Habitat Description
Previously developed land includes redundant urban land which once served a use, such as industry, housing, extractive industry, landfill, or transportation (railway lines) but has now become derelict, allowing natural processes, once again, to take place.
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Post-industrial and urban sites often hold diverse and sometimes unusual species assemblages and demonstrate dynamic ecological processes, particularly for invertebrates Buglife reports that brownfield sites have as many associated Red Data Book and Nationally Scarce invertebrate species as ancient woodland. Post-industrial habitats are often, but not always, associated with urban areas. Most previously developed habitats occur within the principal towns of Northampton, Corby and Kettering. The existence of these mosaics of habitat is essential to the survival of many species, both those specific to this type of habitat and to those moving between patches of other habitat. Brownfield sites also provide a refuge for species that would be associated with other habitats, e.g. species rich grasslands, was it not for man's influence on the environment. |
Current UK Status and Trends
Declining due to infill development pressure.
Estimated Current Northants Resource
Unknown but anticipated being concentrated in Northampton, Corby and Kettering.
Progress Towards BAP Targets 2002-2007
Awaiting update
Main Issues and Threats
General Strategies
Lead Partner
The Wildlife Trust
Associated National Priority Species
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Specific Management Required for Associated Species
Species |
Northamptonshire Status |
Management Prescriptions |
Key Sites |
Annual knawel |
Rare |
Prefers sandy areas such as disused sand pits. |
Unknown |
Dingy skipper |
Restricted |
Common bird's foot trefoil is the main food plant. This is required in a sparse sward, with areas of open ground, taller vegetation for shelter and roosting, in a sunny sheltered position (Butterfly Conservation, 2008). |
Twywell Hills and Dales Country Park. |
Grizzled skipper |
Restricted |
Requires at least one of the main food plants (Rosaceae family) growing among short vegetation (< 10cm), with patches of bare ground, taller vegetation and scrub or woodland edges (Butterfly Conservation, 2008). |
Twywell Hills and Dales Country Park. |
Targets
Target Code |
Target Type |
Target Description |
Target Units |
Northants Baseline Resource |
Target |
By |
Unit Cost £ |
Total Cost £ |
NOR_OMH_T1 |
Identify Extent |
Identify all areas that meet the definition for this habitat through desk study and site visits by 2012. |
Ha |
Unknown |
2012 |
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NOR_OMH_T2 |
Maintain extent |
Based on the results of surveys, calculate the extent of this habitat and ensure no net loss. |
Ha |
Unknown |
No Net Loss |
2015 |
Actions
Action Code |
Action Description |
Lead Partner |
Support Partner(s) |
Related Target |
NOR_OMH_SU_A1 |
By 2010 carry out a desk study to identify potential sites that meet the BAP habitat description. |
The Wildlife Trust |
NOR_OMH_T1 | |
NOR_OMH_SU_A2 |
By 2013 carry out a general and floristic survey of all areas of previously developed land that may meet the LBAP description. |
The Wildlife Trust |
University of Northampton (PhD students) |
NOR_OMH_T1 |
NOR_OMH_SU_A3 |
Carry out invertebrate surveys on all sites meeting the LBAP habitat description by 2015. |
Diptera Group, The Wildlife Trust |
|
NOR_OMH_T1 |
NOR_OMH_SP_A4 |
Assess the surveyed sites against Local Wildlife Site criteria within 6 months of survey date and designate where appropriate. |
The Wildlife Trust |
NOR_OMH_T2 | |
NOR_OMH_CA_A5 |
Produce a guidance document for planners and developers regarding the value of open mosaic habitats on previously developed land by 2015. |
The Wildlife Trust, Buglife |
NOR_OMH_T2` | |
NOR_OMH_CA_A6 |
Ensure that suitable restoration schemes are put in place once industrial use of sites such as landfill sites and quarries ceases. |
NCC |
The Wildlife Trust |
NOR_OMH_T2 |