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Writer's pictureHanham Green Belt

Add a little MAGIC to your New Local Plan Objection

If you're looking for inspiration for your letter of objection, DEFRA Magic maps might be the answer. Using the maps can help you to research your local area's environmental designations, such as ancient woodland and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). When you can visualize these designations in relation to the land earmarked for development, it can help you craft your letter of objection. Scroll down for some maps of Hanham, South Gloucestershire.


Map showing extent of ancient woodland in Hanham, South Gloucestershire

The majority of Avon Valley Woodlands comprises Ancient semi-natural woodland, particularly in areas like Hencliff Wood and Bickley Wood. These areas have continuously maintained tree cover for over 400 years, dating back to well before 1600. (Note they are adjacent to sites EPS-HA1 and EPS-HA3.)


Map showing extent of Bickley Wood, SSSI in Hanham, South Gloucestershire

Bickley Wood is a 9.5-hectare (23.5-acre) geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was notified as an SSSI in 1988 due to its important exposures of Triassic and Jurassic strata.


Geological significance: The wood is particularly important for its exposures of Triassic and Jurassic rocks, which provide a valuable record of the geological history of the area. The Triassic rocks include sandstones and mudstones of the Mercia Mudstone Group, while the Jurassic rocks include limestones and dolomites of the Blue Lias Formation. These rocks provide important insights into the early history of the Bristol Channel and the development of the British Isles.


Flora and fauna: The wood is also home to a variety of plant and animal life. The flora includes a diverse range of trees and shrubs, such as oak, ash, hazel, and hawthorn. The fauna includes a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, such as owls, woodpeckers, foxes, badgers, and lizards.


Quarries: The wood was once home to a number of quarries, which were used to extract limestone and sandstone.


Leisure: The River Avon, which runs alongside the wood, is a popular spot for wild swimming, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.


Map showing Bickley Wood, Hanham with SSSI Impact Zones

An SSSI Impact Zone (IRZ) in England is a tool used to assess the potential risks posed by development proposals to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Here's a breakdown of the key points:


What are SSSIs?

  • Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are designated areas in England that are recognized for their exceptional geological or biological features. They cover a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, coastal areas, and freshwater bodies.

  • SSSIs are protected by law to ensure their conservation and enhancement.


What are SSSI Impact Risk Zones?

  • SSSI IRZs are digital maps surrounding each SSSI. These zones vary in size and shape depending on the specific features of the site and their sensitivity to different types of development.

  • Each IRZ is categorized into different zones based on the level of risk posed by different types of development. For example, the impact zone closest to the SSSI would likely have the highest risk for any development, while zones further away may have lower levels of risk.


How are SSSI IRZs used?

  • SSSI IRZs are used by developers, consultants, and members of the public to quickly assess whether a proposed development is likely to impact an SSSI.

  • By checking the IRZ map, they can see if their proposed development falls within any of the zones and what level of risk it might pose.

  • This information helps them to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with their development and, if so, what steps they need to take to mitigate any potential impacts on the SSSI.


Map showing Local Nature reserves in Hanham, South Gloucestershire

Avon Valley Woodlands is one of 8 local nature reserves (LNRs) managed by South Gloucestershire Council. The reserve is made up of three main areas: Conham River Park, Hencliff Wood, and Bickley Wood.

  • It offers a variety of habitats, including woodland, grassland, and meadows.

  • The woodlands are mainly oak, with some areas of ash, wild cherry, and sycamore.

  • The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and invertebrates.


Map showing Deciduous Woodland - Priority Habitat in Hanham, South Gloucestershire

When DEFRA refers to deciduous woodland priority habitat, they're highlighting woodlands dominated by trees shedding their leaves in autumn. These woodlands are considered crucial for biodiversity conservation in England due to several key factors:


Species Richness: They provide diverse habitats for numerous species, including:

  • Birds: Songbirds, woodpeckers, owls, and birds of prey find nesting and feeding grounds in the varied canopy and understory layers.

  • Mammals: Bats roost in trees, squirrels store food, and various small mammals find shelter and food sources.

  • Insects: Butterflies, moths, and other invertebrates thrive on the flowers, leaves, and decaying matter within the woodland.


Ecological Significance: Deciduous woodlands play vital roles in the environment:

  • Climate Regulation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change, and their shade cools the local microclimate.

  • Water Cycle: Woodland canopy regulates rainfall infiltration and reduces soil erosion, protecting water quality.

  • Soil Health: Fallen leaves decompose, enriching the soil with nutrients and supporting healthy soil life.


Threatened Status: Sadly, these valuable habitats face various threats:

  • Habitat loss: Development, agriculture, and unsustainable forestry practices can shrink woodland areas.

  • Fragmentation: Roads and infrastructure can bisect woodlands, disrupting ecological connectivity.

  • Degradation: Invasive species, pollution, and changes in management practices can harm the health and biodiversity of these woodlands.


Therefore, DEFRA prioritises deciduous woodlands for conservation through:

  • Legal protection: They are listed as a habitat of "principal importance" under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, requiring planning authorities to consider their conservation in development decisions.

  • Financial support: Agri-environment schemes provide incentives for landowners to manage their woodlands sustainably and restore degraded areas.

  • Monitoring and research: Agencies like Natural England monitor the condition of these habitats and conduct research to inform effective conservation strategies.


Ultimately, DEFRA's designation of deciduous woodland as a priority habitat aims to balance human needs with biodiversity conservation: ensuring woodlands thrive and continue to support the rich tapestry of life within them.


Map showing Woodland Priority Habitat England - High Spatial Priority in Hanham, South Gloucestershire

"High Spatial Priority" refers to areas identified as having particular significance for the conservation and restoration of woodland habitats. These areas are deemed essential for maintaining and enhancing the ecological coherence and resilience of the wider woodland network.


Here's a breakdown of what "High Spatial Priority" entails:


  • High Biodiversity Value: These areas often harbour rare or threatened woodland species, support diverse plant communities, and contribute significantly to regional biodiversity.

  • Connectivity: They play a crucial role in connecting fragmented woodland patches, allowing species to move and disperse, and facilitating vital ecological processes like pollination and seed dispersal.

  • Restoration Potential: These areas possess conditions suitable for successful woodland restoration or creation, potentially enhancing habitat availability and connectivity for woodland species.

  • Landscape Context: They contribute to the overall quality and character of the landscape, often acting as scenic corridors or buffers for existing woodlands and SSSIs.


In summary, if your letter of objection includes relevant DEFRA Magic map designations it will carry more weight. Visit https://magic.defra.gov.uk/magicmap.aspx


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