This paper gives an update on progress for the Central Peaks Protected Area Planning Project. We hope you enjoy reading it and if you have any questions or thoughts about the project contact Rebecca Cairns-Wicks c/o The St Helena National Trust Office Broadway House, Jamestown or Email sth.nattrust@helanta.sh

To contribute to the planning process. We want to: a) Find out more about some of the less obvious animals and plants of the Peaks: the invertebrates, mosses, liverworts and lichens. b) Establish maps of the vegetation of the Peaks. c) Find new ways of controlling flax and other invasive plant species growing on sheer cliff sites across the Peaks. d) Know more about the status, ecology and methods of propagation of some of the most critically endangered plants of the Peaks. e) Encourage participation from the community

Progress made towards this includes:

a) Establishing baseline data.

- Invertebrates

Philip and Myrtle Ashmole and Edward Thorpe have been busy in Scotland creating a database for invertebrates. The database is a register of all the invertebrates recorded on the Island with information just on the invertebrates ever recorded at 14 sites in the Peaks and High Central Ridge. The database will be completed next year after field work to be carried out by Philip, Myrtle, Edward and Howard Mendel, a beetle specialist at the Natural History Museum, to determine what invertebrates are present/still present.

- Mosses, liverworts and lichens

Martin Wigginton, a specialist of repute, has agreed to investigate the mosses and liverworts of the Peaks, as well as collate historical data and help in the production of an identification guide. Martin, like Philip, Myrtle and Howard has agreed to waive the normal consultancy fees for the project for which we are profoundly grateful.

Edward Thorpe, a herpetologist (snake and reptile specialist), has also been learning some new skills in invertebrate identification and mounting at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Establishing the field work and identification skills on St Helena is very important so during visits by specialists ANRD staff and volunteers will be getting involved and training.

b) Vegetation mapping

Work will start soon to produce a digital vegetation map of the Peaks, with more detailed mapping for Diana’s Peak National Park and High Peak. Thanks are extended to the Forestry Section of ANRD for providing a member of staff for this.

Mapping the vegetation of the Peaks will establish baseline data about what are the different types of vegetation of the Peaks and what is their extent (what area do they cover?). This will enable comparisons to be made to monitor change over time. We are most interested to monitor change in the extent of native species.

The map will include the whole of the upland land mass above the 600m contour. This is the area that most frequently experiences mist and receives the highest rainfall. This is the catchment area for the water we draw from springs, streams and boreholes. It includes the fragments of remaining tree fern thicket (Diana’s Peak National Park and High Peak) and land managed as forestry, pasture and redundant flax plantation.

Before mapping can begin, finding the appropriate mapping programmes and tools is needed. The Water division already use digital mapping and opportunities to extend this technology are being explored.

c) Alien Plant Control

– How do you remove flax from a sheer slope? Not easily that’s for sure!

Under the direction of Alan Thomas and with assistance from other staff members of the Fire Service, staff of the Environmental Conservation Section and Mark Coleman have embarked on a climbing training course to establish safe systems of work on cliff sites.

Here’s Jeremy Henry at High Peak, just about to go over the edge!

But then, how to remove the flax safely whilst on a rope? Different methods are being investigated.

Contracts are currently being drawn up for alien plant control work at High Peak. We’re starting in accessible areas first and will be aiming to remove primarily Bilberry, Whiteweed and Furze from the top and base of High Peak before starting work on the cliff face. This will help reduce the amount of weed seed that can spread into the cliff when work starts there next year.

d) Establishing recovery plans for the endangered plants of the Peaks.

Recovery Plans have been drafted for the She Cabbage, Redwood, False Gumwood and Large Bellflower.

We’re looking to finalise these drafts which will include detailed three action plans and develop additional plans for the Dwarf Jellico (pictured here flowering at the George Benjamin Arboretum) and Small Bellflower.

e) Encouraging interest

As guardians and future guardians of the Island we hope to inspire everyone and most particularly young people through working with New Horizons, youth groups and students of Prince Andrew School. Students from PAS students enrichment programme have started to look at Cason’s Nature Trail and the George Benjamin Arboretum with the view to enhancing experiences, interpretation and access, for people of all ages and abilities, to the Peaks flora and fauna.

Everyone is invited to join special walks to High Peak (21st November) and Diana’s Peak National Park (5th December) to find out more for yourselves. You never know you might be inspired to pick up a machete or grubbing axe on organised volunteer days (coming soon) to help the battle against alien invaders!

Related Information

Peaks Update February 2005

Whats so special about the Peaks

Invasive Species Project introduced to St Helena