Prescriptions and Projects
Categories of Prescriptions
Habitat and Species Management
Public Relations and Administration
Research,Survey and Monitoring
Visitor Services.Interpretation and Education
Estate Services Infrastructure and Major Machinery
5.1 Habitat and Species Management
5.1.1 Manage habitat,woodland/scrub by planting/sowing
MH01.01
Cmpts:- 37,40,42,48:
Policy 4.5
To beat up woodlands on Aldringham Walks to comply with the agreement with Nuclear Electric and Woodland Grants Scheme as set out in the Sizewell Estate Five Year Forestry Plan.
5.1.2 Manage habitat,woodland/scrub by scrub control
MH07.01
Cmpts:37,40,42,45,47 & 48
Policy 4.5
To control invasion of scrub in woodlands on Aldringham Walks for the benefit of the silvicultural interest as per.the Sizewell Estate Forestry Plan and for the benefit of breeding nightjars and woodlarks.
5.1.3 Manage habitat,grassland,by controlled grazing
Cmpts:- 11-17 & 21-31
Policy 4.2
To graze 97.5 ha of lowland wet grassland to promote tussocky vegetation for the benefit of breeding waders and wildfowl. Grazing to be done by cattle between May and October each year at a stocking density of up to 300 stock unit/days/ha per year.
5.1.4 Manage habitat, grassland,by mowing
Cmpts:11-17 & 21-31
Policy 4.2
To cut vegetation as necessary to ensure control of thistles etc and to remove rank or ungrazed pasture. Work to be carried out annually from July to November taking account of ESA stipulations.
5.1.5 Manage habitat,grassland by mowing
Cmpts:- 11-17 & 21-31.
Policy 4.2
To take hay and silage crops from the grazing marshes where or whenever there is a shortfall in livestock.
5.1.6 Manage habitat,grassland by water level control
Policy 4.2
To control pumps and sluices from November to March to promote shallow winter flooding to attract nationally important assemblages of wintering wildfowl and waders. To maintain water table at 20/30 cms below soil surface throughout the breeding season April to August to promote ideal conditions for breeding wildfowl and waders.
5.1.7 Manage habitat,grassland by water level control
Cmpts:- 16 & 17
Policy 4.2
To construct pipe sluices on north marsh to independently control water levels on south and north marshes.
5.1.8 Manage habitat,bracken herb by mowing/selective cutting
MH22.01
Cmpts:- 02,03,34,39,41,42,43,44 & 46
Policy 4.3
To control bracken growth by removal of litter layer by use of forage-harvester. All litter to be removed from site and either used to acidify land in heathland restoration schemes or sold locally. This should provide ideal conditions for breeding woodlarks as well as enhancing the invertebrate and botanical interest. Work to be carried out between September and March.
5.1.9 Manage habitat,bracken herb by mowing/selective cutting
MH22.02
Cmpts:- 02,03,04,05,34,37-46
Policy 4.3
To control bracken encroachment by cutting with mowers up to three times per annum. Work to be carried out between July and October.
5.1.10 Manage habitat,bracken herb by spraying
MH25.01
Cmpts:- 02-05,34,37-48
Policy 4.3
To control bracken encroachment by spraying with herbicide,in this case,Asulox. Work to be carried out in July and August.
5.1.11 Manage habitat,lowland heath by controlled grazing
MH30.01
Cmpts:- 02,03,04,37,39,41,43,44 & 46
Policy 4.3
To graze heathland areas with sheep to maintain and provide ideal breeding conditions for the full range of heathland birds, particularly nightjars and woodlarks,and to enhance the botanical and invertebrate interest. Stocking rates to be varied in response to local climatic conditions but in the region of 120 sheepdays/ha/year.
5.1.12 Manage habitat,lowland heath by scrub/tree control
MH31.01
Cmpts:- 02-06,34,37-39,43,44 & 46
Policy 4.3
To control scrub encroachment by selective removal of birch,pine and gorse by cutting and treatment of stumps with selective herbicide.
5.1.13 Manage habitat,lowland heath by scrub/tree control
MH31.02
Cmpts:- 02-06,34,37-39,43,44 & 46
Policy 4.3
To coppice gorse areas for the benefit of the heathland breeding bird assemblage and the full range of invertebrates associated with gorse. Cut stumps to be protected from browsing animals by livestock netting.
5.1.14 Manage habitat,lowland heath by scrub/tree control
MH31.03
Cmpts:- 01-06,34,37-48
Policy 4.3
To maintain and enhance scrub cover alongside public footpaths to reduce the effects of human and canine site use in so far as the open vistas required for heathland species are not affected.
5.1.15 Manage habitat,lowland heath by mowing
MH32.01
Cmpts:- 02,03,04
Policy 4.3
To control invasive species,particularly ragwort and thistles,by cutting with forage-harvester and removing litter from site. Areas to be cut with mowers only when grazing has ceased for the year.
5.1.16 Manage habitat,lowland heath by mowing
MH32.02
Cmpts:- 02,03,34,37,38,39,44 & 46
Policy 4.3
To cut areas of heath to maintain a mosaic of different age structures and habitats for the benefit of the full heathland assemblage of breeding birds,particularly nightjar and woodlark, and its invertebrate and botanical interest.
5.1.17 Manage habitat,lowland heath by fire prevention/control
MH33.01
Cmpts:- 01-06 & 37-39,41,43,44 & 46
Policy 4.3
To install and manage firebreaks to prevent large scale damage to the heath by uncontrolled fires. Fire beaters to be erected and maintained at strategic points across the heath. Fire plan to be drawn up and lodged with the local fire brigade.
5.1.18 Manage habitat,lowland heath by enclosure/exclosure
MH34.01
Cmpts:- 39-44
Policy 4.3
To provide boundary structures where necessary to confine livestock and to control public access.
5.1.19 Manage habitat,lowland heath by restoration
MH39.01
Cmpts:- 01-06,38,39,41,43,44 & 46
Policy 4.3
To restore areas of bracken and acid grassland to callunadominated vegetation by spreading heather cuttings. Areas to be livestock fenced to prevent damage from browsing animals,particularly rabbits.
5.1.20 Manage habitat,lowland heath by rotovation
MH39.02
Cmpts:- 01-06,37,38,39,41,43,44 & 46
Policy 4.3
To rotovate areas of bare ground and acid grassland on a rotational basis to provide attractive feeding areas for woodlarks and invertebrates.
5.1.21 Manage habitat,swamp/fen by water level control
MH50.01
Cmpts:- 06,08
Policy 4.4
To provide pipe sluices in the main reedbed to independently control the water supply to the area. This will provide isolation from the main water source,the River Hundred,to prevent loss of water when river flows are low. This will benefit the typical breeding reedbed bird assemblage particularly bittern.
5.1.22 Manage habitat,swamp/fen by scrub control
MH52.01
Cmpts:- 05,06,07,08 & 09
Policy 4.4
To remove the vast majority of invading scrub,particularly alder and willow and to treat stumps with an approved herbicide where necessary. This will benefit the full assemblage of reedbed breeding birds particularly bittern,marsh harrier and bearded tit.
5.1.23 Manage habitat,swamp/fen by mowing
MH53.01
Cmpts:- 05-09
Policy 4.4
To introduce an annual reedcutting cycle to improve reed quality and prevent succession. Up to 2 ha to be cut annually between October and March using mowers and brushcutters. All cut material to be removed from site and outlets sought for sale of produce.
5.1.24 Manage habitat,swamp/fen by excavation
MH55.01
Cmpts:- 05-09
Policy 4.4
To continue lowering the reedbed in relation to the water table to provide wetter conditions for the full assemblage of reedbed breeding birds. Reedbed to be lowered by a mean depth of 3Ocms.
5.1.25 Manage habitat,swamp/fen by excavation
MH55.02
Cmpt:- 05
Policy 4.4
To reinstate the pond in the southern corner of this area to provide ideal conditions for amphibians and odonata.
5.1.26 Manage habitat,swamp/fen by ditch/dyke maintenance
MH57.01
Cmpts:- 05-09
Policy 4.4
To continue reinstatement of 2.00kms of ditches throughout the reedbed system to allow full flow of water around the reedbed. This will benefit breeding bitterns in particular by providing ideal conditions for several species of fish,particularly eels,and amphibians.
5.1.27 Manage habitat,open water by dredging/reprofiling
MH64.01
Cmpts:- 11-18 & 21-31
Policy 4.2
To slub out 10.90kms of dykes to an average depth of one metre on a five to ten year rotation. Spoil to be removed from site and used to reinforce seawall or spread away from dykes and flattened out. All dykes to be reprofiled for the benefit of feeding waders and central dykes on north marsh widened to attract more wildfowl. Retain reed-fringes to dykes to benefit feeding bitterns and breeding reed warblers.
5.1.28 Manage habitat,coastal by scrub control
MH72.01
Cmpts:32,33
Policy 4.5
To coppice gorse on coastal fringe for the benefit of breeding birds,particularly linnets,and to provide a buffer zone between the coast road and the grazing marshes.
5.2 Visitor Services.Interpretation and Education
5.2.1 Equip site,by providing hides
ME02.01
Cmpts:- 08,12
Policy 4.9
To investigate the provision of hides to cater for the expected increase in visitor numbers.
5.2.2 Inform public,off site
MI00.01
Policy 4.10
To promote reserve events and the reserve in general by the use of advertising,talks and articles.
5.2.3 Inform visitors, general
MI10.01
Policy 4.9
To carry reserve events and guided walks to promote the reserve to the general public.
5.2.4 Inform visitors,general
MI10.02
Policy 4.9
To produce,in conjunction with Suffolk Coastal District Council and Suffolk Wildlife Trust,a new reserve leaflet and to seek sponsorship from local sources.
5.2.5 Inform visitors,general
MI10.03
Policy 4.9
To waymark the reserve trail as laid out in the new reserve leaflet.
5.2.6 Inform visitors, educational
MI20.01
Policy 4.10
To make the reserve available for-local schools as required on an informal basis.
5.2.7 Inform visitors,specialist
MI30.01
Policy 4.10
To demonstrate aspects of reserve management to land managers and advisers (RSPB staff and others) and those undertaking training in land management in conjunction with Advisory section.
5.2.8 Protect site/species by patrol
MP00.01
Policy 4.7
To patrol site to maintain refuges and minimise trespass and disturbance,vandalism and poaching etc.
5.3 Estate Services Infrastructure and Major Machinery
5.3.1 Equip site,by providing workshop
ME00.012
Policy 4.7
To continue with the lease for workshop premises in Leiston but continue to monitor opportunities for premises on the site.
5.3.2 Equip site,by providing accommodation
ME00.02
Policy 4.7
To continue with the lease on Ness Cottages for the provision of accommodation for contract wardens.
5.3.3 Equip site,by providing boundary structures
ME01.01
Policy 4.7
To maintain and replace gates and wing rails where necessary.
5.3.4 Equip site,by providing boundary structures
ME01.02
Policy 4.7
To maintain and replace where necessary all fences and stiles. Heathland areas on Aldringham Walks to be livestock fenced to allow sheep grazing.
5.3.5 Equip site by installing and maintaining bridges
ME02.01
Cmpts:- 11-18 & 20-31
Policy 4.7
To provide an access bridge between cmpts. 20 and 31 to facilitate livestock access and to maintain other livestock bridges.
5.3.6 Equip site,by maintenance of cattle pen
ME02.02
Cmpt:- 18
Policy 4.7
To maintain cattle pen so as to safely handle up to 300 cattle.
5.3.7 Equip site,by removing rubbish
ME04.01
Policy 4.7
To remove litter and rubbish from the reserves.
5.3.8 Equip site,by removing rubbish
ME04.02
Cmpts:- 32,33
Policy 4.7
To remove rubbish from the beach as part of the contract with Suffolk Coastal District Council.
5.3.9 Equip site,by path maintenance
ME40.01
Policy 4.7
To maintain all reserve footpaths by vegetation control and infilling.
5.3.10 Equip site,by car park maintenance
ME40.02
Cmpts:- 01,33
Policy 4.9
To maintain low-key reserve car park but encourage visitor parking at the main reserve car park on the beach at Aldeburgh.
5.3.11 Husband grazing stock, cattle
MG00.01
Policy 4.7
To carry out stock movements and daily head counts and to ensure the highest possible animal welfare standards. Part-time stockman to be employed to assist with this work.
5.3.12 Husband grazing stock,sheep
MG10.01
Policy 4.7
To carry out regular liaison with Suffolk Wildlife Trust re. movements,checks and welfare of all animals. Flock patrols to be carried out to prevent canine disturbance.
5.3.13 Acquire and service vehicles
MM00.01
Policy 4.7
To maintain reserve vehicle and Case tractor to the highest standards and to ensure regular servicing.
5.3.14 Acquire and service machinery
MM10.01
Policy 4.7
To maintain all machinery to a high standard and ensure regular servicing. Acquire machinery as necessary for the efficient running of the reserve.
5.3.15 Acquire and service machinery
MM20.01
Policy 4.7
To maintain all tools and equipment to a high standard and acquire new equipment as deemed necessary.
5.4 Public Relations and Administration
ML30.01
Policy 4.10
To maintain regular contact and good relations with all neighbouring landowners.
5.4.2 Liaise local/national authorities
ML40.01
Policy 4.10
To maintain regular contact and good relations with county, district,town and parish councils,English Nature,Suffolk Wildlife Trust,NRA,MAFF,COCO etc.
5.4.3 Liaise local members'groups
ML50.01
Policy 4.10
To liaise with the three local members'groups and to arrange for monthly work parties and to man the beach hut from June to August.
5.4.4 Liaise local community
ML50.02
Policy 4.10
To maintain and develop cordial relations with the local community and to carry out conservation work in Aldeburgh churchyard for the churchyard conservation committee.
5.4.5 Liaise emergency services
ML60.01
Policy 4.10
To maintain contact with local police to combat vandalism,trespass and poaching. Maintain contact with Fire servive in respect to fire precautions on reserve.
5.4.6 Liase media
ML70.01
Policy 4.10
To maintact contact with local media particularly David Green of East Anglia Daily Times and Sheila Malham of Aldeburgh Gazette.
5.4.7 Prepare,revise plan, site management
AP20.01
Policy 4.8
To revise current management plan and carry out revised work schedules as stated therein.
5.4.8 Prepare/revise plan,fire protection/ control
AP30.01
Policy 4.3
To prepare full fire plan for the heathland areas of the reserve and file plan with local fire brigade.
5.4.9 Prepare/revise plan,emergency procedures
AP40.01
Policy 4.7
To carry out regular revision and updates of current emergency plan.
5.4.10 Prepare/revise plan, safety
AP50.01
Policy 4.7
To carry out regular safety audits to include natural hazards, safety barriers and visitor facilities.
5.4.11 Prepare plan, annual work
AP60.01
Policy 4.7
To prepare annual work programmes and objectives for all staff.
5.4.12 Implement inspection,monitoring site integrity
AI00.01
Policy 4.7
To conduct annual audit of reserve and all associated buildings.
5.4.13 Prepare report,annual progress
AR20.01
Policy 4.7
To complete annual reserve report,incorporating the Reserves Monitoring Programme,and send to Reserves Ecology and Reserves Manager by end of April each year.
5.4.15 Prepare report,outside organisations
AR 60.01
Policy 4.10
To prepare reports for BTO and Suffolk Ornithological Group relating to bird surveys and records
.
5.4.14 Prepare correspondence,general
AR 30.01
Policy 4.7
To carry out all aspects of reserve adminstration.
5.4.16 Train staff,use of machinery/equipment
AT20.01
Policy 4.7
To train all full time staff in the use of machinery and equipment.
5.4.17 Liaise/supervise staff/contractors
AT40.01
Policy 4.7
To supervise all staff and contractors working on the reserve and to ensure safe and efficient practices.
5.4.18 Liaise/supervise voluntary/other working groups
AT60.01
Policy 4.7
To supervise all voluntary personnel on the reserve to ensure safe and efficient working practices.
5.5 Research,Survey and Monitoring
5.5.1 List/collect photographs,fixed point
RV10.01
Policy 4.6
To collect a series of fixed point photos over the reedbed and heathland to monitor vegetation changes and effects on management.
RA04.01
Policy 4.6
To monitor species of conservation concern.
5.5.3 Collect data,birds,count,WEBS
RA14.01
Policy 4.6
To carry out twice-monthly wildfowl and wader counts to assess usage of various areas of the reserve and to include WEBS counts.
5.5.4 Collect data,birds,predator control
RA14.02
Policy 4.6
To carry out predator control experiments in relation to breeding waders in conjunction with the ecology dept.
5.5.5 Collect data,birds,monitor,key breeding species
RA13.01
Policy 4.6
To monitor each year the key breeding species on the reserve as defined in Section 2.2.3 by the methods described in Bird Census Techniques (Bibby,Burgess & Hill 1992). All results to be written up in the annual report.
5.5.6 Collect data,birds,monitor,breeding waders
RA13.02
Policy 4.6
To count the breeding waders on the coastal grazing marshes by the standard method described in Bird Census Techniques (Bibby,Burgess E Hill 1992). Three visits to be made each year evenly spaced from mid-April to early June. Walk each field to within 100m of all points. Map the locations and activities of all waders on large scale maps. Interpret all pairs as per instructions in handbook. Report the results in terms of maximum number of breeding pairs in the annual report. Retain all field maps and record sheets for reserve archive.
5.5.7 Collect data,birds,monitor migration
RA13.03
Policy 4.10
To monitor populations of all unusual species and numbers. Data to be made available to Suffolk Ornithological Group.
5.5.8 Collect data,lepidoptera,butterflies
RA43.01
Policy 4.6
To carry out ITE-type butterfly monitoring scheme to record changes in population densities. Sey species to include brown argus (Aricia agestis) ,grayling (Hipparchia semele) and green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi).
5.5.9 Collect data,lepidoptera,moths
RA46.01
Policy 4.6
To carry out trapping at light to determine presence of RDB and notable species.
5.5.10 Collect data,odonata,monitor
RA56.01
Policy 4.6
To monitor species to determine presence of notable species and populations.
5.5.11 Collect data,orthoptera,monitor
RA66.01
Policy 4.6
To determine presence of RDB or notable species.
5.5.12 Collect data,general invertebrates
RA85.01
Policy 4.6
To determine presence of RDB or notable species and as part of ongoing RSPB research. Outside bodies to be sought to carry out research.
5.5.13 Collect data,vegetation,monitor
RF03.01
Cmpts:- 06,07, 08
Policy 4.6
To carry out reedbed monitoring by the use of random quadrats to measure the recovery of vegetation after management. Work to be carried out every two years.
5.5.14 Collect data,vegetation,monitor
RF03.02
Policy 4.6
To monitor the botanically important NVC communities on a timescale as advised by Ecology dept. Methods to be advised by Ecology dept.
5.5.15 Collect data,vegetation,monitor
RF03.03
Policy 4.6
To carry out an NVC survey of Aldringham Walks. Methods and timescale to be advised by Ecology dept.
5.5.16 Collect data, vegetation list species
RF06.01
Policy 4.6
To improve species list.
5.5.17 Collect data,fungi,list species
RF66.01
Policy 4.6
To improve species list. Outside groups to be sought to assist in species identification.
5.5.18 Collect data,past conservation management,case study
RHll.01
Policy 4.6
To prepare and collect data to produce a 10 year case study of the management of the reserve.
5.5.19 Collect data,farming activities
RH80.01
Policy 4.6
To collect data on grazing regimes as numbers of livestock in each grazing area in each week throughout the season and enter onto farming database. Summarise as livestock unit-days/ha/year in the annual report.
5.5.20 Collect data,hydrological,monitor
RP13.01
Policy 4.6
To continue to record changes in the water table by means of gauge boards and dipwells in their current positions.
5.5.21 Collect data,hydrological,monitor
RP13.02
Policy 4.6
To continue to monitor salinities through the ditch system to assess the extent of intrusion of salt water in the grazing marsh system.