The Priorities
The underlying aquifer is essential to the area. Poor continuity between river and land, highly erodible soils and sediment issues generate much debate. For all these reasons (and more) the RVFG will deliver the following CS priorities:
Priority Habitats
Lowland heathland – Lowland dry acid grassland – Ancient and native woodland – Floodplain grazing marsh and associated ditch, fen and riparian habitats (Rother Valley SNIC designation) – Arable field margins
Priority Species
Yellowhammer – Lapwing – Barn owl – Rare Arable Plants – River (Aquatic freshwater) Invertebrates
Arable Plant Assemblage
An important arable plant assemblage exists, e.g. nationally endangered Red-tipped Cudweed; Wild Snapdragon and Corn Spurrey
WATER Quality
Nitrate in drinking water sources – Phosphate and sediment in surface waters – Pesticide residues reaching/accumulating in rivers. The above impacts on fish/wider species diversity and riverine ecology in addition to Southern Water’s abstraction at Hardham.
Historic Environment
Historic canalisation of parts of the Rother (e.g. stone locks); historic parkland (e.g. Petworth); traditional farm buildings; Woodland Management and Planting: ASNW, plantation and broadleaved woodland is present with considerable potential for new woodlands to counter erosion and flood risk.
Farm Wildlife & Wild Pollinator Package
This will be applicable to many holdings and the principle of providing year round and spatial requirements will be promoted.
Landscape
Hedgerows; Trees; Permanent grassland; field margins; sunken lanes are important features.