Issue - meetings

Resolved that the Executive Committee:

1.         Notes the results of the botanical survey relatng to impacts associated with human activity at Dawlish Warren NNR;

2.         Received an updated botanical survey report as part of the ongoing monitoring programme in 2022, with comparison to the previous report.

The report outlined the conclusions from the botanical survey relating to impacts associated with human activity at Dawlish Warren NNR.  It provided an important baseline monitoring assessment of the impact of human trampling, and areas associated with increased fertility.  The study identifies that plant species of conservation concern at the Warren are more likely to be associated to areas where there is little trampling and the soil is less fertile.

The study is planned to be undertaken every three years, intended to provide an early warning system of identifying negative impacts from tramping and eutrophication, which can then be addressed through appropriate management.  The next survey is scheduled for 2022.

Comment and questions covered:

·         Work continued in linking with the Devon Loves Dogs team and associated wardens on the issue of dog fouling;

·         Rabbit numbers were low, but the site was grazed by ponies, so there was less reliance on rabbit numbers;

·         This was the first survey that covered empirical data compared to the 2010 survey, but that previous survey was still of value and led to some of the mitigation measures required to protect the area.

Resolved that the Executive Committee:

1.         Notes the results of the botanical survey relating to impacts associated with human activity at Dawlish Warren NNR;

2.         Received an updated botanical survey report as part of the ongoing monitoring programme in 2022, with comparison to the previous report.