As the Chair of Natural Devon

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Data limitations: Upland BAP habitats are significantly under-represented by CWS designation. This has been due to lack of resource allocated for survey, coupled with a perceived low level of threat.

Issues

Grazing (at the appropriate level with appropriate stock) is the main management issue for grassland and heathland sites.

Illegal / inappropriate burning is also an issue for heathlands.

Damage from the Heather beetle, a native and widespread species across Britain’s uplands. This is a contributing factor in driving the change from heather to grass dominated moorland.

Successes

In 2008 Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust commenced a three year Loving our Limestone Project¹to restore and enhance Torbay’s limestone grasslands through clearance of scrub and non native species.

In 2005 Clinton Devon Estates set up the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trustto aid management of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths in liaison with the RSPB, DWT and other key stakeholders.

Over the last ten years the FC has been restoring heathland on Haldon through the Haldon Heathland grazing project².

HLS agreements have helped to bring sites back into favourable management.

Other successes are listed in Section 3.4 on Wetlands.

3.6 OTHER FARMLAND HABITATS

Broad habitat type	UK BAP priority habitats identified as key habitats in Devon (Devon BAP, 1998)
Arable and horticulture	Arable field margins
Boundary and linear features	Hedgerows

Arable field margins are herbaceous strips around arable fields, which are managed for wildlife. Cultivated low input margins provide habitat for rare annual arable plants and South Devon is nationally important for rare arable plants such as lesser snapdragon, cornflower and field woundwort. Other margins may be sown with cereals or small seeded broad leaved plants to provide over winter seed for birds; sown with wild flowers or legumes to provide pollen and nectar for invertebrates; or managed as permanent grassland.

Hedgerows are defined as any boundary line of trees or shrubs over 20m long and less than 5m wide, where any gaps between the trees or shrub species are less that 20m wide. All hedgerows consisting predominantly (i.e. 80% or more cover) of at least one woody UK native species are covered by this priority habitat. The characteristic ‘Devon hedge’ consists of an earth bank faced with stone or turf, with shrubs on the top.
Devon’s hedge network is estimated to be 53,000kms long and is of national and international importance. The network is the most intact and the longest in Great Britain, and unequalled across Europe, with the possible exception of parts of the Republic of Ireland. Devon’s hedges and associated habitats form a continuous wildlife habitat across the county, which is of huge value to wildlife, supporting priority species such as bastard balm, cirl bunting, hazel dormouse, horseshoe bats and brown hairstreak.

Hedgerows

Area
It is estimated that the majority of Devon’s 53,000 kms of hedges can be classed as priority habitat. 53,000 kms of hedge has been calculated to equate to around 10,000 hectares of woodland edge habitat.

Condition
There is little information on the condition of Devon’s hedges. However, between 2007 and 2009 Devon FWAG and Exmoor National Park carried out random sample surveys of 10 parishes in Devon, collecting information on 1,308 hedges¹. Only 38% of hedges were found to be in favourable condition for wildlife, most failing because the shrub layer was either too short or excessively gappy at the base. 71% of banks were in good condition.

Issues

Shrub and tree management. Traditionally Devon’s hedges were rejuventated through laying or coppicing. Currently most hedges are either cut short every year or are neglected altogether, reducing their wildlife value and leading to eventual loss of the hedge. It is estimated that in Devon only 1% of hedges are rejuvenated each year, far less than the 2.5% thought necessary to sustain our hedges.

Hedgerow trees are gradually being lost, a situation which will be exacerbated by ash die back (ash makes up ~ 16% of Devon’s hedgerow shrubs). Dutch elm??

Bank management. Banks are subject to erosion and damage and require maintenance to retain hedges in favourable condition. Prolonged periods of wet weather, likely to become more frequent with climate change, can lead to slumping, while large farm and other vehicles are causing increasing damage to lane-side banks.

Margins. Intensive cutting and grazing regimes have led to the loss of flower-rich and tussocky margins, important for wildlife.

Reduced funding within agri-environment schemes. Since peak expenditure in 2004 funding available for hedge laying and coppicing through agri-environment schemes has fallen by 90% (Natural England data). Although uptake of hedge options within Entry Level Stewardship has been high, these largely promote changes in hedge cutting practices, rather than rejuvenation through laying or coppicing.

Successes

Agri-environment schemes have helped to fund the rejuvenation of Devon’s hedges over the last two decades. Many grubbed-out or badly eroded banked hedges have been reinstated through these schemes. Entry Level Stewardship has also been successful in encouraging farmers not to cut their hedges every year.

Devon Hedge Group. Due to celebrate its 20^th year in 2014, this group has been successful in promoting the huge value of Devon’s hedges.

Skills. A number of organisations, in particular the Blackdown Hills Hedge Association and Devon Rural Skills Trust, have increased the number of skilled hedge managers in the county.

Wood fuel. Recent research has confirmed that Devon hedges can be managed sustainably to produce a firewood crop in a practical and highly cost-effective manner. This offers a way to increase the number of hedges that are managed sustainably, while producing green energy.

Green Veins and Lanes project (2010-2012). This successful multi-partner Devon Hedge Group project helped raise awareness and understanding of Devon’s hedges.

4. SPECIES

There are currently 1,150 UK priority species¹ which have been identified as a priority for conservation action. In 1998 the Devon BAP identified 272 species as ‘key’ to Devon². 118 of these are on the current UK priority species list.
Each section below includes the following information for mammals, birds, reptiles & amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and plants & fungi:

A list of the key species identified in the 1998 Devon BAP

A status assessment of the species which had a Species Action Plan in the 1998 Devon BAP (see Appendix 4).

Headline information on other priority species (and a few non priority species) where this was readily available.

Note that the lists of key species for Devon will be updated in 2014 to take account of the 2007 changes to the UK priority species list. This will be done through discussion with relevant experts.

4.1 MAMMALS
Key species identified for conservation in Devon (Devon BAP, 1998)
Dormouse, greater horseshoe bat, lesser horseshoe bat, barbastelle bat, Bechstein’s bat

natterer’s bat, brown hare, otter, water vole, harbour porpoise, bottle-nosed dolphin, common dolphin, long-finned pilot whale, grey seal, red deer*.

Bold = current UK priority species * - selected as characteristic of Devon or of popular appeal

Devon Species Action Plans were produced for the following species:
Dormouse

Data	Moderate but increasing. Over 40 sites are being monitored as part of the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme run by PTES. Many have only recently been established but they will allow us to detect trends in the future.
Context	Over the last 100 years dormice have become extinct in seven counties in the northern part of their range and populations have declined elsewhere, particularly in the north. This is believed to be due to changes in woodland management (cessation of coppicing) and loss and fragmentation of woodland, probably exacerbated by a decline in the number and quality of hedgerows. There is evidence that weather has significant impacts on dormouse population dynamics with the UK’s Atlantic climate being less favourable than the continental climate. However, the impact of climate change cannot yet be assessed. Dormice are widespread in suitable habitat south of the Thames, where they are present in the majority of 10km squares.
Range	Favourable. Dormice have been recorded from the majority 10km squares across Devon. Squares / part squares with no records occur south of Lynton, between Ilfracombe and Bideford, the South Hams coast and SW Dartmoor. The NBN records show that they are scattered throughout the county with concentrations around the edge of Dartmoor and in East Devon. This pattern is very likely to be due to under-recording in most areas.
Population	Unknown.
Habitat	Favourable – but with scope for improvement. It is widely believed that dormice require continuous, less intensively cut hedges and deciduous woodland; especially coppice woodland with areas of secondary growth and a vigorous shrub layer with a variety of species to provide food through the active season (Bright, Morris & Mitchell-Jones, 2006). However in recent years dormice populations have been shown to live in a much wider range of habitats and conditions including habitats which are no species rich or structurally diverse. However management of woodland to increase structural complexity and species diversity would benefit dormice, as would management of hedges on a longer rotation and to maintaining a greater cross sectional area. Habitat connectivity is important and roadside trees and shrubs, along with hedges, must be maintained.
Future prospects	Favourable / unknown? Provided there are no significant detrimental changes in the management of woods and hedges or changes in climate. Improved management of hedges and road side wooded habitats would be beneficial (see above). Dormice are undoubtedly affected by climate but possible impacts of climate change are unknown. Development continue to fragment habitat and increase disturbance. The impacts on dormice populations are not known.
Overall Devon status	Favourable??
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Bad and deteriorating

Otter

Data	Good. Provided by DBRC’s Operation Otter Project and the fifth National Otter survey (2009-2010), run by the Environment Agency (EA, 2010)¹
Context	Otters came close to extinction in England in the 1950s, the main reason being the use of agricultural pesticides. The population has slowly recovered since stricter control of these pesticides. Devon is recognised as having an internationally important otter population that has recovered naturally from wild otters surviving the decades of decline.
Range / Population	Favourable. Survey data shows that good populations of otters are found on all river catchments in Devon. Likely that all Devon’s rivers are at or near carrying capacity for otters, other than in East Devon where the population continues to increase (otters present at about 70% of sites during the last survey).
Habitat	Favourable.
Future prospects	Favourable.
Overall Devon status	Favourable
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Favourable

Water vole

Data	Good.
Context	The national water vole population declined sharply in the second half of the twentieth century due largely to loss and fragmentation of habitat leading to isolation of populations which are then vulnerable to extinction, especially through predation by the introduced American mink. Water voles were once widespread across Devon with recorded populations on the Exe, Tavy, Dart and Grand Western Canal. The Victoria County History of Devon (1906) stated that they were ‘common everywhere’ and pre and post WW2 generations report having seen water voles as common animals in rivers and other watercourses. This changed rapidly once mink had established themselves on many rivers in the 1960s. Other than occasional records up until 2002, they were largely extinct by the second National Water Vole survey (1996-1998).
Range / population	Unfavourable bad. The River Axe Water Vole Recovery Project was set up in June 2006 and this was followed by the Devon Water Vole Recovery Project which ran from 2008 – 2011. The aims were to, ‘encourage natural re-colonisation of water voles from existing populations in Dorset and Somerset and to undertake a comprehensive mink control programme on the Axe, Otter, Lim and Sid as part of a ‘cordon sanitaire’ across the head of the South West peninsula. Reintroductions were carried out in 2009 and 2010 on the Axe, Coly tributaries and the Tale. The Tale Valley Trust had previously reintroduced water voles on the Tale in 2004 and 2006. In late 2012 there were water vole populations on the Tale and lower Axe.
Habitat	Unfavourable inadequate. Water voles thrive where there is a continuity of un-shaded and un-grazed bankside with tall emergent marginal plants, good aquatic vegetation and occasional ‘step banks’ that allow tunnelling and give protection from predators and flooding. Much habitat is ‘improving’ due to riverside fencing undertaken through Catchment Sensitive Farming projects and the Devon Water Vole Recovery project. However, mink control needs to be ongoing in order for water vole populations to recover.
Future prospects	Unfavourable bad. The future of the reintroduced populations and their expansion by natural re-colonisation is dependent on continued control of mink. This is currently coordinated by East Devon District Council and Tale Valley Trust. A strategic approach to habitat improvement is required to provide the ‘stepping stones’ for wider colonisation of new sub-catchments.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable bad
UK status (BARS, 2008)	Fluctuating, probably increasing

Brown hare

Data	Poor. No survey carried out in Devon.
Context	Concerns in the 1960s and 70s about the status of the population and impact of agricultural intensification and a decline in mixed cropping. Brown hares are now more common in the east of England where farming is predominantly arable.
Range / Population	Unknown
Habitat	Favourable? Prefer a mix of arable, grassland and woodland and can also be found commonly on extensive tracts of semi natural grassland e.g. The Culm.
Future prospects	Unknown
Overall Devon status	Unknown
UK status (BARS, 2008)	Increasing

Greater horseshoe bat

Data	Moderate. Data on national trends is collated by the Bat Conservation Trust through colony counts and hibernation surveys (both carried out since 1997). This monitoring includes 11 summer roosts and 33 hibernation sites in Devon with varying numbers of bats present. Further statistical analysis would be needed to assess the potential for producing statistically robust trends for this species in Devon. Additional data coming into the monitoring programme would improve our assessments of populations both at the national and local level. NE also undertake condition assessments of SSSIs designated for greater horseshoe bat.
Context	In the UK greater horseshoe bats are confined to South West England and South Wales. Devon represents an international stronghold. Nationally the population of greater horseshoe bat is thought to have declined by 99% during the 20^th century. The national colony counts show a significant upward trend but this result should be treated with caution. The national hibernation counts show a stable trend but this is based on a small sample size. The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project ran from 1998 – 2003 and worked with land managers to improve habitat.
Range	Favourable? Maternity and hibernation roosts occur in East Devon, South Devon and North Devon. Known roosts in these areas have been continually used since monitoring began and the range of greater horseshoe bats across the county appears therefore to be at least stable.
Population	Unfavourable inadequate - improving? Monitoring of maternity roosts indicates a population increase in these roosts of 58% between 1995 and 2004 and of 17% between 2005 and 2010, with 75% of this increase occurring in roosts managed by the Vincent Wildlife Trust. We do not know however if this is a reliable measure of wider population increase.
Habitat	Unknown. Greater horseshoe bats require a mix of permanent, grazed grassland and woodland linked by woodland edge / or hedges to suitable roosts. Whilst these habitats are widespread in Devon no assessment has been made as to their quality and spatial distribution in relation to known (or potential) roosts.
Future prospects	Favourable? Key roosts are protected via SSSI and/or SAC designation. There is however considerable development pressure around a number of key roosts. In 2010 NE produced planning guidance for the South Devon SAC (designated in part for greater horseshoe bat) which aims to protect key foraging areas and flight lines from development. NE has produced internal guidance to facilitate the prioritisation of HLS targeting of key greater horseshoe bat habitat. Since 2009 East Devon AONB has been running a greater horseshoe project around Beer Caves SAC. Radio tracking and public awareness campaigns have been carried out to find new roosts and improve knowledge of how bats use the landscape. A Devon wide project for greater horseshoe conservation is currently being developed by a number of organisations led by East Devon AONB and Devon Wildlife Trust.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable Inadequate but improving?
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable Inadequate but improving

4.2 BIRDS
Key species identified for conservation in Devon (Devon BAP, 1998)
Woodland - willow tit
Coast and marine - puffin, guillemot, peregrine, black throated diver (winter), red-throated diver (winter), great northern diver (winter), slavonian grebe (winter), gannet, razorbill, dark bellied brent goose, wigeon, avocet, little egret, grey plover, lapwing, redshank, curlew, black-tailed godwit, oystercatcher, snipe, shoveler, sanderling, turnstone
Rivers and Standing open water, reedbeds - bittern, cetti’s warbler, reed warbler, sedge warbler, reed bunting, dipper
Wetlands - curlew, snipe, dunlin, golden plover, lapwing
Grassland and heathland – golden plover, nightjar, Dartford warbler, red grouse, hen harrier (wintering), whinchat, wheatear, skylark, ring ouzel, merlin, stonechat*
Hedges / farmland - cirl bunting, linnet, song thrush, reed bunting, barn owl, skylark, grey partridge, woodlark, bullfinch, buzzard*
Bold = current UK priority species. Green, amber, red = increasing level of conservation concern (BoCC, 2009) * - selected as characteristic of Devon or of popular appeal
There are now a number of amber and red listed species missing from this list. These include belearic shearwater and aquatic warbler (both on the IUCN global red list), redstart, pied flycatcher, spotted flycatcher, wood warbler, manx shearwater, kittiwake, and herring gull. The list will be updated in liaison with the RSPB.
Devon Species Action Plans were produced for the following species:
Barn Owl

Data	Good. Devon Barn Owl Survey Report, 2003² (Barn Owl Trust and Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society). 2013 survey report due in 2014.
Context	Like many farmland birds, the barn owl underwent a major decline during the 20^th century primarily due to agricultural intensification.
Range	Favourable (stable since 1998). The 2003 survey showed that barn owls remain widely distributed other than in the upland areas of Devon. Barn owl are also scarce in some lowland areas, particularly between Dartmoor and the Tamar, Teignbridge, much of East Devon, and along the major road networks due to road mortality.
Population	Favourable (increased since 1993). The 2003 Devon survey estimated the population to be at between 350 and 470 pairs, a 37% increase since the 1993 survey.
Habitat	Unfavourable inadequate (see future prospects) Barn owl require rough, tussocky grassland with a litter layer and high density of field voles for foraging and suitable roosting and nesting sites. Barn owl habitat has increased slightly in Devon due to agri-environment support and the work of NGOs such as the Barn Owl Trust, DWT and FWAG.
Future prospects	Unfavourable inadequate. Although barn owl populations have almost certainly increased, their numbers are significantly less than historical levels as most farmland still lacks areas of prey-rich habitat. Many of the benefits from the conservation measures implemented (such as advice on habitat and rodenticide use) may be short-lived. Factors such as agricultural policy, support for agri-environment schemes, support for the Barn Owl Trust (and other conservation organisations), transport/road policy, and Local Authority planning policies will strongly influence the barn owl population in the future. The latest (2010) Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme results show that 91% of Barn Owls contain anticoagulant rodenticides, the effects of which are unknown. Currently ~ 30% of all fledged young are killed on trunk roads. [⁶⁰]
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable inadequate
UK status (BoCC, 2008)	Amber

Cirl bunting

Data	Good. RSPB survey.
Context	The British cirl bunting population is principally found in south Devon, (although there are sporadic records from Rame and the Lizard in Cornwall, a small population in East Devon and an increasing population in south Cornwall due to a re-introduction programme). The cirl bunting has been the focus of considerable conservation efforts. The RSPB cirl bunting project³ has been working with farmers for the last 24 years. The project provides advice and encourages farmers to establish and manage suitable habitat for cirls and other wildlife, largely through agri-environment schemes.
Range	Unfavourable inadequate but improving. Despite the increasing population the range of cirl buntings has, due to their sedentary nature, undergone only a limited expansion and the species therefore remains vulnerable. Releases in Cornwall only finished in 2011 and it won’t be until 2015 that we will know whether there is a geographically separate, self-sustaining population. It is hoped that the recently colonised East Devon population will continue to expand.
Population	Unfavourable inadequate but improving. In 1989, when the project started, the population was 118 territories. By 2009, the last national survey, the population has increased to 862 territories. The highest concentrations are found around the Kingsbridge, Dart and Teign Estuaries. There have been localised declines in population e.g. between the Yealm and Avon. The population north of the river Teign is particularly fragmented and threatened by built development. The reliance on agri-environment schemes means that any changes in funding can have a large impact.
Habitat	Unfavourable inadequate. Weedy winter stubbles/spring cereals, low intensity grasslands and appropriately managed hedges have increased through the RSPB, and others, encouraging farmers into agri-environment schemes. Cirl bunting conservation is likely to be dependent on targeted agri-environment support rather than sustainable market driven farming practices and the future of agri-environment is uncertain.
Future prospects	Unfavourable inadequate. The cirl bunting project has been one of the great conservation success stories in recent years and the project will continue. It is likely that some historic cirl bunting areas around coastal settlements will be developed but there is potential to compensate for these losses through the creation of strategically placed reserves. However changes in agricultural policy, support for agri-environment schemes, and support for wildlife projects will have an impact on the population. This will require more creative ways of using limited resources.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable inadequate
UK status	Increasing (BARS, 2008) Red (BoCC, 2009)

Nightjar

Data	Good. Last full survey carried out in 2005, many sites monitored annually
Context	An uncommon and local summer visitor and passage migrant in Devon.
Range / population	Favourable. Devon’s breeding population is concentrated on Dartmoor, Haldon and East Devon Commons and is believed to have increased since 1992. In 1992, 230 ‘churring’ males were recorded at 41 sites. In 2004⁴ 364 ‘churring’ males were recorded from 123 sites, an apparent increase of 58% (note a possible slight increase in survey effort in 2004). Since this survey regular annual monitoring of a sample of breeding sites indicates a stable population.
Habitat	Favourable. The main reason for the increase has been due to the clear felling of mature conifer plantations on Dartmoor resulting in bare ground which, provides suitable nesting habitats for nightjar provided that Forest Design Plans meet their needs.
Future prospects	Favourable The Forestry Commission’s long term felling plans may provide future nesting sites, especially on Dartmoor and Greater Haldon (again provided that Forest Design Plans meet their needs). The ongoing management of lowland heathland sites also sustains a more localised population, especially on Dartmoor and Greater Haldon.
Overall Devon status	Favourable
UK status	Increasing (BARS, 2008) Red (BoCC, 2009)

Breeding curlew

Data	Good. Upland surveys on Dartmoor (Wader Project) + annual monitoring of known breeding sites by Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society volunteers.
Context	Devon’s curlew population dropped from over 200 pairs in the 1980s to around 30 in the mid 1990s due to loss and fragmentation of habitat.
Range	Unfavourable bad.
Population	Unfavourable bad. The breeding population is now thought to be fewer than 5 – 8 pairs.
Habitat	Unfavourable bad Undergrazing has affected past breeding sites on central Dartmoor and is still an issue. Currently, with populations at such a low level, predation of eggs and chicks is having a serious impact, with only four young curlews known to have successfully fledged in the last nine years. Disturbance at breeding sites is also an issue.
Future prospects	Unfavourable bad. The ‘Operation Wader’ initiative on Dartmoor was set up in 2004 and is working to improve habitat and reduce predator impacts. Predator control is very difficult on commons but some targeted crow control has been implemented resulting in annual hatching of eggs. Loss of chicks to predation is now identified as the main problem to fledging success. Further intervention to improve fledging success is ongoing on known breeding sites on Dartmoor. Annual monitoring is ongoing.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable bad
UK status (BoCC, 2009)	Amber

Other species
Upland birds.

The moors of Dartmoor and Exmoor are important strongholds for many bird species and hold nationally important numbers of meadow pipit, whinchat, stonechat, wheatear, Dartford warbler, nightjar and possibly cuckoo and grasshopper warbler. Dartmoor holds all of Southern England’s breeding red grouse, dunlin and ring ouzel as well as the largest breeding concentration of snipe left in Southern England and significant numbers of skylark. Red-backed shrike are also now found breeding on Dartmoor. Exmoor represents the only regular breeding site for merlin in South West England.

Appropriate grazing regimes are essential in order to provide and maintain the range of habitats needed to support diverse moorland bird communities. Some breeding species such as Dartford warbler and stonechat are showing signs of ‘moving up the hill’ in line with predictions about climate change. At the same time, birds of higher altitudes such as ring ouzel are declining. We can increasingly expect to see climate change impacts affecting the bird populations of our uplands but by providing the best possible habitat conditions we can minimise such impacts.
Dartmoor. Results are based on moorland surveys carried out in 1979 & 2006-8 (other than nightjar surveys⁴). Arrows below indicate population trend since 1979.
↑ - whinchat, nightjar, grey wagtail, redstart, stonechat, grasshopper warbler, Dartford warbler (although last two cold winters knocked numbers), reed bunting.
↔ - dunlin, red grouse, skylark, snipe (one of the largest breeding populations in southern England), cuckoo.
↓ - meadow pipit (1992 –2006), wheatear, ring ouzel, golden plover (no records from breeding areas since 2008), lapwing, curlew.

Exmoor. Results based on moorland surveys carried out in 1992/3 & 2008 (other than nightjar⁴ and Dartford warbler⁵) and include areas within both Devon and Somerset. Arrows indicate general population trend between these surveys.
↑ - stonechat, linnet, grey wagtail, nightjar, grasshopper warbler, Dartford warbler, lesser redpoll, reed bunting.
↔ - cuckoo, snipe, whitethroat, yellowhammer.
↓ - red grouse (extinct), lapwing (extinct), ring ouzel (extinct), skylark, tree pipit, meadow pipit, whinchat, merlin, curlew, redstart, wheatear.

Seabirds

Seabirds breed along much of Devon’s coastline, with two sites standing out as being of particular significance.
Lundy. Of the 26 seabird species that nest regularly in Britain and Ireland a total of 10 breed regularly on Lundy. Manx shearwater, guillemots and razorbills occur in numbers of regional significance.
Seabird numbers on Lundy are known to have fallen significantly since 1939 with much of the decline taking place in the 1940s. Predation by rats was one of the main reasons for decline in burrow nesting birds such as Manx shearwater and puffin. The Lundy Seabird Recovery Project (a partnership between English Nature, RSPB, National Trust and Landmark Trust) was established to increase the numbers and breeding success of birds and in the winter of 2003/2004 achieved the eradication of rats from the island. Various seabird surveys have been undertaken since 1939, including a census in 2000 (Seabird 2000) and subsequent censuses in 2004 and 2008. The next census will be undertaken in 2013. One of the key issues is now the identification and appropriate protection of key foraging areas. The designation of MCZs will be of great benefit to the seabird population, see coast and marine section. (Brown et al, 2011)⁶

Current trend (in the context of largely dramatic declines during the 20^th century and numbers remaining low)

↑ Manx shearwater. In 2004 fledglings were recorded for the first time in 40 years following the eradication of rats. The 2008 survey found an increase in breeding numbers of 250% since 2001.

Razorbills. Numbers continued to fall to a low in 1986 but have since begun to steadily increase. This may be due to rat eradication and improved food availability.
Guillemots. Population appears to have stabilized since the 1970, with an increase between 2004 and 2008.
Puffin. The decline mirrors similar losses elsewhere in the south of its range (declined from 3,500 pairs in 1939 to single figures in 2004. Since the eradication of rats there has been a slight recovery in numbers.
↓ Kittiwake. A continual dramatic decline since 1939, which is thought to be due to, reduced prey availability.

Berry Head. Supports the most important mainland breeding colony of guillemots in south west

England, with around 900 birds occupying the cliffs each year. There are concerns about disturbance at this

colony which is protected by a local bylaw called a ‘Area of Special Protection’ (ASP). The Torbay Coast

and Countryside Trust and RSPB are developing a monitoring project to better understand the issues,

review the management of the ASP and as necessary, strengthen the level of protection for the guillemots.

Woodland birds

Devon is an important stronghold for many priority woodland bird species, in particular the upland oak woodland assemblage of redstart, pied flycatcher and wood warbler. The county also supports potentially important populations of willow tits and lesser spotted woodpeckers, both of which have experienced serious declines nationally in recent decades.

The national Repeat Woodland Bird Survey compared numbers from the mid 1980s to 2003/4⁷. Trends are available at the local level for Devon and Somerset combined. Results show:
↑ Spotted flycatchers - a 400% increase (this species is declining nationally)
↓ Willow warbler – a 68% decrease

Wood warbler – a 63% decrease (the decline of both warblers is in line with national trends).

In response to declines in many woodland birds and other woodland taxa such as bats and butterflies, a partnership of organisations, the South West Woodland Wildlife Initiative, has begun discussions over potential recovery actions including targeted species management advice for woodland owners. The Initiative includes RSPB, NE, FC, BCT, BC, Plantlife, Woodland Trust and Protected Landscapes.

4.3 REPTILES and AMPHIBIANS
Key species identified for conservation in Devon (Devon BAP, 1998)
Sand lizard, great crested newt
Bold = current UK priority species

Other UK priority species which occur in Devon (but not listed as ‘key’ in 1998) are: adder, grass snake, smooth snake, slow worm, common lizard, common toad and leatherback turtle.

There are no relevant Species Action Plans in the Devon BAP.
Great Crested Newt

Data	Poor. Data obtained from surveys carried out for planning applications (but only when sent to DBRC) as well as survey and awareness raising undertaken by Devon Reptile and Amphibian Group across Devon in 2011 in order to find new records.[²⁵]
Context	Great crested newts are on the edge of their UK range in Devon and a significant proportion of the county’s geology (acid granite) provides unsuitable habitat. There is no evidence that they have ever been widespread in Devon.
Range	Favourable? Great crested newts are not widespread in Devon and are known to occur in the Bovey Basin, Torbay and East Devon areas. New records obtained from the 2011 project were largely in these areas, indicating that their range is stable. As stated above there is no evidence that they have ever been more widespread in Devon. However new populations are still being found and they are likely to be more widespread than current records show.
Population	Unknown. The 2011 survey was largely focused on finding new sites. There is therefore little information on the overall population.
Habitat	Unknown. Prefers shallow edged ponds for breeding, with abundant vegetation and no fish, connected to terrestrial habitat (rough grassland, woodland, scrub) for foraging, shelter and hibernation. Loss and degradation of ponds is an issue.
Future prospects	Unfavourable inadequate. Great crested newts are protected from development through European legislation (Devon guidance was produced in 2012). However, continuing threats include loss of, or deterioration of, ponds (e.g. pollution, siltation, shading), loss of adjacent terrestrial habitat or links to this habitat, and populations becoming (or remaining) isolated. As they are likely to be more widespread than current records show there is a risk of undetected populations being destroyed or harmed through development and other activities.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable inadequate.
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable inadequate.

Sand lizard

Data	Good. The Dawlish population is being monitored.
Context	Nationally the population has declined dramatically since the 1950s and it became extinct in Devon.
Range / population	Unfavourable inadequate Over the last ten years the sand lizard has been introduced to two sand dune systems in Devon and although the populations are thought to be doing well they are not large enough to ensure long term viability of the species in Devon.
Habitat	Unfavourable inadequate. This species occurs in lowland heathland and sand dune habitats.
Future prospects	Unfavourable bad. The long term persistence of this species is highly dependent on further introductions
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable inadequate
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable inadequate but improving.

Other priority species:
The smooth snake is a lowland heath specialist and became extinct in Devon in the 1950s due to the loss and degradation of heathland sites. After 20 years of work to restore heathlands in East Devon as part of the National Heathland Restoration Programme, a reintroduction programme for the smooth snake was initiated on an RSPB reserve using snakes from Dorset. It is too early to know the success of this project.

Adder, grass snake, slow worm, common lizard and common toad are all widespread in Devon and the Devon Reptile and Amphibian Group advises that they appear to be doing well due to the wide variety of habitats present across the county. Adder and common toad are thought to be declining at a national level but there is currently no evidence of this in Devon. Grass snakes are widely recorded in Plymouth and Exeter and may be becoming more reliant on garden ponds due to the loss of ponds from the wider countryside.

4.4 FISH

Key species identified for conservation in Devon (Devon BAP, 1998)
Atlantic salmon, brown trout, Allis shad, Twaite shad, sea lamprey, sea bass, common goby, red band fish, Stephen’s goby, giant goby, basking shark
Bold = current UK priority species

A Devon Species Action Plan has been produced for Atlantic salmon:
Atlantic salmon

Data	Moderate. Annual reports on the state of salmon stocks in England and Wales have been published for the past fifteen years by CEFAS and the EA, as required by ICES and NASCO (CEFAS / EA, 2012). These reports include information on the stock conservation limits for principal salmon rivers. Conservation Limits indicate the minimum spawning stock levels below which stocks should not be allowed to fall. Data is secured through catch information and traps / counters where these are present. The only river in Devon with a fish counter is the Tamar. The ‘management objective’ for salmon stocks is that they should meet or exceed their Conservation Limit in at least four years out of five. Assessment is based on the probability of the river meeting the management objective. Not at risk > 95% Probably not at risk 50 – 95% Probably at risk 5 – 50% At risk < 5%
Context	The Atlantic salmon is a key indictor species, being dependent on very high water quality. There are thirteen salmon rivers in Devon (a significant proportion of the salmon rivers in southern England), the Exe, Teign, Dart, Avon, Erme, Plym, Tavy, Tamar, Torridge, Taw, Lyn and Axe and Yealm. The headwaters of the Teign, Dart, Erme, Yealm, Tavy and Taw are all within Dartmoor SAC with salmon being a ‘qualifying species’. The population underwent a substantial decline from around the 1960s. The River Axe was once a ‘classic’ salmon river, but declines in the 1970s reduced the population to virtual extinction. Annual stocking, installation of fish passes and improvements to water quality since 1990 led to a small but sustained recovery. Another example of long-term decline of stocks has been seen on the River Torridge as a result of water quality problems.
Range / population	Unfavourable inadequate. 2011 assessment of the Conservation Limits of Devon’s salmon rivers (CEFAS/EA, 2012): ‘At risk’: Axe, Erme, Yealm, Plym and Torridge ‘Probably at risk’: Avon, Tamar, Dart, Tavy ‘Probably not at risk’: Teign, Taw, Lyn ‘Not at risk’: Exe
Habitat	Unfavourable inadequate. Salmon require clean well-oxygenated river gravels for spawning, coarse boulder / cobble / pebble substrates for fry and parr (juvenile fish), cover (e.g. from woody debris, overhanging vegetation and aquatic macrophytes), an abundant supply of insect prey and unimpeded access between spawning beds and the sea. Issues identified by the EA (2012)¹ include water quality (siltation from soil erosion, pesticides from sheep dip and water abstraction / flow modification) and channel morphology (including barriers to fish migration).
Future prospects	Unfavourable inadequate - improving 2016 predicted assessment of the Conservation Limits of Devon’s salmon rivers (CEFAS/EA, 2012): ‘At risk’: none ‘Probably at risk’: Avon, Tamar, Axe, Erme, Yealm, Plym Torridge ‘Probably not at risk’: Teign, Taw, Lyn, Dart, Tavy ‘Not at risk’: Exe In 2008, the EA published a new sea trout and salmon fisheries strategy² with a goal of “more sea trout and more salmon in more rivers bringing more benefit” and an emphasis on improving the environment (EA, 2008). The European Water Framework Directive and the programme of measures under the River Basin Management Plans are integral to delivering this strategy. The EA has identified and prioritised factors affecting individual river stocks in Sea Trout and Salmon Catchment Summaries. Priority is given to improving water bodies which are not achieving ‘Good Ecological Status’ and/or fisheries that are below Conservation Limits. The EA is giving a greater focus on partnership, reflecting the growth of other bodies such as the Westcountry Rivers Trust and Devon Wildlife Trust who are able to deliver using wider sources of funding.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable inadequate
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable inadequate

4.5 INVERTEBRATES
Key species identified for conservation in Devon (Devon BAP, 1998)
Woodland – Carabus intricatus (blue ground beetle), heath fritillary, pearl bordered fritillary, orange upperwing (moth), stag beetle, Formica rufa (wood-ant), wood cricket, Velleius dilatatus (rove beetle), Neoascia oblique (hoverfly), Limnophilia abdominalis (cranefly), Anatella lenis (fungus gnat), Chalandea pinguis (centipede), Anthogona britannica (millipede)
Coast (including sea cliff) and marine - Sandbowl snail, Lasioglossum angusticeps (bee), Lundy cabbage flea beetle, sunset cup coral, Eunicalla verrucosa (pink sea fan), Amphianthus dohrnii (sea anemone) Thyme lacebug, Cathormiocerus attaphhillus (weevil), Dionaea aurifrons (parasitic fly), great green bushcricket, Andrena hattorfiana (mining bee), Nomada guttulata (cuckoo bee), N. sexfasciata (cuckoo bee), Lasioglossum laticeps (mining bee), Adicellis filicornis (caddis fly), Ernodes urticularis (caddis fly), Calliepis nocturna (spider), Cardiphorus erichsoni (click beetle), Morris’s wainscot (moth), scarce black-neck (moth), Leptoiulus belgicus (millipede), Ophelia bicornis (polychaete wor Gammarus chevreuxi (crustacean), Laomedia angulate (hydroid), Anthopleara baltii (sea anemone), red sea finger (sponge), Molgula oculata (sea squirt), Scarlet and gold star coral, Devonshire cup coral, , Ross coral, Haplangia dortrix (coral), Carophylla inornate (cup coral), edible sea urchin, Episinus maculipes (spider), Aglaophenia kirchenpaueri (hydroid) Okenia elegans (mollusc), Tritonia nilsodneri (bean slug), Ocinebrina aciculate (sea snail), Cataphellia brodicii (sea anemone), Isozoanthus sulcatus (sea anemone), Pycnoclavella aurilucens (sea squirt), Axinella damicornis (sponge) Thymosia guernia (sponge) Suberites massa, Sabellaria alveolate (polychaete), Sabellaria spinulosa (polychaete), Hartluabella gelatinosa (hydroid), Stelliger bellulus (sea slug)
Rivers / Standing open water – Hydrochus nitidicollis (water beetle), white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel fairy shrimp, Lymnaea glabra (snail), Pseudamnicola confusa (snail), scarce blue-tailed damselfly, small red damselfly, medicinal leech.
Inland rock exposures / caves / mines – Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (bristletail), Niphargus glennei (shrimp)
Heathland / grassland - southern damselfly, Formica exsecta (narrow headed ant), silver-studded blue, high-brown fritillary, heath fritillary, hornet robberfly, large blue butterfly,

Pelecocera tricincta (hoverfly), hairy dragonfly, ruddy darter
Wetland – Marsh fritillary, Eristalis cryptarum (bog hoverfly), narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth, small pearl-bordered fritillary, southern damselfly, marbled white, keeled skimmer, double-line moth, Syndyas nigripes (dance fly), Tipula marginata (cranefly)
Farmland / Hedges – Small eggar (moth), brown hairstreak
Bold font = UK Priority BAP

56 UK priority invertebrates (excluding butterflies and moths) occur in Devon and only 14 are listed above. Species missing include all the priority bumblebees, oil beetles, flies, spiders (only two spiders listed out of a county list of approx. 400 species) and moths (including Ectoedemia heckfordi which was discovered by Bob Heckford in the Dart Valley in 2004 and, so far, is not known anywhere else in the world). This list with be revised in liaison with organisations such as BugLife, Butterfly Conservation and the Devon Moth Group.

Devon Species Action Plans have been produced for the following species:

Pink sea fan

Data	Poor
Context	Pink sea fans are very slow growing corals which are widely distributed in the south west of Britain. They are attached to the seabed and provide an important habitat for the nationally rare sea fan anemone and the sole habitat for the sea fan slug.
Range / population	Unfavourable inadequate. In Devon, the pink sea fan is found in far higher concentrations on the south coast where estimates suggest that there are several million at present. Population trends are not known. However, it can be assumed that numbers and distribution have been negatively affected by destructive fishing practices (e.g. dredging and bottom trawling), sediment smothering, recreational activity and climate change.
Habitat	See above.
Future prospects	Unfavourable inadequate but improving. Protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Protected from commercial fishing activities via the Lundy Marine Conservation Zones, the Lyme Bay designated area. The proposed new network of Marine Protected Areas and improved management of fishing activities in European Marine Sites should further reduce direct impacts. Future prospects rely on effective implementation of proposed conservation measures.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable inadequate
UK status (BARS, 2008)	Stable

Freshwater pearl mussel

Data	Poor
Context	This species has been exploited for its pearls since Roman times, and is now a rare globally threatened species that has been lost from all but seven rivers in England. In Devon it was historically found in the Tamar, Exe, Dart, Teign, Taw and Torridge. Devon has the only remaining populations in southern England.
Range	Unfavourable bad. Small populations are now only found in the Taw and Torridge.
Population	Unfavourable bad. The results of a 2002 survey of the Torridge suggested a maximum 1,800 individuals along a 20 km stretch of the Torridge. A 1999 survey found only 49 mussels in the River Taw and a tributary. No mussels were present in dense beds as would be expected in a healthy population and all remaining mussels are at least 50 years old. Extinction is likely within 10-20 years in the absence of successful reproduction and recruitment of young mussels.
Habitat	Unfavourable bad but improving. The freshwater pearl mussel is a bivalve living in fast flowing and nutrient poor rivers. The decline in population is largely due to fine silts clogging the river bed, high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous and potential decline in fish which act as larval hosts.
Future prospects	Unfavourable bad but improving. A national breeding and research programme is underway with a long term aim to re-stock rivers. Habitat management on tributaries of these rivers is underway. Translocation of mussels to suitable habitat within the catchments is being considered.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable bad
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable bad and deteriorating

White clawed crayfish

Data	Good.
Context	Although still widely distributed throughout England and Wales, the white clawed crayfish is in serious decline due to competition from introduced American signal crayfish and the crayfish plague they carry. In Devon, the species was historically found in the rivers Exe, Culm, Clyst, Creedy, Creedy Yeo and Otter.
Range / population	Unfavourable bad. Currently present in the Creedy Yeo and Creedy system (below the Yeo confluence) and the Culm. Although Devon is currently free of crayfish plague these two remaining populations are declining and likely to become extinct as signal crayfish are spreading through their river reaches, killing/out-competing them as they go.
Habitat	Unfavourable bad. See above. River habitat is suitable but presence of signal crayfish makes this irrelevant to native crayfish survival.
Future prospects	Unfavourable bad. The Environment Agency is working with Buglife and Devon Wildlife Trust to translocate native crayfish, under licence, from rivers to suitable water bodies in order to prevent their extinction in the county. There is currently no solution to controlling signal crayfish. Please refer to: http://www.buglife.org.uk/conservation/currentprojects/Species+Action/UK+Crayfish+Website
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable bad
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable bad and deteriorating

Southern damselfly

Data	Very good. Transects counts of adults from all sites and larval assessments at Dartmoor sites annually.
Context	Southern damselflies are restricted in range to the south of England and coastal Wales. They are recognised internationally as in danger of extinction. Up to 25% of the global population is thought to occur in the UK. Since 1950 the range of the southern damselfly has reduced by 16% in the UK. The Devon population also declined until the 1990s and was lost from two known sites (Hense Moor in 1965 and Venn Ottery Common in 1990, the latter is currently subject to a re-establishment project).
Range / population	Unfavouable inadequate. Currently occur on Dartmoor and the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Four populations on Dartmoor have been discovered since 1996. Two of these are managed and have stable populations, one of the remaining sites has a relatively large and stable, but unmanaged, population and the nearby fourth site is managed but has a very small population. There are two managed populations on the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and a third site is the subject of a so far successful re-establishment programme. Five of the seven Devon populations are being managed and numbers suggest a stable or increasing populations of this species relative to early 1990 levels, except for one East Devon site and part of one Dartmoor site where undergrazing is a recent problem.
Habitat	Unfavourable inadequate. Breed in slow-moving streams and boggy runnels. Part of one Dartmoor site and one East Devon site have degraded as a result of reduced grazing pressure in recent years.
Future prospects	Favourable. Climate change may improve this species’ status, providing the flows in its favoured streams and land management inputs are maintained.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable inadequate
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable inadequate

Marsh fritillary

Data	Good.
Context	Devon is a stronghold for this species and in 1998 supported 20% of known UK colonies.
Range / population	Unfavourable bad but improving. Occurs on the Rhôs pastures of the Culm measures and Dartmoor, and the spring line mires of the Blackdown Hills. A 2005 survey revealed a 35% decline since 1999/2000. Population now thought to be stable.
Habitat	Unfavourable bad but improving. Occurs in a range of habitats, especially wet grasslands, where devil’s-bit scabious is found (its larval food plant). Management issues include grazing levels, burning and cutting.
Future prospects	Unfavourable inadequate. Due to recent conservation efforts to manage habitat (Working Wetlands and the Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project) the population is currently thought to be relatively stable. However, as for many other species, factors such as agricultural policy, support for agri-environment schemes and support for wildlife projects will influence the population in the future.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable bad
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable bad

Pearl bordered fritillary

Data	Moderate?
Context	Devon is a stronghold for the pearl bordered fritillary.
Range / population	Unfavourable bad. A 2004 survey showing a 30% decline since 1997/8. There are now only ~ 50 sites in the county. The 2011 survey showed an increase in the Devon population, possibly due to the cold winter followed by a warm spring.
Habitat	Unfavourable bad. Found where violets occur in well drained grasslands with scattered scrub and bracken or wood clearings. Lack of coppicing in woodland sites and traditional grazing on bracken slopes, are likely to have led to a loss of violets. Milder and wetter winters experienced until recently may have caused bracken slopes to become grassier with more bramble, bluebells and foxgloves. Milder winters also mean that parasites are likely to survive in greater numbers.
Future prospects	Unfavourable bad.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable bad
UK status (JNCC, 2008)	Unfavourable bad

Other species:
Other butterflies and moths (bold = current UK priority species).
Large blue. There have been no sightings at the Hembury re-introduction site over the last four years and it is thought to be extinct in Devon.
High brown fritillary. This species continues to decline in Devon and is one of Britain’s most rapidly

declining butterflies. There are now only 15 colonies in three core areas, The Heddon Valley (Exmoor)

and the Dart and Walkham Valleys (Dartmoor). All outlying colonies have been confirmed as extinct.

Reasons for the decline are likely to be as for pearl bordered fritillary.

Heath fritillary. Heath fritillary was re-introduced to a Butterfly Conservation reserve at Lydford in 1994 and the population was recorded at its highest level in 2010.
Both high brown and heath fritillaries are the focus of the Two Moors Butterfly Project (along with marsh fritillary).
Grizzled skipper and white admiral (neither listed in the 1998 Devon BAP) are both declining in Devon.
The status of other butterflies is considered to be stable in Devon. Devon is a national stronghold for the brown hairstreak and numbers are relatively stable. The silver-studded blue is nationally declining but has shown a slight increase in numbers on the East Devon Pebblebed Heath where management for this species is undertaken by Clinton Devon Estates and the RSPB. The small pearl-bordered fritillary is declining nationally but remains widespread in Devon where suitable habitat occurs.

The narrow-bordered bee hawk moth is known on various sites, especially on Dartmoor and is often associated with marsh fritillary butterflies as they share the same food plant (devil’s bit scabious). The Dartmoor population is through to be stable.

Morris’s wainscot is internationally rare. In Britain it is only known to exist on a short stretch of the West Dorset coast and just into Devonat Culverhole and Axmouth.
The scarce black-neck only occurs on the coast in North Devon and adjacent coast in Somerset and Cornwall. Devon is a stronghold for the double line which is fairly widespread and, in places, abundant in the county. Small eggar appears to be scarce in Devon but may be under recorded. It has suffered from flailing of blackthorn hedges, where the larvae feed.

Other dragonflies and damselflies (underlined = key to Devon in 1998)
Scarce chaser and hairy dragonfly have both increased in range recently, possibly due to climate change,
Downy emerald has small but apparently stable populations at a few sites in the Bovey Basin and on the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. The status of ruddy darter remains precarious, but probably stable, in the county.

The red-eyed damselfly has been lost from a few sites during the past 20 years and, although a few sites have been discovered, the poor colonising ability of this species suggests an overall decline.

There is no evidence of any clear population trends for small red, scarce blue-tailed and white-legged damselflies.

Beetles (bold = current UK priority species)

Devon is a national stronghold for the blue ground beetle (Carabus intricatus) with most of the UK population occurring on the southern edge of Dartmoor. The Dartmoor population is thought to be stable.

Devon supports the only UK population of the Mediterranean oil beetle and is one of only two known locations of the short necked oil beetle (Meloe brevicollis) thought to be extinct in Britain until it was rediscovered on the south Devon coast in 2006.
The Lundy cabbage fly beetle is a global endemic, found only on Lundy.

Bees, ants and wasps (bold = current UK priority species)
Devon supports the only remaining English population of the narrow headed ant (Formica exsecta). The only remaining UK population of the cuckoo bee (Nomada sexfasciata) occurs along a short stretch of the South Devon coast with the Prawle Point to Start Point SSSI.. The long horned bee (Eucera longicornis) is the the host of N sexfasciata and the population at Prawle is thought to be significant nationally (this species was not listed in the 1998 BAP). The soft cliffs of this SSSI are recognised as being one of the most important sites for solitary bees and wasps in the UK.
The bee Lasioglossum angusticeps is found in the Sidmouth area and distribution seems relatively unchanged since 1998. However the tormentil mining bee (Andrena tarsata) (not listed in the 1998 BAP) used to be all over South Devon heaths and moors but there are no known recent records.

True flies (bold = current UK priority species)
Bog hoverfly (Eristalis cryptarum). Thought to now be extinct in Cornwall and Somerset. The only UK population is now found on Dartmoor and is believed to be stable.
Hornet robberfly (Asilus crabroniformis) One of our largest and most spectacular flies found in Wales and southern England and associated with dung.
Spiders (bold = current UK priority species)
Only two spiders Calliepis nocturnum and Episinus maculipes were listed in the 1998 BAP, neither of which are UK priority species.
There are currently 400 species of spider on the county list, 11 of which are on the UK priority list. The Devon list will be updated but of interest is the horrid ground-weaver spider (Nothphantes horridus) which has only ever been found at two old quarries in Plymouth, but hasn’t been seen since 1995. Buglife has set up a project to search for this small money spider which is.one of the rarest invertebrates in the UK and may be one of the rarest spiders in the world.
Snails (bold = current UK priority species)

Amber sandbowl snail (Catinella arenaria) lives in wet hollows in sand dunes in two sites in the UK, including Braunton Burrows.

Corals and sea anemones (bold = current UK priority species)
Sunset cup coral (Leptopsammia microcardia). British populations occur on rocky shores in the south west. Populations are declining. Numbers of sunset cup corals on Lundy island fell by almost a quarter in one recent four year period. They no longer occur at all near Ilfracombe in north Devon.
Sea fan anemone (Amphianthus dohrnii). In Britain most frequently recorded off Plymouth’s coast.

4.6 PLANTS and FUNGI

Key species identified for conservation in Devon (Devon BAP, 1998)
Woodland - yellow bird’s-nest, Graphina pauciloculata (lichen), Schismatomma graphidoides (lichen), rare and threatened whitebeams, golden-hair lichen, orange fruited elm lichen, spring snowflake, small-leaved lime, purple gromwell, greater butterfly orchid, lungwort lichens, Poria guaranitica (lichen), filmy ferns, hay-scented buckler fern, flax-leaved St John’s-wort, Irish spurge, wild daffodils.

Coast and marine – early gentian, chamomile, water germander, round-headed club rush, sea stock, golden-hair lichen, Lundy cabbage, triangular clubrush, Peacock’s tail (alga), shore dock, petalwort (liverwort), sand crocus, sharp rush, Ramalina siliquosa (lichen), Roccella fuciformis (lichen), Heterodermia leucomelos (Ciliate straplichen), Bartula cordata (Cordate Beard Moss), lanceolate spleenwort, maidenhair fern, small rest-harrow, purple gromwell, sea lavender, Nottingham catchfly, small hare’s-ear, goldilocks aster, balm-leaved figwort, tree mallow, dwarf spike-rush, parsley water-dropwort, corky-fruited water-dropwort, frogbit, marsh arrowgrass, thrift, Pterosiphonia pennata (alga), Asperococcus compressus (alga), Bornetia secundiflora (alga), Gelidium sesquipidale (alga), Gigartina pistillata (alga), Gracilaria bursapastoris (red alga), Gymnogongrus devoniensis (red alga), Laminaria ochroleuca (brown alga), eel grasses (Zostera spp.)
Rivers / standing open water – strapwort, multi-fruited river moss, large Atlantic pocket moss,

spring quillwort, lungwort lichens, filmy fern, Cornish moneywort

Inland rock exposures – Tortula solmsii (moss), filmy ferns, forked spleenwort, flax-leaved St John’s wort
Grassland / heathland – heath lobelia, vigur’s eyebright, early gentian, field eryngo, Deptford pink, chamomile, stag’s horn clubmoss, greater butterfly orchid, white rock rose, honewort, small hare’s ear, small rest-harrow, goldilocks aster, autumn squill, little-robin
Wetland – marsh clubmoss, Irish lady’s tresses

Sphagnum imbricatum (bog moss), cranberry, bog orchid, wavy St John’s wort, meadow thistle
Hedges / farmland - bastard balm, Plymouth pear, field eryngo, pennyroyal, broad-fruited cornsalad,

balm-leaved figwort

Species listed due to being characteristic of Devon or of popular appeal – heather, great sundew, oblong-leaved sundew, many-leaved pocket-moss, slender bird’s foot trefoil, hairy bird’s-foot trefoil, green-winged orchid, Royal fern, early meadow-grass, primrose, Western gorse
Bold = UK Priority BAP
This list will be revised in liaison with organisations such as Plantlife, BSBI and the British Lichen Society.

Devon Species Action Plans have been produced for the following species:

The golden hair lichen

Data	Good
Context	The golden hair lichen (Teloschistes flavicans) is one of the most pollution-sensitive of all the lichens. It has undergone a substantial contraction in its national range over the last century (thought to be due to air pollution) and is now only found in the South West and Wales.
Range / population	Unfavourable inadequate? In 1998 there were four core sites in Devon (Lundy, Stokenham, Prawle Point and Start Point) as well as ten other sites. NE monitor the population at Stokenham SSSI (designated for its lichen interest) every five years. Monitoring in 2012 showed that the lichen is still found at Stokenham but not within the SSSI . The species is declining in East Devon and now thought to be extinct on Dartmoor, but remains stable elsewhere.
Habitat	Favourable? Inland golden hair lichen grows only on trees, favouring ash and sycamore, but on the coast, where it can be locally abundant, is also to be found on rocks and on the ground, but always in airy, well-lit situations. The species appears to have poor powers of colonisation, even apparently suitable trees adjacent to healthy populations may remain un-colonised, and this may be an important factor explaining the rarity of this lichen, combined with the possible effects of air pollution
Future prospects	Unfavourable inadequate? The Golden hair lichen is within Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme and between 1997 and 2002 transplanting was carried out at five sites in Devon and Dorset. The results were moderately successful, with 6 out of more than 36 transplants showing new growth in 2002. Many trees supporting the lichen are protected though Tree Preservation Orders. However at many of the core sites the species is only present on a single tree or rock and is therefore vulnerable to threats such as felling and ivy growth.
Overall Devon status	Unfavourable inadequate?
UK status	Declining

Other lichens listed in 1998 (bold = current UK priority species)
Graphina pauciloculata – stable.
Lungwort lichens are very sensitive to pollution and all are declining (in Devon or nationally – or both?
Ramalina siliquosa is common in Devon and should not be listed as a key species in 1998.
Heterodermia leucomelos (Ciliate straplichen) – extinct in Devon
There are currently 24 lichens from the UK priority list in Devon, including Usnea florida which has declined dramatically in the last 20 years.
Rare whitebeams
Devon is one of the richest counties in Britain for whitebeam and supports eight species of ‘apomictic’ whitebeam (set viable seed without fertilisation). Devon supports eight such species, all but one of which of which are endemic to Britain and Ireland; the Devon whitebeam S. devoniensis, S. subcuneata, S. anglica, S. vexans, S. porrigentiformis, the rock whitebeam S. rupicola and two un-named species known as “Taxon D” and East Lyn Valley form. Sorbus subcuneata is on the IUCN list of globally vulnerable species.

The majority of these apomictic whitebeams occupy particular habitats, mainly on thin soils over base rich rocks, and some are restricted to one or two sites. However the Devon whitebeam is found across the county, predominantly in hedgerows. Populations of most species appear to be currently stable although some sites are threatened by scrub encroachment. Scrub clearance has taken place at sites on the Torbay coast and at Stoneycombe Quarry near Kingskerswell. Future work includes genetic studies of the relationships between species, surveys to determine population sizes where unknown (led by BSBI) and field trials to determine best management practices.

Vascular plants (bold = current UK priority species)
Edging towards extinction
Irish Ladies’ tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana). Since it disappeared from its last site on wet heath near Tavistock it is now considered extinct in Devon and England. Reasons are poorly understood.
Dwarf Spike-rush (Eleocharis parvula) Just one small patch on the River Avon remains. Shading by trees, deposition of ‘liquid’ muds, erosion by mooring boats, lack of grazing of brackish riverside marsh, and, possibly sea level rise, are all issues.
Field Gentian (Gentianella campestris). Late flowering and poorly recorded, Field Gentian was last seen on Roborough Down. A short annual with short-lived seeds it requires specific continual short and open grassland conditions. Perhaps as few as six populations now exist in southern England (not on the 1998 list)
Water Germander (Teucrium scordium) Found at Braunton and Northam Burrows. Possible only two other sites in the UK. The population at Braunton has undergone a massive decline over the past decade or so, and the plant has not been seen at Northam Burrows for a couple of years (from a high of nearly 10,000 ‘plants’ in 2000). Lowered water tables, lack of bare ground and excessive rabbit grazing have all been implicated in the decline, but it is hoped that practical work by the Christie Estate, Torridge District Council, Natural England and Plantlife at both sites may reverse the decline, at least locally, in 2014.
Triangular Club-rush (Schoenoplectus triqueter). Became extinct as a British plant when populations along the banks of the tidal Tamar were lost to reed cover and erosion. Plants have been planted out in two sites on the riverbank and small populations have been re-established
Plymouth pear. The only known wild population is found at Plymbridge Lane and Estover Road SSSI which in 2008 was assessed by NE as unfavourable declining due to shading from trees likely to be adversely affecting growth and ability to sucker (the only means of reproduction in this species)

Very rare
Forked Spleenwort (Asplenium septentrionale). A single plant survives on a prominent Dartmoor rock outcrop (down from two plants a few years ago). The plant is healthy, produces copious spores, but nevertheless is probably Devon’s rarest plant.

Rare but stable
Bastard balm. A BSBI survey of bastard balm in 2010 found that it generally seems to be doing well. A few sites have been lost but new ones have been found.
Flax leaved St John’s wort (Hypericum linariifolium) The majority of the British population is found on Dartmoor. DNPA and DWT are carrying out monitoring and habitat management at various sites and the population is thought to be stable. Also known as toadflax-leaved St John’s wort.
Vigur’s eyebright (Euphrasia vigursii). Endemic to Devon and Cornwall and found at only a few sites on the western fringes of Dartmoor. The largest population is found at Lydford High Down. Monitoring and management at all sites is being carried out. The population is thought to be relatively stable but with a long term decline.

Rare but increasing
White Rockrose (Helianthemum apenninum). One of the classic rarities of the Torbay limestones (and otherwise only known from limestone exposures at the seaward end of the Mendips), the species is still abundant in a number of sites, notably Berry Head. Practical work by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and Plantlife at some of its northern Torbay sites (notably Daddyhole Plain and Rock End Walk), removing both scrub and leaf litter, has resulted in spectacular increases in populations locally, from buried dormant seed.
Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha). This orchid continues to flourish in some of the hay meadows in the heart of Dartmoor, but one of the most significant Devon (and national) populations is to be found on a road junction of the A38, where over 1000 flowering plants grow alongside seven other orchid species. Road verge management by the Highways Agency and Enterprise Mouchel have seen the orchid expand its range along the main carriageway of the trunk road
Round-headed Club-rush (Scirpoides holoschoenus). With the exception of the just a single plant in Somerset, Braunton Burrows is the only place in Britain where this club-rush grows as a confirmed native. The Devon population numbers many thousands of plants. Creation of scrapes within the Burrows dunes slacks has resulted in the natural expansion of this rarity in a number of localities. Further work in 2014 should allow the further expansion of the species
Deptford Pink (Dianthus armeria). Devon is the national stronghold of this species in Britain, with the country’s largest population residing on road verges around Buckfastleigh and Ashburton. Populations on the outskirts of Buckfastleigh are being monitored by the Dartmoor National Park Authority (on numbers thousands of plants), whilst two populations on the A38 are managed by Enterprise Mouchel on behalf of the Highways Agency, and whilst numbers fluctuate annually, favourable management is allowing this species to slowly expand its range.
Strapwort (Corrigiola litoralis) Volunteer management work on the margins of Slapton Ley – the sole remaining UK site – has resulted in an increase in population size here.

5 ACRONYMS

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

BAP Biodiversity Action Plan

BARS Biodiversity Action Reporting System

BSBI Botanical Society of the British Isles

BTO British Trust for Ornithology

CAP Common Agricultural Policy

Cefas Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science

CWS County Wildlife Site

CGS County Geological Site

DBRC Devon Biodiversity Records Centre

Defra Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

DNPA Dartmoor National Park Authority

DWT Devon Wildlife Trust

EA Environment Agency

ELS Entry Level Stewardship (Environmental Stewardship agri-environment scheme)

ESA Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme (all agreements end in 2014)

EWGS England Woodland Grant Scheme

FC Forestry Commission

FWAG Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (now FWAG SouthWest)

HLS Higher Level Stewardship (Environmental Stewardship agri-environment scheme)

ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Seas

IFCA Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities

JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee

MCZ Marine Conservation Zone

MMO Marine Management Organisation

NASCO North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation

NBN National Biodiversity Network

NE Natural England

NGO Non Governmental Body

NIA Nature Improvement Area

PTES People’s Trust for Endangered Species

RIGS Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SPA Special Protection Area

WFD Water Framework Directive

6 References

1. Introduction
1: Devon BAP Partnership. 1998. The Nature of Devon. http://www.devon.gov.uk//devon_biodiversity_action_plan.htm
2: State of Nature. UK. 2013 http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/science/stateofnature/index.aspx
3: Defra (2011) The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature. http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/whitepaper/
4: Defra (2011) Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services. http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/2011/08/19/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020/
5: Devon Local Nature Partnership - http://www.naturaldevon.org.uk/

2. Designated sites
2.1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest
1: JNCC. SSSI Common Standards Monitoring - http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-2217.
2: Natural England. SSSI condition data - http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/report.cfm?category=C,CF

2.2 County Wildlife Sites
1: CWS selection criteria - http://www.dbrc.org.uk/county-wildlife-site-project-photos/
2: Defra. Local Sites target. http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/biodiversity/uk/
3: CWS monitoring in Devon - http://www.dbrc.org.uk/biodiversity-monitoring-framework

3 Habitats
1: JNCC. UK habitat classification - http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5706

3.1 Woodland
1: Forestry Commission, National Forest Inventory (2011)
2: Natural England. Traditional Orchard project in England (2011) - http://nepubprod.appspot.com/publication/47015?category=10006
3: The Deer Initiative - http://www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk/di_in_england/south_west_england.php

4: Forestry Commission. The English Woodland Grant Scheme - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/ewgs

5: Dartmoor National Park. Restoring Ancient Woodlands Project - http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/lookingafter/laf-naturalenv/laf-treeswoodlands/laf-restoringancientwoodlands.

6: Silvanus Trust. Working our Woodlands - http://www.silvanustrust.org.uk/index.php?page=working-our-woodlands

7: Devon Ward Forester Project - http:www.wardforester.co.uk/?page_id=4
8: Devon Ancient Tree Forum - http://frontpage.woodland-trust.org.uk/ancient-tree-forum/atfaboutus/devon.htm
9: Devon Wildlife Trust. Northern Devon NIA - http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/northern-devon-nature-improvement-area/

3.2 Coast and marine
1: Natural England. Designation of Marine Conservation Zones - http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/marine/mpa/mcz/default.aspx.
2: Estuary Partnerships http://www.devonmaritimeforum.org.uk/index.php/Partnerships-Projects/estuary-a-coastal-partnerships.html
3: Devon Maritime Forum - http://www.devonmaritimeforum.org.uk/
4: Environment Agency. Shoreline management plans - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/105014.aspx
5: Finding Sanctuary. Information on recommended MCZs in Devon - http://www.finding-sanctuary.org/page/home.html) + Finding Sanctuary (2011) Final Recommendations. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120502152638/http:/www.finding-sanctuary.org/

3.3 Rivers and Standing Open Water
1: Natural England. Catchment sensitive farming http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/csf/default.aspx
2: Environment Agency. Catchment Restoration Fund - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/136182.aspx + Catchment Restoration Fund River Improvement Projects - http://www.wrt.org.uk/projects/crf.html
3: Upstream Thinking - http://www.upstreamthinking.org/
4: Environment Agency. The South West River Basin Management Plan (SWRBMP) - http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/research/planning/125027.aspx.

3.4 Wetlands
1: Mires on the Moors - http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/lookingafter/laf-naturalenv/dartmoormiresproject and http://www.exmoormires.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=8699
2: Devon Wildlife Trust. Working Wetlands - http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/working-wetlands/

3.5 Grassland and heathland
1: Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Loving our limestone - See http://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/mainsub.cfm?id=11&parid=40
2: Forestry Commission. Haldon Heathland grazing project. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6T7BVY

3.6 Other farmland habitats
1: Devon Hedgerow Survey 2007-2009, FWAG 2010.

4. Species
1: JNCC. Information on UK BAP priority species - http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5717.
2: Devon BAP Partnership. 1998. The Nature of Devon. http://www.devon.gov.uk//devon_biodiversity_action_plan.htm

4.1 Mammals
1: Environment Agency. 2010. The Fifth National Otter survey. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/otter_survey_oct10_full_report%281%29.pdf

4.2 Birds
1: British Trust for Ornithology. 2009. Birds of Conservation Concern 3 http://www.bto.org/science/monitoring/psob
2: The Barn Owl Trust. 2003. Devon Barn Owl Survey Report. www.barnowltrust.org.uk/content_images/pdf/Devon_Barn_Owl_Survey_2003.pdf
3: RSPB. Cirl Bunting Project - http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/projects/details/222509-the-cirl-bunting-project
4: Conway, G. et. al. (2007). Status and distribution of European Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus in the UK in 2004. Bird Study 54, 98-111
5: Wotton, S. et al. (2009) The status of the Dartford Warbler in the UK in 2006. British Birds
6: Brown et al (2008) Seabirds on Lundy: their current status, recent history and prospects for

the restoration of a once important bird area. British Birds. http://www.lundymcz.org.uk/docs/Public/Research/2011%20Seabirds%20On%20Lundy.pdf

7: Amar, A., Hewson, C.M., Thewlis, R.M., Smith, K.W., Fuller, R.J., Lindsell, J.A., Conway, G., Butler, S. & MacDonald, M. 2006. What’s happening to our woodland birds? Long-term changes in the populations of woodland birds. RSPB Research Report no. 19 and BTO Research Report no. 169
7: Hewson, C.M. Amar, A., Lindsell, J.A., Thewlis, R.M., Butler, S., Smith, K. & Fuller, R.J. 2007. Recent changes in bird populations in British broadleaved woodlands. Ibis 149 (s2): 14-28. )

4.4 Fish
1: Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Environment Agency. 2012. Annual Assessment of Salmon Stocks in Fisheries in England and Wales 2011 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/Annual_Assessment_of_EW_salmon_stocks_2011.pdf
2: Environment Agency. 2008. Better Sea Trout and Salmon Fisheries – Our Strategy for 2008-2021

Appendix 4
1: JNCC. 2008. Species Conservation Status Assessment. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4060.
2: United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Reporting System - http://ukbars.defra.gov.uk/archive
3: British Trust for Ornithology. 2009. Birds of Conservation Concern 3 http://www.bto.org/science/monitoring/psob

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This document was pulled together and edited by Sarah Jennings (Devon County Council) with encouragement and help from Peter Burgess (Devon Wildlife Trust).
Many thanks to the many individuals (listed below) who have contributed information and expertise to this report.
Help with compiling information / editing – Craig Dixon, Basil Greenwood, Peter Burgess and Matthew Lundquist
CWS and other contributions / comments - Ellie Knott, Hannah Gibbons and Ian Egerton at DBRC
Help with editing species lists – Lesley Kerry
Habitats / general – Justin Milward (Woodland Trust), Andy Guy (Natural England), Helen Booker (RSPB), Norman Baldock (DNPA), Kevin Ryelands (RSPB), Jon Avons, (DCC)
Hedges – Rob Wolton and other Devon Hedge Group members
Dormouse - Paul Chanin and Stephen Carroll (Devon Mammals Group)
Otter – Paul Chanin and Mary Rose Lane (EA)
Water vole – Mervyn Newman (Devon Water Vole Recovery Project), Mary Rose Lane (EA)
Barn owl – David Ramsden (Barn Owl Trust)
Cirl bunting – Cath Jeffs (RSPB)
Nightjar – Jon Avon (Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society)

Helen Booker (RSPB)

Curlew – Jon Avon (Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society)

Helen Booker (RSPB)

Norman Baldock (DNPA)
Upland birds – Helen Booker and Norman Baldock
Seabirds – Helen Booker and Alex Scholefield (Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust)
Woodland birds – Helen Booker
Great Crested Newts – Nicky Green (Devon Reptile and Amphibian Group)
Atlantic salmon – Kelvin Broad (EA)
Invertebrates – Andrew Whtehouse (Buglife), Stephen Carroll (Devon hymenoptera recorder)
Freshwater pearl mussel – Rob Knott and Mary Rose Lane (EA)
White clawed crayfish – as above
Dragonflies and Damselflies – Dave Smallshire and Lesley Kerry (British Dragonfly Society – Devon Group)
Butterflies – Barry Henwood, John Randall, Roger Bristow, and Jean Turner (Butterfly Conservation)
Moths – Barry Henwood (macro-moths), Bob Heckford (micro-moths) – (Devon Moth Group)
Spiders – Matt Prince and Dr Peter Harvey (Spider recording scheme)
Devon Whitebeams - Tracey Hamston (Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust)
Lichens – Barbara Benfield, British Lichen Society
Plants - Andy Byfleid (Plantlife), Roger Smith and Jeremy Ison (BSBI) and Norman Baldock (DNPA)

Appendix 1 A summary framework for nature conservation in England

1992 The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. This was the first global treaty to provide a legal framework for biodiversity conservation.

1994 The UK ratified the Rio Convention and launched the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). This identified broad activities for conservation work until 2014 as well as lists of priority species and habitats.
1998 The Nature of Devon – A Biodiversity Action Plan was published. This identified 29 key wildlife habitats and 251 key species as a priority for conservation action. Action plans were produced for the 17 habitats and 20 species identified as requiring a county wide approach to their conservation. Wildlife with a localised distribution was addressed at the local scale e.g. the conservation of blanket bog through Dartmoor BAP and the conservation of small blue through the Torbay BAP.

The European Water Framework Directive came into force. The Environment Agency in the South West aims to bring 43% of the 1,100 waterbodies into ‘good’ ecological status by 2015.

2002 Parties to the Rio Convention agreed to achieve a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. This became known as the 2010 Biodiversity Target.

Working with the Grain of Nature, a Biodiversity Strategy for England was published and set out how England would achieve the 2010 Biodiversity Target. A target was set to bring 95% of the SSSI area into favourable or unfavourable recovering condition by December 2010.
2007 A new national indicator was established for Local Authorities to bring Local Sites into positive management. In Devon the target set was to increase the number of Local Sites in ‘positive management’ by 3% each year.
2009 The Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) came into force which enables the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs).

Devon’s Biodiversity Action Plan was updated to include Geodiversity.

2010 At a global meeting held in Nagoya, Japan it was acknowledged that the 2010 target had not been met. New targets (the Nagoya Protocol) were set for 2020. The UN declared 2011 to 2020 a Decade on Biodiversity.

2011 A Natural Environment White Paper was published by Defra for the first time in over twenty years (The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature). The 2002 Biodiversity Strategy was replaced by Biodiversity 2020: a Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services with new targets for England’s biodiversity.
2012 Natural Devon, the Devon Local Nature Partnership, was established in December 2012.

Appendix 2 Devon habitats of European importance (protected under European legislation

Site name / NGR	Site Area (ha)	Site significance
Beer Quarry and Caves SAC SY215892	31.1	Important hibernation site for greater horseshoe, lesser horseshoe and bechstein bats.
Blackstone Point SAC SX535462	7.38	Largest known extant population of shore dock in Devon, and one of the largest concentrations of this species on rocky sea-cliffs in south-west England.
Braunton Burrows SAC SS451348	1346.64	One of the largest dune sites in the UK and is of particular importance because it is virtually intact and still active. A large population (around 3000 thalli) of petalwort is recorded from Braunton Burrows, one of two sites selected for this species in south-west England.
Culm Grasslands SAC SS843214	768.69	Purple moor grass meadows and Northern Atlantic wet heaths. Contain the largest cluster of sites for marsh fritillary in the south-west peninsula. It is judged to be the most important location for the species in its major south-west stronghold.
Dartmoor SAC SX590864	23,165.77	Northern Atlantic wet heath, dry heath, blanket bog (the southernmost blanket bog in Europe) and old sessile oak woods with rich bryophyte and lichen assemblages. Supports southern damselfly, Atlantic salmon and otter.
Dawlish Warren SAC SX984792	58.84	Dunes support a large population of petalwort.
East Devon Pebblebed Heaths SAC SY040868	1119.94	The largest block of lowland heathland in Devon. Designated for wet heath, dry heath and southern damselfly.
Exmoor and Quantock Oakwoods SAC SS894440	1895.17	Old sessile oak woods and alluvial forests. Also designated for barbastelle and bechstein bats and otter.
Exmoor Heaths SAC SS864419	10705.87	Wet heath, dry heath, vegetated sea cliffs, blanket bog, alkaline fen and old sessile oak woods.
Lundy SAC SS136465	3064.53	Reefs, sandbanks, submerges or partially submerged sea caves. Also designated for grey seal.
Lyme Bay and Torbay candidate Marine SAC SY31583	31248	Reefs and submerged or partially submerged sea caves
Plymouth Sound and Estuaries SAC SX472506	6402.03	Sandbanks, estuaries, large shallow inlets and bays, reefs, Atlantic salt meadows, mudflats and sandflats. Designated for shore dock (one of the chief rocky-shore strongholds for shore dock on the UK mainland) and allis shad.
Prawle Point to Plymouth Sound candidate SAC lat 50.211 deg; N long 4.009 deg; W	31525	Reef habitats.
River Axe SAC SY267961	25.78	Water courses of plain to montane levels. Sea lamprey, brook lamprey and bullhead.
Sidmouth to West Bay SAC SY326912	897.3	Example of a highly unstable vegetated soft cliff coastline subject to mudslides and landslips.
South Dartmoor Woods SAC SX710701	2157.15	This complex is the most southerly of old sessile oak woods, with regionally important assemblages of lower plants and dry Lobarion communities that are unique in Western Europe.
South Devon Shore Dock SAC SX787362	341.01	Vegetated sea cliffs. An important rocky-shore site for shore dock which lies at the eastern limit of its current UK range
South Hams SAC SX942565	129.53	Dry heaths, extensive limestone grasslands, vegetated sea cliffs, caves. Holds the largest population of greater horseshoe bat in the UK
Tintagel-Marsland-Clovelly SAC SS225234	2429.84	This site represents an extensive length of largely hard coastal cliff + old sessile oak woods.

Special Protection Areas

Site name & designation	Site Area (ha)	Features of ecological significance
East Devon Heaths SPA SY040866	1119.94	European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (2.4% of GB breeding population, count as at 1992) Dartford warbler Sylvia undata (8% of the GB breeding population, count as at 1994)
Exe Estuary SPA (also a RAMSAR site) SX981840	2345.71	Slavonian grebe, Podiceps auritus (5% of the GB population, 5 year peak mean 1984/85-1988/9) Avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta (28.3% of the GB population, 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96) Dark bellied brent goose Dunlin Calidris alpina alpine (1.1% of the population in Great Britain, 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96) Oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus (1.2% of the population in Great Britain, 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96) Black tailed godwit, Limosa limosa islandica (7.2% of the population in Great Britain, 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96) Grey plover, Pluvialis squatarola (1.1% of the population in Great Britain, 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96).
Tamar Estuaries Complex SPA SX441621	1955	Over winter the area regularly supports: Avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta 15.8% of the GB breeding population 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 On passage the area regularly supports: Little egret - Egretta garzetta (Sub-Saharan Africa - breeding) at least 9.3% of the GB population Count, as at 1995

Appendix 3 BAP Priority Habitat Inventories

The following habitat inventories were created by DBRC in 2001-2003, as part of the National Biodiversity Network South West Pilot. The habitats were mapped using County Wildlife Site survey data and aerial photographs available at the time. Some of the inventories have been updated since they were created, but they may not include information from the most recent County Wildlife Site surveys. This means that the information in the inventories is incomplete, and the absence of information for a particular area does not mean that there are no BAP Priority Habitats present.

 Blanket bog

 Coastal salt marsh

 Coastal vegetated shingle

 Lowland calcareous grassland

 Lowland dry acid grassland

 Lowland heathland

 Lowland meadow

 Lowland mixed deciduous woodland

 Mudflats

 Purple moor grass

 Sabellaria

 Upland heathland

 Upland mixed ashwood

 Upland oak wood

 Wet woodland

The following inventories were downloaded from the Natural England website. DBRC is not responsible for the accuracy of these habitat inventories:

 Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh

 Coastal sand dunes

 Fens

 Lowland beech & yew woodland

 Maritime cliff and slope

 Reedbeds

 Undetermined woodland

The following inventories were created by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species. DBRC is not responsible for the accuracy of these habitat inventories:

 Traditional orchards

Appendix 4 Methodology for the Devon species status assessment
A Devon species status assessment was carried out based on a simplified version of the method used by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) for reporting to Europe on species listed in Annexes of the European Habitats Directive (JNCC, 2008). See table below. The assessment for each species is based on available data combined with the expert judgement of those contributing to this report. The national assessment for each species is also given. National assessments are taken from the 2008 JNCC assessment¹, the 2008 UK BAP reporting round²and Birds of Conservation Concern 3, 2009³.
Devon species assessment (as per JNCC, 2008¹).

Favourable

Unfavourable inadequate

Unfavourable bad

Categories of ‘but improving’ or ‘and deteriorating’ can be added to Unfavourable-Inadequate and Unfavourable-Bad.

Range

Stable or increasing (since 1998), and range sufficiently large to allow long term survival of the species.*

Any other combination

Large decline since 1998

Population

Stable or increasing and population large enough to ensure the long term viability of the species in Devon.*

Any other combination

Large decline 1998

Habitat

Area and quality of habitat suitable to support a favourable (long term viable) population of the species.*

Any other combination

Area and / or quality of habitat is clearly not sufficiently large to

ensure the long term survival of the species

Future Prospects

Main pressures and threats to the species not significant; species will remain viable on the long-term.*

Any other combination

Severe influence of pressures and threats to the species; very bad prospects for its future, long-term viability at risk.

Overall conservation status

Habitat or species can be expected to prosper without any change to existing management or policies.

Habitat or species require a change in management or policy but the danger of extinction is not so high.

Habitat or species is in serious danger of becoming extinct (at least locally).

One unfavourable bad assessment = overall status is unfavourable bad.
One unfavourable-Inadequate assessment combined with all favourable conclusions = unfavourable-Inadequate. An overall conclusion of Favourable is only reached where all parameters are Favourable or

three parameters are Favourable, and one is Unknown. In cases where there are two or more Unknown conclusions combined with other Favourable conclusions, the overall conclusion will be Unknown.

* based on the expert judgement of those contributing to this report.

Data is assessed as - ‘Good’, based on extensive surveys, ‘Moderate’, based on partial data with some extrapolation, or ‘Poor’, based on very incomplete data or on expert judgement.

1 Devon Wildlife Trust has carried out a pilot study into the monitoring of Sabellaria alveolata reefs based on methodology developed by Countryside Council for Wales. The final report makes recommendations for how this should be adapted and rolled out to provide a monitoring programme for Devon.

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