flatter areas above the soil nailing along the eastern part of Church Cliffs,
rows of dowel piles will be drilled into the ground. These are steel tubes, less than
0.5m in diameter, filled with cement grout. The top of the piles will be covered with up
to 0.5m depth of soil saved from the existing site surface. The depth will depend on
the availability of site soil because imported topsoil should not be used on this site.
2.3.11
At Church Cliff, sub-horizontal drilled drains will also be drilled into the lower cliff in
the soil nailing area, which will discharge through the seawall. The proposed subhorizontal drains will primarily reduce the groundwater pressure at depth, rather than
the groundwater near the surface.
2.3.12
The existing groundwater table in the slope is not near the slope surface and the
proposed drilled drains and toe drains will have insignificant effect on any water
retained in the near-surface soil, so ground conditions for vegetation are predicted to
be similar to current conditions.
2.3.13
As part of the proposed coast protection works the existing pair of surface pipes,
draining water from the Charmouth Road car park and nearby areas, which are
draped over the East Cliff face at present will be replaced by a buried pipe. It will be
routed along the crest of the western scarp of the East Cliff Main Slip area and will
discharge to the sea through the new seawall. The northern part of the proposed
pipeline route is outside the SAC area.
2.3.14
This pipeline will include manholes that will require provision for maintenance access.
At the northern end, access to manholes 1 and 2 (see dwg. 470/15) will be from the
Charmouth Road car park. The maintenance access for manholes 3 to 6 will run from
East Cliff Lane (and possibly also from Ferndown Road), parallel to the private
gardens and largely outside the SAC.
470/R3/v.7
10
November 2009
Consultation Draft
2.3.15
There will be two manholes south of the private gardens, manhole 6 at the top of the
sea cliff and manhole 7 at the bottom. Access to manhole 6 will be from East Cliff
Lane. Access to manhole 7 will be from the new seawall. Access for pipe cleaning
maintenance will be from manhole 7 or from manhole 5 at the end of East Cliff Lane.
2.4
East Cliff Northern Edge; Slope Works below Charmouth Road Car Park, in
southern Allotments and in Bay View Cottage garden
2.4.1
Instead of the ‘Preferred’ Scheme of stabilising the East Cliff slip by re-shaping and
draining the slumping land itself, the ‘Revised’ engineering solution is to maintain the
stability of the land above (at Bay View Cottage, Charmouth Road car park and the
allotments) with a series of linked piles forming embedded (underground) walls
around the head of the slippage (see HPR drawing PH4\PD\902 in Appendix 1). Just
above and parallel to the pile walls, trench drains would be installed. These would be
2 – 3m deep and backfilled with coarse granular material. The granular material can
be covered with a geotextile that will allow the surface to be reinstated with a layer of
topsoil.
2.4.2
When these have been installed the pile caps can be up to a metre below the
restored ground level, but are likely in this case to be approximately 0.3 to 0.5m
below, depending on the landscape restoration strategy. The slopes in these areas
are sufficiently gentle to allow topsoil to be replaced to any depth without requiring soil
stabilisation measures.
2.4.3
The soil restoration proposals will be different for each of the three locations above.
Soils stripped from each of the three areas above before the engineering works start
will be saved in separate stockpiles.
2.4.4
Soils in the garden of Bay View and the allotments will be replaced to an approximate
depth of 0.5m. The soils used will have been saved from the same locations and if
necessary, supplemented with imported topsoil to achieve the required depth.
2.4.5
The area immediately below the car park that is outside the SSSI and SAC will be
reinstated with 0.1 to 0.2m depth of topsoil, which can be imported if necessary.
2.4.6
The areas below the car park that fall within the SSSI / SAC boundary will be
reinstated with approximately 0.2m depth of upper soils that have been saved from
the same area of the site.
2.4.7
There will also need to be a temporary works access between the car park and the
East Cliff western scarp. The upper soils will be stripped from this area and stored
separately. The land will be graded to the minimum necessary for safe access, some
temporary piles may be needed and a geotextile carpet will be laid over the subsoil to
protect it from imported materials. A layer of imported crushed stone would be laid on
the geotextile to form the access track.
2.4.8
When the works are completed the imported stone and geotextile will be removed,
some regrading will be carried out to restore the landform (depending on future
occasional access requirements) and the original upper soil layer will be replaced.
470/R3/v.7
11
November 2009
Consultation Draft
2.5
Middle and Upper Slopes
2.5.1
The engineering works proposed above the car park comprise two east-west running
cut-off drains, the upper one along Spittles Lane and the lower one through the
Charmouth Car Park and adjacent Allotments (see dwg. PH4/PD/903 in Appendix 1).
2.5.2
No engineering works are proposed above this, in The Meadows or Timber Hill, as
part of the current scheme. However it is proposed that the existing drainage system
is improved by ensuring that the ditches and streams are adequately cleaned out and
maintained in the future and that the integrity of existing piped drainage systems is
checked.
2.6
Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)
2.6.1
When the engineering contract is in progress, environmental mitigation measures will
be integral to the methods of working. These will include general good practice, e.g.
control of spillages / dust and protection of retained vegetation, and site specific
requirements, for example, deliveries by sea will be controlled to protect the
Sabellaria reefs on the outer foreshore ledges. The necessary procedures will be
incorporated in a Construction Environmental Management Plan.
3
ECOLOGY DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
3.1
Background
3.1.1
Much of the Scheme location is within the West Dorset Coast Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI), a UK site of national importance for geological and nature
conservation which forms part of the Sidmouth to West Bay Special Area of
Conservation (SAC), a European site of international importance for nature
conservation (see Figure 2).
3.1.2
Key components of the nature conservation interest of the SSSI are the soft maritime
cliffs (Maritime Cliff and Slopes is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan habitat), which have a
mosaic of vegetation, soils and micro-topographical conditions that support an
assemblage of scarce invertebrates.
3.1.3
The SAC is designated because it includes habitats of European importance, with the
relevant one for the Scheme location being Vegetated Sea Cliffs of the Atlantic and
Baltic coasts (VSC). The type of VSC at the Scheme location is soft maritime cliffs.
3.2
Existing Conditions and Biodiversity Value
3.2.1
A key feature of soft maritime cliffs is the variety of vegetation types that develop as a
result of occasional but continual localised land slippage on relatively steep slopes.
When new bare ground is formed, it is colonised first by ‘pioneer’ plants (mainly
flowering plants and grasses), but as time passes a range of other plants become
established, forming scrub habitats and later woodland. This process is known as
‘succession’.
3.2.2
Slippage also creates uneven ground on the slopes, forming a variety of humps and
hollows, which give rise to a range of ground moisture conditions and variation in
micro-topography.
470/R3/v.7
12
November 2009
3.2.3
Consultation Draft
The result is a mosaic of vegetation types which make up the soft maritime cliff
habitat, an example of part of which is illustrated in Figure 6. This ranges from bare
ground (mud and clay with very little vegetation), through early succession vegetation
(including a type of short perennial grassland which only occurs on soft cliffs), and
onto late succession vegetation of tussocky grassland, tall herb vegetation, scrub and
even woodland. In addition, seepages of groundwater and surface water runoff collect
in hollows to aid the formation of a range of both early and late succession vegetation
types associated with wetter ground conditions, visible in the left foreground of Figure
6.
Figure 6: Example of the existing complex mosaic of vegetation on the coastal
slopes. (View west from East Cliff toward the western side scarp.
3.2.4
470/R3/v.7
The wide range of vegetation structure and type within the soft cliff habitat provide
ideal conditions for supporting a high diversity of invertebrates (for example spiders,
and insects such as beetles, bees, moths and flies), including many rare species for
the following reasons:
•
Southern England coastal location with south-facing slopes.
•
Bare ground on clay and sandy soils (in both a vertical and horizontal plane)
which provide nesting areas for solitary bees and wasps.
•
Low-growing flowering plants, such as Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus,
providing pollen and nectar for insects such as bees and larval food plants for
butterflies and moths.
13
November 2009
Consultation Draft
•
Tall herb vegetation such as Wild Carrot Daucus carota, providing nectar and
larval food plants.
•
Tusssocky grassland providing roosting and over-wintering sites.
•
Vegetation associated with wetter ground conditions, providing habitat for
hoverflies and craneflies.
•
Scrub which provides shelter from the wind, with Bramble Rubus fruticosus
agg. and Ivy Hedera helix providing nectar in summer and autumn.
3.3
Introduction to Mitigation Philosophy
3.3.1
It is important to recognise that although Church Cliff and East Cliff coastal slopes are
classified as soft maritime cliffs, this habitat is not functioning naturally at this location
because it is already subject to coast protection measures i.e. the existing seawall
prevents erosion of the toe of the coastal cliff, so that regression and instability of the
coastal slopes is reduced. Some slippage however still occurs, both along Church
Cliff and the East Cliff Main Slip, largely as a result of the coastal slopes being
oversteep and high groundwater levels.
3.3.2
The more stable conditions that occur along Church Cliff and on the western
periphery (scarp slope) of the East Cliff Main Slip area, due to the existing seawall,
have allowed vegetation to develop to scrub and even woodland in much of these
areas. The proposed coastal scheme will improve the stability of these oversteep
slopes on Church Cliff and the western periphery of East Cliff. This will mean that the
natural land slippages that caused some continued renewal of habitats in these areas
will be significantly reduced.
3.3.3
As described earlier, the principal difference between the Preferred scheme and the
Revised scheme is that the works will no longer affect the majority of East Cliff, where
a greater diversity of vegetation types occurs, including vegetation associated with
both open and wetter ground. Rather, this area will continue to function much as at
present, i.e. it will continue to retain some natural function, although movement will
continue to be limited by the replacement seawall. Up-slope works will only prevent
the inland retreat of the slope above East Cliff so that the main part of East Cliff will
continue to slip locally on occasion, much as it does now.
3.3.4
The mitigation philosophy for the Revised scheme therefore differs from that for the
Preferred scheme as follows (see also Section 2 above):
470/R3/v.7
•
Church Cliff (Church Cliff to East Cliff Lane landslide areas): the same
approach as for the Preferred scheme, i.e. the rapid establishment of
vegetation cover to stabilise soils on the steep slope remaining following the
engineering works.
•
East Cliff western side scarp: the same approach as proposed for Church Cliff,
i.e. the rapid establishment of vegetation cover to stabilise soils on the steep
slope remaining following the engineering works.
•
Temporary working areas alongside East Cliff western side scarp:
reinstatement by replacing soils removed with their seedbank prior to works
and encouraging natural recolonisation.
14
November 2009
•
3.3.5
Consultation Draft
East Cliff north: reinstatement of small areas below the car park and allotments
where engineering works need to intrude across the SSSI/SAC boundary into
the soft cliff habitat by replacing soils removed with their seedbank prior to
works and encouraging natural recolonisation.
The soils in the areas listed above will have differing structures because they have
developed over different periods of time and in differing conditions, due to variations
in slope stability. It is therefore proposed that the soils from each of the following
areas will be stripped and stockpiled separately and re-instated in the area from which
they were taken, in order to recreate the existing ground conditions as closely as
possible:
•
Church Cliff (Church Cliff to East Cliff Lane landslide areas) where there have
been frequent small movements and soils have developed under grassland
and recent scrub, so profiles are expected to be thin and relatively low in
humus.
•
The East Cliff western side scarp, where woodland and high scrub has
developed so soil profiles are expected to be deeper and relatively humus rich.
•
South-west of the Charmouth Road car park where soils appear to have been
more disrupted by recent movements and water seepages
•
South-east of the Charmouth Road car park, below the allotments, where the
land is flatter and has been relatively stable, so high scrub has developed and
soil profiles are expected to be deeper and relatively humus rich.
3.3.6
Within this overall ecological restoration soils plan, in areas where Japanese
Knotweed has been eradicated before the works commence (see 3.4 below) the soil
will be separately stripped and stored. The soil from these areas may be treated in
storage to reduce viability of any remaining Japanese Knotweed material. Such soils
will be re-instated in a single location, close to its original site, which is accessible for
further treatment, in case any live roots remain. This is likely to be principally on the
East Cliff western scarp.
3.3.7
Whilst recognising that the soft maritime cliff habitat comprises a range of vegetation
types, the more valuable communities are the early succession vegetation and
vegetation on wetter ground. The scheme will, however, result in a greater loss of late
succession communities, particularly woodland and scrub which are considered to be
of lesser value, than late succession grassland vegetation. Therefore, the philosophy
behind the ecological mitigation design is to largely restore late succession
grasslands in the affected areas.
3.3.8
Vegetation will be restored on steeper areas by re-using the removed soils that will be
retained, and seeding or planting with a range of appropriate locally occurring
species, as listed in Table 1. For less steep areas restoration will be achieved by
using soils retained with their seedbank and allowing natural recolonisation,
3.3.9
The intention is then to manage the developing vegetation with the aim of restoring
and maintaining a diversity of vegetation types and structure with an emphasis on late
succession vegetation, principally herb-rich grassland.
3.3.10
The proposed mitigation therefore takes account of the adverse effects on the main
interests of the SSSI, and those elements of the SAC that can be mitigated, i.e. loss
of a mosaic of vegetation types.
470/R3/v.7
15
November 2009
Consultation Draft
3.4
Pre-construction Mitigation
3.4.1
The mitigation strategy will commence before the main contract, with the eradication
of Japanese Knotweed, a non-native invasive species of plant currently colonising the
western edge of East Cliff and at least the eastern end of Church Cliff (East Cliff Lane
landslide area). Eradication of Japanese Knotweed may take at least three years and
so efforts to locate and control it will commence as soon as possible.
3.4.2
Two years before the main contract(s) commence, a reptile translocation exercise will
be undertaken across all areas of potential reptile habitat that are likely to be affected
by works. This will involve capturing any reptiles encountered under refugia placed to
aid their capture during their active period (March to October), and releasing them in a
previously identified and prepared receptor area with suitable habitat nearby, where
no or only low numbers of reptile currently occur.
3.4.3
The proposed receptor sites are existing scrub areas on the adjacent East Cliff Main
Slip and east of the allotments. These scrub areas are unsuitable reptile habitat at
present, so would have no or low reptile populations. Prior to translocation the scrub
will be cleared to create new suitable receptor habitat.
3.4.4
The translocation may take more than one year to achieve in view of the difficult
terrain and the high numbers of reptiles that are likely to be present.
3.4.5
The translocation procedure will require staged cutting of all vegetation on the site
during reptile clearance. Mature vegetation (trees, shrubs and scrub will be cutback
in the winter (September to February) to avoid the bird nesting season.
3.4.6
Furthermore, timing of the cutting down of vegetation will need to take account of the
potential presence of the Hazel Dormouse, which occurs locally and may be
encountered in suitable habitat on the coastal cliffs. Subject to further survey, this
vegetation clearance may therefore need to be carried out under a European
Protected Species licence. For Dormice, scrub cutting is also best done in winter as
long as plants are not uprooted.
3.4.7
The final stage of the reptile translocation, once the majority of animals have been
caught and removed, will involve a destructive search requiring supervised clearance
of all vegetation in the works areas, thereby preparing the site for works.
3.5
Mitigation Proposals for Church Cliff and Western Scarp of East Cliff (see
drawings 470/14 and 470/15 in Appendix 2)
Scheme Mitigation
3.5.1
As described in Section 2 above, the mitigation design for Church Cliff and that for the
western scarp of East Cliff will be equivalent since in both of these areas the current
vegetation cover is principally tree and scrub dominated, and the steepness of the
slope will necessitate stabilisation of soils immediately following engineering works
with a soil retaining system.
3.5.2
The ecological mitigation design philosophy behind establishing vegetation on the
stabilised Church Cliff and western scarp of East Cliff are to:
•
470/R3/v.7
Establish a dense, herb-rich sward with a stable mat of roots to hold the upper
soil that will be replaced on the engineered areas;
16
November 2009
3.5.3
3.5.4
3.5.5
Consultation Draft
•
Create a vegetation type present in the SAC and that is appropriate to the site;
•
Create a habitat that functions in sustaining the invertebrate interest of the
SSSI; and
•
Establish vegetation that is capable of supporting grazing as a management
tool.
The following references have been drawn upon for guidance on vegetation of soft
cliffs:
•
The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) British Plant Communities Vol. 5
Maritime Communities and Vegetation of Open Habitats; (Rodwell, 2000); and
•
NERR 003 Maritime Cliff and Slope Inventory 2004/2005 (Hill et al, 2007).
Refining the vegetation types and flora most suitable and likely to meet the purposes
of the scheme as identified above are based on:
•
EPR surveys 1997 to 2009;
•
Buglife surveys of Soft Cliffs in Dorset, including work in the SAC; and
•
Liaison with Dr P Sterling, DCC Ecologist.
The most appropriate vegetation for conditions on Church and East Cliff after the
completion of works are the maritime grassland vegetation types described in the
NVC. Of these, two communities are of particular relevance:
•
MC8 Festuca rubra – Armeria maritima maritime grassland (Red Fescue Thrift maritime grassland); and
•
MC11 Festuca rubra – Daucus carota maritime grassland (Red Fescue –
Carrot maritime grassland).
MC8 Red Fescue - Thrift Maritime Grassland
3.5.6
The NVC (Rodwell, 2000) describes the MC8 grasslands as: ‘...[MC8] occupies the
most maritime position …on coastal cliffs. Steep to moderate slopes up to about 50
m above sea level and receives large amounts of sea spray.’
3.5.7
A grassland referable to MC8 could develop on the most saline influenced areas,
which would most likely be the steep low cliff immediately above the sea wall. There
is already evidence of a saline influence here as shown by the presence of saline
banks with species such as Crithmum maritimum and Spergularia rupicola and
S.marina that are characteristic of saline conditions (see Botanical survey report, EPR
2009). The constant species of this community are Red Fescue and Thrift. This
community is likely to be present on the more stable cliff areas in the SAC east of
Lyme Regis.
MC11 Red Fescue - Carrot maritime grassland
3.5.8
470/R3/v.7
The NVC (Rodwell, 2000) describes the MC11 grasslands as: ‘A sea cliff grassland
characteristic of less maritime situations…virtually confined to cliffs of calcareous
soils…’ Constant species are Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata and Daucus carota.
17
November 2009
Consultation Draft
3.5.9
A grassland referable to MC11 could develop on most of the stabilised cliff areas. A
small area of this community was recorded on Church Cliff on a stable part of the cliff
where vegetation had not succeeded to scrub.
3.5.10
The proposed floral mix required to establish MC8 – MC11 grasslands is given in
Table 1 below. Careful consideration will have to be given in sourcing the material to
use in the seed mix to ensure as local provenance as possible.
TABLE 1: PROPOSED FLORA TO ESTABLISH MC8 AND MC11 GRASSLANDS
Species
Common name
Grasses
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Cynosurus cristatus
Dactylis glomerata
Festuca rubra
Helictotrichon pubescens *
Holcus lanatus
Other Herbaceous Species
Armeria maritime **
Carex flacca
Centaurea nigra
Cerastium fontanum
Daucus carota
Galium verum
Lathyrus pratensis
Lotus corniculatus
Ononis repens
Pilosella officinarum
Plantago lanceolata
Rumex acetosa
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Vicia sativa
Creeping Bent
MC8
Maritime
Grassland
MC11
Maritime
Grassland
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Sweet Vernal Grass
Crested Dog’s-tail
Cock’s-foot
Red Fescue
1
1
Downy Oat-grass
Yorkshire-fog
1
Kidney-vetch
1
1
Thrift
Glaucous Sedge
Common Knapweed
Common Mouse-ear
1
Wild Carrot
1
Lady’s Bedstraw
Meadow Vetchling
Bird’s-foot-trefoil
Common Restharrow
1
1
Mouse-ear Hawkweed
Ribwort Plantain
Common Sorrel
1
1
Red Clover
White Clover
Common Vetch
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Notes
* Only on East Cliff west scarp
**
470/R3/v.7
Establish by planting plugs rather than seeds
18
November 2009
Consultation Draft
3.5.11
The MC 11 seed mix will be applied across the entire area, and following
establishment is expected to develop as MC 8 on the lower, steeper cliffs exposed to
coastal/sea spray conditions to a point about 10m above the seawall. Within this
lower zone Thrift Armeria maritima will be introduced as plug plants to increase
survival rates.
3.5.12
The seed may be applied by hydro-seeding before spreading coir matting or as
specially-grown turf, which may be reinforced with a biodegradable fabric. If a turf
(with or without reinforcement) is used, it will be pinned over the soil retaining
honeycomb system.
3.5.13
The grass mix will provide integrity of root systems and a flower-rich sward at the
same time.
Trees and scrub
3.5.14
A small number of existing trees may be retained around the top of the slope and
some trees and native shrubs will be planted. Scrambling plants such as bramble,
madder and wild roses will also be planted to form the next structural layer.
3.5.15
Trees, shrubs and scrambling plants that will probably be re-introduced to the area by
planting (some might be sown) are listed in Table 2.
3.5.16
Trees and shrubs will be grown from locally collected seeds or vegetative material, as
far as possible. Where such material is unavailable, seed collected within the southwest of England provenance area (Forestry Commission seed zone 305 – see
Reference list) will be used.
3.5.17
Wild bramble is genetically complex, so the use of local genotypes may be
considered particularly important. It is also not normally commercially available, so it
is proposed to obtain brambles near the site, by digging up rooted stems around local
thickets.
TABLE 2: PROPOSED SITE RESTORATION TREES AND SCRUB PLANT LIST
470/R3/v.7
Species
Common name
Clematis vitalba
Traveller’s-joy
Cornus sanguineus
Crataegus monogyna
Dogwood
Hawthorn
Euonymus europaeus
Spindle
Fraxinus excelsior
Ash
Ligustrum vulgare
Wild Privet
Prunus spinosa
Blackthorn
Quercus robur
Rosa arvensis
Pedunculate Oak
Field Rose
Rosa canina
Dog Rose
Rubia peregrina
Rubus fruticosus
Madder
Bramble
Salix cinerea ssp.
oleifolia
Ulmus sp. agg.
Grey Willow
Viburnum lantana
Wayfaring-tree
Elm species
19
November 2009
Consultation Draft
Establishment Management
3.5.18
Vegetation establishment on Church Cliff and the western side scarp of East Cliff will
be monitored, and management guided to encourage development of the desired
elements of herb-rich grassland grading into low-growing scrub, with shrubs and trees
at the top of the slope in places where a buffer to residential boundaries is required
(see Landscape section below).
3.5.19
In less steep areas of the slopes, where manual maintenance access is feasible,
grassland will be strimmed annually, and scrub cut back every 3-5 years, but some
areas will remain uncut in any one year in order to create a mosaic of conditions. The
steeper areas of the cliff are likely to be inaccessible for manual management, and
will be left to develop as scrub.
Long-term Management
3.5.20
The desired long-term management would be by grazing, where the terrain permits.
This option is outlined separately in the section below and should be given due
consideration when future management is reviewed. If grazing does not prove viable,
the manual maintenance regime will be continued.
3.6
Mitigation Proposals for East Cliff Northern Edge and Western Scarp works
access (see drawing 470/15 in Appendix 2)
3.6.1
For the small areas at the northern edge of the East Cliff Main Slip and the works
access route along the foot of the Western Scarp, the objective is to allow the
seedbank contained in the existing soils to regenerate local vegetation. The mitigation
design for these areas is to spread a layer of approximately 300mm of bare soil, taken
from the top of the existing landslip area at the start of the works.
3.6.2
The bare ground will be left to recolonise naturally, providing conditions for pioneer
plant species such as Coltsfoot, which in turn supports invertebrates such as the rare
micromoth Scrobipalpula tussilaginis, and the rare plant Bithynian Vetch Vicia
bithynica, which have been recorded on the cliffs. As the vegetation develops
towards tussocky grassland, it can be expected to include Tall Fescue, which would
be suitable for the rare Morris's Wainscot moth, which is found on East Cliff Main Slip
3.6.3
The subsequent development of this naturally colonising vegetation will be monitored
to direct management which will aim to create and maintain early succession
vegetation.
Scheme Mitigation
3.6.4
The upper layer of soil (approximately 0.2-0.3 m thick) containing its seedbank, will be
removed and carefully stored for as short a time as possible.
3.6.5
Once engineering works required to improve the stability of the slopes are complete,
the underlying landform will be modified in order to offer as wide a range of microtopography as possible, with minor humps and hollows. The saved soils with their
seedbank will then be re-spread over the finished earthworks, using minimum
compaction.
Establishment Management
3.6.6
470/R3/v.7
The naturally colonising vegetation will be managed during the short to medium-term,
with the aim of creating a mosaic of early succession vegetation types.
20
November 2009
Consultation Draft
3.6.7
Areas of grass and tall herb will be managed by strimming which would be required
biannually.
3.7
Long-term management – Grazing
3.7.1
The desired long-term management of the coastal slopes is by grazing,
recommended since this is a natural and sustainable means of maintaining the
desired conditions, whilst it is likely that the coastal vegetation at this location was
traditionally grazed up until last century. It is proposed that grazing will be carried out
by using a small flock of suitable hardy livestock, possibly local cattle or traditional
breeds of sheep or goat, using animals that are already used to grazing coastal
locations.
3.7.2
It is possible that the grazing unit would not be confined to the areas directly affected
by the Revised scheme, but could also include much of East Cliff, which lacks fully
functioning natural processes and hence is succeeding to scrub. Managing the
habitats on East Cliff would bring about benefits by maintaining the more valuable
early succession communities there.
3.7.3
Stock can be put out to graze the cliffs as and when required or may remain
permanently, and the movement of the stock could be controlled by use of electric
fencing to compartmentalise small areas at a time. The sourcing of grazing stock and
stock managers are currently being discussed with local organisations including the
National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust.
3.7.4
Should grazing not prove feasible, the manual management regime described above
will be maintained.
3.8
Middle Coastal Slopes (see drawing 470/16 in Appendix 2)
3.8.1
The drainage and piling works proposed on the middle slopes are largely through
hardstandings and allotments, so will affect only a small area of pasture, scrub and
hedgerow. The pasture will be re-sown with an appropriate low productivity grass
mix, the scrub will be allowed to recolonise and the hedge will be replanted with
native species.
3.9
Interpretation
3.9.1
The opportunity will be taken to provide interpretation of the geology and ecology of
the cliffs, with interpretation boards at a proposed viewing area by the Charmouth
Road car park and near the seawall. These public access and interpretation
proposals are described more fully in Section 5.0 of this report.
4
LANDSCAPE DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
4.1
Background
4.1.1
The Landscape and Visual Baseline Report (Environs Partnership, February 2007)
outlined the value and importance of the Scheme location, as part of the Jurassic
Coast World Heritage Site and in terms of landscape designations (AONB and
Heritage Coast) and built heritage designations (partly within a Conservation Area
and adjacent to Listed Buildings).
470/R3/v.7
21
November 2009
Consultation Draft
4.1.2
This earlier report concluded that the most important landscape mitigation aim is to
maintain the sharp transition in character at Church Cliff Jetty, between the intensely
urban, historic town to the west and the undeveloped and largely untamed coast to
the east.
4.1.3
The other principal conclusion of the Landscape and Visual Baseline report mitigation
strategy was that ecological mitigation should be the over-riding concern of the
coastal slopes landscape design, due to the locality’s high conservation status. This
approach would also support the goal of maintaining a sharp urban/rural watershed at
Church Cliff Jetty.
4.1.4
Other potential landscape mitigation measures that would contribute to this goal
would be:
•
the retention or replanting of some trees and scrub along the cliff tops
•
ensuring that the seawall design is simple and rugged, avoiding inappropriate
surface decoration or colourings in the concrete
•
ensuring that only essential street furniture, such as railings or seats, is
incorporated and that it is of simple, robust design, suitable for its rural setting
•
avoiding the introduction of lighting east of Church Cliff Jetty.
4.1.5
Access into the Site area today is restricted and hence a potential range of walks and
associated views are not currently being exploited. The landscape design philosophy
encompasses public access for education and recreation.
4.2
Lower Coastal Slopes – Church Cliff and East Cliff Western Scarp
4.2.1
The mitigation proposals for this area are shown on drawings 470/14 and 470/15. As
noted above, ecological mitigation is the over-riding concern of the landscape design
within the SSSI / SAC.
4.2.2
In the Church Cliff area, where soft slopes are steep, it will be necessary to retain the
soil replaced over the steel mesh grid and to ensure that the surface is revegetated
immediately with a grass and herb mixture, as described in the Ecology section
above. This also applies to the western flank of the East Cliff area.
4.2.3
Some trees and scrub will be retained, planted or allowed to recolonise along the
upper margins of Church Cliff and the western edge of East Cliff, as at present.
4.2.4
This planting will hasten the re-instatement of the landscape character of Church Cliff
and re-create the existing softened edge to the residential area (see Photograph A –
Existing view in Appendix 3). It will mask the rear elevations of properties on East
Cliff Lane and the new fencing, which will be prominent on the horizon in views from
the foreshore (see Photomontage A1).
4.2.5
For the native planting, small stock (20 – 40cm high) will be used, to optimise
establishment in this exposed location. It is widely recognised that establishment
growth rates are fastest for young stock, which overtakes larger plantings in 5 to 10
years. Plastic protective tubes are considered unsuitable for this site because they
are unsightly and it is anticipated that they may be blown over. It does not appear
that they would be necessary to protect from deer or rabbit damage.
470/R3/v.7
22
November 2009
Consultation Draft
4.3
Lower Coastal Slopes –East Cliff Northern Edge
4.3.1
The mitigation proposals for this area are shown on drawing 470/15.
4.3.2
Where piling would impinge on the SSSI / SAC at the upper edge of East Cliff, the
reinstated site-saved soils will be on slopes gentle enough to allow natural
recolonisation.
4.3.3
It is proposed to restore the relatively level area between this boundary and the car
park for public use as a viewing and picnic area, offering Lyme Bay sea views. There
will also be an opportunity for interpretation facilities in this location. The area will be
grassed and maintained by regular mowing. A few trees may be planted along the
northern edge for shade. Naturally colonising scrub below this platform will be
controlled to maintain open views.
4.3.4
There will be an oak post and rail fence along the car park boundary, with an overlap
gap entry to prevent children running out. The seaward sides will be contained with
an oak post and rail fence, or a vertical paling fence if a higher level of deterrence of
public access to the slopes below is considered necessary (see Figures 12 and 13 on
page 29). The fences will be of robust design and the seaward fence should be no
more than 1m high to allow sea views for most people, including wheelchair users.
4.3.5
Seating and interpretation may not form part of this scheme, but will be provided by
WDDC or others at a later date.
4.3.6
The garden of Bay View Cottage will be restored to a design similar to the existing
garden, to be agreed with the owners at the detailed design stage.
4.3.7
Piling and drainage will also impinge on the allotments. The allotments and
surrounding hedge will be reinstated, with a 1.8m close-board fence to provide shortterm security. Any sheds or glasshouses that are disturbed will be reinstated or
replaced.
4.3.8
Over the 60-year design life of this scheme the ongoing slope movements within the
East Cliff Main Slip area, seaward of the pile walls, are likely to gradually expose the
upper section of the concrete piles. The pile wall has been designed to allow an
exposure, or loss of ground seawards, of up to 5m in height. It is anticipated that such
exposure would happen very slowly and so colonising vegetation can be allowed to
grow up to conceal the concrete piles. If there is insufficient scrub colonisation to
conceal the piles, additional native scrub planting could be introduced around the pile
walls at a later date.
4.3.9
As coastal instability continues, the allotments below (seawards of) the pile walls may
cease to be viable, but if they remain in use in this situation the boundary hedge
would conceal the piles in views from the car park and foreshore.
4.4
Lower Coastal Slopes – Property Boundaries
4.4.1
The existing boundaries to private gardens appear to include close-board fencing and
post and rail fences, whilst some gardens seem to merge into the scrub on the cliffs
with no defining structures.
470/R3/v.7
23
November 2009
Consultation Draft
4.4.2
At the completion of the works the garden boundaries will be reinstated with fence
designs (up to 1.8m high) which will be agreed with the individual landowners, subject
to the approval of the planning authority. In addition, where requested, hedges will be
planted, again using plants agreed with the individual landowners. No private
accesses will be provided onto the cliffs.
4.4.3
Private boundary fences that may appear on the horizon in views from the foreshore
will be screened with native shrub planting on the cliffs below.
4.4.4
The Churchyard boundary, which is unfenced at present but contained by
impenetrable scrub growing on the steep slopes below, will be secured with timber
fencing in keeping with the setting of this Grade 1 Listed building. The detailed
design of the fence will be agreed with the Church, English Heritage and the WDDC
Conservation Officer. It is not proposed to plant to replace the scrub entirely,
because the scheme will create new sea views from the churchyard.
4.4.5
On the crest of the headland above Church Cliff Jetty, the existing post and 4-rail
timber fencing along the mown grass boundary will be re-instated with a timber fence.
4.5
Middle Coastal Slopes
4.5.1
The majority of the proposed upper cut-off drain would be in the Spittles Lane
carriageway, which would be re-instated to match the existing surface. About a 20m
length of trench drain at the eastern end would penetrate a blackthorn-dominated
scrub thicket. This would be allowed to recolonise naturally following the works.
4.5.2
Half of the lower cut-off drain will be routed through the Charmouth Road car park,
which will be re-instated to its existing condition.
4.5.3
The eastern half of the lower cut-off drain would disturb approximately three working
allotments. It may be possible to allocate the allotment holder(s) some alternative
land for the season which would be disrupted by the works, which are likely to be
undertaken in summer. Topsoil would be re-instated to existing depths after the drain
is installed.
4.5.4
Approximately 8m of the outgrown hedge along the western boundary of the
allotments would be removed and replanted, with a 1.8m close-board timber fence as
a temporary enclosure whilst the hedge becomes established.
4.6
Foreshore protection works
Design context
4.6.1
470/R3/v.7
Lyme Regis is an historic town. Its early core was built around the mouth of the River
Lim, which is some 200m west of the site. The river mouth area and Gun Cliff, to the
east of the river, was the subject of Phase I of the Lyme Regis Environmental
Improvement Scheme, which was completed in 1995. Phase I extends to Church Cliff
Jetty, at the western extremity of the Phase IV Site. Phase I is an integral part of the
urban fabric, leading off from the focal point of the main street, and so was designed
to reflect its functions as a thoroughfare, gathering place and viewing area. Figure 7
gives an overview of the Phase I context to the west of the Phase IV site.
24
November 2009
Consultation Draft
Figure 7: Phase I from the foreshore.
Church Cliff Jetty is on the right-hand side, with scrub on the
Phase IV site above. The scrub is below St Michael’s churchyard.
4.6.2
The Phase I design was massive and traditional, in the same spirit as the Cobb.
However, the surface treatments are quite intricate and complex, befitting its urban
context and the adjacent listed buildings. Phase I incorporated consistent detailing,
using high quality, traditional materials such as dressed stone wall facings and paving
trims (Figure 8), which are appropriate in the context of a developed setting.
4.6.3
For example, the seawall and jetty are faced with blue-grey granite, similar in colour
to the local blue lias stone that is a characteristic of freestanding walls in the town, but
more durable in the face of wave action. Walls set back from the sea are faced with
the local blue lias, topped in places with Purbeck limestone copes (Figure 8). On
some low walls the copes are flat Purbeck slabs, offering informal seating (Figure 9).
Figure 8:
Overview of
eastern end of
Phase I
470/R3/v.7
25
November 2009
Consultation Draft
Figure 9:
Phase I Seating
wall
4.6.4
The seawalls and some landward walls are mostly topped with massive Portland
stone copings, similar to those around the harbour (see Figures 8 and 9), palecoloured copes in background), but in places scabbled concrete copes are used
instead. Scabbling exposes the concrete aggregate with a texture similar to handworked stone, and the appearance of the scabbled concrete copes is now softened
by lichens (see Figure 8, foreground copes).
4.6.5
The pedestrian promenade area of Gun Cliff Walk, behind the sea walls (with
restricted vehicle access for maintenance and emergencies) are unified by the use of
setts, mainly a mix of blue lias and Purbeck limestone, which have a timeless
character. They are either used as overall paving in focal areas, for gullies, or laid to
mark edges or routes on the tarmacadamed promenade (Figure 10). Where they are
laid intermittently along the walkway they suggest the route of an historic cart track.
Figure 10:
Phase I walkway
4.6.6
470/R3/v.7
Tubular steel railings have been used throughout the Lyme Regis seafront, and again
this is a unifying element. Railings in Phase I are a simple tubular design, finished in
black, but the colour finish has become abraded in parts of this exposed location.
26
November 2009
4.6.7
Consultation Draft
Aluminium railings that look similar to the harbour railings have been most recently
used in Phase II (see Figure 11). The posts are cast aluminium and have been
customised for Lyme Regis to incorporate an ammonite. This, or something similar, is
the preferred railing type for Phase IV because they appear consistent with the local
vernacular and are expected to be durable.
Figure 11: Phase II
railings, customised for
Lyme Regis
4.6.8
There is lighting on Phase I.
4.6.9
The existing seawall on the Phase IV site is in-situ grey concrete, which was smoothfinished.
4.6.10
At the upper edge of the steep, unmanaged soft cliff between Church Cliff Jetty and
East Cliff Lane the boundaries of private gardens are marked by fences, walls or
scrub. The seaward edge of St Michael’s Church is unfenced, but public access to
the cliff is controlled by dense scrub on the slope below, which is dominated by thorny
blackthorn and wild plum.
4.6.11
At the western end of the scheme, near Church Cliff Jetty, the lawns above Gun Cliff
Walk are bounded with a timber post and rail fence (see Photograph B).
Proposed design
4.6.12
The design philosophy for all elements of the seawall is simplicity; they should be
understated so that they distract as little as possible from the grandeur of the Black
Ven cliffscape. HPR drawing PH4\PD\910 (Appendix 1) shows the typical proposed
cross-section, approximately half-way along the seawall.
4.6.13
Some low-key continuity with the stonework detailing with Phase I has been included,
to maintain the sense of build quality associated with the town. This will be restricted
to a replacement low stone retaining wall along the inner edge of the seawall close to
Church Cliff Jetty and sett detailing on the walkway.
470/R3/v.7
27
November 2009
Consultation Draft
4.6.14
The proposed low stone retaining wall (or revetment) at the western end of the
seawall will be faced with blue lias stone, to match the adjacent Phase 1 wall (see
Photograph B in Appendix 3). On the eastern foot of the Church Cliff Jetty headland
this wall offers the opportunity for integrating robust seating in a relatively sheltered
location that offers a view along the Jurassic coastline. It is proposed to construct this
section of wall with a level bench, topped with Purbeck stone to form a seat (see
Photomontage B) similar to the arrangement shown on Figure 9.
4.6.15
The sett detailing shown in the section on HPR drawing PH4\PD\910 (Appendix 1)
should not be treated as a pastiche of the Phase 1 cart route, because this would be
an inappropriate reference on this modern seawall structure. It is therefore probably
not appropriate to make the sett lines intermittent, as though ‘worn out’, except
perhaps where they link to Phase 1 at the western end.
4.6.16
On the turning area at the eastern end of the seawall it is proposed to finish the sett
line following the movement joint with a spiral, echoing the ammonite design theme
that pervades the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements detailing, as shown on
drawing 470/17 (Appendix 2). It may be possible to finish this with a large ammonite
at its centre.
4.6.17
The seawall will be designed to allow vehicular access along the top of the seawall.
Access will be restricted to maintenance and possibly emergency vehicles. Public
pedestrian access, including disabled access from the town via the Phase I walkways
will be provided.
4.6.18
The low wall along the landward edge of the promenade will be sufficiently wide to
provide continuous seating and will be shaped to echo the form of the main seawall.
This will continue the principle of integral seating established in Phase I (Figure 9).
4.6.19
The front face of the seawall will be protected with aluminium tubular railings similar to
those used in Phase II (see Figure 11).
4.6.20
As recommended earlier, the promenade will not be lit, but ducting may be provided
for future services provision.
4.6.21
The rock armour at the eastern end of the seawall will be selected to blend with the
blue-grey Lias colour of the foreshore rock ledges and the lighter grey shingle (see
Photomontage B). The source of the rock cannot be specified at this stage in the
design process.
4.6.22
The proposed boundary treatment to the graveyard of the Grade 1 Listed St Michael’s
Church will be agreed with the landowner, English Heritage, WDDC Planning
Authority and Lyme Regis Town Council.
4.6.23
The boundary to Gun Cliff Walk lawns could be replaced as post and rail or may be
reinstated to a vertical timber fence that would be more effective for controlling public
access down the newly restored grassed cliff to the east. This will be discussed with
WDDC planning officers and Lyme Regis Town Council.
4.6.24
It is recommended that local oak timber be used to provide a robust, sustainable and
durable fence. A post and rail fence could be provided using sawn or split oak rails
(see Figure 12 overleaf) or vertical palings; an example of a distinctive vertical rustic
oak fence is shown on Figure 13, overleaf.
470/R3/v.7
28
November 2009
4.6.25
Consultation Draft
It has been suggested that there could be input into the scheme mitigation design by
a Dorset County Council Artist-in-Residence, but there have been no discussions to
date on the possible location for this contribution.
Figure 12: An example of a traditional oak post and rail fence.
Figure 13: An example of a local oak paling fence with distinctive rustic character.
470/R3/v.7
29
November 2009
Consultation Draft
5
PUBLIC ACCESS
5.1
Coast
5.1.1
As noted above, there will be pedestrian access along the proposed seawall. Access
to the foreshore from the seawall will be provided at three locations by steps and by a
maintenance access ramp at Church Cliff Jetty
5.2
Viewing area
5.2.1
As described above, a coastal viewing platform south of the Charmouth Road car
park is desirable, particularly to allow the less physically able to appreciate the sea
views and for visitors with small children who may want to picnic near their car.
There is a relatively level area outside the SSSI boundary which is suitable for this
use.
5.2.2
It is proposed to enclose this area with a timber fence, to minimise dispersal of litter
and deter public access to East Cliff. It is intended to provide seating and picnic
benches in this area as part of the Revised Scheme, funded from local budgets. Litter
bins would be provided nearby within the car park, to minimise potential spillage onto
the cliffs.
5.2.3
The civic amenity site, comprising recycling skips and containers, that is currently
alongside this area should be relocated to the rear of the car park.
Disabled access
5.2.4
The Charmouth Road car park viewing platform will offer enjoyment of sea views to
those who are unable to move far from a car. There will be a hard-surfaced path for
disabled access to this area, a wheel chair turning area and one or more picnic tables
designed for wheelchair users.
Interpretation
5.2.5
The opportunity will be taken to provide interpretation of the geology and ecology of
the cliffs. This will include an interpretation board at the proposed viewing area by
Charmouth Road car park, one by Church Cliff Jetty, and possibly some along the
seawall, each focusing on a particular feature of geological or ecological interest.
5.3
5.3.1
Part of Charmouth Road car park would be used as the Contractor’s compound for
the works. At completion of the contract it would be reinstated with a new surface.
This will be an opportunity to revise the layout and possibly introduce tree or shrub
planting to soften this extensive hardstanding and provide a little shade.
5.3.2
Minor improvements to the street frontage, including new planting, would be
undertaken at the same time.
470/R3/v.7
30
November 2009
6
Consultation Draft
REFERENCES
1. Ecological Planning & Research (EPR) and Environs Partnership, ‘East Cliff,
Lyme Regis Coast Protection, Environmental Survey of East Cliff’, October
1997
2. Ecological Planning & Research (EPR), Vegetation Survey of East Cliff and
Timber Hill Meadows, Lyme Regis, Dorset, October 2001
3. Ecological Planning & Research (EPR), East Cliff, Lyme Regis - Protected
Species, Invertebrate and Intertidal Survey Report, October 2001
4. Ecological Planning & Research (EPR), East Cliff, Lyme Regis - Intertidal
Survey Report, 2001-2002, September 2002
5. Ecological Planning & Research (EPR), ‘Lyme Regis Environmental
Improvement, Phase IV East Cliff, Preliminary Ecological Assessment’,
February 2003.
Improvements, Phase IV, 2006 Ecological Surveys: Review’, December
2006.
Improvements, Phase IV, Botanical Survey of East and Church Cliff Landslip
Areas’, 2009
8. Environs Partnership, ‘Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements – East Cliff,
Preliminary Report, Landscape Conceptual Designs’, May 2001.
9. Environs Partnership, ‘Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements, Phase IV,
Landscape and Visual Baseline Report’, December 2006.
10. High-Point Rendel (HPR), 2007a, ‘Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements,
Phase IV Preliminary Design Stage, Coast Protection Options (2007), Report
No. 002652/R/001
11. High-Point Rendel (HPR), 2007b, ‘Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements,
Phase IV Preliminary Design Stage, Preliminary Design Report (2007),
Report No. 002652/R/007 (see this report also for full list of HPR reports and
other references)
12. High-Point Rendel (HPR), 2009, ‘Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements,
Phase IV Preliminary Design Stage, Preliminary Design Report (2009
Update), Report No. 2652/R/07 – Issue 4 (see this report also for full list of
HPR reports and other references)
13. Rodwell, J.S. (2000) ‘British Plant Communities: Volume 5, Maritime
Communities and Vegetation of Open Habitats’. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.
14. Hill, C., Ball, J.H., Dargie, T., Tantram, D. and Boobyer, G (2007). ‘Maritime
Cliff and Slope Inventory 2004/2005’. Natural England Research Report 003.
Peterborough.
470/R3/v.7
31
November 2009
Consultation Draft
15. HM Schiechtl and R Stern, Ground Bioengineering Techniques for Slope
Protection and Erosion Control, 1996, Blackwell Science.
16. Forestry Commission, Using Local Stock for Planting Native Trees and
Shrubs, August 1999
470/R3/v.7
32
November 2009
LYME REGIS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
PHASE IV PRELIMINARY DESIGN STAGE
REVISED ECOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE MITIGATION REPORT
APPENDIX 1
Selected High-Point Rendel Revised Scheme
Preliminary Design drawings

3.2.30 The South West Coast Path, a National Trail, runs along the

Transcription

Similar documents

RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES Polignano a mare

Summer Kids Camp - Cliff Drysdale Tennis

2 MB 16.10.2015 Summer 2015 bulletin

JANUARY - Manitoba Theatre Centre

77 st regis crescent, toronto industrial for lease

Holiday Issue

ThE RiSE OF JAPANESE GRAPhic DESiGN

GEOTECHNICAL STUDY AREA G11 LYME REGIS, DORSET, UK

Japanese Family Crests (Mon)