Parish Biodiversity Audit

for

Diptford

Consultation draft – February 2010

Anne Harvey

Report commissioned by Devon County Council

Data supplied by the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre
Contents
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................................4
DESIGNATED SITES ..............................................................................................................................7
COUNTY W ILDLIFE SITES .....................................................................................................................7
Manor Court County Wildlife Site ................................................................................................8
Creber Farm County Wildlife Site................................................................................................9
Larcombe Quarry County Wildlife Site .......................................................................................9
Ashwell Wood County Wildlife Site ...........................................................................................10
Storridge Wood County Wildlife Site.........................................................................................11
Higher Marks Barn County Wildlife Site ...................................................................................12
Wheeldon Wood County Wildlife Site .......................................................................................13
Stoneleigh County Wildlife Site..................................................................................................13
Moreleigh Mount County Wildlife Site.......................................................................................14
Stoneleigh Moor County Wildlife Site .......................................................................................15
Higher Beenleigh County Wildlife Site ......................................................................................16
Manor Field County Wildlife Site ...............................................................................................17
OTHER SITES OF W ILDLIFE INTEREST ...............................................................................................18
ANCIENT W OODLAND INVENTORY .....................................................................................................22
OTHER DESIGNATIONS AND REGIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS .................................................................23
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty .......................................................................................23
Natural Areas................................................................................................................................25
Regional Nature Map ..................................................................................................................26
OTHER HABITATS (IDENTIFIED FROM FIELD SURVEY): .......................................................27
SPECIES-RICH HEDGES ......................................................................................................................27
CHURCHYARDS...................................................................................................................................31
RECREATION AREAS AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE .................................................................................33
VILLAGE AND GARDENS ......................................................................................................................35
ROADSIDE AND RAILWAY VERGES ......................................................................................................36
GREEN LANES.....................................................................................................................................37
VETERAN TREES .................................................................................................................................38
W OODLANDS ......................................................................................................................................40
PITS, QUARRIES AND CUTTINGS .........................................................................................................42
PONDS ................................................................................................................................................43
RIVERS, STREAMS AND WATER’S EDGE .............................................................................................44
ARABLE LAND .....................................................................................................................................45
UNIMPROVED AND MARSHY GRASSLAND ...........................................................................................46
ORCHARDS .........................................................................................................................................48
OTHER POTENTIAL HABITATS .............................................................................................................49
UNCONFIRMED W ILDLIFE SITES.........................................................................................................50
SPECIES...............................................................................................................................................51
IMPORTANT SPECIES ..........................................................................................................................51
BIRDS..................................................................................................................................................51
PLANTS ...............................................................................................................................................53
MAMMALS ...........................................................................................................................................54
INVERTEBRATES .................................................................................................................................55
REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS AND FISH......................................................................................................55
THE DEVON BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN (BAP). ..................................................................56
BIODIVERSITY LINKS:..........................................................................................................................56
LINKS BETWEEN THE WILDLIFE OF DIPTFORD AND THE DEVON BAP: ..............................................58
SOME IDEAS FOR LOCAL ACTION… ..........................................................................................59
1 FURTHER SURVEY: .....................................................................................................................59
2 INFLUENCE THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE:.........................................................60
3 BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL LANDOWNERS:...................................................................61
4 ADOPT A ROAD VERGE: ..............................................................................................................61

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 5 W ILDLIFE GARDENING: ...............................................................................................................61
6 JOIN LOCAL CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS: ..........................................................................63
7 INVOLVEMENT AND EDUCATION:.................................................................................................63
8 VOLUNTEER:...............................................................................................................................64
9 LINK BIODIVERSITY TO DIPTFORD PARISH PLAN: ......................................................................64
10 JAPANESE KNOTWEED: ..........................................................................................................64
USEFUL SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION: ..................................................................67
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF FUNDING: .....................................................................................................68
BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................................................70

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................................................71

APPENDIX 1 – NOTABLE SITES AND SPECIES WITHIN DIPTFORD PARISH (2009).......73

APPENDIX 2 – SPECIES LIST RECORDED FOR DIPTFORD PARISH DURING THE FIELD
VISIT ......................................................................................................................................................85

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Diptford - Parish Plan Biodiversity Project

This document has been produced as a starting point to help community

action for wildlife. By starting to bring together knowledge of the natural
assets of the parish, it may go some way to achieving its aim of contributing to
and stimulating ideas for – local action.

It should be emphasised that it is just a beginning. It does not represent a

comprehensive account of the parish and is based very largely on existing
records held by the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC). There will
be a wealth of local knowledge that can be used to build upon and improve
this report. Indeed, it is important that it is seen as a ‘living document’ and
one that belongs to the parish. It is hoped that it will be added to and refined
by the people of Diptford parish in future years.

Did you know…?

Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006

places the following biodiversity duty on all public bodies:

‘Every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so

far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the
purpose of conserving biodiversity’

The duty applies to all local authorities, including parish and town councils. Its
purpose is to raise the profile of biodiversity and make it a ‘natural and
integral’ part of policy and decision making.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has
issued guidance for local authorities on implementing this biodiversity duty. It
can be downloaded from Defra’s website:
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/documents/la-guid-english.pdf

This audit and the ideas it may stimulate may help the Parish Council to fulfil
this biodiversity duty.

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Introduction
Biodiversity is a term that describes all of life on earth, from the smallest
micro-organism to the largest mammal, the blue whale. Life is found almost
everywhere on the planet and in huge variety. Even a humble back garden
may be home to thousands of species and is therefore an important part of
the planet’s biodiversity. The Diptford Parish Biodiversity Audit begins to
describe the area’s local wildlife and shows how it fits into the wider picture of
biodiversity in Devon and the UK.

Diptford is a reasonably sized parish of 2010 ha situated in the heart of rural

South Devon, just south of Dartmoor and north of Kingsbridge Estuary. It lies
east of Ivybridge and Ugborough, south of South Brent and Avonwick, west of
Totnes, and a few miles south of the main A38 between Plymouth and Exeter.
The parish is situated to the east of the River Avon, this being, in the main, its
western boundary, beyond which lies North Huish parish and Loddiswell to
the south-west. To the north of the parish lies the parish of South Brent. The
route of the northern boundary is from Beneknowle, running up along the
ridge to near Lincombe Cross then south of Lincombe. The neighbouring
parishes to the east are Harberton; and Halwell and Moreleigh. The eastern
boundary runs down the valley from west of West Leigh, east of Murtwell,
through Fletcher’s Combe, east of Ashwell and Horner to Farleigh Cross and
west of Moreleigh. The neighbouring parish to the south is Woodleigh, with
the boundary situated in part along the Morleigh to Gara Bridge road, to
Moreliegh Mount, along the green lane and south of Storridge Wood.

The parish lies within the South Hams District and the western sections of the
parish (west of Bradridge Cross, Christone Cross and Combeshead Cross)
fall within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Diptford parish lies within the South Devon Natural Area. The underlying
geology is Middle Devonian slates and sandstones.

The village of Diptford is the main habitation and lies in the north-west of the
parish, just east of and above the River Avon. This is an attractive small
village with a church, school and small part-time post office. It can be dated
from Saxon times, with four Manors within the parish mentioned in the
Domesday Book (source: Diptford Parish Plan). There are several clusters of
houses or small hamlets, such as at Larcombe, Horner and Curtisknowle.
Some are farms with associated houses and barn conversions and some are
associated with old mills. There are also farmsteads scattered throughout the
parish.
There are no major roads within the parish. The busiest roads are the road
from Moreleigh to Gara Bridge and the road from Moreleigh to the north-west
of the parish. The former road runs through the south of the parish connecting
the A381 Totnes to Kingsbridge road (to the east) to the B3196 at California
Cross (in the west), via Moreleigh Mount and Gara Bridge. The latter road
connects Moreleigh and the A381 with the Avonwick to Totnes road and the
A38 beyond. It runs diagonally through the centre of the parish through
Crabadon Cross and Christone Cross. From this road there are some

4
glimpses and panoramic views across rural South Devon and also of
Dartmoor to the north. The roads within the parish are otherwise small hedge-
lined country lanes servicing the scattered farmsteads, small hamlets and
isolated houses. There are a number of footpaths, a bridleway and some
rights of way along some of the green lanes within the parish from which the
countryside can also be enjoyed. These paths are routed along parts of the
river, through woodlands, along green lanes and across open fields.

The River Avon forms an important landscape and biodiversity feature of the
parish. It rises on Dartmoor and flows southwards through South Brent and
Avonwick, to the west of Diptford parish, east of Loddiswell, past Aveton
Gifford and ultimately into Bigbury Bay near Bigbury-on-Sea. This river and
associated habitats alongside it provide a habitat corridor for wildlife. The
South Devon AONB runs along the South Devon coast, with a finger-like
projection inland along either side of the River Avon, to include these areas.

The road running diagonally through the parish, from the north-west to the
south-east and Moreleigh, in the main, follows the higher land of the parish,
like a ridge road. There are numerous streams that arise either side of this
watershed. The streams arise from springs and have formed valleys that run
either west or east of this watershed. There are also a notable number of
wells associated with these. The streams that flow westwards flow into the
River Avon or in the south-west into Cock’s Brook and then the River Avon.
To the east of this watershed the streams run into and form the Beenleigh
Brook in the north-east of the parish and the Ashwell Brook in the east. These
two brooks flow eastwards into the Harbourne River, outside the parish, and
ultimately into the tidal Bow Creek and the River Dart. This forms an attractive
landscape of rolling hills and steep-sided valleys. The streams and associated
natural habitats also form important wildlife corridors through the parish.

The predominant land use is agricultural; mainly grassland with small areas of
arable crops (cereals, maize and vegetables). The fields vary in size and are
bounded by traditional hedgerows. The grassland areas vary from more
intensively farmed agriculturally-improved grassland to less intensive
pastures. The large areas of agriculturally-improved grassland are principally
on dairy farms for grazing and silage production. The more intensively farmed
land (dairy and arable) tends to be located on the higher more gently sloping
land. There are also areas of grassland pastures for beef cattle and sheep.
These are usually located on the steeper slopes of valley sides and tend to be
farmed less-intensively. There are also some pastures used for horses and
ponies.

Other land uses include woodlands, conifer plantations, mixed and broad-
leaved woodlands, which are located mainly on the steeper valley-sides.
Historically there were also some quarries producing, in the main, slate,
leaving a number of disused quarries, such Stert Quarry and Higher

5
Larcombe Quarry. There are some other small businesses here and tourism
is important to the economy of the general area.

Other potential wildlife features of the parish include a good number of ponds
and the disused railway line.

There are several areas that have been identified in the past as of being
county importance for wildlife and designated as County Wildlife Sites
(CWSs). These include woodlands and semi-improved and unimproved
neutral and marshy grasslands. The woodland sites are: within Manor Court
CWS, Larcombe Quarry CWS, Ashwell Wood CWS, Storridge Wood CWS,
Wheeldon Wood CWS, Stoneleigh CWS and Moreleigh Mount CWS. The
grasslands are within Creber Farm CWS, Higher Marks Barn CWS,
Stoneleigh CWS, Moreleigh Mount CWS, Stoneleigh Moor CWS, Higher
Beenleigh CWS and Manor Field CWS. Other features of biodiversity interest
within the parish include numerous ponds and green lanes.

Notable sites and species recorded within Diptford parish are given in
Appendix 1. The common dormouse, brown hare and the otter have been
recorded within the parish. These are all UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK
BAP) and Devon Biodiversity Action Plan (Devon BAP) priority species.
Other UK BAP species recorded within the parish include bullfinch, reed
bunting, tree pipit, linnet, grasshopper warbler, small heath, wall brown, lesser
horseshoe bat and brown long-eared bat. Primrose and barn owl, listed in the
Devon Biodiversity Action Plan have also been recorded here. An
explanation of the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan is presented on page 56.

The parish site visit for this report was carried out in January 2010; it should
be borne in mind that this is not the ideal season to carry out biodiversity
surveys as some species will not be visible at this time of the year. A full
species list recorded during the January site surveys is given in Appendix 2.

6
Designated Sites
Many designated sites are on private land: the listing of a site does not imply
any right of public access.

County Wildlife Sites

County Wildlife Sites (CWS) are sites of county importance for wildlife,
designated on the basis of the habitat or the known presence of particular
species. This is not a statutory designation like Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI), and does not have any legal status. County Wildlife Sites are
usually included in Local Plans as sites of regional or local biodiversity interest
and are covered by Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9). CWS recognition
does not demand any particular actions on the part of the landowner and does
not give the public rights of access. However, it may increase eligibility for
land management grants.

Note: ‘Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation’

was published by the Department of the Environment in August 2005.
Planning Policy Statements (PPS) set out the Government’s national policies
on different aspects of planning in England. PPS9 sets out planning policies
on protection of biodiversity and geological conservation through the planning
system. This PPS replaces Planning Policy Guidance Note 9 (PPG9) on
nature conservation published in October 1994.

There are twelve County Wildlife Sites within Diptford parish:

• Manor Court County Wildlife Site
• Creber Farm County Wildlife Site
• Larcombe Quarry County Wildlife Site
• Ashwell Wood County Wildlife Site
• Storridge Wood County Wildlife Site
• Higher Marks Barn County Wildlife Site
• Wheeldon Wood County Wildlife Site
• Stoneleigh County Wildlife Site
• Moreleigh Mount County Wildlife Site
• Stoneleigh Moor County Wildlife Site
• Higher Beenleigh County Wildlife Site
• Manor Field County Wildlife Site

Records of previous habitat and species surveys for these CWSs are kept
with the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC), from which the
descriptions here are derived; conditions may have changed since these
surveys. The sites are privately owned and there is no public access onto
them (other than normal public rights of way).

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Manor Court County Wildlife Site

Manor Court County Wildlife Site lies to the east of the River Avon, just south-
west of Diptford village. The area, totalling 2.4 ha, was surveyed in 1992 with
a resurvey in 1998. It supported two areas of secondary broadleaved
woodland next to the river. In the 1992 survey the area of woodland to the
north was beech dominated with few other canopy tree species. The
understorey had holly and the ground flora was dominated by great wood-
rush. The woodland to the south was dominated by pedunculate oak with
other tree species including ash. The understorey was dominated by bramble
with herbs including primrose and goldenrod. Dog’s mercury, yellow
pimpernel, primrose, sanicle and wood avens were also recorded within the
CWS. In 1998 other species recorded within these woodlands included
bluebell, wild garlic, pignut, yellow archangel, wild daffodil and townhall clock.
During the parish site visit the woodland could be seen in the distance, from
the bridge near Manor House, and appeared to support beech with some oak.

This site is important in forming part of the river corridor system. The two
areas of woodland are adjacent to Manor Field CWS which supported
unimproved grassland and Manor House Wood Other Site of Wildlife Interest
(OSWI).

Common dormouse, a Devon Biodiversity Action Plan and UK BAP priority

species, and stoat have been recorded near here (source: DBRC).

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)
• Common dormouse (Devon BAP and UK BAP priority)

Woodland of Manor Court CWS

8
Creber Farm County Wildlife Site

Creber Farm County Wildlife Site lies to the south-east of Diptford village west
of the Diptford to Moreleigh road, to the north-west of Combeshead Cross. It
comprises six fields totalling 7.6 ha. When surveyed in 1994 the fields were
unintensively farmed, included unimproved marshy areas and were
surrounded by mature hedgerows. The fields had different degrees of
botanical interest. The wetter areas to the north-west supported rushes with
cuckoo-flower and the drier areas had abundant common knapweed. Other
species included sweet vernal-grass, common bird’s-foot-trefoil, meadow
buttercup, Yorkshire-fog, common sorrel, cock’s-foot and ribwort plantain. The
larger, gently sloping field to the south-west supported rushes and
meadowsweet in the wetter areas. Grasses included sweet vernal-grass, red
fescue, cock’s-foot and locally tufted hair-grass. Additional herbs included
common sorrel, cuckoo-flower, yarrow, ribwort plantain, yellow rattle, cat’s-ear
and common bird’s-foot-trefoil. The field to the south-east had sloping sides
running down to a small stream. The 1994 survey reported similar species to
the other fields but included tormentil and lousewort and, in the stream, fools-
watercress. North of this, in the north-east of the site, the stream flows
through a field with areas that were dominated by rushes, mainly soft-rush, in
a mosaic with drier areas. The other fields also supported some rushes. The
surveyor assessed the area to be of good local wildlife interest with areas that
were also likely to be of bird and invertebrate interest. DBRC also has a
record of natterer’s bat at Frogwell Farm near to this site.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)
• Species-rich hedges (Devon BAP); Hedgerows (UK BAP)

Larcombe Quarry County Wildlife Site

Larcombe Quarry County Wildlife Site is a disused quarry straddling the

Diptford and Harberton parish boundary in the north-east of the parish
between Lincombe and West Leigh, in the valley of a small tributary of the
Beenleigh Brook. When surveyed in 1992 the varied topography of the site
supported well established secondary broad-leaved woodland surrounding a
disused slate quarry and pond, totalling 8.3 ha in all. The dominant tree
species were pedunculate oak and ash, with a wetter area in the south-east
dominated by alder. The rich understorey included hazel, holly with some
spindle, bird cherry, elder, dog-rose and gorse. Climbers included
honeysuckle, ivy and traveller’s-joy with epiphytic polypody. The ground flora
varied according to the topography. The higher areas were dominated by
bramble and common nettle with some areas of wood millet and ivy. The
lower-lying areas supported male-fern, soft shield-fern, polypody, opposite-
leaved golden-saxifrage, herb-Robert, wood sorrel, selfheal and violet. The
quarry and spoil heap/scree is situated in the centre of the site. In the survey

9
the open/semi-shaded slate scree, spoil and quarry had a distinct flora with
gorse, polypody, maidenhair spleenwort with occasional black spleenwort and
fewer herbs (herb-Robert and shining crane’s-bill). The largest quarry area
had water within it forming a pond, with the stream flowing in and out of it. The
pond did not appear to support much vegetation.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)
• Pits, quarries and cuttings (Devon BAP)
• Ponds (UK BAP)

Ashwell Wood County Wildlife Site

Ashwell Wood County Wildlife Site is situated in the east of the parish on the
steep slopes of Ball Hill, south of Ashwell Brook. These slopes vary in aspect,
but are mainly north to west facing. Part of the 7.7 ha CWS lies outside
Diptford parish in Harberton parish. The area of woodland within the parish, to
the west of the site, is listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory as ancient
and semi-natural woodland.

When surveyed in 1993 the area woodland was described as variable in

character with the majority being secondary broadleaved with some evidence
of planting (conifer and sweet chestnut) in the eastern sections (outside the
parish).

The canopy was almost pure pedunculate oak in the south-west (within the
parish and Ancient Woodland Inventory listed area) with little understorey and
bramble, bracken, ground ivy, bluebell and wood-sage in the ground flora.
Further east towards the centre and in the south-east the canopy was more
mixed with ash and beech and locally frequent oak. Here the understorey was
more developed with hazel, holly and elder. The flora under was more diverse
with a range of ferns, bluebell, violet, wood sorrel and bramble. The centre
was dominated by birch with bramble under. Towards the north there were
some wet areas adjacent to the stream that supported alder and willow with
creeping buttercup, hemlock water-dropwort and opposite-leaved golden-
saxifrage.

Ten ancient woodland indicator species (bluebell, primrose, soft shield-fern,

hard-fern, opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage, sanicle, guelder-rose, wood
sorrel, hart’s-tongue and scaly male-fern) were recorded in this 1993 survey.
However this survey was carried out in August and more woodland plants
might have been visible earlier in the year. Part of the woodland could be
seen at a distance from the road on the parish site visit, where the oak
dominated areas in the west and the northern birch-dominated areas together
with occasional ash within the canopy could be seen.

10
Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Alder/willow wet woodland (Devon BAP); Wet woodlands (UK BAP)
• Oak woodland (Devon BAP); Lowland mixed deciduous woodland
(UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

Storridge Wood County Wildlife Site

Storridge Wood County Wildlife Site is located, on mainly west-facing slopes,

in the very south-west of the parish, east of the River Avon and route of the
old railway line. Part of the CWS extends southwards along the valley side
into Woodleigh parish. This is a large (46.4 ha) mixed, mostly replanted
woodland CWS. A good proportion, but not all, of the CWS is listed in the
Ancient Woodland Inventory. The woodlands on the steeper slopes in the
west are listed as ancient and semi-natural woodland and a central area listed
as an ancient woodland that has been replanted. The wooded areas around
this, to the east and north, are within the CWS but not listed on the Ancient
Woodland Inventory, and include old field boundaries within them. The site is
also important in the wider context providing valuable wildlife habitats within
the habitats associated with the River Avon valley corridor.

When surveyed in 1992 it was noted that the northern half of the site had
dense stands of conifers with planted broadleaved trees, which had resulted
in this area being botanically less diverse than the semi-natural broadleaved
areas in the southern sections. At the time of survey the woodland was used
for commercial timber and pheasant rearing. In the north-east the woodland
comprised dense conifers with laurel and occasional broadleaved trees (ash
and hazel) at the side of the tracks, with some herbs and ferns in the ditch
and the occasional damp area (including rushes, water-mint and
meadowsweet). There was an area replanted with broadleaved trees
(sycamore and ash) with hazel and holly in the understorey. Ground flora was
mainly bramble and ivy, but dog’s-mercury and pendulous sedge were also
present. There was an area of damp woodland in the very north-east adjacent
to the neighbouring Higher Marks Barn CWS. This was reported (in a
separate survey in the same year) to support oak, birch, hazel, ash with
meadowsweet and rushes. The woodland to the west alongside the disused
railway line was broadleaved with willow, sycamore, ash, oak, birch, guelder-
rose and rowan. During the site visit only the coniferous area could be seen
from the road.

The woodland to the south (outside the parish) was mainly broadleaved with
mature oak with some ash and alder with holly, ash and hazel in the shrub
layer and bramble dominated the ground layer. Ferns, mosses, dog’s-
mercury, betony and wood avens were also present amongst the ground flora.
Another area in the southern section was dominated by ash. Several ancient

11
woodland indicator species (including bluebell, primrose, yellow archangel,
wood-sedge, remote sedge, pendulous sedge, sanicle, polypody, wood-sorrel,
yellow pimpernel and opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage) were recorded within
the CWS in the 1992 survey, but most of these were found on the boundaries.
However the survey was carried out in September 1992 and some woodland
species may not have been visible at this time of year. Bullfinch and signs of
badger were also recorded here.

The disused railway line provided additional interest to the overall site
providing damp shady habitats with ferns and mosses and in places bare rock
cuttings providing variety in habitats.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Oak woodland (Devon BAP); Lowland mixed deciduous woodland
(UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)
• Bullfinch (UK BAP)

Higher Marks Barn County Wildlife Site

Higher Marks Barn County Wildlife Site is a series of fields, surrounded by dry
stone walls and hedgebanks, located in the south-west of the parish adjacent
to Storridge Wood CWS, which lies to the west. Higher Marks Barn CWS,
totalling 13.3 ha, straddles the boundary with half of the site falling in Diptford
parish and half in Woodleigh parish. The site was surveyed in 1992 when it
supported a variety of habitats including semi-improved grassland, marshy
grassland, wet woodland and dense bracken. The management was then
mainly sheep grazing.

The fields of the CWS supported different vegetation types. In the north-west
of the site some areas were marshy with abundant rushes and bracken with
willow and birch scrub around the edges. Some of the grassy areas were
species-diverse with bird’s-foot-trefoil, selfheal, common knapweed, common
fleabane and carnation sedge. Other areas, towards the north-east of the site,
were less diverse and agriculturally semi-improved. The central areas were
dominated by bracken. The Devon notable yellow bartsia was recorded here.
From the road the north-west section could be seen to still support grassland
with areas of rushes and bracken and a small area supporting birch and
willow. DBRC records also report bat interest here.

12
Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)
• Alder/willow wet woodland (Devon BAP); Wet woodlands (UK BAP)
• Species-rich hedges (Devon BAP); Hedgerows (UK BAP)

Wheeldon Wood County Wildlife Site

Wheeldon Wood County Wildlife Site comprises two areas, totalling 4.9 ha, of
broadleaved woodland situated in the bottom of Wheeldon Valley north of
Curtisknowle. The woodlands were surveyed in 1992. The larger woodland
was fenced to exclude stock and comprised predominately oak (supporting
abundant lichens) with a hazel understorey. The ground flora was dominated
by bramble with bracken in places. Where there were fewer brambles, red
campion, wood-sorrel and ferns were present. Ash, willow and hawthorn lined
the stream that runs along the woodland edge. The smaller area of woodland
to the south of this was dominated by sycamore with some ash and oak. Holly
was abundant in the shrub layer. The woodland was not fenced and cattle had
walked through the area resulting in less bramble and bracken. Violet,
primrose and sanicle were present in the ground flora here with eleven
ancient woodland indicator species (polypody, hard-fern, remote sedge,
opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage, holly, yellow pimpernel, sanicle, primrose,
soft shield-fern, scaly male-fern and wood-sorrel) recorded in total for the
CWS. Signs of badger and foxes were noted here.

A re-survey of the CWS in 1998 recorded oak and ash in the canopy with
hawthorn and hazel in the shrub layer and wood-sorrel, wood avens, ivy,
opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage, bluebell, red campion, yellow pimpernel
and wood speedwell amongst the ground flora. This is one of the few
woodlands within the area that is purely broadleaved as most others have
some degree of conifer planting.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Oak woodland (Devon BAP); Lowland mixed deciduous woodland
(UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

Stoneleigh County Wildlife Site

Stoneleigh County Wildlife Site was designated for its broadleaved woodland
and marshy grassland. It is situated in the south of the parish north of the
Moreleigh to Gara Bridge road and Moreleigh Mount CWS. Stoneleigh CWS

13
covers an area of 7.7 ha and was surveyed in 1992 when it supported
broadleaved woodland, wet woodland, scrub and unimproved acidic
grassland, habitats that are not common in the area.

At the time of survey the woodland to the west of the site supported birch, oak
and hazel with honeysuckle and holly. Where fenced off from grazing stock
there was bramble, ivy and wood-sorrel. The banks included some beech. A
bank next to a small stream within the wood supported mosses, ferns,
liverworts and bilberry. Next to this the woodland supported beech and hazel
with frequent ferns below amongst the leaf litter, with occasional ivy and
honeysuckle. In the northern-central section the woodland supported a good
mix of broadleaved trees with oak, ash, hazel, rowan, willow and hazel with
bramble, ferns and ivy below. The eastern section of woodland was wet
woodland and supported willow, birch and rushes with ferns along the ditches.
This willow and birch woodland graded into willow scrub with bramble and
meadowsweet. This then graded into purple moor-grass grassland in the very
east of the site. Other species recorded on the site were greater and common
bird’s-foot-trefoil, ragged-Robin, common fleabane, sharp-flowered rush,
purple-loosestrife, cuckoo-flower, sneezewort, marsh ragwort, wild angelica
and tormentil. Butterflies and damselflies were recorded here, including small
copper, small white and gatekeeper. Birds recorded were buzzard, willow
warbler, whitethroat and the UK BAP bird the reed bunting. Badger, fox and
rabbit were also recorded.

According to DBRC records there have been some changes to the site since
the 1992 survey with reference to some building and pond construction.
Records also suggest that some of the wet woodland was no longer present
in 2002.

Key habitat:
• Rhôs pasture (Devon BAP); Purple moor-grass and rush pastures
(UK BAP)
• Alder/willow wet woodland (Devon BAP); Wet woodlands (UK BAP)
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)
• Reed bunting (UK BAP)

Moreleigh Mount County Wildlife Site

Moreleigh Mount County Wildlife Site is located in the south of the parish,
south of the Moreleigh to Gara Bridge road, west of Moreleigh. The site
covers an area of 8.6 ha. When surveyed in 1992 the site supported a mosaic
of unimproved/semi-improved neutral species-rich grassland, bracken and
scrubby woodland. The site lies to the south of Stoneleigh CWS, providing
added wildlife value.

14
The grassland areas were dominated by the grasses Yorkshire-fog, sweet
vernal-grass, crested dog’s-tail and common bent, with abundant common
bird’s-foot-trefoil, cat’s-ear, red bartsia and red clover. The damper areas
supported rushes, fleabane, greater bird’s-foot-trefoil and the Devon notable
yellow bartsia. Other plant species recorded included ribwort plantain, wild
angelica, silverweed, tormentil, common mouse-ear, creeping cinquefoil,
lesser stitchwort, meadow buttercup and yarrow. Large numbers of butterflies
were noted during the survey including meadow brown, gatekeeper, green-
veined white, speckled wood and common blue. Jay, great spotted
woodpecker, nuthatch, buzzard and the UK BAP priority birds the bullfinch
and willow tit were also recorded here.

There were two areas of woodland in the north-east and north-west corners.
These were recorded as semi-natural woodland of recent origin with good
structure and diversity with good ground flora. The tree and shrub species
included oak, ash, birch and hazel. There were numerous damp flushes which
supported herb-rich stands of meadowsweet and water-mint. Other plant
species recorded here included remote sedge, tufted hair-grass, enchanter’s
night-shade, common knapweed, marsh thistle, wood sorrel, creeping soft-
grass, yellow pimpernel, wild angelica, ivy, herb-Robert, common nettle,
greater bird’s-foot trefoil and greater stitchwort.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Bullfinch; Willow tit (UK BAP)

Stoneleigh Moor County Wildlife Site

Stoneleigh Moor County Wildlife Site is situated in the south-east of the parish
north of the Moreleigh to Gara Bridge road, north of Moreleigh Mount and
south-west of Farleigh. The site was designated for its unimproved neutral
and marshy grassland. When surveyed in 1992 it was described as a notable
area (7.9 ha) of unimproved marshy grassland for the South Hams, with
added value as it was next to some broadleaved woodland.

The majority of the area was wet and was dominated by soft-rush with
scattered jointed rushes and rank grass including Yorkshire-fog, red fescue
and creeping bent with purple moor-grass in the south-east of the site. Herbs
were abundant throughout and included tormentil, devil’s-bit scabious, greater
bird’s-foot-trefoil, selfheal and water mint. Other species included
meadowsweet, wild angelica, marsh speedwell, marsh ragwort, sneezewort
and marsh pennywort. Scrub (gorse, willow, bramble, blackthorn and hazel)
was scattered throughout the site. There was a fenced-off recently created

15
pond in the north-west of the CWS. Invertebrates were abundant throughout
the site including grasshoppers, crickets, butterflies (large white, gatekeeper,
wall brown, green veined white and a blue) and dragonflies (golden-ringed
dragonfly). The birds recorded here were swallow, meadow pipits, whitethroat,
blackcap and the UK priority birds the tree pipit, linnet, marsh tit and
grasshopper warbler. Brown long-eared bat have been recorded near this
CWS (source: DBRC).

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Rhôs pasture (Devon BAP); Purple moor-grass and rush pastures
(UK BAP)
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Tree pipit; Linnet; Marsh tit; Grasshopper warbler (UK BAP)
• Wall brown (UK BAP)

Stoneleigh Moor County Wildlife Site (mid-distance)

Higher Beenleigh County Wildlife Site

Higher Beenleigh County Wildlife Site is located in the north-east of the

parish, in the valley lying between Higher Beenleigh and West Leigh. The site
comprises a series of sloping fields on either side of the valley with a small
stream in the valley bottom; the site straddles the parish boundary with
Harberton, with the southern-most fields in Diptford parish. The 10 ha site was
designated for its unimproved neutral grassland. A survey was carried out
here in 1996, when one of the two fields within Diptford parish (the northern
one) was described as unimproved grassland (although less species-diverse
than the other fields) with frequent devil’s-bit scabious and a good variety of
wetland margin species adjacent to the stream with frequent soft-rush,
meadowsweet, brooklime, greater bird’s-foot-trefoil, square-stalked St. John’s-
wort, wild angelica and fleabane. The other southernmost field was described
as similar to this but with some tufted hair-grass in the lower areas.

The steeper sections of the other fields within the CWS, outside the parish,
were unimproved species-rich grasslands. Within the central field the flora

16
included devil’s-bit scabious, common knapweed, common restharrow,
common bird’s-foot-trefoil and grasses including crested dog’s-tail and red
fescue. Next to the stream the vegetation included soft-rush, creeping
buttercup, water mint, marsh ragwort, redshank, common marsh-bedstraw,
hemp agrimony and marsh thistle. The top, flatter area, of the field was semi-
improved and included perennial rye-grass and creeping thistle. The steeper
sections of the northernmost fields (outside the parish) also included common
eyebright. There were also patches of scrub and patches of common
centaury, burnet saxifrage, tormentil, wild basil, hedge bedstraw and long-
stalked crane’s-bill.

Common blue, clouded yellow, small tortoiseshell and painted lady butterflies
and golden-ringed dragonfly were recorded during the 1996 survey.

The hedgerows were all mature and reasonably grown out with a mix of hazel,
blackthorn, hawthorn, gorse and English elm with occasional oak and ash.
Primrose was recorded within the CWS.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)
• Species-rich hedges (Devon BAP); Hedgerows (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

Manor Field County Wildlife Site

Manor Field County Wildlife Site, occupying 1.7 ha, is situated to the south-
west of Diptford village just east of the River Avon and adjacent to
broadleaved woodlands of Manor Court CWS. A survey in 1998 described
unimproved neutral grassland with plant species Yorkshire-fog, cock’s-foot,
common knapweed, yarrow, cat’s-ear, common sorrel, common bird’s-foot-
trefoil, pignut, daisy, lesser celandine, white clover, selfheal, ribwort plantain
and common dandelion. Primrose and the Devon notable great burnet were
also recorded here. There was also reference in 1998 to a proposed pond in
the area.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

17
Other Sites of Wildlife Interest

Other Sites of Wildlife Interest (OSWI) are sites of significant wildlife

interest within a local context that have been surveyed but do not reach the
criteria for County Wildlife Sites. They are not covered by PPG9, but may be
included in Local Plans.

There are twelve Other Sites of Wildlife Interest within the parish of Diptford:
• Diptford Meadow Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Manor House Wood Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Simpson Field Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Murtwell Field Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Ashwell Pond Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Berry Copse Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Curtisknowle Wood Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Cock's Brook Wood Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Corner Wood Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Farleigh Wood Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Diptford Court Wood Other Sites of Wildlife Interest
• Lower Holsome Other Sites of Wildlife Interest

Diptford Meadow OSWI is a flat 3.1 ha field situated to the north-west of the
village, between the road and river. It was designated for its unimproved and
semi-improved neutral grassland (source: DBRC). During the parish site visit
some of the field around the perimeter appeared from the road to be fenced
off. The fenced off section next to the river had rank vegetation, with some
planted trees on the field edge next to the road. The grassland in the centre
supported a few small areas with rushes.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)

Manor House Wood OSWI is a small area of 0.8 ha located south-west of

the village north of the road next to Manor House, and was designated for
secondary broadleaved woodland. Primrose, a Devon BAP species, was
recorded here.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

18
Simpson Field OSWI is a 1.1 ha area that was designated for its semi-
improved neutral grassland and is located in the centre of the parish north of
Higher Combe.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)

Murtwell Field OSWI is a small 0.5 ha site located between Murtwell and
Beenleigh. When surveyed by DBRC it supported marshy grassland, when
primrose was also recorded within the site. During the parish site visit it could
be seen from the road to still support rushes. A woodcock was seen near here
during the site visit.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Rhôs pasture (Devon BAP); Purple moor-grass and rush pastures
(UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

Ashwell Pond OSWI is located situated in the east of the parish, east of
Ashwell Farm, and according to DBRC records had a pond with dragonfly
interest. The total site covers 1.2 ha.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Ponds (UK BAP)

Berry Copse OSWI is located in the Avon Valley in the west of the parish.
This was an area of 2.5 ha of secondary broadleaved woodland when
surveyed by DBRC.

The area of Berry Copse OSWI that could be seen from the public right of way
appeared to have mainly oak with occasional beech and ash in the canopy
with hazel and holly with the occasional young beech, gorse and
rhododendron in the understorey with the ground layer appearing to be
comprised of mainly litter with ivy and bramble.

19
Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

Curtisknowle Wood OSWI is located on the east banks and slopes of the
River Avon, north of Gara Bridge. The site covers 6.1 ha and was designated
for its broadleaved woodland.

During the site visit, the sections visible from the path north of Gara Bridge
appeared to have a canopy of ash, oak and sycamore with some areas
including beech. The shrub layer included holly and hazel, with some areas
where the hazel looks as if they had been coppiced in the past. There were
also a few patches of laurel and the odd rhododendron. Ground flora included
bramble, ivy, hart’s-tongue and dog’s mercury. The banks and verges along
the woodland path were floristically diverse and included the ancient
woodland indicator species: hart’s-tongue, soft shield-fern, primrose, field-
rose, remote sedge, hard-fern, wood sedge, sanicle, great wood-rush, yellow
pimpernel, barren strawberry and opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage. Other
plant species included honeysuckle, selfheal, ivy, navelwort, broad buckler-
fern, snowdrop, dog’s mercury, wood avens, red campion, herb-Robert, lesser
celandine, pink purslane, wood false-brome, bugle, violet, foxglove, creeping
buttercup, bush vetch, wood speedwell, mosses (including Mnium hornum,
Polytrichum sp and Thuidium tamariscinum) and occasional liverwort. Several
birds were seen on this walk through the woodland: blue tit, song thrush,
wren, nuthatch, wood pigeon and a dipper on the river.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)
• Song thrush (UK BAP)

Miller’s path through Curtisknowle Wood OSWI

20
Cock's Brook Wood OSWI is located in the south-west of the parish on
either side but mainly to the north of Cock’s Brook east of Gara Bridge. When
surveyed by DBRC it was described as supporting secondary broadleaved
woodland, conifer plantation and marshy grassland within its area of 12.6 ha.
Primrose was recorded here and there is a record of otter nearby
(source:DBRC).

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)
• Otter (Devon BAP)

Corner Wood OSWI is of 1.2 ha situated just south of Cock’s Brook Wood
OSWI, south-east of Gara Bridge. It was a mixed woodland when surveyed,
when primrose was also recorded.

During the site visit conifers including Douglas fir and broadleaved trees (ash)
with brambles and ivy below could be seen from the road. The bank at the
roadside here had good flora with species including hard fern, holly, wood
avens, ivy, dog’s mercury, soft shield-fern and beech.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

Farleigh Wood OSWI was designated for its secondary broadleaved

woodland. The 3 ha site is located in the south-east of the parish to the north
of Stoneleigh Moor CWS.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

Diptford Court Wood OSWI was designated for the 0.9 ha of broadleaved
woodland situated in the north-west of Diptford village. Primrose was recorded
here.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)

21
Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

Lower Holsome OSWI is located in the west of the parish about a kilometre
south of Diptford village. When surveyed by DBRC the 4.4 ha site had semi-
improved grassland, woodland, scrub, marshland and an abandoned orchard.
Badger, common frog and primrose were recorded during that survey.

Links to Devon and UK BAP

Key habitat:
• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland
meadows (UK BAP)
• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (UK BAP)
• Traditional orchards (UK BAP)

Key species:
• Primrose (Devon BAP)

Ancient Woodland Inventory

The Devon Ancient Woodland Inventory was prepared in 1986 by the Nature
Conservancy Council (now known as Natural England).

Ancient Woodland is a term applied to woodlands which have existed from

at least medieval times to the present day without ever having been cleared
for uses other than wood or timber production. A convenient date used to
separate ancient and secondary woodland is about the year 1600. In special
circumstances semi-natural woods of post-1600 but pre-1900 origin are also
included.

The Ancient Woodland Inventory sites within Diptford parish are Ashwell
Wood and Storridge Wood. These sites are both designated County Wildlife
Sites and are described under the CWS section.

Ancient woodland indicator species are plants that are slow colonisers and
able to grow in the shade and hence usually only occur in older woodlands. It
is not definitive and several indicator species need to be present, together
with other evidence such as old maps, for a woodland to be thought of as a
possible ancient woodland. The list of indicator species will also vary with
geographical location.

There are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs); Special Areas of

Conservation (SACs); Special Protection Areas (SPAs); Local Nature
Reserves (LNRs); nor any County Geological Sites (also known as Regionally
Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites or RIGS) within Diptford
parish. A brief explanation of these designations is given in Appendix 1.

22
Other designations and regional classifications

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are areas of national
importance for their natural beauty and distinctive character. They are
designated with statutory protection to conserve and enhance the natural
beauty of their landscapes. This includes scenic beauty, but can also include
the flora and fauna the area supports and cultural, geological and historic
associations.
AONBs were first designated in the 1940s alongside the first designation of
National Parks in England and Wales. The National Parks and Access to the
Countryside Act of 1949 gave them special legal status to ensure their
preservation for the nation as a natural resource. The Countryside and Rights
of Way Act, 2000 (the CROW Act) added further regulation and protection.
There are currently thirty-six AONBs in England.
Natural England is responsible for the designation of AONBs in England and
also advises on policies for their protection. The CROW Act also clarified the
role of local authorities which includes the preparation of management plans
for the AONB.
The main purpose of AONB designation (summarising that described in
www.naturalengland.org.uk and www.aonb.org.uk) is to:
• conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape
Two secondary aims complement the purpose:
• to have regard for the interests of those who live and work there (to
safeguard rural industries, such as agriculture and forestry, and the
economic and social needs of local communities).
• to meet the need for quiet enjoyment of the countryside (but this
recreation should not be a reason for designation nor be at the
expense of the landscape’s natural beauty and the needs of rural
industries).
The AONBs are managed by partnerships that include local authorities and
key organisations who aspire to achieving the aims of the AONB. This is done
primarily through planning controls and practical countryside management.
Most AONBs have a locally-based team of staff that co-ordinate and deliver
action on the ground.

Devon has five AONBs:

• North Devon Coast AONB

• East Devon AONB
• South Devon AONB
• Tamar Valley AONB
• Blackdown Hills AONB

23
The western portion of Diptford parish falls within the South Devon AONB.

South Devon AONB

South Devon AONB was designated in 1960 and covers an area of 337 km2.
A governance review in 2002 led to the formation of a new AONB Partnership
and AONB Staff Unit from 2003. The land it incorporates spreads along the
south Devon coast from near Bovisand (just east of Plymouth) in the west to
Brixham in the east. The extent of the area inland varies with areas projecting
further inland along the Rivers Avon and Dart. The high water mark forms the
seaward boundary of the AONB on the open coast. The AONB includes
coastline, cliffs, beaches, estuaries, river valleys and farmed land. The
significant features of the AONB (from the South Devon AONB management
plan 2009-2014) are considered to be:

• the 97km of fine unspoiled coastline (includes cliffs, sandy beaches,

rugged headlands, wide bays and wave cut platforms)
• the five ria estuaries (include intricate network of tidal creeks often with
reed beds and salt marshes)
• the geological and landform features
• wide expansive panoramic views
• undulating patchwork of agricultural fields (small fields bounded by
hedges are typical)
• trees and woods
• intimate and secretive landscape
• significant habitats (wide range of rich habitats)
• intricate network of winding lanes (includes 131 green lanes)
• 384km of public rights of way
• picturesque villages and hamlets
• historic features (such as burial mounds, hill forts, farmsteads and
country estates)
• historic coastal and estuarine features (such as military defences,
coastguard cottages and lime kilns)
• well-known historic associations (such as the D-day practice landings
at Slapton)

The South Devon AONB also incorporates the non-statutory South Devon
Heritage Coast. This was designated in 1984 and covers 75 km of coastline
between Wembury Beach and Sharkham Point. It stretches from between
300m to 5km inland from the sea, and extends 2km out to sea. The AONB
also has areas designated as SSSIs, including Slapton Ley (also a National
Nature Reserve) and Berry Head (also one of the three Special Areas of
Conservation).

The South Devon AONB has an outstanding range of habitats supporting a

diverse range of wildlife. Habitats include:

24
 • species-rich hedgerows
• cliffs
• dunes
• freshwater lagoons
• estuaries (five ria estuaries: Yealm, Erme, Avon, Salcombe-
Kingsbridge and Dart)
• marsh and reed beds
• flower-rich meadows and pastures (includes some limestone
grassland)
• maritime grassland
• maritime heathland
• rocky foreshore
• salt marshes
• mud flats
• reed beds
• eel grass beds
• woodlands (including oak and wet woodlands)
• cereal field margins

These habitats support a wide range of species, including some nationally or

internationally rare species such as the cirl bunting, greater horseshoe bat,
bittern and shore dock. Other notable species include otter, great green bush-
cricket, common dormouse, brown hare, silver-studded blue and primrose.

Natural Areas

Natural England divides the country into natural areas containing common or
associated ecological and landscape features. The parish of Diptford sits
within the South Devon Natural Area. Natural England’s web site summarises
the South Devon Natural Area:

“The South Devon Natural Area is characterised by an undulating

landscape of rolling hills dissected by numerous river valleys. The
geology of the area is of considerable significance, particularly in
quarry, mine and coastal exposures, where key geological and
landform features are dramatically seen.

The Natural Area supports an outstanding diversity of habitats and

wildlife. Lowland heathland, species-rich neutral and calcareous
grasslands, freshwater marsh and lagoons are recognised of national
importance. Other notable habitats in the Natural Area include ancient
woodlands, lowland farmland and hedgerows, ponds, rivers and
streams and urban habitats, particularly in Plymouth and Torbay.
Numerous rarities occur, particularly plants and birds. Five species that
are endemic to Britain have important populations in the Natural Area,

25
 namely two species of whitebeam, early gentian, a millepede and a
freshwater cave shrimp. Many nationally protected species and Red
Data Book species are also recorded.”

The full South Devon Natural Area profiles can be viewed at

www.naturalareas.naturalengland.org.uk/Science/natural/NA_search.asp

Regional Nature Map

The South West Regional Nature Map, developed by Biodiversity South West
in liaison with various experts, identifies blocks of land that are important for
conservation in landscape scale terms. The habitats include woodland,
neutral grassland, upland and lowland heath, purple moor-grass and rush
pasture, coastal habitats and coastal and floodplain grazing marsh. The
identified areas, known as Strategic Nature Areas, also suggest where
recreation of these semi-natural habitats might occur. The Nature Map is
hoped to be of value to conservationists, landowners and Local Planning
Authorities.
About half of the Diptford parish, in the south and west of the parish, falls
within a Strategic Nature Area for woodland.

Further information can be found at:

www.devon.gov.uk/index/environment/natural_environment/biodiversity/region
alnaturemap.htm

26
Other habitats (identified from field survey):

Species-rich hedges
Various definitions of species-rich hedges have been used in different parts of
the country but it would not be unreasonable to treat a hedge that has five or
more woody species in a 30-metre length as a ‘species-rich’ one.

Many of the hedges along the lanes of Diptford would be classified as

species-rich with a minimum of five or six species per 30-metre length being
typical. The hedges are of the traditional Devon bank style, with hedges on
top of banks and are likely to be of medieval origin. Typical species recorded
within these hedges include hazel, oak, ash, blackthorn, hawthorn, elder,
English elm, spindle and holly. Hazel was the most common of the species
found within the hedgerows here.

Minimum number of woody species per random 30m stretches of hedge

(additional species seen in longer stretch of hedge in parentheses)
Grid ref Woody species Minimum
Species
Number
SX727566 Hazel, elder, ash, hawthorn, oak 5
SX728569 Holy, sycamore, hazel, blackthorn, oak, ash 6 (8)
(English elm, beech)
SX739574 Elder, hazel, blackthorn, ash, hawthorn, oak 6 (7)
(holly)
SX 744568 Beech, ash, hawthorn 3
Opposite hedge Hazel, blackthorn, oak, holly (gorse) 4 (5)
SX751573 Ash, blackthorn, hazel, oak, hawthorn (holly, 5 (7)
sycamore)
SX738564 Hazel, blackthorn, oak, ash 4
SX728547 Ash, hazel, oak, blackthorn, sycamore, 6 (8)
blackthorn (beech, spindle)
SX732532 Hazel, sycamore, ash, holly, hawthorn, oak 6 (8)
(beech, spindle)
SX761528 Hawthorn, hazel, oak, sycamore, elder (holly, 5 (8)
spindle, ash)
SX760556 Hazel, spindle, blackthorn, ash, oak, hawthorn 6 (8)
(elder, holly)
SX756565 Hazel, ash, oak, blackthorn, spindle, elder 6
SX742556 Hazel, ash, oak, spindle, blackthorn (hawthorn, 5 (7)
holly)
SX754569 Hazel, hawthorn, holly, English elm, elder, oak 6
Opposite hedge Spindle, oak, hazel, English elm, ash 5
NB. Recorded in January, which is not the optimum for recording hedgerow species. The plants were
not in leaf and many hedges recently trimmed so some species may have been overlooked. Surveys at
the appropriate time of year may reveal higher species diversity.

27
However, due to the time of year it was not possible to survey the hedges in
any detail; species may be overlooked in winter and further surveys are
recommended.

Most of the hedges were the traditional Devon style of banks with hedges on
top, but in several hedgerows there were only sparse woody species on top of
high banks. Many of the hedges in the more intensively farmed areas are
regularly neatly trimmed (and over-managed for wildlife value). Some hedges
had not been regularly cut and had been left to grow out slightly and are more
beneficial for wildlife. These were more evident around smaller fields
generally on steeper slopes and valley bottoms where they are less
intensively managed. There were a few examples of recent hedge laying seen
during the site visit, such as on the road near the river north of Diptford village
(SX724571) and on the lane south of Broadley in the west of the parish
(SX730543).

Although some hedges are devoid of mature trees there are many hedges
where mature trees have been left within them, including within some of the
more agriculturally intensive areas, which provide a nice landscape feature
besides wildlife value. The hedgerow trees are predominately ash and oaks
with some areas having an occasional beech (such as those on the lane
between Crabbaton Cross and Curtisknowle).

These hedgerows are a particular attractive feature of the parish with great
wildlife and biodiversity value. Many lanes, particularly the ones descending
down the valleys, are sunken with high steep banks some in the more shaded
areas are dripping with mosses and ferns, others are floristically diverse and
species-rich.

Most of the hedges observed during the parish site visit had a diverse bank
flora including species such as red campion, primrose, herb-Robert, hart’s-
tongue, ivy, greater stitchwort, foxglove, polypody and navelwort. A survey in
the spring and summer is likely to yield additional species with a wonderful
show of wild flowers.

A few examples of the many species-rich hedgebanks seen throughout the

parish on the parish site visit include the following:

The bank flora in the hedge bank on the lane east of Manor House
(SX726565) included the grasses red fescue and wood false-brome, with ivy,
dog’s-mercury, wood sage, wood avens, navelwort, primrose, herb-Robert,
red campion, greater stitchwort, foxglove, cleavers, sanicle and wood-sorrel
together with ferns including hart’s-tongue, soft shield-fern and polypody and
a rich selection of mosses. The grown out hedge here included hazel,
blackthorn, holly, oak, beech and ash.

The lane west of Diptford Downs, in the north of the parish, is another
example where the hedgebanks support a species-rich flora. Here ground-ivy,
hard-fern, red campion, primrose, wood avens, bramble, polypody, hart’s-
tongue, wild strawberry, violet, greater stitchwort, herb-Robert, ivy, hedge

28
bedstraw, navelwort, cow parsley, Yorkshire-fog, wood-sorrel and a variety of
mosses were recorded amongst the bank flora during the parish site visit.

A rich variety of plants including hedge-bedstraw, wood false-brome, ivy,

Yorkshire-fog, wild strawberry, wood sage, polypody, hart’s-tongue, shining
crane’s-bill, herb-Robert, maidenhair spleenwort, germander speedwell,
creeping buttercup, bracken, foxglove, violet, ground-ivy, greater stitchwort,
navelwort and broad buckler-fern were recorded growing on a section of
hedgebank between Stert Barn and Stert Barton.

The narrow, steep and winding lanes are a particularly attractive feature of the
parish and besides the hedges with associated typical bank flora, there are
also lanes with high steep shady banks. These support abundant ferns and
mosses. Part of the lane between Curtisknowle and Gara Bridge is a good
example, with banks covered in ivy, hart’s-tongue, soft shield-fern, navelwort
and mosses. The lanes near Thorn Farm and Beenleigh in the north-east of
the parish are similar.

The hedges provide sheltered corridors through areas of farmland for the
movement of wildlife and may support many plants and animals including a
good variety of invertebrates.

Hedgerows tend to be taken for granted as they always seem to be there,

providing such a constant in a familiar landscape. However, they do require
regular attention to keep them in good condition. That so many are still in
good condition is a testament to the skill and hard work of generations of
farmers. But there are changes even in the oldest hedgelines as the way the
majority are managed has altered. There is now less farm labour available
and more reliance on mechanical cutting rather than traditional hedge laying
(or, as it is known in Devon, ‘steeping’).

Even the mechanical cutting has changed as reciprocating cutters that could
cut shrub stems cleanly have given way to tractor-mounted flails which can
tackle slightly older growth but at the expense of every stem being shattered.
Flailing can actually promote bud development (on hawthorn, for example,
research indicates that severe damage to the end of a branch encourages
shoot development further down in the base of the plant which can help to
thicken it up). However, flailing can also leave shrubs susceptible to infection.
As individual hedge plants die, they leave gaps which render the hedge less
effective and which would in the past have been filled when the hedge was
next steeped.

With the advent of mechanical hedge-trimming has come another change - it

is now possible to trim all the hedges on a farm in one year. It is this that
perhaps has had the most impact on the vertebrate wildlife. Fruiting and
seeding species are very much less productive and there is a different and
less varied structure. Also, shrubs that do produce a good berry crop are
sometimes cut in the early autumn before the birds, particularly the migrants,
can gain any advantage from this food source. A couple of generations ago,

29
many hedges on a farm might have been cut less frequently, allowing them to
be much more productive in the meantime.

Recognising these changes does allow choices in the way hedges are
managed in the future. Hedges can be cut on a two or even three year
rotation. Alternatively, perhaps only one or two of the three ‘faces’ (the top
and the two sides) could be cut in any one year. This wouldn’t stop road or
drive side hedges being cut from both the safety and visual aspects but for the
majority of hedges it would have two major benefits: it would take less time
(and hence cost) and it would benefit wildlife! However, whatever pattern of
cutting is adopted, “all hedges, except perhaps holly, will need laying or
coppicing sooner or later because they will become thin at the base. This is
the best form of long-term management” (Devon’s hedges: Conservation and
management, Devon County Council / Devon Hedge Group).

Once it was realised nationally that many thousands of kilometres of

hedgerow were being lost annually, and that something ought to be done
about it, the Hedgerow Regulations (made under Section 97 of the
Environment Act 1995) were introduced in England and Wales in 1997 to
protect them. The Regulations are intended to prevent the removal of most
countryside hedgerows without first submitting a hedgerow removal notice to
the local planning authority. The local planning authorities are only able to
require the retention of ‘important’ hedgerows. The Regulations then set out
criteria to be used by the local authority in determining which hedgerows are
important (Bickmore, 2002).

In such a clearly agricultural landscape, the hedgerows and hedgebanks

represent continuity as features in the landscape and provide a significant
wildlife resource at a time when the fields themselves are being more
intensively used. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK Steering Group, 1995)
listed ancient and or species-rich hedgerows as one of its priority habitats.
This was later revised to listing hedgerows in general as a priority habitat.
Species-rich hedges are also listed on the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan
as a habitat of conservation concern in Devon.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Species-rich hedges (Devon BAP); Hedgerows (UK BAP)

30
 Some typical hedgerows within Diptford parish

Hedge laying

Churchyards
The Diptford parish church of St Mary is situated on the western edge of the
village, at the top of a steep slope down to the River Avon. The church goes
back to the 14th century and is surrounded by a graveyard. The graveyard has
a few shrubs and trees including some holly, conifers and some other
ornamental non-native species.

The there is a stone retaining wall to the south of the graveyard, not high on
the church side, but two to three metres on the outside. Stone walls can be
important for lichens, mosses and flowering plants and with crevices can also
provide value for invertebrates and reptiles. The stone wall here supports
mosses, lichens and species including ivy, navelwort, hart’s-tongue and
maidenhair spleenwort and ivy-leaved toadflax. The west boundary has some
shrubs and trees including laurel, elder, sycamore and a horse chestnut tree,
with an ivy-covered wall towards the northern end supporting hart’s-tongue
and maidenhair spleenwort as well as ivy. The north boundary has some
yews, three reasonably mature, and in part a non-native low hedge with some
ivy bramble and young sycamore, with a sunken path beyond. The eastern
boundary has, in part, an ivy-covered wall and, to the south, a laurel hedge
with some ash.

31
There is a sunken path to the main entrance of the church, the banks of which
have maidenhair spleenwort and navelwort growing amongst the blanket of
mosses covering the banks.

The graveyard is managed as a cut grassy area, but is not over-managed by

tight mowing, making it more beneficial for wildlife. The species composition
varies, with some areas dominated by grasses, mainly Yorkshire-fog, with
some common bent, cock’s-foot and red fescue, with a few herbs such as
creeping buttercup, ribwort plantain, common sorrel and common dandelion.
Other areas were more species-diverse. Additional plant species recorded
within the graveyard ground vegetation include oxeye daisy, germander
speedwell, bittercress, cat’s-ear, lesser celandine, primrose, field woodrush,
slender speedwell, common nettle, wood speedwell, daisy, wild onion, remote
sedge and yarrow.

The gravestones, as well as the stone walls, provide an important habitat for
mosses and lichens.

Several birds were seen within the graveyard during the site visit: blackbird,
robin, house sparrow, dunnock, rook, pied wagtail, blue tit and jackdaw. Bats
have also been recorded here (source: DBRC).

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Cities, towns and villages (Devon BAP)

Lichen-covered gravestone

St Mary’s Church, Diptford

32
Recreation areas and public open space
The Diptford Recreational Field is the main area of public open space in the
village. The area is situated towards the east of the village with access near
the road to Christone Cross junction. The area was gifted to the Parish
Council in 1977 and is managed by the Diptford Amenity Trust. The
Recreational Field is a reasonably large area with room for several
recreational facilities. It holds a children’s play equipment area, a picnic area,
a shelter, a tennis court, a basket ball park, a skateboard track, and a football
pitch.

The field is generally west-facing but has been terraced to produce flat areas
for the tennis court, basket ball park and football pitch, and has two steep
banks along the east boundary, one across the centre and a small one in the
south-west corner. The football pitch and flatter areas (other than the hard
surfaced tennis court and basket ball area) are managed as mown amenity
grassland.

There is a mix of native and non-native trees species here, a few within the
main area, and several along the perimeter. Many were probably planted in or
since 1977. The native tree species include ash. There is also a horse
chestnut (a species believed to have been introduced into Britain in the
1500s) and various non-native species including some conifers. The southern
boundary hedge next to the road includes an impressive Monterey pine in the
south-west corner. The lane just beyond is sunken, with a high bank on the
road side, but a low bank on the recreation field side which supports some
sycamore, hawthorn, hazel, ash, oak, field rose, bramble, ivy and navelwort.
There are some trees (including ash) a few metres from the hedge here, with
the strip between the two being generally less managed (and as a result more
beneficial for wildlife) with a few patches of brambles and more rank
vegetation near the trees. The western boundary comprises a wall and bank
supporting hazel, ivy, bramble and hart’s-tongue. Again there is a row of trees
(including ash, sycamore, birch, horse chestnut and forsythia) planted a few
meters from the boundary. There are also a narrow belt of trees (various
species) near the conifer hedge of the northern boundary. There is a clump of
trees (with ash, sycamore and oak) in the north-east corner. These mixed
borders, with a hedge, wall and trees (although not all native) provide valuable
cover and a habitat corridor within the village for wildlife, particularly for birds.
There is a bare post and wire fence at the top of a steep bank along the
eastern boundary with a field beyond. There are a few widely spaced shrubs
and a bench at the top of the slope next to the fence.

Most of the flatter grassed area within the recreation field is mown and is not
very species-diverse. The grass is dominated by Yorkshire-fog with perennial
rye-grass, meadow-grass, creeping buttercup and cock’s-foot. The steep
banks of the terracing are botanically more interesting and diverse. The higher
bank against the eastern boundary, includes Yorkshire-fog, ribwort plantain,
bent, white clover, common mouse-ear, selfheal, yarrow, common sorrel, field
woodrush, cat’s-ear, common dandelion, red campion and wood avens. The
middle terrace has some conifers and elder with patches of bramble and

33
young ash at the northern end against the tennis court. This again provides
valuable cover for wildlife. There is a concrete wall here. The terrace grades
into the grassy area in at the southern end.

Other plant species recorded within the area included primrose, cow parsley
and foxglove. Several birds were seen using the area during the site visit:
goldfinch, robin, great tit, redwing, collared dove, long-tailed tit and blue tit.

Diptford Recreational Field provides a useful habitat link between the gardens
and churchyard within the village and the fields to the east. There are some
additional opportunities to enhance the area for wildlife, which is discussed in
later section.

Diptford Recreation Field

There is an additional small triangular area behind the parish hall south of the
church. This is a grassy area with a few planted trees and a planted hedge to
one side. It was not clear, during the site visit, whether there was any public
access to this area. Beyond this there is a field, with an area of planted
deciduous trees.

There are a few public footpaths and a bridleway within the parish. Maps
indicate that several of the green lanes in the south of the parish have rights
of way along them, greatly increasing the opportunity for circular walks and to
pass though a variety of habitats. Some of these green lanes have been
restored by ‘Life into Landscape’ which was a three year project running from
2003. It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional
Development Fund Objective 2, with the objective of conserving and
enhancing the natural beauty and rich heritage of South Devon.

34
The path north of Gara Bridge, known as the Miller’s Path, is particularly
attractive, passing through woodland alongside the River Avon near to the
route of the disused railway. The paths along the green lanes and tracks allow
the walk to be extended green lanes as far as Bickham Bridge, or eastwards
out of the valley along Wheeldon Lane to Wheeldon or along Secret Hill to
Curtisknowle. Maps also indicate public access along some green lanes near
Farleigh in the south-east and one near Ashwell in the east of the parish. A
couple of short public rights of way from the village can be combined with
lanes to make circular walks from the village.

A walk along these paths and lanes will afford opportunity for seeing a range
of habitats and plethora of wildlife.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Cities, towns and villages (Devon BAP)

Path at the junction of the Miller’s Path and Secret Hill

Village and gardens

Gardens can be havens for wildlife and can provide links to other areas of
wildlife habitat. On the site visit through the village several birds were noted:
pied wagtail, jackdaw, rook, dunnock, house sparrow, blackbird, goldfinch,
robin, great tit, redwing, collared dove, long-tailed tit and blue tit.

Some of the gardens have stone walls. These and the stone walls of the
churchyard can provide another habitat for lichens, mosses and plants
species such as maidenhair spleenwort, navelwort and ivy-leaved toadflax, as
well as creating micro-climates and shelter for wildlife within the gardens.

The older properties of the village, a few with thatched roofs, and the rest of
the parish may provide roosts for bats.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Cities, towns and villages (Devon BAP)

35
 Stone wall south of church

Roadside and railway verges

Most of the lanes of Diptford parish are narrow and have steep banks and
hedges with no roadside verges. There are however a few sections on the two
larger roads (from Gara Bridge to Moreleigh and through the centre of the
parish to Moreleigh) that have small stretches of roadside verges or grassy
verges at road junctions and crossroads, such as at Moreleigh Mount,
Christone Cross, Beenleigh Cross and the junction off the road between
Diptford and Beneknowle to North Huish.

Roadside verges often support flower-rich grassland, as well as a variety of

semi-natural habitats including calcareous grassland, neutral grassland, acid
grassland, heathland, open water (ditches), broadleaved woodland, scrub,
hedgerows and walls. They may also support populations of scarce or
declining species of flora and/or fauna, some of which enjoy statutory
protection. Linear grassland habitats provide a valuable wildlife resource.
Verges provide shelter and food for a variety of species from small mammals,
to birds of prey and insects.

Most of the grass verges seen on the site visit supported typical species such
as common sorrel, common dandelion, hogweed, creeping buttercup,
Yorkshire-fog, cock’s-foot, herb-Robert and ribwort plantain. No particularly
species-rich verges were identified. The verge at Christone Cross had some
young trees (including ash, sycamore and beech) and shrubs and a bench.
The ground vegetation was grass-dominated (mainly Yorkshire-fog) with cow
parsley, ribwort plantain, creeping buttercup, common sorrel, white clover,
cock’s-foot, creeping bent, common nettle, primrose, red fescue, broad-leaved
dock and shining crane’s-bill. There were a few non-native species here,
which may have been planted. The verge at Beenleigh Cross was dominated
by Yorkshire-fog with creeping buttercup, creeping bent, cow parsley,
common sorrel, broad-leaved dock, common nettle, ribwort plantain and pink
purslane.

Devon has a very substantial resource of roadside verges, with approximately

14 000 km of roads, corresponding to about 2 000 ha of roadside verge.

36
However, of this very large resource, the area that is species-rich is relatively
small and localised in distribution.

Devon County Council and Highways Agency manage roadside verges to

incorporate prescriptions to maintain or enhance wildlife interests. Devon
County Council operates a Special Verge Scheme to manage areas of
particular wildlife or amenity value. These verges are protected from
damaging activities, and grass cutting is limited to specific periods to avoid the
destruction of attractive stands of wildflowers.

The route of a disused railway lies alongside the River Avon valley in the west
of the parish and some of this railway line lies within the parish. The land is in
private ownership, and in many places it has been incorporated with the
surrounding land. There may still be places where the verges on the
embankments and cuttings support species-rich habitats or habitats beneficial
to wildlife.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP)

Christone Cross Route of disused railway line

Green lanes
A green lane can be defined as an unmetalled track with field boundaries on
either side. These boundaries may be banks, hedges, woodland edge, stone
walls or fences and often features such as ditches or streams are
incorporated within the lanes.

The combination of the track, its boundaries and associated features create a
landscape unit with its own microclimate and ecology. These sheltered
conditions within lanes are of great importance to butterfly populations and
may be more botanically species-rich than single hedge boundaries.

There are numerous green lanes within Diptford parish, many of which,
according to maps, have public access along them. Each green lane has its
own unique character, ranging from attractive, steep lanes through woodlands

37
to green lanes bordered with hedges through undulating countryside. Many of
these lanes are likely to have species-rich hedges and species-rich bank flora.

Secret Hill in the west of the parish is a green lane which has public access
and links the Miller’s path next to the river with Curtisknowle mainly through
woodlands (broadleaved to the south and coniferous to the north). In places
the path is sunken and steep with banks dripping with ferns (mainly hart’s-
tongue with soft shield-fern, hard-fern and broad buckler-fern) and abundant
mosses (including Mnium hornum, Polytrichum sp and Thuidium
tamariscinum). Other plant species recorded along this green lane included
violet, primrose, navelwort, wood-sorrel and sanicle.

Other green lanes with public access indicated on maps include a section of
path along the Miller’s path by the River Avon; Wheeldon Lane, which joins
the Miller’s path with Wheeldon; the lane through Cleave to Chapplelands; the
lane along the southern parish boundary between High Marks barn and
Morleigh Mount; the green lane west of Farleigh and one north of Ashwell.
Many of these and the other green lanes of the parish have hedgerows and
are likely to support typical hedgerow and bank flora as described above.

Hedges and particularly those of green lanes can be important foraging routes
for certain bats. The green lane between Cleave and Chaplelands is reported
to be an example of such a route (personal communication).

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Species-rich hedges (Devon BAP); Hedgerows (UK BAP)

Secret Lane (left) and Lane between High Marks barn and Morleigh Mount (right)

Veteran trees
Natural England (previously English Nature) has defined veteran trees as:
"trees that are of interest biologically, culturally or aesthetically because of
their age, size or condition". In relation to oak it has been taken as those trees
with a diameter at breast height of more than:

• 1.0 m (girth 3.1m) are potentially interesting

• 1.5 m (girth 4.7m) are valuable in terms of conservation
• 2.0 m (girth 6.3m) are truly ancient.

38
Veteran trees will be at least as big as these girth measurements (these
figures refer to girth at breast height and not diameter):
• 1 m - Hawthorn, blackthorn
• 2.5 m - Field maple, rowan, yew, birch, holly
• 3 m - Oak, ash, Scot’s pine, alder
• 4.5 m - Sycamore, limes, chestnuts, elms, poplars, beech, willows, pines,
non-native trees.

It has been estimated that Britain may be home to around 80% of Europe's
ancient trees. Veteran trees are large old trees found in wood-pasture and
parkland, but also in a number of other locations: ancient yews in
churchyards; mature oaks in hedgerows; black poplars along stream-sides;
and many noble trees in ancient woodlands.

Ancient trees support particularly rich assemblages of invertebrates, fungi,

mosses and lichens. Several species of bat may use hollow trees as roosting
sites and birds such as tree creepers and woodpeckers feed on the insects
living in the bark. Insects such as stag beetles and hornets are associated
with old trees.

A few possible veteran oak trees were noted during the site visit. There is a
large tree in a field near the entrance to Diptford Court north of the parish
(SX732571). An oak tree near a road junction north of Thorn Farm
(SX751573) had an estimated girth of 3 m. There were a couple of mature
oaks in the lane hedgerow near Horner (SX765542), one of which had a girth
estimated to be around 3-4 m. Another oak just east of Murtwell (SX758565)
could also be a veteran tree with an estimated girth of around 3 m together
with another at the north end of the lane north of Murtwell (SX754569) of
around 3-4m.

There are some mature beech trees next to the lane between Crabbaton
Cross and Curtiskowle (SX742540), one of which is particularly large. There is
also an impressive pine tree by the entrance to Diptford Recreation Field. It
was estimated (but not measured) during the site visit that these two trees
probably do not quite have sufficient girth yet to be classified as veteran.
Some trees may be protected by tree preservation orders (TPO).

Possible veteran tree near Diptford Court

39
Woodlands

The woodlands are a significant wildlife habitat feature of the parish. Most are
located on the steep valley sides towards the south-west and east of the
parish and partly along the River Avon valley. The woodlands vary in nature
with broadleaved semi-natural, coniferous and mixed woodlands all being
represented.

Two woodlands are on ancient woodland sites: Ashwell Wood in the east and
Storridge Wood in the south-west of Diptford parish. The area of Ashwell
Wood within the parish has a canopy of mainly oak, with an area including
some ash and beech; with another wetter area with alder and willow.
Storridge Wood has areas of secondary broadleaved woodland and areas
that have been replanted. Both have been designated County Wildlife Sites
and are described in the CWS section above.

Other woodlands that have been designated County Wildlife Sites are Manor
Court CWS, Larcombe Quarry CWS, Wheeldon Wood CWS, Stoneleigh CWS
and Moreleigh Mount CWS. Manor House Wood, Berry Copse, Curtisknowle
Wood, Cock’s Brook Wood, Corner Wood, Farleigh Wood, Diptford Court
Wood and woodland at Lower Holsome have been designated as Other Sites
of Wildlife Interest. These County Wildlife Sites and Other Sites of Wildlife
Interest are described in the relevant sections above. Some are secondary
broadleaved woodlands and some have varying degrees of replanting, some
with conifers.

The bridleway north of Gara Bridge passes along the edge of Curtisknowle
Wood OSWI and alongside the River Avon and route of the disused railway
line. This is particularly attractive and offers great opportunity for seeing
woodland with a diverse range of plant species including several ancient
woodland indicator species, together with a range of bird species.

DBRC has identified Crabadon Wood as an Unconfirmed CWS (UWS). This

woodland UWS would warrant a survey to assess its value. This was not
possible within the scope of this report, due to access and time of year.

Other woodland is present within the parish. From a distance Long Plantation
on Storridge Moor in the south of the parish, appeared to be a coniferous
plantation and Canny Park Wood to the north of this contains a significant
proportion of conifers. Wheeldon Hills, north of Curtisknowle Wood OSWI,
appeared to support a coniferous plantation. A small area of woodland north-
west of Crabadon appeared from the road to support oak and ash. In addition
there were some areas of recently planted broadleaved trees on an area north
of Larcombe and on steep west to north facing valley slopes north of
Crabadon.

Lowland mixed deciduous woodlands and wet woodlands are UK Biodiversity

Action Plan habitats. Oak woodland and alder/willow wet woodland are
Devon Biodiversity Action Plan habitats. Primrose is found in many of these
woodlands, this is a Devon BAP priority species. Other notable species on

40
DBRC’s database recorded in association with or near woodland sites include
bullfinch (Storridge Wood CWS and Moreleigh Mount CWS); common
dormouse (near Manor Court CWS); willow warbler, whitethroat and reed
bunting (Stoneleigh CWS), willow tit (Moreleigh Mount CWS) and monk’s-
hood (Garaland Copse just outside the parish).

Devon is not a heavily wooded county, but the woodlands form an essential
part of the character of its landscape. Most deciduous woodlands contain
some oaks. Oak-dominated (English oak, sessile oak or hybrids between the
two) woodlands predominately occur in the steeper river valleys, particularly in
southern Dartmoor, and less so across Devon’s lowland areas, here usually in
small blocks. The ground flora of oak woodland is generally rich, with mosses
ferns and woodland species such as bluebell and dog’s mercury. Oak
woodlands are also a good habitat for a variety of birds and invertebrates.
They are associated with a number species of conservation concern:
mammals such as the dormouse and certain bats (pipistrelle, greater and
lesser horseshoe bats); birds (including the redstart, pied flycatcher, wood
warbler); butterflies (including the silver washed and pearl-bordered fritillary;
purple emperor and wood white) and moths (such as the orange upperwing
and double line) together with plants such as the bluebell, wild daffodil and
endemic whitebeams. These oak woodlands are threatened by such factors
as neglect and lack of management, inappropriate grazing pressure, invasive
species (for example rhododendron) and softwood forestry.

Wet woodland is not a significant feature here, but there were small areas of
damp/wet woodland within and Higher Marks Barn CWS, Ashwell Wood CWS
and Stoneleigh CWS when they were surveyed by DBRC. These surveys
were done some time ago and conditions may have changed since.

Wet woodland occurs on poorly drained or seasonally wet soils, usually with
alder, birch and willows as the predominant tree species, but sometimes
including ash, oak, pine and beech on the drier riparian areas. It is found on
floodplains, as successional habitat on fens, mires and bogs, along streams
and hillside flushes, and in peaty hollows. These woodlands occur on a range
of soil types including nutrient-rich mineral and acid, nutrient-poor organic
ones.

Wet woodland supports a rich lichen flora as well as a rich invertebrate flora.
Such an abundance of insect food attracts a rich assemblage of breeding
birds including the uncommon willow tit. Wet woodland may also provide lying
up areas for otters and suitable habitat for dormice.

The ground flora under conifers can be extremely sparse, but forest rides
within conifer plantations often support a range of species and can provide a
good habitat for wildlife, particularly butterflies.

41
Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Oak woodland (Devon BAP); Lowland mixed deciduous woodland

(UK BAP)
• Alder/willow wet woodland (Devon BAP); Wet woodlands (UK BAP)

Western section of Ashwell Wood CWS

Curtisknowle Wood OSWI

Pits, quarries and cuttings

Pits, quarries and cuttings are listed on the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan
as habitats of conservation concern in Devon. The numerous working pits and
quarries in Devon are used for the extraction of a variety of minerals and are
of great importance to the local and national economy. The pits and quarries
are also of importance for the varied wildlife they support.

Disused quarries and pits are often grown over with vegetation and can be
useful for wildlife for food and shelter to animals and providing a link to other
features such as hedgerows.

There are several disused quarries within Diptford parish. Larcombe quarry in
the north-east of the parish is a disused quarry, which has been designated a
CWS in recognition of its wildlife value when surveyed by DRRC, included
secondary broadleaved woodland and a pond in addition to the quarry. This
site is described in the CWS section above. Other disused quarries include
Stert Quarry (SX748574) also in the north-east of the parish where the slate
spoil is still visible, Greyhills Quarry in the east of the parish (SX759558) and

42
a disused quarry near Oakenham Bridge (SX725569). A small probably
quarry, now disused, south of Diptford (SX726563) was also seen during the
parish site visit.

The disused railway line running the along parts of the western boundary
could have good wildlife habitats along it.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Pits, quarries and cuttings (Devon BAP)

Stert disused slate quarry (left) and old quarry near south of Diptford (right)

Ponds
Several ponds were noted throughout the parish during the site visit: at
Dipford Downs (SX729574); near the footpath south-west of the village
(SX726565); a couple of garden ponds at Curtisknowle (SX736538); at
Fletcher’s Combe (SX761563), disused fishponds north of the Mill at Gara
Bridge (SX730535) and the mill pond at Great Horner (SX767543).

Larcombe Quary CWS had a pond within it when surveyed by DBRC

(described in the CWS section) as did Ashwell Pond OSWI which had
dragonfly interest when surveyed by DBRC. There are likely to be many more
ponds within the parish. Maps also show a ponds at Holsome and near Middle
Park Barn towards the north-west; at Combeshead in the centre and at
Farleigh in the south-east of the parish.

Ponds are an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife: for aquatic and
marginal flora and fauna; as a breeding place for frogs, toads, newts and
dragonflies; together with a drinking and bathing place for birds and other
animals.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Ponds (UK BAP)

43
 Ponds within Diptford parish

Rivers, streams and water’s edge

The River Avon has a significant influence on the character of the western side of
the parish, flowing southwards along the western boundary. There are several
tributary streams flowing into the river here that arise from within the parish. There
are also several streams arising within the parish that flow eastwards into the
Beenleigh Brook and Ashwell Brook. Many of these streams arise from springs
and often have wells associated with them.

Rivers, streams, floodplains and fluvial processes provide important habitats for
wildlife and are listed in the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan. Rivers are listed in
the UK BAP as a priority habitat. The River Avon, the streams and associated
habitats alongside them provide an important landscape and wildlife feature for
the parish. They also provide important habitat corridors, through which wildlife
can pass, linking other habitats together.

During the site visit typical water and damp-loving plant species such as fool’s
water-cress were seen. The river banks were seen during the site visit from
Miller’s path, Bickham Bridge and from the road just north of Diptford village.
The woodland around Miller’s Path has been described earlier; it comprised
ash and oak woodland with some beech and sycamore. In other places the
River Avon is lined with trees including oak, ash, alder, beech and sycamore
with hazel, holly and hawthorn. The ground flora of the riverbanks included
ivy, great wood-rush, hart’s-tongue, polypody and bramble. The stone walls of
the bridges over the river supported a variety of mosses and lichens. Dippers
were seen in a couple of locations along the river during the site visit. DBRC
has records of otter within the Avon Valley here and in the Cock’s Brook
valley.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Rivers, streams, floodplains and fluvial processes (Devon BAP);

Rivers (UK BAP)

44
 River Avon

Stream

Arable land
The small areas of arable farming within Diptford parish appeared to be
mainly a few fields within a mixed farming system. During the site visit there
were some maize fields, fields of winter stubble (probably spring cereals),
winter brassica and vegetables (for example leeks). The few arable fields
present were in amongst areas of grasslands, although many were
agriculturally improved grasslands. Here the hedgerows form the greatest
wildlife interest also acting as wildlife corridors with other habitats. The areas
where the stubble is left over winter is beneficial for wildlife providing food and
shelter.

Environmental grant schemes can help local farmers establish flower-rich

margins in their fields and reduce surface water runoff.

Arable fields can support a number of rare arable weeds but this is usually in
association with spring cereals and winter stubble. Arable weeds include
cornflower, corn marigold, shepherd’s-needle and weasel’s-snout. Arable land
in Britain has lost most of its arable plants over the last 50 years; several
species have become extinct and there are many more that are now rare.
Changes in arable farming practice are thought to be responsible for the

45
losses. Technology that allowed more effective seed-cleaning caused an
initial decline, but herbicide development was catastrophic for many plants.
Nowadays, arable plants are generally confined to the strip along the field
edge, which provides a home to many animals, invertebrates and plants.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Arable field margins (UK BAP)

Arable winter stubble field near Farleigh

Unimproved and marshy grassland

There are potentially significant areas of unimproved or semi-improved
grassland within Diptford parish. DBRC has designated several County
Wildlife Sites and Other Sites of Wildlife Interest for their grasslands, however
many of these surveys were carried out in the early 1990s and conditions may
have changed since. Crebar Farm CWS, Higher Marks Barn CWS, Stoneleigh
CWS, Moreleigh Mount CWS, Stoneleigh Moor CWS, Higher Beenleigh CWS,
Manor Field CWS, Diptford Meadow OSWI, Simpson Field OSWI and Lower
Holsome OSWI were designated for their unimproved or semi-improved
neutral grassland. Creber Farm CWS, Stoneleigh CWS, Stoneleigh Moor
CWS, Murtwell Field OSWI and Cock’s Brook OSWI were designated for
supporting marshy grassland. These County Wildlife Sites and Other Sites of
Wildlife Interest are described in the relevant sections above.

Diptford Field UWS has been identified by DBRC as an area that might
support unimproved neutral grassland, but has not been surveyed. From a
distance, the steep west and north-facing slopes of the Ashwell Brook valley,
east of Crabadon, appeared to support areas of rank grassland and scrub
(mainly gorse), with large areas planted with trees. Another area where there
may be unimproved/semi-improved grassland is on the western-facing slopes
just north of Bickham Bridge (SX728559). A field west of Diptford Downs
(SX728577) on south-west facing slopes appeared from a distance to support
possible unimproved/semi-improved grassland.

Flower-rich meadows and pastures are a habitat of conservation concern in

Devon and are listed on the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan as well as the

46
UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Unimproved neutral grassland habitat has
undergone a huge decline in the 20th century, almost entirely due to changing
agricultural practice. It is estimated that by 1984 in lowland England and
Wales, semi-natural grassland had declined by 97% over the previous 50
years to approximately 0.2 million ha. Unimproved grassland is often very
flower-rich and as a result of this attracts an abundance of butterflies and
other invertebrates. The rich insect life in turn attracts bats such as the greater
horseshoe bat and birds such as the green woodpecker.

Culm grassland is the local name given to species-rich marshy habitats found
on the Culm measures of north-western and central Devon and north-east
Cornwall, also known as Rhôs pasture, and referred to in the UK Biodiversity
Action Plan as Purple Moor Grass and Rush Pastures (Molinia-Juncus). Culm
Grassland is a variable habitat whose main plant communities are classified
by the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) as follows:

M16 Erica tetralix-Sphagnum compactum wet heath

M23 Juncus effusus/acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush pasture
M24 Molinia caerulea-Cirsium dissectum fen meadow
M25 Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire
M27 Filipendula ulmaria-Angelica sylvestris mire

Culm grassland is one of Devon’s most important habitats and is listed in the
Devon Biodiversity Action Plan as a priority habitat. It is also listed in the UK
Biodiversity Action Plan. Devon contains approximately 80% of the extent of
the habitat in England, and approximately 8% of that in the UK as a whole.
Culm grassland is characterised by purple moor-grass, as well as sharp-
flowered rush, and various flowering species such as devil’s-bit scabious,
meadow thistle, heath spotted orchid, water mint and round-leaved sundew.
Culm grassland may support the rare marsh fritillary butterfly and narrow-
bordered bee hawkmoth, as well as the barn owl and curlew. Rhôs pastures
are a priority for nature conservation because they are highly susceptible to
agricultural modification and reclamation throughout their range.

There are three main concentrations of Rhôs pasture in Devon. On the Culm
measures of north-west Devon and north-east Cornwall it is known as Culm
grassland. It also occurs on the edges of Dartmoor and on the Blackdown
Hills around the springline. Diptford parish is not within the main areas, but is
close to Dartmoor and some marshy grassland (such as in Stoneleigh CWS,
Stoneleigh Moor CWS and Murtwell Field OSWI) within the parish might be
classified as purple moor-grass or rush pasture. The Nature on the Map and
Multiple Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC)
websites identify Stoneleigh Moor CWS as a possible purple moor-grass and
rush pasture site.

47
Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Flower-rich meadows and pastures (Devon BAP); Lowland

meadows (UK BAP)
• Rhôs pasture (Devon BAP); Purple moor-grass and rush pastures
(UK BAP)

Orchards
A couple of orchards were identified during the parish site visit, one near
Broadley in the west of the parish and what looked to be the remnants of an
orchard at Brookmead (SX729545) on the edge of Diptford village. The
MAGIC website identified the possibility of orchards at Broadley and also at
Larcombe (SX74573) and Cleave (east of Newhouse) (SX744532). DBRC
also have records of an abandoned orchard at Lower Holsome (SX733558).

Traditional orchards have great cultural and landscape importance and can be
really valuable habitats for a wide range of species from fungi and lichens,
through insects and other invertebrates, to birds and mammals. As there is no
herbicide use in most old orchards, the range of species will be even greater.

The trees themselves play host to a variety of mosses, lichens and often
mistletoe. The old trees can be fantastic for hole-nesting birds. The large
amount of deadwood in the trees provides an important habitat for insects and
fungi including some very rare ones. For example, the noble chafer, is a UK
Biodiversity Action Plan priority beetle associated with old orchards.

With such a wealth of fruit and insects available in old orchards, it is only to be
expected that there is a wide range of feeding opportunities for birds and
mammals. Birds such as woodpeckers (green and great-spotted), nuthatches,
treecreepers and tits may be seen on tree trunks and hollow branches.
Fieldfares, starlings, redwings, thrushes, blackbirds and jays will be feeding
on the fruit (on or off the tree). Orchards are also home to a number of
declining bird species, including the spotted flycatcher.

If it has escaped sprays and fertilisers, and particularly if traditional

management such as a hay cut or grazing has been kept up, the ground
beneath can be covered with wild flowers such as cowslips, daisies,
knapweed and trefoils.

Losses of traditional orchards have been severe in recent decades, with

estimates ranging from 40 per cent to 95 per cent loss. Orchards have been
grubbed up to make way for other crops or for urban development.

Links to key habitats in Devon and UK BAP

• Traditional orchards (UK BAP)

48
 Orchard near Broadley

Other potential habitats

There are numerous redundant and traditional farm buildings despite some
conversions of barns to living accommodation, such as at Larcombe.
Redundant and some traditional buildings can be important for a number of
species including the barn owl and various bat species. Examples of such
farm buildings were seen near Larcombe (SX744575); between the village
and Mill Lane (SX726565); near and at Thorn Farm (SX751572 and
SX753571); Beenleigh (SX752569) and Broadley (SX728545) on the parish
site visit. Several bats species have been recorded in the parish that might be
use such buildings. Barn owl have been recorded near Etheridge Barn in the
east of the parish.

Traditional farm buildings near Larcombe (left) and Thorn Farm (right)

Stone walls can be important for lichens, mosses and flowering plants and
with crevices can also provide value for invertebrates and reptiles. There are
several stone walls within Diptford village, described in an earlier section.
There are also some stone walls within the hamlets of Larcombe and
Curtisknowle. The stone bridges over the River Avon also hosted a variety of
mosses and lichens.

49
 Unconfirmed Wildlife Sites
The Devon Biodiversity Records Centre has identified two Unconfirmed
Wildlife Sites within Diptford parish. Unconfirmed Wildlife Sites are sites
identified as having possible interest but have not been fully surveyed. Some
of these sites may contain areas of significant wildlife interest and further
surveys would need to be carried out to determine whether they are of
sufficient quality to be designated.

The Unconfirmed Wildlife Sites identified by DBRC, along with an associated

map showing their locations, are also listed in Appendix 1.

Unconfirmed Wildlife Sites Diptford parish.

Site Name Grid Ref. Area Description

(ha)
Unconfirmed Wildlife Sites
Crabadon Wood SX759550 7.7 Secondary broadleaved woodland
Diptford Field SX729571 0.4 Unimproved neutral grassland

50
Species

Important Species

A report from the DBRC database showing which legally protected, locally
notable (e.g. otter) or noteworthy (e.g. the invasive non-native plant Japanese
knotweed) species that are known to have been present in Diptford is
presented separately (Appendix 1). Appendix 2 gives the species noted
during the site visit in January 2010. It should be borne in mind that the parish
visit was not carried out at the optimum time of year, as some species will not
be visible in winter. A further survey at a more appropriate time of the year is
recommended.

Birds
Several species of birds were recorded during the winter site visit: blackbird,
blue tit, buzzard, carrion crow, chaffinch, collared dove, dipper, dunnock,
goldfinch, great spotted woodpecker, great tit, herring gull, house sparrow,
jackdaw, jay, long-tailed tit, magpie, nuthatch, pheasant, pied wagtail, raven,
redwing, robin, rook, song thrush, starling, wood pigeon, woodcock and wren.

DBRC has records of the following notable birds:; bullfinch at Storridge Wood
and Moreleigh Mount; willow tit at Moreleigh Mount CWS; willow warbler, reed
bunting and whitethroat at Stoneleigh; tree pipit, linnet, grasshopper warbler,
meadow pipit, marsh tit, swallow and whitethroat at Stoneleigh Moor CWS;
barn owl at Etheridge Barn and marsh tit and willow warbler at Garland Copse
(just outside the parish). Others birds recorded include great spotted
woodpecker at Moreleigh Mount CWS and blackcap at Stoneleigh Moor CWS.

The bullfinch, grasshopper warbler, herring gull, house sparrow, linnet, marsh
tit, reed bunting, song thrush, starling, tree pipit and willow tit are all listed as
UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. The barn owl is listed in the
Devon Biodiversity Action Plan as a priority species for Devon.

Grasshopper warbler, herring gull, house sparrow, linnet, marsh tit, redwing,
song thrush, starling, tree pipit and willow tit are listed on the RSPB’s red list,
which lists bird species of high conservation concern, such as those whose
population or range is rapidly declining, recently or historically, and those of
global conservation concern.

Barn owl, bullfinch (previously on the red list), dunnock, meadow pipit, reed
bunting, swallow, whitethroat, willow warbler and woodcock are on the Amber
List. The Amber List are bird species of medium conservation concern, such
as those whose population is in moderate decline, rare breeders,
internationally important and localised species and those of unfavourable
conservation status in Europe.

The barn owl has undergone a major decline in the last century due to
changes in agricultural practice, as well as loss of nesting sites such as old

51
barns and hollow trees. It is estimated that there are now about 350-470 pairs
in the County.

The barn owl requires areas of open, rough grassland where its preferred
food of mice and voles are found. It is largely nocturnal and feeds almost
exclusively on small mammals, particularly voles, but also takes shrews, mice,
rats and very occasionally, birds.

In the last 30 years, loss of hunting habitat through widespread agricultural

change has probably been the main cause of this bird’s decline. Rough
grassland and field edges (often associated with hedgerows) are
disappearing, hay meadows have been converted to silage and more and
more former marginal land has been lost.

All this may have been exacerbated by the loss of many traditional nest (and
roost) sites as old hedgerow trees were removed and old farm buildings
demolished, modernised or converted for other uses. The new second
generation rodenticides, such as brodifacoum, bromadiolone and difenacoum,
are much more toxic to barn owls than first generation poisons such as
warfarin, and should not be used on farms where barn owls are known to be
present. The barn owl is also highly susceptible to severe winters, particularly
long, cold spells and lengthy periods of snow cover. Encouragingly, barn owl
numbers are now on the increase in much of Devon.

The population of bullfinch has declined nationally, although the reasons for
this are not clear. One reason could be the loss of nesting and feeding habitat
with frequent hedge trimming being common practice.

The song thrush is a common and widespread species, but their numbers
are declining throughout the UK. The song thrush is partially migratory. Many
of the birds that breed in the UK over-winter further south and many
continental-breeding birds over-winter in the UK. The reasons for the decline
in numbers is not well understood but could relate to changes in farming,
severe winter weather, predation, competition and hunting in southern France
(from: UK BAP species action plan).

The reed bunting inhabits wetland habitats as well as drier farmland sites
such as overgrown ditches and hedgerows. Their numbers have declined in
recent years probably due to the deterioration of wet habitats and the decline
in suitable farmland habitat.

Areas of arable land are of considerable interest for farmland birds such as
the skylark and meadow pipit and may support rare arable plants. Winter
stubble left over from crops provides valuable feeding ground for skylarks and
other farmland birds such as grey partridge and linnets. These birds may flock
together to feed on the spilt grain, seeds and insects within the stubble.

Although there are no official records with DBRC, skylark may be present
within the parish. The skylark is listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a
species of conservation concern. The UK breeding population of skylark on

52
lowland farmland has declined by 54% between 1969 and 1991. Considerable
research in recent years has indicated that the most likely cause of the
decline is the increase in the winter-sowing of cereals, which restricts
opportunities for late-season nesting attempts because of vegetation height,
and may reduce over-winter survival by reducing the area of stubbles.

In addition it is probable that kingfishers frequent the River Avon corridor, but
again there are no official records with DBRC, with just anecdotal reports of
sightings.

Plants
Despite the time of year a large number of plant species were noted on the
site visits to the parish in January 2010, these are listed in Appendix 2.

DBRC has records of several Devon notable plant species within or near
Diptford parish. These include: the nationally scarce monk’s-hood at Garaland
Copse (just to the west of the parish); the Devon notables great burnet at
Manor Field CWS and yellow bartsia at Higher Marks Barn CWS and
Moreleigh Mount CWS.

Primrose has been recorded at various locations and seen frequently

throughout during the parish visit. The primrose is listed on the Devon
Biodiversity Action Plan as it is intended to help to raise public awareness
of the need to conserve commonplace and characteristic elements of Devon’s
countryside. The primrose is not rare in Devon, but it may act as an indicator
species to the health of Devon’s environment, and by conserving the
primrose, we may help to conserve some of the habitats in which it is found.
These include woodlands, hedges, road verges and churchyards.

Spindle was found frequently within the hedgerows here. Spindle is native to
most of Europe, but not the extreme south or north. It generally is found in
woodland, hedgerows and scrub and likes chalk and lime soils. Wood from
this tree was used to make spindles. Local names include skewerwood and
pegwood in Devon. It is said that spindle will only establish in a hedge which
has six other shrub species present, which suggests that the hedge must be
at least 600 years old before spindle will settle in.

Japanese knotweed is an invasive alien plant that is currently listed in the

Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Schedule 9 as a plant for which release
into the wild is prohibited. Information on this invasive species is given on
page 64. From the 6th April 2010 there will be some additional plants added
to this list, this will include hybrid knotweed, giant knotweed, Himalayan
balsam, a number of varieties of rhododendron, hottentot fig and cotoneaster.
Further information can be found at
www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/wildlife/management/non-
native/documents/gov-response-schedule9%20.pdf

53
Japanese knotweed has been recorded on the banks of the River Avon just
north of Diptford village, near Broadley Farm, near Garaland Copse, in and
near to Curtisknowle and in the south-east of the parish near Moreleigh Mount
(source: DBRC).

Mammals
Several mammal species have been recorded from Diptford parish. These
include otter, common dormouse, brown hare, badger, stoat, rabbit, fox and
bats: whiskered bat, pipistrelle, natterer’s bat, lesser horseshoe and brown
long-eared bat. Grey squirrel, fox and evidence of moles were seen on the
parish visit.

Otters:
DBRC has records of otter near Gara Bridge and within the valley of Cock’s
Brook. The otter is listed on the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan as a
species of conservation concern and is a UK BAP priority species.

Formerly widespread throughout the UK, the otter underwent a rapid decline
in numbers from the 1950s to 1970s and was effectively lost from midland and
south-eastern counties of England by the 1980s. Populations remain in
Wales, south-west England and much of Scotland, where sea loch and
coastal colonies comprise one of the largest populations in Europe. There is
also a significant population of otters in Northern Ireland. The decline now
appears to have halted and sightings are being reported in former habitats.
Devon has an internationally important otter population and otters are now
found on most watercourses and wetlands throughout the County. Otters are
even now recolonising areas where they were thought to have been lost
during the 60’s and 70’s. The main serious threat to otters today is from road
kills, with many animals sadly reported dead each year.

Bats:
Whiskered bat, pipistrelle, natterer’s bat, lesser horseshoe bat and brown long-
eared bat have all been recorded within Diptford parish. Lesser horseshoe bat
and brown long-eared bat are listed as priority species in the UK Biodiversity
Action Plan.

All species of British bat are protected under UK law and international law.
This makes it illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take a bat, or to damage,
obstruct or destroy any place that a bat uses for shelter or protection.

Dormouse:
The common dormouse is listed on the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan as a
species of conservation concern in Devon and is a priority species in the UK
BAP. The common dormouse has been recorded at Manor House (source:
DBRC) with several other potentially suitable habitat sites within the parish.

Nationally, the dormouse has experienced a marked contraction in range in

recent decades, and has become extinct in up to seven counties where it
occurred in the last century, representing about half of its former range.

54
In Devon, the dormouse appears to be holding its own, and the county is now
a major stronghold of the species. However, no detailed quantification of
population change has been possible, due to lack of comparable data over
time. Having said this, indirect evidence, from the losses of hedgerow length
and declines in quality of hedgerows and woodlands that have occurred in the
county over the past few decades, suggests that dormice may have declined
in a similar fashion.

Brown hare:
DBRC has a record of brown hare in the centre and south-east of the parish.
The brown hare is listed on the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan as a
species of conservation concern and are a UK BAP priority species. The
brown hare was probably introduced to England by the Romans and is fairly
common in areas of arable crops and grass leys. The hare is listed on the
Devon Biodiversity Action Plan as it has undergone a significant decline in the
last 50 years, probably associated with changes in farming practice and
increased use of pesticides.

Invertebrates
Due to the time of year of the parish visit, no invertebrates were seen during
the parish visit. Generally there is considerable under-recording of
invertebrates with few records for the parish on the DBRC database.

DBRC has records of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan butterfly the small heath
(at Garaland Copse, just outside the parish) and wall brown (at Crabadon
Cross and Stoneleigh Moor).

Large numbers of butterflies were noted during the DBRC survey at Moreleigh
Mount CWS: meadow brown, gatekeeper, green-veined white, speckled wood
and common blue. Abundant grasshoppers, crickets, butterflies (large white,
gatekeeper, wall brown, green veined white and a blue) and dragonfly
(golden-ringed dragonfly) were recorded at Stoneleigh Moor CWS. Butterflies
(small copper, small white, gatekeeper) and damselflies were noted at
Stoneleigh CWS (source: DBRC).

Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish

There are records held with DBRC of common frog occurring within the
parish. No reptiles or amphibians were recorded during the site visit due to the
time of year.

There are no formal records of any notable fish or reptiles such as grass
snake, slow-worm, adder and viviparous (or common) lizard within the parish
but they may well be present. The grass snake, slow-worm, adder and
viviparous lizard and are all UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species.

55
The Devon Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
The Devon Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) describes the key actions needed
to look after 40 of Devon’s most important habitats and species. It does not
stand alone, but is part of a much wider process aimed at conserving our
biodiversity.

The Devon BAP is a direct descendent of a process started at the famous

‘Earth Summit’ held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. At this summit, world leaders
pledged to halt and reverse the loss of the planet’s biodiversity. For its part,
the UK government produced a series of Action Plans for a great many
threatened habitats and species. These national plans have been joined by a
series of regional Action Plans aimed at providing a more local perspective.

The Devon BAP1 builds on this endeavour, identifying local priorities and
providing targets and plans of action for the County.

All of this work has one aim: to encourage practical action on the ground. Its
success depends upon us all.

Biodiversity links:

• The Devon BAP can be viewed at www.devon.gov.uk/biodiversity. This

site also contains links to other nature conservation issues relevant to
Devon, such as information on hedges. If you do not have access to the
internet and require paper copies of relevant sections of the Devon BAP
please contact Devon County Council’s Biodiversity Officer on 01392
382804.

• Details of biodiversity planning in the South West region can be viewed at

www.swbiodiversity.org.uk.

• Detailed national Action Plans can be viewed at www.ukbap.org.uk. This

site also contains useful background information on UK biodiversity action
planning. The list of UK priority habitats and species was revised in 2008
and, following political devolution, a separate list of priority BAP habitats
and species has been produced in England. These are known as ‘habitats
and species of principal important in England’. The lists can be viewed
here:
www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/protectandm
anage/habsandspeciesimportance.aspx

1
In fact, it integrates wildlife and geological conservation in one document and is now officially known as
the Devon Biodiversity and Geodiversity Action Plan (still commonly referred to as the Devon
Biodiversity Action Plan and always abbreviated to the Devon BAP).

56
Where they have been produced, national objectives and targets for these
features can be seen on the Biodiversity Action Reporting System web
site: www.ukbap-reporting.org.uk/outcomes/targets.asp

57
Links between the wildlife of Diptford and the Devon BAP:
Diptford wildlife Brief description of feature Link with the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan
feature (BAP)

Rivers, streams and River Avon and its tributaries in the west of the parish. Streams • Rivers, Streams, Floodplains and Fluvial
ponds flowing eastwards in the east of the parish. Numerous ponds Processes Habitat Action Plan
throughout the parish including within Larcombe Quary CWS • Otter Species Action Plan
and Ashwell Pond OSWI. The rivers, streams, ponds and
associated habitats are important for wildlife.
Woodlands Broadleaved semi-natural, coniferous and mixed woodlands. • Oak Woodland Habitat Action Plan
Woodlands on ancient woodland sites: Ashwell Wood CWS • Alder/Willow Wet Woodland Habitat Action Plan
and Storridge Wood CWS. Other secondary semi-natural • Common Dormouse Species Action Plan
woodlands within Manor Court CWS, Larcombe Quarry CWS, • Primrose Species Action Plan
Wheeldon Wood CWS, Stoneleigh CWS and Moreleigh Mount
CWS and several OSWI woodland sites. Some damp/wet
woodland: Higher Marks Barn CWS, Ashwell Wood CWS and
Stoneleigh CWS
Unimproved, semi- Species-rich semi-improved and unimproved neutral • Flower-rich Meadows and Pastures Habitat Action
improved and grasslands within Creber Farm CWS, Higher Marks Barn Plan
marshy grassland CWS, Stoneleigh CWS, Moreleigh Mount CWS, Stoneleigh • Rhôs Pasture Habitat Action Plan
Moor CWS, Higher Beenleigh CWS, Manor Field CWS and • Barn Owl Species Action Plan
some OSWIs. Marshy grassland within Stoneleigh CWS,
Stoneleigh Moor CWS and Murtwell Field OSWI.
Hedges and green Network of species-rich hedges throughout the parish. Several • Species-rich Hedges Pastures Habitat Action Plan
lanes green lanes bordered with hedges within Diptford parish. • Common Dormouse Species Action Plan
• Primrose Species Action Plan
Arable Arable land and grassland habitat suitable for brown hare • Brown Hare Species Action Plan
Disused quarries and Several disused quarries including Larcombe Quarry CWS and • Pits, Quarries and Cuttings Habitat Action Plan
disused railway disused railway line. Range of wildlife habitats.
Villages and gardens Network of gardens, churchyard and the Recreation Field in • Cities, Towns and Villages Habitat Action Plan
Diptford village
View the Devon Biodiversity and Geodiversity Action Plan at www.devon.gov.uk/biodiversity.
Some Ideas for Local Action…
A major step to knowing what you can do for your local wildlife and geology is
to know what you have already got. This report will help you in this, but it is
just a start. Ultimately, the protection and enhancement of the local natural
environment requires the interest and enthusiasm of the local community.

There follow some initial ideas for local nature conservation action. Many of
them will directly help to achieve the objectives of the habitat and species
action plans contained in the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan.

It is by no means an exhaustive list. As a community, you may have many

more ideas for action that you would like to take forward in the coming years.

1 Further survey:
This report is just a beginning. Carrying out further surveys within your area
will help build a better picture of the wildlife present, and of the opportunities
for enhancement. Gaining a better understanding of the resource is usually a
key objective of the Devon BAP’s habitat and species action plans.

Specific features to survey in Diptford parish might include hedges and

looking for otter, barn owl and common dormouse signs. These actions would
directly contribute to the Species-rich Habitat Hedges Action Plan habitat
and the Otter Species Action Plan, Barn Owl Species Action Plan and the
Common Dormouse Species Action Plan.

It might be useful, for example, to undertake a hedgerow survey and produce

a hedgerow appraisal for your local area. Comparing the current distribution
of hedges against boundary lines shown on old maps will give a clue as to
how this important resource has changed over recent years. It may also
highlight opportunities for restoring hedges in your area. It might also be
possible to assess the condition of hedges and this may, in turn, give some
ideas about improving their future management to benefit wildlife.

Survey work could be undertaken as a community group or in liaison with

conservation groups active in the area. For example, Operation Otter is an
initiative organised by the Devon Wildlife Trust (www.devonwildlifetrust.org),
which aims to monitor and protect Devon's otter population with the help of
volunteers.

In addition, you can help to build up a picture of the state of Devon’s

environment by sending your records to the Devon Biodiversity Records
Centre where they can be properly collated. There are surprisingly few
records for the parish, so any records (including ‘who’, ‘where’, ‘what’ and
‘when’) of any species recognised is useful.

Follow the links to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre

www.devonwildlifetrust.org

59
e-mail: [email protected]
Devon Biodiversity Records Centre
C/o Exeter Central Library
Castle Street
Exeter EX4 3PQ
Tel. 01392 274128

2 Influence the management of Public Open Space:

Creating areas of more species-rich grassland will help to reduce the isolation
of the remaining fragments of traditionally managed agricultural land,
contributing to the Flower-rich Meadows and Pastures Action Plan.

Churchyards have often received less intensive management than the

surrounding land and can provide good opportunities for wildlife. There is not
a lot of redundant space within the graveyard of Diptford parish church of St.
Mary. The grassy areas appear to be managed by mowing and to the
advantage of wildlife, it does not appear to be intensively managed,
manicured nor cut tightly. Despite the limited space there could be
opportunities for enhancing the area for wildlife. If space could be found,
some areas of grass which could be cut less frequently, perhaps just in late
summer, providing some cover for wildlife and allowing some of the wild
flowers to bloom and set seed. It did not appear that these have been used,
but, it is recommended, for the benefit of wildlife, that the use of herbicides
and pesticides is generally avoided.

Diptford Recreation Field is a large area incorporating a range of recreational

facilities. The area is already of great value to wildlife, with several shrubs and
trees (despite some being non-natives) within and around the perimeter, with
some scrub and a traditional hedgebank on one side. However with such a
large area there is scope to enhance the site for the benefit of wildlife.

A hedge could be planted on the eastern boundary, alongside the current rather
barren looking post and wire fence. Native hedgerow species typical of the area
should be used, for example hazel, oak, elder, English elm, blackthorn, hawthorn,
spindle and holly.

In addition there could be an area managed like a hay meadow, by leaving areas
unfertilised and cut just once a year at the end of the summer. This could be
done alongside this eastern boundary and down the steep banks. The cuttings
should be removed to prevent the nutrients building up. These cuttings could be
composted. The range of plant species might increase naturally; however plugs
of wild flowers (native species of local provenance) could be introduced to the
area. The southern end of the eastern bank had some bare soil, sowing some
wild flower seed (also native species of local provenance) here might be
successful in increasing the plant diversity. Creating an area of species-rich
grassland will create an ideal wildlife area for people to enjoy. It will also provide a
habitat better suited to certain invertebrates such as meadow brown butterflies.

60
The erection of bird, insect and bat boxes would encourage these important
species. There is enough room to include a wildlife pond, but this might have
health and safety implications. In addition, if it was felt that it did not interfere with
the character of the site, an information board could highlight the flora and fauna
of the area, mentioning some of the species that might be seen (including when)
within the site.

3 Build relationships with local landowners:

Encourage the adoption of more wildlife-friendly land management. For
example, hedges which are cut only every other year will provide an autumn
and winter source of nuts and berries for birds and small mammals (and can
save the landowner money in management costs). The improved
management of hedgerows is a key objective of the Species-rich Hedges
Action Plan. If the owner is willing, why not get involved with practical
management, such as traditional hedge laying or pond restoration?

Farmers and landowners may be eligible for agri-environmental schemes

such as Environmental Stewardship which provides funding to farmers and
landowners who manage their land in a specific environmental way. Some
farms within Diptford parish are under the Entry Level (ELS), Organic Entry
Level, Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme (the latter HLS) and
some are on the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (now superseded by ELS
and HLS etc). The west of the parish lies within the South Devon Coast and
River Valleys HLS target area. Some areas are also under woodland grant
schemes.

Further information can be found at

www.naturalengland.org.uk

4 Adopt a road verge:

Many verges can have a significant value for wildlife because they have
escaped the intensive management of the surrounding farmland. Ensuring
such verges are managed for their wildlife is a very positive step, again
contributing to the Flower-rich Meadows and Pastures Action Plan.

There are, of course, obvious health and safety implications to roadside

management. It is an action that would need to be undertaken in close liaison
with the relevant highways authority (generally, this is the Highways Agency
for motorways and trunk roads, and Devon County Council for all other
roads).

5 Wildlife gardening:
You could ‘green up’ your garden! Collectively the gardens of Diptford parish
represent a significant area that could be used to benefit wildlife. Large or
small, you can turn your garden (or a part of it!) into a haven for wildlife.

61
A very good source of information on wildlife gardening is the Natural England
web site:

www.naturalengland.org.uk (search for ‘wildlife gardening’)

Natural England is the Government’s adviser on nature conservation. Its web

site also contains links to a number of other very useful sources of
information.

Here are some initial ideas:

Various measures can be taken in varying degrees to providing water, shelter,

food and places to breed, which will benefit wildlife. Your garden does not
have to be big to make a contribution. Some initial ideas are:

• Planting nectar-rich plants, such as buddleia for butterflies.

• Climbing plants, such as honeysuckle, provide shelter, roosting and
nesting sites for birds.
• Native trees and shrubs are beneficial for wildlife.
• Erect bird boxes for tits and nuthatches.
• Feed birds with seeds and nuts, and provide clean water.
• Use peat-free compost.
• Create your own compost bin.
• A pile of logs can provide a home for insects and perhaps a hedgehog.
• Create a wildflower meadow border. Flowers such as oxeye daisy,
harebell, yarrow, primrose and devil’s-bit scabious produce beautiful
flowers as well as being good for wildlife.
• Construct a pond for wildlife.

Be sure to use native species with local provenance.

Other good sources of information on wildlife gardening:

• The Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) web site:

www.devonwildlifetrust.org

which also has links to DWT approved garden centres.

• The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) web site:

www.rhs.org.uk

• The Natural History Museum web site:

www.nhm.ac.uk

This site has a database that can be searched to generate lists of native
plants for any specified postal district in the UK. These lists are divided into

62
annuals, biennials, climbers, bulbs/rhizomes, herbaceous perennial, large
shrub/small trees, marsh plant, parasite, perennial, shrub and trees.

6 Join local conservation organisations:

Examples of prominent local conservation organisations are the Devon
Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust. These trusts have a number of Local
Groups which, amongst other things, get involved in practical management
work. The Totnes group is the nearest local group of the Devon Wildlife Trust.
The Kingsbridge Natural History Society is another local wildlife group. These
groups often organise wildlife walks and talks.

More information can be found at:

www.devonwildlifetrust.org
www.yourwoods.org.uk
www.southdevonaonb.org.uk

The Aune Conservation Association (ACA) is a local environmental

conservation charity. For several years it concentrated on the tidal zone of the
River Avon, but since 2006 the ACA has included the mission statement
‘conserving the Devonshire Avon from source to sea’.
The ACA has the following objectives:-
• “to promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection
and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the river
Avon in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”
• “to advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection
and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the river
Avon in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”
Source and further information: www.auneconservation.org.uk

7 Involvement and education:

Get children interested in wildlife. There are many activities, puzzles and
games that can enthuse and get children interested in wildlife. Some further
information and ideas can be found at:

www.devonwildlifetrust.org
www.rspb.org.uk

Devon Hedge Week is an annual event run by Devon Hedge Group (01392
382257). There is a week of hedge-related events and activities for all the
family. These are aimed at raising appreciation and awareness of Devon’s
wonderful hedges.

www.devon.gov.uk

A local wildlife group or ecologist could create a leaflet for walks around the
parish, highlighting the wildlife of the area. It is understood that at the time of

63
writing a local member of the parish is involved with producing such a leaflet.
Members of the parish could take photographs of wild flowers to enhance this
document.

Currently the Diptford Parish Magazine has a nature report section, informing
readers of current wildlife sightings, together with interesting nature facts.

Visit a local nature reserve.

Andrew’s Wood near Loddiswell, is the nearest Devon Wildlife Trust reserve.
The reserve supports woodland and grassland areas. The grassland contains
Britains’s largest colony of heath lobelia together with a range of other wild
flowers including saw-wort, marsh violet, yellow bartsia, marsh orchid, heath-
spotted orchid and ragged-Robin. The woodland is oak, birch and willow with
twayblade and broad-leaved helleborine amongst the woodland ground flora.
There are 30 species of butterfly that have been recorded here together with a
rare spider-hunting wasp and the uncommon glow-worm. Birds that frequent
the area include tree pipit and woodcock. The harvest mouse and common
dormouse are also found here. There is easy access and two way-marked
circular walks here.

Devon Wildlife Trust is currently running an ‘adopt a species’ campaign, so

you can adopt a species and help safeguard its future in Devon.

Visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org for more details.

8 Volunteer:
You can volunteer your time to do practical conservation tasks or helping a
wildlife organisation with monitoring or office work. There are many ways you
can help. Organisations that may be interested in volunteers include Devon
Wildlife Trust, Devon Bat Group and Devon Mammal Group.

www.devonwildlifetrust.org

This also has links to other organisations.

You could set up a local group to carry out conservation tasks.

9 Link biodiversity to Diptford Parish Plan:

You could encourage Diptford Parish Council to consider the impact on the
biodiversity and wildlife of the parish in existing and any future plans.

10 Japanese Knotweed:
Not something to cherish, but it can’t be ignored! Unfortunately Japanese
knotweed has been recorded in the past at several locations within Diptford
parish. Introduced into Britain by the Victorians, Japanese knotweed is a
native of Japan, north China, Korea and Taiwan. It flourishes in Britain’s mild
and fertile environment and has no natural biological enemies here.

64
Consequently, it is very invasive and can overrun large areas, replacing our
native flora. It is a serious pest which can be so vigorous as to cause
significant damage to buildings and roads. It is also a difficult plant to
eradicate.

For these reasons Japanese knotweed is listed under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 as a plant that is not to be planted or otherwise
introduced into the wild. In addition, all parts of the plant are considered as
controlled waste under the Waste Regulations.

What can you do?

• Firstly, it is important to build up a picture of where Japanese knotweed is

present. This will give an idea of the scale of the problem and will help to
prevent it being accidentally spread during any ditch clearance, highway
work and so on. To help develop an understanding of the problem in
Devon, records should also be sent to the Devon Biodiversity Records
Centre2. Ideally, records should include when you first saw it and
confirmation of when it was seen most recently; its precise location (notes
or a sketch map are helpful, as is a grid reference if you have one); the kind
of habitat it is in (e.g. next to running water, on a road verge), and a rough
indication of how abundant it is.

• Secondly, be careful not to spread the plant further! This is all too easily
done as it can regenerate from even the smallest fragment and is easy to
spread unknowingly. It is important not to flail it or to try and dig it up.
Often, it is best not to cut Japanese Knotweed at all, but if it is it should be
very carefully disposed of on site when dead or removed as Controlled
Waste. Any tools used should be properly cleaned.

• Finally, if Japanese knotweed is on your land, the best way to prevent its
spread is to control or eradicate it as soon as possible. Regular cutting can
weaken and eventually kill the plant but it is a time-consuming job and
proper disposal of the cut material can be a problem. Usually, the most
effective method of control is to treat the plant with herbicide. This can take
a number of years to be successful but if the plant is left untreated it will
inevitably spread. A number of issues should be taken into account in
deciding which herbicide to use, particularly the presence of water (where
special care needs to be taken and the advice of the Environment Agency
must be sought).

Fortunately, a great deal of advice (including an Environment Agency Code of

Practice) is available on the Devon Knotweed Forum’s web pages. You are
recommended to view these at:

www.devon.gov.uk/knotweed

2
[email protected]

65
In addition, the South Devon AONB Partnership is currently working with the
Dartmoor National Park Authority, on developing a knotweed control project
within the River Avon catchment areas. This project is due to start in 2010 and
with landowner support will hopefully start to control this invasive plant from
the area.

66
Useful sources of further information:
The following organisations can offer advice and information on various
wildlife topics as well as organising events and carrying out projects.

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers: www.btcv.org.uk

British Dragonfly Society: www.dragonflysoc.org.uk

Butterfly Conservation: www.butterfly-conservation.org (Tel: 0870 7744309)

Devon Bat Group: www.dbg.me.uk

Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society: www.devonbirds.org

Devon Mammal Group: www.devonmammalgroup.org

Devon Wildlife Trust: www.devonwildlifetrust.org (Tel: 01392 279244)

Natural England: www.naturalengland.org.uk (National Tel: 0845 600 3078,

Devon Tel: 0300 060 1110)

Plantlife: www.plantlife.org.uk (Tel: 01722 342730)

RSPB: www.rspb.org.uk

The Woodland Trust: www.woodland-trust.org.uk (Tel: 01476 581111)

The Living Churchyards & Cemeteries Project, Arthur Rank Centre, National
Agricultural Society, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ Tel: 01203
696969 ext.364/339.

More information about the South Devon AONB can be found at:
South Devon AONB Unit
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes, Devon
TQ9 5NE
Tel. 01803 861384
e-mail: [email protected]
www.southdevonaonb.org.uk

In addition, Devon County Council has produced a Community Wildlife Toolkit

which is available via the DCC web site (www.devon.gov.uk/biodiversity).
This toolkit aims to provide practical advice on management to encourage
wildlife and, in particular, provides a central point from which to access the
large amount of advice that is already available from a huge range of other
organisations.

67
In addition to management advice, the toolkit provides guidance on seeking
funding for project work.

Possible sources of funding:

Please note that funding sources change quite frequently and are often short lived. It is worth
exploring widely what may be available. However, the sources listed below should provide a
good starting point.

Heritage Link – a funding directory supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. A

good source of information.
http://www.heritagelink.org.uk/fundingdirectory/main/fundinghome.php

Major sources of funding

Environmental Stewardship – whole farm agri-environment scheme funding.
www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/es/default.aspx

SITA Trust - Enriching Nature: for biodiversity conservation projects within ten
miles of any landfill site in England.
www.sitatrust.org.uk

GrantScape – significant sums of money often available for biodiversity

action, including landscape-scale projects.
www.grantscape.org.uk/home

The Tubney Charitable Trust – large funds available but on an invitation-to-bid

only basis.
www.tubney.org.uk

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation – no maximum size of grant. “Priority will be

given to high quality projects that are exemplars of good practice or
imaginative approaches to old problems, that have wider impact, leading to
changes in the law, policy or practice or that may be viewed as difficult to
support or too 'high risk' by other funders.”
www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk

Big Lottery Fund – “Every year BIG gives out millions of pounds from the
National Lottery to good causes. Our money goes to community groups and
to projects that improve health, education and the environment.” Often has
large programmes relating to the environment, for example:

• Changing Spaces: Access to Nature - grants: £50,000 - £715,000. This

programme aims to encourage more people to enjoy the outdoors,
particularly those who face social exclusion.
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_cs_access_nature?regioncode=-
uk

68
 • Changing Spaces: Community Places - grants: £10,000 - £450,000.
This programme will fund community groups who want to improve local
green spaces such as play areas, community gardens and parks.
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_cs_comm_spaces?regioncode=-
uk

Possible funding for smaller projects

It should be noted that many of these grants only have a finite pot of money
and this could run out at any time. It is also important to check that your
project meets any relevant funding criteria. Please check with the different
organisations before applying.

Big Lottery Fund (see above) – BIG also gives smaller grants, for example:

• Awards for All England - Grants: £300 - £10,000. ‘Awards for All gives
money to projects that encourage people to take part in arts, sport,
heritage and also community projects’.
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_a4a_eng?regioncode=-uk

AONB Sustainable Development Funds -

• Blackdown Hills
• East Devon
• North Devon
• South Devon
• Tamar Valley

Biffawards - grants for biodiversity projects within 10 miles of a Biffa operation

(landfill)
www.biffaward.org/projects/smallgrants.php

BBC Breathing Places – currently only vailable for projects that have reveived
Breathing Places funding already. Grants of £1000 to £5000 available.
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_breathingplaces

SITA Trust - Enriching Nature: for biodiversity conservation projects within ten
miles of any landfill site in England.
www.sitatrust.org.uk

Forestry Commission - grants and sources of funding available for improving

biodiversity (for example, the Woodland Improvement Grant).
www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/hcou-4u4j28

Tree Council - small grants for schools and communities for tree planting
schemes.
www.treecouncil.org.uk/?q=grants

69
Bibliography
Bickmore CJ (2002). Hedgerow Survey Handbook. Countryside Council for Wales

British Dragonfly Society (Devon Group), (1996). An Inventory of Key Dragonfly Sites
in Devon.

Crawford CL (2002). Bryophytes of Native Woods.

Devon Biodiversity Partnership (1998). The Nature of Devon: A Biodiversity Action

Plan

DCC & Devon Hedge Group (1997). Devon’s Hedges. Devon County Council and
Devon Hedge Group

Environment, Economy and Culture Directorate (2008). The Management of

Roadside Verges in Devon.

Farrell I and Reay P (Eds) Devon Bird Report 2002 (2003). No 75 Devon Bird
Watching and Preservation Society Okehampton

Hubbard CE (1984). Grasses. Penguin Group London

Rose F (2006). The Wild Flower Key. Warne

Rose F (1989). Grasses, Sedges, Rushes and Ferns. Viking

South Devon AONB Partnership. South Devon – Area of Outstanding Natural beauty
Management Plan 2009-2014.

UK Steering Group (1995). Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report Vol 1

Meeting the Rio Challenge HMSO London

UK Steering Group (1995). Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report Vol 2 Action
Plans HMSO London

Wilson P & King M (2003). Arable Plants – A Field Guide. Wildguides

70
Websites:

www.auneconservation.org.uk
www.biodiversitysouthwest.org.uk
www.cpre.org.uk
www.devon.gov.uk
www.devonwildlifetrust.org
www.diptford.org.uk
www.jncc.gov.uk
www.magic.gov.uk
www.naturalengland.org.uk
www.natureonthemap.org.uk
www.nhm.ac.uk
www.rhs.org.uk
www.southdevonaonb.org.uk
www.south-hams-dc.gov.uk
www.swenvo.org.uk
www.ukbap.org.uk
www.woodland-trust.org.uk

Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the following people for their assistance

Roger English South Devon AONB Partnership

Sue Franklin Diptford Parish Council
Ham Sampford Diptford Parish

71
 Appendix 1 – Notable sites and species within Diptford parish (2009)
Statutory & non-statutory sites within Diptford parish

Grid Area
ID File Code Site Name Description Status
Reference (ha)
SX724564 &
1 SX75/009 Manor Court 2.4 Secondary broadleaved woodland CWS
SX766561

2 SX75/013 Creber Farm SX739559 7.6 Semi-improved neutral & marshy grassland CWS

Disused quarry with secondary broadleaved woodland

3 SX75/015 Larcombe Quarry SX750583 8.3 CWS
& a pond

4 SX75/020 Ashwell Wood SX767558 7.7 Ancient semi-natural woodland CWS

Ancient semi-natural woodland largely replanted with

5 SX75/052 Storridge Wood SX732525 46.4 CWS
conifers & broadleaves

6 SX75/056 Higher Marks Barn SX737526 13.3 Semi-improved neutral & marshy grassland. Bat interest CWS

SX739547 &
7 SX75/057 Wheeldon Wood 4.9 Secondary broadleaved woodland CWS
SX738546

8 SX75/059 Stoneleigh SX747529 7.7 Broadleaved woodland & marshy grassland CWS

Unimproved neutral grassland, scrub & secondary

9 SX75/060 Moreleigh Mount SX746527 8.6 CWS
broadleaved woodland

10 SX75/062 Stoneleigh Moor SX754529 7.9 Unimproved neutral & marshy grassland CWS
 Grid Area
ID File Code Site Name Description Status
Reference (ha)

11 SX75/077 Higher Beenleigh SX757578 10 Unimproved neutral grassland CWS

12 SX75/086 Manor Field SX725562 1.7 Unimproved grassland CWS

13 SX75/005 Diptford Meadow SX723571 3.1 Unimproved & semi-improved neutral grassland OSWI

14 SX75/008 Manor House Wood SX725566 0.8 Secondary broadleaved woodland OSWI

15 SX75/014 Simpson Field SX748562 1.1 Semi-improved neutral grassland OSWI

16 SX75/017 Murtwell Field SX755567 0.5 Marshy grassland OSWI

17 SX75/019 Ashwell Pond SX765554 1.2 Pond with dragonfly interest OSWI

18 SX75/046 Berry Copse SX730546 2.5 Secondary broadleaved woodland OSWI

19 SX75/049 Curtisknowle Wood SX733537 6.1 Broadleaved woodland OSWI

Secondary broadleaved woodland, conifer plantation &

20 SX75/050 Cock's Brook Wood SX733533 12.6 OSWI
marshy grassland

21 SX75/051 Corner Wood SX733531 1.2 Mixed woodland OSWI

22 SX75/061 Farleigh Wood SX753533 3 Secondary broadleaved woodland OSWI

 Grid Area
ID File Code Site Name Description Status
Reference (ha)
Diptford Court
23 SX75/078 SX726570 0.9 Broadleaved woodland OSWI
Wood
Semi-improved grassland, woodland, scrub, marshland,
24 SX75/080 Lower Holsome SX733558 4.4 OSWI
stream & abandoned orchard

25 SX75/018 Crabadon wood SX759550 7.7 Secondary broadleaved woodland UWS

26 SX75/006 Diptford Field SX729571 0.4 Unimproved neutral grassland UWS

County Wildlife Sites (CWS): these are sites of county importance for wildlife, designated on the basis of the habitat or the known presence of
particular species. This is not a statutory designation like SSSIs, and does not have any legal status. County Wildlife Sites are usually
included in Local Plans as sites of substantive nature conservation interest and are covered by Planning Policy Statement note nine (PPS9).
CWS recognition does not demand any particular actions on the part of the Landowner and does not give the public rights of access. However,
it may increase eligibility for land management grants.

Other Sites of Wildlife Interest (OSWI): these are sites of significant wildlife interest within a local context that have been surveyed but do not
reach the criteria for County Wildlife Sites. They are not covered by PPS9, but may be included in Local Plans.

Unconfirmed Wildlife Sites (UWS): these are sites identified as having possible interest but not fully surveyed. Some of these sites will be
areas of significant wildlife interest.

Additional designation types not found within Diptford parish:

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC): these are notified by Natural England because they contain species and/or habitats of European importance (listed
in the Habitats Directive 1994), and are part of a network of conservation sites set up through Europe known as the Natura 2000 series. On land, almost all
candidate SACs are, or will be notified as SSSIs. Natural England needs to be consulted before any operations likely to damage the special interest are
undertaken. SAC is a statutory designation with legal implications.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): these are notified by Natural England because of their plants, animals or geological features (the latter are
geological SSSIs or gSSSI). Natural England needs to be consulted before any operations likely to damage the special interest are undertaken. SSSI is a
statutory designation with legal implications.

Proposed County Wildlife Sites (pCWS): these are either sites that have been surveyed but are awaiting consideration from the CWS Designation Panel, or
sites that have been surveyed at an unfavorable time of year and are awaiting a re-survey.

National Nature Reserves (NNR) - these are notified by English Nature because of their habitats or species. They are the best examples of a particular
habitat or have important populations of rare species. English Nature needs to be consulted before any operations likely to damage the special interest are
undertaken. NNR is a statutory designation with legal implications.

Special Protection Areas (SPAs): The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) define SPAs as ‘strictly protected sites classified in accordance with
Article 4 of the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC), also known as the Birds Directive, which came into force in April 1979. They are
classified for rare and vulnerable birds, listed in Annex I to the Birds Directive, and for regularly occurring migratory species’.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs): These are declared by local authorities in conjunction conservation organisations as areas of local importance for wildlife or
geological features. LNRs give access to the public to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it.

Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are earth science sites that are of regional or local importance. Like County Wildlife
Sites, they are included in Local Plans and referred to under PPG9. These may represent good examples of local rock formations or landform features or they
may contain interesting fossils.

Country Park: is an area of land, or land and water normally not less than 25 acres in extent, designed to offer to the public, with or without charge,
opportunity for recreational activities in the countryside. There is not necessarily any public rights of access to Country Parks and visitors are subject to any
byelaws made by the local authority and enforced in the parks.
Appendix 1 - Legally protected & notable Species within Diptford parish

Common Scientific Grid UK International

No Location Date Status
Name Name Reference protection protection
1 Primrose Primula vulgaris Manor Court 1998 SX724562 DBAP
2 Primrose Primula vulgaris Manor Court 1992 SX724562 DBAP
Garden at Manor
Common Muscardinus WCA 5, 6; UKBAP (P);
3 House, Diptford, 2004 SX724564 EC IVa; Bern III
Dormouse avellanarius NERC 41 DBAP
Totnes.
Mustela Bern III; CITES
4 Stoat Manor House, Diptford 2009 SX725561
erminea (UK reservation)
Sanguisorba
5 Great Burnet Manor Field 1998 SX725562 DN3
officinalis
6 Primrose Primula vulgaris Manor Field 1998 SX725562 DBAP
7 Primrose Primula vulgaris Manor House Wood 1992 SX725566 DBAP
Bank of River Avon,
just over the wall
alongside the Diptford
Japanese Fallopia
8 to Avonwick lane. Just 2004 SX725569 WCA 9
Knotweed japonica
before the left hand
bend as the road goes
up to Diptford, Totnes.
9 Primrose Primula vulgaris Dipford Court Wood 1996 SX726570 DBAP
Myotis Broadley Cottage, EC IVa; Bern II;
10 Whiskered Bat 2005 SX727554 WCA 5, 6
mystacinus Diptford, Totnes. Bonn II
Pipistrellus Broadley Cottage, 1999- EC IVa; Bern III,
11 Pipistrelle SX727554 WCA 5, 6
pipistrellus Diptford, Totnes 2005 Bonn II
 Common Scientific Grid UK International
No Location Date Status
Name Name Reference protection protection
Diptford Church,
12 a Bat Chiroptera 2006 SX727567 WCA 5, 6 EC IVa; Bonn II
Diptford, Totnes.
Coenonympha
13 Small Heath Garaland Copse 1992 SX728544 NERC 41 UKBAP (P)
pamphilus
Phylloscopus
14 Willow Warbler Garaland Copse 1992 SX728544 Amber
trochilus
Japanese Fallopia Broadley Farm,
15 2002 SX728545 WCA 9
Knotweed japonica Diptford, Totnes
Broadley Farm,
EC IVa; Bern II;
16 Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri Diptford. (Farm 1994 SX728546 WCA 5, 6
Bonn II
buildings.)
Lesser Rhinolophus Broadley Farm, 1983- WCA 5, 6; EC IIa, IVa; Bern
17 SX728546 UKBAP (P)
Horseshoe Bat hipposideros Diptford. (Farmhouse.) 1994 NERC 41 II; Bonn II
Pipistrellus The Mill House, Gara EC IVa; Bern III,
18 Pipistrelle 1993 SX729534 WCA 5, 6
pipistrellus Bridge, Nr Halwell Bonn II
1997- WCA 5; EC IIa, IIIa; Bern UKBAP (P);
19 Otter Lutra lutra Hazelwood House SX729534
2000 NERC 41 II DBAP
The Mill House, Gara EC IVa; Bern II;
20 Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri 1993 SX729534 WCA 5, 6
Bridge, Nr Halwell Bonn II
21 Primrose Primula vulgaris Garaland Copse 1992 SX730543 DBAP
Aconitum
22 Monk's-Hood Garaland Copse 1992 SX730543 NS
napellus agg.
Japanese Fallopia
23 Garaland Copse 1992 SX730543 WCA 9
Knotweed japonica
24 Marsh Tit Parus palustris Garaland Copse 1992 SX730543 Red
25 Badger Meles meles Berry Copse 1992 SX730546 WCA 6, BA Bern III
26 Primrose Primula vulgaris Berry Copse 1992 SX730546 DBAP
 Common Scientific Grid UK International
No Location Date Status
Name Name Reference protection protection
27 Badger Meles meles Storridge Wood 1992 SX732525 WCA 6, BA Bern III
Pyrrhula
28 Bullfinch Storridge Wood 1992 SX732525 UKBAP (P); Red
pyrrhula
29 Primrose Primula vulgaris Storridge Wood 1992 SX732525 DBAP
30 Primrose Primula vulgaris Cock's Brook Wood 1992 SX732533 DBAP
31 Primrose Primula vulgaris Corner Wood 1992 SX733531 DBAP
Japanese Fallopia Combe Barton, SX7344538
32 2008 WCA 9
Knotweed japonica Curtisknowle (by water) 5
Pipistrellus Coombe Barton, EC IVa; Bern III,
33 Pipistrelle 2005 SX734537 WCA 5, 6
pipistrellus Curtisknowle. Bonn II
Brown Long- Coombe Barton, WCA 5, 6; EC IVa; Bern II;
34 Plecotus auritus 2005 SX734537 UKBAP (P)
Eared Bat Curtisknowle. NERC 41 Bonn II
Japanese Fallopia
35 Curtisknowle Wood 1992 SX734538 WCA 9
Knotweed japonica
36 Badger Meles meles Lower Holsome 1996 SX735560 WCA 6, BA Bern III
Rana
37 Common Frog Lower Holsome 1996 SX735560 WCA 5 (S) EC Va; Bern III
temporaria
38 Primrose Primula vulgaris Lower Holsome 1996 SX735560 DBAP
Newhouse near Gara
WCA 5; EC IIa, IIIa; Bern UKBAP (P);
39 Otter Lutra lutra Bridge, Diptford, South 2006 SX736533
NERC 41 II DBAP
Hams.
Garden/lawn (and
Japanese Fallopia adjacent fields) at
40 2001 SX736539 WCA 9
Knotweed japonica Curtisknowle House,
Diptford
 Common Scientific Grid UK International
No Location Date Status
Name Name Reference protection protection
Parentucellia
41 Yellow Bartsia Higher Marks Barn 1992 SX737527 DN2
viscosa
Field to the north of
42 Badger Meles meles 1994 SX738560 WCA 6, BA Bern III
Creber Farm, Diptford.
43 Badger Meles meles Wheeldon Wood 1992 SX739547 WCA 6, BA Bern III
44 Primrose Primula vulgaris Wheeldon Wood 1992 SX739547 DBAP
Frogwell Farm, EC IVa; Bern II;
45 Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri 1999 SX740557 WCA 5, 6
Diptford, Totnes. Bonn II
On road between
Diptford and Moreleigh,
Lepus about three-quarters of UKBAP (P);
46 Brown Hare 2003 SX743554 NERC 41
europaeus a mile on the Diptford DBAP
side of turn-off to
Curtisknowle.
Cleave Farm, EC IVa; Bern II;
47 Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri 1999 SX744534 WCA 5, 6
Moreleigh Bonn II
Pipistrellus Cleave Farm, EC IVa; Bern III,
48 Pipistrelle 1999 SX744534 WCA 5, 6
pipistrellus Moreleigh Bonn II
Near Moorleigh Mount,
Japanese Fallopia at side of road. SX7455527
49 2002 WCA 9
Knotweed japonica Moreleigh in the South 8
Hams.
Parus
50 Willow Tit Moreleigh Mount 1992 SX746527 NERC 41 Red
montanus
Pyrrhula
51 Bullfinch Moreleigh Mount 1992 SX746527 UKBAP (P); Red
pyrrhula
Parentucellia
52 Yellow Bartsia Moreleigh Mount 1992 SX746527 DN2
viscosa
 Common Scientific Grid UK International
No Location Date Status
Name Name Reference protection protection
53 Badger Meles meles Stoneleigh 1992 SX747529 WCA 6, BA Bern III
54 Primrose Primula vulgaris Stoneleigh 1992 SX747529 DBAP
Higher Coombe 1993-
55 a Bat Chiroptera SX748557 WCA 5, 6 EC IVa; Bonn II
Cottage, Diptford 1994
Phylloscopus
56 Willow Warbler Stoneleigh 1992 SX749528 Amber
trochilus
Emberiza UKBAP (P);
57 Reed Bunting Stoneleigh 1992 SX749528 NERC 41
schoeniclus Amber
Sylvia
58 Whitethroat Stoneleigh 1992 SX749528 Amber
communis
Road verge near
Japanese Fallopia
59 Springfield Barn, 2002 SX750528 WCA 9
Knotweed japonica
Moreleigh, Totnes.
Brown Long- Moreleigh Mount, WCA 5, 6; EC IVa; Bern II;
60 Plecotus auritus 1993 SX751526 UKBAP (P)
Eared Bat Moreleigh, Nr Totnes NERC 41 Bonn II
Brown Long- Stoneleigh Manor, WCA 5, 6; EC IVa; Bern II;
61 Plecotus auritus 2000 SX751529 UKBAP (P)
Eared Bat Moreleigh, Totnes NERC 41 Bonn II
Bearscombe Farm,
62 a Bat Chiroptera 2006 SX751539 WCA 5, 6 EC IVa; Bonn II
near Halwell
Beenleigh Manor, 1994-
63 a Bat Chiroptera SX752570 WCA 5, 6 EC IVa; Bonn II
Diptford. 1995
Lasiommata
64 Wall Brown Crabadon Cross 1999 SX7554 NERC 41 UKBAP (P)
megera
65 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Stoneleigh Moor 1992 SX755529 NERC 41 UKBAP (P); Red
Sylvia
66 Whitethroat Stoneleigh Moor 1992 SX755529 Amber
communis
67 Linnet Carduelis Stoneleigh Moor 1992 SX755529 UKBAP (P); Red
 Common Scientific Grid UK International
No Location Date Status
Name Name Reference protection protection
cannabina
Grasshopper Locustella
68 Stoneleigh Moor 1992 SX755529 NERC 41 UKBAP (P); Red
Warbler naevia
Anthus
69 Meadow Pipit Stoneleigh Moor 1992 SX755529 Amber
pratensis
70 Marsh Tit Parus palustris Stoneleigh Moor 1992 SX755529 Red
71 Swallow Hirundo rustica Stoneleigh Moor 1992 SX755529 Amber
Lasiommata
72 Wall Brown Stoneleigh Moor 1992 SX755529 NERC 41 UKBAP (P)
megera
Lepus UKBAP (P);
73 Brown Hare Wheeldon,near Diptford 1999 SX755535 NERC 41
europaeus DBAP
74 Primrose Primula vulgaris Murtwell Field 1992 SX755567 DBAP
Etheridge Barn,
75 Barn Owl Tyto alba 1998 SX759561 WCA 1, 9 DBAP; Amber
Diptford, Totnes.
Etheridge Barn,
76 A bat Chiroptera 1998 SX759561 WCA 5, 6 EC IVa; Bonn II
Diptford, Totnes.
77 Primrose Primula vulgaris Ashwell Wood 1993 SX767558 DBAP

NERC 41 NERC Act (2006) Section 41: Species listed under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006).
These are the species found in England which have been identified as requiring action under the UK BAP. All local authorities
and other public authorities in England and Wales have a duty to promote and enhance biodiversity in all of their functions.

WCA 1 Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Schedule 1: birds which are protected by special penalties at all times.

WCA 5 Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Schedule 5: species protected against killing, injury, disturbance and handling.
WCA 5 (S) Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Schedule 5: (sale): species protected against sale only.

WCA 6 Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Schedule 6: animals (other than birds) which may not be killed or taken by certain
methods

WCA 9 Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Schedule 9: animals and plants for which release into the wild is prohibited.

BA Protection of Badgers Act 1992: badgers may not be deliberately killed, persecuted or trapped except under licence. Badger
setts may not be damaged, destroyed or obstructed.

Bern II Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) Appendix II: Special
protection for listed animal species and their habitats.

Bern III Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) Appendix III:
Exploitation of listed animal species to be subject to regulation

ECIIa, IIb EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats & Species Directive)
Annex IIa and IIb: Designation of protected areas for animal and plant species listed.

ECIIIa, IIIb EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats & Species Directive)
Annex IIIa and IIb: Species used as criteria for designating Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

ECIVa, IVb EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats & Species Directive)
Annex IVa: Exploitation of listed animals and plants to be subject to management if necessary.

ECVa, Vb EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats & Species Directive)
Annex Va and Vb: Exploitation of listed animals and plants to be subject to management if necessary.

Bonn II Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) Appendix II: Range states
encouraged to conclude international agreements to benefit species listed.
UKBAP(P) UK Priority Species (Short and Middle Lists - UK Biodiversity steering Group Report 1995) i.e. species that are globally
threatened and rapidly declining in the UK (by more than 50% in the last 25 years). Has a Species Action Plan.

DBAP Devon Biodiversity Action Plan species: these have been identified as species of key conservation concern in Devon.

NS Nationally Scarce: 15-100 10km squares in Atlas of British Flora 1962.

Devon Notable Species: Selected species recorded from over 50 2km squares in the Atlas of Devon Flora 1984 (R.B. Ivimey-Cook,
Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Exeter).

DN2 Devon Notable2: 26-50 2 km squares in Atlas of Devon Flora 1984.

DN3 Devon Notable3: Selected species recorded from over 50 2 km squares in Atlas of Devon Flora 1984.

Red List Bird species of high conservation concern, such as those whose population or range is rapidly declining, recently or
historically, and those of global conservation concern.

Amber List Bird species of medium conservation concern, such as those whose population is in moderate decline, rare breeders,
internationally important and localised species and those of unfavourable conservation status in Europe.
Appendix 2 – Species list recorded for Diptford parish
during the field visit
Species list for Diptford parish, recorded during the parish site visits in
January 2010.

Scientific Name English name Date

Ancient Woodland Indicator species additional
are listed in Bold species for
18/01/10 &
19/01/10
Alnus glutinosa Alder 14/01/2010
Acer campestre Field Maple 14/01/2010
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore 14/01/2010
Achillea millefolium Yarrow 14/01/2010
Aesculus hippocastanum Horse-chestnut 14/01/2010
Agrostis capillaris Common Bent 14/01/2010
Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent 14/01/2010
Ajuga reptans Bugle 19/01/2010
Allium vineale Wild Onion 14/01/2010
Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley 14/01/2010
Apium nodiflorum Fool's Water-cress 14/01/2010
Arctium minus Lesser Burdock 19/01/2010
Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies 14/01/2010
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort 14/01/2010
Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort 14/01/2010
Bellis perennis Daisy 14/01/2010
Betula pendula Silver Birch 19/01/2010
Betula sp Birch sp 19/01/2010
Blechnum spicant Hard-fern 14/01/2010
Brachypodium sylvaticum Wood False-brome 14/01/2010
Buddleja davidii Butterfly-bush 14/01/2010
Cardamine sp Bitter-cress sp 14/01/2010
Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge 14/01/2010
Carex remota Remote Sedge 14/01/2010
Carex sylvatica Wood-sedge 19/01/2010
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut 19/01/2010
Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed 14/01/2010
Centranthus ruber Red Valerian 14/01/2010
Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear 14/01/2010
Chaerophyllum temulum Rough Chervil 19/01/2010
Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb 18/01/2010
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved Golden-
saxifrage 14/01/2010
Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle 14/01/2010
Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle 19/01/2010
Claytonia sibirica Pink Purslane 14/01/2010
Clematis vitalba Traveller's-joy 14/01/2010
Cornus sanguinea Dogwood 14/01/2010
Corylus avellana Hazel 14/01/2010
Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 14/01/2010
Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax 14/01/2010
Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot 14/01/2010
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove 14/01/2010
Scientific Name English name Date
Ancient Woodland Indicator species additional
are listed in Bold species for
18/01/10 &
19/01/10
Dipsacus fullonum Teasel 14/01/2010
Dryopteris affinis Scaly Male-fern 14/01/2010
Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern 18/01/2010
Dryopteris filix-mas Male-fern 14/01/2010
Epilobium sp Willowherb sp 14/01/2010
Euonymus europaeus Spindle 19/01/2010
Fagus sylvatica Beech 14/01/2010
Festuca rubra agg. Red Fescue 14/01/2010
Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry 14/01/2010
Fraxinus excelsior Ash 14/01/2010
Galanthus nivalis Snowdrop 19/01/2010
Galium aparine Cleavers 14/01/2010
Galium mollugo Hedge-bedstraw 14/01/2010
Geranium lucidum Shining Crane's-bill 14/01/2010
Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert 14/01/2010
Geranium sp Cranesbill sp 14/01/2010
Geum urbanum Wood Avens 14/01/2010
Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy 14/01/2010
Hedera helix Ivy 14/01/2010
Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed 14/01/2010
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog 14/01/2010
Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan 14/01/2010
Hypericum sp St John's-wort sp 19/01/2010
Hypochaeris radicata Cat's-ear 14/01/2010
Ilex aquifolium Holly 14/01/2010
Iris foetidissima Stinking Iris 14/01/2010
Juncus effusus Soft-rush 19/01/2010
Juncus sp Rush sp 14/01/2010
Lamiastrum galeobdolon subsp. Yellow Archangel
Montanum 14/01/2010
Lapsana communis Nipplewort 14/01/2010
Larix sp Larch 19/01/2010
Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy 14/01/2010
Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet 14/01/2010
Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass 14/01/2010
Lonicera nitida Wilson's honeysuckle 14/01/2010
Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle 14/01/2010
Lotus corniculatus Common Bird's-foot-trefoil 19/01/2010
Luzula campestris Field Wood-rush 14/01/2010
Luzula sylvatica Great Wood-rush 14/01/2010
Lysimachia nemorum Yellow Pimpernel 19/01/2010
Melica uniflora Wood Mellick 19/01/2010
Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury 14/01/2010
Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 14/01/2010
Pentaglottis sempervirens Green Alkanet 14/01/2010
Petasites fragrans Winter Heliotrope 14/01/2010
Phyllitis scolopendrium Hart's-tongue 14/01/2010
Pinus radiata Monterey Pine 14/01/2010
Pinus sp Pine 14/01/2010
Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain 14/01/2010
Scientific Name English name Date
Ancient Woodland Indicator species additional
are listed in Bold species for
18/01/10 &
19/01/10
Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass 14/01/2010
Poa sp Meadowgrass sp 14/01/2010
Polypodium agg. Polypody 14/01/2010
Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield-fern 14/01/2010
Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil 18/01/2010
Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry 14/01/2010
Primula vulgaris Primrose 14/01/2010
Prunella vulgaris Selfheal 14/01/2010
Prunus laurocerasus Cherry Laurel 14/01/2010
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn 14/01/2010
Pseudotsuga menziesii Doulas Fir 19/01/2010
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken 14/01/2010
Quecus sp Oak 14/01/2010
Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak 14/01/2010
Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup 19/01/2010
Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup 14/01/2010
Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine 14/01/2010
Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup 14/01/2010
Rhododendron ponticum Rhododendron 19/01/2010
Rosa arvensis Field-rose 14/01/2010
Rosa canina agg. Dog-rose 14/01/2010
Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 14/01/2010
Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel 14/01/2010
Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock 14/01/2010
Salix sp Willow sp 14/01/2010
Sambucus nigra Elder 14/01/2010
Sanicula europaea Sanicle 14/01/2010
Scrophularia sp Figwort sp 18/01/2010
Senecio vulgaris Groundsel 14/01/2010
Silene dioica Red Campion 14/01/2010
Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders 18/01/2010
Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort 14/01/2010
Stellaria media Common Chickweed 14/01/2010
Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry 14/01/2010
Taraxacum aggregate Common Dandelion 14/01/2010
Taxus baccata Yew 14/01/2010
Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage 14/01/2010
Trifolium repens White Clover 14/01/2010
Ulex europaeus Gorse 14/01/2010
Ulmus procera English Elm 14/01/2010
Umbilicus rupestris Navelwort 14/01/2010
Urtica dioica Common Nettle 14/01/2010
Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry 19/01/2010
Valerianella sp Cornsalad sp 14/01/2010
Veronica beccabunga Brooklime 19/01/2010
Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell 14/01/2010
Veronica filiformis Slender Speedwell 14/01/2010
Veronica montana Wood Speedwell 19/01/2010
Vicia sepium Bush Vetch 19/01/2010
Vicia sp Vetch sp 19/01/2010
Scientific Name English name Date
Ancient Woodland Indicator species additional
are listed in Bold species for
18/01/10 &
19/01/10
Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle 18/01/2010
Viola odorata Sweet Violet 14/01/2010
Viola sp Violet sp 14/01/2010

Mnium hornum Forest star moss 19/01/2010

Polytrichum sp Hair moss 19/01/2010
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Lawn moss 14/01/2010
Thuidium tamariscinum Tamarisk moss 14/01/2010

Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed Tit 14/01/2010

Buteo buteo Buzzard 14/01/2010
Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch 14/01/2010
Cinclus cinclus Dipper 14/01/2010
Columba palumbus Wood Pigeon 14/01/2010
Corvus corax Raven 19/01/2010
Corvus corone Carrion Crow 14/01/2010
Corvus frugilegus Rook 14/01/2010
Corvus monedula Jackdaw 14/01/2010
Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Woodpecker 14/01/2010
Erithacus rubecula Robin 14/01/2010
Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch 14/01/2010
Garrulus glandarius Jay 14/01/2010
Larus argentatus Herring Gull 19/01/2010
Motacilla alba yarrellii Pied Wagtail 14/01/2010
Parus caeruleus Blue Tit 14/01/2010
Parus major Great Tit 14/01/2010
Passer domesticus House Sparrow 14/01/2010
Phasianus colchicus Pheasant 19/01/2010
Pica pica Magpie 14/01/2010
Prunella modularis Dunnock 14/01/2010
Scolopax rusticola Woodcock 19/01/2010
Sitta europaea Nuthatch 19/01/2010
Streptopelia decaocto Collored Dove 14/01/2010
Sturnus vulgaris Starling 14/01/2010
Troglodytes troglodytes Wren 14/01/2010
Turdus iliacus Redwing 14/01/2010
Turdus merula Blackbird 14/01/2010
Turdus philomelos Song Thrush 19/01/2010

Sciurus carolinensis Grey Squirrel 19/01/2010

Talpa europaea Mole (hills) 14/01/2010
Vulpes vulpes Fox 14/01/2010