1 & 2. Welcome and Apologies: Esther was welcomed as the new LBP Project Officer. No apologies were received by the Chair.

Peter Harvey, entomologist, had been invited to speak to the topic group about the invertebrate interest of the Thames Terrace Grassland. Peter’s studies of invertebrates along the Thames Corridor indicate that there are important populations of rare and uncommon invertebrates, particularly aculeate hymenoptera, associated with grassland and wasteland habitats at many sites adjacent to the Thames in east London and south Essex. The variety of aculeate hymenoptera found at these sites may result from the special conditions that occur i.e. relatively frost free winters, open ground (sands, gravels and artificial substrates), and an abundance of nectar sources (mainly relatively common wildflowers). Remnant ancient grasslands on Thames Terrace sands and gravels and sparsely vegetated wasteland sites both provide the habitat features favoured by these insects. Many of these sites are now under threat due to redevelopment and regeneration initiatives associated with Thames Gateway. In addition to direct loss of habitat, unsympathetic management of grassland/wasteland sites can have significant impact on populations of aculeate hymenoptera. Cutting and mowing of grasslands/roughlands in late summer removes nectar source and nesting/egg-laying habitat - many species over-winter or egg-lay in hollow stems of grassland herbs/bramble etc.

Subsequent to Peter’s interesting and enlightening talk there was some debate about the validity of the survey methodology. However, the group agreed that Peter had raised some important issues and the key question was how to address the threat to the invertebrate populations along the Thames Corridor. There was a recognition that many sites which may be important will be developed in the relatively near future and therefore efforts might best be targeted towards identifying ways by which the key habitat features can be retained or recreated within new developments, and in providing management advice to those land managers whose management is currently detrimental to these important invertebrate populations. In addition, further research into the colonising ability of the key groups is required. ACTION … see agenda item 3.

Esther and James explained that the London BAP Audit and first tranche of plans were now available on the web. Copies of the London BAP Action Plans had been sent to all those who had received the audit and to all planning departments. The photo-report of the launch conference was being sent to all attendees. There had been some press coverage of the launch including some TV and radio interviews.

James explained that the recent launch of the action plans had provided an opportunity to restructure the Partnership to enable it to be more efficient in implementation of the plan. The Project Board would be discussing various scenarios with the intention of making a recommendation to the forthcoming Steering Group meeting.

The Chair had circulated a discussion paper which indicated those habitats which might be priorities for action plans in the forthcoming year. The group agreed with the list but suggested that an Acid Grasslands HAP be prepared instead of a Grasslands, Meadows and Pastures HAP. An Acid Grasslands HAP should pay particular attention to the issues raised by Peter Harveys presentation re: invertebrate interest. Action: Identify potential leads to draft action plans - All

It was agreed that the only species action plans which should be prepared this year were those that had not been completed and published in the first tranche. These were black poplar and adder. Action: existing leads

A simple mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the 1^st tranche of action plans was needed. Many lead partners were in the process of setting up initial meetings to discuss how to take the respective HAPs and SAPs forward. They will need guidance as to how to monitor progress and, subsequently, how to prepare brief reports for the Partnership. It was agreed that, initially, the Chair would write to all leads to remind them of their responsibilities in taking forward the individual action plans. At the next meeting the Chair will provide a draft monitoring form. Action: PM to draft letter to Leads; EC to mail out. PM/EC to draft monitoring form for next meeting of topic group.

Mandy and Dave had produced a paper refining site recording guidelines for biological recording. The group welcomed the paper. Ruth would be sending the paper to colleagues in LNHS for comments. The paper would be put on the LBP web-page.

In anticipation of the proposed restructuring of the way the Partnership worked, the Chair had submitted a paper with suggestions as to the role and remit of the Habitats, Species and Data Topic Group. Essentially the paper suggested removing the ‘Data’ element of the Topic Group and incorporating this into a new Biological Records Working Group. The discussion resulting from the paper concluded that although there would be a specific need for a new working group to progress a London Biological Records Centre, the Data element should be retained within the existing Topic Group to ensure that discussions about habitats and species was not separated from data on these habitats and species.

DONM - 25^th April, 2.00pm, London Wildlife Trust offices (Harling House)