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Habitat
Action Plans
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Streams and Ditches
Habitat
The ditches of the Greatham site have been included in this habitat
to differentiate them from the freshwater ponds of the site. The
ditches are able to support different species to the ponds, so have
been allocated a habitat of their own.
Ditches and streams are important for a range of mammals, birds and
invertebrates. Drainage ditches can support a diverse range of plants
and animals.
Ditches on Greatham Site
The accompanying
map (PDF) shows the position of the ditches
on the Greatham site. Some of these ditches are interconnected with
freshwater ponds and some run into the saline pools, meaning the ditches
are of differing water quality and some aren’t suitable habitat
for freshwater species.
The freshwater ditches on the Greatham site are very important for
Water Voles. This species is very important as there has been a serious
decline in numbers and distribution of Water Voles nationally. They
are a Local and UK BAP Species and use some of the ditches on site
for feeding and breeding. The Species Action Plan for Water Voles,
included in this IBAP, has a map showing the ditches on site and their
respective densities of Water Voles.
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Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis,
prey
on stickleback in ditches.
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The freshwater ditches on site contain Stickleback, Gasterosteus
aculeatus. This fish is abundant in some of the ditches and is an important
prey
species for Kingfisher, a Local and UK BAP Key Species. Kingfisher
do visit the site but, as yet, have not bred. The site, however, could
possibly host breeding kingfisher in the future. This would greatly
enhance the conservation value of the ditches on the site, as kingfisher
are both UK and Local BAP species. The Sand Martin is another bird which is present on the site, especially
during summer, but hasn’t yet bred. The banks associated with
ponds on site could possibly support colonies of Sand Martin if managed
properly.
Current Factors affecting the Habitat Nationally
- Pollution, including eutrophication and acidification.
- Excessive
ground and surface water extraction.
- Intensive land drainage and
flood defence works.
- Inappropriate bank management, including overgrazing.
- Invasive plant and animal species – Himalayan balsam and
giant hogweed.
Key Ditch/Stream Species on the Greatham Site
| Flora |
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| Common Reed |
Important plant species for Water Voles, provides feeding
grounds and shelter in ditches on site. Also important for dragonflies. |
| Sedges |
Again, important for Water Vole. There are 5 Species
of Sedge on site. Important for dragonflies. |
| Rushes |
Provide important cover in and around ditches. 5 Species
of rush on site and 2 species of club-rush. Important for dragonflies. |
| Fauna |
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| Water Vole |
Breeds on site. Local and UK BAP Species. Under-recorded
locally. Widespread in Britain but serious decline in numbers and
distribution. |
| Kingfisher |
Local and UK BAP Species. Does not presently breed on
site but visits the site. Could possibly breed on site in future. |
| Sand Martin |
Local and UK BAP Species. Does not breed on site but
is fairly common in summer. Could possibly breed on site in future
with correct management. |
| Common Hawker Dragonfly |
Breeds on site. Local and UK BAP Species. The ditches
on site are an important habitat for this species. |
| Stickleback |
Although this species is not of important conservation
concern, it is an important prey species for attracting Kingfisher
to the ditches and ponds. |
Current Action
Local Environment Agency Plan.
Water Vole Surveys (Commenced
Spring/Summer 1997).
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Common Reed gives
cover to Water
Vole and dragonflies.
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Local Objectives
- Protect and enhance the areas of habitat alongside rivers
for wildlife.
- Monitor and improve water quality along all watercourses.
Management Plan for Ditches on Greatham Site
- Maintain current drains/ditches on site by active management.
- Where necessary, remove invasive
species which are choking the ditches, such as Blanket weed, Entromorpha.
- Where possible, increase habitat for ditch/stream species. Details
of habitat creation will be included in the Action Plans for
the key habitat species.
- Ensure that any development work considers the conservation value
and water quality of, the ditches on site.
- Continue monitoring of key habitat species, to assess population
size and distribution. Species Action Plans for key ditch/stream species
have been included.
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Sand Martins, Riparia riparia,
could hopefully
breed on site.
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Action Plans for key species
The 3 key species for ditch/stream habitat, for which Species Action
Plans have been produced, are:
- Water Vole
- Kingfisher
- Sand Martin
These 3 species will act as ‘indicators’ for this kind of
habitat, to determine its status, and assess any positive effects of
the management plans. |
