A Survey of Access onto the Thames Basin Heathlandsmsptclive.maldon.gov.uk/Planning/StreamDocPage/obj?... · Britain 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 Cygnus olor (Britain) 1.9% of

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APPENDIX 11

Abberton Reservoir SPA Citation and Natura 2000 Standard Data Form

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EC Directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds:

Special Protection Area

Abberton Reservoir (Essex)

Abberton Reservoir is a large water storage reservoir lying about four miles south of

Colchester. In numerical terms, Abberton is the most important reservoir in Great Britain for

wintering wildfowl. It owes this position to its proximity to the coast and to the strict

protection given to the site. Most of the SSSI is statutorily protected by the Wild Birds

(Abberton Reservoir Sanctuary) Order 1967.

Abberton reservoir qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting a nationally important

breeding population of cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (360 pairs, 5% of the British

breeding population). This colony is unusual in Great Britain because the birds are nesting in

trees inland, rather than on coastal cliff ledges or rocky islets.

The reservoir qualifies also under Article 4.2 as a Wetland of International Importance by

regularly supporting, in winter, in excess of 20,000 waterfowl. In the five year period

1985/86 to 1989/90 the average peak count was 34,000, wildfowl. The site regularly

supports internationally or nationally important wintering populations of the following ten

species of migratory waterfowl (average peak counts for the 5 winter period 1985/86 to

1989/90): 8,400 wigeon Anas penelope (1% of North West European (NW) population, 3%

of British wintering population); 480 gadwall Anas strepera (4% of NW European, 8% of

British); 180 great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus (2% of British); 500 mute swan Cygnus

olor (3% of British) ; 480 shoveler Anas clypeata (1% of NW European, 5% of British);

2,200 teal Anas crecca (2% of British); 2,400 pochard Aythya ferina (1% of British); 3,500

tufted duck Aythya fuligula (2% of British); 560 goldeneye BucephaIa clangula (3% of

British); and 11,500 coot Fulica atra (10% of British).

In addition, the site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting, in the late summer,

substantial concentrations of five migratory wildfowl species (peak August counts for the

five year period 1985-89): 450 mute swan (3% of British wintering population); 110 gadwall;

420 shoveler; 2,700 pochard; and 2,700 tufted duck. Many of these birds moult at the site.

SPA Citation (updated)

HTR

July 1991

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/

NATURA 2000 – STANDARD DATA FORM Special Protection Areas under the EC Birds Directive. Each Natura 2000 site in the United Kingdom has its own Standard Data Form containing site-specific information. The data form for this site has been generated from the Natura 2000 Database submitted to the European Commission on the following date: 22/12/2015 The information provided here, follows the officially agreed site information format for Natura 2000 sites, as set out in the Official Journal of the European Union recording the Commission Implementing Decision of 11 July 2011 (2011/484/EU). The Standard Data Forms are generated automatically for all of the UK’s Natura 2000 sites using the European Environment Agency’s Natura 2000 software. The structure and format of these forms is exactly as produced by the EEA’s Natura 2000 software (except for the addition of this coversheet and the end notes). The content matches exactly the data submitted to the European Commission. Please note that these forms contain a number of codes, all of which are explained either within the data forms themselves or in the end notes. Further technical documentation may be found here http://bd.eionet.europa.eu/activities/Natura_2000/reference_portal As part of the December 2015 submission, several sections of the UK’s previously published Standard Data Forms have been updated. For details of the approach taken by the UK in this submission please refer to the following document: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/Natura2000_StandardDataForm_UKApproach_Dec2015.pdf More general information on Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in the United Kingdom is available from the SPA home page on the JNCC website. This webpage also provides links to Standard Data Forms for all SPAs in the UK. Date form generated by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee 25 January 2016.

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NATURA 2000 - STANDARD DATA FORMFor Special Protection Areas (SPA), Proposed Sites for Community Importance (pSCI),Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and for Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

SITE UK9009141

SITENAME Abberton Reservoir

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SITE IDENTIFICATION2. SITE LOCATION3. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION4. SITE DESCRIPTION5. SITE PROTECTION STATUS AND RELATION WITH CORINE BIOTOPES6. SITE MANAGEMENT

1. SITE IDENTIFICATION

1.1 Type 1.2 Site code

A UK9009141

1.3 Site name

Abberton Reservoir

1.4 First Compilation date 1.5 Update date

1991-12 2015-12

1.6 Respondent:

Name/Organisation: Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Address:       Joint Nature Conservation Committee Monkstone House City Road PeterboroughPE1 1JY       

Email:

1.7 Site indication and designation / classification dates

Date site classified as SPA: 1991-12

National legal reference of SPAdesignation

Regulations 12A and 13-15 of the Conservation Habitatsand Species Regulations 2010,(http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/contents/made)as amended by The Conservation of Habitats and Species(Amendment) Regulations 2011(http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/625/contents/made).

2. SITE LOCATION

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2.1 Site-centre location [decimal degrees]:

Longitude0.872777778

Latitude51.82694444

2.2 Area [ha]: 2.3 Marine area [%]

718.31 0.0

2.4 Sitelength [km]:

0.0

2.5 Administrative region code and name

NUTS level 2 code Region Name

UKH3 Essex

2.6 Biogeographical Region(s)

Atlantic(100.0%)

3. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

3.2 Species referred to in Article 4 of Directive 2009/147/EC and listed in Annex II ofDirective 92/43/EEC and site evaluation for them

Species Population in the site Site assessment

G CodeScientificName

S NP T Size Unit Cat. D.qual. A|B|C|D A|B|C

            Min Max     Pop. Con. Iso. Glo.

B A056 Anas clypeata     w  654  654  i    G  B    C   

B A052 Anas crecca     w  3412  3412  i    G  B    C   

B A050Anaspenelope

    w  2888  2888  i    G  C    C   

B A051 Anas strepera     w  415  415  cmales    G  B    C   

B A059 Aythya ferina     w  1901  1901  i    G  B    C   

B A061Aythyafuligula

    w  1864  1864  i    G  B    C   

B A067Bucephalaclangula

    w  463  463  i    G  B    C   

B A036 Cygnus olor     w  496  496  i    G  C    C   

B A125 Fulica atra     w  12602  12602  i    G  B    C   

B A017Phalacrocoraxcarbo

    r  490  490  p    G  B    C   

B A005Podicepscristatus

    w  132  132  i    G  C    C   

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A = Amphibians, B = Birds, F = Fish, I = Invertebrates, M = Mammals, P = Plants, R = ReptilesGroup: in case that the data on species are sensitive and therefore have to be blocked for any publicS:

access enter: yes in case that a species is no longer present in the site enter: x (optional)NP:

p = permanent, r = reproducing, c = concentration, w = wintering (for plant and non-migratoryType:species use permanent)

i = individuals, p = pairs or other units according to the Standard list of population units andUnit:codes in accordance with Article 12 and 17 reporting (see )reference portal

C = common, R = rare, V = very rare, P = present - to fill if data areAbundance categories (Cat.):deficient (DD) or in addition to population size information

G = 'Good' (e.g. based on surveys); M = 'Moderate' (e.g. based on partial data withData quality:some extrapolation); P = 'Poor' (e.g. rough estimation); VP = 'Very poor' (use this category only, if noteven a rough estimation of the population size can be made, in this case the fields for population sizecan remain empty, but the field "Abundance categories" has to be filled in)

3.3 Other important species of flora and fauna (optional)

Species Population in the site Motivation

Group CODEScientificName

S NP Size Unit Cat.SpeciesAnnex

Othercategories

          Min Max   C|R|V|P IV V A B C D

B  WATR Waterfowlassemblage

    39763  39763  i            X   

A = Amphibians, B = Birds, F = Fish, Fu = Fungi, I = Invertebrates, L = Lichens, M =Group:Mammals, P = Plants, R = Reptiles

for Birds, Annex IV and V species the code as provided in the reference portal should be usedCODE:in addition to the scientific name

in case that the data on species are sensitive and therefore have to be blocked for any publicS:access enter: yes

in case that a species is no longer present in the site enter: x (optional)NP: i = individuals, p = pairs or other units according to the standard list of population units and codesUnit:

in accordance with Article 12 and 17 reporting, (see )reference portal Abundance categories: C = common, R = rare, V = very rare, P = presentCat.:

Annex Species (Habitats Directive), National Red List data; Motivation categories: IV, V: A: B:Endemics; International Conventions; other reasonsC: D:

4. SITE DESCRIPTION

4.1 General site character

Habitat class % Cover

N14 10.0

N06 90.0

Total Habitat Cover 100

Other Site Characteristics1 Terrestrial: Soil & Geology: clay,neutral 2 Terrestrial: Geomorphology andlandscape: lowland,valley Hydrological info. (new category): Water supply Ramsar WetlandTypes: Human-made wetlands

4.2 Quality and importanceARTICLE 4.2 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC) During the breeding season the area regularlysupports: Phalacrocorax carbo (North-western Europe) 7% of the population in Great Britain 5 year mean,

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Positive Impacts

RankActivities,management[code]

Pollution(optional)[code]

inside/outside[i|o|b]

Negative Impacts

Rank

Threatsandpressures[code]

Pollution(optional)[code]

inside/outside[i|o|b]

H E06 BH E04 BH J02 BH G01 IH M02 B

1993-1997 Over winter the area regularly supports: Anas clypeata (North-western/Central Europe) 1.6% of thepopulation 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 Anas crecca (North-western Europe) 2.5% of the population inGreat Britain 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 Anas penelope (WesternSiberia/North-western/North-eastern Europe) 0.2% of the population 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 Anasstrepera (North-western Europe) 1.7% of the population 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 Aythya ferina(North-western/North-eastern Europe) 4.4% of the population in Great Britain 5 year peak mean1991/92-1995/96 Aythya fuligula (North-western Europe) 3.1% of the population in Great Britain 5 year peakmean 1991/92-1995/96 Bucephala clangula (North-western/Central Europe) 2.7% of the population in GreatBritain 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 Cygnus olor (Britain) 1.9% of the population in Great Britain 5 yearpeak mean 1991/92-1995/96 Fulica atra (North-western Europe - wintering) 11% of the population in GreatBritain 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 Podiceps cristatus (North-western Europe - wintering) 1.3% of thepopulation in Great Britain 5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96 ARTICLE 4.2 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC):AN INTERNATIONALLY IMPORTANT ASSEMBLAGE OF BIRDS Over winter the area regularlysupports: 39763 waterfowl (5 year peak mean 1991/92-1995/96) Including: Podiceps cristatus , Anas penelope, Anas strepera , Anas crecca , Anas clypeata , Aythya ferina , Aythya fuligula , Bucephala clangula , Fulicaatra

4.3 Threats, pressures and activities with impacts on the site

The most important impacts and activities with high effect on the site

Rank: H = high, M = medium, L = lowPollution: N = Nitrogen input, P = Phosphor/Phosphate input, A = Acid input/acidification,T = toxic inorganic chemicals, O = toxic organic chemicals, X = Mixed pollutionsi = inside, o = outside, b = both

4.5 DocumentationConservation Objectives - the Natural England links below provide access to the Conservation Objectives(and other site-related information) for its terrestrial and inshore Natura 2000 sites, including conservationadvice packages and supporting documents for European Marine Sites within English waters and forcross-border sites. See also the 'UK Approach' document for more information (link via the JNCC website).

Link(s): http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/category/3212324http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/category/6490068894089216

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/Natura2000_StandardDataForm_UKApproach_Dec2015.pdf

5. SITE PROTECTION STATUS (optional)

5.1 Designation types at national and regional level:

Code Cover [%] Code Cover [%] Code Cover [%]

UK04 100.0

6. SITE MANAGEMENT

X

Back to top6.1 Body(ies) responsible for the site management:

Organisation: Natural England

Address:

Email:

6.2 Management Plan(s):An actual management plan does exist:

Yes

No, but in preparation

No

6.3 Conservation measures (optional)For available information, including on Conservation Objectives, see Section 4.5.

EXPLANATION OF CODES USED IN THE NATURA 2000 STANDARD DATA FORMS The codes in the table below are also explained in the official European Union guidelines for the Standard Data Form. The relevant page is shown in the table below. 1.1 Site type

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A Designated Special Protection Area 53

B SAC (includes candidates Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Community Importance and designated SAC)

53

C SAC area the same as SPA. Note in the UK Natura 2000 submission this is only used for Gibraltar 53

3.1 Habitat representativity

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A Excellent 57

B Good 57

C Significant 57

D Non-significant presence 57

3.1 Habitat code

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

1110 Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time 57

1130 Estuaries 57

1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide 57

1150 Coastal lagoons 57

1160 Large shallow inlets and bays 57

1170 Reefs 57

1180 Submarine structures made by leaking gases 57

1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines 57

1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks 57

1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic Coasts 57

1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand 57

1320 Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) 57

1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) 57

1340 Inland salt meadows 57

1420 Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) 57

2110 Embryonic shifting dunes 57

2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria ("white dunes") 57

2130 Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation ("grey dunes") 57

2140 Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum 57

2150 Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) 57

2160 Dunes with Hippopha• rhamnoides 57

2170 Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) 57

2190 Humid dune slacks 57

21A0 Machairs (* in Ireland) 57

2250 Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. 57

2330 Inland dunes with open Corynephorus and Agrostis grasslands 57

3110 Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) 57

3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea

57

3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. 57

3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition - type vegetation 57

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds 57

3170 Mediterranean temporary ponds 57

3180 Turloughs 57

3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation

57

4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix 57

4020 Temperate Atlantic wet heaths with Erica ciliaris and Erica tetralix 57

4030 European dry heaths 57

4040 Dry Atlantic coastal heaths with Erica vagans 57

4060 Alpine and Boreal heaths 57

4080 Sub-Arctic Salix spp. scrub 57

5110 Stable xerothermophilous formations with Buxus sempervirens on rock slopes (Berberidion p.p.) 57

5130 Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands 57

6130 Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae 57

6150 Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands 57

6170 Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands 57

6210 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (* important orchid sites)

57

6230 Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on silicious substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas in Continental Europe)

57

6410 Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) 57

6430 Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels 57

6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) 57

6520 Mountain hay meadows 57

7110 Active raised bogs 57

7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration 57

7130 Blanket bogs (* if active bog) 57

7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs 57

7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion 57

7210 Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae 57

7220 Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) 57

7230 Alkaline fens 57

7240 Alpine pioneer formations of the Caricion bicoloris-atrofuscae 57

8110 Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) 57

8120 Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii) 57

8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation 57

8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation 57

8240 Limestone pavements 57

8310 Caves not open to the public 57

8330 Submerged or partially submerged sea caves 57

9120 Atlantic acidophilous beech forests with Ilex and sometimes also Taxus in the shrublayer (Quercion robori-petraeae or Ilici-Fagenion)

57

9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests 57

9160 Sub-Atlantic and medio-European oak or oak-hornbeam forests of the Carpinion betuli 57

9180 Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines 57

9190 Old acidophilous oak woods with Quercus robur on sandy plains 57

91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles 57

91C0 Caledonian forest 57

91D0 Bog woodland 57

91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)

57

91J0 Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles 57

3.1 Relative surface

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A 15%-100% 58

B 2%-15% 58

C < 2% 58

3.1 Conservation status habitat

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A Excellent conservation 59

B Good conservation 59

C Average or reduced conservation 59

3.1 Global grade habitat

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A Excellent value 59

B Good value 59

C Significant value 59

3.2 Population (abbreviated to ‘Pop.’ in data form)

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A 15%-100% 62

B 2%-15% 62

C < 2% 62

D Non-significant population 62

3.2 Conservation status species (abbreviated to ‘Con.’ in data form)

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A Excellent conservation 63

B Good conservation 63

C Average or reduced conservation 63

3.2 Isolation (abbreviated to ‘Iso.’ in data form)

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A Population (almost) Isolated 63

B Population not-isolated, but on margins of area of distribution 63

C Population not-isolated within extended distribution range 63

3.2 Global Grade (abbreviated to ‘Glo.’ Or ‘G.’ in data form)

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A Excellent value 63

B Good value 63

C Significant value 63

3.3 Assemblages types

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

WATR Non breeding waterfowl assemblage UK specific code

SBA Breeding seabird assemblage UK specific code

BBA Breeding bird assemblage (applies only to sites classified pre 2000) UK specific code

4.1 Habitat class code

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

N01 Marine areas, Sea inlets 65

N02 Tidal rivers, Estuaries, Mud flats, Sand flats, Lagoons (including saltwork basins) 65

N03 Salt marshes, Salt pastures, Salt steppes 65

N04 Coastal sand dunes, Sand beaches, Machair 65

N05 Shingle, Sea cliffs, Islets 65

N06 Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) 65

N07 Bogs, Marshes, Water fringed vegetation, Fens 65

N08 Heath, Scrub, Maquis and Garrigue, Phygrana 65

N09 Dry grassland, Steppes 65

N10 Humid grassland, Mesophile grassland 65

N11 Alpine and sub-Alpine grassland 65

N14 Improved grassland 65

N15 Other arable land 65

N16 Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 65

N17 Coniferous woodland 65

N19 Mixed woodland 65

N21 Non-forest areas cultivated with woody plants (including Orchards, groves, Vineyards, Dehesas) 65

N22 Inland rocks, Screes, Sands, Permanent Snow and ice 65

N23 Other land (including Towns, Villages, Roads, Waste places, Mines, Industrial sites) 65

N25 Grassland and scrub habitats (general) 65

N26 Woodland habitats (general) 65

4.3 Threats code

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

A01 Cultivation 65

A02 Modification of cultivation practices 65

A03 Mowing / cutting of grassland 65

A04 Grazing 65

A05 Livestock farming and animal breeding (without grazing) 65

A06 Annual and perennial non-timber crops 65

A07 Use of biocides, hormones and chemicals 65

A08 Fertilisation 65

A10 Restructuring agricultural land holding 65

A11 Agriculture activities not referred to above 65

B01 Forest planting on open ground 65

B02 Forest and Plantation management & use 65

B03 Forest exploitation without replanting or natural regrowth 65

B04 Use of biocides, hormones and chemicals (forestry) 65

B06 Grazing in forests/ woodland 65

B07 Forestry activities not referred to above 65

C01 Mining and quarrying 65

C02 Exploration and extraction of oil or gas 65

C03 Renewable abiotic energy use 65

D01 Roads, paths and railroads 65

D02 Utility and service lines 65

D03 Shipping lanes, ports, marine constructions 65

D04 Airports, flightpaths 65

D05 Improved access to site 65

E01 Urbanised areas, human habitation 65

E02 Industrial or commercial areas 65

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

E03 Discharges 65

E04 Structures, buildings in the landscape 65

E06 Other urbanisation, industrial and similar activities 65

F01 Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture 65

F02 Fishing and harvesting aquatic ressources 65

F03

Hunting and collection of wild animals (terrestrial), including damage caused by game (excessive density), and taking/removal of terrestrial animals (including collection of insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds of prey, etc., trapping, poisoning, poaching, predator control, accidental capture (e.g. due to fishing gear), etc.)

65

F04 Taking / Removal of terrestrial plants, general 65

F05 Illegal taking/ removal of marine fauna 65

F06 Hunting, fishing or collecting activities not referred to above 65

G01 Outdoor sports and leisure activities, recreational activities 65

G02 Sport and leisure structures 65

G03 Interpretative centres 65

G04 Military use and civil unrest 65

G05 Other human intrusions and disturbances 65

H01 Pollution to surface waters (limnic & terrestrial, marine & brackish) 65

H02 Pollution to groundwater (point sources and diffuse sources) 65

H03 Marine water pollution 65

H04 Air pollution, air-borne pollutants 65

H05 Soil pollution and solid waste (excluding discharges) 65

H06 Excess energy 65

H07 Other forms of pollution 65

I01 Invasive non-native species 65

I02 Problematic native species 65

I03 Introduced genetic material, GMO 65

J01 Fire and fire suppression 65

J02 Human induced changes in hydraulic conditions 65

J03 Other ecosystem modifications 65

K01 Abiotic (slow) natural processes 65

K02 Biocenotic evolution, succession 65

K03 Interspecific faunal relations 65

K04 Interspecific floral relations 65

K05 Reduced fecundity/ genetic depression 65

L05 Collapse of terrain, landslide 65

L07 Storm, cyclone 65

L08 Inundation (natural processes) 65

L10 Other natural catastrophes 65

M01 Changes in abiotic conditions 65

M02 Changes in biotic conditions 65

U Unknown threat or pressure 65

XO Threats and pressures from outside the Member State 65

5.1 Designation type codes

CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

UK00 No Protection Status 67

UK01 National Nature Reserve 67

UK02 Marine Nature Reserve 67

UK04 Site of Special Scientific Interest (UK) 67

APPENDIX 12

European Site Conservation Objectives for Abberton Reservoir SPA

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European Site Conservation Objectives for Abberton Reservoir Special Protection Area

Site Code: UK9009141

With regard to the SPA and the individual species and/or assemblage of species for which the site has been classified (the ‘Qualifying Features’ listed below), and subject to natural change; Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring;

The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely The population of each of the qualifying features, and, The distribution of the qualifying features within the site.

This document should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Supplementary Advice document, which provides more detailed advice and information to enable the application and achievement of the Objectives set out above.

Qualifying Features:

A005 Podiceps cristatus; Great crested grebe (Non-breeding)

A017 Phalacrocorax carbo; Great cormorant (Breeding)

A036 Cygnus olor; Mute swan (Non-breeding)

A050 Anas penelope; Eurasian wigeon (Non-breeding)

A051 Anas strepera; Gadwall (Non-breeding)

A052 Anas crecca; Eurasian teal (Non-breeding)

A056 Anas clypeata; Northern shoveler (Non-breeding)

A059 Aythya ferina; Common pochard (Non-breeding)

A061 Aythya fuligula; Tufted duck (Non-breeding)

A067 Bucephala clangula; Common goldeneye (Non-breeding)

A125 Fulica atra; Common coot (Non-breeding)

Waterbird assemblage

Explanatory Notes: European Site Conservation Objectives

These Conservation Objectives are those referred to in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) (‘the Habitats Regulations’). They must be considered when a competent authority is required to make a ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’ including an Appropriate Assessment, under the relevant parts of this legislation. These Conservation Objectives, and the accompanying Supplementary Advice (where this is available), will also provide a framework to inform the management of the European Site and the prevention of deterioration of habitats and significant disturbance of its qualifying features These Conservation Objectives are set for each bird feature for a Special Protection Area (SPA). Where these objectives are being met, the site will be considered to exhibit a high degree of integrity and to be contributing to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive. Publication date: 21 February 2019 (version 3). This document updates and replaces an earlier version dated 30 June 2014 to reflect the consolidation of the Habitats Regulations in 2017.

APPENDIX 13

European Site Conservation Objectives: Supplementary Advice for Abberton Reservoir SPA

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Page 1 of 31

European Site Conservation Objectives:

Supplementary advice on conserving and restoring site features

Abberton Reservoir

Special Protection Area (SPA) Site Code: UK9009141

Photo credit: Essex and Suffolk Water

Date of Publication: 15 March 2019

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About this document This document provides Natural England’s supplementary advice for the European Site Conservation Objectives relating to Abberton Reservoir SPA. This advice should therefore be read together with the SPA Conservation Objectives available here. This advice replaces a draft version dated January 2019 following the receipt of comments from the site’s stakeholders. You should use the Conservation Objectives, this Supplementary Advice and any case-specific advice given by Natural England when developing, proposing or assessing an activity, plan or project that may affect this site’.

The tables provided below bring together the findings of the best available scientific evidence relating to the site’s qualifying features, which may be updated or supplemented in further publications from Natural England and other sources. The local evidence used in preparing this supplementary advice has been cited. The references to the national evidence used are available on request. Where evidence and references have not been indicated, Natural England has applied ecological knowledge and expert judgement. You may decide to use other additional sources of information. This Supplementary Advice to the Conservation Objectives presents attributes which are ecological characteristics of the designated species and habitats within a site. The listed attributes are considered to be those that best describe the site’s ecological integrity and which, if safeguarded, will enable achievement of the Conservation Objectives. Each attribute has a target which is either quantified or qualitative depending on the available evidence. The target identifies as far as possible the desired state to be achieved for the attribute. In many cases, the attribute targets shown in the tables indicate whether the current objective is to ‘maintain’ or ‘restore’ the attribute. This is based on the best available information, including that gathered during monitoring of the feature’s current condition. As new information on feature condition becomes available, this will be added so that the advice remains up to date. The targets given for each attribute do not represent thresholds to assess the significance of any given impact in Habitats Regulations Assessments. You will need to assess this on a case-by-case basis using the most current information available. Some, but not all, of these attributes can also be used for regular monitoring of the actual condition of the designated features. The attributes selected for monitoring the features, and the standards used to assess their condition, are listed in separate monitoring documents, which will be available from Natural England. These tables do not give advice about SSSI features or other legally protected species which may also be present within the European Site. If you have any comments or queries about this Supplementary Advice document please contact your local Natural England adviser or email [email protected]

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About this site

European Site information

Name of European Site Abberton Reservoir Special Protection Area (SPA)

Location

Essex

Site Map

The designated boundary of this site can be viewed here on the MAGIC website

Designation Date 5 December 1991

Qualifying Features See section below

Designation Area 726.2 ha

Designation Changes Not applicable

Feature Condition Status Details of the feature condition assessments made at this site can be found using Natural England’s Designated Sites System

Names of component Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

Abberton Reservoir SSSI

Relationship with other European or International Site designations

The boundary of this SPA coincides with that of Abberton Reservoir Ramsar site.

Site background and geography Abberton Reservoir is a large storage reservoir owned by ESSEX & SUFFOLK WATER lying about four miles south of Colchester. It is the largest freshwater body in Essex and one of the most important reservoirs in Britain for wildfowl. It is outstandingly important as an autumn arrival point, moulting and wintering locality for wildfowl. About thirty thousand birds visit the reservoir annually including internationally important numbers of one species and nationally important numbers of twelve others. It is also one of a handful of sites in Britain where Cormorants nest inland in trees. The reservoir is less than five miles from the coast and many birds move between it and nearby intertidal areas and grazing marshes along the Colne and Blackwater estuaries. The Reservoir was created between 1939 and 1941 by damming Layer Brook near its junction with the Roman River and flooding the long shallow valley to the south-west. In a wet or average year, most of the water pumped into Abberton is from the unsupported River Stour and in a dry year, the River Stour is supported by flows from the Ely Ouse to Essex Transfer System.. Two causeways divide the reservoir into three sections: west, central and east. The eastern section is by far the largest and was constructed with concrete banks, unlike the other two sections. At the time of classification the reservoir’s standing open water covered about 471 hectares. An additional 247 hectares of adjacent wetland, grassland, woodland and arable were included within the SPA as supporting habitat. Between 2010 and 2014, ESSEX & SUFFOLK WATER undertook major construction works to enable water levels in the east section to be raised. The top water level was raised by 3.2 metres and the reservoir was completely filled by April 2015. Levels have not been raised in the other two sections (which receive water from Layer Brook but not from the Stour) and water is now pumped between the central and east sections. As part of the level raising scheme, the east section’s concrete banks were removed and its shoreline re-profiled to create large areas of shallow wetland habitat for the site’s waterfowl. Before the main construction period, new lagoons were also created around the west section to provide more habitat for wildfowl in a part of the site well away from the main works. Detailed bird monitoring showed no declines in bird numbers at a whole-site level as a result of disturbance during construction. But the way species use and are distributed within the site has changed, particularly because

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the east section now has extensive shallow-water habitat, and water levels in the central and east sections can be controlled independently. As a result of the level raising scheme, the reservoir now covers about 670 ha at maximum extent, an increase in area of about 40% (ESSEX & SUFFOLK WATER 2015). The western section of the reservoir is 16 ha (excluding the scrapes created in 2001 and 2004). The central section of the reservoir is 49 ha in extent. The raised eastern reservoir section was designed to have an extent of 604 ha. Due to the enhancement scheme, when the current reservoir is 65% full, it is the equivalent of the old reservoir at 100% full. Since enhancement, several bunded bays and lagoons create shallow water habitat and exposed areas. As part of its operation at Abberton Reservoir, ESSEX & SUFFOLK WATER carries out a process of draw down and re-filling. The process involves beginning re-filling the reservoir in November with the aim for it to be full by the end of April. Then the draw down starts in July leading back to re-filling beginning in November. The reservoir has been designed so that it can be drawn down as low as 25% and will still provide increased and sufficient habitat for the designated waterfowl species. However, the reservoir normally operates between 50% and 100% full (Essex and Sussex Water pers. comms, 2019). This means that during the important overwintering period the reservoir is gaining water while during the autumnal passage period the lower water levels allow the appearance of an island within the reservoir which supports possible moulting waterbirds. The draw down and refilling process primarily affects the eastern section. The water level in the western section is managed by a weir so there is very little fluctuation in the area of surface water. It was originally agreed that the central section would be managed in a similar way to the historical draw down and re-fill pattern. However, recently it was agreed that keeping the central section more stable with a smaller draw down would be more beneficial, and so it is unlikely that this section would see substantially changes in water levels. Parts of the east section now lie outside the SPA boundary and some of the original terrestrial habitat within the SPA has been lost. However, there is sufficient land in the water company’s ownership around the new shoreline to make up for these losses and large areas of new shallow-water habitat and semi-natural margin have been created.

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About the qualifying features of the SPA The following section gives you additional, site-specific information about this SPA’s qualifying features. These are the individual species of wild birds listed on Annex I of the European Wild Birds Directive, and/or the individual regularly-occurring migratory species, and/or the assemblages (groups of different species occurring together) of wild birds for which the SPA was classified for.

• Qualifying individual species not listed in Annex I of the Wild Birds Directive (Article 4.2) During the breeding season the SPA regularly supports:

• A017 Phalacrocorax carbo; Great cormorant (Breeding)

The great cormorant is a diving fish-eating bird. This site supports nationally important numbers of breeding cormorants during the summer months and when the SPA was classified in 1991 the site supported 360 pairs (this represented 5% of the total British breeding population). The population has declined since the SPA’s classification, with a latest five year peak mean of 161 pairs (2013-2017) (unpublished data from ESSEX & SUFFOLK WATER conservation staff). In the 1980s Abberton Reservoir was the only site at which an inland breeding colony was established. This colony was unusual in Great Britain because the birds are nesting in trees inland, rather than on coastal cliff ledges or rocky islets. At the time of designation this colony was largest in the country. Between 1989 and 1994 another inland breeding colony was established at Walthamstow Reservoir on the outskirts of London near the border of Essex. Since then further colonies have been established in and around Essex. As these new colonies have been established the population growth at Abberton Reservoir and other older sites has stabilised or declined. The birds here primarily feed in the estuarine waters of the Essex coast between the River Colne and the River Crouch. They do also use inland sites and are known to use gravel-pits, reservoirs, lakes and rivers. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting this qualifying species are: Woodland (where the nesting sites are located in the trees along the north and south shores of the reservoir’s central section) Standing open water (one of their principal feeding sites is the reservoir itself although they are likely to feed on any appropriate water body within several tens of kilometres of the SPA) During the non-breeding season the SPA regularly supports: Internationally important

• A050 Anas penelope; Eurasian wigeon (Non-breeding)

The Eurasian wigeon is a bird of open wetlands, and usually feeds by dabbling for plant food or grazing, which it does very readily. The species feeds on grassland adjacent to the reservoirs. When classified in 1991, this site supported an internationally important over-wintering population of wigeon made up of 8,400 individuals representing 3% of the British population and 1% of the North West European population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 2,300 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a decrease of 72% for this species on this site. Therefore, a restore conservation objective has been set for this species on this site. Decline in Widgeon populations may not solely be a result of influences at Abberton Reservoir. It is likely that restoration of coastal grazing marshes and areas that frequently flood have also become highly important to this and other wildfowl species. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting this qualifying species are: Standing open water Improved grassland

• A051 Anas strepera; Gadwall (Non-breeding)

Gadwall require generally undisturbed, still, eutrophic waters that have a combination of open water and emergent vegetation (WOOD, 2007). Gadwall eat mostly submerged aquatic vegetation such as algae, grasses, rushes,

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sedges, pondweed, widgeon grass, and water milfoil, including leaves, stems, roots, and seeds. They also eat snails, midges, water beetles, and other invertebrates. During the winter they predominantly eat plant life with a small amount of animal life. When classified in 1991, this site supported an internationally important over-wintering population of gadwall made up of 480 individuals representing 8% of the British population and 4% of the North West European population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, English Nature, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 179 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a 62.75% decrease for this species on this site. It should be noted that Gadwall numbers do fluctuate annually with counts in the year of initial designation being particularly high. The species was listed on the SPA citation as being an important late summer passage visitor at this site. At the time of classification the citation showed that the peak August count (for the five year period 1985-1989) for the species was 110 individuals. The recent peak August count (for the five year period 2012-16) was 572 individuals. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting this qualifying species are: Standing open water

• A056 Anas clypeata; Northern shoveler (Non-breeding)

Shoveler prefer poorly drained treeless meadows interspersed with eutrophic shallow, stagnant freshwater pools and lakes, rivers with undisturbed creeks and muddy bottoms usually processing lush emergent and floating vegetation. As a result of its specialised filter-feeding methods, its habitat choice is therefore restricted (Dittberner, H. & Dittberner, W. 1987. Zur Brutbiologie dur Loffelente (Anas clypeata). Vogelwelt 108: 81-98.) – referenced in The Birds of Essex, Simon Wood, 2007. Zooplankton is an important food source for the species and this is likely a primary food source at the site. (2019, Essex and Suffolk Water personal communication) When classified in 1991, this site supported an internationally important over-wintering population of shoveler made up of 480 individuals representing 5% of the British population and 1% of the North West European population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 1,219 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a 154% increase for this species on this site. The species was listed on the SPA citation as being an important late summer passage visitor at this site. At the time of classification the citation showed that the peak August count (for the five year period 1985-1989) for the species was 420 individuals. The recent peak August count (for the five year period 2012-16) was 1,055 individuals. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting these qualifying species are: Standing open water Wet grassland Nationally important

• A005 Podiceps cristatus; Great crested grebe (Non-breeding)

The great crested grebe is a diving bird mainly feeding on fish. When classified in 1991, this site supported a nationally important over-wintering population of great crested grebe made up of 180 individuals representing 2% of the British population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, English Nature, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 694 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, an increase of 285% for this species on this site. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting this qualifying species are: Standing open water

• A036 Cygnus olor; Mute swan (Non-breeding)

Mute swans are the commonest Eurasian swan and they eat aquatic vegetation, which their long necks equip them to take from the bed of the reservoir. They take the molluscs which cling to the vegetation and also eat small fish,

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frogs and worms. Typically mute swans will graze big grassy fields and winter cereal crops. For this site, the winter cereals growing outside the SPA boundary are probably more important for the species than the grassland both within and outside the site boundary. When classified in 1991, this site supported a nationally important over-wintering population of mute swan made up of 500 individuals representing 3% of the British population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 162 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a decrease of nearly 68% for this species on this site. Traditionally, Abberton Reservoir has held large flocks of moulting swans during the post-breeding period. (WOOD 2007). The species was listed on the SPA citation as being a nationally important late summer passage visitor at this site. At the time of classification the citation showed that the peak August count (for the five year period 1985-1989) for the species was 450 individuals. At the time this was 3% of the British population. The current peak August count (for the five year period 2012-16) was 462 individuals. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting these qualifying species are: Standing open water Improved grassland Arable land

• A052 Anas crecca; Eurasian teal (Non-breeding) This dabbling duck is the smallest European duck. Overwintering teal mainly feed on the seeds of aquatic plants, grasses and sedges. When classified in 1991, this site supported a nationally important over-wintering population of teal made up of 2,200 individuals representing 2% of the British population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 4,987 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, an increase of over 126% for this species on this site. In fact, the population is nearing the internationally important threshold of 5,000. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting these qualifying species are: Standing open water Wet grassland

• A059 Aythya ferina; Common pochard (Non-breeding)

The common Pochard is a medium-sized diving duck. They feed by diving or dabbling, eating aquatic plants with some mollusks, aquatic insects and small fish. They often feed at night, and when diving for food may feed upside down. When classified in 1991, this site supported a nationally important over-wintering population of Pochard made up of 2,400 individuals representing 1% of the British population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 1,648 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a decrease of just over 31% for this species on this site. The current population level is still above the nationally important threshold. Traditionally, Abberton Reservoir has held large flocks of moulting birds during the post-breeding period. (WOOD 2007). The species was listed on the SPA citation as being an important late summer passage visitor at this site. At the time of classification the citation showed that the peak August count (for the five year period 1985-1989) for the species was 2,700 individuals. The recent peak August count (for the five year period 2012-16) was 1,789 individuals. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting these qualifying species are: Standing open water

• A061 Aythya fuligula; Tufted duck (Non-breeding)

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The tufted duck is a medium-sized diving duck. The species is mainly carnivorous with animal material forming more than 80% of their diet (WOOD 2007). The diet consists of molluscs, insects and some plants. When classified in 1991, this site supported a nationally important over-wintering population of tufted duck made up of 3,500 individuals representing 2% of the British population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 1,733 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a decrease of 50.5% for this species on this site. The current population level is still above the nationally important threshold. The species was listed on the SPA citation as being an important late summer passage visitor at this site. At the time of classification the citation showed that the peak August count (for the five year period 1985-1989) for the species was 2,700 individuals. The recent peak August count (for the five year period 2012-16) was 2,969 individuals. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting these qualifying species are: Standing open water

• A067 Bucephala clangula; Common goldeneye (Non-breeding)

The goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck. Goldeneyes typically forage underwater. They eat crustaceans, aquatic insects and small fish. They will also eat plant material, mainly seeds. Unlike pochard and tufted duck, goldeneye often feed in estuarine waters. When classified in 1991, this site supported a nationally important over-wintering population of goldeneye made up of 560 individuals representing 3% of the British population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 381 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a decrease of 31.9% for this species on this site. The current population level is still above the nationally important threshold. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting these qualifying species are: Standing open water

• A125 Fulica atra; Common coot (Non-breeding)

The common coot is a member of the rail and crake bird family. The species is omnivorous, feeding primarily on plant matter such as shoots and seeds of aquatic and some terrestrial plants, algae, grasses and cereals. It also takes animal food such as worms, leeches, molluscs, shrimps, insects (adults and larvae) and spiders. When classified in 1991, this site supported a nationally important over-wintering population of common coot made up of 11,500 individuals representing 10% of the British population, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this species overwintering within the site is estimated at 2,833 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a decrease of 75.4% for this species on this site. The current population level is still above the nationally important threshold. Coot is not listed on the SPA citation as an autumn passage species at Abberton, but in recent years annual peak numbers have generally occurred between August and October (FROST et al, 2018). At this SPA the principal habitats supporting this qualifying species are: Standing open water

• Qualifying assemblage of species (Article 4.2) During the non-breeding season the SPA regularly supports an assemblage of waterfowl of more than 20,000 birds. When classified in 1991, this site supported an internationally important over-wintering waterfowl population made up of 34,000 individuals, at the time (1985/86 to 1989/90) (Abberton Reservoir citation, ENGLISH NATURE, 1991). The current population of this overwintering assemblage within the site is estimated at 27,327 individuals, based on a 5 year peak mean from 2012/13 to 2016/17, a decrease of 19.6% for the assemblage on this site.

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The main individual component species of the assemblage are listed below: Wigeon; Gadwall; Mute swan; Shoveler; Teal; Pochard; Tufted duck; Goldeneye; Coot; Pintail; Great crested grebe; Smew; Cormorant; Lapwing; Golden plover; Ruff. Below is a table showing why these species have been selected: Qualifying criteria to being listed as main individual component species1:

(i) Species level is currently nationally important; (ii) Species level is currently internationally important; (iii) Species currently occurs at ≥2,000 individuals; (iv) Species is named on SPA citation; (v) Species currently occurs at ≥10% internationally important level

Species (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Wigeon Gadwall Mute swan Shoveler Teal Pochard Tufted duck Goldeneye Coot Pintail Great crested grebe Smew Cormorant Lapwing Golden plover Ruff

Many of these species have been discussed above. Pintail are a duck that feed by dabbling for plant food. Smew are a diving duck that eats fish, insect larvae and other insects. Golden plover are waders that regularly feed on arable land and grassland in early and late winter. They eat worms, beetles and other insects. The species generally favour roosting on ploughed arable land. Ruff are waders that mainly feed in freshwater wetlands and eat insects, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, worms, frogs, small fish, and plant seeds. The whole of the site is used by the waterbird assemblage from the open water of the three reservoir sections, the shallows of the banks, and the grassland and other habitats adjacent to the reservoir. Neighbouring pasture and arable fields are used by parts of the assemblage for feeding and roosting. At this SPA the principal habitats supporting the waterbird assemblage are: Standing open water Improved grassland Wet grassland Arable land

1 Current species level is calculated as the mean peak for the five year period 2012/13 to 2016/17.

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Site-specific seasonality of SPA features

The table below highlights in grey those months in which significant numbers of each mobile qualifying feature are most likely to be present at the SPA during a typical calendar year. This table is provided as a general guide only. Unless otherwise indicated, the months shown below are primarily based on information relating to the general months of occurrence of the feature in the UK. Where site-based evidence is available and has been used to indicate below that significant numbers of the feature are typically present at this SPA outside of the general period, the site-specific references have been added to indicate this. Applicants considering projects and plans scheduled in the periods highlighted in grey would benefit from early consultation with Natural England given the greater scope for there to be likely significant effects that require consideration of mitigation to minimise impacts to qualifying bird features during the principal periods of site usage by those features. The months which are not highlighted in grey are not ones in which the features are necessarily absent, rather that features may be present in less significant numbers in typical years. Furthermore, in any given year, features may occur in significant numbers in months in which typically they do not. Thus, applicants should not conclude that projects or plans scheduled in months not highlighted in grey cannot have a significant effect on the features. There may be a lower likelihood of significant effects in those months which nonetheless will also require prior consideration. Any assessment of potential impacts on the features must be based on up-to-date count data and take account of population trends evident from these data and any other available information. Additional site-based surveys may be required. Non-breeding water bird monthly maxima data gathered for this site through the Wetland Bird Survey (‘WeBS’) may be available upon request from the British Trust for Ornithology. Feature

Season Period Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Site-specific references where available

Cormorant Breeding Summer DENNIS 1996

Gadwall

Non-breeding

Passage and Winter

Abberton Reservoir WeBS data (FROST et al. 2018). Five-year average monthly counts for 2012/13 to 2016/17 used.

Mute swan

Pochard

Shoveler

Tufted duck

Coot Non-breeding

Winter

Abberton Reservoir WeBS data (FROST et al. 2018). Five-year average monthly counts Goldeneye

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Feature

Season Period Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Site-specific references where available

Great-crested grebe

Non-breeding

Winter

for 2012/13 to 2016/17 used.

Teal

Waterbird assemblage

Wigeon

Guide to terms: Breeding – present on a site during the normal breeding period for that species Non-breeding - present on a site outside of the normal breeding period for that species (includes passage and winter periods). Summer – the period generally from April to July inclusive Passage - the periods during the autumn and spring when migratory birds are moving between breeding areas and wintering areas. These periods are not strictly defined but generally include the months of July – October inclusive (autumn passage) and March – April inclusive (spring passage). Winter - the period generally from November to February inclusive.

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Table 1: Supplementary Advice for Qualifying Features: A017. Phalacrocorax carbo; Great cormorant (Breeding)

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where

available) Breeding population

Population abundance

Restore the size of the breeding population to a level which is above 360 breeding pairs, whilst avoiding deterioration from its current level as indicated by the latest mean peak count or equivalent.

This will sustain the site’s population and ensures it contributes to a viable local, national and bio-geographic population. Due to the mobility of birds and the dynamic nature of population change, the target-value given for the abundance of this feature is considered to be the minimum standard for conservation/ restoration measures to achieve. When Abberton Reservoir was designated, inland breeding colonies of Cormorant were limited and they have since expanded substantially possibly contributing to the reported decline. This minimum-value may be revised where there is evidence to show that a population’s size has significantly changed as a result of natural factors or management measures and has been stable at or above a new level over a considerable period (generally at least 10 years). The values given here may also be updated in future to reflect any strategic objectives which may be set at a national level for this feature. Given the likely fluctuations in numbers over time, any impact-assessments should focus on the current abundance of the site’s population, as derived from the latest known or estimated level established using the best available data. This advice accords with the obligation to avoid deterioration of the site or significant disturbance of the species for which the site is classified, and seeks to avoid plans or projects that may affect the site giving rise to the risk of deterioration. Similarly, where there is evidence to show that a feature has historically been more abundant than the stated minimum target and its current level, the ongoing capacity of the site to accommodate the feature at such higher levels in future should also be taken into account. Maintaining or restoring bird abundance depends on the suitability of the site. However, factors affecting suitability can also determine other demographic rates of birds using the site including survival (dependent on factors such as body condition which influences the ability to breed or make foraging and / or migration movements) and breeding productivity. Adverse anthropogenic impacts on either of these rates may precede changes in population abundance (e.g. by

The target for the restore characteristic is from the SPA citation population figure.

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Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where

available) changing proportions of birds of different ages) but eventually may negatively affect abundance. These rates can be measured/estimated to inform judgements of likely impacts on abundance targets. Unless otherwise stated, the population size will be that measured using standard methods such as peak mean counts or breeding surveys. This value is also provided recognising there will be inherent variability as a result of natural fluctuations and margins of error during data collection. Whilst we will endeavour to keep these values as up to date as possible, local Natural England staff can advise on whether the figures stated are the best available.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): extent and distribution

Extent and distribution of supporting breeding habitat

Maintain the extent, distribution and availability of suitable breeding habitat which supports the feature for all necessary stages of its breeding cycle (courtship, nesting, feeding): Standing open water: Between 185 ha and 670 ha. Wet woodland adjacent to reservoir: Approximately 10.5 ha

Conserving or restoring the extent of supporting habitats and their range will be key to maintaining the site's ability and capacity to support the SPA population. The information available on the extent and distribution of supporting habitat used by the feature may be approximate depending to the nature, age and accuracy of data collection. This target will apply to any supporting habitat which is known to occur outside the site boundary. Western section is 16 ha, central section is 49 ha and raised eastern reservoir was designed to have a maximum of 604 ha (Personal communication with Essex and Suffolk Water). The range in the standing open water extent reflects changing water levels due to the draw down and re-filling process undertaken at the site.

The extent of wet woodland used for nesting was calculated from aerial photographs of the site (2018)

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Food availability within supporting habitat

Maintain the availability of key prey species (e.g. fish) at preferred prey sizes

The availability of an abundant food supply is critically important for successful breeding, adult fitness and survival and the overall sustainability of the population. As a result, inappropriate management and direct or indirect impacts which may affect the distribution, abundance and availability of prey may adversely affect the population.

Supporting habitat (both within

Water depth Maintain the availability of standing water of 2-10 m deep.

This feature is known to require extensive areas of water in which to feed. Birds are visual predators, with some having the ability to dive or to feed from the surface. As they will rely on detecting their prey

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Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where

available) and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

within the water to hunt, the depth of water at critical times of year may be paramount for successful feeding and therefore their fitness and survival. Deep water surrounding nesting sites may also be important to deterring predators.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Air quality Maintain or, where necessary, restore concentrations and deposition of air pollutants to at or below the site-relevant Critical Load or Level values given for this feature of the site on the Air Pollution Information System (www.apis.ac.uk).

The structure and function of the habitats which support this SPA feature may be sensitive to changes in air quality. Exceeding critical values for air pollutants may result in changes to the chemical status of its habitat substrate, accelerating or damaging plant growth, altering vegetation structure and composition and thereby affecting the quality and availability of nesting, feeding or roosting habitats. Critical Loads and Levels are thresholds below which such harmful effects on sensitive UK habitats will not occur to a noteworthy level, according to current levels of scientific understanding. There are critical levels for ammonia (NH3), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), and critical loads for nutrient nitrogen deposition and acid deposition. It is recognised that achieving this target may be subject to the development, availability and effectiveness of abatement technology and measures to tackle diffuse air pollution, within realistic timescales. There are currently no critical loads or levels for other pollutants such as Halogens, Heavy Metals, POPs, VOCs or Dusts. These should be considered as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Ground level ozone is regionally important as a toxic air pollutant but flux-based critical levels for the protection of semi-natural habitats are still under development.

More information about site-relevant Critical Loads and Levels for this SPA is available by using the ‘search by site’ tool on the Air Pollution Information System (www.apis.ac.uk).

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Conservation measures

Maintain management or other measures (whether within and/or outside the site boundary as appropriate) necessary to maintain the structure, function and/or the supporting processes associated with the feature and its supporting habitats.

Active and ongoing conservation management is often needed to protect, maintain or restore this feature at this site. Other measures may also be required, and in some cases, these measures may apply to areas outside of the designated site boundary in order to achieve this target. Further details about the necessary conservation measures for this site can be provided by Natural England. This information will typically be found within, where applicable, supporting documents such as Natura 2000 Site Improvement Plan, Site Management Strategies or Plans, the Views about Management Statement for the underpinning SSSI and/or management agreements.

ENGLISH NATURE (2004) Views about Management: Abberton Reservoir SSSI Natural England (2104) Abberton Reservoir SPA Site Improvement Plan:

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Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where

available) Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Water quality/ quantity

Where the supporting habitats of the SPA feature are dependent on surface water, maintain water quality and quantity at a standard which provides the necessary conditions to support the feature.

For many SPA features which are dependent on wetland habitats supported by surface water, maintaining the quality and quantity of water supply will be critical, especially at certain times of year during key stages of their life cycle. Poor water quality and inadequate quantities of water can adversely affect the availability and suitability of breeding, rearing, feeding and roosting habitats. Typically, meeting the surface water and groundwater environmental standards set out by the Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC) will also be sufficient to support the SPA Conservation Objectives but in some cases more stringent standards may be needed to support the SPA feature. Further site-specific investigations may be required to establish appropriate standards for the SPA.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): minimising disturbance

Minimising disturbance caused by human activity

Restrict the frequency, duration and/or intensity of disturbance of nesting, roosting, foraging, feeding, moulting and/or loafing birds so that the feature is not significantly disturbed

The nature, scale, timing and duration of some human activities can result in the disturbance of birds at a level that may substantially affect their behaviour, and consequently affect the long-term viability of the population. Such disturbing effects can for example result in changes to feeding or roosting behaviour, increases in energy expenditure due to increased flight, abandonment of nest sites and desertion of supporting habitat (both within or outside the designated site boundary where appropriate). This may undermine successful nesting, rearing, feeding and/or roosting, and/or may reduce the availability of suitable habitat as birds are displaced and their distribution within the site contracts. Disturbance associated with human activity may take a variety of forms including noise, light, sound, vibration, trampling, presence of people, animals and structures. There are public and permissive footpaths through the countryside around the site. More footpaths, bridleways and cycleways were added recently as part of the Abberton Scheme. These are set well back from the shoreline or screened to prevent bird disturbance. Fishing is restricted to the western causeway and a short length of shoreline near the main dam on a limited number of days and requires a permit. No swimming, sailing or other boating is permitted in the reservoir.

Page 16 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where

available) Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): predation

Predation Restrict predation and disturbance caused by native and non-native predators.

This will ensure that breeding productivity (number of chicks per pair) and survival are sustained at rates that maintain or restore the abundance of the feature. Impacts to breeding productivity can result directly from predation of eggs, chicks, juveniles and adults, and also from significant disturbance. The presence of predators can influence bird behaviours, such as abandonment of nest sites or reduction of effective feeding. Where evidence suggests predator management is required, measures can include their exclusion through fencing and scaring or by direct control. Any such measures must consider the legal protection of some predators, as well as the likely effects of such control on other qualifying features. At Abberton Reservoir, a decline in cormorant breeding success in 1997 was considered to be due to low water levels that allowed brown rats to climb some trees and eat the young, and foxes to patrol under the trees and continually disturb sitting adults (Wood 2007). Ensuring that water levels in the central section are kept sufficiently high during the breeding season to prevent a recurrence is likely to be the only predator control measure needed unless conditions change.

Wood 2007, p.173.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): structure

Vegetation characteristics

Maintain the overall abundance of tall trees within nesting areas that are typically either over or near the water's edge along the north and south sides of the reservoir’s central section.

The height, cover, variation and composition of vegetation are often important characteristics of habitats supporting this feature which enable successful nesting/rearing/concealment/roosting. Many bird species will have specific requirements that conservation measures will aim to maintain, for others such requirements will be less clear. Activities that may directly or indirectly affect the vegetation of supporting habitats and modify these characteristics may adversely affect the feature. Nearly all the nesting trees used are willows actually growing in shallow water.

Personal communication (C Williams, Natural England)

Version Control Advice last updated: 14 March 2019 – Following stakeholder feedback addition explanatory notes added to Population Abundance target to provide clarity of population trends at time of classification. Variations from national feature-framework of integrity-guidance: Attribute relating number of water bodies of optimal size removed as this is considered not relevant as the site is a permanent reservoir

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Table 2: Supplementary Advice for Qualifying Features: A050 Anas penelope Eurasian wigeon (Non-breeding); A050 Anas strepera Gadwall (Non-breeding); A056 Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler (Non-breeding); A005 Podiceps cristatus Great-crested grebe (Non-breeding); A036 Cygnus olor Mute Swan (Non-breeding); A052 Anas crecca Eurasian teal (Non-breeding); A059 Aythya farina Common Pochard (Non-breeding); A061 Aythya fuligula (Non-breeding); A067 Bucephala clangula Common goldeneye (Non-breeding); A125 Fulica atra Common Coot (Non-breeding)

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

Non-breeding population

Population abundance

All species in Table 2 For each individual species, maintain or restore as appropriate the size of the non-breeding population at/to a size which is above the baseline for each species, whilst avoiding deterioration from its current level as indicated by the latest mean peak count or equivalent See explanatory notes for more details

Species – (internationally important)

Season Target Baseline population (individuals)

Wigeon Over-wintering

Restore 8,400

Gadwall Over-wintering

Restore 480

Passage Maintain 110 Shoveler Over-

wintering Maintain 480

Passage Maintain 420 Species (nationally important)

Great-crested grebe

Over-wintering

Maintain 180

Mute Swan Over-wintering

Restore 500

Passage Maintain 450 Teal Over-

wintering Maintain 2,220

Pochard Over-wintering

Restore 2,400

Passage Restore 2,700 Tufted Duck Over-

wintering Restore 3,500

Passage Maintain 2,700 Goldeneye Over-

wintering Restore 560

Coot Over-wintering

Restore 11,500

Target is the number of species occurring at SPA classification (see SPA citation)

Page 18 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

This will sustain the site’s population and ensures it contributes to a viable local, national and bio-geographic population. Due to the mobility of birds and the dynamic nature of population change, the target-value given for the abundance of this feature is considered to be the minimum standard for conservation/ restoration measures to achieve. This minimum-value may be revised where there is evidence to show that a population’s size has significantly changed as a result of natural factors or management measures and has been stable at or above a new level over a considerable period (generally at least 10 years). The values given here may also be updated in future to reflect any strategic objectives which may be set at a national level for this feature. Given the likely fluctuations in numbers over time, any impact-assessments should focus on the current abundance of the site’s population, as derived from the latest known or estimated level established using the best available data. This advice accords with the obligation to avoid deterioration of the site or significant disturbance of the species for which the site is classified, and seeks to avoid plans or projects that may affect the site giving rise to the risk of deterioration. Similarly, where there is evidence to show that a feature has historically been more abundant than the stated minimum target and its current level, the ongoing capacity of the site to accommodate the feature at such higher levels in future should also be taken into account. Maintaining or restoring bird abundance depends on the suitability of the site. However, factors affecting suitability can also determine other demographic rates of birds using the site including survival (dependent on factors such as body condition which influences the ability to breed or make foraging and / or migration movements) and breeding productivity. Adverse anthropogenic impacts on either of these rates may precede changes in population abundance (e.g. by changing proportions of birds of different ages) but eventually may negatively affect abundance. These rates can be measured/estimated to inform judgements of likely impacts on

Page 19 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

abundance targets. Unless otherwise stated, the population size will be that measured using standard methods such as peak mean counts or breeding surveys. This value is also provided recognising there will be inherent variability as a result of natural fluctuations and margins of error during data collection. Whilst we will endeavour to keep these values as up to date as possible, local Natural England staff can advise on whether the figures stated are the best available.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): extent and distribution

Extent and distribution of supporting breeding habitat

All species in Table 2 Maintain the extent, distribution and availability of suitable breeding habitat which supports the feature in the non-breeding/wintering period (moulting, roosting, loafing, feeding) Standing open water - Between 185 ha and 670 ha (wigeon, gadwall, shoveler, great-crested grebe, mute swan, teal, Pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye, coot) Grassland – 72ha (wigeon) Wet grassland, fen, marsh & swamp – 6ha (shoveler, teal) Arable land – 76ha within SPA boundary (mute swan)

Conserving or restoring the extent of supporting habitats and their range will be key to maintaining the site's ability and capacity to support the SPA population. The information available on the extent and distribution of supporting habitat used by the feature may be approximate depending to the nature, age and accuracy of data collection. This target will apply to any supporting habitat which is known to occur outside the site boundary. Western section is 16 ha, central section is 49 ha and raised eastern reservoir was designed to have a maximum of 604 ha (Personal communication with Essex and Suffolk Water). The range in the standing open water extent reflects changing water levels due to the draw down and re-filling process undertaken at the site. The extent of wet woodland used for nesting was calculated from aerial photographs of the site (2018) The grassland target was calculated from habitat mapping undertaken in 2008. The target was the area within the SPA extent before the raising of water levels. Arable land outside the boundary is much more important to Mute Swan than areas that were in the site boundary and may subsequently have been affected by the change in water levels of the reservoir in recent years.

Welcome to the Abberton Scheme by Essex and Suffolk Water”

Supporting habitat

Air quality All Species in Table 2:

The structure and function of the habitats which support this SPA feature may be sensitive to changes in air quality.

More information about site-relevant Critical Loads and Levels

Page 20 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

(both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Maintain or, where necessary, restore concentrations and deposition of air pollutants to at or below the site-relevant Critical Load or Level values given for this feature of the site on the Air Pollution Information System (www.apis.ac.uk).

Exceeding critical values for air pollutants may result in changes to the chemical status of its habitat substrate, accelerating or damaging plant growth, altering vegetation structure and composition and thereby affecting the quality and availability of nesting, feeding or roosting habitats. Critical Loads and Levels are thresholds below which such harmful effects on sensitive UK habitats will not occur to a noteworthy level, according to current levels of scientific understanding. There are critical levels for ammonia (NH3), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), and critical loads for nutrient nitrogen deposition and acid deposition. It is recognised that achieving this target may be subject to the development, availability and effectiveness of abatement technology and measures to tackle diffuse air pollution, within realistic timescales. There are currently no critical loads or levels for other pollutants such as Halogens, Heavy Metals, POPs, VOCs or Dusts. These should be considered as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Ground level ozone is regionally important as a toxic air pollutant but flux-based critical levels for the protection of semi-natural habitats are still under development.

for this SPA is available by using the ‘search by site’ tool on the Air Pollution Information System (www.apis.ac.uk ).

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Connectivity with supporting habitats

Tufted duck, Pochard, Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon Maintain the safe passage of birds moving between roosting and feeding areas Wigeon Maintain the availability of grasslands in close proximity (typically <50 m) to open water bodies.

The ability of the feature to safely and successfully move to and from feeding and roosting areas is critical to their breeding success and to the adult fitness and survival. This target will apply within the site boundary and where birds regularly move to and from off-site habitat where this is relevant.

Supporting habitat

Conservation measures

All Species in Table 2

Active and ongoing conservation management is often needed to protect, maintain or restore this feature at this site. Other

ENGLISH NATURE (2004) Views about Management: Abberton

Page 21 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

(both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Maintain management or other measures (whether within and/or outside the site boundary as appropriate) necessary to maintain the structure, function and/or the supporting processes associated with the feature and its supporting habitats.

measures may also be required, and in some cases, these measures may apply to areas outside of the designated site boundary in order to achieve this target. Further details about the necessary conservation measures for this site can be provided by Natural England. This information will typically be found within, where applicable, supporting documents such as Natura 2000 Site Improvement Plan, Site Management Strategies or Plans, the Views about Management Statement for the underpinning SSSI and/or management agreements.

Reservoir SSSI Natural England (2104) Abberton Reservoir SPA Site Improvement Plan:

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Food availability within supporting habitat

Maintain the availability of key prey species at preferred prey sizes Shoveler: Crustaceans, caddisflies, diptera, beetles Great-crested grebe: bleak, minnows, perch, roach, Gobius spp., prawns, shrimps Teal: Flies, caddisfly, beetles, bugs, hatching midges Pochard: Chironomid larvae, caddis, Tubifex) Tufted duck: Dreissena polymorpha, Mytillus, Cardium spp, Chironomid larvae, Gammarus, Goldeneye: Trichoptera, chironomid larvae, Gammarus, Asellus Coot: Mytilus, Dreissena polymorpha, caddis-fly larvae, Odonata, Lepidoptera, beetles and bugs

The availability of an abundant food supply is critically important for successful breeding, adult fitness and survival and the overall sustainability of the population. As a result, inappropriate management and direct or indirect impacts which may affect the distribution, abundance and availability of prey may adversely affect the population.

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Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

Maintain high cover/abundance of preferred food plants Wigeon; Teal: Polygonum, Eleocharis, Rumex, Ranunculus Gadwall: Glyceria fluitans, Agrostis stolonifera, Chara, Potomageton, Ceratophyllum spp., Ruppia Shoveler: Scirpus, Eleocharis, Carex, Potamogeton, Glyceria, surface plankton and zooplankton Mute swan: Glyceria fluitans, Rorippa spp., Alopecurus geniculatus, Potamogeton, Callitriche, Myriophyllum, Chara spp. Pochard / Tufted Duck: Chara, Nitella, Potamogeton spp., Myriophyllum Coot: Chara, Cladophora, Potamogeton, Ruppia, Ranunculus, Spirogyra, Elodea

The availability of an abundant food supply is critically important for successful breeding, adult fitness and survival and the overall sustainability of the population. As a result, inappropriate management and direct or indirect impacts which may affect the distribution, abundance and availability of prey may adversely affect the population.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting

Water depth Maintain the availability of standing water at optimal depth, typically: Teal:<0.1m Gadwall: <0.25m Shoveler: <0.3m

These features are known to require extensive areas of water in which to feed. Birds are visual predators, with some having the ability to dive or to feed from the surface. As they will rely on detecting their prey within the water to hunt, the depth of water at critical times of year may be paramount for successful feeding and therefore their fitness and survival.

Page 23 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

process Mute Swan<1m Coot: 1-3m Great-crested grebe: 1-5m Goldeneye 2-4m Pochard: 2-6m Tufted Duck: 2-6m

Optimal water depth is not applicable to wigeon as this species feeds predominantly on grassland.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Water quality/ quantity

All Species Where the supporting habitats of the SPA feature are dependent on surface water, maintain water quality and quantity at a standard which provides the necessary conditions to support the feature.

For many SPA features which are dependent on wetland habitats supported by surface water, maintaining the quality and quantity of water supply will be critical, especially at certain times of year during key stages of their life cycle. Poor water quality and inadequate quantities of water can adversely affect the availability and suitability of breeding, rearing, feeding and roosting habitats. Typically, meeting the surface water and groundwater environmental standards set out by the Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC) will also be sufficient to support the SPA Conservation Objectives but in some cases more stringent standards may be needed to support the SPA feature. Further site-specific investigations may be required to establish appropriate standards for the SPA.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): minimising disturbance

Minimising disturbance caused by human activity

All features Restrict the frequency, duration and/or intensity of disturbance of nesting, roosting, foraging, feeding, moulting and/or loafing birds so that the feature is not significantly disturbed

The nature, scale, timing and duration of some human activities can result in the disturbance of birds at a level that may substantially affect their behaviour, and consequently affect the long-term viability of the population. Such disturbing effects can for example result in changes to feeding or roosting behaviour, increases in energy expenditure due to increased flight, abandonment of nest sites and desertion of supporting habitat (both within or outside the designated site boundary where appropriate). This may undermine successful nesting, rearing, feeding and/or roosting, and/or may reduce the availability of suitable habitat as birds are displaced and their distribution within the site contracts. Disturbance associated with human activity may take a variety

Page 24 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

of forms including noise, light, sound, vibration, trampling, presence of people, animals and structures. There are public and permissive footpaths through the countryside around the site. More footpaths, bridleways and cycleways were added recently as part of the Abberton Scheme. These are set well back from the shoreline or screened to prevent bird disturbance. Fishing is restricted to the western causeway and a short length of shoreline near the main dam on a limited number of days and requires a permit. No swimming, sailing or other boating is permitted in the reservoir.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): structure

Landscape Wigeon only Maintain open and unobstructed terrain within and around feeding and roosting areas.

This feature is known to favour large areas of open terrain, largely free of obstructions, in and around its roosting and feeding areas. Often there is a need to maintain an unobstructed line of sight within feeding and roosting habitat to detect approaching predators, or to ensure visibility of displaying behaviour. An open landscape may also be required to facilitate movement of birds between the SPA and any off-site supporting habitat.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): structure

Vegetation characteristics

Wigeon only Maintain the extent and distribution of predominantly short (<5 cm) swards in areas used for feeding.

The height, cover, variation and composition of vegetation are often important characteristics of habitats supporting this feature which enable successful nesting/ rearing/ concealment/ roosting. Many bird species will have specific requirements that conservation measures will aim to maintain, for others such requirements will be less clear. Activities that may directly or indirectly affect the vegetation of supporting habitats and modify these characteristics may adversely affect the feature.

Personal communication (C Williams, NE)

Version Control Advice last updated: N/A Variations from national feature-framework of integrity-guidance: Attribute relating to number of water bodies of optimal size removed as not relevant as the site is a permanent reservoir. Attribute relating to food availability of coastal species removed as this is a freshwater site.

Table 3: Supplementary Advice for Qualifying Features: Waterbird assemblage

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

Assemblage of species

Assemblage abundance

Restore the overall abundance of the non-breeding assemblage to a level which is above 34,000 whilst avoiding deterioration from its current level as indicated by the latest mean peak count or equivalent.

This will sustain the assemblage population and contribute to viable local, national and bio-geographic populations of its component species. Assemblage abundance is the annual sum of peak counts of each assemblage component species (at any time of year, though peaks tend to occur in the non-breeding season), unless otherwise stated. Five year peak means are the average of these annual peak sums for the relevant period. An assemblage component is any waterbird using the site. Due to the dynamic nature of assemblage component populations, this target may be subject to periodic review. However, the target assemblage abundance is considered to be the minimum standard for conservation or restoration measures and therefore where at any time the assemblage abundance is greater than the target value given, any measure or impact assessment should take account of the greater abundance. This meets with the obligation to avoid deterioration of a European site or significant disturbance of the species for which the site is classified, and seeks to avoid plans or projects giving rise to the risk of such deterioration or disturbance. Similarly, where there is evidence to show that a feature has historically been more abundant than the stated minimum target and its current level, the ongoing capacity of the site to accommodate the feature at such higher levels in future should also be taken into account. Whether to maintain or restore depends on the overall assemblage abundance (i.e. the peak mean derived from the summed peak counts of components), and should only change in response to this value, excepting natural change. Fluctuations of individual assemblage component species alone should not necessarily change the target. Assemblage abundance is linked to the demographic rates of assemblage components, including survival (dependent on

Original target is from Abberton Reservoir SPA citation. The most recent data about this feature on this SPA has been derived from BTO WeBS data.

Page 26 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

factors such as body condition which influences the ability to breed or make foraging and / or migration movements) and breeding productivity. Adverse anthropogenic impacts on either of these rates may precede changes in population abundance (e.g. by changing proportions of birds of different ages) but eventually may negatively affect abundance. These rates can be measured / estimated (particularly for the main or named components) to inform judgements of likely changes to the assemblage and associated impacts on abundance targets. Whilst we will endeavour to keep these values as up to date as possible, local Natural England staff can advise on whether the figures stated are the best available. NB. Many SPA citations omitted gulls and terns from their assemblage totals. Assessments of abundance should be consistent with the waterbirds included in citation calculations (often limited to waders and wildfowl).

Assemblage of species

Diversity of species

Maintain the species diversity of the bird assemblage.

This will ensure the bird assemblage reflects the diversity of species the SPA supports. Assemblage diversity is a product of species richness (the number of different species present), abundance (population size of each assemblage component species) and relative ‘importance’ (an assessment of the conservation status of each assemblage component, described below). Each component makes a different contribution to the diversity of the assemblage, and changes to some components may be considered to affect diversity more than others. Negative changes to small numbers of relatively important assemblage components may have a similar overall effect to negative changes in larger numbers of less important components. To meet the target, the populations of each of the ‘main component’ assemblage species to be maintained or restored are i) those present in nationally important numbers (≥1% GB population); ii) migratory species present in internationally important numbers (≥1% biogeographic population); iii) those species comprising ≥2,000 individuals (≥10% of the minimum qualifying threshold for an internationally-important

BTO WeBS data used to determine maintain component species.

Page 27 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

assemblage); and iv) ‘named components’ otherwise listed on the SPA citation. In addition to the main components, other components should be considered as these contribute collectively to the assemblage diversity, in particular proportionally abundant populations of species of conservation importance. Examples are those 'red-listed' as Birds of Conservation Concern and/or those listed on Sections 41/42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. The species composition of an assemblage may change over time. However, to meet this target, the total number of all native waterbird species contributing to the assemblage species richness should not decline significantly.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): extent and distribution

Extent and distribution of supporting non-breeding habitat

Maintain the extent and distribution of habitats which support the assemblage feature during all necessary stages (moulting, roosting, loafing, and feeding) of the non-breeding period. Standing open water: Between 185 ha and 670 ha Wet grassland and fen, marsh and swamp: 6 ha Grassland: 72 ha Arable land: 76 ha within SPA boundary at 2008 (although the assemblage species are more dependent on the larger areas of arable surrounding the site rather than that within it).

Conserving or restoring the extent of supporting habitats and their range will be key to maintaining the site's ability and capacity to support the SPA population. The information available on the extent and distribution of supporting habitat used by the feature may be approximate depending to the nature, age and accuracy of data collection. This target will apply to any supporting habitat which is known to occur outside the site boundary. The principal habitats known or likely to support the assemblage feature at this SPA are: Standing open water Improved grassland Wet grassland and fen, marsh and swamp Arable land outside the SPA boundary) The surface area of the reservoir sections are as follows: western section is 16 ha, central section is 49 ha and raised eastern reservoir was designed to have a maximum of 604 ha (Personal communication with Essex and Suffolk Water, 2018). The range in the standing open water extent reflects changing water levels due to the draw down and re-filling process undertaken at the site. The grassland and arable targets were calculated from habitat

Page 28 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

mapping undertaken in 2008. The target was the area within the SPA extent before the raising of water levels.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Air quality Maintain or, where necessary, restore concentrations and deposition of air pollutants to at or below the site-relevant Critical Load or Level values given for this feature of the site on the Air Pollution Information System (www.apis.ac.uk).

The structure and function of habitats which support this SPA feature may be sensitive to changes in air quality. Exceeding critical values for air pollutants may result in changes to the chemical status of its habitat substrate, accelerating or damaging plant growth, altering vegetation structure and composition and thereby affecting the quality and availability of nesting, feeding or roosting habitats. Critical Loads and Levels are thresholds below which such harmful effects on sensitive UK habitats will not occur to a noteworthy level, according to current levels of scientific understanding. There are critical levels for ammonia (NH3), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), and critical loads for nutrient nitrogen deposition and acid deposition. It is recognised that achieving this target may be subject to the development, availability and effectiveness of abatement technology and measures to tackle diffuse air pollution, within realistic timescales. There are currently no critical loads or levels for other pollutants such as Halogens, Heavy Metals, POPs, VOCs or Dusts. These should be considered as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Ground level ozone is regionally important as a toxic air pollutant but flux-based critical levels for the protection of semi-natural habitats are still under development.

More information about site-relevant Critical Loads and Levels for this SPA is available by using the ‘search by site’ tool on the Air Pollution Information System (www.apis.ac.uk ).

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Conservation measures

Maintain management or other measures (whether within and/or outside the site boundary as appropriate) necessary to Maintain the structure, function and/or the supporting processes associated with the feature and its supporting habitats.

Active and ongoing conservation management is often needed to protect, maintain or restore this feature at this site. Other measures may also be required, and in some cases, these measures may apply to areas outside of the designated site boundary in order to achieve this target. Further details about the necessary conservation measures for this site will typically be found within, where applicable, supporting documents such as Natura 2000 Site Improvement Plan, Site Management Strategies or Plans, the Views about Management Statement for the underpinning SSSI and/or management agreements.

ENGLISH NATURE (2004) Views about Management: Abberton Reservoir SSSI Natural England (2104) Abberton Reservoir SPA Site Improvement Plan:

Page 29 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): function/ supporting process

Water quality/ quantity

Where the supporting habitats of the SPA feature are dependent on surface water ensure water quality and quantity is maintained to a standard which provides the necessary conditions to support the feature.

For many SPA features which are dependent on wetland habitats supported by surface water, maintaining the quality and quantity of water supply will be critical, especially at certain times of year during key stages of their life cycle. Poor water quality and inadequate quantities of water can adversely affect the availability and suitability of breeding, rearing, feeding and roosting habitats. Typically, meeting the surface water and groundwater environmental standards set out by the Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC) will also be sufficient to support the SPA Conservation Objectives but in some cases more stringent standards may be needed to support the SPA feature. Further site-specific investigations may be required to establish appropriate standards for the SPA.

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): minimising disturbance

Minimising disturbance caused by human activity

Restrict the frequency, duration and/or intensity of disturbance affecting moulting, loafing, feeding and/or roosting birds so that the assemblage feature is not significantly disturbed

The nature, scale, timing and duration of some human activities can result in the disturbance of birds at a level which may significantly affect their behaviour, and consequently impact on the long-term viability of their population. Such disturbing effects can for example result in changes to feeding or roosting behaviour, increased energy expenditure due to more frequent flights, and desertion of supporting habitat (both within or outside the designated site boundary where appropriate). Anthropogenic disturbance of birds may in effect reduce the availability to the birds of suitable habitat through temporary or long-lasting displacement of birds from affected areas and may result in their redistribution within the site or displacement from it. Disturbance associated with human activity may take a variety of forms including noise, light, sound, vibration, trampling and sight of people, animals and structures.

Page 30 of 31

Attributes

Targets

Supporting and Explanatory Notes Sources of site-based evidence (where available)

Supporting habitat (both within and outside the SPA): structure/function

Quality of supporting non-breeding habitat

Maintain the structure, function and availability of the following habitats which support the main component species of the assemblage feature for all stages (moulting, roosting, loafing, feeding) of the non-breeding period; Standing open water Wet grassland and fen, marsh and swamp Improved Grassland Arable land

The site's ability to support and sustain an assemblage comprising a very large number of birds (in excess of 20,000) made up of a diverse mix of species will be reliant on the overall quality and diversity of the habitats that support them. The feeding and roosting habitats which support the assemblage will occur within, and in some cases outside, the site boundary. This target is applicable to both circumstances. Due to the large number of species and natural fluctuations in the overall composition of an assemblage, it is not practical to provide specific targets relating to each supporting habitat relevant to the assemblage. Generally speaking, the specific attributes of each supporting habitat may include vegetation characteristics and structure, water depth, food availability, connectivity between nesting, roosting and feeding areas both within and outside the SPA. Further advice will be provided by Natural England on a case by case basis. The main component-species of the assemblage at this SPA include: Wigeon; Gadwall; Mute swan; Shoveler; Teal; Pochard; Tufted duck; Goldeneye; Coot; Pintail; Great crested grebe; Smew; Cormorant; Lapwing; Golden plover; Ruff

See page 8 for the qualifying criteria for the current main component species.

Version Control Advice last updated: N/A Variations from national feature-framework of integrity-guidance: N/A

References DENNIS, M.K., 1996. Tetrad Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Essex. The Essex Birdwatching Society. ENGLISH NATURE, 1991. Abberton Reservoir SPA citation. Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5673002612031488 ENGLISH NATURE, 2004. Views About Management: A statement of ENGLISH NATURE’s views about the management of Abberton Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest. Available at: https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/VAM/1001904.pdf ESSEX & SUFFOLK WATER, 2015. Welcome to the Abberton Scheme. Available at: https://www.eswater.co.uk/_assets/documents/Welcome_to_the_Abberton_Scheme.pdf FROST, T.M., AUSTIN, G.E., CALBRADE, N.A., MELLAN, H.J., HEARN, R.D., STROUD, D.A., WOTTON, S.R. and BALMER, D.E. 2018. Waterbirds in the UK 2016/17: The Wetland Bird Survey. BTO/RSPB/JNCC. Thetford. Available at: http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/webs NATURAL ENGLAND, 2014. Site Improvement Plan for Abberton Reservoir SPA. Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5195034185957376. NEWSON, S.E., MARCHANT, J.H., ELKINS, G.R., and SELLERS, R.M. The status of inland-breeding Great Cormorants in England. British Birds 100 (May 2007, p 289–299) WOOD, S. 2007. The Birds of Essex. Christopher Helm, London.

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APPENDIX 14

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS) for Abberton Reservoir Ramsar Site