Area to the south of the easten cattle grid

Introduction

Compartment 13 covers a 7 Ha area immediately south of Bury's Bank Road, west of Crookham Pools (re-landscaped area compartment 18) and north of the former runway and taxiways. It is not divided into subcompartments. The compartment contains planted woodlands and species rich grassland, and is grazed by livestock.

General Description and Evaluation of Ecology

The compartment covers an area that once contained airbase buildings, since removed during the renovation. Some of the land was re-landscaped. There are some established small plantations containing mixed broadleaved and conifer species. Non-native Italian alder, seeding vigorously from the planatations, has come to dominate some of the grassland areas. As well as woodlands, the compartment has two ephemeral ponds, areas of neutral grassland, and quite large stands of gorse particularly along the road edge. Heather cuttings spread during 2003 have not achieved any notable result and these areas are now predominantly neutral grassland. The steep, south facing bank has patches suitable for hunting and burrowing invertebrates. Common spotted orchids occur in the grassland.

BAP habitats

Lowland heathland

Higher Level Stewardship

Options exist for this compartment.

Overall management objectives

Expand the area of acid grassland and heathland by reducing gorse cover and preventing scrub encroachment. Maintain and enhance the woodland rides and edges that occur on the east side of the compartment, focusing on the removal of non-native Italian alder. Maintain open water in the permanent pond and ensure sandy banks remain clear for use by invertebrates. Prevent scrub encroachment around the ephemeral pond on the Western side of the compartment to help maintain the water levels in this area. This is an ideal habitat for many invertebrates and in turn the birds that feed on them.

Subcompartment 13 (7.0 ha)

An area of...

Objective	Area	Method	Comment
13.1) Maintain current extent of grassland. HLS objectives HK6 (maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grassland)	All grassland areas.	Cut small sections of gorse each year and allow to regrow - maintain current extent of gorse. Remove birch scrub and treat stumps. Scarify small sections to create bare patches.
13.2) Maintain and expand current heathland area. HLS objectives HO1 (maintenance of lowland heathland)	Northwest part of the compartment, bordering Bury's Bank road.	Control scrub to prevent encroachment by Italian alder and other tree scrub. Coppice gorse in favour of heather and where it is degenerate.	An area seeded by heather in 2003 has had little effect. This objective may need to be reviewed. Remove gorse in blocks along the road edge to reduce potential fire hazard.
13.3) Control New Zealand pigmyweed.	Permanent pond in the southeast of the compartment.	Herbicide treat or mechanical removal.	To be considered as part of a site-wide policy.
13.4) Diversify woodland structure.	Woodland plantations on the east of the compartment.	Open woodland rides by scalloping into the edges each year to break up the rigid, planted lines. Create small glades within the woodland, selecting Italian alder.
13.5) Maintain the ephemeral pond and surrounding grassland.	Western side of compartment.	Remove any scrub encroachment to maintain the pond.	The steep bank is used by invertebrates.