GOWY MEADOWS RESERVE
Site Management Plan 2010-2020 (with a 25-year vision)
STAGE 1 - DESCRIPTION
Chapter 1.1 General information
1.1.1 Location
The reserve sits on the eastern flank of the River Gowy, immediately to the south of Stanlow
Oil Refinery on the southern side of the Mersey Estuary, about 3 km southeast of Ellesmere
Port and 8 km northeast of Chester.
1.1.2 Summary description
Gowy Meadows Nature Reserve covers 166 ha on the eastern bank of the Gowy floodplain,
close to the river’s confluence with the River Mersey at Stanlow. Two-thirds of the site
comprises rushy pasture on the flood plain itself, with the remaining third, along the eastern
side, being on drier mineral ground. A network of straight open ditches drains the peaty soils
of the former tidal marshes. They support a diverse flora and fauna, which includes several
species classed as rare or uncommon in Cheshire, currently making them one of the site’s
most important wildlife features. The fields on the mineral soil have been improved to a
greater extent agriculturally, but old hedges and boundary trees still enclose them and the old
green lanes that give access to the reserve. The Reserve is held on a 25-year lease from the
owners, Shell UK. Assisted by a Countryside Stewardship agreement to maintain the
infrastructure and habitat features, CWT’s stock graze the majority of the land, while the
southeastern third is sublet to a local grazier. Shooting rights are retained by the landowners
and let to Newton-le-Willows Wildfowlers.
1.1.3 Land tenure
The entire reserve is leased from Shell UK. The agreement to manage the land for nature
conservation was agreed on 1st May 2000 and runs for 25 years until 30th April 2025. The
majority is grazed by CWT, but an area of approximately 45 ha is sub-let to local farmers
under an annual grazing licence agreement.
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1.1.4 Map coverage
Ordnance Survey has produced many editions of their maps since the mid 19th Century, most
available at 1:2500 (or 25 inches:1 mile) scale, providing an invaluable record of floodplain
development. One early example from the 1870s, predating the Manchester Ship canal and
Stanlow refinery, is presented as Map A: other prints are stored in ‘Gail’s White File’.
The current relevant Ordnance Survey coverage is:
1:50,000 ‘Landranger’ Series - Sheet 117, ‘Chester’;
1:25,000 ‘Pathfinder’ Series - Sheet SJ47;
1:25,000 ‘Explorer’ Series - Sheets 266 & 267;
1:10,000 Sheet SJ47SW;
1km MasterMap tiles SJ4373, SJ4473, SJ4374, SJ4473.
[OS 1:10,000 raster data, held digitally by Cheshire Wildlife Trust, has been used as the base
on which to present the maps created for this management plan.]
1.1.5 Photographic coverage
1.1.5.1 Ground-based
Many photographs have been taken to record aspects of the site over the last 20 years:
 Natural England may still hold photographs taken during pSSSI appraisal (late
1980s).
 ‘Gail’s White File’ holds contact prints of photograph collections held on CWT
computer files and on CD
 Paul Hill - ‘Photographic Monitoring’ October 1999 (digital files? fixed point?)
 Most of the survey reports contain general views and topic-specific photographs.
Several photographs were taken to record the condition of the Reserve at the beginning of the
Plan period. These are included in Appendix 2 and are referenced within the Plan text
[numbers in square brackets] with their position shown on Map L, also in Appendix 2.
1.1.5.2 Aerial
Air photograph material is available (prints in Gail’s White File) from the following years:
17th July 1972 (black & white)
6th June 1993 (colour)
‘May 2003’ (colour)
‘Google Earth’ provides colour satellite imagery dated:
5th March 2003
23rd November 2003
27th April 2005 (a print is reproduced as Map B)
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Chapter 1.2 Environmental information
1.2.1 Physical
1.2.1.1 Climate
No unusual climatic factors affect the site, although its open character leaves it exposed to
winds from all directions.
Annual average precipitation recorded at Liverpool Airport on the other side of the estuary is
775 mm/year.
1.2.1.2 Hydrology
The canalised River Gowy drains the floodplain centrally towards the north, with the
agricultural land to the east and west served by a network of drainage ditches. The reserve
itself is served by two ‘main river’ open ditches - Thornton Main Drain (TMD) running S-N
across the centre of the floodplain land and Thornton Uplands along its eastern flank - both
these ditches arise to the south of the M56. TMD is unusual in that it passes through a siphon
under Thornton Brook towards the north of the reserve. The latter is a W-E channel, which
was engineered to carry the main flow of the River Gowy during the 19th-century, but is now
cut-off by a floodgate. Thornton Uplands enters this still-water channel, giving Thornton
Brook a flow beyond the confluence. In 2003 Thornton Brook was diverted along a new
channel excavated across the northern edge of the reserve, which now outfalls to the Gowy of
the reserve’s northwestern corner. A boarded sluice, set at 4.25 m AOD, controls the outfall
from TMD into the new channel. All these watercourses are shown on Map C.
1.2.1.3 Geology
Sandstone rocks of Triassic origin provide the underlying hard geology. The ‘Chester Pebble
Beds Formation (CPB)’ underlies the southwestern half of the Reserve, corresponding to
those parts where superficial deposits are either ‘Peat’ or ‘Wind-blown Sand’. The
‘Wilmslow Sandstone Formation (WLSF)’ underlies the northeastern half of the Reserve,
corresponding to those parts where superficial deposits are either ‘Tidal Flat’ or ‘Devensian
Till’. A geological fault approximately follows the line of Thornton Green Lane, with the
Chester Pebble Beds underlying further to the northeast. These pebble beds outcrop in
Thornton-le-Moors village. See Map D.
1.2.1.4 Geomorphology
Prior to construction of the Manchester Ship Canal and Stanlow Refinery the northernmost
reaches of the River Gowy were tidal and much of the reserve area would have been
saltmarsh, with brackish creeks. Today, the floodplain is flat with the shallow channels of the
former creeks evident locally. On the eastern flank of the Reserve the mineral ground rises
by about 5 m to the 10 m contour.
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1.2.1.5 Soils
[To be completed - see Soils report in SBI file].
The dry fields adjacent to the M56 were used to receive overburden during the motorway’s
construction.
1.2.2 Biological
1.2.2.1 Flora
The long history of moderately intensive agricultural use, with fertilizer and herbicide
applications, has left virtually all grassland areas comparatively species-poor. The drier,
mineral soils support semi-improved neutral grassland, NVC MG7, while the peaty
floodplain is more acidic, but again species-poor and widely dominated by Soft Rush Juncus
effusus and Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa in a mosaic comprising NVC MG9,
MG10, MG13, M23 and M27. One small clump of Meadow Rue Thalictrum flavum towards
the southwest [photo 3] and patches of Brown Sedge Carex disticha towards the northwest
[photo 4] are the only uncommon species to be found in the floodplain grassland. Two areas
in particular retain standing, open water through a good part of most years [photos 9 & 10].
In sharp contrast, the main ditches are moderately species-rich locally, particularly TMD,
where Water Violet Hottonia palustris and Bladderwort Utricularia australis were found
quite widely until very recently. Whorl-grass Catabrosa aquatica, also locally uncommon,
appears to be increasing, especially in the dead-arm section of Thornton Brook. Common
Reed Phragmites australis dominates a few ditches, especially towards the north end. NVC
swamp and aquatic communities represented include primarily: NVC A2b, A9b, S4 and S14.
Five mature Black Poplar Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia survive as hedgerow trees on the
drier grassland [one is shown in the plan cover photo].
Features of botanical interest (and the locations of invasive ‘weeds’) are shown on Map E.
1.2.2.2 Fauna
The ditch network is also the focus for most of the faunal interest on the Reserve, with
aquatic invertebrates being particularly well represented, notably including Mud Snail
Omphiscola glabra and Lesser Silver Water Beetle Hydrochara caraboides. Water Voles
Arvicola amphibius breed along several of the permanent water ditches.
Otters Lutra lutra are known to move along the River Gowy and Great Crested Newt Triturus
cristatus populations breed in about half the field ponds [though not the one in photo 12].
Bird usage is surprisingly limited: Snipe Gallinago gallinago breed very occasionally and
one or two pairs of Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Unusually large numbers of Stonechat
Saxicola torquata breed in the isolated Hawthorn bushes along the ditch lines.
Features of faunal interest are shown on Map F.
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1.2.2.3 Communities
Undoubtedly the ditches support the most significant flora and fauna communities, with the
greatest diversity to be found along the deeper, more open sections of the watercourses.
1.2.3 Cultural
1.2.3.1 Archaeology
No particular interest has been identified.
1.2.3.2 Landuse
Longhorn cattle graze the majority of the site [photo 1], including most of the floodplain and
northern parts of the mineral land. Hebridean sheep graze much of the rest, while the
tenanted land might support various breeds of agricultural livestock. Several fields are closed
to grazing in spring with a hay crop taken, followed by aftermath grazing.
The northwest sector of the floodplain is currently ungrazed because there is no waters supply
for grazing animals - a temporary situation while Shell repair pipes from their water
abstraction points (pumping stations are scattered across the holding). The public footpath
crossing the site gives local residents access to the site for passive recreation.
The northern edge of the site is a corridor for buried water, gas and electrical services and
three substantial overhead power lines cross the northern half of the Reserve.
1.2.3.3 Past management for nature conservation
Management primarily for nature conservation has only occurred since CWT took over the
lease for the land. Prior to this, four graziers tenanted the land with no LSV constraints and
included the grazing of horses and the cutting of hay. A Countryside Stewardship agreement
(1st Oct 2001 to 30th Sept 2011) has prescribed much of the recent management, the details of
which include:
[Compile summary list from the Agreement]
Although several plans have been drawn up to more actively enhance the reserve’s wetlands,
the sluice at the outfall of TMD has been the only major infrastructure modification.
Environment Agency/CWT undertake annual cutting/de-weeding along the River Gowy and
‘main river’ ditches, an activity considered essential to flood defence, but also judged to be of
benefit for nature conservation because it maintains open conditions.
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1.2.3.4 Public interest
Although acquisition generated much interest amongst Trust members and local naturalists,
the reserve hasn't yet been promoted to the wider public and the site retains a fairly low
profile. Promotion and interest might have been greater if public access were easier [photo
13]. One public footpath, running E-W across the northern half of reserve is currently the
only access and the terms of the lease do not permit the development of a visitor centre or
allow large groups of people to be guided round the reserve (Health and Safety Regulations
do not allow ‘gatherings’ of more than five people within 2 km of Shell’s petrol refinery).
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1.2.4 Ecological relationships and implications for management
Two major historical changes have reshaped the ‘natural’ ecological relationships on the
Reserve:
 Exclusion of tidal waters and major industrial development of the land between the
Reserve and the estuary has resulted in this area of floodplain no longer being a selfsustaining estuarine creek.
 River engineering and land drainage to facilitate agricultural use and industrial
facilities on the ‘reclaimed’ land mean that the whole area remains much drier than it
might be naturally.
If the ground were left unmanaged, it would certainly not return to the condition it was in 200
years ago. Allowing ecological processes to follow their natural course (total, nonintervention management) is not an option, because strategically important drainage channels
through the site will be rigorously maintained by others, in order to preserve developments up
and downstream of the reserve.
The current drier and freshwater (non-saline) environment has to be accepted as the
prevailing baseline condition against which to envisage the succession that might occur and
how management might be needed to limit or control these changes.
Non-intervention (apart from essential drain maintenance) would probably result in a gradual
succession to Willow carr over rank grassland, with Hawthorn and Ash colonising the drier
mineral ground to the east.
Additionally, it must be appreciated that current management activities (enforced and
preferred) are maintaining the primary features of interest on the site. Key flora and fauna
features of the site are only able to survive because of intervention management; because they
require open conditions [photo 2].
Long-standing aspirations to return the site to the important wildfowl and wader refuge that it
used to be could only be realised if open conditions are maintained.
The clear implication is that continued, moderately intensive management activity to prevent
succession to woody shrubs and trees will be essential to maintaining current interest and to
realising potential.
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Chapter 1.3 Bibliography
Site Management Plans for Nature Conservation, Nature Conservancy Council, 1988 (used as
the template for this plan).
Major surveys undertaken (all held at CWT HQ (Estates Dept.):
Kirsten Tuson (2004). The Macro-invertebrate Fauna of the Drainage Ditches of
Gowy Meadows and their Conservation Value.
Anon. (undated). Gowy Hedgerow Survey. Preliminary report.
Charlotte Murray (2000). Gowy Meadows – A Haven for Water Voles?
CWT (1999). Gowy meadows Survey
Jo Kirwin (1999). NVC Survey of Compartments A, D & G, Gowy Meadows Nature
Reserve.
British Wildlife - Water Framework Directive article (full reference needed)
‘Gail’s White File’, stored at CWT HQ (Estates Dept.)
Shell UK to Cheshire Wildlife Trust Lease
Countryside Stewardship Scheme 2001 Agreement
T. H. Bell (1962) The Birds of Cheshire, Sherratt, Altrincham
T. A. Coward (1910) The Vertebrate Fauna of Cheshire and Liverpool Bay, Witherby,
London
The following groups and individuals have contributed to the Plan:
Management Plan Advisory Team
Charlotte Harris
Jackie Hulse
Richard Gardner
Stakeholders’ Group members, particularly:
Mike Tynen (aquatic invertebrates)
Neil Friswell (birds)
Hilary Ash (grassland enhancement)
Andrew Gouldstone and Colin Wells (RSPB)
Duncan Revell (EA)
Gordon Whitney (EA)
Rachael Lomas/David Kingsley-Rowe/Rob Arden (Natural England)
Andy Harmer (aquatic invertebrates)
Rachael Hacking (terrestrial invertebrates)
Steve Holmes (bird recorder)
Dave Mayer (student ecologist)
IEEM ALGE Group (especially Mark Champion, Lancs WT, during a June field visit)
Sarah Carver and Paul Cassidy (Waste Management Group - Gowy Landfill Site)
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STAGE 2 - EVALUATION AND OBJECTIVES
Chapter 2.1 Conservation status of the site
2.1.1 Historic
A wider area of wet grassland, including part of the Reserve and land to the south of the M56
was considered as a proposed SSSI in the early 1990s, but was not notified because the
grassland was considered too agriculturally improved and only a botanical interest had been
identified in a limited number of ditches. At that time, the true importance the rare and
diverse aquatic invertebrate fauna was awaiting discovery.
2.1.2 SSSI status under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
The site currently has no national designation. Since SSSI consideration in the early 1990s,
the aquatic invertebrate fauna diversity (an assemblage, including several national rarities)
has been identified and appears to qualify the site for SSSI designation. Natural England is
not currently considering notification.
2.1.3 cSAC status under EC ‘Habitat & Species Directive’
The site has no European designation.
2.1.4 Site definition and boundaries
The lease agreement defines the Reserve boundaries, which are very obvious on the ground
because they follow strong physical features on all sides:
North edge - Oil Sites Road, A5117 (highway boundary)
East edge Thornton Green Lane (west roadside hedge)
South edge - M56 motorway (highway boundary)
West edge - River Gowy (mid-line of the canalised channel)
The only deviation is around the village of Thornton-le-Moors, where residential properties, a
small recreational woodland park and a single field adjacent to the village are all excluded.
(See Map G and all others)
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Chapter 2.2 Evaluation of features
2.2.1 Evaluation
2.2.1.1 Size
At 166 ha, the Reserve is the largest area of land managed by CWT and is undoubtedly a
significant area of floodplain. The land holding is considered large enough to encompass the
full range of habitats - from the river itself, to the fringing mineral ground - and moderately
resilient to outside influences.
E-W highway links (M56 and A56) and development of the Gowy Landfill facility have
fragmented the lower Gowy floodplain, which extends southwards, flat and wide, as far as
Hockenhull Platts Reserve, almost 10 km upstream.
2.2.1.2 Diversity
Habitat diversity is generally high, particularly the range from open water, through aquatic
and emergent vegetation to marshy grassland types, with high botanical and aquatic
invertebrate diversity in some ditches and marshy areas.
However, it should also be noted that the botanical diversity of both dry and marshy
grassland is poor, except in one or two compartments at the northern end of the Reserve.
2.2.1.3 Naturalness
The majority of the site has been severely modified by tidal exclusion, land drainage and
previously more intensive agricultural use. The most natural communities are now to be
found in watercourses all created or modified by man - the River Gowy’s canalised channel
and the network of ditches.
Grassland areas are the least natural, although some compartments towards the northern end
appear to have been less improved by ploughing, fertiliser and herbicide applications or the
effects of sustained intensive grazing than the majority. Patches of invasive alien plants
scattered across the site detract from its naturalness.
2.2.1.4 Rarity
Agricultural intensification has undoubtedly been greater on other parts of the floodplain (e.g.
the western flank of the river) and the reserve remains a rare example of such an extensive
area of floodplain grassland that hasn’t been completely ‘improved’. Consequently, the
Reserve also still supports several plants and animals that are classed as ‘rare’ or ‘declining’.
2.2.1.5 Fragility
The site’s large size makes it reasonably robust to withstand external influences e.g. spray
drift. At the other extreme, the pristine conditions of ditches and their flora and fauna, are
very sensitive to change. TMD in particular is extremely susceptible to any change in either
the quality or quantity of water entering the system from upstream, outside the Reserve.
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2.2.1.6 Typicalness
Gowy Meadows is not typical of river floodplains found in Cheshire because of the deep peat
underlying its grassland and former estuarine influences. In many ways, the communities on
Gowy Reserve are more typical of those found on the Somerset Levels.
2.2.1.7 Recorded history
Historical development of the field pattern, changes to the River and its outfall to the Mersey
Estuary are all well recorded in the series of OS maps produced since the mid-19th century.
Social and agricultural history is less well researched.
2.2.1.8 Position within the ecological unit
Gowy Meadows Reserve sits strategically between the Dee Estuary (3 km to the west) and
the Mersey Estuary (2 km to the north). Wildfowl and waders from either of these important
sites are likely to use the Reserve as a refuge during periods of particularly harsh weather.
Within the South Mersey Marshes, the Gowy floodplain sits at the western end of a broad
tract of freshwater marshes, stretching from the River Weaver across Frodsham, Lordship and
Ince Marshes.
2.2.1.9 Potential value
Given the degree of drainage and agricultural improvement that has occurred across the site
over the last 200 years, there is a great deal of potential for restoration. Indeed, some wet and
dry grassland has been so improved that little of value would be lost if the land had to be
heavily disturbed during habitat creation. Particularly, there appears to be potential for
reedbed creation on part of the floodplain and opportunities for pond creation and to diversify
the sward in hay meadows on the mineral ground [photo 16]. Habitat improvement could
potentially attract more wildfowl and waders as well as ‘farmland birds’.
2.2.1.10 Intrinsic appeal
Undoubtedly the marshes retain a considerable amount of their ‘wilderness’ appeal. Despite
the intrusion of traffic on the M56 motorway and the industrial noise and pungent aromas
from the refinery, standing in the middle of the reserve, these become merely features on the
horizon. The site is not a particularly colourful place even in midsummer. Nevertheless, the
diverse vegetation and clear water channel of the River Gowy has a particular appeal,
possibly reaching a peak in early summer, when clouds of Banded Demoiselles emerge along
its banks. Similar could be said of the clean ditches with their summer show of Water Violet.
The emergence of red flowers and young foliage on the Black Poplars is a particularly
noticeable spring feature. One small botanically richer compartment in the north becomes a
blaze of purple in late summer when Knapweed and Marsh Thistle flower in abundance
[photo 11].
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2.2.2 Identification/confirmation of important features
From a nature conservation point of view, the restorable wet grassland and ditches, with their
associated flora and fauna are the most important features (full details are set out in Table 1
below).
Table 1. Comparative importance of site features (potential on enhancement in red italics)
Importance
Site Feature
International
National
1. Geology & geomorphology
Regional
Local
average
2. Vegetation types:
Lowland wet grassland
(average)
Dry neutral grassland
Permanent/seasonal open water and
peaty ditches
Swamp and fen
high
average (high)
average (high)
Ponds
Hedgerow trees
(high)
average
(high)
high
high
Hedgerows
average
3. Species/assemblages:
Otter
high
Water Vole
high
Great Crested Newt
Wildfowl & waders (esp. Pintail,
Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank*)
Raptors (esp. Kestrel, Barn Owl,
Hobby and Peregrine)
Raptors (esp. Hen Harrier, Marsh
Harrier and Short-eared Owl)
Reed Bunting & Stonechat
(breeding)
‘Farmland’ birds (sparrows,
finches, buntings &c.)
Aquatic invertebrate assemblage
average (high)
(high)
average
high
(average)
high
low (high)
high
Dragonfly/damselfly assemblage
average (high)
Wall (butterfly)
average
Mud Snail
high
Lesser Silver Water Beetle
high
Black Poplar
high
Bladderwort
high
Brown Sedge
average
Meadow Rue
high
Whorl-grass
high
Water-violet
average
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2.2.3 The site in wider perspective and implications for management
The Reserve serves an important function in assisting herd/flock management across CWT's
suite of reserves. Its sheer extent and the type of grazing available give it great flexibility to
hold additional stock periodically. Similarly, site quality wouldn’t deteriorate rapidly when
under-grazed, should stock be required elsewhere.
Conversely, although the site is very large, the cattle herds and sheep flocks managed by
CWT should have sufficiently capacity to cope. With the range of animal types available, it
should be possible to apply appropriate grazing pressures to break down the tussocky
structure of the peaty grassland, at the same time sensitively browsing along ditch margins
[photo 6].
Most importantly, lying at the heart of the Gowy and Mersey Marshes Living Landscape
Project area, gives this CWT reserve added value as a demonstration site, to give an
indication of what can be achieved in floodplain conservation and enhancement.
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2.2.4 Specified limits
Many key interest features could increase in extent or diversity indefinitely without causing
concern, provided they don’t begin to adversely influence other key features. Negative
features could disappear or invasive species could become extinct, again without concern.
Significant or consistent declines in extent of key habitats and species or their population
sizes or increases in invasive species (or habitat types) would be undesirable trends, but
setting absolute limits is often difficult because of the natural variations in populations in
response to weather and or predation. In some cases, no reliable baseline figure has been
measured or agreed.
Beyond these generalisations, Table 2 below gives some specific indications of when
‘ecological alarm bells’ should start to ring and suggests several parameters that it will be
particularly important to monitor:
Table 2. Guideline Table of Specified Limits
Feature
Range or Limit
pH in upper TMD
<6.5 at all times
Ponds
No less than 50% open water area (averaged across all ponds, midsummer).
No more than 50% scrub/tree cover (av. across all ponds, midsummer).
Burrows always occupied along parts of TMD, the core of the population.
Water Vole
Great Crested Newt
No less than 3 ponds with established breeding.
No less than 6, two years after the new ponds have been created.
At least two pairs of breeding Lapwing, one pair of Snipe.
Wildfowl & waders (esp.
Shoveller, Lapwing, Snipe
and Redshank*)
Raptors (esp. Kestrel, Barn No reduction in existing occasional visits/usage.
Owl, Hobby and Peregrine)
Aquatic invertebrate
No drop in Community Conservation Index value. (Presently calculated on
assemblage
difficult to replicate, M Tynen survey data: needs recalculation based on a
series of sample sites.)
Mud Snail
Known sites permanently wet or dry for more than one year.
No loss of known sites (shown by no snails detected in consecutive years).
Lesser Silver Water Beetle No loss of known sites (shown by no cocoons or adults being detected in
consecutive years).
Black Poplar
Sufficient successful take of new plantings to ensure there will be more than
5 trees in 100yrs.
Bladderwort
[Baseline required]
Meadow Rue
Existing stand conserved or replaced by fresh colonisation elsewhere
Water-violet
[Baseline required]
Japanese Knotweed
No increase. Gradual reduction in number and extent of stands
Creeping Thistle/Ragwort
No more than ‘occasional’ in any compartment.
Himalayan Balsam
No spread beyond the established stands along River Gowy margins.
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2.2.5 Ideal management objectives
The ‘Ideal Objectives’ (listed below) concentrate solely on wildlife considerations and are not
constrained by the ‘real world’ situation. They provide a useful theoretical baseline when
drawing up Operational Objectives (Chapter 2.4), which take into account the trends and
constraints discussed in Chapter 2.3.

To preserve/enhance the open character of the floodplain, creating conditions suitable for
the long-term development of a vegetation mosaic typical of peaty, lowland grassland
typified by the community types: MG9, MG10, MG13, M23 and M27 (as defined by the
National Vegetation Classification (NVC) (Rodwell, 1991).

To preserve, enhance and increase the ditches and seasonally flooded areas, especially
Phragmites reedbed, associated with the floodplain grassland zone (NVC A2b, A9b, S4,
S14, &c.)

To preserve/enhance previously agriculturally improved dry neutral grassland, managing
land by traditional grazing and/or haymaking to encourage the development of a more
typical NVC MG5 (or MG4) community type.

To safeguard, maintain and enhance appropriate habitat within those parts of the site that
the following fauna species are already known to use: Otter, Water Vole, Stonechat, Reed
Bunting, Reed Warbler, Great Crested Newt, Mud Snail, Lesser Silver Water Beetle and
general aquatic invertebrate assemblage.

To safeguard, maintain and enhance appropriate habitat within those parts of the site
where the following plants are already found: Black Poplar, Bladderwort, Brown Sedge,
Meadow Rue, Whorl-grass and Water-violet.

To enhance wet and dry grassland to provide breeding/over-wintering habitat attractive to
Lapwing and a variety of wildfowl and wading birds.

To preserve, enhance and increase pond and hedgerow features associated with the dry
grassland zone.

To maintain conditions to support avian predators such as Barn Owl, Peregrine Falcon,
and Hobby and enhance wetland grassland to bring additional characteristic raptors such
as Short-eared Owl, Marsh Harrier and Hen Harrier.

To prescribe and carry out an effective, low intensity monitoring strategy to enable the
effectiveness of the management strategies to be assessed, and to provide useful data to
assess unexpected habitat or species change attributable to off-site influences.

To maintain an infrastructure allowing access for maintenance, monitoring and controlled
public access across the site.

To increase public awareness and appreciation of the wildlife value of habitats associated
with lowland wet grassland and traditionally managed farmland.

To improve wildlife links that connect Gowy Meadows Reserve to other wet grassland in the
River Gowy floodplain and the nearby ‘Mersey’ Marshes.
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Chapter 2.3 Factors influencing management
2.3.1 Natural trends
Without management, grassland would become even more rank and invaded by Willow and
Hawthorn depending on the wetness of the ground.
Without clearance, ditches would become choked with vegetation, silt up and eventually
flood onto fields or at least cease their drainage function. Trees and shrubs would gradually
shade out the ponds and ditches.
Neither trend is considered beneficial to nature conservation. In any case, succession will not
be allowed to proceed in the ditches, to ensure there is no flooding of Gowy landfill upstream
and industrial interests downstream.
Invasive weeds such as Creeping Thistle, Ragwort, Water Fern and Himalayan Balsam have
the competitive ability to increase significantly [photos 14 & 15].
2.3.2 Man-induced trends
Under current grazing pressure, the tussocky structure of wet grassland would be broken
down.
Ongoing ditch maintenance/management by EA and CWT will perpetuate their drainage
function and maintain open conditions beneficial to flora and fauna diversity.
2.3.3 External factors
Drainage from M56 could bring pollution from salt applications, accidents and spillages.
Under rare conditions of a high tide and substantial surface run-off from the Gowy
catchment, the river flood banks would over-top, flooding the reserve with river water. This
flooding doesn’t appear to have caused damage to the site when it has occurred in the past –
indeed the frequency of such flooding is something that this plan seeks to increase
Surface water drainage from the landfill site upstream to the south, which currently feeds into
TMD, has the potential to affect the sensitive water chemistry, flora and fauna in that ditch
and its side arms, particularly while soils are being reworked over the dome. In the longterm, even after the tip has long been completed, CWT will remain obliged to maintain
unimpeded flow along Thornton Main Drain to prevent water backing up and flooding the
landfill cells, causing far more serious pollution.
Fumes from Stanlow Refinery probably do no harm to features of interest, but do nothing to
improve visitors’ enjoyment.
16
2.3.4 Obligations
To observe no-dig zones, related to gas/electricity/sewerage installations
To permit National Grid and their contractors access to pylons
To permit access to Shell’s water abstraction infrastructure
To permit Environment Agency maintenance staff access to the River Gowy flood-banks and
‘Main River’ sections to undertake annual works
To maintain drainage function along TMD and other major water courses
To adhere to the terms of the Countryside Stewardship agreement
2.3.5 Legal constraints
2.3.5.1 Constraints of tenure
There are many in the terms of lease. Reference to the lease itself should be made for full
details, but in summary these include:
[To be completed from the lease] The lease is transferable to the new owners of the site
should Shell decide to sell their interest.
2.3.5.2 Constraints of access
Existing access routes for vehicles required for management work are shown on Map G,
which also indicates the existing public footpaths.
2.3.5.3 Health and Safety
All normal responsibilities apply. Additional constraints are contained within the lease
agreement. Some of the marshes and many of the ponds, ditches and larger watercourses are
very deep, often appearing shallow, but actually having floating rafts of vegetation and/or
deep, soft sediments.
2.3.5.4 Wildlife
Water Voles and their habitat are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1986, as
amended. Any work to ditches and bank-sides that support Water Voles should be guided by
a Method Statement agreed with Environment Agency.
Great Crested Newt presence in several ponds (a species benefiting from European legal
protection), requires a Pond Conservation Licence to cover positive management work to
aquatic or terrestrial habitats and pond creation near to existing breeding sites.
Management activity should also be mindful of the presence of Lesser Silver Water Beetle
(also benefiting from European legal protection). There should be no disturbance of breeding
sites and the egg cocoons produced in May, a particularly sensitive month to be avoided.
No breeding birds should be disturbed, nor should any birds benefiting from ‘Special’
protection while they are present on the site, effectively pushing much management work on
the open grassland and hedgerows into the late summer to early spring period.
17
2.3.6 Management and other key constraints
The current distribution of legally protected species constrains, for example, water level
raising projects or at least the timing/means of managing/enhancing.
Potential cost and manpower requirements will be the primary concerns. However, these are
not envisaged to be a serious constraint to a rotational and carefully phased maintenance
programme. It is perceived that while management input is likely to need to remain fairly
high in the short term, the demands will decrease as the capital works are completed and the
site settles down to any modified water level or grazing regime conditions.
Public opinion and support for management activities needs to be carefully considered at
such a high profile site. Many activities carried out in the interests of nature conservation
(such as ditching work or removal of problematic plants/animals) are likely to be seen as only
destructive unless clearly and fully explained/justified to site visitors.
The Trust might not hold sufficient stock of the right type to implement the desired grazing
regimes [photo 6].
Having to maintain flows along TMD to prevent the landfill site flooding is a particularly
onerous management constraint (severely limiting the scope for water level management).
Rewetting will make pedestrian and vehicle access more difficult, requiring careful planning
and possibly the provision of additional bridge infrastructure.
2.3.7 Impact assessment
The overall thrust of the management effort is directed towards ‘nature conservation’ and
most prescriptions are to be at a ‘limited intervention’ level. Therefore, implementation of
the plan should not give rise to any significant adverse impacts. Quite the reverse,
implementing the prescriptions is essential to maintaining and enhancing existing interests.
However, badly timed management works could cause avoidable disturbance.
Cessation of conservation and access management across the reserve would lead to a
deterioration of its open habitats as succession advances. Other invasive colonisers (such as
Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Water Fern) would extend their dominance at
the expense of native flora and fauna.
Communities occupying any areas where water levels have been raised will suffer short-term
adverse impacts as they adjust to the wetter environment, but refuges for communities that
require drier conditions from time to time will always remain around edges of the site.
In summary, it appears that a sustainable balance of wildlife and human requirements can be
accommodated on the Reserve. Furthermore, the management activity required to maintain
wildlife resources appears to be sustainable, but only with some financial subsidy and
volunteer input at present.
18
Chapter 2.4 Operational objectives and management options
2.4.1 Rationale
Table 3 below shows how the constraints identified in Sections 2.3.1-6 limit the Ideal
Objectives listed in Section 2.2.5. The resulting Operational Objectives and prescriptions
shown in Table 4 are indicated in the right hand column.
Table 3: Rationalisation of Ideal Management Objectives
Ideal Objective (abbreviated)
Constraint
Preserve/enhance the open character of the
floodplain, creating conditions suitable for
the long-term development of a vegetation
mosaic typical of peaty, lowland grassland.
Preserve, enhance and increase the ditches
and seasonally flooded areas, especially
Phragmites reedbed, associated with the
floodplain grassland zone.
Preserve/enhance previously agriculturally
improved dry neutral grassland, managing
land by traditional grazing and/or
haymaking to encourage the development of
a more typical community type.
Safeguard, maintain and enhance
appropriate habitat within those parts of the
site that key fauna species are already
known to use.
Safeguard, maintain and enhance
appropriate habitat within those parts of the
site where key plants are already found.
Enhance wet and dry grassland to provide
breeding/over-wintering habitat attractive to
Lapwing and a variety of wildfowl and
wading birds.
Preserve, enhance and increase pond and
hedgerow features associated with the dry
grassland zone.
Maintain conditions to support avian
predators and enhance wetland grassland to
bring additional characteristic raptors.
Prescribe and carry out an effective, low
intensity monitoring strategy to enable the
effectiveness of the management strategies
to be assessed, and to provide useful data to
assess unexpected habitat or species change
attributable to off-site influences.
Maintain an infrastructure allowing access
for maintenance, monitoring and controlled
public access across the site
Increase public awareness and appreciation
of the wildlife value of habitats associated
with lowland wet grassland and traditionally
managed farmland
Improve wildlife links that connect Gowy
Meadows Reserve to other wet grassland in
the River Gowy floodplain and the nearby
‘Mersey’ Marshes
Operational
Objective/prescription
Water level control (TMD).
Water for stock.
Vehicle access for topping.
As ‘Ideal’, but prescriptions need
to accommodate constraints.
Water level control.
Safe poaching by stock.
Potential pollution (TMD).
Limited water quality data.
Cost, if not funded.
Legacy of elevated soil
nutrient levels.
As ‘Ideal’, but prescriptions need
to accommodate constraints.
Conflicting requirements of
different species with
overlapping distributions.
Enhancement only when not
adversely affecting other species
of interest.
Conflicting requirements of
different species with
overlapping distributions.
Tussocky nature of sward.
No tilled land.
As for fauna (above), but there is
less likelihood of conflict.
Cost, if not funded.
GCN presence, otherwise
none.
Adverse impact on Water
Voles, Waterfowl and
Waders.
Cost, if not funded.
Insufficient experts to
undertake the work.
As ‘Ideal’, but ensure a Pond
Conservation Licence is in place.
H & S (terms of lease).
No infrastructure (styles,
paths and bridges).
Limited public access on
site, otherwise none.
Objective should be for only
limited increase.
Landfill site sterilises a part.
Highway fragmentation.
Stanlow refinery.
CWT is not the landowner.
Use opportunities arising from
‘Mersey and Gowy Washlands
Project’.
Offer grazing if stock available.
19
As ‘Ideal’, but land may require
remedial soil nutrient stripping.
Concentrate effort on areas
where there will be least public
disturbance.
Enhance habitats to increase
capacity.
Very important, but constraints
impose stringent limitations on
scope. Essential to adopt a
‘SMART’ monitoring strategy.
Use the site to promote sensitive
floodplain management via ‘The
Grebe’ and other media.
2.4.2 Identification of operational objectives and selection of management options and
outline prescriptions
Please refer to Table 4 (pages 21 & 22), which follows overleaf.
Definitions of the management option abbreviations used in the table are given on the pages
that following it (pages 23 & 24).
Existing/Desired States and the prescribed management required to realise the plan objectives
are portrayed in map format at the end of Appendix 1:
Map H - Existing State
Map J - Desired State
Map K - Management Required
20
GOWY MEADOWS RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN (2010-2020)
Section 2.4.2 – Identification of operational objectives, selection of management options and outline prescriptions
Category
Operational objective
A Habitats
1. Maintain & enhance lowland wet grassland
2. Maintain & increase reedbed vegetation
3. Maintain & enhance ditches
4. Maintain & enhance seasonal wetlands
5. Enhance dry neutral grassland
Compartments Management option (p23/24)
Outline Prescription
Year
ABDEGHJ
active management (A3)
Top rushes and Deschampsia tussocks as field conditions indicate.
rotation
various
active management (A3)
Enclose stock to concentrate grazing effort where it is required.
DG
active management (A3)
Create scrapes, using spoil to create bunds (see below).
?
ADG
active management (A3)
Create ‘mini-bunding’ around compartments away from OHP lines and M56 where winter flooding using River Gowy water is feasible.
?
A
active management (A3)
Recommence sensitive grazing of 'fallow', drought-stricken northwestern sector, as soon as water can be provided.
?
ABDEGHJ
active management (A3)
Maintain fencing (except where it is to be removed alongside certain ditches), gates and drinking points.
all
GJK
non-intervention (A1)
Consider in the longer term (when revised water levels and the reedbed have become established), allowing one compartment to undergo natural succession to carr woodland
ABH
active management (A3)
Manage Phragmites-dominated ditches by cutting on a 3-year rotation.
H
active management (A3)
Create a reedbed in the area suggested on Map K utilizing the perennial water flow in Thornton Uplands.
1
J
active management (A3)
If control can be gained over water levels in TMD (unlikely because of landfill site constraints), create a second reedbed.
?
-
-
Monitor water chemistry in TMD.
-
-
Establish dip-wells across the marsh to monitor groundwater water levels and simple gauge-boards along TMD to monitor surface water levels
-
-
Investigate M56 drainage discharge routes and resolve any apparent issues affecting TMD or Thornton Uplands.
-
active management (A3)
Continue programme of rotational clearance.
ADGHJ
active management (A3)
Wherever possible, remove fencing from along at least one side of all fenced ditches.
-
active management (A3)
Grade the open side of the ditch and 30 degrees. Consider providing reinforced drinking points.
I&2
G
active management (A3)
Excavate a series of new ditches in one or two selected peaty fields, simply to increase that habitat, but also to serve as a research area to trial different ditch management techniques.
1&2
various
active management (A3)
Dam to prolong wet conditions, except in Mud Snail ditches, where seasonal drying out is essential.
ADG
active management (A3)
Working closely with EA, create ‘thrust borings’ (or similar) through the Gowy flood-banks to allow river water to flood onto the fields when river levels are high.
H
active management (A3)
Install adjustable sluice boards to gain better control over water levels in the central seasonal pool.
2
BCF
active management (A3)
Top Thistles and roll pastures after poaching of wet ground by heavy cattle.
all
BCFIKLM
active management (A3)
Maintain fencing (except where it is to be removed alongside certain ditches), gates and drinking points.
-
Undertake N/P/K soil analysis, aspiring to obtain phosphate levels less than Index 1 (< 20ppm).
FI
as needed
after 2015
rotation
1-8
2010
1
rotation
1
2
1&2
all
2-yearly
I
active management (A3)
Crop with Brassicas (or similar heavy-feeding crop), supplementing with straight nitrogen fertiliser, in an attempt to lower phosphate levels.
1
?
active management (A3)
Consider more drastic ‘soil inversion’ techniques where less disruptive methods cannot reasonable reduce nutrient levels..
?
FI
active management (A3)
Select suitable hayfields for seeding with green hay from MG5 source.
?
6. Maintain hedgerows
BCFIKLM
active management (A3)
Trim on a 2-yearly rotation, between December and February.
all
7. Maintain hedgerow trees
BCFIKLM
limited intervention (A2)
Mark and conserve during hedge cutting
-
active management (A3)
Continue programme of Black Poplar planting of recruit trees.
CFI
active management (A3)
Cut back shading growth especially on the south side as required (5-yearly).
1&6
CF
active management (A3)
Consider removing a proportion of the raft that has developed over Ponds 4 and 5.
4&5
CFIM
active management (A3)
Dig new ponds in positions indicated on Maps J and K.
1&2
-
active management (A3)
Maximise habitat conservation/enhancement through the ‘Gowy and Mersey Washland Project".
-
-
Offer conservation grazing, but only if sufficient stock is available.
8. Maintain & increase field ponds
9. Enhance the wider floodplain environment
21
ongoing
opportunistic
ongoing
Category
B Species
Operational objective
Compartments Management option (p23/24)
Outline Prescription
Year
1. Maintain & enhance populations of notable species
a. vertebrates:
otter
water vole
raptors
wildfowl & waders
farmland birds
GCN
b. aquatic invertebrate assemblage
Hydrochara caraboides
Omphiscola glabra
c. plants:
Populus nigra spp. betulifolia
BEGHJ
-
non-intervention (B1)
No action in current plan period.
encouragement & increase (B3)
Ditch management as detailed under A3 above
non-intervention (B1)
No action, other than incidental habitat improvement/prey increase/controlled public access.
ABDGHJK
encouragement & increase (B3)
Reduce the tussocky nature of the sward.
all
all
K
encouragement & increase (B3)
Create strategically placed, spring-tilled land to benefit Lapwing in particular.
1
DG
encouragement & increase (B3)
Create scrapes, using spoil to create bunds (see below).
2?
ADG
encouragement & increase (B3)
Create ‘mini-bunding’ around compartments away from OHP lines and M56 where winter flooding using River Gowy water is feasible.
3?
-
encouragement & increase (B3)
Negotiate with National Grid to arrange for fitting of bird deflectors on all overhead power lines
1
FI
encouragement & increase (B3)
Plough land and maintain winter seed strips for small birds in strategic locations
1
CFIM
encouragement & increase (B3)
Dig new ponds under a Pond Conservation Licence.
-
non-intervention (B1)
No specific action prescribed in current plan period. Ditch and wetland management aims to improve the Community Conservation Index.
ABDE
non-intervention (B1)
Ditch and water level management aim to increase population extent and numbers of individuals.
E
non-intervention (B1)
Dig several new ditches as indicated on Maps J and K. Ditch and water level management aim to increase population extent and numbers of individuals.
various
1&2
2&3
encouragement & increase (B3)
Plant new recruits in selected hedgerows and protect from grazing/cutting.
Utricularia australis
-
non-intervention (B1)
No action in current plan period.
any
-
Hottonia palustris
-
non-intervention (B1)
No action in current plan period.
Catabrosa aquatica
-
non-intervention (B1)
No action in current plan period, allow natural increase.
Thalictrum flavum
G
encouragement & increase (B3)
Collect and spread any seed produced in areas of similar grassland type to the existing clump.
all
-
control & reduction (B2)
Continue to monitor and poison bait as at present.
all
-
2. Control and reduce invasive/problem species
a. animals
mink
gulls and corvids
all
control & reduction (B2)
Continue to clear up litter left by loafing birds from the tip. Continued control (are Larsen Traps the best method?)
all
b. plants:
Cirsium arvense
BCF
control & reduction (B2)
Top religiously before seeding. Consider using weed-wipe herbicide treatment.
all
Senecio jacobaea
CF
control & reduction (B2)
Hand-pull from soft ground, or use weed-wipe herbicide treatment.
all
ADG
control & reduction (B2)
Maintain grazing pressure where possible. Elsewhere, hand-pull before seeding.
all
Impatiens capensis
GJ
control & reduction (B2)
Maintain grazing pressure where possible. Elsewhere, hand-pull before seeding.
all
Fallopia japonica
F
control & reduction (B2)
Herbicide control by stump injection (in conjunction with United Utilities).
1
Azolla filiculoides
F
control & reduction (B2)
Do not use Pond 4 as a source of material to transfer to the new ponds.
-
Impatiens glandulifera
C. Study,
Monitoring &
Research
Monitor extent of key/indicator habitats and species
pH and water chemistry
various
specialist facilities (C2)
Monitor nitrate/ammonia/chloride/pH/Conductivity in TMD. Collect water samples for analysis 4 times per year (and record other ditches on an ad hoc basis).
Surface water depth
-
controlled facilities (C3)
Establish simple gauge boards at strategic locations along TMD. Record levels when taking water samples for analysis.
Groundwater levels
-
controlled facilities (C3)
Establish a series of dip-wills, as a transect and at strategic locations across the marsh. Record levels when taking water samples for analysis.
Neutral damp grassland
B
specialist facilities (C2)
NVC survey of small pasture on northern edge (MG4?)
2
Old saltmarsh creeks
A
specialist facilities (C2)
NVC survey of north-westernmost compartment with relic natural drainage gullies.
2
Terrestrial invertebrates/grazing
G
specialist facilities (C2)
Monitor pitfall traps in Richard Gardner’s medium term grazing methods 3-field trial
Ditch management techniques
G
specialist facilities (C2)
Utilize botanical and aquatic invertebrate indicators to assess the effectiveness of different management regimes and profiles in the ditch trials area.
BEGHJ
specialist facilities (C2)
Monitor burrows/latrines/feeding stations, 2-yearly.
Wildfowl and waders
various
controlled facilities (C3)
Count Lapwing breeding pairs (and other species if possible), every year.
GCN
CFIM
specialist facilities (C2)
4 visits, presence/absence surveys of all ponds (with rough population size-class estimates), 5-yearly.
Hydrochara caraboides
ABDE
specialist facilities (C2)
Establish baseline distribution and population size (based on distribution and numbers of cocoons). Thereafter, sample known sites and other probable sites yearly.
2010
AEF
specialist facilities (C2)
Establish baseline distribution and population size. Thereafter, sample known sites and other probable sites yearly.
2011
G
controlled facilities (C3)
Check persistence and hopefully, spread, every year.
any
Water vole
Omphiscola glabra
Thalictrum flavum
Increase study and research activities
D. Education
&
Interpretation
Maintain educational usage
E. General
Access &
Recreation
a. Enhance existing pedestrian access
b. Maintain existing vehicle access
F. Reserve
Administratio
n
4x in 1, 2 & 3
1, then all
2010
?
3 -> 10
2, 4, 6, 8 & 10
all
2015, 2010
all
controlled facilities (C3)
Take-up any relevant offers for research from student inquiries. Encourage innovative work.
-
active publicity (D3)
Pedestrian access needs improving first (see Ea below)
opportunistic
all
active publicity (D3)
Promote visits by small school parties, farmers and land managers.
various
active publicity (D3)
Erect screens rather than hides at bird viewing locations.
-
various
restricted access (E2)
Create two new circular paths as shown on Map K.
1
various
restricted access (E2)
Provide bridges and styles to facilitate access along TMD for monitoring visits.
1
various
restricted access (E2)
Consider opening-up old green lanes as additional pedestrian access.
?
C
restricted access (E2)
Consider providing vehicle parking facilities in NE corner of Reserve
?
various
restricted access (E2)
Maintain existing routes – review lock effectiveness periodically.
all
various
opportunistic
restricted access (E2)
Ensure existing access to pylons and other services are not blocked.
all
all
-
Abide by terms. Seek renewal with reduced conditions (in 2025).
all
Maintain Countryside Stewardship agreement
all
-
Deliver prescribed activities on schedule to comply with the existing Countryside Stewardship agreement.
Negotiate new Higher Level Stewardship agreement
all?
-
Negotiate a new HLS agreement using these prescriptions.
2011
Update Management Plan
all
-
Review the Management Plan and tweak prescriptions according to completed capital works and changes to management that monitoring indicates.
2019
Maintain tenancy
Maintain stakeholder consultation
-
Ensure continued close liaison with key partners and neighbours – Environment Agency, Waste Recycling Group, Natural England and Newton-le-Willows Wildfowlers particularly.
22
2010/11
all
*Definitions of Management Options - degrees of intervention or usage
The range of activities on the reserve could be divided into five broad categories:
A
B
C
D
E
Habitat management
Species management
Study and research
Education and interpretation
General access and recreation
Management options provide a broad guide for the operational management of the site, when
used as prescribed by the arguments developed in the Rationale (Section 2.4.1).
Within each category there are several options:
A Habitat management
A1
Non-intervention - natural response to be allowed to develop, accepting subsequent
development.
A2
Limited intervention - natural response to be allowed to develop, accepting
subsequent development, subject to specific conditions or limits.
A3
Active management - create and/or maintain a defined habitat.
B Species management
B1
Non-intervention - no management action is required.
B2
Control and reduction - management action needed to maintain or limit individual
populations.
B3
Encouragement and increase - action required to increase numbers of a species or
group of species.
B4
Re-introduction - re-introduction of a formerly occurring species.
B5
Introduction - establishment of a species not known to have occurred there formerly.
23
C Study and research
Most sites are suitable for some degree of study or research. Different options may apply to
different areas of complex or fragile sites. Facilities that can be provided include the
research provision of permits for work and help with research.
C1
No facilities - site unsuited to study - usually fragile or dangerous sites.
C2
Specialist facilities - provision only when study/research will benefit the management
of the site.
C3
Controlled facilities - for use by small numbers, when or where thought acceptable.
C4
Open facilities - any request to carry out study/research will be granted or encouraged.
D Education and interpretation
Educational groups often use sites. The level of provision of interpretative material varies
with the suitability of that site, or parts of that site, to withstand visitor pressure.
D1
Minimum publicity - not for educational use. Typically a fragile/unsafe site.
D2
Low-key publicity - no active encouragement of educational use, no provision of
interpretative material.
D3
Active publicity - site to be used for education. Locally publicised. Interpretative
materials such as booklets or displays to accompany nature trails.
D4
Special promotion - high profile site, with board displays, trails, educational packs,
visitor centre. Habitat management for demonstration purposes.
E General access and recreation
Access will often have to be controlled to aid management, but Rights of Way and established
use must be respected.
E1
Closed - no access. Not possible where Rights of Way exist.
E2
Restricted access - access for permit holders only or on Rights of Way. Used to
control sensitive areas or sites.
E3
Partially open access - permit required away from Rights of Way.
E4
Open access - no access permission required, but some restriction may be imposed
through byelaws.
24
STAGE 3 - PRESCRIPTIONS
Chapter 3.1 Projects
3.1.1 Project register and description
Specific ‘projects’ should be developed from the prescriptions listed in Table 4.
Chapter 3.2 Work schedule
3.2.1/2 Work programme/Annual Work Plan
This could be developed in outline for the 10 years of the plan period and in more detail for
each year, from projects arising from the final columns in Table 4, by the Reserve staff who
understand the constraints on (and opportunities presented by) the best use of available time,
manpower and mechanical skills.
The anticipated Higher Level Stewardship application and agreement is likely to have a
significant influence on the work programme over the next 10 years.
Chapter 3.3 Control
3.3.3 Plan review
There are several references in Table 4 to aspects of the site requiring survey or monitoring
work. A well-devised monitoring strategy will target survey effort so it will be very
importance to consider any trends indicated by that work when critically reviewing the
successes and failures of management activity during the preceding plan period.
When updating the plan for the next 10-year period, the prescriptions may need to be adjusted
if management is not achieving the desired objectives. In some cases, although the trend may
be in the right direction, the desired state may not be being achieved quickly enough,
indicating that the management regime should be modified. Unexpected ‘side-effects’ of
management should be identified to ensure that beneficial effects outweigh any undesirable
trends.
The sustainability of management work should also be assessed; a carefully prepared plan
review will be very helpful when attempting to secure funding or manpower to implement the
next 10-year phase. Conversely, if existing funding cannot be sustained or other constraints
become evident, then management priorities can be reassessed more easily.
In the hope of maintaining a longer-term perspective, a vision for the Reserve 25 years on is
presented in Stage 4 overleaf.
25
STAGE 4 - LONGER-TERM VISION - 25 YEARS ON

The landfill site has been completed and has a modified drainage system, which
involves a local relief solution to permit overflows from the upper end of TMD direct
to River Gowy.

The quality of the flora in Thornton Main Drain matches that currently only found in
ditches south of the M56 [photo 8].

Water levels have been successfully raised locally, with established, regionally
important reedbeds and associated raptors.

SSSI interest has been acknowledged and the site notified.

All overhead power cables have been buried, redirected or removed.

There are many other successful rewetting and flood relief schemes along the Gowy
floodplain. Flocks of birds range up and down, moving from site to site along the
wide wildlife corridor.

An appropriate visitor strategy has been devised and implemented. Visitor numbers
are significantly increased without appreciable increase in disturbance to wildlife.

The established, species-rich hay meadows are used as a source of ‘green hay’, which
is in constant demand for meadow restoration elsewhere.

There is an increased demand for the high quality meat produced on the Reserve. The
landholding becomes profitable without subsidies.

Shell UK was so impressed by the Trust’s successful management of the land that the
company agrees to sell or gift the land to CWT.
26