SAND WASP (PODALONIA AFFINIS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
OBJECTIVES
1. Maintain current colonies.
2. Provide additional habitat for nest sites.
LOCAL TARGET
Implement annual monitoring of the species.
CURRENT STATUS
This species shows a disjunct distribution, coastal dunes and dry heathland in SE. England and Merseyside, S. Lancashire, with a few records from Dorset, S. Lincolnshire and Talacre N.Wales.
Locally it is found in relict sand dunes within the North Wirral Coastal Park behind the Gun Site car park, Wallasey.
Apart from the general provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Podalonia affinis is not specially protected by European or British legislation.
THREATS
- Habitat loss to coastal development.
- Habitat loss to coarse vegetation, scrub/ woodland.
- Degredation and loss of habitat due to public pressure, although this species probably tolerates moderate disturbance to its habitat.
- Dune stablisation schemes.
CURRENT ACTION
- CCW/BHP carry out monitoring at Talacre, Flintshire.
- Ongoing survey by Dr John McGaw
ACTION REQUIRED IN 2006+
- Ensure that the species is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs
- Colonies should be included within existing SSSI or the site should be designated as SSSI. Designate the North Wirral Coastal Park as SSSI by 2005.
- Ensure Podalonia affinis requirements are taken into account in all plans and strategies affecting the North Wirral Coast.
- Maintain good expanses of bare or sparsely vegetated, sandy areas, and the factors responsible for promoting these conditions.
- Maintain open sward and control scrub.
- Ensure that by end of 2003 all relevant landowners and managers of sites with Podalonia affinis are aware of the species needs, the importance of the species and that advice on its management is available.
- Implement regular monitoring of the species.
- Forward information gathered during monitoring to appropriate local and national data holders.
- Produce and distribute a simple leaflet identifying conservation needs and aims for san d dune invertebrate species including Podalonia affinis.
ACTION COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY
None
ACTUAL LBAP IMPLEMENTERS
None
OTHER POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTERS
| DEFRA |
Landowners/managers |
rECOrd |
| English Nature |
Local groups and individuals |
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council |
| Environment Agency |
National Museums and Galleries of Merseyside |
|
CONTACT
Carl Clee, NMGM
Phone: 0151 478 4283.
REFERENCES
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2: Action Plans, London.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1: Meeting the Rio Challenge, London.
Date compiled - 2002
Date reviewed - 2003
This plan is part of the Wirral Biodiversity Action Plan which can be viewed at www.wirral.gov.uk/ed/biodiversity/home.htm
