Appendix 5: Feature recommendations organised by Special Quality

# SQ2 - Internationally important and locally distinctive wildlife and habitats

# CULTURAL LANDSCAPES

# Lead mining features

Key adaptation recommendations for lead mining features:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are aimed at improving the condition of the feature at present, therefore making it better able to withstand future changes to climate.

Ensure surveyed features are included in Historic Environment Records and Selected Heritage Inventory for Natural England (SHINE) datasets.
Nurture collaborative networks to build capacity for monitoring (e.g. PDMHS, caving groups, other local interest groups).
More research is required to better understand the hydrology of low flow river systems and their interaction with surface and underground workings.
Liaise with other protected landscapes to share knowledge and management techniques.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Use existing records (e.g. Lead Legacy High Priority lead mining sites and landscapes) to target resources.
Undertake regular monitoring, including at landscape scale, of selected sites to identify those sites likely to be most vulnerable in terms of archaeology and ecology.
Put forward key sites for scheduling.

# HABITATS

# Acid grassland

Key adaptation recommendations for acid grassland:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Identify areas of refugia such as north facing slopes to target conservation efforts.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Ensure key sites are in appropriate management to maximize resilience.
Where long established grasslands can be identified, these should be a conservation priority.
Monitor extent of bracken on important sites and ensure appropriate management to prevent spread.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations focus on increasing the structural diversity of the area or habitat in which the feature is found. This can help to offset the effects of climate change on the feature, as well as to allow it to be in a better position to recover from future climate changes.

Restoring the less valuable areas of upland acid grassland to heath; or scrub/woodland along edges of watercourses e.g. in upland cloughs. More trees and scrub could also reduce landslips.

Accept changes to feature

These recommendations are about adapting ways of thinking to be accepting of inevitable change. While some changes may be negative, this also presents a chance to seek out any positive opportunities that may be caused by climate change.

Accept that some of this habitat may be lost or the structure of the habitat changed. It could become more diverse and create a mosaic of habitats, benefitting biodiversity.

Adapt land use for future conditions

These recommendations are adaptations to the way in which people use the land. Flexibility in land management - reacting to or pre-empting changes caused by the future climate - should afford this feature a better chance of persisting.

Adapt grazing regimes to allow for more flexibility of timing and stocking density, to ensure they are responsive to new conditions.

# Blanket bog

Key adaptation recommendations for blanket bog:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Increase effort to restore hydrology and raise the water table.
Increase effort to revegetate any remaining bare peat areas.
Increase Sphagnum re-introduction, including as diverse a mix of appropriate species as possible.
Research is needed to look into promoting the growth of bog edge woodland or scrub where appropriate, through tree establishment and natural regeneration, to reduce wind effects, provide shade and stabilise peat blanket edges.
Cease the use of burning for heather management on blanket bog sites – but consider alternative techniques such as cutting if there is a high fuel load (e.g. bog is or has become dry heath on peat) as an interim measure until the bog is wet enough.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity.
More research into peat pipes is needed.
Consider the impact on key views when planning adaptations.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Identify key areas to focus work on; especially those, which are likely to remain hydrologically suitable. Further study required.
Develop visitor management plans to influence public behaviour in areas of high wildfire risk.

# Heather moorland and mixed heath

Key adaptation recommendations for heather moorland and mixed heath:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Continue program of moorland rewetting.
Identify sites within the uplands that can act as climate change refugia due to complex micro-topography, robust hydrology, and high species diversity, and manage these accordingly.
Minimise erosion through management of access, appropriate grazing levels, and reduction of burning.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity.
Bracken may need to be controlled through grazing and other management.
Consider the impact on key views when planning adaptations.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Increase the diversity of heather dominated areas - adapt to mixed heath.
Maintain and enhance structural diversity within heathland vegetation, including wet heath patches, diverse age classes of dwarf shrubs, and scattered trees and scrub.
Continue clough woodland creation/restoration to increase scrub and woodland cover within upland mosaic which will help improve habitat heterogeneity and provide refugia for sensitive plants and invertebrates.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Develop visitor management plans to reduce fire risk on areas of high wildfire risk.
Cease the use of burning for heather management on vulnerable sites – but consider alternative techniques such as cutting.
Strengthen footpaths and manage increased visitor access to minimise disturbance in key areas.

Adapt land use for future conditions

Adapt management intensity to changing characteristics of heather moorland – alter grazing pressure, types/breeds of livestock, and burning/cutting cycles to suit future climatic conditions.
Consider that designated natural and cultural site features of interest may change.

# Limestone grassland

Key adaptation recommendations for limestone grassland

Improve current condition to increase resilience

There is scope for expansion of limestone grasslands onto some parts of the plateaux where limestone is close to the surface or exists as outcrops. Where expansion is limited by underlying geology, grading into continuous neutral grassland, heathland or scrub should be encouraged.
Adapt management to avoid fertilizer inputs.
Reduce non-climate sources of harm.
Consider the impact on key views when planning adaptations.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Grassland in greatest need of considering conservation options further is perhaps MG2 Jacob's-ladder grasslands.
Restore priority areas where scrub has encroached, but maintain some scrub in the landscape.
Work to identify the best refugia sites and ensure these are managed appropriately.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Increase size and connectivity of existing patches, including connectivity with other habitat types in a mosaic.
Increase connectivity by restoring species rich grassland. This should also increase resistance to drought and increase carbon capture.
Increase wood pasture on the plateau. Increase trees in fields and along margins to help with summer drought and forage for stock.
Have an integrated management plan for each of the Dales in the PDNP for the different habitats within them.

Adapt land use for future conditions

Adapt grazing regimes to allow for more flexibility of timing and stocking density.

Accept changes to feature

Loss of some currently valued northern species but gain of more southern species may need to be accepted. Liaise with other protected landscapes (such as those further north) to share knowledge and management techniques.

# Meadows

Key adaptation recommendations for meadows:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Many more restored meadows are needed in the PDNP if effective nature recovery networks are to be developed. These would increase carbon storage and capture, increase resilience to climate change and drought especially, provide transitional sites between existing habitats, plus better habitat for invertebrates and other animals. Species rich meadows are much better for a healthy stock animal as well – though less productive than heavily fertilised pastures, they provide a more diverse, healthy diet, better ways of managing health – many old ones were called hospital fields, and are essential for a low input low output system.
Opportunities to extend and enhance the management of existing unimproved grasslands should be sought, for example in "Riverside Meadows" where grasslands could enhance their role for ﬂood water storage, helping to reduce ﬂood impacts further downstream.
Encourage the creation and enhancement of wildflower meadow in non- agricultural settings e.g. recreational areas, churchyards, verges and residential gardens. A scheme to help with conversion or management may be required.
Non-climate sources of harm (for example conversion to silage or permanent pasture; application of high fertilizer levels, early cutting) should be minimised to ensure maximum possible resilience.
Identify and preserve refugia for species at their southern range limit - look at aspect and topography and ensure sites are sensitively managed.
Consider the impact on key views when planning adaptations.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Species rich meadow should be one of the key habitats to be considered when other habitat types are no longer viable due to climate change. Rush-pastures which have become too dry could be converted.

Adapt land use for future conditions

Greater flexibility in site management will be needed - e.g. Timing of hay cut and grazing.

# Wet grassland and rush pasture

Key adaptation recommendations for wet grassland and rush pasture:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Ensure appropriate levels of grazing are maintained.
Increase connectedness, size and condition of rush pasture through habitat creation and restoration of adjoining semi-improved grasslands.
Retain wetness by blocking artificial drainage.
Re-introduce Sphagnum to sites where purple-moor grass has invaded blanket bog.
Consider the impact on key views when planning adaptations.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

On sites of importance for breeding waders where it is not viable to maintain water levels across the whole site, consider minor channelling of the water resource to retain some wet flushes.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Increase the variation in vegetation structure across site to maximize biodiversity. Rush management should be planned with the needs of different species in mind.
If it is not possible to maintain wetness of rush pasture accept that it will change and facilitate conversion to other priority habitats such as species rich meadow.

Adapt land use for future conditions

Flexibility in grazing is key – changing timings and providing alternative land for years where areas are flooded could be important to limit land abandonment on economically marginal land.
Altering livestock may have benefits for the pasture habitats. Native grazer analogues such as appropriate cattle breeds that are less selective than sheep are more likely to facilitate a diverse sward.

# Wet heath

Key adaptation recommendations for wet heath:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Updated habitat mapping taking into account peat depth is needed to determine exact size and extent of current wet heath resource.
Moorland rewetting work should be continued as a top priority.
Identify sites that can act as climate change refugia due to their favourable topography, aspect, hydrology, or good species diversity, and manage these sensitively.
Minimise erosion through management of access, appropriate grazing levels, and reduction of burning.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change

Strengthen footpaths and manage increased visitor access to minimise disturbance in key areas.
Careful livestock management at high risk sites.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Structural diversity within heathland vegetation should be increased - including wet heath patches, diverse age classes of dwarf shrubs, and scattered trees and scrub to provide refugia for sensitive plants and invertebrates.

Accept that habitats need to be dynamic and not fixed. Consider that designated site boundaries may need to change as habitats move/change to create larger functional sites, and features of interest may change. Liaise with other protected landscapes to share knowledge and management techniques, and contribute to the national picture. Adapt land use for future conditions

Create future conservation objectives in the knowledge that wet heath and other habitat types will move along a continuum, and so the ideal location to target actions for particular species will change with the climate.

# Wet woodland

Key adaptation recommendations for wet woodland:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Map existing wet woodland habitat to assess value and content.
Continue with sensitive woodland management.
Continue with work on managing invasive species such as Himalayan balsam.
Continue management of woodland along watercourses to reduce flood risk.
Evaluate whether the introduction of beavers would be a feasible and appropriate method of delivering ecosystem service benefits such as flood mitigation, water quality and wet woodland creation.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Identify sites for wet woodland restoration, expansion and/or creation. Care should be taken to ensure this is not at the expense of other wetland habitats that are of value. Some sites could just be scattered trees, others more dense woodland and wet scrub – smaller willows of various locally native types.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Establish trees and encourage natural regeneration to increase species diversity, structural diversity, and patch size.
Evaluate whether there are benefits in establishing scrub to stabilise eroding edges of blanket peat, and implement if appropriate.

Adaptations that could aid other features

These recommendations are changes that could be made to this feature, which will have a positive impact on the ability of other vulnerable features to withstand future climate change.

Increase woodland cover – to keep waterways cool and to provide shelter for other species as temperatures increase.
Increase connectivity between woodlands to provide wildlife corridors.

# Woodlands

Key adaptation recommendations for woodlands:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Reduce grazing pressures where possible. Recognise the importance of an integrated deer management plan for the park.
Encourage more continuous cover forestry – to maintain higher levels of carbon storage and decrease soil losses.
Improve protection, management and recruitment of veteran trees.
Consider water management in woodlands predicted to experience drought.
Further study is required to explore appropriate opportunities for woodlands to be used in local wood fuel schemes.
If visitor numbers increase at easy to access locations, encourage visitors to use alternative transport such as bikes and public transport to maintain tranquillity of the area.
Consider the impact on key views when planning adaptations.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Increase diversity of tree species; especially in single species woodlands. Accept change in composition of woodlands, such as accepting species not previously native to the PDNP.
Continue improving woodland condition – more native woodland creation, encourage regeneration to increase structural diversity, increase patch size (>2ha) to meet habitat requirements for birds and other species, increase decaying wood for replenishing soils.
Natural woodland regeneration by excluding stock should be seen as preferable to tree establishment, with the latter principally to increase diversity - importance of scrub is underestimated.
Convert small or unused conifer plantations to broadleaf/mixed woodlands.
Increase establishment of field and boundary trees, particularly across the White Peak, to increase habitat diversity and connectivity, replace trees lost to Ash Dieback, enhance the landscape and provide shade and better grazing for livestock in hotter summer conditions.

Adaptations that could aid other features

These recommendations are changes that could be made to this feature, which will have a positive impact on the ability of other vulnerable features to withstand future climate change.

Increase connectivity between woodlands to provide wildlife corridors.
Increase woodland cover – to keep waterways cool, provide shelter for other species as temperatures increase, increase carbon storage, and improve water quality.

# WATERCOURSES, PONDS AND RESERVOIRS

# Dew ponds and other ponds

Key adaptation recommendations for dew ponds and other ponds:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Maintain and enhance existing sites, where possible, consider re-lining failing ponds with materials that reflect their historic character.
Reduce non-climatic sources of harm such as non-native species and nutrient sources.
Minimise agricultural inputs, especially slurry, fertilisers and pesticides. Give consideration to good management of waste to improve catchment quality, including effective slurry store management.
Manage biosecurity to limit spread of invasive and non-native species.
Investigate external funding sources for a major pond project using citizen science.
Create semi-natural vegetation such as woodland along run-off pathways to reduce evaporation and maintain water quality.
Keep a strategy for dewpond restoration under review, due to their high vulnerability and extensive cost input required.
Liaise with other protected landscapes to share knowledge and management techniques.

Adaptations that could aid other features

These recommendations are changes that could be made to this feature, which will have a positive impact on the ability of other vulnerable features to withstand future climate change.

Restore key sites to link clusters and improve pond connectivity for species such as great crested newt.

# Reservoirs

Key adaptation recommendations for reservoirs:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Continue reservoir management of water levels with strict usage policies in place for drought periods.
Continue catchment management to improve vegetation cover to reduce erosion and nutrient run-off entering reservoirs.
Continue monitoring and control of non-native species in reservoirs and in neighbouring habitats.
Improve access and recreation infrastructure to minimise habitat damage and wildlife disturbance.
Increase riparian tree cover at reservoirs lacking in riparian vegetation, shade can help regulate reservoir water temperatures.
Minimise agricultural inputs, especially slurry, fertilisers and pesticides. Give consideration to good management of waste to improve catchment quality, including effective slurry store management.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Strengthen biosecurity measures by raising awareness: install signs at busy recreation sites, particularly where fishing and boating are common.
Manage disturbance levels during bird breeding season, for example have access restrictions to vulnerable sandpiper territory.

# Rivers and streams

Key adaptation recommendations for rivers and streams:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Restoration of natural processes across the catchment will improve watercourse health and therefore resilience to change.
Consider removal of impoundments and weirs to restore natural river flow and improve species dispersal.
Minimise agricultural inputs, especially fertilisers and pesticides. Give consideration to good management of waste to improve catchment quality, including effective slurry store management.
Restoration of healthy soils in river catchments will increase infiltration of water and reduce runoff, thereby reducing sedimentation. Tree establishment is a known method to improve infiltration and reduce pollutant spread from runoff.
Restoration of semi-natural vegetation on critical runoff pathways will slow the flow and reduce erosion.
New hydroelectric power developments should not be allowed to prevent restoration of natural processes in river systems.
Use of low nutrient livestock feeds will reduce contamination of the watercourse.
Block artificial drainage where possible.
Manage invasive species, including botanical species and signal crayfish.
Evaluate whether the introduction of beavers would be a feasible and appropriate method of delivering ecosystem service benefits such as flood mitigation, water quality and wet woodland creation.

Adaptations that could aid other features

These recommendations are changes that could be made to this feature, which will have a positive impact on the ability of other vulnerable features to withstand future climate change.

Creation of riparian shade through tree and scrub establishment will be beneficial to freshwater habitats, and may offset some of the effects of temperature rises.

# WILDLIFE

# Adder

Key adaptation recommendations for adders:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Continue improving habitat condition: ensuring there are suitable sites for basking, hibernation, and breeding. This will help to make existing populations more resilient.
Continue gathering sightings and creating photo database of individuals.
Increase habitat connectivity: to aid dispersal and breeding.
Investigate translocation to new sites. Further research is required.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Limit disturbance at known sites (particularly at hibernaculum during winter).
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.

# Aquatic invertebrates

Key adaptation recommendations for aquatic invertebrates:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Contamination of watercourses must be taken seriously, and efforts made to reduce the entry of fertilisers, slurry, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, road runoff, and wastewater pollutants.
Changes or modifications made to river channels (for example for renewable energy sources) must be made with aquatic invertebrates in mind.
Floating dead wood and woody debris is invaluable invertebrate habitat. Allow natural processes to occur in river systems, and allow for a less 'tidy' looking environment.
Conduct surveys of invertebrate communities across the PDNP. Dewponds may be of particular interest.
Remove impoundments and allow natural meandering where feasible and retro-fit artificial berms or meanders to improve natural sediment transport.
Buffer strips to trap sediment before it reaches a watercourse should be established wherever possible.
Combatting the spread of invasive non-native species will be key to the recovery of many invertebrate populations, especially the white-clawed crayfish.
Continue dewpond restoration work.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Establishment of more native trees around riverbanks will assist not only with flood management and water quality but also shade the river and cool the water, although too much shade may be detrimental to aquatic plant life. Increased tree and scrub cover in upland catchments would also be beneficial.
A greater diversity of habitat surrounding rivers will be beneficial to the invertebrate populations. Variability in shading, as well as wetness of the surrounding habitat is desirable.

# Bilberry bumblebee

Key adaptation recommendations for bilberry bumblebees:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Continue and build on bumblebee surveys within the PDNP to improve knowledge of local populations.
Improve habitat management: encourage establishment of bilberry and legumes; limit grazing/mowing during nest-building season; limit pesticide/herbicide use particularly during hot summers.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Assess foraging habitat and identify areas that need improving such as those with a low diversity of food sources and areas where food is unavailable during nest-building season in spring.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.

# Curlew

Key adaptation recommendations for curlew:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Create or back experiments to test the effectiveness of current and potential management techniques.
Improve curlew habitat and increase connectivity through management.
Ensure silage cutting is delayed until after chicks have left the nest.
Cease the ploughing of fields and reduce chemical inputs to improve soil invertebrate populations.
Maintaining sward lengths above minimum can reduce predation risk and can mean less predator control is needed.
Rush management should be planned with the needs of different species in mind, some suitable areas of long rushes should be left intact.
Predator control could be a useful tool in high predator density areas, but may inadvertently increase predator populations and disrupt other species interactions. Research is needed to determine if a more natural system would be a better option for the future.
Further study is needed to track how productivity and breeding success are changing with climate. Recording of clutch sizes at nest can help.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Wetland restoration should be a priority. This is both through upland rewetting and lowland drain blocking.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.

Adapt land use for future conditions

Reduction of soil compaction will reduce surface drying and increase habitat suitability for curlew.
Reduce high grazing levels and avoid intensification of farming methods.

# Dipper

Key adaptation recommendations for dippers:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Minimise agricultural inputs, especially slurry, fertilisers and pesticides. Give consideration to good management of waste to improve catchment quality, including effective slurry store management.
Increased natural flood management measures will benefit dipper. This includes upland woody damming, broadleaf woodland establishment, and natural scrub regeneration.
Hydroelectric power schemes have the potential to be very harmful to dipper and other riparian species. Natural processes within river systems are key to the adaptive capacity of the system. Developments should only be approved if they interfere minimally with the natural course of the river.
Dipper should be considered when building structures to regulate flow. Construction should be limited during dipper breeding season.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Conifer plantations beside rivers are detrimental to dipper populations. Streamside conifers should be phased out and replaced with native broadleaf wherever possible.
Improve variation in streams: riffles, rocks, and boulders can create variable flow and deeper sections. This creates better foraging habitat.

# Dunlin

Key adaptation recommendations for dunlin:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Rewetting of moorland and blanket bog restoration is the most beneficial intervention for dunlin. Implementation of this management will benefit other waders and have associated benefits of carbon storage and water storage.
Moorland gully and grip blocking for creation of bog pools creates good feeding habitat for dunlin.
Upland conifer plantations remove dunlin habitat and should be phased out from areas where they are thought to be limiting populations.
Partnership with coastal conservation organisations will be the best way to create an integrated management plan, as dunlin may winter in other areas.
Reducing the number of sheep and therefore lambs may also reduce pressure from generalist predators. Predator control could be a useful tool in high predator density areas, but may inadvertently increase predator populations and disrupt other species interactions. The increase in Dunlin at RSPB Dove Stone has not included predator control, so good quality habitat can counterbalance the effects of predation. Research is needed to determine if a more natural system would be a better option for the future.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Ensure dunlin habitat has well marked and maintained footpaths to prevent encroachment of visitors onto breeding areas.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.

# Golden plover

Key adaptation recommendations for golden plover:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Blocking of drainage and rewetting of bogs and moors will increase the resilience of golden plover habitat to climate change.
In-bye land can be good habitat for golden plover. Good management will allow golden plover and other waders to make use of these resources without sacrificing productivity.
Predator control could be a useful tool in high predator density areas, but may inadvertently increase predator populations and disrupt other species interactions. Research is needed to determine if a more natural system would be a better option for the future.
Well maintained footpaths across the moors will reduce disturbance of golden plover and other ground nesting birds.
Conifer plantations have historically reduced golden plover habitat. Establishment of new plantations should be discouraged and existing plantations removed where they have an impact on golden plovers.
Partnership with coastal conservation organisations and other organisations who manage winter feeding grounds to provide integrated management is a better strategy than breeding ground only methods.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.

# Great crested newt

Key adaptation recommendations for great crested newts:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Minimise agricultural inputs to ponds, especially slurry, fertilisers and pesticides. Give consideration to good management of waste to improve catchment quality, including effective slurry store management.
Systematically monitor invasive species in ponds, and control them where needed.
Increase the use of sustainable drainage schemes for new developments.
Translocate to new sites if needed. Undertake further research into translocation feasibility and sustainability.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Continue restoring and creating ponds across the PDNP: make it a priority especially near existing populations such as in the White Peak.
Improve habitat between ponds to help connect them. Focus on terrestrial habitat vegetation and inter-pond distances.
Monitor existing populations. Records of population size and habitat quality will be important to inform adaptation planning.
Protect potential new habitat as well as existing habitat that is impacted through development proposals, particularly where it is near existing populations.

# Lapwing

Key adaptation recommendations for lapwing:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Reduce chemical inputs to fields to allow soil invertebrate populations to recover.
Stronger grazing pressure in autumn and delayed lower pressure grazing in spring can generate the correct sward conditions, while minimising trampling and disturbance.
Rush management should be planned with the needs of different species in mind, some suitable areas of long rushes should be left intact.
Predator control could be a useful tool in high predator density areas, but may inadvertently increase predator populations and disrupt other species interactions. Research is needed to determine if a more natural system would be a better option for the future.
Future increases in PDNP arable land use may become a resource for PDNP lapwing populations. In this scenario, management of this land should be sensitive to this species
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Wetland restoration should be a priority; both upland rewetting and lowland drain blocking will help.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Heterogeneity in surface water conditions is beneficial for lapwing chick survival. Some shallow wet features should be maintained throughout the breeding season. Generally wetter conditions are also beneficial.

# Merlin

Key adaptation recommendations for merlin:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Greater focus on preventing bird of prey persecution in the PDNP is needed, as well as prosecution of offenders.
Lower grazing intensity is beneficial to both merlin and their avian prey.
Further research is required to understand drivers of population changes. Breeding success has been relatively good so it is important to uncover the reasons why Merlin are not doing well in the PDNP.
Undertake research or collaboration with organisations linked to wintering grounds.
Predator control could be a useful tool in high predator density areas, but may inadvertently increase predator populations and disrupt other species interactions. Research is needed to determine if a more natural system would be a better option for the future.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Increasing the heterogeneity of moorland vegetation has been suggested to be beneficial to merlin.
Woodland creation on moorland edges may provide nesting habitat and allow merlin to be more adaptable.

# Mountain hare

Key adaptation recommendations for mountain hares:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Work with partners to reduce or end culling of hares in PDNP.
Continue moorland restoration work to reduce bare peat and improve mountain hare habitat.
Continue to gather mountain hare sightings data and encourage the public to report sightings. This will help inform future adaptation planning.
Set up a mountain hare monitoring plan: to better understand local population dynamics and to identify risks, opportunities and key areas. Further research is required.
Predator control could be a useful tool in high predator density areas, but may inadvertently increase predator populations and disrupt other species interactions. Research is needed to determine if a more natural system would be a better option for the future.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Limit disturbance at known sites: particularly in areas with high visitor numbers.
Install wildlife corridors, such as underpasses, to increase connectivity between populations and decrease road casualties.

# Pied flycatcher

Key adaptation recommendations for pied flycatchers:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Suitable broadleaf woodland and new broadleaf woodland in the Dark and South West Peak should be fitted with nest boxes as soon as possible, including increasing nest box numbers within existing sites. This is the best way to increase pied flycatcher habitat and would help to improve resilience.
Implement known best management practices on nest boxes such as corking and orienting away from south-west. Ensure continuity of management. More sustainable long term strategies may need to be considered.
Increased upland woodland establishment, especially oak woodland, will increase habitat for pied flycatchers.
Manage for increased Lepidopteran (caterpillar) populations to increase nesting food supply for pied flycatchers.
PDNP based management can only do so much for pied flycatchers and other migratory birds. Partnership with West African conservation groups and others along the migration route would be the best way to increase winter survival.
Investigate natural dynamic land management for pied flycatcher and other species. Pilot a 'rewilding' or 'wilding' trial scheme with no fixed conservation aims and monitor the impact on this feature.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

# Ring ouzel

Key adaptation recommendations for ring ouzel:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Non-native upland forestry plantations remove good ring ouzel habitat and should be phased out where they are impacting ring ouzel populations.
Predator control could be a useful tool in high predator density areas, but may inadvertently increase predator populations and disrupt other species interactions. Research is needed to determine if a more natural system would be a better option for the future.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Manage visitor access and disturbance during sensitive breeding season will increase ring ouzel breeding success, and thus help reduce non-climate related pressures.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Move towards a habitat mosaic for ring ouzel. This includes open areas and heterogeneous vegetation structure, with some scrub in appropriate areas.
Appropriate cutting or grazing to create varied vegetation structure would be beneficial to ring ouzel and reduce wildfire risk.

# Short-eared owl

Key adaptation recommendations for short-eared owls:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

A greater focus on bird of prey persecution is needed.
Lower sheep grazing densities in short-eared owl habitat could benefit owl populations by increasing the populations of their small mammal prey.
Study into migration habits of short-eared owl could clarify the resident status of PDNP birds, informing management.
Partnership approach with coastal wintering grounds would be beneficial to short-eared owl conservation.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Monitoring of known breeding pairs could increase the information resource available.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.

# Snipe

Key adaptation recommendations for snipe:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Remove drains in pastureland to promote wet flushes and rush areas – by creating better habitat for snipe their current status can be improved and so they are likely to be more resilient to change.
Rush management should be planned with the needs of different species in mind, some suitable areas of long rushes should be left intact.
Cease the ploughing of fields and reduce chemical inputs to improve soil invertebrate populations and diversity – giving snipe a more abundant and wider choice of food.
Predator control could be a useful tool in high predator density areas, but may inadvertently increase predator populations and disrupt other species interactions. Research is needed to determine if a more natural system would be a better option for the future.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Stocking levels should be kept low to reduce nest trampling and disturbance.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Ditches and other varied surface topography can provide damp areas for snipe to feed in dry periods, so these should be considered in management and development plans.

Adapt land use for future conditions

Prolonging high soil moisture into summer will extend the nesting season and increase snipe breeding success. Landscape scale management plans should look at interventions which can reduce the drying effect of hotter, drier summers.

# Swallow

Key adaptation recommendations for swallows:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Reduced pesticide input to livestock on pastureland. This would increase populations of swallows and other birds, as well as associated soil health benefits.
Transition lowland pasture in the White Peak from sheep to suckler cattle, to improve insect populations.
Ensure planning decisions leave some swallow nesting space in buildings by allowing access. Platforms with bags to catch droppings can be built. Only a small access hole is required.
Increase potential for swallow nests in new and restored buildings, with particular consideration for agricultural buildings.
A whole range approach, with partnership with organisations in their African wintering grounds would be needed to maximise swallow adaptive capacity.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Better knowledge and monitoring of PDNP swallow populations would help understand whether they are declining, and where action is needed.
A review of planning applications where swallows have been a considering factor would increase understanding of where action has been done or is needed.

# Twite

Key adaptation recommendations for twite:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Restoration of quarries where appropriate will provide habitat for the larger White Peak population to expand into.
Integrated management of twite nesting and feeding habitat is essential to their preservation. Co-ordinated management of upland moorland and lowland meadows will give the best chance for twite survival.
Lowering livestock densities on pastoral land can improve its suitability as feeding habitat.
Twite are migratory birds, so management interventions in the PDNP will have a limited effect if not part of wider efforts in wintering grounds. Partnership with coastal conservation organisations in Norfolk and the south-east coast will be the most beneficial to PDNP twite.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Loss of feeding resources is likely the biggest contributing factor to the current decline. Meadow creation will therefore be very beneficial to twite populations. Expansion of existing meadows and conversion of some improved grassland near twite nesting areas may prevent or slow the loss of twite from the PDNP.
Develop fire contingency plans, and ensure management of habitats reduces fire risk e.g. rewetting and increasing species or structural diversity. Influence visitor and behaviour management plans and practices to minimise ignition risk.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Increase structural diversity to improve resilience at a landscape scale

Allow some stands of mature heather to persist within a varied vegetation structure, to allow nesting habitat while minimising wildfire risk. Rotational burning is unlikely to create this structure and so should be phased out.
Bracken can provide nesting habitat for twite. Consider preserving bracken on steep slopes within 2km of feeding habitat where vegetation is otherwise unsuitable for nesting.

# Waxcap fungi

Key adaptation recommendations for waxcap fungi:

Improve current condition to increase resilience

Survey greater areas of PDNP grassland to assess true extent of waxcap grassland.
Alter management of pastureland to increase waxcap populations. Cease ploughing and ensure appropriate grazing levels, and lower inputs of fertiliser and lime. Introduce measures to reduce compaction and waterlogging. Concurrent benefits of improved soil health and ecological condition mean this is desirable even disregarding waxcaps.
Management of large lawns such as those on estate land should have a greater focus on waxcap assemblage.
Promote PDNP waxcap grasslands, as they are already some of the finest internationally. An increase in awareness and knowledge may lead to wider benefits for waxcap grassland resilience and soil health.
Encourage further uptake of environmental land management schemes by farmers within the PDNP.

Improve current condition to increase resilience: Targeted conservation efforts for important sites and at risk areas

The current condition of a feature is an important factor alongside its sensitivity and exposure, in determining its vulnerability to climate change. These recommendations are conservation measures aimed at those sites that will have the biggest impact for this feature – either because they are particularly important for the feature or because they are most at risk from climate change.

Training on identification of CHEGD fungi (Clavaroids (club and coral fungi), Hygrocybe spp. (waxcaps), Entoloma spp. (pinkgills), Geoglossum and related genera (earthtongues), and Dermoloma spp. (as well as Porpoloma and Camarophyllopsis spp.) will increase the pool of surveyors to identify and designate sites of importance.

Adaptations that could aid other features

These recommendations are changes that could be made to this feature, which will have a positive impact on the ability of other vulnerable features to withstand future climate change.

Focus of future assessments and management should be broadened from just waxcaps to include the wider grassland fungi assemblage that associates with waxcap grassland. This is often known as the CHEGD group.

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