Gardens, Allotments, Parks and Public Open Space

Associated Species Action Plans

Amphibians

Great crested newt

Song thrush

Associated Habitat action plans

Buildings and the built environment

Garden ponds

Eutrophic urban pools

Urban 'wasteland'

1.1 This Action Plan covers a range of habitats found on land which can be private (gardens), shared (some allotments), municipal (some allotments, cemeteries, playing fields, public gardens, parks and some golf courses), or institutional (churchyards, some golf courses, school grounds, hospital and nursing home grounds, etc.). These habitats are often associated with buildings which in turn offer opportunities for supporting or enhancing biodiversity.

1.2 Such habitats, however, are often of little or no value to biodiversity because they are so intensively managed for purposes where a reduction in biodiversity is actually desired, but many opportunities nevertheless exist to enhance their conservation value and indeed in places to manage part, at least, of a site with biodiversity in mind. These habitats often come under similar pressures and lend themselves to a set of similar management options that would sustain and enhance biodiversity.

1.3 Gardens

1.3.1 Individual gardens vary tremendously in size, structural complexity and management, and collectively may provide anything from an isolated green patch to a sizeable complex of contiguous properties that together can provide a large meta-habitat, important (or not) to biodiversity in its own right, or which can serve as an important extension of or connection (corridor) between other habitats important for biodiversity.

1.3.2 While gardeners should be encouraged to adopt environmentally-friendly practices the design and content of their gardens should always reflect their own preferences. Some gardens may have 'wild' areas, but management is often inimical to wildlife through mowing, weeding and use of chemicals. Other practices may be contrary to good practice, e.g. use of peat.

1.3.3 Good practices include non-chemical forms of weed and pest control, or using target-specific, rapidly degrading chemicals; less frequent mowing; and greater recycling of garden waste, especially for compost. Provision of habitat and food includes use of nectar-producing flowers, and fruit- and berry-bearing shrubs and trees; provision of nesting sites (including nest boxes); provision of habitats usable for shelter, breeding and hibernation; and construction of ponds. Many introduced ornamental plants are valuable for wildlife, especially for insects, but greater thought can be given to the use of native species and small-scale introduction of indigenous habitats such as wildflower meadow.

1.3.4 Some organisms are clearly weeds or pests, but they are not necessarily so in every part of the larger garden, and indeed may add greatly to garden ecosystem functions as well as to species diversity. Where adventive plants and animals can be tolerated they should be tolerated.

1.4 Allotments

1.4.1 The distribution of allotments in Birmingham and the Black Country in 1983 is shown in Fig. 1, with those of some conservation value shown by larger, red dots. Allotments vary in size and use. In a number of allotments there are often unused plots that have reverted to weeds, rough grass or wasteland.

1.4.2 Plot boundaries are generally little more than mounds or soft pathways but in a few cases there are more substantial boundaries, for example tall, sometimes mixed-species hedgerows at Westbourne Road, Birmingham. Many allotment sites, however, have substantial treed hedgerows, and there are other features (for instance flowing water) that can provide conservation interest. There are a few allotment sites, especially those with abandoned plots, where the allotment holders have themselves created habitat and introduced management practices commensurate with enhancing biodiversity.

1.5 Parks

1.5.1 For many town dwellers parks represent the only large area of local accessible green space in which they feel unthreatened either by antisocial elements or by nature itself. Most park areas are municipal and have primarily amenity and recreational functions. Landscaping focuses on ornamental bedding and shrubberies of often introduced evergreen species, set in or bordering closely-mown turf. Trees are often in avenues or small groups, and largely comprise ornamental or shade species, often introductions. Trees may be mature, reflecting (in some cases pre-dating) the original planting schemes of many of the parks in the nineteenth century.

1.5.2 Management in most parks is regular, frequent and intensive in order to provide the neat, tidy environment that most users demand. Some parks, however, have allowed certain hard areas to fall into disrepair and soft areas to grow out. Vandalism, graffiti and general abuse are all too apparent in many urban parks. In the last twenty or so years, however, a number of parks have planted and manage areas of 'wild' habitat, in particular wildflower areas and small patches of scrub and woodland, sometimes by the use of enclosures or enclosures.

1.6 Golf courses

Golf courses occupy around 1 km² of mostly open ground. The landscape of the golf course consists of teeing-off sites and greens (very short fine grass), fairway (short grass), short rough (rough grassland), deep rough (tall grass, scrub, trees) and hazards (bunkers and water bodies). There are practices that can be deleterious to wildlife on greens and fairways, particularly in relation to the use of chemicals. Some animals are pests on golf courses, for example geese which foul the greens and fairways, and burrowing animals, and these need to be controlled. Many opportunities have nevertheless been taken, especially in recent years, to incorporate wildscape into course design, making the course visually more attractive while retaining, indeed at times enhancing, challenges to the golfers' skills.

1.7 Playing fields

By definition such areas are sown to trample-resistant turf grass which is closely and regularly mown. Many playing fields, however, especially those associated with schools, are bordered by trees, shrubs and scrub, some associated with programmes such as the Black Country Urban Forest, or projects such as Natural Curriculum (Wolverhampton) and Neighbourhood Nature (Walsall).

1.8 Churchyards and cemeteries

1.8.1 Churchyards are associated with and are generally adjacent to individual churches, and are on church-owned land. They vary in size but are rarely more than 2 ha. Cemeteries are municipally owned burial grounds generally 10-30 ha in size. Most churchyards are at least a hundred years old, and many are much older. These often contain mature trees and other parts of the site may contain pockets of shrub and tall herbaceous vegetation. Walls and gravestones often support rich lichen and moss floras, and the former may also contain a rich vascular flora and invertebrate fauna, especially if built of stone. Cemeteries generally have fewer mature trees or areas of well-developed vegetation.

1.8.2 Both churchyards and cemeteries need to be maintained in a tidy manner, but while in cemeteries this tends to result in little vegetation other than mown grass in some churchyards a greater mosaic of vegetation types can be accommodated. In the last ten years or more the Living Churchyard scheme has encouraged greater informality in landscaping, with planting and maintenance regimes aimed at encouraging native plants and animals.

1.9 Institutional grounds

The grounds of many schools, hospitals, nursing homes, day centres and retirement centres often contain extensive areas of vegetation, including mown grass and ornamental bedding or shrubbery, but also varying levels of species-rich habitat. Some such areas have resulted from benign neglect, but there are a number of examples where conservation-orientated management operates, usually following the prescriptions and guidelines of a management plan.

2.1 Land use is the single most important environmental factor affecting these habitats, affecting soil; vegetation (which is predominantly if not entirely planted); management (which is often frequent and intense); and disturbance (since many sites are regularly dug over or are subjected to trampling).

2.2 Soil is often nutrient-rich with nutrient enhancement coming from artificial fertilisers, mulch and compost. This poses a problem where species-rich grassland, for example, is desired. Nutrient-impoverishment generally requires topsoil removal. Soil, too, may be compacted, leading to problems of drainage.

2.3 Vegetation is largely planted and intensively maintained. It is often of an ornamental nature (commonly involving introduced species) or utilitarian (particularly ryegrass-based turfgrass). The landscapes are essentially gardenesque, and the components of naturally colonising vegetation are viewed as weeds.

2.4 Threats. All these habitats are semi-permanent. Some large gardens, allotments and playing fields may be subject to redevelopment, especially for housing, but most sites have essentially fixed boundaries and land uses. The major threats to biodiversity come from continued intensity or intensification, of inappropriate management.

2.5 Management therefore holds the key to the biodiversity value of these habitats, and the absence of appropriate goal-orientated management is in itself a threat as well as a lost opportunity.

2.6 Many invasive plants outcompete desirable native plant species, come to dominate (and alter) vegetation, and commonly support a lower abundance and diversity of animal life. Such plants are nevertheless often deliberately planted in gardens, parks and other amenity areas from which they may invade other, semi-natural habitats. In this way they potentially become undesirable additions to all urban habitats.

3.1 Legal status

3.1.1 Individual species. It is important to recognise the contribution that all habitats, including heavily managed ones, can make to the protection of native plant and animal species, whether or not formally designated as being protected (as with great-crested newts, for which garden ponds are important). Conversely there are species commonly encouraged by benign neglect or even supported by deliberate introduction which, in the interests of biodiversity, must be treated as invasive and undesirable; these may be formally notified as infestive weeds, e.g. Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam.

3.1.2 Individual tree specimens may be subject to Tree Preservation Orders, though TPOs can also be imposed on groups of trees. In conservation areas all trees with diameter (breast height) >75 mm notice is required for felling or pruning.

3.1.3 An allotment is 'wholly or mainly cultivated by the occupier for the production of fruit or vegetables for consumption by himself [sic] and his family' (Allotment Act, 1925). Government view⁽¹⁾ is that decisions on use, commercial use and livestock 'should be made on a site-by-site basis by the local authority or allotment society' with care being taken to maintain the 'essential character' of that site. 'Planning guidance with regard to allotments should be made much more explicit, particularly since allotment land is the principle category of urban greenspace which is being eroded. We urge that fuller and better guidance on the role of allotments be incorporated into the current revision of Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (Housing). PPG3 [should] include specific advice that 'statutory' allotment sites should be clearly designated within Unitary Development Plans and Local Plans'.

(1) DETR. 1999. Government's response to the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee's Report: The future of allotments (http://www.regeneration.detr.gov.uk/info/env/allotments/index.htm)

3.2 Management, research and guidance

3.2.1 Encouragement should be given, together with opportunities for information, advice and support, to private and institutional landowners to manage and maintain environments that support the primary use of that land (generally amenity, recreation or burial) yet wherever possible to maintain or enhance the value of such land for biodiversity.

3.2.2 Parks and public open spaces should be maintained for a variety of public uses in ways that support enjoyment and security. Such land should contribute towards the provision of minimum standards for accessible natural greenspace, following English Nature's recommendations that an urban resident should have: access by foot to a natural greenspace of at least 2 ha within 280 m; at least one 20 ha site within 2 km; at least one 100 ha site within 5 km; and at least one 500 ha site within 10 km.

3.2.3 Little research has been undertaken on the biota of any of the habitats under consideration, though there is evidence of the significance of churchyards to biodiversity (especially to plants and birds). Research into allotment and urban park ecosystems in Central Europe indicates the significance of these habitats to biota, and this is also likely to be true in the UK Midlands.

3.2.4 Work continues on the compilation of spatial data for the Birmingham and Black Country Flora (ed. I.C. Trueman), and EcoRecord also contains records of plants and animals from the habitats considered here.

3.2.5 Much of the context and many of the objectives and management proposals for enhancing the biodiversity of the habitats under consideration are appropriate for consideration and inclusion within the Local Agenda 21 programmes for each local authority.

OBJECTIVE	TARGET
Inclusion of allotments, parks and public open space in nature conservation strategies, Unitary Development Plans and similar programmes, ensuring that planning applications are subject to scrutiny when such habitats would be affected.	Ongoing
Continued survey and updating of site and species records	Ongoing
Management of such habitats in ways that are sympathetic to, or that would enhance biodiversity while maintaining their amenity or recreational utility.	Ongoing
Raise awareness of the importance of these habitats to biodiversity via the media, involvement of local schools and community groups, and representation to local councillors.	Ongoing

ACTION	Potential Deliverers		YEARS							Meets Objective No.
ACTION	Lead	Partner	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2011	Meets Objective No.
5.1 Policy and legislation
Seek the inclusion of appropriate habitat measures in Unitary Development Plans and other policy documents.	LAs		As UDPs and other documents are prepared and reviewed							1
Encourage the proper consideration of present and future potential for wildlife and community use when determining planning applications wherever possible, including landscaping and mitigation	LAs	WT								1
5.2 Site and species safeguard and management
Identification, recording and mapping of sites of value to biodiversity. Seek funding to achieve this.	WT									2
Increase accessibility and safety of areas of public open space.	LAs									3
Identify areas which might be planted and managed in ways to enhance biodiversity, including sites where habitat creation and restoration is possible	LO	WT, NUFU								3
Seek environmental improvement grants from local authorities, Millennium Greens Initiative, etc., for community groups to enhance biodiversity	Community groups	LA, WT, LA21 groups								4
Safeguarding and managing sites where appropriate for the protection of any locally, regionally or nationally rare species	LA, EN	WT, EA								1,2,3
Protect species by maintaining habitat quantity and quality rather than by translocation	LA, EN	WT, EA								1,3
Controlling noxious plants and animals especially those that tend to reduce biodiversity	LA									3,4
5.3 Advice
Advisory inputs and preparation of a generic management plan framework	WT									1
Advisory inputs to landscaping of all public and semi-public (e.g. school) open space	GW / WT									1,3,4
5.4 Future research and monitoring
Use of EcoRecord to maintain and update records of plants and animals	ER	WT								2
Survey and collation of data, including a habitat audit and properly-designed monitoring programmes	LA	WT, Nat. Hist. Socs., "Flora"								2
Production of GIS material	ER	WT								2
5.5 Publicity
Encourage 'grounds committees' of schools, churchyards, hospital grounds, etc. to adopt landscaping schemes and management options that encourage biodiversity	Ground C'tees	WT, GW, BTCV								3,4
Erection of information boards in parks where biodiversity enhancement is part of the management plan	LA									3,4
Raise awareness of the local community to areas of accessible green space and opportunities for their involvement	LA21 groups	WT, NNP, BTCV								4
Encourage community involvement in nature conservation/ biodiversity/ landscape enhancement projects	LA	WT								4
5.6 Links to other action plans
Buildings & the built environment, garden ponds, eutrophic urban pools, urban 'wasteland'

This Biodiversity Action Plan will be implemented over 10 years with a first review after 5 years. A group will be set up to co-ordinate implementation and to report to the Biodiversity Steering Group. This group will meet at a minimum on a yearly basis.

Review will be carried out in conjunction with related Habitat and Species Action Plans as appropriate.

Review will consist of measuring achievement of targets. The group will, with the support of the Steering Group, develop and implement appropriate monitoring methods which will inform the review process.

The Action Plan will be revised and updated in the light of review results and any relevant changes in circumstances and/or additional information which becomes available during the review period.

In line with national guidance, the Steering Group will report to the UK Steering Group.

Printing of this publication for educational purposes is permitted, provided that copies are not made or distributed for commercial gain, and the title of the publication and its date appear. To copy otherwise, or to republish, requires specific permission from the Steering Group.