Notice: Undefined index: forum_id in /home/sites/herpetofauna.org.uk/public_html/forum_archive/forum_posts.php on line 69 Deprecated: mysql_connect(): The mysql extension is deprecated and will be removed in the future: use mysqli or PDO instead in /home/sites/herpetofauna.org.uk/public_html/forum_archive/forum_posts.php on line 73

RAUK - Archived Forum - Alternative management

This contains the Forum posts up until the end of March, 2011. Posts may be viewed but cannot be edited or replied to - nor can new posts be made. More recent posts can be seen on the new Forum at http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/

Forum Home

Alternative management:

Author Message
Vanderklam
Member
Joined: 20 Apr 2008
No. of posts: 39


View other posts by Vanderklam
Posted: 25 Apr 2009

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

 


Kevin Palmer
Lecturer in Animal Management/Course Manager
Reaseheath College
herpetologic2
Senior Member
Joined: 15 Jun 2004
No. of posts: 1369


View other posts by herpetologic2
Posted: 26 Apr 2009
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
Vice Chair of ARG UK - self employed consultant -
visit ARG UK & Alresford Wildlife
Vicar
Senior Member
Joined: 02 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 1181


View other posts by Vicar
Posted: 28 Apr 2009
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 (SARG).
Vanderklam
Member
Joined: 20 Apr 2008
No. of posts: 39


View other posts by Vanderklam
Posted: 28 Apr 2009

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


Kevin Palmer
Lecturer in Animal Management/Course Manager
Reaseheath College

- Alternative management

Content here