Scrub is present at many of the lakes and traditionally (nationally) is has been considered to be the transition stage between neglected grassland and woodland.
In many cases it is important to control scrub, particularly where valuable habitats such as lowland meadow occur. However it is also an important habitat as it supports numerous Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species. The benefits of a scrub habitat include:
• provides shelter
• maintains a warm microclimate
• offers a refuge, nesting sites and songbird posts.
It is important to monitor scrub to ensure that it does not encroach on other habitats and at present monitoring and control is undertaken at Roadford Lake, Siblyback Lake, Argal, Burrator and other lakes.
Under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme for Roadford Lake a scrub management plan was drawn up based on recommendations provided by Defra. This plan includes all areas where control is required. Areas outside the agreement are also monitored and controlled.
Scrub itself is not a protected habitat but it does support many UK BAP species making it an important habitat to manage.