To maintain, restore and expand semi-natural grasslands
Address management of scrub and appropriate grazing of daleside grasslands through agri-environment scheme agreements, capital works and innovative approaches to scrub and grazing management
Quarry restoration, production of habitat creation/restoration guides with species mixes etc.
Enhancement of grasslands to ensure conservation of all different species groups through HLS, other voluntary and agri-environment scheme agreements and capital works
To enhance wetland and riparian habitats and species
Pond restoration for great crested newt and other BAP pond species
Continuation and Expansion of Water for Wildlife and related projects
To increase native limestone dales woodland and create linkages in appropriate places
Build on the work of the previous Ravine WoodLIFE project to secure long-term benefits to those woods
Limited woodland creation in strategic locations such as dale tops, where opportunities exist
Hedgerow management for BAP bird species
To expand the area of limestone heathland
Land acquisition, influencing agri-environment schemes
Conservation priorities
To achieve a step change in scrub and grazing management of the dales to address progressive scrubbing-up of open and edge habitats
To work with landowners and managers to diversify species-poor grasslands into a network of more species-rich habitats, including calaminarian grasslands and hay meadows.
To restore and maintain a network of ponds for great crested newt and other BAP species.
Sensitive restoration of quarries and mineral workings for BAP habitats and species.
To continue and expand projects such as the Water for Wildlife project to enhance biodiversity in rivers, streams and wetland habitats.
Opportunities for additional conservation activity
Joined up management of sites/reserves owned by BAP partners.
Targeting of agri-environment schemes for species needs.
Land acquisition in areas where other mechanisms can’t deliver the desired results, particularly for ‘difficult’ habitats such as limestone heath.
Management and restoration of hedgerows to support BAP bird species.
