Contact: Mr D. Burton (01980 620485)

1. Habitat Management

1.1 Scrub Management

The Scrub management work in 2004/2005 was less than last year due to cutbacks in English Nature funding. Work concentrated on clearing scrub that had invaded herb rich down land and some selective felling in broadleaved woodland. The use of a tractor mounted shape blade proved very effective in clearing young gorse invading herb rich grassland. A mechanical cut and collect machine was also used to clear dead gorse and short gorse re-growth. The work was used for two land management training events; an RSPB initiated scrub management workshop and a English Nature internal Health and Safety and Contractors training day.

1.2 Grassland Management

Two graziers ran three flock comprising 70 breeding ewes present throughout the year and two groups of 300 ewes/ewe lambs which were run on the down from autumn through to late winter. English Nature continued to run a flock of 100 plus Beulah sheep with 10 Welsh Blacks, and a separate flock/herd of 23 Hebridean sheep and 19 goats.

Tor grass control using glyphosate herbicide on small stands was carried out in localised areas of the reserve. A Hi tip and a smaller cut and collect machine were used to break the dominance of Tor grass in a couple of larger stands.

1.3 Restoration of chalk downland and native woodland in Vernditch

Forestry Commission staff responsible for the management of Vernditch have attended the RSPB scrub management training day and a workshop on managing deer and cattle in woodlands. I also met with the Forestry Commission to develop some common thinking over how the new agri-environment schemes might help support livestock grazing management to be restored to sites like the areas identified for restoration to chalk downland and scrub in Vernditch.

2. Species Management

2.1 Stone Curlews

There has been one record of a Stone Curlew visiting Martin Down this year. A few pairs of Lapwing bred around the ploughed/rotovated plots. A twenty hectare area of the Down around these plots is excluded from open access during the Stone Curlew breeding season after English Nature obtained a derogation from the Countryside Agency. We have put a small amount of staff time aside this year to explore the possibility of a honey-pot site for dogs to be exercised locally particularly during the bird breeding season.

2.2 Rabbits/Deer

Rabbit control efforts have been stepped up by ferreters.. Unfortunately rabbit numbers continue to be of concern, particularly on the Bokerley Dyke and Bronze Age Tumuli. One rabbit successfully unearthed human Bronze Age remains. A passing visitor picked up some bone fragments then contacted us and left them at Downs Farm. This led to a police enquiry and a visit by the Scenes of Crime Investigator who was also a trained archaeologist.

The new Deer Management Group in the Cranbourne Chase area has struggled to continue due to lack of participation by landowners. The Deer Initiative are reviewing the situation and deciding how best to proceed. Fallow deer continue to be culled in small numbers on the boundary of Kitts Grave within the doe season by a Forestry Commission Ranger and a grazier with common rights.

3. Study and Research (compiled by Linda Smith)

3.1 Butterflies

2004 season was a good year for dingy skipper and very good for small blue. Low numbers of small/Essex skipper and marbled white. Other species on transects within the normal range. Separate survey species: marsh fritillary 24 (good), silver-spotted skipper 24(good), Duke of Burgundy 4(poor but better than some years). 2005 Season so far looks set to be another good year for small blue and marsh fritillary. Only one record of Duke of Burgundy this year. First brood of Adonis blue has good numbers. Had site visits with Adrian Hoskins (Hants Marsh Fritillary Co-ordinator) and Ashley Whitlock (Hants Duke of Burgundy Co-ordinator) to look at habitat management for these species. Basically we are doing the best we can and following best practice within the reserve, which we will continue to do.

3.2 Moths

2005 season: Narrow-bordered bee hawkmoth has been seen. 15 larval webs of small eggar recorded. Moth trapping event on a cold night in May didn't turn up many species. Another is planned for July and will include daytime searches and the use of pheromone lures targeting clearwing moths in particular. A similar search last year found three species of clearwing moth.

3.3 Bees

2005 season: Bombus humilis and Bombus rupestris our uncommon bumblebees have been seen this season and the notable solitary bee Osmia bicolour, which makes a nest in empty snail shells, has been seen in good numbers. It can often be observed carrying pieces of dead grass, with which it covers the snail shell.

3.4 Birds

No stone-curlews have nested on the reserve again this year, but the plot prepared for them was used again by several pairs of lapwing. Good numbers of turtledove are present on the down and quail are heard regularly. Two nightingales have been heard singing in Kitts Grave and at least two nightjars on the south end of the reserve. Corn bunting have been recorded on the boundary of the reserve. Six pairs of grey partridge and three of red-legged were counted in the spring. There seem to be good numbers of skylarks and linnets, which are declining in the wider countryside.

3.5 Plants

A report has just been published by JNCC, which has an up-to-date assessment of the status of all the plants in Britain. We have four Endangered, three Vulnerable and five Near threatened species on the reserve and another three which are awaiting further study but are likely to be threatened. Of these field fleawort seems to be doing particularly well. Flowering burnt-tip orchid numbers were slightly down this year. Early gentian has been found in some areas where it is not often found. Fragrant orchids appear to be particularly numerous this year and we will be looking out for the dense-flowered variety, which voluntary wardens spotted last year and is now designated as a separate species.

4. Education and Interpretation

4.1 Guided walks and Community Events

The bimonthly sheet placed in the car parks now includes an eye-catching illustration produced by a work placement student. The community picnic has been postponed until late summer but members of the local community helped out with the construction of the head and tail of the earth-adder in the A354 car park. A moth trapping event and guided walks were all well attended. Unfortunately there was an incident involving a 4x4 being used to try to locate the geocache. Luckily the geocache operator was able to track down the offender. The earth-adder has generally been well received but some concerns have been raised about a perceived urbanising effect on the car park. An analysis of the thinking behind the interpretation and design of the A354 car park overhaul will be available at the Advisory Committee meeting.

4.2 Demonstration Days

The English Nature National Nature Reserve Conference has been postponed until Summer 2006 due to the on-going work to merge with the Rural Development Service and the Landscape Access and Recreation division of the Countryside Agency. No other demonstration days are planned at Martin Down this year.

5. General Access and Recreation

5.1 Reserve Signs

Most of the remaining old format sign boards at the NNR entrances have now been replaced with the new format boards. The traffic passing the car park entrance on the A354 continues to move and excessive speeds. We will be investigating whether further measures can be out in place to make the entrance safer.

5.2 Interpretative works

The earth-adder has taken shape in the A354 car park. The experimental nature of this art installation means that it will be really a case of suck it and see over the next few months. I have noticed a number of visitors studying the snake. Reactions to the earth-adder have varied: from "what a brilliant creation" (a visiting naturalist) to "I was just saying how the Bokerley Dyke looks like a snake as we walked down it, then we came across this....how clever" (passing ramblers) and "what a complete waste of money" (local dog walker).

The installation of the panels in one of the snake's coils and the removal of the excess signage around the car park should unify the whole and help reduce any perceived urbanising effect. There is a fine crop of ruderal species adorning the snake's body and the rest of the car park bunds, dominated by musk thistles and wild mignonette. These are a great source of nectar for butterflies and other insects and a seed source for birds later in the year. We plan to decorate the head of the Shepherd's crook in September with the help of local army units. Prior to this, we will gauge the feelings of visitors and local people to see whether this further work is likely to be well received.

6. Management Partnership

6.1 EN/HCC staff input on Martin Down

David Burton (Site Manager for South Wiltshire NNRs) is leaving on promotion to Senior Land Management Officer for English Nature. Robert Lloyd (Conservation Officer) will cover Site Manager work at Martin Down until the post is filled. Linda Smith (Assistant Site Manager), continues to be responsible for the day to day management of Martin Down.

Peter Durnell has lead responsibility for Hampshire County Council's management input on Martin Down.

Recommendation

That the report be noted

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excluded :

1. Published works.

2. documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE FILE

None

APPENDIX 1

Rationale and timetable behind car park renovation and interpretation at Martin Down NNR

Situation

In 2002 the condition of the entrance to the A354 car park coupled with the lack of signage on the road other than a single warning sign were the subject of an increasing number of complaints. A number of road traffic accidents close to the entrance of the car park had been reported. The car park was laid out on the foundations of army buildings and has a Byway Open to All Traffic running through it. Car break ins, joy riding and a suicide in the car park also indicated that visitors were feeling less than inspired when visiting the A354 car park.

On a brighter note the information panels at both car parks were still proving popular but deteriorating in condition. Leaflets were also in big demand.

Observations of visitors confirmed that a majority of people using the NNR were exercising their dogs, and most of these visitors abided by the request to keep dogs under strict control. There was however a small minority of dog walkers who were increasingly observed and reported allowing their dogs to run freely across the NNR.

Target

First impressions are extremely important. With this simple fact in mind I became increasingly convinced that work on renovating the A354 car park and improving interpretation should go higher up the list of our priorities. Open Access to downland in Wiltshire was due to come into effect in January 2005 and Martin Down could play an important role in the coming years to interpret downland wildlife and landscapes to visitors in a way that would encourage a greater respect for the Wessex downs. I set as our target to:

a) Improve safety to the A354 car park entrance through remedial works and on-road signage.

b) Anticipate the increased number of visitors attracted to the NNR through the provision of on-site signage by re-surfacing and re-aligning the car park boundaries.

c) Install effective interpretation that would inspire visitors to enjoy and care for the NNR.

Options

The three main options open to us were:

a) Accept the situation and confine work to remedial repair of the car park.

b) Install on road signage and leave the car park in its current state.

c) Install on road signage, re-surface and re-align the car park and renovate the interpretation around the car park.

Penalties and Pay-offs

Accept the situation and confine work to remedial repair of the car park.

This would be the cheapest solution and would meet our legal requirements. Visitors would probably stay at current levels. The car park might be viewed by a quiet haven by those in the know.

The car park entrance would remain an accident black spot. Visitors would be prone to the attentions of car thieves. First time visitors would be put off by the combination of dangerous entrance and undesirable activities. Visitors would be more likely to use the Sillens Lane car park with the attendant problems of access through Martin village and a long single-track lane.

Install on road signage and leave the car park in its current state.

This would help improve the safety of the car park entrance. Passing visitors would learn about the presence of the National Nature Reserve. More visitors might deter car thieves.

Increased traffic would mean increased problems with potholes. Visitors would continue to trample the herb rich grassland on either side of the car park. On wet days cars might skid on the muddy uneven surface of the car park leading to accidents. First impressions for a broader range of visitors might not be good without the provision of interpretation. The majority of new visitors using the car park might view the NNR principally as a dog exercising area.

Install on road signage, re-surface and re-align the car park and renovate the interpretation around the car park.

This would improve safety of the car park entrance. New visitors to the reserve would be given a clear impression that they were about to enter a very special place. The re-alignment and re-surfacing of the car park would enable more cars to occupy a smaller area of the NNR.

The most expensive option financially. Current visitors to the NNR might feel their privacy had been invaded. Negative feelings of urbanisation of the car park area might surface. Interpretative signs and leaflets could miss visitors coming to exercise their dogs.

Planning

Time-table

On road signage and remedial works installed in 2003.

Funds secured from retained income at Parsonage Down NNR in March 2004. G. Farwell commissioned to renovate and re-align car park. Bund formed from on-site material.

On-site interpretation developed 2004 to present with funds from Hampshire County Council Capital Works Programme and income from filming revenues.

Panels in both car parks are to be installed by September. Earth Adder and Crook completed by early spring 2006. New leaflet and self guide trail completed by September 2006.

SO WHY AN EARTH ADDER?

The earth adder is designed to provoke a reaction in every visitor. There is much evidence that interpretative panels are only read by those with an interest in the NNR other than a dog walking area. Similar eco art installations to the earth adder have worked in this country and abroad in encouraging people to read interpretation material and view natural areas in a different light. The earth adder has generated much local debate and is drawing people to the NNR. Once there they will discover real adders, butterflies, larks, hares and orchids. For this I make no apology !