Alternative management

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   Hi all,
Im currently in deadlock with local habitat management authorities with regards to the management of some local heathland. Here I have used GIS to map hibernacula and surface den sites utilised by three adder sub-populations. Current methods of habitat management is predominantly controlled burning, with additional grazing where necessary. However, I wish to recommend alternative forms of habitat management that will: (a) maintain habitat structure in these key areas; (b) maintain habitat corridors to local summer quarters. Im sure we are all aware of the risks posed to herpetofauna through the use of controlled burning....so any ALTERNATIVE suggestions?
Best
VDK

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Vanderklam Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 54	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vanderklam Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Alternative management Posted: 25 Apr 2009 at 1:39pm
	Hi all, Im currently in deadlock with local habitat management authorities with regards to the management of some local heathland. Here I have used GIS to map hibernacula and surface den sites utilised by three adder sub-populations. Current methods of habitat management is predominantly controlled burning, with additional grazing where necessary. However, I wish to recommend alternative forms of habitat management that will: (a) maintain habitat structure in these key areas; (b) maintain habitat corridors to local summer quarters. Im sure we are all aware of the risks posed to herpetofauna through the use of controlled burning....so any ALTERNATIVE suggestions? Best VDK

herpetologic2 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Coordinator Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1511	Post Options Post Reply Quote herpetologic2 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Apr 2009 at 10:18am
	removal of habitat by hand or small machine Timing of burns no management fencing off sensitive areas placing of brash and other materials to provide shelter mowing lower grazing densities - its about maintaining habitat in favourable condition rather than protecting every animal best of luck
	Report your sightings to the Record Pool http://arguk.org/recording

Vicar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 02 Sep 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1184	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vicar Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 Apr 2009 at 4:23am
	Natural England are (shortly) about to issue a reptile management handbook, which would be an ideal reference for land managers. I think the best course of action in the short term would be to share your distribution results with the people who manage the site, so at least they are aware of sensitive areas....and you might just get them interested and 'on-side'!
	Steve Langham - Chairman Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group

Vanderklam Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 54	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vanderklam Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 Apr 2009 at 5:47pm
	Thanks for the info chaps! Vicar, I am already working in partnership with the local management authorities regarding site management. At present I posess the only data for adders on the AONB itself, which will be distributed to all the relevant parties. Unfortunately the land is privately owned and is merely managed by the AONB rangers, so any habitat management requires the permission of the land owners. It will be difficult to find the right balance here, as the sites themselves will be inaccessible to machinery, most sites are utilised for recreational activities (cycling / walking / the local hunt) and much of the land is grazed by the land owners. Hopefully the land owners will take note of my recommendations