describe conservation in the lake district

Question 1

threat:

Spruce and pine in conifer plantations support limited biodiversity

Answer 1

• recent initatives have generated more varied planting and felling patterns giving a mosaic of smaller strands of different aged trees

Question 2

threat:
invasive species, including rhododendron and laurel have escaped from gardens and spread into woordland outcompeting native species
their dense canopy reduce the light reaching the woodland floor and their roots produce toxic chemicals which stop other plants growing

Answer 2

• physically removed by conservation workers

Question 3

threat:
limestone pavement is an unique habitat characterised by solid blocks with fissures between them
rare ferns grow well in the fissures and rare butterflies thrive in this habitat

Answer 3

the pavement is legally protected through the limestone pavement orders

Question 4

threat:
hay meadows occur in enutral grassland and support a rich diversity of flowers and grasses
they are under threat due to a preference away from haymaking and in favour of silage production which involves use of artificial fertiliser and an earlier cut, this has caused loss of species diversity on grasslands and pastures

Answer 4

farmers are paid to maintain hay meadows

Question 5

threat:
heathland is an open habitat with small shrubs like heather which are important for butterflies, moths, spiders, beetles, birds and reptiles

Answer 5

by burning strips of vegtation, new shoot growth is promoted, mainiting areas of different ages which fosters a bigger variety of animals
this ensures a constant food supply for red grouse and merlin
areas are also managed by grazing but overgrazing is problem as the shoots of heather can be eaten more quickly than they regenerate
financial incentives are provided to farmers to prevent overgrazing

Question 6

threat:
mires are nutrietns poor, waterlogged ecosystems within which mosses and liverworts, lichens and sedges flourish
the habitat is internationally scarce, provides a breeding ground for moorland birds, but is under threat form burning, grazing and drainage for more intensive agriculture
peat extraction for gardners has also threatened the habitat

Answer 6

mires are now managed more sympathetically with some being rewetted with artificially controlled water levels
in areas with rare plants like the bog orchid grazing has been controlled

Question 7

threat:
cliff rock and scree communities support a rich diversity of plant life providing a habitat for the stonechat and wheatear and nesting sites for the peregrine falcon and golden eagle
these communities are easily damaged by climbers and walkers

Answer 7

to protect them there are seasonal restrictions on walking when birds are nesting
walkers are educated to be more aware and the paths are maintained to prevent people walking off the path