Criteria for selection of landscape scale wetland schemes for Natural England funding 2009-11
1. Proposed landscape scale wetland projects should
meet UK BAP “landscape scale” wetland objectives, contribute to habitat specific and species specific Wetland HAP and SAP objectives, and meet joint Wetland Vision objectives
be over and above existing wetland projects for example the Great Fen Project, but could augment or complement them, by developing functional or cultural linkages across a wider landscape.
be “Landscape scale complexes ” which enable long-term dynamic ecosystem processes to operate. Generally, these might operate at a catchment scale or above as a minimum, or determined by the size or scale of the historical landscape, although different scales may be appropriate in different parts of the country. Whilst we should strive for schemes which restore and re-create wetlands and other semi-natural habitats as the predominant feature, in practice this is likely to involve complexes which enable coherent ecosystem functioning across a landscape, for example increasing permeability between semi-natural habitats within a more intensively managed countryside. Any proposals for specific habitat creation or restoration projects should clearly set out how these contribute towards the larger catchment wide (or greater) landscape scale programme within which they sit.
as far as possible aim to operate under a natural hydrological regime. We acknowledge that zero intervention is impracticable – especially if other ecosystem services are to be derived - but the aim should be for schemes at a scale which permits minimum management intervention whilst achieving nature conservation objectives.
make a significant contribution to the creation / restoration / maintenance targets for lowland wetland BAP habitats. They should include objectives for Fen and Lowland Raised Bog restoration / creation objectives as a priority where it is possible to restore these habitats, but also should include reedbed and grazing marsh as part of the mosaic. However they need not be restricted to wetland habitats alone and could comprise wetlands within terrestrial priority habitat mosaics, or transitions to other BAP priorities, such as coastal habitats. At the landscape scale we should look to be less prescriptive about precise habitat targets, aiming rather for restoration of natural hydrological/ecosystem processes..
show how they contribute to Wetland Vision 2050 targets to double the existing area of reedbed and 50% increase in area of grazing marsh, based on current understanding of areas needed to maintain sustainable populations of key wetland bird species, as well as supporting the “million ponds” ambition for pond creation.
A primary aim should be to secure landscape scale wetlands where, without this approach, existing wetlands will be under pressure or unsustainable into the future, due pressures of fragmentation, water level management, water quality or water resources. The schemes should therefore be based on a sound analysis of wetland resources in a region, and of the threats there to wetland habitats and species. There should be a particular focus around nationally/ internationally important wetlands as core to the schemes in keeping with the principles of the Wetland Vision.
show how they propose to secure and manage habitats to increase their adaptive capacity in the face of predicted climate change. We should demand a sound evidence base in support of proposals to link and expand habitats, or the management of intervening landscape, to ensure that measures proposed contribute to the sustainability of habitats and species which form the main focus of UK BAP targets.
Deliver wider ecosystem services alongside biodiversity objectives. There is likely to be stronger support and funding for landscape scale projects which also contribute to regulating and provisioning services such as flood risk management, carbon management and water quality/ water resource objectives, and for those where there are good prospects for access and recreational benefits.
be developed in close collaboration with the historic environment sector, to optimise any potential archaeological/ historic environment benefits, as well as ensuring resolution of any potential conflicts in objectives.
support the integration of projects required to meet statutory freshwater habitat replacement requirements (due to coastal processes). In order to meet the imminent threats to freshwater wetlands from coastal inundation/ realignment, schemes should get underway as soon as possible. However, such replacement schemes should not be considered as contributing to the WHAP targets for specific habitats, nor to any new targets, for example those for reedbed, ponds and grazing marsh under the Wetland Vision, as these become further developed in recognition of the sustainable habitat extent requirements for particular species.
2. Other criteria which projects should satisfy:
Projects should have good prospects for generating funding through a range of sources, including commercial opportunities. The Natural England funds for 2009-11 should be used in part to develop leverage for additional funding streams. Funds should not substitute for agrienvironment funding where this would be an appropriate mechanism. However, coincidence should be sought with agri-environment targeting where such funds are likely to be a significant component of restoration / maintenance work.
Projects should aim to include a wide range of partners and have a sound strategy for stakeholder engagement and local support. There should be a thorough understanding of any serious alternative land use or planning constraints which might constrain objectives over the long term.
Proposals should be supported by a project plan with a risk assessment, proposed milestone achievements and an exit strategy that sets out the expected legacy after the project funding has ended, the sustainability of that legacy and the plans for continuing work after the funding ceases. Proposals should also set out details of the project team demonstrating its breadth, expertise and the commitment by the various team members in the project.
