Ecological conservation areas

Question 1

Why are conservation areas developed?

Answer 1

Encourage wildlife back into cities.
Make cheap use of a derelict area - more expensive to set up as a park.
Reduce maintenance costs within an area.
Maintaining a diverse species base and reintroducing locally extinct species.

Question 2

What work has been done regarding conservation areas?

Answer 2

Planting trees/native species.
Dredging of ponds/other water bodies.
Soil improvements.

Question 3

What are some important organisations behind conservation?

Answer 3

Local authorities.
National government.
Natural England.
Groundwork.
English Heritage.

Question 4

How do the attitudes of each conservation organisations differ from one another?

Answer 4

Different range of attitudes.
Local authorities have planning needs - have to balance the desire to make use of derelict land against the potential cost to local taxpayers.
Conservation groups - create environments where traditional species can re-establish.
Locals - want a safe environment for leisure (Fields of Trust) - wish to establish sports fields.
Urban wildlife groups - areas that provide cover for wildlife.

Question 5

What are the issues of conservation?

Answer 5

Eventual management plan for an area.
Resolution of ownership.
Cost and the satisfaction of the needs of various user groups.

Question 6

What is an example of a conservation area?
+ background information.
CASE STUDY.

Answer 6

DULWICH UPPER WOOD CONSERVATION AREA.
Southeast London.
Remains of a once larger wooded area.
Park - open at all times.
Network of trails - some suitable for wheelchairs.

Question 7

What type of vegetation can be found in the Dulwich Upper Wood conservation area?
CASE STUDY.

Answer 7

Sycamore, oak, ash, lime trees - mostly shaded.
Few ground plants - shrubs e.g. laurel.
Plants - lord and ladies, and bluebells.

Question 8

What type of fungi/animals can be found in the Dulwich Upper Wood conservation area?
CASE STUDY.

Answer 8

250 different fungi types e.g. mushrooms/toadstools.
Best seen in autumn.
Live on dead wood/leaf litter - helps break down these materials and return nutrients to the soil.
Foxes, bats, mice, hedgehogs.
40 bird species - woodpeckers and owls.
Insects - butterflies and moths.

Question 9

Why is the Dulwhich Upper Wood conservation area interesting? 8
CASE STUDY.

Answer 9

1. Conservation of abandoned Victorian gardens/ancient woodland.
2. A number of preserved/re-created habitats e.g. herb gardens/floxglove areas.
3. Both managed/allowed to grow wild.
4. Range of different habitats.
5. Diverse wildlife e.g. 40 bird species.
6. ‘Original’ habitats preserved - enables native species to survive.
7. Good example of preservation/human access.
8. Educational value - posted nature trail.