Ecology

Ecological Studies of Pipe Green

Ecology

Ecological Studies of Pipe Green

Ecological Studies

Over the last 20 years Pipe Green has been regularly surveyed by Natural England (as part of our Stewardship scheme), as well as by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. In addition we also have had specific surveys e.g for birds, moths, small mammals etc. These surveys are very important as they allows us to know what is living on the Green and if the number of species are changing over time. This in turn allows us to build up a picture of the health of the Green and inform us if our management plan is working.

Apart from knowing what species are on the Green, it is also important to understand how Pipe Green fits into the wider landscape and how it connects to other habitats. To aid this, the Lichfield District Local Plan aims to “promote biodiversity protection and the enhancement of species and habitats”. In 2019 Staffordshire Wildlife Trust produced a report “Lichfield District Nature Recovery Network Mapping”, to ensure that nature is protected when new developments (houses, shops, roads, etc) are approved. A key theme is to create corridors for wildlife; joined-up spaces for wildlife to move freely to ensure it can thrive and has space to grow. For example connecting Pipe Green with the Woodland Trust site at Pipe Hall, Gentleshaw Common (a SSSI) and Cannock Chase.

Lichfield District Ecological Study, December 2009

Compartment 4g: Area around Pipe Green and Leomansley

Summary recommendationDevelopment should be avoided in the whole of the area around Leomansley to the north of the Walsall Road.

Designated Sites

Site of County Biological Importance

  • Pipe Green Common is a very diverse site and is of great ecological importance. The majority of the meadows are well drained and support a short grassland sward with a diverse range of grasses and broadleaved herbs. There are small patches of acidic grassland. The northern section was found to support bee orchid, adder’s-tongue fern and common spotted orchid. The central section, next to the Leamons (sic) Brook, supports a wide range of wetland plants including Marsh pennywort, ragged robin, marsh ragwort, marsh valerian and meadowsweet were also present. Snipe have been recorded on the site in the past.
Habitats

The compartment may be divided into three areas:

  • To the north of the Walsall Road, around Pipe Green Common and Leomansley Wood. This area has considerable semi-natural habitat, including ancient woodland and efforts in this area should focus on buffering and expanding these habitats. Development should be avoided.
  • To the south of Walsall Road and north of disused canal, the area is arable, improved grassland and species-poor semi-improved grassland, with ponds on the boundary. In this area existing habitats could form the core of any green infrastructure and be enhanced appropriately.
  • To the south of the disused canal, the area is mainly arable, with small patches of species-poor semi-improved grassland and ponds on the boundary. In this area habitats could form the core of any green infrastructure and be enhanced appropriately.

Attachments:

Lichfield District Ecological Study, December 2009 (4Mb)

Lichfield District Nature Recovery Network Mapping, 2019 (17Mb)