Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

See also various other ecological surveys

Report presented to LVRPA Site Management Workshop on Saturday the 14th December 2013

London Wildlife Limited

LEYTON MARSH

Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report December 2013

REPORT AUTHOR TONY WILEMAN, MCIEEM

Sign-off History:

London Wildlife Ltd London Wildlife Trust

Skyline House, 200 Union Street, London SE1 0LX

Tel 0207 261 0447 fax 0207 633 0811 email khall@wildlondon.org.uk

Issue No.

Date:

Prepared by:

Checked/ Approved by:

Reason for Issue:

6 September 2013

Tony Wileman, CE

Karen Hall CM Mathew Frith PA

Draft for client review

4 December 2013

Tony Wileman, CE

Karen Hall CM

Amendments

Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Contents

1 Executive Summary

Introduction

1.1 Site background

1.2 Site details

1.3 Aim of the surveys

1.4 Capability statement

2 Habitat Surveys

2.1 Extended phase 1 survey methodology

2.2 National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey methodology

2.3 National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey methodology

2.4 Limitations of the surveys

2.5 Plant nomenclature and rarity

2.6 Habitat rarity 8 Phase I Habitat descriptions

2.7 NVC Community results

3 Evaluation and management recommendations

3.1 Site evaluation

3.2 Habitat evaluation

3.3 Controlling invasive and difficult species

4 References

Appendix 1: Maps

Appendix 2: Plant species data

Phase I Survey Data

NVC Quadrat Data

Appendix 3: Fauna list

Appendix 4: Site photographs

Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

1 Executive Summary

London Wildlife Limited (LWL) was commissioned by Lea Valley Regional Park Authority to undertake an Extended Phase I Habitat Survey of Leyton Marsh and a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey of specific grassland areas within the site.

The survey was required to identify and evaluate the current biodiversity value of the surveyed areas and determine the grassland communities present.

The surveys of the site was undertaken on 8-10th May 2013 and 23-25th July 2013 and found that there were ten main habitats present within the surveyed area and a total of 5 differing grassland communities. The most dominant habitats within the surveyed area are semi-improved grassland (3 types) and amenity grassland (2 types). Other habitats consist of broadleaved woodland, roughland, continuous scrub, standing water and some bare artificial habitat. Several scattered trees are also located across the site.

Overall the surveyed areas were found to be predominantly of moderate to high biodiversity value with some areas of low value. Given a series of management recommendations in line with biodiversity targets in the Waltham Forest Biodiversity Action Plan most of the habitats could be enhanced to be of a high biodiversity value or at least improved for wildlife from their current conditions with appropriate management. To do so the following principal processes ideally would be undertaken to be undertaken:

*** Review and amend mowing regimes throughout the site with increased mowing and decreased mowing to ensure and maintain a better vegetation structure and diversity of grassland, scrub, tall herbs and trees that complement each other and natural succession is somewhat controlled;

***Control and eradicate invasive species especially those of particular concern.

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Introduction

1.1 Site background

London Wildlife Limited (LWL) was commissioned by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) to undertake an Extended Phase I Habitat Survey of Leyton Marsh and a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey of specific grassland areas within the site. Leyton Marsh is located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, London E5.

Leyton Marsh as its name suggests, was a formally an extensive area of open marshland before being drained by means of open drainage ditches. The land was divided into strips which were cultivated to grow hay for winter feed and graze cattle and horses between 1 August and 25 March. This form of land was known as Lammas land.1

After the developments of nearby Walthamstow and Leyton, the area became polluted by sewage and later the land was bought by railway, water and gas companies. In the early 1890s the East London Waterworks Company erected fences across the site which angered locals to set up the Leyton Lammas Lands Defence Committee. The Committee successfully challenged the water company leading to the Leyton Urban District Council Act 1904 where the Lammas rights were given up to ensure the site was kept as an open space.

After World War II the marsh was used to dump rubble from the Blitz and in 1971 the LVRPA acquired much of the land by compulsory purchase. During 2012 a temporary basketball training venue was located on Leyton Marsh. The footprint area of the basketball training venue has now been rested.

The area surveyed is owned and managed by LVRPA.

The Extended Phase I Habitat Survey was required to assess the extent of semi- natural habitats present by using the GLA Open Space and Habitat Survey for Greater London Methodology (LEU, 1994). The GLA Open Space and Habitat Survey for Greater London methodology is recommended in The Mayor's Guide to Preparing Open Space Strategies (A London Plan Best Practice Guide) and is included in The Mayor's Biodiversity Strategy (GLA, 2002).

The NVC survey was required to determine the grassland communities present by using the National Vegetation Classification system as administered by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and published by Rodwell in the British Plant Communities series (Rodwell 1991, 1991a).

This report is in two sections. The first section summarises the habitat types and significant vascular plant species found at the site and the site evaluation. The appendices comprise all the species, photographic and map data.

1 Lammas (Anglo Saxon 'loaf mass') Day was 1st August celebrating the first harvest of the year.

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

1.2 Site details

1.2.1 Location

The survey area consisted of the main recreational field of Leyton Marsh and some adjoining areas of scrub and grassland. The main grassland area was chosen by LVRPA as that which was recently restored after its usage during the London Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 while the adjoining areas were included as areas proposed for potential wildlife enhancement works. The rest of Leyton Marsh (mostly the eastern end) was not surveyed.

The surveyed area itself is located at TQ 35595 86960 just north of Lea Bridge Road and is approximately 9.68ha in area. The survey area consists of predominantly semi-improved grasslands (2 types) and amenity grassland with other habitats consisting of broadleaved woodland, roughland, continuous scrub, standing water and some bare artificial habitat. Several scattered trees are also located across the site.

It stands within a corridor of open space known as the Lee Valley Regional Park that forms an area of extensive open space through North London. To the north is located Walthamstow Marshes SSSI and the Lee Valley Reservoirs Ramsar, SPA and SSSIs. To the east lies the Lee Valley Riding Centre and additional parts of Leyton Marsh open space not surveyed with an industrial estate and residential and commercial units of Leyton beyond that. Across Lea Bridge Road to the south are the Waterworks Nature Reserve and Middlesex Filter Beds Nature Reserve with Hackney Marshes beyond. To the west is the River Lea and the residential and commercial areas of Lea Bridge and Upper Clapton.

1.2.2 Topography

Most of the site is flat with only minor undulations. The pond is located in a small depression with shallow banks surrounding it.

1.2.3 Hydrology and soils

No available hydrology or soil surveys reports have been undertaken on site. All areas are presumed to have good drainage due to their usage as recreational areas. However, some bare patches in the grasslands suggest some localised flooding occurs during the winter months or particularly heavy rainfall events.

1.2.4 Access and usage

The site has full public access in respect of the surveyed parcels.

1.2.5 Boundaries

The parcel survey boundaries are delineated by obvious boundary features. The surveyed parcels are depicted on the Site Map (Appendix 1).

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

1.3 Aim of the surveys

The aims are to:

*** Identify and evaluate dominant, characteristic and otherwise unusual vascular plant species and the chief habitats present using the DAFOR scale2 for each habitat;

*** Make incidental recording of other fauna sightings.

Survey objectives did not include non-vascular plant species (e.g. mosses, algae).

Given the broad characteristics of the Park's habitats this is unlikely to be a determinant factor.

1.4 Capability statement

1.4.1 Company and report information

London Wildlife Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the London Wildlife Trust.

The recommendations set out within the report broadly reflect London Wildlife Trust's core principles and objectives.

*** The information in this document is, to the best knowledge of the author and London Wildlife Limited correct at time of writing.

Any ecological recommendations offered in this document are based on known wildlife conservation good practice and where applicable, the current legislation on protected species but should not be treated as legal advice. The report may also contain additional, non-statutory, recommendations with regards to protected species and/or habitats. These are clearly identified as optional where they are offered.

*** London Wildlife Limited does not take any responsibility for future decisions about the site that is the subject of this assessment.

Under the 'Copyright, Designs and Patents Act' 1988 London Wildlife Limited retains the copyright to this document.

2 A standard format for recording relative abundance (Dominant, Abundant, Frequent, Occasional, Rare).

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

1.4.2 Staff capability

All LWL ecologists are members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), at the appropriate level, and follow the CIEEM code of professional conduct when undertaking ecological work.

Name and contact details

Role in team

Relevant experience

Karen Hall
Tel: 020 7803 4284
khall@wildlondon.org.uk

LCS Manager
Client liaison, management, quality control.

20 years' project management experience across a range of sectors including, nature conservation, local authority.

Tony Wileman BSc, MCIEEM
Tel: 020 7803 4283
Email: twileman@wildlondon.org.uk

Senior ecologist
Data collection, Site and habitat analysis and evaluation, mapping and report delivery.

20 years' experience of land management, site surveys and developing and implementing management plans. Excellent identification skills for relevant taxa. Competent in all MS Office programs and MapInfo.

Mathew Frith BSc, MCIEEM, CEnv
Tel: 020 78034292 Email: mfrith@wildlondon.org.uk

Project advisor
Quality control.

25 years' experience of urban nature conservation policy and practice, including land management issues of parks and inner urban sites. Phase 1 survey experience and site assessment. Design Council CABE Enabler and Green Flag Award judge.

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

2 Habitat Surveys

2.1 Extended phase 1 survey methodology

A Habitat Survey (Phase I extended) of Leyton Marsh was carried out on 8-10th May 2013 and 23-25th July 2013 by Tony Wileman. The survey followed standard Phase I habitat survey methodology (JNCC, 1993), as modified for Greater London by the former London Ecology Unit (LEU, 1994) and later adopted by the Greater London Authority. Photographs of the site were also taken on the 8-10th May 2013 and 23- 25th July 2013 and can be found in Appendix 4.

Characteristic, rare and interesting species and plant assemblages were evaluated for conservation designations and assessed as to whether they were notable for the Greater London area. Notable is defined as species which were recorded from 15% or fewer of the 400 two-kilometre recording squares (tetrads) in Greater London in the Flora of the London Area (Burton 1983).

Complex taxa, such as Taraxacum (dandelions) and Rubus (brambles) are treated as aggregates as there is little value in distinguishing these for determining habitat types, especially in London.

Casual recording of fauna was attempted throughout the duration of the Habitat Surveys (Appendix 3).

2.2 National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey methodology

A National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey of the grassland areas of Leyton Marsh were carried out on 9-10th May 2013 and 24-25th July 2013 by Tony Wileman. The survey followed standard NVC survey methodology (Rodwell, 2006). Vegetation data was collected from a series of 48 2 x 2 metre quadrats (as percentage cover) located across the survey area. The quadrat locations were chosen to encompass the visually differing broad habitats (two areas of slightly differing semi-improved neutral grasslands, two areas of differing amenity grassland and one atypical semi- improved grassland with a slightly acidic composition). A small area of ruderals within the NVC survey area was omitted as these habitats are ephemeral and do not match any of the recognised NVC communities. The large amount of data was collated as an average for each visit on each quadrat and then averaged again for each of the quadrats that had a similar composition. This averaged data was then inputted into the TABLEFIT computer programme to determine the NVC Classification and the goodness to fit to that data.

2.3 Limitations of the surveys

2.3.1 Seasonal plants and animals

The timing of the survey visits were considered good to characterise the species and habitats likely to be found present on site. As a result it is probable that most plant species in existence on the site were located but it is possible some flowering plants were not located. The timing of the survey is considered adequate for recording invertebrates and adequate for recording vertebrate fauna. It is considered good for recording breeding bird species and bird species overall. Most species found on site were identifiable to species although some were identifiable to Genus only.

2.3.2 Access

Full access was obtained to all areas within the survey area.

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2.4 Plant nomenclature and rarity

The New Flora of the British Isles (Stace, 2010), the standard text, was consulted for plant nomenclature. English names have been used in preference to Latin (only quoted in the first instance) in order to facilitate readability of the report.

Any uncommon vascular plant species were identified in the London context using the Flora of the London Area (Burton, 1983). For national rarity The New Atlas of the British & Irish Flora (Preston, Pearman & Dines, 2002) was referred to (where a taxon appearing in 150 or less 10 x 10km squares was considered rare).

2.5 Habitat rarity

The Waltham Forest, Lee Valley Park Authority and the London Biodiversity Action Plans were consulted on local and regional habitat rarity, while the UK Biodiversity Action Plan was consulted on national habitat rarity.

2.6 Phase I Habitat descriptions

Maps showing the location of the habitat communities and the grassland NVC communities appear in Appendix 1. A full list of plant species recorded in each of the habitats during the Extended Phase I survey, along with an assessment of their abundance using the DAFOR scale appears in Appendix 2.

2.6.1 Broadleaved woodland

In the west of the site the small area of broadleaved woodland is composed of predominantly crack willow Salix fragilis and sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus with a few ash Fraxinus excelsior, hybrid black poplar Populus x canadensis and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Ground flora of the woodland consists of a mix of cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, cleavers Galium aparine and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. with lesser amounts of garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata, lesser burdock Arctium minus, black horehound Ballota nigra, hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium, ivy Hedera helix, white dead-nettle Lamium album, field rose Rosa arvensis, and ivy- leaved speedwell Veronica hederifolia.

2.6.2 Continuous scrub

This habitat is located in several clumps on site and is composed predominantly of a mix of bramble and/or hawthorn. Other frequent species consist of hazel Corylus avellana, elder Sambucus nigra and the herbs, cleavers, Russian comfrey Symphytum x uplandicum, and common nettle Urtica dioica. Other species present include hedge bindweed, lesser burdock, mugwort Artemisia vulgaris, black horehound, dog rose Rosa canina and guelder-rose Viburnum opulus.

2.6.3 Roughland

Roughland habitat consists of a mosaic mix of scattered scrub, tall herbs and semi- improved grasslands. It is located mostly along the western edge of the surveyed area with a small area sandwiched between two clumps of continuous scrub in the south and a small area in the east. False oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Russian comfrey are the most abundant species present with frequent cow parsley, cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata, common couch Elytrigia repens, cleavers, Greek dock Rumex cristatus and common nettle Urtica dioica. Other species present include the shrubs hazel, hawthorn, bramble and elder plus the herbs black horehound, black mustard Brassica nigra, hedge bindweed, hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, white dead-nettle Lamium album, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, dandelion species Taraxacum officinale agg and common vetch

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Vicia sativa. Other grasses present include barren brome Anisantha sterilis, Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus, wall barley Hordeum murinum, perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne and annual meadow-grass Poa annua.

2.6.4 Typical semi-improved neutral grassland

The typical semi-improved grasslands are similar to the roughland areas with abundant false oat-grass but vary in that they have little or no scrub component. Frequent species in these grasslands include; common bent Agrostis capillaris, meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, cow parsley, cock's-foot, red fescue Festuca rubra, Yorkshire-fog, ribwort plantain, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, dandelion species, white clover Trifolium repens, and common vetch Vicia sativa.

Plentiful other species scattered throughout the area are yarrow, mugwort Artemisia vulgaris, common knapweed Centaurea nigra, common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, wild carrot Daucus carota, cleavers, lady's-bedstraw Galium verum, cut-leaved crane's-bill Geranium dissectum, hogweed, white dead-nettle, red dead-nettle Lamium purpureum, hoary cress Lepidium draba, curled dock Rumex crispus, Greek dock, common ragwort Senecio jacobaea common chickweed Stellaria media, Russian comfrey, red clover Trifolium pratense and common nettle. The grasses creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, barren brome Anisantha sterilis, soft-brome Bromus hordeaceus, common couch, perennial rye-grass, smaller cat's-tail Phleum bertolonii, annual meadow-grass and smooth meadow-grass Poa pratensis are also scattered throughout.

2.6.5 Atypical semi-improved grassland with acidic slant

The atypical semi-improved grassland habitat is located in the east of the site and is predominantly composed of common bent with frequent soft brome, red fescue and Yorkshire-fog suggesting a somewhat acidic slant. No herb species are frequent in this grassland but several species including yarrow, cow parsley, hairy sedge Carex hirta, common mouse-ear, common cat's-ear, ribwort plantain, creeping cinquefoil, bulbous buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus, dandelion species, white clover and common vetch are scattered throughout. Occasionally distributed grasses are false oat-grass, meadow foxtail and perennial rye-grass.

2.6.6 Amenity grassland

The amenity grassland area consists of most of the grassland area that is regularly mown. It includes the recently restored grassland area where the basketball training facility was present for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. This latter area was highly dominated by perennial rye-grass with very few other species present except a few plants of white clover and annual meadow-grass. A few bare patches had developed in this area and were almost exclusively bare in the first survey visit but had a few ruderals and other species present in the second visit. More details of this habitat are covered in the NVC Survey (section 3.7) below.

Overall the amenity grassland habitat was dominated by perennial rye-grass which is very typically the norm. Frequently distributed herbs and grasses present consist of yarrow, daisy Bellis perennis, common mouse-ear, ribwort plantain, annual meadow- grass, dandelion species and white clover. Other scattered species include meadow foxtail, cock's-foot, creeping cinquefoil and wall speedwell Veronica arvensis.

2.6.7 Ruderals

This habitat exists as a narrow strip along the edge of the semi-improved grasslands and the recently restored amenity grassland. It consists of an area that has

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

undergone some disturbance (probably due to the temporary basketball training facility) but has not been restored. It has a varied composition of bare soil with a mix of species present prior to the increased disturbance and more recent ruderal colonisers. No one or two species are noticeably more abundant than any other but yarrow, thale cress Arabidopsis thaliana, black mustard, soft brome, shepherd's- purse Capsella bursa-pastoris, common mouse-ear, red fescue, wall barley perennial rye-grass ribwort and greater plantain, annual meadow-grass, knotgrass Polygonum aviculare, creeping cinquefoil, dandelion species and white clover are the most common.

2.6.8 Standing water

In the southwest corner of the site located in a distinct hollow there is a crescent shaped pond which may have once been connected to the Lee Navigation that is located a short distance away to the west. Its banks are predominantly vegetated by terrestrial species in the adjacent habitats but its surface at the time of the visits was abundantly covered in common duckweed Lemna minor. Close to the banks but standing as emergent vegetation was a small stand of common reed Phragmitis australis plus a few plants of reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima. Other floating species include small patches of common water-crowfoot Ranunculus aquatilis and the invasive creeping pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides.

2.6.9 Scattered trees

Several scattered trees are located on site along the northern boundary and within the scrub and roughland habitats. Most of these are probably planted with some possibly being of natural colonisation. Species present include sycamore, alder, ash, hybrid black poplar, cherry species Prunus sp., holm and pedunculate oaks Quercus ilex and Q. robur, and crack willow.

2.6.10 Bare artificial habitat

This habitat consists of the path network within the survey area. It has not been included within the Phase I data tables in Appendix one because it is largely devoid of vegetation as it is well maintained and regularly used and trampled by human footfalls and cycles.

2.7 NVC Community results

A total of five grassland communities were identified using the TABLEFIT computer programme within the main grassland area of the surveyed area. Of these, only four adequately matched criteria described in the British Plant Communities series of Books (Rodwell 1992, 2000). The four NVC grasslands and their goodness-to-fit scores were:

*** MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland (88% - Very good);

*** MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland Festuca rubra sub-community (70% - good);

*** MG7a Lolium perenne-Trifolium repens ley (92% - very good);

*** OV23c Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata grassland Plantago major-

*** Trifolium repens sub-community (64% - fair).

The other grassland area was identified by TABLEFIT as most closely associated with U4b Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland Holcus-lanatus- Trifolium repens sub-community with a goodness-to-fit score of 57% - poor. This grassland is mostly associated with Scotland, Wales and parts of western England as

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

an upland community so has been considered to be an inaccurate assessment. It is therefore been classified as an unidentified semi-improved grassland.

The composition of each of the averaged quadrats and the average for each identified community can be found in a series of tables in Appendix 1.

2.7.1 MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland

This grassland community is recognised as characteristic of ungrazed meadows that may be infrequently but regularly mown. In fact the absence of this mowing often leads this community to become a temporary feature as succession to scrub and woodland occur as shrubs and trees invade. In London it is typically the most abundant meadow grassland community and can be found in a wide variety of neglected areas such as roadsides edges to parks and recreation areas and on less managed grasslands on wildlife valuable sites.

2.7.2 MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland Festuca rubra sub- community

Like the MG1 grassland community above this sub-community is characteristic of ungrazed meadows that may be infrequently but regularly mown, can be typically temporary and is located in similar locations. The difference with this community is that it is one of the poorest grassland communities in terms of diversity with false oat- grass or red fescue being almost completely dominant to the detriment of other species.

2.7.3 MG7a Lolium perenne-Trifolium repens ley

This grassland community is typically sown as part of an arable ley and is formed through either intensive grazing and/or regular mowing. It is a typical community for obtaining hay or silage as the grassland is generally highly productive if managed in this way.

2.7.4 OV23c Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata grassland Plantago major-Trifolium repens sub-community

A typical vegetation of re-sown recreation grounds, playing fields, grass verges and around residential, commercial and industrial buildings the OV23 grasslands are the most abundant grassland communities in London. Several sub-communities are found with OV23c being more typical on sites with increased footfall pressure.

2.7.5 Unidentified semi-improved grassland

This grassland is a typical with some species like common cat's-ear and a dominance of common bent in its composition suggest that it has a acidic slant with sandy free draining soils. However, the presence of bulbous buttercup and hairy sedge suggest that it is pocketed with areas of heavy clay prone to localised flooding or retention of surface water. This variability coupled with its treatment as an amenity grassland in terms of regular summer mowing are the most likely reasons it does not adequately fit any NVC criteria.

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3 Evaluation and management recommendations 3.1 Site evaluation

3.1.1 Designations and planning

Parts of Leyton Marsh forms part of the Lee Valley Metropolitan Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) which runs through several London Boroughs and encompasses a large area of the Lee Valley from the Hertfordshire border to Bow Lock at Bromley-by-Bow in LB Tower Hamlets. In addition to identified as a SINC it is designated a Protected Public Open Space and Metropolitan Open Land (MOL).

A Site of Metropolitan Importance is a site defined as one which:

*** contains the best examples of London's habitats;

*** is outstanding because of the assemblage of habitats;

*** contains species that are nationally scarce or rare (including Red Data Book species) or are rare in London;

*** and/or are selected because it is of particular significance within heavily built up-areas of London, is an outstanding oasis and provides the opportunity for enjoyment of nature in extensive built environments.

It is vitally important that the loss of, or damage to a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation is adequately mitigated for.

The surveyed site falls within the Northern Olympic Fringe Area Action Plan (AAP) as indicated in the Waltham Forest Core Strategy (LB Waltham Forest, 2012).

The Council is preparing the Area Action Plan to ensure development opportunities include the provision of up to 2500 new homes, new jobs, improved transport facilities, better public realm, new social infrastructure, better access to green spaces and improved access to the Olympic Park. Other relevant key elements of emerging proposals include:

*** High quality new homes, jobs, training and skills;

*** Olympic legacy enhancements including hockey, football, tennis areas and playing fields;

*** Improved public access to Lee Valley Regional Park and Walthamstow Wetlands Landscape Character Area;

*** Redevelopment of redundant industrial sites to promote regeneration;

*** The re-opening of Lea Bridge Station to connect the north of the Borough with Stratford.

3.1.2 Biodiversity Action Plans

The whole site can be considered to fit into the designation 'Parks and Urban Greenspaces' priority habitat for the London (regional) and Waltham Forest (local) Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). The small woodland and area of standing water can be considered to fit within the 'Woodland' and 'Standing Water' priority habitats for the London (regional) BAP and Waltham Forest (local) BAPs respectively, while the areas of semi-improved grasslands and roughland can be considered to fit within the 'Meadows and Pastures' important habitat for the London (regional) BAP and the 'Neutral Grassland' priority habitat in the Waltham Forest (local) BAP.

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The relevant habitat aims of the Waltham Forest BAP are:

Neutral grassland

*** To halt the degradation of neutral grassland in the Borough and improve its quality;

*** To expand its area where opportunities exist;

*** To promote the value of meadows and pasture and work with local people to actively conserve the habitat.

Parks and urban greenspaces

*** To increase biodiversity and encourage good conservation practice in the Borough's parks and urban greenspaces;

*** To work alongside local people to promote enjoyment of wildlife and semi-natural landscapes in parks and greenspaces.

Standing water

*** To increase awareness and participation in the conservation of standing water habitat;

*** To improve the quality of open water habitats where appropriate;

*** To promote the creation and restoration of ponds and areas of open water.

Woodland

*** To protect existing woodland habitat and tree coverage;

*** To secure appropriate management for all woodlands in the Borough;

***To expand the total woodland area through new planting and extending existing woods;

***To work with local people to encourage active community participation in improving, enjoying and learning about woodland and trees.

3.1.3 Landscape and wildlife connectivity

Although the primary function of Leyton Marsh is recreational amenity usage (and therefore the majority of it is managed with this in mind), the areas of reduced mowing (namely the typical semi-improved grassland areas and roughland) the woodland, standing water and the scattering of trees, all provide valuable wildlife habitats. These serve to provide some ecological connectivity across the site and also provide links to allow mobile species (e.g. bats, birds, butterflies) to move into the wider landscape of the neighbouring environs. These environs include nearby sites; Walthamstow Marshes and Reservoirs to the north; the water treatment works and Hackney Marshes to the south and adjoining greenspaces like Millfields Recreation Ground Seymour Road Playing fields as well as residential gardens and green corridors of trees and grass verges.

This wider landscape has plentiful - if somewhat fragmented - greenspace, mostly managed as amenity space and gardens, and provides some wildlife interest. This mosaic of greenspace undoubtedly provides Leyton Marsh with a higher biodiversity value than it would if it was entirely isolated from nearby greenspaces. Therefore the continued protection and enhancement of this Living Landscape is paramount to maintain the biodiversity value of Leyton Marsh itself.

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3.2 Habitat evaluation

Each of the habitats surveyed are evaluated using Table 1 Habitat Evaluation Criteria below to generate a value for their biodiversity. This is based on ecological standards set out by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. (CIEEM). In addition, some brief management recommendations are provided on how best to conserve or improve the parcels for biodiversity taking into consideration the relevant proposed actions in the Waltham Forest Biodiversity Action Plan 2010- 2020.

Table 1. Habitat Evaluation Criteria

Habitat Evaluation Criteria

Biodiversity Value

Habitat is known to support stable nationally or regionally (county) important species and/or species endangered on a local level (London Borough, district etc) and is managed in a wildlife sensitive way. (For example: SSSI sites, most Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation)

Very High

Habitat is known to support stable locally important species and is managed in a wildlife sensitive way. (For example; most Sites of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation)

High

Habitat has a typical assemblage of species but is not necessarily managed in a wildlife sensitive way and/or habitat would normally be considered good but is isolated from other habitats depriving it of its biodiversity (For example: railway linesides, waste ground areas, ornamental shrubberies, small isolated areas of greenspace)

Moderate

Habitat is limited in its biodiversity usage or is managed in such a way that inhibits its biodiversity value. (For Example: amenity grassland, ornamental gardens with limited 'wild' space)

Low

Habitat has very limited value for wildlife due to lack of vegetation features that may support biodiversity (hard surfaces such as paths, buildings and roads)

Negligible

3.2.1 Broadleaved woodland and scattered trees

The broadleaved woodland present is small and appears to have developed as a consequence of minimal management rather than as a planned planted woodland and although its diversity is limited (mainly due to its small size) it will support a variety of common invertebrates like the speckled wood butterfly and provide breeding opportunities for common breeding birds like robin, blackbird and blue and

great tits. Equally the scattered trees particularly the larger mature ones also provide some value for birds and invertebrates as the woodland.

Both habitats have the potential to hold roosts for bats (most likely pipistrelle species) and any management work on these areas should consider them before being undertaken.

Management recommendations

***

Maintain woodland areas by minimal intervention except as required thinning to prevent any areas of the ground from getting too dark due to canopy cover. Dead wood within the woodland (including standing dead wood) should be maintained where possible unless it presents a Health & Safety risk;

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

3.2.2 Continuous scrub

These areas have developed due to minimal management intervention into dense areas of scrub with a few tall herb species and a little grass. Typically they can be very valuable for breeding birds especially warblers like blackcap, common and lesser whitethroat and garden warbler, as well as wren and dunnock. However, this value can diminish if the diversity of the scrub becomes reduced by dominance of one or two species.

Continuous scrub is a middle successional habitat and as a result without appropriate management will develop into woodland. To maintain a good biodiversity balance it is recommended that it is maintained as continuous scrub composed of both scrambling shrubs (namely bramble) and woody shrubs, such as hawthorn and areas of tall herbs such as nettle, black horehound, comfrey etc.

To achieve this, the following management tasks are recommended to be implemented.

Management recommendations

***

Opportunities to locate 1 or 2 bird and bat boxes within the woodland and create 1 or 2 loggeries for invertebrates.

The current biodiversity value of this habitat is moderate to high and through appropriate management would increase to high.

***

Cut back areas of mixed bramble and tall herbs during the Autumn/Winter months (October-February) biennially to maintain the mixed growth;

***

Maintain any areas of tall herb stands by a single biennial cut during autumn (October-November) ensuring that the vegetation is left at a height of at least 10cm and that the cuttings are removed after being left in situ for 1-2 days. Ideally only 50% of this habitat is cut in any one year and alternated so as to provide some value for overwintering/hibernating invertebrates;

***

Maintain shrubs and trees by minimal intervention except as required thinning to prevent any areas of the ground from getting too dark due to canopy cover. Dead wood within the scrub and on scattered trees should be maintained where possible unless it presents a Health & Safety risk.

The current biodiversity value of this habitat is moderate to high and through appropriate management would increase to high.

3.2.3 Roughland

Roughland is a successional habitat that if managed appropriately can support one of the widest ranges of biodiversity as it can support grassland, tall herb and scrub species and is therefore very valuable for birds, invertebrates and small mammals particularly. Most of the roughland present on Leyton Marsh is in a good structural condition with enough patches of tall herbs, some grass and some scrub. However a lack of management is leading it to decline.

Management recommendations

***

Maintain areas of grassland by cutting 50% of this habitat in any one year which should be alternated each year so as to provide some value for overwintering/hibernating invertebrates. The cuts should be done twice a year; in spring (March-Early April) and again in autumn. The cuts should

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

maintain a vegetation height of at least 10cm. The cuttings should be removed after being left in situ for 1-2 days.

***

Cut back areas the edge areas of bramble during the Autumn/Winter months (October-February) bienially to maintain the mixed growth;

***

Maintain any areas of tall herb stands by a single biennial cut during autumn (October- November) ensuring that the vegetation is left at a height of at least 10cm and that the cuttings are removed after being left in situ for 1-2 days. Ideally only 50% of this habitat is cut in any one year and alternated so as to provide some value for overwintering/hibernating invertebrates;

***

Maintain shrubs and trees by minimal intervention except as required thinning to prevent any areas of the ground from getting too dark due to canopy cover. Dead wood within the scrub and on scattered trees should be maintained where possible unless it presents a Health & Safety risk.

The current biodiversity value of this habitat is moderate to high and through appropriate management would increase to high.

3.2.4 Semi-improved grasslands

Semi-improved grasslands are particularly valuable for invertebrates, small mammals and reptiles more than any other animal group because they can support a wide variety of flowering plants. However, if under they can become rank, thick with thatch and are reduced to contain coarser grasses and minimal flowering plants for invertebrates as has occurred to the grasslands in the north of the site. Conversely those that are over managed by regular often summer cutting slowly develop into less diverse swards as the wildflowers and less hardy grasses give way to perennial rye-grass and the typical herbs of amenity grasslands. This appears to be the case for the unidentified semi-improved grassland in the east of site.

Currently all the semi-improved grasslands on site are in a state of slow gradual decline because of under and over management. It is therefore recommended that the following management recommendations are implemented to reverse this trend.

Management recommendations

***

Maintain areas of semi-improved grassland by cutting 50% of this habitat in any one year which should be alternated each year so as to provide some value for overwintering/hibernating invertebrates. The cuts should be done twice a year; in spring (March-Early April) and again in autumn. The cuts should maintain a vegetation height of at least 10cm. The cuttings should be removed after being left in situ for 1-2 days.

***

Relax (where possible) the mowing regime on some/all of the regularly cut area of unidentified semi-improved grassland in the east of the site and manage as above to reverse trend of loss to amenity grassland.

The current biodiversity value of this habitat is moderate to high with the eastern area being of low to moderate value. Through appropriate management all areas could increase to a high value.

3.2.5 Amenity grasslands

The two differing amenity grasslands are due to their usage not expected to be of any particular value for wildlife although some species like white clover, dandelion,

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Management recommendations

daisy and yarrow, if allowed to flower, can provide a significant amount of nectar for bees, flower beetles and moths. The recently restored areas of this habitat are low in any flower diversity probably due to the density of the grass sward and as a result currently provide very little if any biodiversity value.

***

Relax summer mowing throughout when grassland areas are not required for use by sports. The overall sward height can be maintained to a height of around 10-15cm during these times so as to allow any wildflowers present to flower and seed. Cuts from September can be increased if necessary to maintain a shorter sward over the winter.

***

Areas of the restored amenity grassland should be subject to harrowing and/or some scarifying to reduce the density of the sward and allow for the variety of amenity grassland plants like plantains, yarrow, dandelion and daisy

to naturally become established. These habitats otherwise should ideally be managed as above.

The current biodiversity value of this habitat is low. Through the above relaxed mowing it is possible that the amenity grasslands could increase to a value of moderate in places.

3.2.6 Standing water

The presence of standing water in any environment can significantly add to the value of any given site or area with the pond here being no exception. Although the pond has limited vegetation it appears to be developing an aquatic vegetation community naturally and with appropriate management can only improve. It is undoubtedly of value for aquatic invertebrates and may even attract some amphibians.

Management recommendations

***

Currently minimal management is required but reeds and willow scrub/trees

should be maintained to cover no more than 30% of the ponds surface so some occasional maintenance work may be required in the future.

Currently this parcel has a Moderate biodiversity value. 3.3 Controlling invasive and difficult species

The following species or habitats are currently known to be present on site and are considered to be invasive or have the potential of being problematic on site by potentially having a detrimental effect on the overall biodiversity of the site or part of the site. Recommendations on how best to tackle them are addressed.

3.3.1 Giant hogweed

Listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (WCA 1981) it is considered illegal to plant giant hogweed or encourage it to spread in the wild. These plants and their immediate soils and other material are also generally considered to be controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990) and therefore their removal falls under the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 to ensure they are properly handled and disposed of.

Giant hogweed is of the most concern on the site because its sap can make human skin more sensitive to sunlight and can lead to severe blistering should it be touched by bare unprotected skin. It is therefore of high priority for removal. It is located within the southeastern roughland near the pond but has recently been cut and may have

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

been treated. Although during the second visit it appeared to have been re-emerging from the base of some cut stems.

Treatment is best undertaken when the plants are young and since the plant typically flowers in June-July it is best treated in May before it flowers. Treatment can consist of using Glyphosate by spraying the growing area or directly using a stem injection method. The latter method is usually more expensive but reduces the impact on other vegetation nearby and any risk to pets and other animals. This is the only known effective way of removing giant hogweed.

This latter method is best undertaken when the plant has grown a little higher but before it flowers. As the plant produces many seeds it is likely that treatment will need to continue for several years before eradication is complete.

Because of the proximity to the River Lee Navigation and a pond water body the Environment Agency is required to be contacted to issue a licence as there is a chance of herbicide entering a water body. Care is required to avoid contact with the plant throughout the process of removal

3.3.2 Other invasive species

There are another four species present on site that are identified on the London Invasive Species Initiative's (LISI) Species of Concern list. These are holm oak, butterfly-bush Buddleja davidii, Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera, and floating pennywort, Hydrocotyle ranunculoides.

None of these species are currently of particular concern to the overall biodiversity of the site as a whole but are either currently having a localised impact or may become a future problem if not managed effectively.

***

Holm oak has been a regularly planted tree. It can readily spread mostly through deliberate acorn caching by birds such as jay Garrulus glandarius. It can also naturally germinate. The young tree growth can become somewhat extensive and because it is evergreen it readily shades out the ground beneath it reducing overall biodiversity. Conversely, it can be a valuable tree for some bird species during the winter months. It is currently scattered in the roughland habitats in the west of the site but may be present elsewhere. It is having a minor detrimental effect. Eradication is not considered necessary but we recommend that occasional thinning will help to prevent its growth becoming a more serious problem. We also recommend that new plants found outside its known area are either pulled up (very small saplings) or cut and chemically treated.

***

Butterfly-bush (buddleja) is very abundant in London and is particularly prevalent on waste ground, brownfield sites and on buildings and walls. On the latter it can cause structural damage. Whilst it is a good nectar source for some butterflies (mainly Pierids (e.g. large white) and Nymphalids (e.g. peacock) and hoverflies, it can quickly dominate if not managed. Within the surveyed area there are single plants in the south and west of the site. It is highly likely that even after eradication further plants are likely to appear because of its widespread wind-assisted distribution throughout London. Therefore, eradication, management or treatment within the surveyed area is not currently considered to be necessary but its presence should be monitored to ensure it does not spread more extensively. If required it is best removed by cutting and then chemically treated to prevent further regrowth. Small plants may be pulled or dug up.

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

***

Himalayan balsam is typically located along riverbanks and other wetland areas and it is known to inhabit the areas around the pond as a few plants. It can spread rapidly and given the opportunity can rapidly become dominant shading out other species. The most effective method of removal is to pull it up out of the ground before it sets seed (best time is during the summer months of June-July when it is very visible). However since the seeds are spread predominantly by the way of water flow, untreated plants upstream of its location can be a constant supply for re-colonisation. Therefore the most effective (but hugely costly) way to remove it from any given site is to treat the entire catchment.

***

Floating pennywort can be highly invasive on ponds, rivers and canals, spreads rapidly and through breaking, colonises new areas. It can rapidly cover the surface of any water body given the opportunity to do so. The most effective way of treatment is to remove the plant from the water by netting taking care to ensure all parts of the plant are removed. Because of its waterborne vectoring process it can easily spread and re-colonise so periodic checks of the water body are required to ensure it remains absent.

In all cases of the use of chemical treatment, work should be undertaken by a qualified person and some areas may be required to be isolated from public usage while treatment is in progress.

3.3.3 Other habitats of concern

Several other plant species and habitats present additional concerns and should be managed accordingly.

Coarse grasses such as cock's-foot and false oat-grass can have a detrimental effect on overall biodiversity in grasslands if they become too prevalent. This is because they form very tall dense swards, are slow to rot forming a dense thatch which leads to an enrichment of the soil and eventually shades out most meadow flowers significantly reducing the grassland diversity. This is best managed by regular annual or bi-annual cutting combined with the removal of the cuttings. The prevalent presence of these grasses is a successional process which if left will encourage scrub and taller herbs to colonise the grassland

Grasslands that are under managed (not mown or grazed regularly) or planted up with trees are likely to decline in their biodiversity value through successional processes. They will soon become dominated by coarser grasses and then tall herbs like hogweed, common nettle, cow parsley and scrub such as bramble. Although these habitats have their own value they can have a negative impact on the overall biodiversity particularly in urban and smaller open spaces. It is therefore important they are managed as edge habitats between areas of woodland and grassland or as patches creating a mosaic of flower rich grasslands, coarser tall grasslands, tall herb stands and scrub patches.

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

4 References

Burley, R., Game, M., and Frith, M., 1989. Nature Conservation in Waltham Forest, Ecology Handbook 11, London Ecology Unit, London.

Burton R., 1983. Flora of the London Area. London Natural History Society, London. Hill, M.O., 1996. TABLEFIT version 1.0, for identification of vegetation types.

Huntingdon: Institute of Terrestrial Ecology.

JNCC, JNCC, 2003. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey - A technique for

Environmental Audit. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. LEU (London Ecology Unit), 1994. Habitat Survey for Greater London. London

Ecology Unit, London.

LB Waltham Forest, 2012. Waltham Forest Local Plan Core Strategy adopted March

2012. London Borough of Waltham Forest. London

London Biodiversity Partnership, 2007. http://www.lbp.org.uk/index.html

Preston, C. D., Pearman, D. A. & Dines, T. D., 2002. New Atlas of the British & Irish Flora. Oxford University Press. Oxford.

Rodwell, J. S. (ed.), 1992. British Plant Communities. Volume 3. Grassland and montane communities. Cambridge University Press.

Rodwell, J.S. (ed.), 2000. British plant communities. Volume 5. Maritime communities and vegetation of open habitats. Cambridge University Press.

Rodwell, J.S., 2006. NVC Users' Handbook, 68 pages, ISBN 978 1 86107 574 1 Stace C.A., 2010. New flora of the British Isles (3rd ed.), Cambridge University Press,

Cambridge.

UK Government, 1994. Biodiversity: the UK Action Plan. CM2428, HMSO, London. 28, HMSO, London.

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Appendix 1: Maps

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Appendix 2: Plant species data

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Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Phase I Survey Data

Scientific name

Common name

Species abundance in each Compartment
(DAFOR Scale: D = Dominant; A = Abundant; F = Frequent; O = Occasional; R = Rare)

Notes

Broadleaved woodland

Continuous scrub

Roughland

Semi- improved neutral grassland

Improved grassland

Amenity grassland

Ruderals

Standing water

Scattered trees (not saplings)

Acer pseudoplatanus

sycamore

Achillea millefolium

yarrow

Aesculus hippocastanum

horse- chestnut

Agrostis capillaris

common bent

Agrostis stolonifera

creeping bent

Alliaria petiolata

garlic mustard

Alnus glutinosa

alder

Alopecurus pratensis

meadow foxtail

Anisantha sterilis

barren brome

Anthriscus sylvestris

cow parsley

Arabidopsis thaliana

thale cress

Arctium minus

lesser burdock

Arrhenatherum elatius

false oat- grass

Artemisia vulgaris

mugwort

Ballota nigra

black horehound

Bellis perennis

daisy

Scientific name

Common name

Species abundance in each Compartment
(DAFOR Scale: D = Dominant; A = Abundant; F = Frequent; O = Occasional; R = Rare)

Notes

Broadleaved woodland

Continuous scrub

Roughland

Semi- improved neutral grassland

Improved grassland

Amenity grassland

Ruderals

Standing water

Scattered trees (not saplings)

Brassica nigra

black mustard

Bromus hordeaceus

soft-brome

Buddleja davidii

butterfly- bush

invasive

Calystegia sepium

hedge bindweed

Capsella bursa- pastoris

shepherd's- purse

Carex hirta

hairy sedge

Centaurea cyanus

cornflower

Centaurea niga

common knapweed

Cerastium fontanum

common mouse-ear

Chenopodium album

fat-hen

Cirsium arvense

creeping thistle

Cirsium vulgare

spear thistle

Convolvulus arvensis

field bindweed

Conyza canadensis

Canadian fleabane

Corylus avellana

hazel

Crataegus monogyna

hawthorn

Scientific name

Common name

Species abundance in each Compartment
(DAFOR Scale: D = Dominant; A = Abundant; F = Frequent; O = Occasional; R = Rare)

Notes

Broadleaved woodland

Continuous scrub

Roughland

Semi- improved neutral grassland

Improved grassland

Amenity grassland

Ruderals

Standing water

Scattered trees (not saplings)

Crepis vesicaria

beaked hawk's-beard

Dactylis glomerata

cock's-foot

Daucus carota

wild carrot

Diplotaxis tenuifolia

perennial wall-rocket

Elytrigia repens

common couch

Schedonorus pratensis

meadow fescue

Festuca rubra sp.

red fescue type species

Fraxinus excelsior

ash

Galium aparine

cleavers

Galium verum

lady's- bedstraw

Geranium dissectum

cut-leaved crane's-bill

Geranium molle

dove's-foot crane's-bill

Glyceria maxima

reed sweet- grass

Hedera helix

ivy

Heracleum mantegazzianum

giant hogweed

invasive

Heracleum sphondylium

hogweed

Hieracium sp.

hawkweed species

Scientific name

Common name

Species abundance in each Compartment
(DAFOR Scale: D = Dominant; A = Abundant; F = Frequent; O = Occasional; R = Rare)

Notes

Broadleaved woodland

Continuous scrub

Roughland

Semi- improved neutral grassland

Improved grassland

Amenity grassland

Ruderals

Standing water

Scattered trees (not saplings)

Hirschfeldia incana

hoary mustard

Holcus lanatus

Yorkshire-fog

Hordeum murinum

wall barley

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

floating pennywort

invasive

Hypericum perforatum

perforate St John's-wort

Hypochaeris radicata

common cat's-ear

Impatiens glandulifera

Himalayan balsam

Invasive

Lactuca serriola

prickly lettuce

Lamium album

white dead- nettle

Lamium purpureum

red dead- nettle

Lemna minor

common duckweed

Leontodon autumnalis

autumn hawkbit

Lepidium draba

hoary cress

Lolium perenne

perennial rye-grass

Lythrum salicaria

purple- loosestrife

Malva sylvestris

common mallow

Scientific name

Common name

Species abundance in each Compartment
(DAFOR Scale: D = Dominant; A = Abundant; F = Frequent; O = Occasional; R = Rare)

Notes

Broadleaved woodland

Continuous scrub

Roughland

Semi- improved neutral grassland

Improved grassland

Amenity grassland

Ruderals

Standing water

Scattered trees (not saplings)

Papaver rhoeas

common poppy

Persicaria maculosa

redshank

Phleum bertolonii

smaller cat's- tail

Phragmitis australis

common reed

Picris hieracioides

hawkweed oxtongue

Plantago coronopus

buck's-horn plantain

Plantago lanceolata

ribwort plantain

Plantago major

greater plantain

Poa annua

annual meadow- grass

Poa pratensis

smooth meadow- grass

Poa trivialis

rough meadow- grass

Polygonum aviculare

knotgrass

Populus alba

white poplar

Scientific name

Common name

Species abundance in each Compartment
(DAFOR Scale: D = Dominant; A = Abundant; F = Frequent; O = Occasional; R = Rare)

Notes

Broadleaved woodland

Continuous scrub

Roughland

Semi- improved neutral grassland

Improved grassland

Amenity grassland

Ruderals

Standing water

Scattered trees (not saplings)

Populus x canadensis

hybrid black poplar

Potentilla reptans

creeping cinquefoil

Prunus sp.

cherry species

Quercus ilex

holm oak

invasive

Quercus robur

pedunculate oak

Ranunculus aquatilis

common water- crowfoot

Ranunculus bulbosus

bulbous buttercup

Rosa arvensis

field rose

Rosa canina

dog rose

Rubus fruticosus agg

bramble species group

Rumex crispus

curled dock

Rumex cristatus

Greek dock

Rumex obtusifolius

broad-leaved dock

Salix cinerea

grey willow

Salix fragilis

crack willow

Sambucus nigra

elder

Scrophularia auriculata

water figwort

Scientific name

Common name

Species abundance in each Compartment
(DAFOR Scale: D = Dominant; A = Abundant; F = Frequent; O = Occasional; R = Rare)

Notes

Broadleaved woodland

Continuous scrub

Roughland

Semi- improved neutral grassland

Improved grassland

Amenity grassland

Ruderals

Standing water

Scattered trees (not saplings)

Senecio jacobaea

common ragwort

Senecio vulgaris

groundsel

Silene latifolia

white campion

Sonchus asper

prickly sow- thistle

Stellaria media

common chickweed

Stellaria pallida

lesser chickweed

Symphytum x uplandicum.

Russian comfrey

Taraxacum sp

dandelion species

Tragopogon pratensis

goat's-beard

Trifolium dubium

lesser trefoil

Trifolium pratense

red clover

Trifolium repens

white clover

Tripleurospermu-m inodorum

scentless mayweed

Urtica dioica

common nettle

Veronica arvensis

wall speedwell

Veronica hederifolia

ivy-leaved speedwell

Viburnum opulus

guelder-rose

Scientific name

Common name

Species abundance in each Compartment
(DAFOR Scale: D = Dominant; A = Abundant; F = Frequent; O = Occasional; R = Rare)

Notes

Broadleaved woodland

Continuous scrub

Roughland

Semi- improved neutral grassland

Improved grassland

Amenity grassland

Ruderals

Standing water

Scattered trees (not saplings)

Vicia sativa

common vetch

Vicia tetrasperma

smooth tare

NVC Quadrat Data

MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland

Quadrat numbers (% cover)

Species

1/1

1/2

1/3

1/4

1/5

1/6

1/7

1/8

average

bush vetch

0.3

cut-leaved crane's-bill

0.1

cow parsley

6.5

yarrow

1.9

Yorkshire fog

2.9

false oat-grass

39.4

cock's-foot

5.4

cleavers

3.1

common couch

6.3

hedge bindweed

0.9

tansy

2.3

creeping thistle

3.5

Russian comfrey

4.6

hoary cress

0.8

red fescue

0.4

mugwort

0.5

ribwort plantain

1.9

perennial rye-grass

1.9

dandelion

0.4

thatch/bare ground

17.3

MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland Festuca rubra sub-community

Quadrat numbers (% cover)

Click to see larger version of this map.

Species

2/1

3/1

4/1

5/1

average

false oat-grass

80.5

cow parsley

0.8

creeping cinquefoil

6.5

Yorkshire-fog

3.5

cock's-foot

0.5

cut-leaved crane's-bill

0.3

common ragwort

0.5

common vetch

0.3

thatch/bare ground

7.3

MG7a Lolium perenne- Trifolium repens ley

Quadrat numbers (% cover)

Species

1/9

2/5

2/6

2/7

2/8

3/3

3/4

3/5

3/6

3/8

average

annual meadow-grass

3.6

perennial rye-grass

86.6

yarrow

0.2

greater plantain

0.1

dove's-foot crane's-bill

0.1

ribwort plantain

0.1

scentless mayweed

0.1

white clover

1.9

dandelion

0.1

thatch/bare ground

7.2

OV23c Lolium perenne- Dactylis glomerata grassland Plantago major- Trifolium repens sub- community

Quadrat numbers (% cover)

Species

2/2

2/3

2/4

2/9

3/2

3/7

3/9

3/10

4/2

4/3

4/4

4/5

4/6

4/7

4/8

4/9

4/10

average

dandelion

3.0

13.6

common chickweed

1.5

white clover

8.2

yarrow

2.9

perennial rye-grass

47.6

dove's-foot crane's-bill

0.8

wall speedwell

0.5

common mouse ear

2.0

Poa sp.

3.1

cock's-foot

0.4

greater plantain

0.2

ribwort plantain

1.0

annual meadow-grass

1.1

lesser chickweed

0.2

daisy

0.1

common cat's-ear

1.1

black medick

0.1

spotted medick

0.1

autumn hawkbit

0.1

buck's-horn plantain

1.0

wild carrot

0.1

creeping cinquefoil

0.2

common bent

7.9

Yorkshire-fog

1.6

false oat-grass

2.1

beaked hawk's-beard

0.2

soft brome

0.2

thatch/bare ground

2.1

Unidentified semi-improved grassland

Quadrat numbers (% cover)

Species

5/2

5/3

5/4

5/5

5/6

5/7

5/8

5/9

5/10

average

common bent

36.0

Yorkshire-fog

7.1

common vetch

2.1

dandelion

5.7

soft brome

3.1

goat's-beard

0.9

common mouse-ear

1.2

cock's-foot

0.6

ribwort plantain

2.3

red fescue

19.1

common cat's-ear

1.0

hairy sedge

1.1

smooth tare

1.0

0.1

creeping cinquefoil

1.3

yarrow

0.6

false oat-grass

0.7

dove's-foot crane's-bill

0.1

bulbous buttercup

0.8

Carex sp.

0.1

meadow foxtail

3.9

cow parsley

1.1

common ragwort

0.6

perennial rye-grass

2.1

greater plantain

0.6

thatch/bare ground

7.8

Appendix 3: Fauna list

Click to see larger version of this map.

Species

Notes

Common Name

Scientific Name

Invertebrates

Insects

Common blue damselfly

Enallagma cyathigerum

Common field grasshopper

Chorthippus brunneus

true flies

Diptera

Several unidentified species at all parcels

St Mark's fly

Bibio marci

small white

Artogeia rapae

small tortoiseshell

Aglais urticae

peacock

Inachis io

gatekeeper

Pyronia tithonus

Meadow brown

Maniola jurtina

common blue

Polyommatus icarus

holly blue

Celastrina argiolus

black garden ant

Lasius niger

Yellow meadow ant

Lasius flavus

Common carder bee

Bombus pascuorum

Red-tailed bumblebee

Bombus lapidarius

White tailed bumblebee

Bombus lucorum

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

honey bee

Apis mellifera

Common wasp

Vespa vulgaris

harlequin ladybird

Harmonia axyridis

Other invertebrates

Woodlice species

Isopoda sp

European black slug

Arion ater

Vertebrates

Birds

coot

Fulica atra

moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

swift

Apus apus

woodpigeon

Columba palumbus

feral pigeon

Columba livia (feral)

sand martin

Riparia riparia

swallow

Hirundo rustica

house martin

Delichon urbicum

dunnock

Prunella modularis

robin

Erithacus rubecula

blackbird

Turdus merula

chiffchaff

Phylloscopus collybita

blackcap

Sylvia atricapilla

common whitethroat

Sylvia communis

wren

Troglodytes troglodytes

great tit

Parus major

blue tit

Cyanistes caerulus

long-tailed tit

Aegithalos caudatus

carrion crow

Corvus corone

jackdaw

Corvus monedula

magpie

Pica pica

common starling

Sturnus vulgaris

house sparrow

Passer domestica

greenfinch

Carduelis chloris

Mammals

grey squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

39

Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Appendix 4: Site photographs

Standing water pond showing steep banks, and bankside vegetation. Giant hogweed present of far bank.

Roughland habitat near pond of common nettle and Russian comfrey amongst other species

Typical semi-improved grassland (MG1 type) with scattering of cow parsley

Northern boundary of scattered trees, footpath and semi-improved grasslands (MG1a type) with cow parsley

40

Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

MG1a semi-improved grassland

Restored amenity grassland (MG7a) with bare patch caused by localised flooding

Restored amenity grassland (MG7a) showing consistent uniformity of perennial rye-grass and little else

Restored amenity grassland (MG7a) in background compared to original amenity grassland (OV23c) rich with flowering daisy and dandelion.

41

Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Ruderal area between restored grassland (MG7a, right) and semi- improved grassland (MG1, left)

Restored grassland sections (MG7a) that bisect the semi-improved grassland habitat (MG1). These areas are part of the Lee Valley Metropolitan SINC

Southern edge of grassland surveyed area showing continuous scrub area with scattered trees and bare artificial habitat path

42

Leyton Marsh Extended Phase I Habitat and NVC Survey Final Report London Wildlife Limited December 2013

Example of 2 x 2 metre Qudrat showing 1% coverage squares

Giant hogweed cut and treated near pond (in background)? Taken during second visit. New growth visible at base of stem

Restored amenity grassland (MG7a) bare patch (same as pic above) showing some restoration of grasses and other plant species. Taken in second visit after long dry spell of hot weather hence the brown and parched colouring.

43