Target species

SR1: Enable the recovery of scarce and declining species and other species considered to be important to Lancashire, which require bespoke species recovery measures.

Red squirrel (RS)

National status:

• GB Red List, Endangered

Local status:

• Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) species.
• BHS guideline species
• Found in isolated areas which cannot sustain viable populations.

RS1 - Protect existing red squirrel populations to maintain their current range for example, by prioritising grey squirrel management including actively managing to maintain a buffer between red and grey populations and promoting habitat best practices such as rotational thinning of older conifer trees to maintain cone productivity and creating safe spaces for red squirrels through appropriate planting.

Mammals including:

• Pine marten

Birds including:

• Nightjar

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Implementing recovery measures in Lancashire could benefit and connect any populations in adjacent regions, such as Cumbria, Liverpool City Region as well as North and West Yorkshire.

Other linked LNRS Priorities:

W1, W2.

Universal Priorities:

• Biosecurity and control of invasive species

Supporting Actions:

• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

RS2 - Improve and connect existing and suitable areas for red squirrel whilst preventing grey colonisation, for example by:

• Defining expansion zones
• Promote appropriate habitat management (good practice guidance for woodland and forestry) to landowners and managers in potential red squirrel areas,
• Planting of favoured trees to expand existing areas and to optimise the woodland layout to increase food supply.
• Avoid establishing new woodland, that would allow grey squirrels to move through the landscape.

RS3 - Collaborate with Neighbouring LNRS Authorities (Cumbria, West/North Yorkshire and Liverpool City Region) to align actions that benefit red squirrels and contribute to a joined up and expanded network of red squirrel populations, whilst continuing to develop and implement our measures in line with the developing 'England Red Squirrel Action Plan'.

RS4 - Conduct research into the ecology of squirrels within Lancashire to improve understanding of the dynamics between red and grey squirrels, the changes in distributions of each species and recovery needs of red squirrels within Lancashire. Such research will guide conservation actions for red squirrels at a local scale and identify the need for further action.

RS5 - Once appropriate grey squirrel (and squirrel pox transfer) and habitat management is in place, explore appropriate measures to facilitate red squirrel colonisation into expanded and connected sites, either through natural dispersal or reintroduction.

Atlantic salmon (AS)

National status:

• GB Red List, Endangered

Local status:

• BHS guideline species
• Lancashire BAP species

AS1- Work with land managers in upper river catchments to reduce the impact of the use of Diazinon (an insecticide used in sheep dip) on nearby watercourses which has a significant impacts on olfactory function in Atlantic salmon, by ensuring sheep do not access or cross watercourses following dipping and by ensuring that they are dipped in an area which drains to tank, rather than surface water drains. This is particularly important as sheep dip tends to be applied between September and November, a time when Atlantic salmon are arriving at their spawning locations in upper river catchments, hugely increasing the risk of impacts from this chemical.

Other fish including:

• Eel
• Brown trout
• Grayling

Numerous riverine species including:

• Plants
• Invertebrates

National objectives and targets: 2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Other linked LNRS Priorities:

AW2, AW4.

Universal priorities:

• Nutrient enrichment and pollution are minimised.

Supporting Actions:

• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

AS2 – River restoration in areas where salmon are known to spawn/have previously spawned to make catchments more resilient to both high and low flows and alleviate pressures caused by water quantity extremes such as the loss of redds (spawning sites) and increased mortality via exposure to extreme temperatures by delivering habitat measures to store water and slow the flow of water during high flows; and store and slowly release water during low flow periods which can also result in a loss in available habitat area for juvenile salmon and an increase in competition for habitat.

AS3 - Work to improve habitat quality in likely spawning areas to help provide a greater area of suitable spawning habitat both within the main stem of rivers and within tributaries for spawning adults for example, natural pool/riffle sequences and refugia (large wood, overhanging trees, complex habitat etc.

AS4 - Create and restore river habitat to support juvenile salmon during their various development phases. for example, by providing suitable habitat via the reintroduction of appropriately sized sediments and the introduction of refugia such as large rocks and large wood at priority sites, especially those in close proximity to known spawning locations.

AS5 - Work to improve habitat complexity for example, via the installation of large wood and boulders and the creation of complex instream habitats within lower reaches of river networks, to provide greater refugia for young salmon during their downstream migrations. This is particularly important where flow regimes are affected by drought conditions, where migration can be held up by low flows increasing the likelihood of predation.

AS6 - Improve connectivity by focussing on the removal of, or mitigation of man-made barriers across the river network (including potential installation of fish passes), a key issue for this species. Barriers include dams, weirs, fords and culverts of any height in the river network and impacts should be considered for both upstream and downstream migration.

AS7 - Undertake surveys and monitoring to:

• Assess watercourses within spawning range for spawning habitat availability and suitability.
• Assess adult populations and population structures within all principal salmon rivers.
• Assess spawning activity at known/expected spawning locations.
• Assess smolt (a specific salmon life stage) escapement at a catchment scale, helping to further understand migration pathways, triggers and pressures.
• Assess the impacts of water transfers on both upstream and downstream migrations (the Lune/Wyre Conjunctive Use Scheme).
• Assess catchment scale impacts of barriers on the downstream migration of Atlantic salmon smolts.

Smelt (SM)

National status:

• UKBAP species
• Species of Principal Importance

Local status:

• Lancashire population is of national significance
• Has undergone massive declines in Lancashire (and the NW).

Protected feature of:

• Wyre-Lune MCZ
• Ribble Estuary MCZ

SM1 - Make coastal catchment areas more resilient to both high and low flow through actions designed to slow the flow of water during high flow and store and slowly release during low flow to improve water quality, a key issue for this species.

Other fish including:

• Eel
• Brown trout

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Other linked LNRS Priorities:

AW2, C1, C3

Supporting Actions:

• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

SM2 - Habitat improvements in likely spawning areas with suitable tidal regimes to provide a greater area of suitable spawning habitat within the main stem of rivers and within estuarine tributaries (for example, shallow fast flowing riffles) and refugia (for example, large wood, overhanging trees etc) for spawning adults.

Spawning areas are only semi quantified for the Wyre so this measure is restricted in distribution at the time of writing this report. It is important to consult with specialists for potential in other catchments and useful to consider wider measures (see adjacent column).

SM3 - Improve connectivity within tributaries where their confluence is adjacent or downstream of the tidal limit for example, by removing, modifying or mitigating the impact of barriers within watercourses, specifically including low head impoundments (small weirs, road culverts and other bed modifications) and that prevent the occurrence of natural tidal regimes such as tidal flaps.

SM4 - Population surveys (for example, potential for Citizen Science projects) to:

• Assess watercourses within spawning range for spawning habitat availability and suitability.
• Assess adult populations and population structures within coastal waters and estuaries.
• Assess spawning activity at known/expected spawning locations.

Assess juvenile smelt within estuaries using refined techniques based on works undertaken on River Thames.

Hen harrier (HH)

National status:

• GB Red List, Endangered
• UK BAP Species
• Species of Principal Importance

Local status:

• BHS guideline species
• Lancashire BAP species
• Lancashire population is of national significance.

Designated feature of:

• Bowland Fells SSSI (and SPA).

HH1 - Continued monitoring of breeding attempts and key winter roost sites across the County.

Other birds including:

• Merlin
• Short-eared owl

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Other linked LNRS Priorities:

P4, P5, P6

Universal Priorities:

• Access to nature is provided whilst minimising recreational impacts on sensitive sites, habitats and species populations.

HH2 - Protection of recently used nest sites for example, by ensuring deep vegetation cover for nesting is retained and burning or cutting is avoided within a buffer of 100m around nests used in the past 5 years.

HH3 - Protection of winter roost sites by, for example:
- avoiding cutting, mowing and topping in these areas,
- protecting from potentially detrimental land use changes such as tree planting and wind farm developments.

HH4 - Consider legal predator control of species that may seek to prey upon eggs and chicks at existing breeding sites.

HH5 - Manage potential impacts from human activities throughout the year considering both breeding and winter roosting sites for example by, restricting recreational activities and providing information for the public.

HH6 - Stop any larger scale land management operations in potential nesting areas from March to July inclusive to avoid disturbance of prospecting and nesting birds.

HH7 - Promote diversionary feeding at potential future nesting sites on managed grouse moors to mitigate the potential impact of hen harrier predation on grouse and the associated conflict; and support expansion of the hen harrier population.

Black-tailed godwit (BTG)

National status:

• GB Red List, Endangered

Local status:

• Lancashire BAP species
• BHS guideline species.
• Lancashire population is of national significance.

Designated feature of:

• Ribble Estuary SSSI
• Ribble & Alt Estuaries and Morecambe Bay & Duddon Estuary (SPAs).

BTG1 - Erect predator exclusion fences or implement legal predator control of species that may seek to prey upon eggs and chicks at existing and potential breeding sites.

Other ground nesting birds at these sites

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Universal Priorities:

• Access to nature is provided whilst minimising recreational impacts on sensitive sites, habitats and species populations.

Supporting Actions:

• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

BTG2 - Manage potential impacts from human activities during the breeding season (from March when birds are prospecting nest sites to July inclusive) at existing and potential breeding sites for example by, restricting recreational activities such as dog walking, fishing and the use of drones/UAVs and providing information for the public.

BTG3 - Management and enhancement of wet features at existing and potential breeding sites for example ditch reprofiling and soil spreading to retain reasonable amounts of muddy edge to feed on.

BTG4 - Creation of a series of wet features at potential breeding sites for example, scrapes and pools where mud is exposed for feeding ground through spring and early summer. These may need to be fed by a constant source of water for example, from a spring or stream to feed wet features in dry springs to ensure wet mud is available throughout the breeding season.

BTG5 - Removal of trees (ensuring appropriate consultation, assessment and compliance to avoid any detrimental impacts on other species or the habitat) at existing and potential breeding sites that may act as perches for avian predators and ensure no tree planting is undertaken in these areas.

BTG6 - Once predator fencing and appropriate habitat management is in place, develop project for the release of head-started birds to boost existing population numbers. Further info can be found at Project Godwit – Securing the future of black-tailed godwits in the UK.

Black-headed gull (BHG)

National status:

• GB Amber List.

Local status:

• Lancashire BAP species.
• Lancashire population is of national significance.

Designated feature of:

• West Pennine Moors SSSI.

BHG1 - Erect predator exclusion fences or implement legal predator control of species that may seek to prey upon eggs and chicks at existing and potential breeding sites.

Other ground nesting birds at these sites

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Universal Priorities:

• Access to nature is provided whilst minimising recreational impacts on sensitive sites, habitats and species populations.

Supporting Actions:

• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

BHG2 - Manage potential impacts from human activities during the breeding season (from March when birds are prospecting nest sites to July inclusive) at existing and potential breeding sites for example by, restricting recreational activities such as dog walking, fishing, water sports and the use of drones/UAVs and providing information for the public.

BHG3 - Habitat management during October – November (to avoid breeding and wintering birds) to remove any growing vegetation from the summer months before the Gull’s return in March to ensure an open nesting platform is available at existing and potential breeding sites.

BHG4 - Manage water levels at existing breeding sites for example, to avoid flooding of nest sites during high rainfall, and predation during prolonged dry periods where water levels fall allowing predators to cross over to Island nesting sites.

BHG5 - Create islands on open areas of water at existing and potential breeding sites either by:

1. Installing rafts to provide nesting habitat, or where this is unsuitable (for example, on reservoirs where these may pose a threat to spill ways) –

2. Create islands from stone (depending on the water body depth tipping large amounts of stone can create a safe nesting site for breeding Gull’s).

BHG6 - Monitor any growth of Lesser Black-backed Gull (and other Larus species) populations against any negative impact on Black-headed Gull colonies.

BHG7 - Monitor growth of growing Greylag Goose populations against disturbance and reduction of the available area for nesting Black-headed Gull colonies.

Lesser black-backed gull (LBBG)

National status:

• GB Amber List.

Local status:

• Lancashire BAP species.
• Lancashire population is of national significance.

Designated feature of:

• Bowland Fells SSSI (and SPA)
• Ribble Estuary SSSI
• Ribble & Alt Estuaries and Morecambe Bay & Duddon Estuary (SPAs).

LBBG1 - Erect Predator exclusion fences or implement legal predator control of species that may seek to prey upon eggs and chicks at vulnerable and declining and previously known and potential nesting sites to help encourage gulls back to these locations.

Other ground nesting birds at these sites

Cross boundary benefits:

• Contribution to North West England Gull Project www.nwgulls.org.uk (specifics tbc)

Universal Priorities:

• Access to nature is provided whilst minimising recreational impacts on sensitive sites, habitats and species populations.

Supporting Actions:

• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

LBBG2 - Manage potential impacts from human activities during the breeding season (from March when birds are prospecting nest sites to July inclusive) at vulnerable and declining and historic/potential natural breeding sites for example by, restricting recreational activities such as dog walking, fishing, and the use of drones/UAVs and providing information for the public.

LBBG3 - Protect existing urban nesting sites from interference for example ensure no netting is erected to avoid entanglement resulting in the loss of existing nesting areas for lesser black-backed gulls.

LBBG4 - Habitat management during the winter to remove any growing vegetation from the summer months before the Gull’s return in March to ensure an open nesting platform is available at vulnerable and declining and historic/potential natural breeding sites.

LBBG5 - Manage potential impacts from the reduction in feeding sites and the resulting increase in foraging in in-bye fields by promoting a change in livestock feeding systems for example, through careful placement of feeders and/or the use of covered feeders to discourage Gull’s (RSPB, 2022 - Forest of Bowland - Gull Proof Feeder Trial Report).

LBBG6 - Continued monitoring of movements of breeding Lesser black-backed gulls between colonies in the northwest of England through the Natural England colour ringing scheme.

LBBG7 - Establish a project to identify new potential natural nesting areas for Lesser black-backed gulls to alleviate the pressures of existing colonies.

Duke of Burgundy butterfly (DoB)

National status:

• GB Red List Vulnerable
• UK BAP Species
• Species of Principal Importance

Local status:

• BHS guideline species
• Lancashire BAP species
• Lancashire population is of national significance

Designated feature of:

• Gait Barrows SSSI
• Thrang Wood SSSI.

DoB1 - Work with land managers to establish management practices to enable the key food plant for this species (cowslips and primroses) to increase, suitable conditions for pupation (the transitional stage from larva to adult) to take place and connect habitats by:

• Late summer and winter grazing (generally recommended) with heavy cattle/ponies to create ground disturbance opportunities for seeding into (consider 'no fence' grazing collars).
• Appropriate scrub management for shelter and to facilitate connectivity.
• Cyclical cutting /disturbance of limestone grassland (to avoid a dense thatch of blue moor grass) where grazing is not possible.
• Woodland ride and glade management.
• Creating breeding habitat through planting larval foodplants (cowslip and primrose spp.),
• to maintain areas of mosaic habitat of species rich grassland, occasional tussocky limestone grasses (required for pupation), light open scrub, and bracken interspersed with limestone outcrops and connected canopy gaps.

Benefits to numerous other limestone grassland and woodland edge species including:

• Harvest mouse
• Northern brown argus butterfly
• Dark-red helleborine
• Dwarf spurge

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

DoB2 - Survey local populations to establish trends and conservation successes.

DoB3 - At known sites, monitor habitat quality and the needs of the species to further understand their decline and response to climate change to enable effective future action.

DoB4 - Support and encourage landowners in targeted landscapes to enter into Countryside Stewardship agreements to support appropriate management for these species.

DoB5 - Develop a strategy for a landscape scale habitat patch creation, including stepping-stone patches, across and between areas where multiple historic records exist.

High brown fritillary butterfly (HBF)

National status:

• GB Red List, Vulnerable,
• UK BAP
• Species of Principal Importance

Local status:

• BHS guideline species
• Lancashire BAP species
• Lancashire population is of national significance

Designated feature of:

• Gait Barrows SSSI
• Hawes Water SSSI
• Thrang Wood SSSI

HBF1 - Work with land managers to establish management practices to enable the key food plant for this species (Viola spp.) to increase, create suitable conditions in bracken litter vital for larval development and egg laying and connect habitats by:

• Appropriate summer and winter grazing in bracken
• Appropriate scrub management for shelter and to facilitate connectivity.
• Cyclical cutting /disturbance of bracken where grazing is not possible.
• Woodland ride and glade management.
• Potential trials in patch disturbance of ground to produce areas of violet germination; and
• Creating breeding habitat through planting larval foodplants (Viola spp.).

to maintain areas of mosaic habitat of grassland, scrub and bracken interspersed with limestone outcrops and connected canopy gaps.

Benefits to other species also requiring violets, such as:

• Dark Green Fritillary
• Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Benefits to numerous other limestone grassland and woodland edge species including:

• Harvest mouse
• Northern brown argus butterfly
• Dark-red helleborine
• Dwarf spurge

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

HBF2 - Survey local populations to establish trends and conservation successes and verify new abundance and distributions to inform possible re/introductions.

HBF3 - Monitor habitat quality at known sites and also at nearby sites where appropriate management for the species has occurred.

HBF4 - Support and encourage landowners in targeted landscapes to enter into Countryside Stewardship agreements to support appropriate management for these species.

Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly (PBF)

National status:

• GB Red List, Vulnerable,
• UK BAP
• Species of Principal Importance.

Local status:

• BHS guideline species
• Lancashire BAP species
• Lancashire population is of national significance

Designated feature of:

• Gait Barrows SSSI
• Hawes Water SSSI
• Thrang Wood SSSI

PBF1 - Work with land managers to establish management practices to enable the key food plant for this species (Viola spp.) to increase, create suitable conditions in bracken litter vital for larval development and egg laying and connect habitats by:

• Appropriate summer and winter grazing in bracken
• Appropriate scrub management for shelter and to facilitate connectivity.
• Cyclical cutting /disturbance of bracken where grazing is not possible.
• Woodland ride and glade management.
• Potential trials in patch disturbance of ground to produce areas of violet germination; and
• Creating breeding habitat through planting larval foodplants (Viola spp.).

to maintain areas of mosaic habitat of grassland, scrub and bracken interspersed with limestone outcrops and connected canopy gaps.

Benefits to other species also requiring violets, such as:

• Dark Green Fritillary
• Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Benefits to numerous other limestone grassland and woodland edge species including:

• Harvest mouse
• Northern brown argus butterfly
• Dark-red helleborine
• Dwarf spurge

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

PBF2 - Survey local populations to establish trends and conservation successes and verify new abundance and distributions to inform possible re/introductions.

PBF3 - Monitor habitat quality at known sites and also at nearby sites where appropriate management for the species has occurred.

PBF4 - Support and encourage landowners in targeted landscapes to enter into Countryside Stewardship agreements to support appropriate management for these species.

Large heath butterfly (LH)

National status:

• GB Red List, Vulnerable,
• UKBAP species
• Species of Principal Importance.

Local status:

• BHS guideline species.
• Lancashire BAP species.
• Lancashire population is of national significance.

LH1 - Work with land managers to establish management practices at historical sites and sites with declining populations to restore sward mosaics and promote nectar plants such as crossed leaved heath by:

• Appropriate grazing to reduce dominant thatch whilst allowing some dense tussocks for the species to overwinter in the larva form.
• Combine with re-wetting techniques to enable the key food plants for this species (hare-tail cotton grass and crossed leaved heath) to increase.
• Reduce or clear invasive plant species and scrub such as rhododendron, birch and self-set conifers (ensuring appropriate means in sensitive habitats).
• Create breeding habitat through planting larval foodplants (hares tail cotton grass) and nectar plants (crossed leaved heat) at degraded sites and new peat restoration project sites.

Umbrella species - Protecting this species indirectly protects many other species, including other species benefitting from peatland restoration and sensitive management, for example:

• Curlew
• Red-eyed damselfly
• Broad-leaved cotton grass

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

LH2 - Develop monitoring project to use Large Heath as a target species to show benefits to wildlife and habitat quality at peat restoration project sites to raise water tables across large landscape areas.

LH3 - Survey local populations at known sites and previously recorded sites together with habitat assessments, to establish trends, monitor declines and inform conservation measures.

LH4 - At known sites, monitor habitat quality and the needs of the species and create a Rapid Habitat Assessment (RHA). Use this RHA to further understand widespread habitat change, population declines and response to climate change to be able to promote bigger, better and more connected action.

LH5 - Building on the mapped measures (LH1 - 4), develop a project building on existing knowledge to model opportunities for re/introduction measures across large areas of recent re-wetted upland Lancashire.

LH6 - Support and encourage landowners in targeted landscapes to enter into Countryside Stewardship agreements, to support and promote appropriate management for these species.

Share good practice and management options with practitioners.

Belted beauty, macro-moth (BBeau)

National status:

• Nationally rare.
• Species of Principal Importance.

Local status:

• BHS guideline species.
• Lancashire BAP species.
• Lancashire population is of national significance Sole-remaining English site.

BBeau1 - Surveys of the existing colony to inform the development of a structured land management plan to include:

• Low-intensity cattle grazing of the marsh between spring and autumn.
• Establishing temporary exclusion zones to assess the impact of different levels of grazing on the saltmarsh vegetation structure, coupled with larval surveys (also see BBeau2) which could inform which areas provide the best quality habitat for Belted Beauty.

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

BBeau2 – Establish a robust monitoring program to advise how long the existing population can survive at low abundances and the impact this might have on genetic diversity; and to help inform any future plans for habitat restoration/creation where there is currently no prospect of habitat expansion or colonisation by:

• Increasing the number of transects carried out and increase the area of salt marsh covered by the transects as the saltmarsh is expanding.
• Larval surveys coupled with vegetation monitoring to pinpoint the most-suitable habitat patches and exact habitat preferences, and track abundance changes over time in relation to shifts in vegetation structure.

Least minor, macro-moth (LM)

National status:

• Nationally rare

(GB Red List Pre94).

Local status:

• BHS guideline species.
• Lancashire BAP species.
• Lancashire population is of national significance.

LM1 - Work with land managers to establish management practices at existing and potential sites to improve open, well-connected habitats and promote the larval food plant Blue Moor-grass by:

• Increasing habitat availability through scrub control, and
• Introducing sheep grazing (mixed livestock or replace cattle grazing) at known sites to help promote Blue Moor-grass growth as sheep are known to selectively leave it (whereas cattle will graze it off).

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

LM2 – Establish a robust monitoring program of vegetation, larval, and adult surveys to determine preferred vegetation structure, to establish whether unknown populations are present and whether existing populations are stable by:

• Carrying out larval and adult surveys at sites with modern records (larval surveys effective at determining presence),
• Survey sites with suitable habitat but without known populations, and
• Larval surveys to determine whether Glaucous Sedge is used as a larval foodplant

LM3 - Support and encourage landowners in targeted landscapes to enter into Countryside Stewardship agreements to support appropriate management for these species.

Wall mason bee (WMB)

National status:

• Nationally rare

(GB Red List Pre94),

• UKBAP
• Species of Principal Importance.

Local status:

• Lancashire population is of national significance.
• Morecambe Bay is a stronghold.

WMB1 - Increase monitoring of key sites with historically plentiful records (Morecambe Bay), where monitoring in the past 10 years has substantially reduced in frequency and quality.

Umbrella species - protecting this species indirectly protects many other species including other species supported by acid grassland and open edge habitats with yellow legumes (such as bird's-foot trefoil), for example:

• welted lesser mason bee.

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

WMB2 – Investigate the species composition – including key forage plants and vegetation structure – where populations have remained stable in the last ten years; and compare with non-Lancashire sites where the species is present at higher densities and note any differences.

WMB3 – Identify key nesting sites, key foraging areas and key "lekking areas (where groups of males display to entice females)" for breeding males.

WMB4 – Carry out meteorological analysis and atmospheric monitoring at ground level on sites with good populations and sparse populations. To help understand whether climate instability and heat spikes are having localised effects

WMB5 – Conduct research into the effects of Ash Dieback and whether it has had a significant effect (loss of populations) on sites with previously strong populations.

Tormentil Mining-bee (TMB)

TMB1 - Increase monitoring of upland areas which have never been target surveyed.

Umbrella species -protecting this species indirectly protects many other species, including:

• Tormentil nomad bee
• Black-headed mining bee
• Moss carder bee

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Supporting Actions:

• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.
• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.

National status:

• UKBAP
• Species of Principal Importance.

Local status:

• Lancashire population is of national significance.

TMB2 - Carry out DNA analysis on Lancashire populations in order to be able to compare with remote populations (for example, Cornwall and European populations) to see if there are significant differences.

TMB3 - Carry out pollen analysis to verify that the species is only using tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and trailing tormentil (P. anglica) in Lancashire (records elsewhere have been noted for other Potentilla species).

TMB4 - When carrying out restoration of heathland and acid grassland ensure pollen specific plants tormentil and trailing tormentil are included in species mixes; and create bare sandy areas where practical.

TMB5 - Work with land managers to establish management practices at historical (lowland) sites and existing (upland sites with declining populations to; restore sward mosaics and promote good farming practices including vastly reduced or avoidance of nitrates; and avoid overgrazing and recreational pressures.

TMB6 - Re-survey lowland sites where it has seemingly, recently disappeared (in case of re-colonisation or climate instability that is not as severe a threat to the species than is anticipated)

Bilberry bumblebee (BB)

National status:

• Not evaluated,
• Localised and declining.

Local status:

• Lancashire population is of national significance.

BB1 - Survey areas in the uplands (> 400 metres) which have either an absence of records completely or a sharp decline in the last 30 years (where suitable habitat exists)

Other upland & heathland species such as:

• Twite
• Ring ouzel
• Broken-banded bumblebee
• Northern Sallow Mining Bee
• Cloudberry
• Reindeer lichen

National objectives and targets: 2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Other linked LNRS Priorities:

• P4, P5

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

BB2 - When carrying out restoration of heathland and peat-based habitats in the uplands (> 400 metres) ensure nectar plants bilberry, cowberry and cranberry are incorporated into species mixes.

BB3 - Work with land managers to establish management practices at historical sites and sites with declining populations to; restore sward mosaics and promote good variation in heath age, retain areas of species-rich grassland and small areas of gorse, especially where these are proximal to ericaceous habitat (for example, areas with bilberry, cowberry and cranberry), avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides

BB4 - Organise awareness raising events for landowners and land managers with land above 400 metres, to promote the needs of the species, their declining distribution and the management practises that would encourage the growth of their preferred forage plants; and to help to identify any gaps in knowledge of where this species occurs in Lancashire and its nesting requirements (which are poorly known).

BB5 - Carry out meteorological analysis and atmospheric monitoring at ground level on sites with good populations and sparse populations to see if climate instability is affecting sites differently.

Red wood ant, Formica rufa (RWA)

National Status:

• Near-threatened

(GB Red List Pre94)

• Localised and declining.

Local status:

• Lancashire population is of national significance.

RWA1 - Investigate as to whether woodland management practices have changed where populations of this species have declined.

Shiny guest ant

(lives in nests of Formica rufa red wood ant).

Improved coniferous woodland management would also benefit species such as:

• red squirrel,
• nightjar.

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Cross boundary benefits – yes (tbc)

Universal Priorities:

• Biosecurity and control of invasive species.

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

RWA2 - Survey larger existing populations (where nest frequency is more dense and "budding" - which is the establishment of smaller nests as part of an expansion response of a colony to growing original nest size) as part of ongoing research into the species, look to align differences in habitat structure where populations are contracting, dying out or not showing any natural tendency to "bud".

RWA3 - Carry out DNA analysis of the Lancashire populations as it has been suggested that they may be of hybrid origin, in which case standalone objectives centred on habitat management may need to be re-considered.

RWA4 - Consider pheasant control around key population areas as a significant predator of red wood ants. (This species may have been introduced from the south as a food source for pheasants which may explain why the Lancashire population is so restricted geographically and is so fragmented, isolated and declining and therefore important.) Pheasants are proven to be highly detrimental to a large range of fauna including invertebrates.

RWA5 - Carry out meteorological analysis and atmospheric monitoring at ground level on sites with good populations and sparse populations to see if climate instability is affecting sites and populations differently.

Plants:

Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem (YS)

Local Status:

• Rare in Lancashire.
• Lancashire BAP Species.
• BHS guideline species.

Northern Bedstraw (NB)

Local Status:

• Rare in Lancashire.
• Lancashire BAP Species.

Wood Crane's-bill (WC)

National Status:

• GB Red List, Near Threatened.

Local Status:

• Scarce in Lancashire.

Melancholy Thistle (MT)

Local Status:

• Scarce in Lancashire.
• BHS guideline species.

Lady's slipper orchid (LO)

National Status:

• GB Red List, Critically Endangered.
• Nationally Rare.

Local Status:

• Rare in Lancashire.
• Species of Principal Importance.
• Lancashire population nationally significant.

Petty whin (PW)

National status:

• GB Red List, Near Threatened.

Local status:

• Rare in Lancashire.
• Lancashire BAP species.
• BHS guideline species.

Dwarf cornel (DC)

National Status:

• GB Red List, Near Threatened.

Local Status:

• Rare in Lancashire.
• Lancashire population significant for England.

YS1, NB1, WC1, MT1, LO1, PW1, DC1

Work with landowners at previously known or potential sites to propagate and plant to suitable areas nearby or where populations once existed; taking into account climate resilience (for example where previous or existing sites have become/may become unsuitable and by working with landowners to collect material from existing sites.

National objectives and targets:

2 & 3

Supporting Actions:

• Engagement and collaboration to promote nature recovery.
• Data, evidence and strategies to inform nature recovery actions and the next iteration of the LNRS.

YS2, NB2, WC2, MT2, LO2, PW2, DC2

Maintain existing 'Horticultural reserves' for those species that have otherwise been lost or are at high risk of being lost as a 'cultivation stock' and create additional 'Horticultural reserves' as a fall back whereby propagation attempts can thus be carried out because natural dispersal is known to be failing in the wild (for example, The Barn (LWT) where melancholy thistle is established).

YS3, NB3, WC3, MT3, LO3, PW3, DC3

Localised surveys to establish evidence on presence / extent / distribution of local populations, to support recovery.