Delivering for Nature

at Frenchay Moor
Site Management Plan

2018

Carole Burnett
Lead Ranger
Plan summary: delivering for nature at Frenchay Moor
1. This plan sets out how the future management of the land at Frenchay Moor can deliver for
nature and make a contribution to our LON KPI targets for 2025.

2. The objectives define how future management can deliver ‘better’ and ‘bigger/more’
habitats and express the High Nature Status (HNS) for the land (‘Joined Up’), as well as
providing a reasonable evidence base for future land condition assessments.

3. The objectives may (where appropriate) define favourable conservation management for
important species populations.

4. The objectives also define management required to achieve ‘good condition’ for soils,
water, archaeology/historic environment, landscape and visitor experience.

5. The important LON features at Frenchay Moor are the

• Woodlands (semi ancient woodland indicators)

• Areas of Priority lowland meadow (wildflowers)
• Invertebrates- Butterflies
• Connectivity to other nature reserves

6. In terms of delivering for nature under LON, the implementation of this plan will:
 Better: Maintain/improve 3 ha of semi improved and unimproved grassland

 Bigger: Bigger/more 0.2 ha of woodland

 Joined up: The land will meet HNS standards

7. In order to achieve these aims we will

 Graze the grassland appropriately to enhance the diversity and increase wildflower
(Tennant grazier with Farm Business Tenancy, FBT)
 Manage the woodland to ensure the site has future healthy diverse tree species
(Ranger team and contractors)
 Improve the quality, age range and structure of designated scrub areas (Rangers)
 Develop relationships with neighbouring land owners and share conservation aims
(Lead Ranger)

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1. Policy and strategy
Our Land, Outdoors and Nature (LON) strategy used the Lawton Report as a lens for assessing
how we can create better, bigger, more and joined-up habitats on our land holdings. We have
specific and challenging targets (KPIs) that must be met by 2025.

Our vision for Frenchay Moor will therefore be built around and understood in the context of
our Land Outdoors and Nature (LON) policy framework, which aims to produce… ‘a landscape
that is healthy, beautiful, rich in culture and nature, enjoyable and productive’. This means
focussing in on habitats and species, water resources, soils and carbon, archaeology and visitor
experience in the context of a thriving, economically and environmentally sustainable
productive landscape.

 Carry out analysis of LIDAR survey and input onto HBSMR database. Share findings
more widely amongst property and consultancy
 Review current species monitoring and storage of information
 Complete a Woodland Plan for the portfolio
 Establish grassland monitoring for HLS sites
 Review and update site management plan

2. Background and brief description of Frenchay Moor

Location: Frenchay Moor is situated to the North East of Bristol. South of the A4174 and east
of the M32. The area is bounded by the River Frome, the Beckspool Road and the Cleeve
Wood Road. Grid reference ST 643 776

Boundary:
The National Trust boundary runs along the Cleeve Wood Road to the north, along the
boundary of the Tuckett Field (belonging to Winterbourne Parish Council) to the west and
along the boundary of the triangular field to the south. The boundary to the east follows the
line of the River Frome and lies some 20 to 25 metres from its banks.

Ownership, Management and Tenancy Agreements:

Willed to the National Trust by John Alfred Randall, 28th June 1941. The National Trust
entered a management agreement with Winterbourne Parish Council for Frenchay Moor in
August 1941. An agricultural tenancy agreement was made with John Sidney Churchill in
September 1961 and was ended in September 2002.

Access and Public Rights of Way

There are no public rights of way across Frenchay Moor, however, the Frome Valley Walkway
runs along the eastern boundary of the property.

There are metal kissing gates to the north-east and south east of the property. There are two
wooden kissing gates in the hedge that forms the boundary with the Tuckett field to the west.
There are two field gates in the north-west corner of the property, one leading to the Tuckett
field and one to the Cleeve Wood Road.

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Agreed management policy: Priority will be given to nature conservation management
and archaeology conservation whilst providing a resource for informal recreation and
education.

Designations: Frenchay Conservation Area

Contacts
South Gloucestershire Council Winterbourne Parish Council Frenchay Preservation Society
The Council Offices Greenfield Centre David Ellis
Castle Street Park Avenue 6 Grange Park
Thornbury Winterbourne Frenchay
South Gloucestershire South Gloucestershire BRISTOL
BS35 1HF BS36 1NJ Telephone: 0117 956 89 89
Telephone: 01454 86 86 86 Clerk: Mr. N. Sloper
Telephone: 01454 77 69 22

Description
Frenchay Moor is a small site located in the village of Frenchay on the north-east fringe of
Bristol. The site was willed to the Trust in 1941 by John Alfred Randall, who requested that the
land ‘be maintained un-built upon for the benefit of the nation’.

The mix of grassland, woodland, hedgerow and scrub make Frenchay Moor an ecologically
diverse site. The Moor is also part of a much larger green space within the village which
provides habitat for a wide variety of plants, birds and animals.

Frenchay Moor is an important community facility, providing a peaceful and tranquil

environment enjoyed by many. Its unchanging nature is important to local people surrounded
by development and expansion. Frenchay Moor also plays an important role as a backdrop to
the village, giving it a rural aspect and shielding it from surrounding development.

The National Trust’s main aims at Frenchay are: to maintain the moor as an unspoilt and
tranquil greenspace; to protect permanently the natural environment of the property; and to
enhance its conservation interest for the enjoyment and education of visitors.

Vision for the property

The vision for Frenchay Moor is a property where;

• The natural environment is managed to maximise its conservation interest.

• The National Trust has a higher profile.
• Management is professional and effective and achieved through
partnerships and community involvement.
• Benefit is created for the local community and visitors by preserving the
property as an unspoilt and tranquil green space available and open to the
public.

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Statement of Significance
Frenchay Moor is a small site located in the village of Frenchay on the north-east fringe of
Bristol. Situated along the River Frome, it is a mile to the south of the M4 motorway and a mile
to the east of the M32 motorway.

The site was willed to the Trust in 1941 by John Alfred Randall, a local timber merchant. He left
the land to the Trust in memory of his daughter Sarah who died at an early age in Canada. In
his will, John Randall requested that the land be maintained un-built upon for the benefit of
the nation.

In 1941 the National Trust entered a management agreement with Winterbourne Parish
Council. The Churchills, a local farming family, became agricultural tenants of the Parish
Council in the same year and, until recently, grazed both the National Trust site and the Tuckett
field to the west.

Frenchay Moor is approximately 3.2 ha. (8 acres) in size and is mostly grassland of varying
quality with a finger of woodland that projects approximately 150 metres into the site
southwards from the Cleeve Wood Road. The three boundaries of the property to the east,
south and west consist of hedgerows and there are a number of patches of scrub to the south
and east of the woodland. The mix of grassland, woodland, hedgerow and scrub make
Frenchay Moor an ecologically diverse site, providing habitat for a wide variety of plants, birds
and animals. The site is also part of a much larger green space within the village of Frenchay.
Together Frenchay Moor, the Tuckett field, Frenchay Common and the River Frome corridor
form a complex of ecologically important sites.

Frenchay Moor is an important community facility. It is very popular with dog walkers and
provides a peaceful and tranquil environment enjoyed by many. Its unchanging nature is
important to local people surrounded by development and expansion. Frenchay Moor plays an
important role as a backdrop to the village, giving it a rural aspect and shielding it from
surrounding development. The view from the woodland looking down towards the village has
been described as one of the finest landscape views in the country, taking in the wooded river
valley, the old village and some of the large Georgian houses, that act as a reminder of
Frenchay’ s wealthy past.

Current land use and management regimes

The site has been previously grazed along with Winterbourne Parish side but this ended in
2015 due to issues with the fencing on that side. This is currently being rectified and grazing
will begin again in 2018.

Historically tree management has been for safety purposes only and trees have been checked
yearly as per the Tree Safety Management program (TSM).

A great deal of scrub has been cleared from the South Eastern area of the site (S2, S1 on map).
Scrub had been encroaching onto the grassland here and was engulfing the 2 veteran
hawthorns. Single tree were kept here rather than clumps of trees. Over the last 10 years this
area has been concentrated on, over winter pushing this scrub back to the fence line.

The hedges around the site have been cut historically, but are currently out of any cycle.

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3. What are the important features and where are they?
 Grasslands – 95% of species-rich grasslands have been lost in the UK since 1945. The
grasslands at Frenchay Moor are of variable species diversity, rich in some areas and
species-poor in others. Sensitive grazing management could create large areas of
flower-rich swards which would provide a food source for pollinating insects, birds, bats
and other small mammals. They would also be beautiful in spring and summer for
visitors to enjoy.

 Woodland – Woodlands are incredibly important habitats for a wide range of species,
they’re home to some magnificent trees, and they are very important amenity spaces
for people to enjoy. Though there is only a small section of woodland, there are semi
ancient woodland indicators there.

 Notable trees – Very important habitats in their own right and dominant features in the
historic landscape, there are two veteran hawthorn trees, marked on the map.

 Visitor experience – Frenchay Moor provides a focal point for the village and is very
popular with dog walkers and locals.

 Connectivity- This is a highly developed area of Bristol and so the connection from
Frenchay Moor to Frenchay Common and along the river is an invaluable asset in a
green network around Bristol.

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 4. Objectives for the LON features: description, vision, factors, attributes, status, current condition and action
Nature and Wildlife asset categories
CPI feature/attribute: lowland mixed deciduous woodland
LON KPI: ‘Bigger/More’ priority habitat – improve 0.3 ha of mixed broadleaved woodland

What we have now: An unmanaged woodland strip, poor for nature conservation, even aged canopy dominated by sycamore with a poorly developed
understory

Vision: A diverse woodland strip both in age and species composition, healthy ground flora and high habitat value

Brief description: The woodland is partly open to grazing by cattle and partly fenced (fenced 2005), which has adversely affected the understorey and
ground flora. The tree canopy is dominated by semi-mature ash, sycamore and pedunculate oak with some older sessile oak and wild cherry. Sycamore is
more dominant to the north of the woodland and there are also scattered Holm oak, Turkey Oak and lime. The understorey is sparse, consisting of
hawthorn, holly and elder. The ground flora is dominated by grass species but is more diverse to the north of the property with wood meadow grass,
bluebell and lesser celandine. There are also patches of Himalayan Balsam in the northern area of the woodland. The presence of sessile oak and of
bluebell suggests that parts of the wood may have an ancient origin although it has been heavily modified by quarrying and silvicultural management.

What do we want and how do we measure progress? Current status Action and monitoring

Factor: Woodland management No previous woodland management  Monitor ground flora

 Isolate new successor veteran
Upper limit: Woodland is diverse in age structure and species composition. Roadside tree management for trees
Long term plans are in place for pest resilience and safety.  Follow management plan
succession recommendations to manage
4 trees planted, 2 along main hedge woodland and scrub margins
Lower limit: Tree safety work carried out (2005) and 2 north of grassland
(unknown)

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Factor: Pests and disease and other forms of damage Parts of the woods are currently not  Fence off all woodland
fenced off; soil compaction by cattle
Upper limit: No upper limit will be affecting tree health.  Monitor tree health especially
ash and act accordingly
Ash dieback is present, trees to be
Lower limit: Monitor woodland for any signs of damage monitored during the summer
months for an changes
Current condition of woodland LCA score: TBC with EMP 2019 Biological survey from 2003 to be
revised.

CPI feature/attribute: lowland meadow

LON KPI: : ‘Better’ priority habitat – maintain/improve 3 ha of grassland (see map below)

Frenchay Moor July 2018 Manor Farm Bath June 2017

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What we have now: Semi improved and unimproved areas of grassland, with low and high nature value respectively
Vision: Species rich grassland of lowland meadow on the eastern and southern banks
Brief description:
The north-west part of property is fairly flat and consists of a grassy sward with perennial rye grass, soft brome, cocksfoot and rough stalked meadow grass
the dominant grass species. Creeping buttercup, bulbous buttercup and meadow buttercup are also common in this area. Other species present in smaller
quantities include sweet vernal grass, common mouse-ear and sorrel. Although this area does support small quantities of pignut, which is associated with
unimproved grassland, it has been intensively managed in the past.

The remainder of the property, to the south and east of the woodland, is steeply sloping and supports unimproved grassland. Crested dogstail, Yorkshire
fog grass, Sweet vernal grass, red fescue and spreading meadow grass are frequent in this area. These areas are more herb rich than the grass area to the
north-west of the property with species such as black knapweed, ladies bedstraw, ox-eye daisy, and meadow vetchling and mouse-ear hawkweed. There
are scattered patches of hawthorn and bramble scrub, with ash saplings, in this area. These are important for insects, birds and small mammals.

What do we want and how do we measure progress? Current status Action and monitoring

Factor: Grazing regime Poor  Flora surveys

(baseline)/monitoring.
Grazing from March until the end October (to be able to be flexible within No grazing since 2015  Monthly site check to include
this, match the grazing with the seasons each year, if grass is long and checks for poaching and
temperatures are higher than normal in autumn to leave stock on, with NE Grass was cut and collected in 2017 grazing success.
permissions)  Invertebrate monitoring.
Keep to correct stocking density during May to Mid-July, less than 1lu/ha Grazing agreement in place for 2018  Ensure that tenant grazier
understands the HLS
Upper limit: Grazed, livestock excluded April to July to allow flower to set agreement and keeps to
seed stocking rates and times.
 Work closely with the PC to
Lower limit: All grassland to be lightly grazed, no inputs to be applied; no monitor the grazing success.
ploughing of the grassland; no poaching from stock

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Factor: Scrub 60% of scrub and bramble has been  Push scrub back annually on
removed in the past 8 years, scrub rotation along the four
Upper limit: Scrub managed on a rotation, no further encroachment on the levels are optimal currently boundaries
grassland, scrub good in structure and species composition
 Keep scrub islands at the
Lower limit: No further encroachment on the grassland Southern end of the site, but
look to in the future reduced a
couple in size.

 Cut back path to the south

east of the site annually.

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Attribute: Structure and species composition Good  Continue with a grazing only
The Northern grasslands are regime
Aim to restore Southern area to Priority Habitat by 2025. improved and have less species  To not fertilise the ground
Consider spreading green hay from PH areas onto other diversity than the eastern  Allow natural recovery of the
areas (may not be possible if grazed). Slit planting/yellow unimproved slopes, however, they more improved areas
rattle also an option. Diversity of species and structure of the do have some species associated  Adding green hay cuts to
swards should be optimal across the improved and the with unimproved grassland such southern slopes
unimproved grassland areas. 30-90% wildflower in the sward pignut and sorrel. Currently low  Monitor the grassland species
May-June, 40% of these flowering in May nature value  Start invertebrate monitoring
in 2019- Butterfly
Upper limit: A very diverse, species rich hay meadow that is being used as a The Eastern slope displays  Biological survey needs
seed supply for other restoration projects. unimproved grassland species such updating from 2003
as pignut, quaking grass, wild carrot,
ladies bedstraw, ox-eye daisy. There
Lower limit: No artificial inputs and reduced grazing pressure. are also patched of scrub adding
diversity. This is a high nature value
Negative indicators of over-grazing or poor management, such as ragwort, area.
creeping thistle and docks should be rare.
The southern slopes are showing
signs of semi improved grassland

Current condition of grassland LCA score: TBC with EMP 2019

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CPI feature/attribute: Hedges
LON KPI: ‘Better’ priority habitat – maintain/improve hedges connecting to neighbouring land

What we have now: unmanaged very tall wide hedge

Vision: Min 6ft diverse hedgerow, that is manageable and trimmed every 3-4 years in A shape

Brief description: The hedge on the western boundary of the property is high and out of management and dense. Hazel, holly, wild privet, elder, hawthorn,
English elm, wych elm, blackthorn, dog rose and bramble are present in this hedge together with some ornamental species at the northern end. There is
one mature pedunculate oak. The other boundary hedges on the property are similar, although less diverse.

What do we want and how do we measure progress? Current status Action and monitoring

Factor: Hedge management  Too high and wide and need  Start a cutting cycle (2018)
to be cut.  Push back encroaching scrub
Upper limit: Hedge is diverse in species composition. Long term plans are in along hedge boundary from
place gapping up if diseased such as chalara affect hedges grassland

Lower limit: Hedge is cut every 5 years

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 Natural Resources asset categories
CPI feature/attribute: Soils
Permo-triassic and carboniferous reddish mudstone, siltstone and sandstone. Soils are therefore acidic, supporting habitats and species that are unusual in
the Bristol area. Stagnogleyic agrillic brown earth from the 572c Hodnet Association – reddish fine and coarse loamy soils with slowly permeable sub-soils
and slight seasonal waterlogging. Some similar well drained reddish fine loamy soils. Slight risk of water erosion.

Vision: Soils should be healthy, stable and free from erosion. Soil fertility should be built and maintained over time largely by biological systems and
herbicides or pesticides, including insecticides, fungicides and molluscides (which damage to soil microbiology) should be absent. Carbon should be stored
in the variety of soil types under a diversity of species-rich, robust, linked habitats.
What do we want and how do we measure progress? Current status Action and monitoring
Factor: Compaction and poaching Good  Monitor for evidence of soil
Upper limit: No evidence of excessive water-logging, rilling, erosion of soil Most of the land is generally free compaction, poaching and
surface, large areas of bare ground from evidence of excessive soil erosion
Lower limit: Not required compaction, poaching and erosion,
although localised, seasonal
problems do sometimes occur.
Factor: Nutrient enrichment Good
Upper limit: No inputs of inorganic fertilisers There is no nutrient enrichment
Lower limit: Do not apply herbicides or pesticides including insecticides, through the application of inorganic
fungicides and molluscides other than for the spot treatment fertilisers.
of invasive species such as ragwort, thistles and docks. Ideally
soil fertility should be built up through biological cycles

Attribute: Soil stability with conserved carbon content Good

Upper limit: Not required All of the grassland is permanent
Lower limit: Carbon conserved in undisturbed ground pasture. Biological cycles are
preserved and carbon content is
stored in the main.
Current condition of soils LCA score: TBC with EMP 2019

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 Visitor experience
Feature: Visitor experience and infrastructure

 Replace/install 3 omega signs, Gate 1,2,4 (2018)

 Update National Trust information notices at all entrances to the site, Gate 1,2,4 (2018)

 Restore historic gate at the east of the site, Gate 1 (2018)

5. Management summary map

 H= Hedges, to be cut every 3 years, A shape

 G1&2= Grassland to be grazed between April and October
 W1= Woodland, manage non-natives, thin out and move fence to include all woodland area W1.
 Wall 1&2= get walls surveyed and into a repair program
 S1&2= Scrub boundaries are pushed back and scrub is managed to provide good habitat.
 Gate1= Original broken gate to be copied and hung
 Gates 1, 2, 3&4= to be kept clear of vegetation for easy access

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5. 5 year work program
CPI feature/attribute: lowland meadow
Area Year 1 Date Year 2 Date Year 3 Date Year 4 Date Year 5 Date
Graze site but be flexible to Graze site but be flexible to Graze site but be flexible to Graze site but be flexible to Graze site but be flexible to
site needs and remove site needs and remove site needs and remove site needs and remove site needs and remove

Mar-Oct

June June/July June & Aug Mar-Oct

Mar-Oct

June June/July June & Aug Mar-Oct

Mar-Oct
livestock if site becomes livestock if site becomes livestock if site becomes livestock if site becomes livestock if site becomes
G1 overgrazed/poached overgrazed/poached overgrazed/poached overgrazed/poached overgrazed/poached
Take a green hay cut from
Take a green hay cut from eastern slopes (if ungrazed)
eastern slopes (if ungrazed) or Crabtree slip wood, June &
G2 or Crabtree slip wood. Aug

June June/July

June June/July

June June/July
Monitor grassland using new Monitor grassland using new Monitor grassland using new Monitor grassland using new Monitor grassland using new
LON monitoring protocol (see LON monitoring protocol (see LON monitoring protocol (see LON monitoring protocol (see LON monitoring protocol (see
All sheet in appendix) sheet in appendix) sheet in appendix) sheet in appendix) sheet in appendix)

All Ragwort control, leave 20% Ragwort control, leave 20% Ragwort control, leave 20% Ragwort control, leave 20% Ragwort control, leave 20%
N.B Create a diverse sward good for invertebrates and birds, barn owls

CPI feature/att ribute: Scrub and hedgerows

Area Year 1 Date Year 2 Date Year 3 Date Year 4 Date Year 5 Date
Cut in 'A' shape, leave Cut in 'A' shape, leave
Autumn/winter Autumn/winter Winter

Autumn/winter Autumn/winter Winter

standards, leave holly to standards, leave holly to
Hedge H1 North of hedge North of hedge (£600)

Autumn/winter Autumn/winter

Autumn/winter Autumn/winter

Autumn/winter Autumn/winter
Push back encroaching scrub Push back encroaching scrub Push back encroaching scrub Push back encroaching scrub Push back encroaching scrub
along fence line and cut along fence line and cut along fence line and cut along fence line and cut along fence line and cut
Scrub S1 lower path for access lower path for access lower path for access lower path for access lower path for access

Tree scrub islands Manage smaller patches of Manage smaller patches of Manage smaller patches of Manage smaller patches of Manage smaller patches of
S2 scrub around thorn islands scrub around thorn islands scrub around thorn islands scrub around thorn islands scrub around thorn islands
Always leave some scrub as a source of shelter and food and ensure that there are patches of tall vegetation, connectivity to other suitable habitat areas. Patches can include, gorse,
N.B bramble and thorns. Less old leggy scrub, encourage more younger denser growth

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CPI feature/attribute: lowland mixed deciduous woodland
Area Year 1 Date Year 2 Date Year 3 Date Year 4 Date Year 5 Date

Wnt. spring/summer Winter Spring/Autumn

Spring/Autumn

Spring/Autumn

Wnt. spring/summer Winter Spring/Autumn

Spring/Autumn
Manage new trees, mulch, Manage new trees, mulch, Manage new trees, mulch, Manage new trees, mulch,
G1 weed, protect weed, protect weed, protect weed, protect Plant 1 new parkland tree
Remove Turkey oak, 2
W1 Thin out 5-10 sycamore medium or 1 large

Thin out woodland holm Monitor scrub/ground flora, Monitor scrub/ground flora, Thin out woodland holm

Wnt. Winter

Wnt. Winter
oak/turkey oak (1 large or 2 protect any desired broadleaf protect any desired broadleaf oak/turkey oak (1 large or 2
W1 medium) regeneration regeneration medium)
Manage veteran trees as per Manage veteran trees as per Manage veteran trees as per Manage veteran trees as per Manage veteran trees as per

Wnt.
S2 VTMP 2018 VTMP 2018 VTMP 2018 VTMP 2018 VTMP 2018
N.B Identify broadleaves to protect all round the site

Visitor experience, infrastructure and access

Area Year 1 Date Year 2 Date Year 3 Date Year 4 Date Year 5 Date
Entrances Replace 3 omega signs
Install grazing signage, dog
All entrances litter, update A4 notices
Update and replace
damaged/out of date
All entrances signage. Repair broken gate
Fit a bench at the top of the
Top of site TBC site
Wall 1 Commission wall report
Internal wall management
Wall 2 plan inclusion
Fence off area, post stock
W1 netting and 1 strand.
Full site Monthly site check, to include a litter pick, fly tipping monitoring, public engagement, invasive species monitoring, cleaning signs, general maintenance checks (use site check

Monitoring and surveys

Whole site Monthly site check, to include a litter pick, fly tipping monitoring, public engagement, invasive species monitoring, cleaning signs, general maintenance checks, use site check sheet
Butterflies Try to include in site check where possible, design a transect (NT)
Fauna Wild flower/grassland survey yearly (May/June NT)
Archaeology Analyse 2018/19 LIDAR survey (NT consultant)

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Appendices
1. Site monthly checker
2. Long term LON vision map 2025 and 2065

Relevant Documents

Lidar 2017, copy at Leigh Woods

Biological survey 2003, kept at Leigh Woods office and online Bristol Hub server

Higher Level Stewardship agreement, kept at Leigh Woods office

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