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Table
of Contents
Why an Action
Plan?
Selsey Biodiversity
Partnership
Aims
Scope of Plans
Coastal Vegetated
Shingle
Hedgerows
Reed Beds and
Saline Lagoons
Trees,Woodland
and Scrub
Road Verges
Grassland
Rifes and Ditches
Urban Area
Ponds
Awareness and
Involvement
Future
Developments
Chichester
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SELSEY ACTION FOR WILDLIFE


A Local Biodiversity Action Plan
For Selsey Parish

tel.01243 607104



Ponds.


Current Status and Distribution
Several old large ponds remain and some of these have been enhanced in recent times. The number and distribution of garden wildlife ponds has yet to be investigated.
Importance
Good ponds teem with life - they are mini nature reserves in their own right. They represent a crucial habitat for frogs, toads and newts and are important for many insects, including dragonflies and damsel flies. They can also support a diversity of aquatic plants and populations of water vole and water shrew. Other animals and a variety of birds are attracted to their fresh water and the life it supports. Moreover, ponds provide a vital close contact with the wonders of nature, especially for the young. Hence they have a potentially very important role to play in increasing understanding of, and enthusiasm for biodiversity.
Local Significance
Maps [OS 1932 and 1998] show that several important large ponds have been lost in the last 70 years, notably Crablands Pond and several within the area of the present caravan site. Many smaller farm ponds could also have disappeared. However the increase in garden ponds may well have offset this loss in the overall resource. These therefore now have an essential role to play as refuges for pond wildlife.
Threats
· Drying out [global warming]
· Lack of management
· Invasive alien species such as terrapin and bullfrog [East Beach Pond] and exotic plants [Parrots Feather, New Zealand Stonecrop etc.]
Objectives
1. Compile an inventory of all ponds [including garden ponds].
2. Encourage and support the recording of pond life.
3. Encourage and support wildlife pond creation .
4. Encourage and support the management of existing ponds for the benefit of wildlife.


ACTIONS



Sussex Standing Fresh Water HAP targets. Action proposed in Sussex Standing Fresh Water HAP. Action proposed in Selsey Parish.
·Characterise the Sussex standing fresh water resource in terms of distribution, extent, biodiversity value by 2005.

·Monitor, control and where possible eradicate invasive alien species.

·Maintain the current range, extent and value of standing fresh waters in Sussex.


·Promote the pond inventory and the collection of relevant information through a standardised survey form.

·Publicise surveys and local involvement to stimulate interest in ponds.

·Promote public understanding of the importance of standing fresh water habitats.

·Monitor the spread of invasive alien species.

·Map all existing ponds, including garden ponds.

·Collect basic survey information about all ponds outside gardens for a parish ponds database.

·Encourage residents to collect basic survey information about their own ponds to include in the parish database.

·Encourage local organisations, groups and individuals to keep records of the wildlife in and around ponds including the identification of alien species.

·Enhance the wildlife value of East Beach Pond in association with the Pye field development. Co-ordinate a long-term site management plan.

·Support the SWT Gardening for Wildlife initiatives in respect of the creation and management of wildlife ponds [seeURBAN].


For any opinions or feedback or any
other information please contact
telephone 01243 607104
or email ssavill@lineone.net

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© Selsey Parish Map Group June 2002