SWL PAWS and ASNW Assessment Form Version 1 Checklist

The best opportunities to enhance biodiversity should be used to fulfil the 15% requirement in UKWAS.

Larger sites may need to be be stratified into relatively homogeneous areas. Add additional strata as required. Sketch strata boundaries onto a map for later reference.

STRATA

The site connections to other areas of biodiversity and how the site sits in the wider habitat is important
Fully Surrounded - the area is fully surrounded by other areas key to biodiversity.
Multiple Connections - the area forms a key link between several other areas key to biodiversity.
Connected Through - the site forms a link between two otherwise disconnected areas of biodiversity.
Single Connection - the site is adjacent to another area of biodiversity but does not form a link.
Locally Disconnected - there are other sites important to biodiversity locally but the site is not directly connected to them.
Isolated - there are no other biodiversity sites locally.

Consider the Site and Crop Stability

Veteran Trees. In PAWS these are those trees that probably significantly pre-date the crop.
Abundant >25 trees per ha
Frequent >5 trees per ha
Infrequent <5 trees per ha
Rare <1 tree per ha
Absent no trees present on site

In PAWS these would be Native trees that probably grew up with the current crop or since it was planted.
Abundant >25 trees per ha
Frequent >5 trees per ha
Infrequent <5 trees per ha
Rare <1 tree per ha
Absent no trees present on site

Abundant - regeneration spread widely throughout area
Frequent - patches of regeneration throughout area
Infrequent - occasional scattered patches of regeneration or individual small trees
Rare - occasional regenerating tree
Absent - no regeneration

If regeneration is absent add reason

Significant standing and fallen deadwood would be larger than 20cm in diameter
Abundant >25 dead trees or significant limbs
Frequent >5 dead trees or significant limbs per ha
Infrequent <5 dead trees or significant limbs per ha
Rare - very occasional limb or dead tree
Absent - no deadwood present

Thinking in particular about native woodland indicator species
Abundant - native woodland indicator species are found throughout the area on crags and in gaps in the canopy.
Frequent - less common but still well spread throughout the area.
Infrequent - there are few crags or gaps in the canopy but those that exist do hold native woodland indicator species.
Rare - there are very occasional examples of native woodland indicator species.
Absent - there is no evidence of native woodland indicator species anywhere within the area.

Thinking in particular about native woodland indicator species
Abundant - native woodland indicator species are found throughout the riparian zones
Frequent - less common but still well spread throughout the riparian zones
Infrequent - there are few riparian zones but those that exist do hold native woodland indicator species.
Rare - there are very occasional examples of native woodland indicator species in riparian zones.
Absent - there is no evidence of native woodland indicator species anywhere within the riparian zones.

Thinking in particular about native woodland indicator species
Abundant - native woodland indicator species are found throughout the area under the canopy
Frequent - less common but still well spread throughout the area.
Infrequent - there are a few patches under the canopy that hold examples of native woodland indicator species.
Rare - there are very occasional examples of native woodland indicator species under the canopy
Absent - there is no evidence of native woodland indicator species anywhere within the area.

Include both Flora and Fauna. Also consider nesting and breeding sites for rare species.
Key site - known breeding or refuge site for particularly rare or endangered species. Eg white tailed eagle, capercaillie. Include all designated sites here.
Important Site - site with 'second level' protected species. Eg red squirrel, otter, badger
Local interest Site - site with local interest or rarity
Expansion site - site with the potential to allow the expansion of local populations from adjacent areas or potential habitat link.
Absent - no rare species present or in the locality

Consider the area in terms of its overall Amenity, Landscape and Public Access Importance.