Page 31 - Ickford NP Background Evidence

ICKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN : BACKGROUND EVIDENCE REPORT 31

There were plenty of reports of a range of small mammals. It has been difficult to obtain specific data on our Moth
The Rabbit population appears to be widespread but low distribution and further study is required. However, 80%
sightings of Hare suggest a declining population. of respondents reported seeing Moths. Other common
insects were widely reported.
There were reports of:
The Honey Bee (100%),
Bat sightings by 64% respondents. Bumble Bee (79%)

A total of 15 different mammals have been reported. and, notably, 36% reported seeing Stag Beetles.
Conclusions to be drawn: Two types of Dragonfly were spotted with
• The relatively healthy Hedgehog population is
pleasing. To maintain this we need to ensure that Common Dragonfly (71%).
green areas and hedgerows are maintained and
preserved. Hedgehogs and other small mammals The extent of insect variety and distribution is a key
need connectivity as they require the ability to factor in measuring a healthy Biodiversity status in an
hunt for food and to breed. It is well known that area. Birds, some Mammals and Insects are highly
several mammal species are highly dependent on dependent on extensive insect populations. This requires
the maintenance of connectivity pathways to an extensive range of habitats - wet areas, grasslands,
enable them to range. Therefore we must guard hedgerows and trees. Without these features, our overall
these areas and new building developments must species diversity would decline. Therefore every part
demonstrate their commitment to enhancing of our Village maintenance, development and further
connectivity, hedgerows, green spaces and tree enhancement must give this priority.
planting.
• Nationally, species such as Hedgehogs, Hares and
Bats are listed as endangered and, whilst the Survey - General Situation
reporting of these in our Village is encouraging, Whilst the data from our Survey and others is reasonably
ongoing monitoring of the health of our mammal encouraging, we know that nationally we are faced with
population is essential. We should therefore a rapidly emerging set of challenges concerning
commit to running further surveys every three Biodiversity. In fact the
years. Government has now published a 25-Year
Environmental Plan which sets out a comprehensive
long-term approach to protect and enhance our
Reptiles and Amphibians
environment and biodiversity. Ickford is not isolated
Again, the Village habitat is conducive to Amphibians from these challenges and so the pursuit of our
with widespread reporting of Frogs and Toads. objectives and policies is essential and in line with
Encouraging was the existence of Grass Snakes (43%). Government Policy.
Slow Worms were also sighted. It is apparent that the biggest single factor affecting our
The Great Crested Newt is also known to exist in local wildlife population now is the rapid reduction and
the Village. fragmentation of suitable habitat in our over-developed
landscape. This is not only about housing and infrastructure
development but also the loss of hedges, woodlands and
Butterflies and Insects
flower diversity. For example, almost all plants that
Across the locality, 36 different Butterflies have been Butterflies might use as food plants have gone.
reported by both survey respondents and by the Bucks, Therefore our determination behind our Plan must
Berks & Oxon Butterfly study. Whilst annual distribution be to arrest this decline and take positive steps to
of Butterflies varies from year to year, this breadth of species enhance our fauna and flora. Our Vision and Objectives
is good news. in the Ickford NDP reflect this.

VISION FOR ICKFORD – NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN
www.visionforickford.co.uk