Arun Valley (2419)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Arun Valley
Central coordinates: Latitude: 50.9052, Longitude: -0.5490
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 15 to 15
Area of KBA (km2): 14.17388
Protected area coverage (%): 99.95
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Arun valley exhibits an unusual range of physical and chemical conditions and a correspondingly high diversity of flora and fauna. Alluvial grazing-marsh, pasture and cultivated land are all present, forming a mixed wet and dry field and ditch network that supports a rich floral community. It is an important site for wintering waterfowl and waders, and for breeding waterfowl.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Delineation rationale: First identified as Amberley in 1989; renamed in 2000; extended to include the missing parts of the SPA in 2007. 2000 area, 1372ha. SPA boundary used from JNCC; digitised at 1:10,000 scale. Additional area added on 1:50,000 maps - detailed mapping if converted to SPA.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | forestry | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 20 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 20 | |
| Forest | 20 | |
| Shrubland | 20 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (unknown use) | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Sewage | Ongoing |