Data, Monitoring and Evidence

Description

A sound knowledge of our local biodiversity resource is essential as a starting point for the effective implementation of conservation objectives. Without baseline data it is difficult to set targets and to measure progress towards them. The existing Green Infrastructure (GI) suite has provided a valuable framework for BAP delivery at the sub-regional level. Updating of this dataset and assessment of GI delivery is dependent on monitoring of biodiversity assets. Good biodiversity data are essential in the following aspects of partners' work:

  • PPS9 places responsibilities on planning authorities to base decisions on up-to-date biological information.
  • Local Development Frameworks & Annual Monitoring Reports
  • Green Infrastructure
  • Reporting to BARS, funders and performance indicators
  • Biodiversity Duty (Section 40, NERC Act)

Main Issues

  • We have very little or inaccurate baseline information for our BAP habitats and species.
  • Most of Northamptonshire's biodiversity data are derived from over 800 Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) but many of these have not been surveyed within the 5-year period that is recommended by DEFRA.
  • There are also a further 1000 or more Potential Wildlife Sites (PWS), which have never been surveyed.
  • For many of the BAP species, monitoring has been identified at the National level as being the top priority if we are to understand how to conserve them.
  • Landscape-scale projects and Green Infrastructure require a field-by-field knowledge of not just existing resources but also the best potential areas for linkage and expansion.
  • In order to store, process and disseminate this information it is essential to have a fully functional Records Centre. The Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre has established a one-stop-shop for biological data but it's future funding is uncertain and there are existing data that still need to be collated.

Strategy and Guidelines

  • Achieve funding and resources for the Records Centre to become fully functional.
  • Resurvey LWS on a rolling 5-year programme and identify new LWS.
  • Identify priority areas for landscape-scale restoration and creation of BAP habitats within the GI framework to focus action and guide development proposals.
  • Pass all biological records and monitoring results to the Records Centre.
  • Support species and habitat monitoring above and beyond the LWS system.
  • Survey PWS and where necessary designate new LWS.
  • Burrow down into the Green Infrastructure strategy on a field-by-field basis to identify the current resources and highest priorities for habitat linkage.

 Targets

Target Code

Target Description

Target Units

Northants Baseline Resource

Target

By

Unit Cost £

Total Cost £

NOR_DME_T1

Ensure all SSSIs have been condition assessed within 6 years.

Sites

 Unknown  56  2014    

NOR_DME_T2

Re-survey 100 % of existing LWS by 2012, write site reports and provide management advice.

Sites

811

811

2012

Approx 300/site

250,000

NOR_DME_T3

Survey x Potential Wildlife Sites by 2015.

Sites

    

2015

Approx 300/site

  

NOR_DME_T4

Fund the NBRC as set out in its Business Plan.

Pounds

0

        

NOR_DME_T5

Produce an updated strategic biodiversity network map by 2010.

Maps

0

1

2010

    

NOR_DME_T6

Create a revised edition of The Flora of Northamptonshire by 2010.

      

2010

    

Actions

Action Code

Action Description

Lead Partner

Support Partner(s)

Related Target

NOR_DME_SU_A1

Condition-assess all SSSI units to Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) standard at least once every 6 years, using Natural England favourable condition tables.

Natural England

  

NOR_DME_T1

NOR_DME_SU_A2

Ensure that all Local Wildlife Sites in each district are surveyed every 5 years.

Local Authorities

The Wildlife Trust

NOR_DME_T2

NOR_DME_CA_A3

As part of the LWS survey process allow time and resources for management advice to be provided to the landowner (in order to report on NI 197).

Local Authorities

The Wildlife Trust

NOR_DME_T2

NOR_DME_SU_A4

Identify for survey PWSs that have no supporting survey data and that are in a strategic location either in terms of development pressure or habitat connectivity.

NBP

  

NOR_DME_T3

NOR_DME_FR_A5

Ensure the criteria for the Records Centre are met to receive funding from Natural England.

NBRC

  

NOR_DME_T4

NOR_DME_FR_A6

Work in partnership with NBRC to ensure that appropriate data is collected and reporting carried out to meet National Indicator 197.

Local Authorities

  

NOR_DME_T4

NOR_DME_ID_A7

After the first complete CWS/PWS and SSSI survey, calculate a more accurate baseline for each BAP habitat, area-quality index, average fragment size and average linkage index.

The Wildlife Trust

NBRC

NOR_DME_T5

NOR_DME_ID_A8

Set up and maintain a complete database of the extent and distribution of all 16 BAP habitats that allows an annual monitoring statement to be produced for each.

NBP

The Wildlife Trust

NOR_DME_T5

NOR_DME_SU_A9

Ensure that BAP species are the focus of survey efforts (for example through Local Groups) and that all results are reported to NBRC.

The Wildlife Trust

All

NOR_DME_T5