Critical evaluation of an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Module: 7LFS1037 – Ecology and Conservation
Evaluation of Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey (Extended Phase 1 report Swarkstone Quarry)
Name
Institution

Executive Summary
The extended phase 1 survey was conducted to determine different habitat sites including arable, bare ground ditches fences grassland and inundation vegetation, improved grasslands, standing water and broadleaved woodland. The ecological desk study was used to identify the species in the outlined habitats. The findings show that most of the habitats can support species. Each habitat has different characteristics that can support both faunal and floral species. The recommendation for the second survey should include removal of vegetation to allow birds to nest around the trees.
Introduction
Plant diversity is an essential part of the biosphere since it enhances the development of the environment. Food and fossil fuels are two essential products from plants that people survive with, and they are produced through the process of photosynthesis. Therefore, conservation of plants should be enhanced globally to reduced threats that result from habitat transformation and pollution. Swarkestone quarry is one of the areas with different ecological habitats. Evaluation of the dominant species and environmental factors surrounding them would play a key role in establishing conservation strategies at the site.
Site Description and Evaluation
The desk study was undertaken at the site to identify the presence of both protected and unprotected species.

The nature conservation sites were identified and species with a 1KM radius were studied and data recorded based on the ecological data records provided by statutory and non-statutory organizations. The comparison of different data records is crucial since it ensures that appropriate records are collected from the conservation sites (Vellend, 2016).
The survey based on phase 1 habitat survey shows that the nature conservation has been undertaken by both statutory and non-statutory conservation management. The desk study further identified non- statutory protection that occurred 1KM from the study area. For example, the desk study provided could provide records of regionally important geological site. (RIGS) through Derbyshire wildlife trust. Furthermore, the desk study identified a number of lakes and bonds within the area that was considered UK biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats. The table provides a summary of statutory and non-statutory sites.

The survey conducted on the quarry features habitats that protect different species of plants. Improved grassland vegetation and swamps have the potential of supporting different forms of the organism. The area is identified as an arable habitat with scattered trees. The identification is due to the previous and current activities of gravel extraction which the survey identifies that the remaining gravel workings would be conducted to the south-east if the site (Mieem, 2009).
Current Management
The current management is conducted by the city council (Vellend, 2016). It accesses the site and allows and contacts the contractor when maintenance is required. The habitats are regularly checked to ensure that the species are protected. The restoration plan that underway targets the Agricultural land that is on the north and east of the site. The wet grassland habitats are also under restoration process. It is crucial to restoring the site since it would improve growth of plants in the area and support other delicate species that rely entirely on water for survival (Biological Diversity, 2014).
Connectivity
The habitats are barely connected; however, a major connectivity is identified along the quarry. Such connection could be attributed to quarry activities. Therefore, different habitats could be accessed through the ecological study methods. The most important crucial areas regarding the study include the grassland and the standing waters (Biological Diversity, 2014). Most of the connectivity is attributed to the activities conducted at the quarry and the ongoing work at the quarry. The maps provided shows different ecological activities, they show different ecological site assessments.
Designation for the Neighboring areas
The 5km designation from the area provides a view of the grasslands and the neighboring woodlands. The north and the east sites mark different agricultural activities. Therefore, the natural habitats have been interfered with thus threatening the existence of the natural species.
Unprotected Species
The species include birds and most of the faunal species (Mieem, 2009). Scattered shrubs in the woodlands have been identified as unprotected since minimal maintenance was evidenced. The habitats near the ditches and standing water had most of its species unprotected.
The Potential of the Protected Species at the Site
The protected species are more likely to thrive and survive through different climatic conditions. The ecological data shows a minimal and constant number of species which include small water pepper Persicaria minor which had 2 records and locally scarce species which involved shining pondweed and common meadow with two and three records respectively(Biological Diversity, 2014). Therefore, their survival rates are enhanced through regular species assessments.
Evaluation of Methodology
The desk study was effective for use in Phase 1 habitat survey. It often provides detailed data when identifying both protected and unprotected species. It provides records of species based on recorded data by different organizations (Mieem, 2009). Establishing the relationship between different sources of information provides a guideline on how different species in the area have improved based on the nature of their habitats. However, this method may not provide relevant information regarding ecological situations that could have resulted in reduced records of species in the area.
Evaluation of the Habitats
According to IEEM guidelines the extensive phase1 habitat survey has provided relevant information regarding habitat survey. Description of different habitats has been outlined to provide relevant records based on the findings of the research. Through the method, both protected and unprotected species could be noted (Biological Diversity, 2014). The process enhanced updates on the available records regarding the number of habitats and species in the area (Taab, 2013).
Arable Fields
The habitats recorded during the survey involved the arable, bare grounds ditches fences, improved grassland vegetation woodlands. Quarry, scattered shrubs, and trees, standing water, among other habitats were also identified through the survey (Mieem, 2009). The arable fields have cereal crops that enhance the survival of other species such as Canola sp oilseed. The area provides a favorable site for the survival of other plants apart from the cereal that was being harvested during the site visit. However, the survival of different species of plants could be interfered by the maintenance of cereals that are often conducted to control the spread of pests and diseases (Squires, 2016). For instance, during the study, it was noticed that there was dieback of habitats in the neighboring margins due to the effects of overspray of herbicides of the cereal crops.
Bare Ground
The bare ground hardly supports species due to unfavorable conditions (Biological Diversity, 2014). However, the study evaluated different outcomes, and discovered species that existed in the area, for instance, creeping buttercup, Ranunculus repens is involved the perennial species that existed in the areas. Bare grounds exist in the area due to effects of trucks’ access to the Quarry. Furthermore, the ditches identified supported aquatic species since they were a dump, they existed as emergent vegetation. The areas around the fence could not provide any information regarding ecological aspects (Simon, 2016).
Improved Grasslands
The improved grasslands on the north and south-east corner are used for spilling the soil that was extracted from the quarry. The site shows a significant number of species, some of them were perennial rye-grass and creeping buttercup (Rubenstein & Wrangham, 2014). The cattle were feeding on the pasture. However, the continued human activities such as cattle grazing could enhance soil erosion which deteriorates the quality of soil; thus as the time progresses, the area could turn into a bare land with reduced species. Conservation of the area is crucial since it enhances survival of rare species and those threatened due to climatic changes and pollution from the quarry (Rieger, 2014).
Inundation Vegetation
Inundation vegetation has a sparse plant species since the existing lakes were created from the past gravel work that reduced the soil support to the plants (Mieem, 2009). The sand and gravel substrates evidenced in the lakes and banks around these areas lack adequate minerals to support vegetation and other species that rely on top water levels. On the contrary, the exposed gravel and sand substrates do not support the growth of plants, and water is essential for growth.
Woodland Plantation
The plantation woodland that was identified to the south of the survey site provided scenery that is well supported both by the trees and the species undergrowth. The spacing was adequate to provide other species on the ground access lighting and growth (Rubenstein & Wrangham, 2014). The fencing around the site is suitable since it reduces interference of human activities and grazing of the cattle. Other species identified include well-spaced hazel Corylus avellana was dominant in the woodlands.
Quarry
The quarry workings were observed to be active on the site. The area lacked vegetation, and this is due to the activities involved in the quarry that often removes the topsoil to access gravel that is found in the rocks. The ecological support of plants is interfered with not only due to lack of soil support but also pollution that results from the quarry machines which often produce smoke or gases that do not favor survival of plants or animals in the area (Riley, Et al., 2015).
Scattered Shrubs
The scattered shrubs and trees were found along the river banks and the hedge respectively. Hedgerow trees were dominant. The dominance of the scattered trees could have resulted from pollination from the plantation woodlands which often occur through the different influence of animals such as human beings or birds (Roberts, 2016). The scattered shrubs were mostly found along the lakes of the southern site of the survey. Dog rose Rosa canina is one of the dominant species that was located along River Trent ( English Nature). The lakes and rivers often can support the existence of shrubs due to the nature of lake soils and natural factors based on regeneration of indigenous shrub species (Ndubisi, 2014).
Semi-Improved Grasslands and Standing Water
The semi-improved grasslands involved the screening mounds on the north site boundary. Bent grass, couch grass, and knapweed were some of the species identified at the site. The species often survive in any environment (Keune, Et al., 2014). The area had support for plant growth. However, they have poorly managed thus the dense growth of different species of plants. Hawthorns and hedgerows dominated the area along the perimeters. The existence of such species was attributed to the replanting due to rabbit guards in the area and the historical laying of the hedges. The standing water was also identified due to spaces left after gravel extraction.
Fauna
The fauna species identified were minimal. Birds were identified in the area. The presence of fauna is often dependent on several factors such as the climatic conditions and effects of pollution (Morrison & Mathewson, 2015). The time of the survey directly determines the presence and the number of faunal species found in the area. Birds and wildlife animals often migrate when certain climatic conditions do not favor their living (Chen, 2015). Therefore, such factors could have directly affected the number of the recorded species.
Recommendation
The second survey should provide seek to provide an environment where the fauna can thrive. It may take reducing the vegetation to enhance habitation for the birds. Furthermore, bats can be attracted to the area by maintaining the trees especially the hedgerows.
Summary
The survey analyzed different habitats based on both dominant and rare species at the site of the survey. Desk study provided relevant information regarding different species in both the identified and non-identified habitats. The survey identified the dominant species at the grassland, woodlands, quarry, arable and standing water areas. The report on fauna was minimal due to climatic factors that affect their existence; however, birds and insects were identified to dominate the site.

References
Biological Diversity 81 (2014). Plant Conservation Report 2014:A review of progress towards the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 2011-2020
Chen, Y. (2015). Biodiversity and Biogeographic Patterns in Asia-Pacific Region I : Statistical Methods and Case Studies. Sharjah, U.A.E.: Bentham Science Publishers.
Devore, B. (2014). Habitat Loss : Causes, Impacts on Biodiversity and Reduction Strategies. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
English Nature (n.d). Dragonflies and Damselflies in your garden
Keune, H., Dendoncker, N., & Jacobs, S. (2014). Ecosystem Services: Global Issues, Local Practices. San Diego, CA: Elsevier.
Mieem B. Colin (2009). Swarkestone Quarry, Barrow upon Trent, Derbyshire: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Morrison, M. L., & Mathewson, H. A. (2015). Wildlife Habitat Conservation: Concepts, Challenges, and Solutions. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Ndubisi, F. (2014). The Ecological Design and Planning Reader. Washington, DC: Island Press.
Rieger, J. P. (2014). Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration. Washington, DC: Island Press.
Riley, S. D., Nanjappa, P., Andrews, K. M., & Wildlife, S. (2015). Roads and Ecological Infrastructure: Concepts and Applications for Small Animals. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Roberts, C. (2016). Pollinators and Pollinator Habitat on Federal Lands: Best Management Practices. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Rubenstein, D. I., & Wrangham, R. W. (2014). Ecological Aspects of Social Evolution: Birds and Mammals. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Simon, T. P. (2016). Geographic Distribution, Ecological Impact, and Conservation Strategies for North American Crayfish. Nova Science Publishers, Inc: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Squires, V. R. (2016). Ecological Restoration: Global Challenges, Social Aspects, and Environmental Benefits. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Taab, A. (2013). Weeds and Their Ecological Functions. Hauppauge, N.Y.: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Vellend, M. (2016). The Theory of Ecological Communities (MPB-57). Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Appendices
Swarkestone Habitat Photo

Swarkestone Habitat Map

Swarkestone, Derby DE73 7GR, UK

Phase-1-base map