European Green Capital Award 2015 Bristol UK Technical Bid

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1 European Green Capital Award 2015 Bristol UK Technical Bid Chapter 4 Nature and Biodiversity A. Present situation, including any relevant disadvantages or constraints resulting from historical and/or geographical factors Bristol s population has increased by 10% over the last 10 years to 430,000 people [1]. Consequently, the city's green spaces are under intense pressure to meet demand for residential and business development. Yet, over the same period we have actually increased the area of protected wildlife space by 12 ha. The city's footprint of natural green space is mostly inherited, un-planned and unevenly distributed. Physical challenges affecting wildlife include habitat fragmentation, small sites, neglect and pollution including air, water, noise and light. Bristol is at the forefront of wildlife management for people; a journey driven by national events and pivotal action by citizen. In the 1980s, Bristol was the first UK city to create wildlife habitats in Brandon Hill urban park. In the 1990s, the community at Royate Hill campaigned hard to protect this wildlife site from bulldozers leading to its protection as a Local Nature Reserve. In the last ten-years, Friends of Troopers Hill have progressively restored the unique and beautiful heath-land habitats on this site. And in 2010, Snuff Mills Action successfully secured the long-term protection of Grove Wood, an ancient woodland site threatened by insensitive management, through designation as a Town Village Green. The city council understands the importance of green infrastructure. In response, we have designated 27% of the city as a Wildlife Network and have in place ambitious plans and programmes to deliver positive outcomes for people and wildlife. A1 Bristol Biodiversity Action Plan The Bristol Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) [2] was adopted in 2008 and is the key document directing wildlife and people action in the city. It was produced by BCC on behalf of the Bristol BAP partnership of local organisations, groups and government agencies. The partnership focused on projects relevant to local people, identifying better ways to engage Bristol s multi-ethnic population and young people in biodiversity conservation. The UK Government has praised the Bristol BAP as a model approach - particularly the emphasis on community engagement and a variety of cross cutting themes. The Bristol BAP focuses on a number of habitats and species of particular importance to the city, including a number of cross cutting themes that make the essential connections to other strategic plans.

2 Habitat Action Plans Species Action Plans Cross Cutting Themes Estuarine Habitats Hedgehog Development planning and Species Rich Water vole strategy Grassland Otter Business and biodiversity Woodland House sparrow Climate Change Open Mosaic Habitats Community action, education on previously and awareness developed land Funding and resources Reedbeds and Sedgebeds Scrub Ponds and Open Water Rivers and Rhines Table 1: Bristol BAP Habitat and Species Action Plans A.2 Bristol Local Plan The Bristol Local Plan is a key document being produced by Bristol City Council (BCC) that defines how land in Bristol will be developed over time, including specific policy to protect wildlife [3]. Integral to this plan has been the definition and protection of a Wildlife Network (see Map 2), which includes Sites of Nature Conservation Interest and Wildlife Corridor sites [4] that act to link and buffer individually protected sites. The Wildlife Network contributes substantially to the city s green infrastructure and provides essential ecosystem services such as flood storage, carbon absorption and reducing the urban heat island effect. An 'Urban Wildlife Corridor Assessment Methodology' [5] was developed to provide a sound scientific basis on which to designate wildlife corridors in Bristol. BCC is committed to the protection of wildlife in non-designated sites, reflecting our duties under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, BCC has produced comprehensive guidance to reduce the impact of development on wildlife, which is targeted at Developers and Planners [6]. There is a requirement for Developers to consult Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre [7] for data on species or habitat of importance. BCC has an ongoing commitment to review existing wildlife sites to ensure that they remain worthy of protection. A mechanism is in place, via the Local Sites Partnership, to designate new or extend existing wildlife sites. Since 2010 the area of protected sites has increased by 6.5 ha. 1

3 MAP 1: Wildlife Network 2

4 MAP 2: Green Infrastructure (Source: Bristol City Council 2011) Crown Copyright and database right [2011]. Ordnance Survey [ ] A.3 Parks and Green Space Strategy BCC adopted the Parks and Green Space Strategy (PGSS) [8] in 2008 in response to the high demand for good quality publicly accessible green space. The strategy was informed by a combination of customer research and technical input. People said that wildlife spaces were the most important type of accessible green space and that they were prepared to walk 18 minutes (700 m) to get to such sites, which became the adopted minimum service standard for the provision of accessible natural green space. 3

5 MAP 3: Publicly accessible green space typologies: distribution 4

6 MAP 4: Publicly accessible natural green space: distribution and gaps (700 metres) From an intensive and comprehensive period of engagement took place between citizens and the council [8]. Citizens told us that many natural green spaces looked neglected, overgrown and unattractive. People did not feel safe in such places and tended not to visit them as a result. We made a policy commitment to improve the quality of our wildlife spaces from a citizen perspective, to work with and 5

7 support disadvantaged groups and to focus our community outreach programme in a network of 16 Local Nature Reserves, equally accessible across the city. A.4 Area of protected wildlife spaces The city s designated Wildlife Network accounts for over 3,000 ha of land, or some 27% of the city's land area [9]. It comprises: Bristol's Protected Wildlife Space Area (ha) Sites of Nature Conservation Interest 1,542 Wildlife Corridor sites 1,494 Wildlife Network 3,036 ha Table 2: Composition of Bristol s Wildlife Network BCC has mapped 1,800 ha of publicly accessible green space, equivalent to 4.1 hectares per 1,000 residents (41 m² per capita), including 923 ha of publicly accessible natural green space. BCC s boundaries include parts of the Severn Estuary European Marine Site. The Severn Estuary, covering the upper reaches of the Bristol Channel, is one of the largest coastal plain estuaries in Europe and classified as a European Marine Site (EMS). It supports birds that are of European importance, and as such the Estuary was classified as a Special Protection Area (SPA) in The Severn Estuary is also a Ramsar site and was designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in December A Management Scheme has been developed by the Association of Relevant Authorities (ASERA) to ensure appropriate steps are taken to avoid deterioration and control development likely to impact on the estuary. This Scheme is complemented by the Severn River Basin Plan that aims to raise the number of water bodies achieving good ecological status by 2015, as verified by the Environment Agency. Word count for Indicator 4A = 983 6

8 B: Describe the measures implemented over the last five to ten years. B.1 Managing and increasing areas designated for nature protection and biodiversity as described above; Sites of Nature Conservation Interest A key measure of success is the number of SNCIs in positive conservation measures. Through an annual investment of 48,000 numbers have increased from 32% to 58%. Increase Local Nature Reserves Since 2005 Local Nature Reserves have increased from four to nine and four more sites are being considered. The target is 16 by Species rich grasslands The Avon Gorge SSSI / SAC is the most outstanding species-rich grassland in Bristol. One of the UK s top sites for plants, it has 27 nationally rare and threatened species. Active habitat management has returned 24 ha of grassland to Favourable Recovering earning a Gold award from the RHS in BCC manages 178 ha of summer-flowering meadow. In 2006 specifications and contractual arrangements were improved costing 76,361 annually. All are now in positive conservation measures, Woodlands BCC manages over 400 ha woodland and 400 veteran trees. Since 2001, 3 ha community woodland has been planted and 160 ha of woodland restored. 30 of 51 woodland sites are now in positive measures. In 2012 BCC invested 500,000 into an operation that converts arisings from council trees to supply biomass boilers in schools / public buildings across the city. B.2 Protecting nature in other open spaces In 2010 floating reed-beds were installed in the former industrial dock in the heart of the city. This has increased biodiversity and otters have now returned to this area. In 2011 Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) [10] led a Bristol BAP campaign to collect data on hedgehogs receiving over a 1,000 responses. This work aims to increase awareness about this elusive creature. In 2012 AWT completed Bristol BAP study of wild sparrows in Bristol [11]. Actions include community education to increase numbers. B.3 Promotion of public knowledge and understanding of nature and biodiversity, particularly among young people BCC has provided a wildlife-based education programme since Wild City is a three-year 336,000 project delivering wildlife-based projects targeting 21,500 young people and disadvantages communities. 7

9 Since 2009, AWT has delivered a People and Wildlife programme that has reached over 25,000 people with a focus on young people, people with mental health and learning disabilities. Figure 1: Promotion and learning activity associated with the Wild City Project BCC, in partnership with the Downs Committee, supports an award winning education programme on the Avon Gorge and Downs [12]. The project has 50,000 annual funding and targets disadvantaged communities to increase use, understanding and enjoyment of this site. Figure 2: Children and adults learning about the Avon Gorge 8

10 Figure 3: Numbers attending all education type activities relating to the Avon Gorge and Downs Education programme (guided walks, talks, courses, children events) BCC has built 26 natural play-spaces in the last 5-years in response to the increasing evidence about Nature Deficit Disorder amongst children and young people. The Bristol Living Rivers and Riverscapes Projects [13] have provided learning, participation and conservation opportunities for communities to reconnect to their local rivers. Bristol won Gold in the 2012 Entente Florale competition [14]; one of only two recipients of the top award in the Town and Cities category. Bristol will be host city in In European Green Week 2011 Bristol promoted a pilot festival promoting sustainable city living that attracted 30,000 visitors [15]. Repeated in 2012 as Big Green Week it attracted 40,000. The Festival of Nature [16] is the UK s largest annual free celebration of the natural world. Focussing on young people it attracts 10,000 visitors and was awarded 'Bristol's Tourism event of the Year 2011' BioBlitz is an exciting citizen science project involving scientists and young people surveying a natural space to identify as many species as possible in 24 hours in three major public parks. Data is incorporated into the city's official biodiversity record. As part of the Bristol BAP, AWT has been engaging with school children via the Big Bristol Habitat Hunt to undertake a habitat survey of school grounds. 9

11 B.4 Monitoring the effectiveness of management measures Monitoring programmes are in place to record and respond to trends in biodiversity change at a city and site-specific scale. Strategic, citywide, wildlife monitoring include: Bristol Bird Watch; The Breeding Birds of Bristol; Sites of Nature Conservation Interest; Water quality Site-specific, wildlife monitoring (example): Fixed point photography Troopers Hill. The Bristol Bird Watch [17] ran for 10 years to Annually 1,000 residents logged bird species visiting their garden. One outcome - adding Niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica) to bird food mixes - helped increase numbers of goldfinch significantly. Since 2000, the British Trust for Ornithology, BNS and Bristol Ornithological Club have undertaken an annual survey of wild birds across Bristol; see Figures 2 and 3 [18]. In response there has been a focus on retention and active management of scrub and woodland under-storey and planting native tree species bearing fruit. Figure 4: Breeding pairs in Bristol Figure 5: Total breeding bird species Source: The Breeding Birds Of Bristol A Survey By Members Of The British Trust For Ornithology (Avon Region), Bristol Naturalists Society and Bristol Ornithological Club. 10

12 Since 2008, the condition of all SNCI s has been monitored by BCC to determine whether habitats are in positive conservation measures (Figure 4). An action plan is prepared for each site [19] and a prioritised programme of works undertaken. Figure 6: Percentage of SNCIs in positive conservation measures (2013 projected) BCC and the Environment Agency monitor water quality in river systems and enclosed water in line with the EU Water Framework Directive [20]. Water quality data has evidenced the need for actions that have led to a significant improvement in water quality benefiting people and wildlife. Habitats on Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve have been monitored bi-annually using fixed-point photography since 1994 [21]. Monitoring has highlighted the spread of invasive weed species and has informed active management of fragile areas. Word count for Indicator 4B =

13 C Short and long term objectives and proposed approach BCC s objective is that all local wildlife sites (SNCIs) are in positive conservation measure by 2026 (currently 58%). C.1 Managing areas designated for nature protection and biodiversity In 2012 the UK government awarded Local Nature Partnership Status to the West of England, a partnership of organisations including BCC. This is a major new initiative reflecting the commitment of partners to deliver national targets to restore and create habitats at a landscape scale. The LNP will seek to influence local decision making bodies including the Local Enterprise Partnership which drives economic investment in the region, the unitary authorities reflecting their significant impact on land-use policy and the Health and Wellbeing Boards connecting quality of life through contact with nature. A business plan has been produced [22] and partners are progressing a number of key outputs including the production of a West of England State of the Environment report. Bristol is lead partner piloting a Bristol Avon water catchment plan that will look to progress sustainable land and water management within the Avon river catchment. Four themes are under review: land use, ecology, community engagement and catchment data. A water catchment Management Plan is being developed via wider stakeholder involvement, a progressive approach breaking the traditional science-led approach. The project funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with a 65,000 budget spanning 2-years and is due to be completed by the end of December In recognition of the EU2020 Biodiversity Strategy, BCC has made a long-term commitment to the conservation and improvement of biodiversity across Bristol, and will be revising the Bristol BAP in Identify wildlife network sites suitable for delivery of priority habitat creation/restoration projects and develop implementation programme; Investigate, map and develop opportunities for biodiversity restoration within Blaise Strategic Nature Area; Identify sites for re-creation /restoration of species rich grassland and develop programme for implementation towards target of 3 hectares; Ensure all reedbeds are in favourable conservation management by 2015; Create a further 3 hectares of reed and sedgebeds in Bristol by 2013 Seek to develop a programme of habitat management on BCC SNCI open water habitat to bring into favourable conservation status; Develop and implement enhancement plans for selected rivers through Area Green Space Plans and working with local communities; All BCC species-rich grasslands in favourable conservation status by 2015 Restore / create species rich grassland on appropriate sites target 3 hectares by 2013 Ensure all Bristol s woodlands in favourable conservation management by 2020 Ensure all BCC-owned SNCIs containing open water habitat are in favourable condition by 2020 All Avonmouth rhines under agreed sympathetic management regimes by Table 3: Bristol BAP actions that go beyond 2012 include: 12

14 C.2 Protecting nature in other open spaces Just 19% of green and blue space in Bristol is not part of the designated Wildlife Network space. Future wildlife-based plans for these areas include: Biodiversity management of Bristol s 108 hectares of allotments and a programme of activities to encourage allotment holders to take action for wildlife e.g. participation in wildlife surveys Develop school grounds BAP Develop a specification for species rich grass green roofs, and promote through the planning system Identify strategic woodland corridors and opportunities to strengthen by planting; consider use of available areas of public open space and street trees, using species with value for wildlife, and Wildlife enhancements for cemeteries based on audits Table 4: Bristol BAP actions with a focus on non-protected sites Reflecting the importance of open mosaic habitat on previously developed land as detailed in the Bristol BAP, BCC is starting work on its first new land on a site in South Bristol. C.3 Promotion of public knowledge and understanding Big Green Week, the UK s international festival of environmental ideas, will be back in June 2013 and includes the 10 year anniversary of the Festival of Nature. BGW 2013 is going to have an even greater emphasis on children and families, with both weekends dedicated to activities that will inspire thousands more people to get involved at a local level, as well as increasing understanding of the pressure on global natural resources. The main aim of the festival will be to increase behaviour change and an evaluation process in being designed in partnership with University of Bristol and the festival's main sponsors. In partnership with the BNHC, the 'Bristol 99' project is due to launch in 2013 as a four-week public campaign ahead of the Festival of Nature. The Bristol 99 project will run mini bioblitz activities within each of Bristol's 99 sites of nature conservation interest (subject to land owner approval for the c. 1/3 sites that are in private ownership). The project aims to create greater awareness of the Festival of Nature due to celebrate its 10 th anniversary in 2013 and to encourage greater outreach activity by 'going where the people are'. The project has received funding of 20,000 from the British Ecological Society and further fundraising is ongoing. Investigate provision of viewing platform overlooking Chittening Wharf, with canopy and interpretive material; Seek to provide interpretive panels at Sea Mills; identify grassland sites with poor access and develop programme to improve access as appropriate; Provide interpretive material at four woodlands. Identify woodlands with poor access and develop programme to improve access where appropriate 13

15 Table 5: Bristol BAP actions with an education / access focus One of three UK pilot cities, Bristol led a project developing a Green Volunteers scheme as part of the 2011 European Year of Volunteering. Local people improve their local environment and wildlife sites via supported activities. BCC is currently running a project with partners to recruit and support 1000 green volunteers Bristol is continuing to build on this success with ongoing programme to recruit 1000 additional/new volunteers each year [23]. Feed Bristol [24] is an exciting project that started in 2012 promoting wildlife friendly food growing at the Feed Bristol Centre a 7-acre site in east Bristol. This 3-year 300,000 project is a partnership between the city council and AWT. The project is encouraging c. 12,000 people of all ages and backgrounds including school children to grow their own food on-site in an organic and wildlife friendly manner supported by experienced horticulturalist and a team of 'Growing Leader' volunteers. C.4 Wildlife Innovations BCC is trialling the introduction of Pictorial Meadows along its main transport routes. Pictorial Meadows beautify the city by blending flowering species that increase pollinator habitat with those that attract public interest. In 2011 there were 1,500 m² of Pictorial Meadow, in 2012 this was increased to 5,600 m² (comprising 1,900 m² part of University of Bristol urban pollinator project, and 3,700 m² BCC). Our aim is to provide 30,000 m² of annually sown (pictorial meadow) per year subject to corporate sponsorship. Linked to the above project BCC is working in partnership with the University of Bristol on a national study into the significance of urban habitats for pollinators. In Bristol, 16 new trial sites were established in 2012 across a range of publicly accessible sites across the city. Figure 7: Pictorial Meadow, Bristol Centre House Sparrow (BAP priority species) and Starling boxes are to be incorporated into a programme of structural repairs and over-cladding of hundreds of council owned homes over and above minimum mitigation requirements. C5. Climate Adaptation Improvements to green infrastructure, the quality of habitats and trialling innovative highway planting schemes will improve the resilience of the city s wildlife to climate 14

16 change. The three actions on biodiversity adaptation to climate change in the BAP will continue to be monitored. Word count for Indicator 4C = 878 D. List how the information provided above can be documented. [1] Bristol s Population: [2] Bristol Biodiversity Action Plan: and Action Plans for 2009, 2010 and 2011: G:\BCC-Common\PTSD Projects\EGCA 2015\Technical Bid\Nature and Biodiversity Paper\Evidence\Bristol BAP [3] Local Plan Policy: Bristol Local Plan and Site Allocations Plan, Policy DM 13 Green Infrastructure Provision and DM Development and Nature Conservation: [4] Sites of Nature Conservation Interest and Wildlife Corridor sites: [5] Wildlife Corridor assessment methodology: G:\BCC-Common\PTSD Projects\EGCA 2015\Technical Bid\Nature and Biodiversity Paper\Evidence\Wildlife Network [6] Guidance to reduce harm to wildlife from development Consideration of Biodiversity & Geological Conservation in the Planning Process and Planners Biodiversity Checklist : G:\BCC-Common\PTSD Projects\EGCA 2015\Technical Bid\Nature and Biodiversity Paper\Evidence\Planning and Wildlife Guidance [7] Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre: [8] Parks and Green Space Strategy, 2008 and citizen research findings: [9] Area of city: [10] Avon Wildlife Trust: [11] Wild Sparrow Project: G:\BCC-Common\PTSD Projects\EGCA 2015\Technical Bid\Nature and Biodiversity Paper\Evidence\Wild Sparrow Project [12] Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project: [13] Bristol Living Rivers Project and South Bristol Riverscapes Project [14] Entente Florale: [15] Big Green Week: [16] Bristol Natural History Consortium Festival of Nature and Bioblitz: 15

17 [17] Bristol Bird Watch: [18] Bristol Breeding Bird Surveys (2009, 2010, 2011): G:\BCC-Common\PTSD Projects\EGCA 2015\Technical Bid\Nature and Biodiversity Paper\Evidence\Bristol Breeding Birds [19] Sites of Nature Conservation In Positive Measures (annual reporting 2009, 2010, 2011) G:\BCC-Common\PTSD Projects\EGCA 2015\Technical Bid\Nature and Biodiversity Paper\Evidence\Positive Conservation Measures [120 Water Quality: [21] Troopers Hill Photographic survey 1994 to present and Troopers Hill Photographic Monitoring Report 2011: G:\BCC-Common\PTSD Projects\EGCA 2015\Technical Bid\Nature and Biodiversity Paper\Evidence\Troopers Hill Photo Survey [22] West of England Local Nature Partnership Business Plan G:\BCC- Common\PTSD Projects\EGCA 2015\Technical Bid\Nature and Biodiversity Paper\Evidence\Local Nature Partnership Business Plan [23] Bristol Green Volunteers: [24] Feed Bristol Project: 16