Landscape Conservation Action Plan

Transcription

1 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part Two September 2015

2 This part of the LCAP contains non-technical summaries of each of the project plans. More detailed information is included in Part 3. Contents HS01: Valley Futures... 3 HS02: Coppice Livings... 5 HS03: Skills & Swills... 7 WW01: Coupes & Cords... 9 WW02: Share Wood WW03: Mapping Wild Rusland WW04: Magical Meadows WW05: Hidden Hedgerows WW06: Dreaming of Dormice WW07: Wings in the Woods WW08: Rusland s Reds HH01: Peeling the Onion HH02: Lives in the Landscape GT01: The Greenwood Trail GT01: Hands on Heritage HS01: Valley Futures Page: 2

3 HS01: Valley Futures Project Lead Rusland Horizons Staff Team Start/finish July 2016 July 2019 Who / What Benefits? Young people - Apprenticeship opportunities Landowners / managers Practical work carried out Volunteers Skills / experience Landscape Restoration / management LDNPA Budget Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF Intervention % 332, ,362 33,550 6,000 tbc 293,362 88% (VAT) 0 Project summary The character of the Rusland Horizons area is made up of a variety of habitats and features including woodlands, hedgerows, dry stone walls, open fell, archaeological sites and pathways. All of these need careful management by a skilled workforce if the landscape character is to be retained, but there is an increasing shortage of skilled practitioners, matched with limited opportunities to gain these skills. Young people are leaving the area to find training and employment elsewhere. Valley Futures offers young people the opportunity to learn traditional rural heritage and woodland management skills whilst undertaking an apprenticeship in Environment Conservation. Up to ten apprentices will receive accredited training in a range of traditional craft and landscape management skills such as coppicing, Cumbrian hedge laying and dry stone walling. Together with volunteers, they will work alongside, and gain knowledge from, a variety of experts from across the Partnership. They will carry out landscape conservation work in the scheme area by delivering the practical outcomes for WW01 Coupes and Cords, a woodlands restoration project, as well as many other projects in the scheme. HS01: Valley Futures Page: 3

4 Outcomes / outputs Outcomes: Deliver an industry-based Environmental Conservation apprenticeship programme in partnership with the Askham Bryan College, Newton Rigg, thereby creating local training opportunities in the scheme area for ten young people. Create opportunities for volunteers to work alongside the apprentices to learn about and get involved in rural heritage and woodland management skills. More young people brought into the economy and encouraged to make a career in rural skills. Help to sustain local rural traditional skills. Work to deliver the practical outputs of other RH projects. Strengthen partnership working with environmental and land management organisations across the National Park. Outputs: 10 young people achieve a level 2 apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation 2 young people achieve a level 3 apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation 10 young people achieve a John Muir Award 10 volunteers recruited and trained alongside the apprentice programme Project Links Key Partners/ stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance 10 Industry Mentors support the programme 120 volunteer days / 900 hours delivered HS03 Skills & Swills, WW01 Coupes & Cords, WW02 Share Wood, WW04 Magical Meadows, WW05 Hidden Hedgerows, WW06 Dreaming of Dormice, WW07 Wings in the Woods, HH02 Lives in the Landscapes, GT01 Along the Greenwood Trail, GT02 Hands on Heritage. LDNPA, Askham Bryan College, Newton Rigg Failure to recruit suitable apprentices and staff: This will be addressed by allowing sufficient time within the project and applying lessons learnt from LDNPA Fell Futures apprenticeship project. Tools and equipment purchased for the project will be stored at the LDNPA Western depot for future use by volunteers / new apprentices. LDNPA will seek further funding to continue the programme. HS01: Valley Futures Page: 4

5 HS02: Coppice Livings Project Lead Bill Hogarth MBE Memorial Apprenticeship Trust Start/finish Jan 2016 March 2019 Who / What Benefits? Coppice Apprentices - Skills / experience Coppice Businesses - Apprentice support Wooded landscape - Restoration and management Budget Local coppice industry - Increased capacity Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF BHMAT Intervention % 48,600 48, , % (VAT) 767 Project summary Outcomes / outputs Rusland Horizons will offer the opportunity to train two new coppice apprentices in the heart of the country where Bill Hogarth lived and worked. Many of the woodlands that the scheme seeks to bring back into management are the very ones that Bill worked over his lifetime and his father before him. The Bill Hogarth MBE Memorial Apprenticeship Trust (BHMAT) has been delivering coppice apprenticeships in the NW of England since Having two Bill Hogarth coppice apprentices trained and supported to set up independent coppice businesses within the area will help to ensure the long term future of coppice management within the Rusland Valley and beyond. Apprentices and sponsor businesses will have developed skills 2 coppice apprentices trained and set up in business 2 coppice businesses supported into the future Coppice woods will be better managed and it better condition 2 ha of coppice brought back into management Apprentices and participants will have learnt about heritage 3 demonstration events to involve the wider public (links with HS03, HS02: Coppice Livings Page: 5

6 GT02) An active network of local coppice businesses make the Rusland Horizons area a better place to live, work or visit Project Links Key Partners/ stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance HS03 Swills and Skills, WW01 Coupes and Cords, WW02 Share Wood, HH01 Peeling the Onion, GT02 Hands on Heritage National Coppice Federation Coppice Association North West National Coppice Apprenticeship Steering Group Local woodland owners Local coppice craftspeople potential sponsors Apprentices drop out before completing diploma Operate three month probation system. Re recruit and the time line would slip by 4 months. In the event of an apprentice leaving further into their training we would have to consider re-recruiting and offering a shorter apprenticeship or find further funding to allow the apprentice to complete beyond the end of this project. A strong coppice sector in the region will ensure continuity of crucial coppice management of the local woodlands. Two new coppice businesses will increase the skills and capacity of the sector and expand the nature and range of coppice skills and crafts on offer. Continuity is essential when coppice restoration is undertaken and having an active local coppice sector will ensure that this is carried forward. HS02: Coppice Livings Page: 6

7 HS03: Skills & Swills Project Lead Rusland Horizons Staff Team Start/finish April 2016 March 2018 Who / What Benefits? Budget Landscape Restoration, improved management Local people, including landmanagers - Training, improved skills and knowledge, opportunities to meet other people in the sector. Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF C. Barr Intervention % 44,800 25,350 1,250 18,200 4,050 21,300 48% (VAT) 0 Project summary Outcomes / outputs The current landscape of the Rusland Horizons area has resulted from centuries of traditional land management, none more so than by farmers and woodsman. However, evidence suggests that the traditional skills necessary to maintain this landscape in a sustainable way are being lost. The main aim of this project is to promote courses which will allow skills to be passed on to more people. This will be done by hosting our own programme of courses and by promoting other groups which run complementary courses. Secondary aims include education of residents and visitors in the roles and importance of traditional skills and the encouragement of landowners to become involved in traditional, sustainable land management practices. Outcomes: The capability for more people to manage the landscape in a traditional and sustainable way; A greater opportunity in the future to manage habitats and species in an environmentally sustainable way; People who have a greater chance to obtain employment as a direct result of skills they have acquired on some of our courses; A greater understanding of the heritage of the area and the way in which communities worked with the landscape in which they lived HS03: Skills & Swills Page: 7

8 Additional employment for local tutors (craftsmen and women) which will help to make their businesses more sustainable. Outputs: up to 15 courses will be run at least twice, with more than 40 topics being taught about 300 course places will be available over 2 years, with possible further opportunities in the 3 rd year liaison will be maintained with at least 6 organisations which run complementary courses with reciprocal promotion up to 5 demonstration days 128 volunteer days Project Links Key Partners/ stakeholders Main risk(s) HS01 Valley Futures, HS02 Coppice Livings, WW01 Coupes and Cords, WW02 Share Wood, WW04 Magical Meadows, WW05 Hidden Hedgerows, HH01 Peeling the Onion, GT01 Greenwood Trail, GT02 Hands on Heritage Tutors / Course providers Cumbria Woodlands, Friends of the Lake District, Grizedale Visitor Centre, Woodland Trust. Lack of interest: We have chosen courses which we are advised (by tutors and others) are likely to be popular. We are already compiling lists of interested people, friends of the scheme etc. We will continue to generate as much interest as possible through a wide variety of media. Bad weather: We will be providing shelters for outside courses. Bad weather is likely to lessen the enjoyment rather than lead to risks of cancellation. Legacy and Maintenance More people will be aware of traditional skills and ways of working (and the reasons for these). More people will be trained and have the ability to carry out a range of traditional, local countryside skills. The landscape, including its habitats and biodiversity, will be in a better condition as a result; managed habitats and restored buildings, some exemplars of products from traditional skills. Management agreements will be set up with landowners, especially regarding hedgerows and woodlands (this will be done as part of the Woodlands and Wildlife suite of projects). Landowners will be responsible for work carried out under the agreements. It is currently proposed that the partnership that oversees the Rusland Horizons scheme (The Rusland Valley & Fells Heritage Partnership) will continue after the completion of Rusland Horizons and will find a variety of ways of ensuring a lasting legacy, including ensuring completion of commitments by third parties. HS03: Skills & Swills Page: 8

9 WW01: Coupes & Cords Project Lead Rusland Horizons Staff Team Start/finish June 2016 March 2019 Who / What Benefits? Budget Woodlands and biodiversity - Habitat restoration and management Woodland owners - Woodland management plans and practical support Public benefit - Woodfuel, craft materials or other wood products. Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF E. Mills Intervention % 138, ,823 2, , ,089 78% (VAT) 0 Project summary Outcomes / outputs The project will carry out a variety of woodland management activities, focusing on coppicing but also including thinning, boundary work, deer management and enrichment planting. A mixture of apprentices, woodland owners, volunteers and contractors will carry out the work which will: - Bring back neglected coppice into rotation; - Improve the woodland management knowledge and skills base in the area; - Encourage declining woodland wildlife by enhancing habitat through coppicing, ride management, deer management, creating woodland edge features, lots of variety and mosaics; - Create a local source of wood fuel and other timber products. Outcomes: Bring back neglected coppice into rotation by working with landowners, volunteers and contractors. Improve the woodland management knowledge and skills base in the area and create opportunities for practical experience. Revitalised coppice growth will provide opportunities for future coppice workers to produce woodfuel or products for crafts use to help sustain their livelihoods. New areas of coppice woodland will be in a better condition and will provide WW01: Coupes & Cords Page: 9

10 vital areas for revival of declining woodland biodiversity Outputs: 15 ha coppiced woodland restored 100 ha woodland managed 25 woodland owners engaged and advised 200m woodland boundaries repaired 4,000 trees planted for enrichment Project Links Key Partners / stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance 1 new woodland created 1,500 tons of wood generated as fuel 12 new woodland management plans HS01 Valley Futures, HS02 Coppice Livings, HS03 Skills & Swills, WW02 Share Wood, WW06 Dreaming of Dormice, WW07 Wings in the Woods, WW08 Rusland Reds, HH01 Peeling the Onion, HH02 Lives in the Landscapes, GT01 The Greenwood Trail, GT02 Hands on Heritage Woodland owners, Forestry advisers, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Cumbria Woodlands, Woodland Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Contractors & businesses Work programme falls behind due to bad weather Adjust work programme to suit conditions; consider changes in site locations or equipment used Woodland which is better managed will have a very long-lasting beneficial legacy - newly cut coppice coupes will be ready for cutting again in years time, depending on the nature of the coupe; this cycle can go on indefinitely. Other woodland management work such as thinning or boundary improvement can have benefits for many years (decades) into the future and all this work will help to secure a healthy future for the woodlands of the scheme area and beyond. The woods will be more resilient to climate change due to an improved age structure and better deer management. There will be more people with more knowledge and experience in how to manage the woodlands and they will be better trained. Woodland owners have entered into an agreement with the LDNPA on behalf of the Partnership, committing to maintaining the fencing protecting the coppice coupes for at least 2 years to ensure that regrowth is established. Thereafter, it requires no maintenance until it is ready for cutting again. During the scheme they will be supported in seeking Countryside Stewardship grants to sustain the work; they will also be assisted by having an approved management plan and felling licence and will be able to call upon the advice and guidance of their woodland adviser. WW01: Coupes & Cords Page: 10

11 WW02: Share Wood Project Lead Rusland Horizons Staff Team Start/finish July 2016 March 2019 Who/What Benefits? Volunteers / local residents - Skills, woodfuel, social interaction Woodlands and biodiversity - Habitat restoration and management C. Barr Budget Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF Intervention % 12,650 5, ,500 2,000 3,150 25% (VAT) 0 Project summary Outcomes / Outputs The project will engage the community in the management of one or more woodlands in the scheme area. By getting involved in the practical management of their local woodland, people will learn more about a local wood, practice newly learnt skills, help restore coppices and improve the woods for wildlife, harvest firewood for themselves and their community and enjoy social, health and wellbeing benefits. The project is likely to focus on one woodland (Old Hall Woods, Bouth) but the opportunity may arise to develop further community woodlands, perhaps with more than one model. One owner has offered another site on which to create a small new native woodland with the help of the local community, and which would be open for access by the public. Outcomes: Community will be engaged in the management of the woodland sites and will develop a better understanding of how land management decisions are made and will improve their woodland management and wildlife monitoring skills. A better managed woodland with increased biodiversity. Information on species, habitats and archaeology will be better identified and recorded. More people using a sustainable fuel source. WW02: Share Wood Page: 11

12 Outputs: 1 ha of woodland coppice restored 15 volunteers trained in woodland management skills 150 volunteer days 20 days employment for contractor 10 bird boxes installed 30 tons of wood harvested 3 community woodland sites developed Project Links Key Partners / stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance 50 participants engaged HS01 Valley Future Apprentices, HS02 Coppice Livings, HS03 Skills & Swills, WW01 Coupes and Cords, WW06 Dreaming of Dormice, WW07 Wings in the Woods, WW08 Rusland s Reds, HH02 Lives in the Landscape, GT01 The Greenwood Trail, GT02 Hands on Heritage Volunteers / local community, Forestry Commission and other woodland owners, Forestry advisers, Cumbria Woodlands, Woodland Trust, Coppice Contractors, Valley Futures Apprentices Participants not recruited in sufficient numbers: Use existing networks (e.g. LDNPA, NT, FLD) and media coverage to boost numbers. The Community Woodland participants could continue to manage their woodland site(s) well into the future, depending on what coppice rotation is used. There will be scope for participants to find other woodlands to work for fuel, craft materials or employment and this will have a very long-lasting beneficial legacy. Newly cut coppice coupes will be ready for cutting again in years time, depending on the nature of the coupe; this cycle can go on indefinitely. Maintenance The Forestry Commission, as owner, is ideally placed to continue to work with the Old Hall Woods Liaison group and the wider community by providing forestry expertise and technical support, as well as staff time and equipment to provide assistance in managing and maintaining the woodland. WW02: Share Wood Page: 12

13 Project Lead WW03: Mapping Wild Rusland Rusland Horizons Staff Team Start/finish April 2016 March 2018 Who / What Benefits? Land Managers - Access to updated, digitised data for future agrienvironment schemes. Local Residents - Involved in land management decisions. The biodiversity - Better targeting of nature conservation initiatives Budget Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF Intervention % 11,590 9, , ,690 84% (VAT) 0 Project summary This project will bring together habitat data for the first time to create a GIS database that will be used to build a comprehensive picture of the extent, condition and current management of priority habitats in the Rusland Horizons scheme area. The data and maps will be used by the local community, statutory and nonstatutory organisations to inform discussion and land management decisions that will maintain and enhance the landscape and its wildlife. Gaps in knowledge will also be identified and targeted for future action. As a pilot, the project is intended to develop an approach suitable for roll out across the National Park and Cumbria. It will also contribute to the commitment made by both the Lake District National Park Partnership and the Cumbria Local Nature partnership that an ecosystem approach will be demonstrated across the entire Lake District National Park and elsewhere in the county. The project will: 1. Improve the awareness of the current extent, condition and management of important / priority habitat located within the scheme area, 2. Provide a framework to improve the focus of biodiversity delivery in the context of the improved awareness, WW03: Mapping Wild Rusland Page: 13

14 3. Explore how people value their local environment to help shape and prioritise future action, 4. Pilot an integrated approach to strengthening both ecological resilience and the landscape character features of the scheme area which make it unique. Outcomes / outputs Phase 1: Collation and analysis of existing data (Year 1) GIS layer of Priority Habitats and Phase 1 Habitat Survey A Priority Habitat Inventory (PHI) update Phase 2: Creation of GIS layers / maps and Phase 1 Project Report Priority Habitat Map Non-priority Habitat Map Data Gap and Survey Confidence Map Map to show Priority Habitat under favourable management Pdf versions of the GIS maps above Project Report An infographic for the scheme area Phase 3: Community engagement in developing an ecosystem approach (Year 1-2) Community focussed workshop based on the ecosystem approach Workshop report Two school visits Phase 4: Communicating the information to a wider audience (including the other Rusland Horizons projects). Project Links Key Partners/ stakeholders Main risk(s) Feature and interactive for scheme exhibition Project presentation at the end of scheme conference WW01 Coupes & Cords, WW04 Magical Meadows, WW05 Hidden Hedgerows, WW06 Dreaming of Dormice, WW07 Wings in the Woods, WW08 Rusland s Reds, GT02 Hands on Heritage Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre, Natural England, Cumbria Wildlife Trust / Cumbria Local Nature Partnership, Lake District National Park Authority Organisations do not provide access to their data Organisations have been consulted during the development stage and have pledged their support. WW03: Mapping Wild Rusland Page: 14

15 Legacy and Maintenance The data layers generated by the project will be housed with the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre and shared with partner organisations. Any future surveys will be produced using the appropriate protocol to enable efficient information updates to the most current priority habitat layer. Information about the area for use by members of the community in planning for the future and providing a benchmark for understanding the changes which occur. This will help future generations to understand the history and development of the landscape in the Rusland Horizons area. Development of an approach that is transferrable to other parts of the Lake District. This project will contribute to the exhibition which will increase accessibility to a wider audience, including visitors to the valley and elsewhere (as the exhibition will be mobile). WW03: Mapping Wild Rusland Page: 15

16 Project Lead Cumbria Wildlife Trust Start/finish Feb 2016 Sept 2016 Who/What Benefits? Budget WW04: Magical Meadows Haymeadows and associated wildlife - Habitat restoration and management. Volunteers - Training / skills Community, school children and visitors - Learning activities Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF M Waller Intervention % 12,424 9, , ,224 74% (VAT) 250 Project summary Outputs Flower-rich hay meadows are rare in the scheme area and this project will improve their quality and ensure they are under correct management. This will provide knock on positive effects for wildlife associated with flower-rich hay meadows such as pollinating insects which are required for over 80% of agricultural crops. The project will focus on complementing HLS funding to enhance, restore and manage flower rich hay meadows at Hay Bridge Nature Reserve, using traditional practices to increase plant diversity. People from the local community and schools will take part in Community Planting Days and Wildflower Educational Workshops, to develop a greater understanding and to contribute directly to the restoration of hay meadows. Scything Training Days will enable people to learn from a qualified and experienced trainer about the skills and knowledge involved in managing a hay meadow in a traditional manner. Those interested will also have the opportunity to join the existing scything network in Cumbria. Coordinate and facilitate hay meadow restoration. 1 Cumbria Wildlife Site 6.75ha 1 restoration programme delivered in 2016 WW04: Magical Meadows Page: 16

17 6.75 hectares of flower-rich Upland hay meadow restored in flower-rich hay meadow management plan written & agreed in 2016 Organise and provide hay meadow events. 2 community planting days to be provided in wildflower educational workshops to be provided in scything training days to be provided in volunteers involved Project Links Key Partners/ stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance 48 volunteers days / 360 hours HS01 Valley Futures, HS03 Skills & Swills, WW03 Mapping Wild Rusland, WW07 Wings in the Woods, GT02 Hands on Heritage John Strutt Conservation Foundation (JSCF), Hay Bridge Society, Natural England, Local community and primary schools, Contractors No significant risks. There will be a visible increase in the quality of flower-rich hay meadows at Hay Bridge Nature Reserve. As this is such a rare habitat in the Rusland Horizons scheme area its impact will last long after the lifespan of Rusland Horizons. Apprentices, volunteers and Landowners will have better awareness of sustainable land management principles and be skilled to apply them. Data gathered will be shared with Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre for future use and management. JSCF and the Hay Bridge Society will use the management plan to continue to maintain the meadows beyond the project lifespan. WW04: Magical Meadows Page: 17

18 Project Lead Cumbria Wildlife Trust Start/finish Jan 2016 Nov 2018 Who/What Benefits? Budget WW05: Hidden Hedgerows Hedgerows and associated biodiversity - Habitat restoration and management Apprentices & Volunteers - Skills and training Landowners - Hedgerow restoration Project Partners - Hedgerow survey data Local community & Visitors - Hedgerow information guide and map Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF LDNPA Intervention % 30,210 21, , ,960 73% (VAT) 750 Project summary The overall aim of the Hidden Hedgerows Project is to Increase connectivity and reduce fragmentation of hedgerow habitat in the Rusland Horizons scheme area. Hedgerows are important for wildlife and those that consist predominantly of native trees and shrubs are recognised as a priority habitat for conservation. These ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows are thought to have been in decline since the 1940s. Enhancing and restoring hedgerow habitat is a key task in mitigating the effects of climate change. Hedgerows act as dispersal feature for many species (e.g. Red squirrels and dormice) enabling them to migrate from site to site. Cumbria Wildlife Trust will train and work with volunteers and apprentices to carry out a comprehensive survey that will identify the extent, distribution and condition of hedgerows in the scheme area. The information will inform best practice for future management and enhancement/restoration of hedgerows. Hedgerow maintenance and conservation will be undertaken by the Valley Futures apprentices. A hedgerow information guide and digital map will provide people with an understanding of the condition and characteristics of WW05: Hidden Hedgerows Page: 18

19 hedgerows in the Rusland Horizons scheme area and help them appreciate and understand the value and issues associated with this habitat. People will also be more aware of where they can visit and access good examples of species-rich hedgerows. Outputs Organise and deliver volunteer hedgerow survey training 2 training sessions delivered 20 volunteers recruited and trained by Cumbria Wildlife Trust Organise and coordinate a programme of hedgerow survey 1 survey/monitoring programmes delivered 20 volunteers taking part survey/monitoring 67km squares surveyed Collate and analyse hedgerow survey data 1 hedgerow survey database built 67km square hedgerow surveys collated and entered onto database 1 hedgerow resource map plotted 1 analysis of hedgerow survey data completed Produce and distribute a hedgerow leaflet and map 1 hedgerow information leaflet to be developed 1000 leaflets to be printed and distributed Project Links Key Partners/ stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance Coordinate and facilitate a programme of hedgerow enhancement 3 enhancement/restoration programmes delivered 1500 metres of hedgerow enhanced/restored 200 new hedgerow trees planted by 2019 HS01 Valley Futures, HS03 Skills & Swills, WW03 Mapping Wild Rusland, WW04 Magical Meadows, WW06 Dreaming of Dormice, WW07 Wings in the Woods, HH01 Peeling the Onion, GT02 Hands on Heritage Volunteers, Landowners, Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre, Natural England No significant risks People will have an improved/new set of skills that they can utilise on other survey programmes or to maintain their own hedgerows. The new hedgerow data will be shared with the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre for future use and management. Following completion of the project, species-rich hedgerows and hedgerow trees will have increased. The sites for hedgerow enhancement/restoration or tree planting will be chosen partly with consideration for the ability of the land owner/manager to maintain them correctly beyond the project lifespan. Any cost associated with this will be borne by the land owner/manager. A 10 year maintenance agreement will be put in place. WW05: Hidden Hedgerows Page: 19

20 WW06: Dreaming of Dormice Project Lead Rusland Horizons Staff Team Start/finish April 2016 March 2019 Who/What Benefits? Budget Dormice - Nest boxes, sympathetic land management Woodland owners - Greater understanding of the ecology of their woodlands. Volunteers - Training & skills Local community & schools - Learning activities Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF P. Morris Intervention % 16,950 3,200 1,000 12, ,200 19% (VAT) 0 Project summary Outcomes / Outputs The hazel dormouse is a declining species but present here in the northwest. Information gathered will be used to make recommendations on the future conservation of the species. The project aims to assess whether the hazel dormouse has an established breeding presence in the scheme area, where it occurs and establish a baseline of its population size. This will be done by installing and monitoring dormouse boxes in the woodlands most likely to hold a population. There will be a public awareness campaign to gather information on sightings and to promote appropriate woodland management. Boxes will be regularly surveyed by volunteers and apprentices. Woodland restoration work will benefit the dormouse populations if they exist in the area. Information gathered will be used to make recommendations on the future conservation of the species in the area including targeting woodland management to areas that would benefit known populations. Nestbox monitoring programme leading to a better knowledge of dormouse population in scheme area. Dormice discovered and populations recorded and mapped and data up-loaded to Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre. Promoting appropriate management of land to relevant landowners and organisations to increase extent of suitable habitat for hazel dormice. WW06: Dreaming of Dormice Page: 20

21 Recruiting and training new volunteers in dormouse monitoring techniques. Public awareness raising programme about the endangered status of dormice and action that can be taken outputs to include events (nut hunts), dormouse sightings, newsletters and website updates. Report/action plan produced setting out the results of the survey and including recommendations for the conservation management of the dormouse in the area. Dormouse Action Group established to take recommendations forward. Outputs: 500 dormouse nest boxes installed over 10 ha area 20 local landowners engaged 3 nut hunt events organised 15 volunteers trained in species identification and biodiversity recording Project Links Key Partners / stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance 200 volunteer days / 1500 hours 25 people engaged through the nut hunt events (10 20 people attending each event, but some people may return for future events). 2 courses delivered on dormice ecology HS01 Valley Futures, WW01 Coupes & Cords, WW02 Share Wood, WW03 Mapping Wild Rusland, WW05 Hidden Hedgerows, GT02 Hands on Heritage Woodland owners, Forestry advisers, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Volunteers, (representatives will form the Dormouse Action Group) No dormice found in scheme area Manage expectations; negative results are as important as positive. The results of the survey will contribute to the understanding of dormouse populations in southern Cumbria and help in the development of a broader strategy for the conservation of the species in the area. The presence of dormice will lead to recommendations in future woodland management plans. Data will be stored with the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre for future use and management. There is an aspiration to revive the Dormouse Action Group as a legacy of the project. Members of the group will be involved in continuing the monitoring programme, repairing nest boxes, installing new boxes in good habitat created by the woodland restoration project and carrying out further nut hunts to improve knowledge of the dormouse population. WW06: Dreaming of Dormice Page: 21

22 WW07: Wings in the Woods Project Lead Butterfly Conservation Start/finish April 2016 Dec 2018 Who/What Benefits? Budget Biodiversity - Habitat enhancement will benefit many species People - community engagement - Volunteer opportunities - Skills / training Students - Data for studies Landowners - Land management support Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF S. Roberts Intervention % 26,010 17, , ,970 69% (VAT) 350 Project summary Outcomes / Outputs The Rusland Horizons area is home to some of the UK s rarest and most endangered butterflies and moths. The Wings in the Woods project will focus on monitoring and increasing the understanding of these species. It will enhance habitats on a landscape scale, creating stepping stone habitat to connect populations leading to a more robust, sustainable, less isolated and vulnerable populations. Habitat restoration for woodland butterfly specialists also benefit many other wildlife groups, including declining woodland birds, species by increasing the ecological niches available through improving woodland diversity, creating new breeding and feeding areas for birds and diversifying the ground plants and shrub layers available. Butterfly Conservation will work with volunteers to enhance and, where possible, extend existing sites; it will monitor these sites to measure success of management. This project will dovetail with the Coupes and Cords, woodland restoration project as coppice stands are regenerated; suitable new sites will be identified and the habitat can be enhanced for natural colonisation or reintroduction. Restore and extend habitat for target species 250ha of habitat improved 6 BAP s41 species to be monitored and breeding areas extended WW07: Wings in the Woods Page: 22

23 1500 plug plants planted 6 new sites identified / created GIS Mapping of sites encouraged to undertake wildlife enhancements Improved data knowledge Baseline and repeat surveys Distribution maps created Data reported to CBDC Case studies produced Volunteers engaged and trained 40 volunteers / 150 days. 8 training / awareness events Awareness & publicity 3 public engagement days to be run in partnership with the Forestry Commission 5 owners supported into either FC woodland management plan or Countryside Stewardship schemes Project Links Key Partners / stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance WW01 Coupes and Cords, WW02 Share Wood, WW03 Mapping Wild Rusland, WW04 Magical Meadows, WW05 Hidden Hedgerows, GT01 Greenwood Trail, GT02 Hands on Heritage. Butterfly Conservation Cumbria, Netted Carpet Moth Steering Group, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Landowners, Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre, Grizedale Mountain Bikes, Volunteers and students, Lancaster University, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Piccadilly Garden Centre. Species population failures Management practice is well informed and backed by strong research evidence. Habitat enhancement will be on a landscape scale supporting connectivity between sites. The legacy of this project will be enhanced habitat for the target species helping to reduce the decline in populations. An improved understanding of the relationship that these species have with their habitats which will be used to inform future conservation and land management practice. A local taskforce of Butterfly Conservation volunteers will be established to continue surveying and monitoring activity. This self-sufficiency will be built into the project gradually. Records will continue to be stored by the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre. Woodland sites will require ongoing management, but these sites will be linked with the Coupes and Cords project. 10-year Landowner maintenance agreements will be established and woodland improvement and Countryside Stewardship grants will provide an incentive for future management. WW07: Wings in the Woods Page: 23

24 Project Lead WW08: Rusland s Reds The Westmorland Red Squirrel Society Start/finish Jan 2016 March 2019 Who/What Benefits? Budget Red Squirrels - Protected, monitored and increased Woodlands Damage by grey squirrels reduced Local people & visitors - Engaged and educated Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF WRSS Intervention % 19,020 13, , ,620 72% (VAT) 1,683 Project summary Outcomes / Outputs The overall scope and purpose of the project is to restore the predominance of the native red squirrel throughout the scheme area by reducing competition from the grey squirrel, which is a non-native, invasive species. This project aims to: - assess and monitor the existing red squirrel population in the Rusland Horizons scheme area - identify and control the threat to red squirrels caused by grey squirrels and minimise the damage they cause to the woodland environment - explain the dynamics and practicalities of squirrel conservation to the local community and visitors Better managed woodland for wildlife, particularly red squirrels, and timber. Better understood woodland in terms of continued monitoring and recording of red squirrel populations. Volunteers have developed skills in monitoring and recording red squirrels and safe, humane control of grey squirrels People have a greater appreciation of the heritage value of woodlands, the value of our native red squirrels and the threats caused by non-native invasive species. WW08: Rusland s Reds Page: 24

25 Outputs Project Links Key Partners / stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance 20 volunteers trained 6 training/ feedback sessions held 5 major landowners involved 20 smaller landowners involved 50 sq. km. of woodland under active squirrel management 5 talks a year to local people and visitors WW01 Coupes and Cords, WW02 Share Wood, WW03 Mapping Wild Rusland, WW05 Hidden Hedgerows, GT01 Greenwood Trail, GT02 Hands on Heritage. South Cumbria Squirrel Management Forum, Landowners, Volunteers, Contractors. Unable to recruit sufficient volunteers to carry out monitoring and control: Publicity in local community to recruit volunteers and advertising through partners to seek to engage their volunteers. Sense of empowerment in the local resident and landowning community to protect and sustain red squirrel populations. Additional maintenance and management works will be required to secure ongoing benefits through the servicing of feeders and cameras, record keeping and grey squirrel control. This will be carried out by local residents and landowners using their own resources, supplemented by such grants and other incentives and support available from Government and relevant charities such as Westmorland Red Squirrel Society and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. Data will be stored by Red Squirrels Northern England for future use and management. WW08: Rusland s Reds Page: 25

26 Project Lead Regional Heritage Centre, Lancaster University Start/finish April 2016 Sept 2018 HH01: Peeling the Onion Who/What Benefits? Budget Historians, planners, researchers, teachers etc. - Information about the landscape - Resources for teaching Land managers - Better understanding of their holdings Volunteers - Training Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF Whitewood and Fleming Intervention % 38,650 31, ,600 5,000 26,050 67% (VAT) 0 Project summary Outputs Minor place-names and field-names are a rich source for understanding landscape history at local level. Recorded on maps and sometimes preserved in the memory of older residents, they are a heritage asset which needs to be recorded and preserved. This project will collect and interpret these names and gather oral memories of how the landscape has changed and been worked and how people have lived their lives within it. It will facilitate this through: 1. training and supporting groups and individuals to undertake a programme of archival research for place and field names, 2. recording an oral history from those who can tell of life and work which shaped, and was shaped by, the landscape, 3. presenting the findings through an online databank, including an interactive map of the project area. The memory of local communities and the history of the landscape in the scheme area will have been captured, recorded and made available online. Members of the local community will have developed their heritage skills. Those actively involved in the project will have enhanced their understanding of the heritage of the scheme area. HH01: Peeling the Onion Page: 26

27 Enhanced recognition of the heritage of the area; and awareness of the richness and meaning of minor names and their value as evidence of the past. It will be a source of ideas for school projects, creative writing projects and academic social research. Outputs: (a) Oral history 2 training days for 8 volunteers = 16 volunteer days 10 monthly meetings of research group for 8 volunteers for 4 hours = 40 volunteer days Unknown number of volunteer hours recording, downloading transcribing archiving. 2 schools involved with 2 classes per school with an average class size of 15= 60 children (b) Mapped history 2 training days for 12 volunteers = 24 volunteer days 12 fortnightly meetings of research group for 12 volunteers for 4 hours = 72 volunteer days. Project Links Key Partners / stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance? volunteer hours researching, copying, organising, archiving. 2 schools involved as in (a) above (duplicated). HS02 Coppice Livings, HS03 Skills & Swills, WW01 Coupes & Cords, WW04 Magical Meadows, WW05 Hidden Hedgerows, HH02 Lives in the Landscapes, GT01 Greenwood Trail Volunteers, oral history contractor, local primary schools, Morecambe Bay Partnership, Oxen Park Cinema Club, Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society. Archival sources too limited to provide full field-name coverage: If coverage is patchy / poor, focus will be on parts of the scheme area with good field-name coverage. The scheme will train volunteers and support the foundation of a local heritage group to continue the project work. This group will work closely with the Leven Valley Local History Society and the Oxen Park Cinema Club to record oral interviews on a broader community basis. The booklet produced will be sold to generate income for future print runs marketed through Regional Heritage Centre. Data will be stored by the Regional Heritage Centre and the Historic Environment Register and will be publically accessible. Greenwood Trail maps and the Rusland Horizons website will present the gathered information. HH01: Peeling the Onion Page: 27

28 Project Lead HH02: Lives in the Landscape Lake District National Park Authority Start/finish April 2016 Dec 2018 Who/What Benefits? Budget Local and visiting communities - Increased understanding of the cultural landscape Land managers - Information to enable them to protect, preserve and manage the landscape Volunteers - Training Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF V. Champion Intervention % 189, , , ,800 76% (VAT) 0 Project summary The Rusland Horizons scheme area is a rich cultural landscape of some antiquity and includes a large number of woodland industrial archaeological sites and historic landscape features. This community archaeology project aims to uncover new information about the history and landscape development of the area through a programme of surveys, research, excavation, interpretation and conservation management works. Volunteers will work with archaeologists on the following four projects: 1. Archaeological Survey of Woodland (Level 1 survey), 2. Survey of Bethecar Moor (Level 1 survey), 3. Conservation and survey of Cunsey Bloomery Forge (Level 2 survey, conservation and interpretation), 4. Barkhouse Bank bloomery and charcoal pits (Level 2 survey, excavation and palaeo-environmental work). The information will be used to produce a detailed report on each site. It will be presented to the public in the Greenwood Trails, and the end of scheme booklet and exhibition. HH02: Lives in the Landscape Page: 28

29 Outputs The archaeology will be better understood. The Lake District Historic Environment Record (HER) will be updated with new information to inform future management. Cunsey Forge site will be conserved and improved. Information about the site will be presented in an interpretation panel. Volunteers will gain skills and experience in surveying, archive research and excavation. There will be a greater local awareness of the heritage of the area and improved management of archaeological features by land managers. This will contribute to creating a greater sense of the special relationship between the landscape we see today and its history. Outputs 115 days of volunteer training 898 volunteer days 706 hectares of woodland surveyed 654 hectares of open fell surveyed 500 new archaeological sites recorded in the HER Four archaeological reports written Two Level 2 surveys undertaken Project Links Key Partners / stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance One new interpretation panel at Cunsey Bloomery Forge 200 archaeological sites in good management Information for Greenwood Trail, final exhibition and booklet HS01 Valley Futures, WW01 Coupes & Cords, WW02 Sharewood, HH01 Peeling the Onion, GT01 Greenwood Trail, GT02 Hands on Heritage. Lake District Archaeology Volunteer Network, English Heritage, Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, Contractors, landowners / managers, Natural England, Leven Valley Local History Group. Survey and excavation events cancelled due to poor weather conditions Events will be rescheduled. People will have enhanced understanding between the landscape and its industrial history value and wish to conserve the landscape for future generations. Information stored in the HER for future research. The Archaeology Volunteer Network will monitor Cunsey Beck Forge to ensure that it remains free of litter and the interpretation board is clean and in good condition. 10 year maintenance agreement with the manufacturer. HH02: Lives in the Landscape Page: 29

30 GT01: The Greenwood Trail Project Lead Lake District National Park Authority Start/finish Jan 2016 Dec 2018 Who / What Benefits? Budget Local people and visitors - Improved Rights of Way network - Series of self-guided trail leaflets Volunteers - training Visitor attractions and service providers - Increased visitor dwell time and spend Schoolchildren and Community groups - Learning activities Deteriorating landscape features and pathways - Conservation and maintenance Total In Kind Vol Time Match HLF E. Mills. Intervention % 80,594 65, ,300 3,000 62,294 77% (VAT) 0 Project summary There is a long tradition of routes through the area that were used to transport timber and other woodland produce down from the woodlands to the urban centres and the coast. Linking with the protection of archaeology and landscape features, we will use this network of routes as a basis for interpreting our heritage, to guide people through the current and past landscape and to engage people in the project. The Greenwood Trail aims to encourage people to explore the Rusland Valley sustainably. The trail will provide links and routes to promote the woodland heritage and key points of interest within the Rusland Horizons scheme area. The aim of the project is to: work with the local community to GT01: The Greenwood Trail Page: 30

31 improve physical and intellectual access to the landscape and its natural and cultural heritage in a way that maintains the special, intimate and quiet atmosphere of the Rusland Valley and Fells. It will do this by: 1. Working with apprentices and volunteers to improve the path network to create a series of five pedestrian and cycle trails linked to sustainable transport routes, 2. Working with volunteers and apprentices to survey all of the landscape features along the Greenwood Trails and conserve prime examples of each type, 3. Developing interpretative media in partnership with local people to draw in visitors and residents who might otherwise not know about the area and its heritage. Outcomes / Outputs Work with apprentices* and volunteers to improve the path network to create a series of pedestrian and cycle trails linked to sustainable transport routes; 6 volunteers 36 days surveying the routes 6 km of new footpath 23 km of improved footpath 0.25 km of new bridleway/cycleway 12 km of improved bridleway/cycleway 140 metres of boardwalk to assist with erosion control Work with volunteers and apprentices to survey the landscape features along the Greenwood Trails and conserve prime examples of each type; volunteers outputs recorded under HS03 Skills and Swills 6 volunteers will survey the routes to identify landscape features 36 days undesignated historic features recorded Tbc no of Landscape features repaired / restored Develop interpretation resources in partnership with local people to draw in, increase dwell time and deepen engagement for visitors and residents who might otherwise not know about the area and its heritage; 2 primary schools worked with 60 primary school children engaged 2 community consultation events held and no of people attending 8 leaflets to promote 8 heritage/nature trails 1 visitor guidebook produced Content produced for visitor apps. Engage a wide range of local people and visitors in learning about the natural and cultural heritage of the area through a programme of inspiring events and activities. 6 guided cycle rides / walks and 60 people attending *Outputs for the apprentices will be reported in HS01 Valley Futures. GT01: The Greenwood Trail Page: 31

32 Project Links Key Partners/ stakeholders Main risk(s) Legacy and Maintenance HS01 Valley Futures, HS03 Skills and Swills, WW01 Coupes & Cords, WW02 Share Wood, WW07 Wings in the Woods, WW08 Rusland s Reds, HH01 Peeling the Onion, HH02 Lives in the Landscapes, GT02 Hands on Heritage. Landowners, visitor attractions, volunteers. Access Working Group. Landowners do not agree to dedication of new routes: Work undertaken during development phase indicates that this is not a high risk. Proposed dedications discussed with landowners and rights and responsibilities confirmed. Alternative road options will have to be used if an agreement is not reached. The trails will follow dedicated Rights of Way in the area and as such will fall into the regular survey and maintenance programme of the LDNPA. Recorded data of landscape features and archaeology will be kept on the Historic Environment Register (HER). Trails will be available on the SeeMoreCumbria app and on the Rusland Horizons website. GT01: The Greenwood Trail Page: 32

33 Project Lead Rusland Horizons Staff Team Start/finish April 2016 March 2019 Who/What Benefits? Budget Local people and visitors - Learning events and activities - John Muir Award Volunteer - Training Visitor attractions - Events - Increased dwell time and spend Volunteer / memberbased organisations - Increased membership Wildlife - Increased monitoring Total GT02: Hands on Heritage In Kind Vol Time Match HLF LDNPA Intervention % 117, ,744 5,950 10,550 5,000 95,744 82% (VAT) 0 Project summary Outputs Hands on Heritage is about creating opportunities for local people and visitors to the Rusland Valley and Fells to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the area and the crucial connection between people and the landscape, both in the past and in the present. A programme of outreach, engagement, celebration and sharing activities will enable people to learn about the wildlife, habitats and heritage of the area and get involved in their conservation. The story of the Rusland Horizons area and the scheme itself will be told through a range of interpretative techniques aimed at drawing in, increasing the dwell time of, and deepening engagement for, visitors and residents who might otherwise not know about the area and its heritage. Increased dwell time and understanding, plus deeper engagement with the area s natural and cultural heritage by local people, visitors, landowners and GT02: Hands on Heritage Page: 33