Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

A report to:

Broxtowe Borough Council Foster Avenue Nottingham NG9 1AB

By:

EMEC Ecology The Old Ragged School Brook Street Nottingham NG1 1EA

Tel: 0115 964 4828 Fax: 0115 964 4829 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.emec-ecology.co.uk

March 2015

Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

CONTENTS

Chapter Page No.

Non-technical Summary 3 1. Introduction 6 1.1 Site Location and Background Information 6 1.2 Survey Brief and Approach 6 2. Description of the Sites and Surroundings 6 2.1 Site Description 6 2.2 Surrounding Habitats 6 3. Methodology 7 3.1 Desk Study 7 3.2 Ecological Survey 7 3.3 Ecological Evaluation Criteria 8 4. Results 9 4.1 Desk Study 9 4.2 Site A - Ecological Walk-over Survey 12 4.3 Site B - Ecological Walk-over Survey 14 4.4 Surrounding Habitats 15 4.5 Sites A and B – Faunal Species 16 5. Evaluation 17 5.1 Designated Nature Conservation Sites 17 5.2 Habitats 17 5.4 Summary of Main Potential Ecological Issues 19 6. Mitigation, Compensation and Enhancement 20 6.1 Site A 20 6.1.1 Mitigation Recommendations 20 6.1.2 Compensation and Enhancement Recommendations 21 6.2 Site B 23 6.2.1 Mitigation Recommendations 23 6.2.2 Compensation and Enhancement Recommendations 24 7. Further Survey Recommendations 26 References 27 Appendix 1: Figures 28 Figure 1: Site Location Plan 28 Figure 2: Survey Areas, Survey Features and Target Notes 29 Figure 3: Site A: Proposed Site Plan 30 Figure 4: Site B: Proposed Site Plan 31 Appendix 2: Protected Species Legislation / Conservation Status 32 Appendix 3: Botanical Species List 35 Appendix 4: Recommended Species for Planting and Sowing 36 Appendix 5: Desk Study Data 39

2 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Proposed Works This report provides the details of a desk study and an ecological walk-over survey of two adjacent sites off Smithurst Road in Giltbrook, where housing development and associated Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) works, are proposed.

Method of Study EMEC Ecology’s brief was to identify potential ecological issues associated with the proposed works and make recommendations for general mitigation, compensation, enhancements and further surveys, as appropriate. To meet the requirements of the brief, a desk study and an ecological walk-over survey of the two sites (Site A and Site B) were carried out. The desk study involved consulting various organisations to provide previous species records and information on designated sites of nature conservation importance from the site and vicinity.

Results Site A comprises of rough, tussocky grassland with occasional scattered scrub and generally immature broadleaved trees. Site B adjoins Site A to the south and lies within the boundaries of Smithurst Meadows Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It comprises of amenity grassland with a large fenced off area where trees have recently been planted.

No protected or notable species were recorded on the two sites; although the tussocky grassland within Site A does provide potential foraging and sheltering habitat for common amphibians and foraging for bats and birds. The scattered trees and scrub provide foraging and nesting habitat for birds.

The closely mown amenity grassland in Site B offers little potential for faunal species. The immature plantation offers potential shelter for common amphibians.

Daisy Farm Brook is culverted beneath the western boundaries of Sites A and B. The brook then emerges into an open channel and continues to flow southwards through the LNR. Habitats within the brook provide potential for water vole and white-clawed crayfish.

Conclusions The main potential impacts of the proposed works in the absence of any mitigation are considered to be loss of bat foraging habitat, bird nesting and foraging habitat, common amphibian sheltering habitat and potential displacement of water vole and white-clawed crayfish. See the following sections for recommendations to mitigate and compensate for these impacts as well as possible options to enhance habitats for native flora and fauna.

Recommendations

Site A  Please refer to Section 6.1 of the report for more detailed recommendations.  No storage of materials, equipment and plant should take place under the ‘drip-zone’ of trees to be retained (i.e. under their canopy). Best practice should be followed (i.e. BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Construction) to ensure individual trees are not adversely affected.  Ideally any temporary storage of plant or machinery should be on hardstanding off site to avoid unnecessary disturbance to retained grassland areas.  If any common amphibians are found during the works, they should be removed carefully by hand to areas away from the works, such as under scrub habitat not to be affected by the works. Gloves should be worn to avoid touching amphibians by hand.  General good working practices should be adhered to, including if any trenches dug during works activities are left open over night, they should be left with a sloping end or ramp to allow any badgers or other animal that may fall in to escape. Also, any pipes over 200mm in diameter should be capped off at night to prevent animals entering.

3 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

 The lighting scheme within the new development should be ‘bat friendly’ and lamps should be positioned so that they are facing away from vegetation. The lighting scheme should utilise either low or high pressure sodium lamps and minimise light scatter using light spill accessories (Bat Conservation Trust 2009).  Any vegetation clearance including tree, shrub or hedgerow removal, should be timed to avoid the bird breeding season, which runs from March to September (inclusive).  The ‘Landscape Biodiversity Feature’ should include the incorporation of species-rich grassland and native trees and shrubs. Management of the grassland areas should include significant areas which are less intensively managed (i.e. mown once annually, in September, with cuttings removed) in order to provide sheltering and foraging habitat for common amphibians, birds, small mammals and invertebrates. Wood piles would further enhance the area.  Further species-rich meadow areas should be provided in the site boundaries, i.e. a 5m buffer around the perimeters of the development. This will ensure connectivity with surrounding habitats as well as a resource for any species which may commute into the development site. These buffers should also be mown once annually.  Consideration should also be given to removing the culvert containing Daisy Farm Brook and re- naturalising the watercourse by restoring the bed, bank and riparian corridor. This would greatly enhance the wildlife value of the site post-construction.  As the site provides potential foraging and commuting habitat for bats, it is recommended that bat boxes are installed on some of the new buildings (preferably on the houses closest to the landscape features). These should be erected at a height of around three metres and on a variety of aspects. If preferred, bat boxes are available which can be incorporated into the brickwork of buildings during the construction phase.  Nest boxes for a variety of bird species should also be installed on houses within the new development. These could include boxes for sparrows, starling and also boxes suited to a range of small bird species.

Site B  Please refer to Section 6.2 of the report for more detailed recommendations.  Working areas should be kept to a minimum and any vegetation should be re-instated where possible upon completion. This should include areas of grassland being re-sown with species-rich grassland seed mix.  As the existing immature plantation is likely to be lost, it is recommended that the young trees are retained and replanted elsewhere within the site.  Ideally any temporary storage of plant or machinery should be on hardstanding off site to avoid unnecessary disturbance to grassland areas. No storage of materials, equipment and plant should take place under the ‘drip-zone’ of retained trees (i.e. under their canopy). Best practice should be followed (i.e. BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Construction) to ensure retained trees are not adversely affected.  As Daisy Farm Brook runs along the western boundary of Site B, Environment Agency guidance for working near water should be followed at all times.  If any common amphibians are found during the works, they should be removed carefully by hand to areas away from the works, such as under scrub habitat not to be affected by the works. Gloves should be worn to avoid touching amphibians by hand.  General good working practices should be adhered to, including if any trenches dug during works activities are left open over night, they should be left with a sloping end or ramp to allow any badgers or other animal that may fall in to escape. Also, any pipes over 200mm in diameter should be capped off at night to prevent animals entering.  Any vegetation clearance including tree, shrub or hedgerow removal, should be timed to avoid the bird breeding season, which runs from March to September (inclusive).  The banks of the SuDS pond and the margins of the drawdown zone should be planted with a seed mix tolerant of occasional flooding. The species in a mix such as this will tolerate flooding once established, and many would grow in the pond itself.  If permanent areas of standing water are to be present, then these should be planted with native wetland plants to provide potential habitat for a variety of invertebrates and birds, as well as potential breeding habitat for amphibians.

4 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

 Trees, such as willow and alder should be planted around the banks of the pond in order to provide some shading.  Some of the grassland areas within Site B should be enhanced to create wildflower meadows. This will require sowing seed and developing an appropriate aftercare and management regime.

Further Survey Recommendations  Water Voles It is recommended that a water vole survey is undertaken of Daisy Farm Brook to fully ascertain the presence/absence of the species from the site. This will involve searching for signs of the species, as per the standard methodology (Strachan et al. 2011). Based on the outcome of the survey, a suitable mitigation strategy may be required to avoid any detrimental impacts on the local population.  White-clawed Crayfish It is recommended that a survey for white-clawed crayfish is undertaken of Daisy Farm Brook. This should be undertaken at an appropriate time of year (i.e. July to October inclusive) and will involve surveying along the banks of the waterbodies following a modification of the standard methodology (Peay and Hirst 2003).

5 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Site Location and Background Information

This report has been prepared by EMEC Ecology for Broxtowe Borough Council. It provides the details of a desk study and an ecological walk-over survey of two adjacent sites off Smithurst Road in Giltbrook, where housing development and associated Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) works, are proposed.

Site A is an area of land located between Thorn Drive and Acorn Avenue (centred on grid reference SK 478 458) and is proposed for residential development. Site B lies to the south of Site A (grid reference SK 477 456) and is proposed for new drainage systems and a Suds pond. See Appendix 1, Figures 3 and 4 for Proposed Site Plans.

1.2 Survey Brief and Approach

EMEC Ecology’s brief was to identify potential ecological issues associated with the works and make recommendations for general mitigation, compensation and further surveys, as appropriate.

To meet the requirements of the brief, a desk study and an ecological walk-over survey of the two sites were carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE SITES AND SURROUNDINGS

2.1 Site Description

Site A Site A comprises of rough, tussocky grassland with occasional scattered scrub and generally immature broadleaved trees. The site is wet underfoot in many places. It is bordered to the north and west by residential properties. Further similar grassland habitat borders Site A to the east, which is privately owned and proposed for residential development.

Site B Site B adjoins Site A to the south and lies within the boundaries of Smithurst Meadows Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It comprises of amenity grassland with a large fenced off area where trees have recently been planted. The site is bordered to the east and west by residential properties.

2.2 Surrounding Habitats

Although generally surrounded by residential properties, the sites form part of a green corridor including Smithurst Meadows LNR and farmland to the south of the A610 as well as to further farmland to the west. Daisy Farm Brook is culverted beneath the western boundaries of Sites A and B. The brook then emerges into an open channel and continues to flow southwards through the LNR.

6 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

3. METHODOLOGY

3.1 Desk Study

This involved consultation to obtain any existing records of protected and/or notable species and designated nature conservation sites e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) from the survey areas (Sites A and B) to a distance of approximately 2km (this will be referred to as the ‘study area’). The following organisations and web-based resources were consulted:

 Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre and the county mammal recorder (Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust);  Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (Magic website for statutory nature conservation sites).

3.2 Ecological Survey

3.2.1 Survey Areas Sites A and B are shown on Figures 1 and 2 in Appendix 1.

3.2.2 Ecological Walk-over Survey An ecological walk-over survey of the two sites were conducted and notes were made on the Phase-1 habitat types present (JNCC 2010) and their suitability for protected species. Target notes were used to record any habitats or features of particular interest and any sightings, signs or evidence of protected or notable faunal species or any potential habitat for such species, as detailed below:

 The suitability of habitats for badgers (Meles meles) was recorded and any evidence of badgers including setts, dung pits, badger paths, hairs, bedding, footprints and scratching trees was noted.

 Trees with features suitable for roosting bats were noted, such as hollows, cracks and cavities within trunks and branches (e.g. old woodpecker holes), crevices behind loose bark and ivy growth.

 The suitability of habitats was assessed for amphibians (including great crested newt Triturus cristatus) and reptiles.

 The suitability of habitats was assessed for otter (Lutra lutra), water vole (Arvicola amphibius) and white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes).

 The suitability of habitats was assessed for nesting birds.

3.2.3 Survey Details EMEC Ecology carried out the above surveys on 24th February 2015. The survey was carried out by Zoë Jackson MSc ACIEEM.

3.2.4 Survey Limitations Surveying in February is not an ideal time to carry out a habitat survey as it is outside of the plant growing season (i.e. April to September inclusive) when plants may not be readily apparent and many faunal species are less active / dormant. However, vegetative

7 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

growth including seed heads are generally still visible and can be identified by an experienced surveyor and used to make reliable judgements about the quality and composition of habitats.

Only a brief assessment of the two sites was made and no systematic surveys to establish the presence / absence of protected species were undertaken. As such, a lack of evidence of a protected species does not necessarily indicate an absence of the species. It should be noted that a single visit at any time of year is likely to miss a proportion of the plant species present.

3.3 Ecological Evaluation Criteria

Ecological evaluation was undertaken using a combination of evaluation criteria for both habitats and species although the general framework follows that provided by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM 2006). Key categories are as follows:

 International value (internationally designated sites or sites supporting populations of internationally important species);  National value (nationally designated sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, or sites supporting viable populations of nationally important species);  Regional value (sites exceeding county-level designations but not meeting SSSI criteria or supporting viable populations of species on the regional Biodiversity Action Plan, BAP);  County value (county sites (e.g. Local Wildlife Site) and other sites which meet the published ecological selection criteria for county designation, a viable area of habitat identified on the county BAP);  District value (sites/features that are scarce within the District and appreciably enrich the District’s habitat resource);  Parish value (areas of habitat considered to appreciably enrich the habitat resource within the context of a parish or neighbourhood);  Sub-parish value (common, low grade habitats).

Additional criteria employed were from the following:

 Schedules and Annexes of UK and European wildlife legislation, e.g. Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended);  International conventions on wildlife (e.g. Bern Convention, Bonn convention);  Habitats and Species of Principal Biological Importance listed on Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006);  UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP 2007);  County /Local Biodiversity Action Plan (Nottinghamshire BAG 1998);  Taxa-specific conservation lists (e.g. Bird Species of Conservation Concern, Eaton et al. 2009).

8 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

4. RESULTS

4.1 Desk Study1

4.1.1 Designated Nature Conservation Sites a) Statutory Sites Site B lies within the boundaries of Smithurst Meadows LNR. There are two further SSSIs within the study area. Further details are provided in Table 4.1 below.

Table 4.1: Closest Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites to the Survey Area

Site Location and Approx. Reason for Selection Distance from Site Boundary Smithurst SK 477 456 An ‘urban fringe’ site with interesting grassland Meadows LNR Site B lies within the and scrub areas and wetland species associated northern boundaries of the with the Daisy Farm Brook. The site is LNR. characterised by amenity grassland with planted rows of hybrid poplars, small woodland areas dominated by sycamore and ash with the occasional Scots pine. The middle woodland storey and scrub areas are predominately single-aged hawthorn and elder. Sledder Wood SK 497 469 A fine series of species-rich grasslands Meadows SSSI Located 1.9km to the north- developed on a north-west facing slope. The east. variation in slope, soils and past site management is reflected in the variety of sward types. Yorkshire-Fog, red fescue, crested dog’s tail and sweet vernal grass are typical of the grass species present, while yellow rattle, great burnet, cowslip, pignut, betony and lady’s mantle are characteristic herb species. Additional interest is provided by adjacent ponds lying within the southern part of Sledder Wood which contain well-developed marsh and open water plant communities. Kimberley Railway SK 506 454 A key palaeobotanical locality yielding a Cutting SSSI Located 1.9km to the east. distinctive Permian flora. Dominated by its common conifer remains, this flora is also remarkable for the rare specimens of the pteridosperm Lepidopteris martinsii. A nationally important locality for its Permian gymnosperm floras, particularly representative of the predominantly Mesozoic Peltaspermaceae. b) Non-statutory Sites There are no non-statutory designated nature conservation sites (i.e. LWS) within Sites A or B; however there are 21 within the study area. Most of these LWS are over a kilometre from the survey areas. Details of the four LWS within 1km of the survey areas are detailed in Table 4.2 overleaf.

1 A copy of the full desk study data is provided in Appendix 4.

9 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Table 4.2: Non-statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites within 1km of the Survey Area

LWS Location and Approx. Reason for Designation Distance from Site Boundary Giltbrook Fields SK 484 454 Marshy fields of botanical interest. LWS Located 620m to the east Newthorpe SK 487 460 An old mine spoil tip with a noteworthy Relict Grassland Located 750m to the east mosaic of relict meadow, pioneer / Marsh LWS communities and scrub. Giltbrook SK 490 462 A clean, wooded stream with its associated (Central) LWS Located 800m to the east species-rich marshy areas and dry banks. Erewash SK 466 454 A site comprising a series of grasslands with a Meadows, New Located 900m to the west notable meadow community on a Eastwood LWS meandering stretch of the River Erewash.

4.1.2 Protected/notable and Invasive Floral Species There are no previous records of protected or notable floral species for the study area.

The closest and most recent records of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) are from the eastern side of the Giltbrook Retail Park, approximately 700m to the east, from 2010. This is an invasive plant which is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This makes it an offence to plant or otherwise cause it to grow in the wild.

4.1.3 Protected/notable Faunal Species There are no previous records of protected or notable faunal species for Sites A or B; however there are records of common amphibians, badger, bats, water vole, otter and invertebrates from within the study area (see Table 4.3 below). Protected species legislation details are provided in Appendix 2.

Table 4.3: Protected and Notable Faunal Species within the Study Area

Species Approx. Distance from Site Boundary Legislation / Conservation Status Amphibians Great crested newt A single record exists from 2013, which occurs 1.7km Animal and habitat fully Triturus cristatus to the south of the survey area. protected under UK and European legislation. UK BAP Priority Species. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Common frog Numerous records exist, the closest record occurs Protected from sale Rana temporaria 220m to the west of the survey area. under UK legislation. SoCC in Nottinghamshire.

Mammals Badger Due to the sensitive nature of such records the exact Protected under UK Meles meles grid references will not be given legislation from wilful A single sett record from 2009 occurs 1.4km away killing, injury, taking, or from the survey area. cruel treatment. It is also illegal to intentionally or

10 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Species Approx. Distance from Site Boundary Legislation / Conservation Status recklessly interfere with a badger sett. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Pipistrelle bat Numerous records exist. The closest casual record is Animal and roost fully Pipistrellus from 1999, which occurs 750m to the north of the protected under UK and pipistrellus survey area. The closest roost record is from 1.6km to European legislation. the east. County BAP Priority Species. Noctule bat A single casual record, from 1995, of one individual Animal and roost fully Nyctalus noctula foraging over trees; 1.5km to the south west. protected under UK and European legislation. UK and County BAP Priority Species. Whiskered / A single record, from 2002, of one injured individual; Animal and roost fully Brandt’s bat 1.6km to the south. protected under UK and Myotis mystacinus / European legislation. M. brandtii County BAP Priority Species. Water vole A single record from 2001 exists for Daisy Farm Animal and resting Arvicola amphibius Brook, 200m to the south on the north side of the places are fully A610. protected under UK legislation. UK and Further records exist from the Nottingham Canal and County BAP Priority Species. from the Gilt Brook. The closest is from 1.4km away to the north-east of Site A, in Gilt Brook, although the most recent record is from 2001. Harvest mouse A single record exists from 2005, which occurs 1.4km UK and County BAP Micromys minutus to the south west of the survey area. Priority Species. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Otter A single record from 2007, of a spraint found by the Animal and resting Lutra lutra River Erewash at Bennerley Marsh; 1.9km to the places fully protected south. under UK and European legislation. UK and County BAP Priority Species. Invertebrates Grizzled skipper A single record from 2009 occurs for Sledder Wood UK and County BAP Pyrgus malvae Meadows, 1.9km north-east of the survey area. Priority Species. SoCC = Species of Conservation Concern

11 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

4.2 Site A - Ecological Walk-over Survey

4.2.1 Habitat Types The following Phase-1 habitat types were recorded (on and immediately adjacent to the site):  Dense scrub  Poor semi-improved grassland  Scattered broadleaved tree  Scattered scrub

Habitat and target note descriptions are provided below. Nomenclature follows that of Stace (1997). In the text species are referred to using their English names, Appendix 3 provides a list of species including their scientific names.

4.2.2 Habitat Descriptions a) Dense scrub A few small areas of dense bramble occurred within Site A. Other species recorded in these areas included hawthorn and elder. b) Poor semi-improved grassland Rough grassland covered the entire area of Site A. The grassland was tussocky in nature and very wet, with areas of shallow standing water currently present in the centre of the site. Small areas of bare ground were also present. Species within the grassland included frequent cock’s-foot, false oat-grass, creeping bent, tufted hair-grass, red fescue, Yorkshire-fog, cleavers, ground ivy, white dead-nettle, common field speedwell, common ragwort, ribwort plantain and occasional bush vetch, common knapweed and greater burdock. Tall ruderal species were also common throughout the grassland, including areas dominated by great willowherb, rosebay willowherb and creeping thistle as well as common dock, cow parsley, mugwort and common nettle.

c) Scattered broadleaved tree No mature trees occurred within Site A although three semi-mature oak trees occurred in the south-east corner. A group of generally immature trees occurred in the north of Site A, including silver birch, ash and willow species. Two dead trees occurred in the south of the site (photographs overleaf).

12 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

a b c

a. Group of semi-mature oak trees in the south-east corner of Site A; b. Group of immature trees in the north of the site; c. Two dead trees in the south.

d) Scattered scrub Scattered scrub occurred frequently around Site A, particularly around the site boundaries. Species recorded included frequent bramble, hawthorn, dog-rose, elder, and willow species and occasional crab apple and flowering currant.

13 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

4.3 Site B - Ecological Walk-over Survey

4.3.1 Habitat Types The following Phase-1 habitat types were recorded (on and immediately adjacent to the site):  Amenity grassland  Plantation broadleaved woodland  Scattered broadleaved tree  Species-poor intact hedgerow

4.3.2 Habitat Descriptions a) Amenity grassland The majority of Site B comprised of regularly mown amenity grassland. The area comprised of common grasses with few floral species other than occasional white clover, dandelion and creeping buttercup.

b) Plantation broadleaved woodland A large proportion of Site B had been fenced off and trees recently planted. The trees were very immature and comprise a variety of species including field maple, pedunculate oak, ash, hazel, hornbeam and silver birch. The ground layer comprised of tall ruderal species and common grasses.

14 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

c) Scattered broadleaved tree No mature trees were present within Site B although a number of immature trees had been planted around the site. d) Species-poor intact hedgerow An immature hedgerow occurred around the area of immature plantation woodland. Species included field maple, dogwood hawthorn and dog-rose. Honeysuckle was also recorded.

4.3.3 Target Notes The locations of target notes are shown on Figure 2 in Appendix 1.

1) Daisy Farm Brook, providing potentially suitable habitat for water vole and white- clawed crayfish.

4.4 Surrounding Habitats

The remainder of Smithurst Meadows LNR continued southwards from Site B. The compartment of the LNR immediately joining Site B also comprised of a large area of amenity grassland with an area of planted immature trees. A small pond occurred in the south-east of the adjacent compartment, close to Smithurst Road. The pond contained shallow water, estimated to be up to 30cm deep. Several semi-mature willow trees occurred around the pond, as well as scattered bramble and hawthorn. Marginal and emergent vegetation included soft rush, great willowherb and brooklime.

Daisy Farm Brook (target note 1) ran along the western edge of this section of the LNR. The brook was up to 4m wide and was bounded on both banks by scrub, most frequently hawthorn and occasionally goat willow. The substrate comprised generally of gravel with some larger rocks and a small weir was present. No aquatic or marginal species were noted other than occasional pond sedge. The brook flowed from north to south and was culverted under the western boundaries of Sites A and B.

b

a

a. Daisy Farm Brook, to the south of Site B. b. Weir on Daisy Farm Brook, within Smithfield Meadows LNR. c. Pond to the south, within LNR. c

15 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

4.5 Sites A and B – Faunal Species a) Amphibians A single pond occurred in Smithurst Meadows LNR, to the south of Site B. This was considered to provide some potential habitat for amphibians, although it is likely that the pond would dry out over the summer months. Limited marginal vegetation occurred which would provide suitable egg-laying opportunities for newts.

The tussocky grassland in Site A provided foraging and sheltering opportunity for amphibians. Heaps of brash from recent vegetation works are also present within Site A which would also provide good sheltering opportunities. Fewer sheltering and foraging opportunities were available in Site B as the majority of the site comprised of well- managed amenity grassland. However, the plantation area offered some potential as did the well-vegetated banks of Daisy Farm Brook to the south of Site B. b) Badger No evidence of badger was found within the two sites. The north-western boundary of Site B provided some potential for sett-building, due to its sloping profile and scattered trees and scrub. The grassland in both sites offered foraging potential. c) Bats No trees within Sites A and B were identified as providing features (such as knot holes, flaking bark and deep fissures) potentially suitable for roosting bats. The groups of trees and scrub and the boundary habitats in both sites provided potential foraging habitat for bats. The linear nature of the boundary vegetation is also likely to provide a commuting route between foraging habitat (tussocky grassland) in Site A and the wider LNR as well as further habitats to the south and west. d) Nesting Birds The scrub and scattered trees provided potential for nesting birds. Although the tussocky nature of the grassland in Site A provided some potential for ground nesting birds, the levels of disturbance from people and pets make this unlikely. However, the tussocky grassland in Site A did offer potential foraging opportunities for a variety of birds, including birds of prey, such as kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). e) Reptiles Site A offered some potential for reptile species. For example the tussocky grassland offered both shelter and foraging opportunities and the areas of bare ground offered basking opportunities. Daisy Farm Brook could provide a potential dispersal route to and from the area. However, the high level of disturbance suggests that it is unlikely reptiles would be present. f) Water Vole, Otter and Crayfish Daisy Farm Brook, situated to the south of Site B, offered banks potentially suitable for burrowing water vole, although there was a lack of suitable bankside and aquatic vegetation for foraging and shelter.

The substrate comprised of gravel as well as larger rocks which could offer shelter for white-clawed crayfish. In addition, a weir was present to provide suitable aeration and turbulence to the water.

16 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

5. EVALUATION

5.1 Designated Nature Conservation Sites

Site B lies within Smithurst Meadows LNR. A suitable SuDS scheme will need to be put in place which will enhance the habitats currently present (generally amenity grassland and immature plantation). Enhancement recommendations based on the current proposed site plan are provided in Section 6.2.2. No further designated sites will be affected by the proposals.

5.2 Habitats

The evaluation of the habitats on Sites A and B is based on the guidelines from CIEEM (IEEM 2006) and is summarised in Tables 5.1 and 5.2 below.

As indicated, Site A comprises of habitats of moderate (‘Parish’) to low (‘sub-Parish’) value. Although Site B is part of the LNR, the individual habitats were assessed as being of low (‘sub-Parish’) value.

No rare or notable habitats are present on either site. However, ponds are listed on both Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 and on the National BAP (UK BAP 2007). Although the pond is outside of the current survey area (to the south of Site B), the pond is likely to be affected by the SuDS proposals and should therefore be considered in the design.

Table 5.1: Summary of Ecological Evaluation of the Habitats on Site A

Habitat Reason for Valuation Parish Value Poor semi-improved The grassland supported a number of common grassland and tall grassland ruderal species. The tussocky sward provided potential foraging and sheltering opportunities for common amphibians and reptiles as well as foraging for birds. Sub-Parish Value Dense scrub Botanically species-poor and limited in extent but provides good potential bird nesting and foraging habitat as well as shelter for small mammals and common amphibians. Scattered broadleaved Trees were semi-mature at best but did provide bird nesting tree opportunities. Scattered scrub Botanically species-poor and limited in extent but provides potential bird nesting and foraging habitat.

17 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Table 5.2: Summary of Ecological Evaluation of the Habitats on Site B

Habitat Reason for Valuation Sub-Parish Value Amenity grassland Supported a number of common grassland species but offered little potential for faunal species due to its regular maintenance. Plantation broadleaved The plantation is currently very immature, with trees only 2-3 years woodland old at most. It has the potential to provide good nesting habitat for birds, in future years, as well as providing shelter for small mammals and common amphibians. Scattered broadleaved The trees are currently immature but may offer bird nesting tree opportunities in future. Species-poor intact The hedgerow surrounding the immature plantation comprises of hedgerow two or three woody species. Although currently immature it is likely to provide bird nesting and foraging opportunities as well as sheltering habitat for common amphibians.

5.3 Protected/notable Species2

5.3.1 Floral Species None of the species recorded during the survey are specifically protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended) or considered rare nationally or locally (e.g. Preston et al. 2002). Also, none are listed as Priority Species on the national BAP (UK BAP 2007) or County BAP (Nottinghamshire BAG 1998).

5.3.2 Faunal Species a) Amphibians The habitats present on the two sites and in the vicinity suggest that the area of works is unlikely to be of local importance for amphibians. The pond to the south of Site B is likely to provide some breeding habitat for common amphibians such as common toad (Bufo bufo) and common frog (Rana temporaria) although it is considered likely that the pond would dry out over the summer, limiting its value.

The pond lacks emergent vegetation which would be suitable for newt egg-laying and due to the lack of additional ponds in the area as well as an absence of previous records for great crested newt (a specially protected amphibian), its presence within either of the two sites is considered unlikely. Therefore, no further survey work or mitigation is considered necessary. b) Badger Although no evidence of badger was found on the site, the north-west boundary of Site A provided some potential habitat for badger sett-digging and the grassland in Sites A and B provided potential foraging habitat. Although the closest record of a badger sett is approximately 1.4km away, as a precaution, we recommend that best practice working measures with respect to badgers are followed for the duration of the works (see Section 6).

2 Protected species legislation is provided in Appendix 2.

18 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

c) Bats As no mature trees are to be impacted by the works, further surveys are not required. If plans change and any mature trees are to be impacted (in adjacent habitats or gardens for example) then further surveys will be necessary.

Some bat foraging habitat, such as groups of trees and scrub, are likely to be lost as part of the proposed development on Site A. It is therefore recommended that native tree and shrub planting is incorporated into a landscape design. Furthermore, a ‘bat-friendly’ lighting scheme should be adopted for the development. d) Nesting Birds A variety of bird species are likely to breed within the survey areas, particularly on Site A. However, due to the lack of previous records and the nature of the habitats present, it is considered unlikely that any are specially protected. However, as both sites provide nesting habitat for birds, any tree or shrub removal required would be constrained by the bird breeding season, which runs from March to September inclusive (see Section 6). Additional tree and shrub planting should be included in the landscaping scheme for the development. e) Reptiles Although the tussocky grassland covering Site A provides potential foraging and sheltering habitat for reptiles, it is considered unlikely that any would be present due to the high levels of disturbance from people and domestic pets. No records of reptiles exist for the study area and no further surveys are considered necessary. f) Water Vole and White-clawed Crayfish Daisy Farm Brook, to the south of Site B, was considered to provide some opportunities for water voles, such as banks suitable for burrowing; although the brook supported limited bankside vegetation for forage and shelter. Furthermore, levels of disturbance from people and domestic pets are likely to be relatively high. However, records of water vole do exist from Daisy Farm Brook, as well as the Nottingham Canal and Gilt Brook, and as all of these watercourses form an interlinked network in the area, it is possible that water voles could be present in Daisy Farm Brook from time to time.

The rocky substrate and occurrence of a small weir and riffles within Daisy Farm Brook suggest that the watercourse may provide suitable potential habitat for white-clawed crayfish.

It is therefore recommended that specific surveys for water vole and white-clawed crayfish are carried out prior to any works going ahead which will directly affect the brook or its banks.

5.4 Summary of Main Potential Ecological Issues

The main potential impacts of the proposed works in the absence of any mitigation are considered to be loss of bat foraging habitat, bird nesting and foraging habitat, common amphibian sheltering habitat and potential displacement of water vole and white-clawed crayfish. See the following sections for recommendations to mitigate and compensate for these impacts as well as possible options to enhance habitats for native flora and fauna.

19 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

6. MITIGATION, COMPENSATION AND ENHANCEMENT

6.1 Site A

6.1.1 Mitigation Recommendations a) Habitats  No storage of materials, equipment and plant should take place under the ‘drip- zone’ of trees to be retained (i.e. under their canopy). Best practice should be followed (i.e. BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Construction) to ensure individual mature trees are not adversely affected.

 Ideally any temporary storage of plant or machinery should be on hardstanding off site to avoid unnecessary disturbance to retained grassland areas. b) Faunal Species i) Common Amphibians If any common amphibians are found during the works, they should be removed carefully by hand to areas away from the works, such as under scrub habitat not to be affected. Gloves should be worn to avoid touching amphibians by hand. ii) Badgers General good working practices should be adhered to, including if any trenches dug during works activities are left open over night, they should be left with a sloping end or ramp to allow any badgers or other animal that may fall in to escape. Also, any pipes over 200mm in diameter should be capped off at night to prevent animals entering. iii) Bats The lighting scheme within the new development should be ‘bat friendly’ and lamps should be positioned so that they are facing away from vegetation. The lighting scheme should utilise either low or high pressure sodium lamps and minimise light scatter using light spill accessories (Bat Conservation Trust 2009). vi) Nesting Birds Any vegetation clearance including tree or shrub removal should be timed to avoid the bird breeding season, which runs from March to September (inclusive). This is to avoid adverse impacts to any nests present. If it is necessary to carry out the vegetation clearance works during the breeding season, then a survey must be carried out by a qualified ecologist prior to works going ahead to ensure that no active nests will be affected. If active nests were found then the vegetation clearance works would have to be delayed until all chicks had fledged.

20 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

6.1.2 Compensation and Enhancement Recommendations a) Habitats i) It is recommended that the ‘Landscape Biodiversity Feature’ (shown on the Proposed Site Plan; Figure 3 in Appendix 1) within the new development should be extended out to the western boundary. The area should include the incorporation of species-rich grassland and native trees and shrubs. Management of the grassland areas should include significant areas which are less intensively managed (i.e. mown once annually, in September, with cuttings removed) in order to provide sheltering and foraging habitat for common amphibians, birds, small mammals and invertebrates. Wood piles would further enhance the area.

Further species-rich meadow areas should be provided in the site boundaries, i.e. a 5m buffer around the perimeters of the development. This will ensure connectivity with surrounding habitats as well as a resource for any species which may commute into the development site. These buffers should also be mown once annually.

Consideration should also be given to removing the culvert containing Daisy Farm Brook and re-naturalising the watercourse by restoring the bed, bank and riparian corridor. This would greatly enhance the wildlife value of the site post-construction.

A list of suitable tree and shrub species, as well as a suitable grassland seed mixes and wetland species, is provided in Appendix 4. b) Faunal Species i) Bats and Birds As the site provides potential foraging and commuting habitat for bats, it is recommended that bat boxes are installed on some of the new buildings (preferably on the houses closest to the landscape features). These should be erected at a height of around three metres and on a variety of aspects. If preferred, bat boxes are available which can be incorporated into the brickwork of buildings during the construction phase (a variety of boxes are shown below).

A variety of bat boxes suitable for buildings Available from: www.nhbs.com and/or www.ibstock.com

It is recommended that nest boxes for a variety of bird species also be installed on houses within the new development. These could include boxes for sparrows (Passer domesticus),

21 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and also boxes suited to a range of small bird species. A kestrel nest box could be erected on one of the semi-mature oak trees in the southern corner of Site A, if they are to be retained.

Sparrow Parade Starling nest box

Small bird box Kestrel nest box

Such site enhancements should be viewed positively in respect to government planning policy in regard to biological and geological conservation as outlined in Chapter 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF states that impacts on biodiversity should be minimised and, where possible, net gains should be provided. This includes, but is not restricted to “promoting the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations, linked to national and local targets”.

Furthermore, British Standard 42020:2013 ‘Biodiversity: Code of practice for planning and development’ states that projects should deliver “at least no net loss for biodiversity and a net gain wherever possible”.

22 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

6.2 Site B

6.2.1 Mitigation Recommendations a) Habitats  Working areas should be kept to a minimum and any vegetation should be re- instated where possible upon completion. This should include areas of grassland being re-sown with species-rich grassland seed mix. Further details are given in Section 6.2.2; Enhancement Recommendations.

 As the existing immature plantation is likely to be lost, it is recommended that the young trees are retained and replanted elsewhere within the site. Recommendations regarding ideal locations could be provided when a site plan is finalised.

 Ideally any temporary storage of plant or machinery should be on hardstanding off site to avoid unnecessary disturbance to grassland areas. No storage of materials, equipment and plant should take place under the ‘drip-zone’ of retained trees (i.e. under their canopy). Best practice should be followed (i.e. BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Construction) to ensure retained trees are not adversely affected.

 As Daisy Farm Brook runs along the western boundary of Site B, Environment Agency guidance for working near water should be followed at all times (Environment Agency 2007); this includes but is not limited to the following: . There should be no site run-off of water or mud. . Any spillages (e.g. diesel) should be cleaned up immediately. b) Faunal Species i) Common Amphibians If any common amphibians are found during the works, they should be removed carefully by hand to areas away from the works, such as under scrub habitat not to be affected by the works. Gloves should be worn to avoid touching amphibians by hand. ii) Badgers General good working practices should be adhered to, including if any trenches dug during works activities are left open over night, they should be left with a sloping end or ramp to allow any badgers or other animal that may fall in to escape. Also, any pipes over 200mm in diameter should be capped off at night to prevent animals entering. iii) Nesting Birds Any vegetation clearance including tree, shrub or hedgerow removal, should be timed to avoid the bird breeding season, which runs from March to September (inclusive). This is to avoid adverse impacts to any nests present. If it is necessary to carry out the vegetation clearance works during the breeding season, then a survey must be carried out by a qualified ecologist prior to works going ahead to ensure that no active nests will be affected. If active nests were found then the vegetation clearance works would have to be delayed until all chicks had fledged.

23 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

6.2.2 Compensation and Enhancement Recommendations a) Habitats The following enhancement recommendations are based on the Proposed Site Plan for Site B, shown in Appendix 1; Figure 3.

The SuDS pond is expected to be dry for most of the time but will be occasionally be inundated. However, to encourage high species diversity in SuDS schemes, ponds should ideally be designed with:  separate permanent, semi-permanent and seasonal water bodies;  gentle sloping sides that cover a large area;  hummocky, undulating margins.

The addition of small scale topographic features will increase the habitat value, for example, re-profiling of pond margins to increase the extent of seasonal drawdown zones.

The banks of the pond and the margins of the drawdown zone should be planted with a seed mix tolerant of occasional flooding, such as Naturescape’s N8; Waters Edge Meadow Mix. The species in this mix will all tolerate flooding once established, and many would grow in the pond itself. Care must be taken to ensure sowings are given as much time as possible before flooding of the area occurs.

If permanent areas of standing water are to be present, then these should be planted with native wetland plants to provide potential habitat for a variety of invertebrates and birds, as well as potential breeding habitat for amphibians.

A suitable list of plant species which could be included in the planting scheme is provided in Appendix 4. Non-native species should not be planted. The list provides a selection of plants suitable for each of the following zones: 1. Totally submerged (in deeper water) - oxygenating plants; 2. Submerged but with floating leaves (also in deep water) - oxygenating plants; 3. Emergent (in shallower area); 4. Marginal (growing in the pond edge).

Trees, such as willow (Salix sp.) and alder (Alnus glutinosa) should be planted around the banks of the pond in order to provide some shading.

The pond should be maintained by keeping a balance between vegetation and open water areas. It is recommended that marginal vegetation should be maintained at below 50% of the total pond cover (of each pond), to ensure areas where submerged plants can thrive and open water areas are retained. Surplus plants should be removed and allowed to remain at the pond’s edge to dry, to allow pond invertebrates and juvenile amphibians to crawl back into the water, before being disposed of.

Ideally, for amphibians, the pond should have gently sloping sides with plenty of vegetation with a deeper section in the centre, at least 60cm.

Hibernacula bunds should also be created. These should be constructed of a combination of dead wood, earth and stones and be at least 3m in length.

24 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Ideal construction of hibernacula. Photograph courtesy of www.froglife.org.

As the pond to the south of Site B, within the LNR, is likely to be indirectly affected by the drainage scheme, this should be considered within the design and habitats within and around the pond enhanced as recommended above.

Some of the grassland areas within Site B should be enhanced to create wildflower meadows. This will require sowing seed and developing an appropriate aftercare and management regime.

The following is the most appropriate method for creating a wildflower meadow within existing fertile amenity grassland. Many wildflower sowings fail because they are grown on fertile topsoil sites, which rapidly become overgrown with aggressive weed species. One of the easiest methods to prevent this is to sow the wildflowers directly into nutrient poor subsoils. This means that the wildflowers will be subject to less competition from vigorous species and will create the effect of short grassland. Therefore the top 50 – 100mm of topsoil should be removed and the ground thoroughly raked over, prior to sowing, in order to reduce the vigour of grass and weeds such as nettles and dock. The seeds should be gently raked in and then rolled or trampled in by foot.

Autumn seeding is best as it provides the wildflowers more opportunity to become established before a spring flush of weeds.

During the first year the meadow areas should be cut frequently to maintain a grass height of approximately 10cm. This will encourage root growth while preventing the existing grasses from dominating and smothering the newly germinated wildflowers.

Further enhancement recommendations, such as ideal location of features, can be provided when a final Proposed Site Plan becomes available.

25 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

7. FURTHER SURVEY RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Site B

7.1.1 Faunal Species a) Water Voles It is recommended that a water vole survey is undertaken of Daisy Farm Brook, to the south of Site B, to fully ascertain the presence/absence of the species from the site. This will involve searching for signs of the species, as per the standard methodology (Strachan et al. 2011). Based on the outcome of the survey, a suitable mitigation strategy may be required to avoid any detrimental impacts on the local population. b) White-clawed Crayfish It is recommended that a survey for white-clawed crayfish is undertaken of Daisy Farm Brook prior to works going ahead. This should be undertaken at an appropriate time of year (i.e. July to October inclusive) and will involve surveying along the banks of the waterbodies following a modification of the standard methodology (Peay and Hirst 2003).

26 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

REFERENCES

Bat Conservation Trust 2009 Bats and Lighting in the UK: Bats and the Built Environment Series (version 3) [online]. Available: http://www.bats.org.uk/data/files/bats_and_lighting_in_the_uk__final_version_version_3_ma y_09.pdf.

Environment Agency 2007 Works and maintenance in or near water: Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG) 5. Environment Agency, Bristol.

Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) 2006 Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment. IEEM, Peterborough.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) 2010 Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: a technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough.

MAGIC Site Check Report [online]. Available: www.magic.gov.uk.

Nottinghamshire BAG 1998 Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire County Council.

Preston, C.D., Pearman, D.A. and Dines, T.D. 2002 New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. University Press, Oxford.

Stace, C. 1997 New Flora of the British Isles. University Press, Cambridge.

Strachan, R., Moorhouse, T. and Gelling, M., 2011 Water Vole Conservation Handbook. 3rd Edition. Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford.

UK BAP 2007 UK Biodiversity Action Plan 2007 [online]. Available: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=5705.

27 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

APPENDIX 1: FIGURES

Figure 1: Site Location Plan

© Crown Copyright and Database Rights 2014’ Ordnance Survey

28 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Figure 2: Survey Areas, Survey Features and Target Notes

29 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Figure 3: Site A: Proposed Site Plan

30 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Figure 4: Site B: Proposed Site Plan

31 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

APPENDIX 2: PROTECTED SPECIES LEGISLATION / CONSERVATION STATUS

Plants All wild plants are protected against unauthorised removal or uprooting under Section 13 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended). Plants listed on Schedule 8 of the Act (e.g. triangular club rush and Deptford Pink) are afforded additional protection against picking, uprooting, destruction and sale. Bluebell is protected by WCA 1981 (as amended), in respect of Section 13(2), which protects it from sale. Japanese knotweed is an invasive species which is listed on Schedule 9 of the WCA 1981 (as amended), which makes it offence to plant or cause it to grow in the wild.

Amphibians (Common Species) Common amphibian species (i.e. common frog, common toad, smooth newt and palmate newt) are afforded partial legal protection under UK legislation, i.e. Schedule 5, Section 9 (5) of the WCA 1981 (as amended) and the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. This legislation prohibits:  Sale;  Transportation; and  Advertising for sale.

Badger Badger is a widespread and generally common species. However, they are legally protected under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which is based primarily on the need to protect badgers from baiting and deliberate harm or injury. Under this legislation it is illegal to:  Wilfully kill, injure, take, or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or attempt to do so;  Possess any dead badger or any part of, or anything derived from, a dead badger; and  Intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett by disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, damaging or destroying a sett, causing a dog to enter a sett, or obstructing access to it.

A badger sett is defined in the legislation as “any structure or place, which displays signs indicating current use by a badger”.

Bats All bat species are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the WCA 1981 (as amended), the CRoW Act 2000 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). Together, this legislation makes it illegal to:  Intentionally or deliberately take, kill or injure a bat;  Damage, destroy or obstruct access to bat roosts; and  Deliberately disturb bats.

A bat roost is defined in the legislation as “any structure or place which a bat uses for shelter or protection”. Roosts are protected whether or not bats are present at the time. If a development activity is likely to result in disturbance or killing of a bat, damage to its habitat or any of the other activities listed above, then a licence will usually be required from Natural England.

32 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Birds The bird breeding season generally lasts from early March to September for most species. All wild birds are protected under the WCA 1981 (as amended) and the CRoW Act 2000. This legislation makes it illegal, both intentionally and recklessly to:  Kill, injure or take any wild bird;  Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or in use;  Take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird; and  Possess or control any wild bird or egg unless obtained legally.

Birds listed under Schedule 1 of the WCA 1981 (as amended) are afforded additional protection, which makes it an offence to disturb a bird while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

The UK's birds can be split in to three categories of conservation importance - red, amber and green (Eaton et al. 2009).

Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action. Amber is the next most critical group, followed by green.

Red list criteria  Globally threatened  Historical population decline in UK during 1800–1995  Severe (at least 50%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years, or longer- term period (the entire period used for assessments since the first BoCC review, starting in 1969).  Severe (at least 50%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years, or the longer- term period

Amber list criteria  Species with unfavourable conservation status in Europe (SPEC = Species of European Conservation Concern)  Historical population decline during 1800–1995, but recovering; population size has more than doubled over last 25 years  Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years, or the longer- term period  Moderate (25-49%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years, or the longer- term period  Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK non-breeding population over last 25 years, or the longer-term period  Rare breeder; 1–300 breeding pairs in UK  Rare non-breeders; less than 900 individuals  Localised; at least 50% of UK breeding or non-breeding population in 10 or fewer sites, but not applied to rare breeders or non-breeders  Internationally important; at least 20% of European breeding or non-breeding population in UK (NW European and East Atlantic Flyway populations used for non- breeding wildfowl and waders respectively)

Green list  Species that occur regularly in the UK but do not qualify under any or the above criteria.

33 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Great Crested Newt Great crested newts and their habitat are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the WCA 1981 (as amended), the CRoW Act 2000 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). This makes it is an offence to kill, injure or disturb great crested newts and to destroy any place used for rest or shelter by a newt. The great crested newt is also listed on Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive and Appendix II of the Bern Convention. If a development activity is likely to result in disturbance or killing of a great crested newt, damage to its habitat etc, then a licence will usually be required from Natural England.

Reptiles There are six native species of reptiles in the UK, including slow-worm, common lizard, grass snake and adder, smooth snake and sand lizard, which are afforded varying degrees of protection under UK and European legislation.

Slow-worm, viviparous/common lizard, adder and grass snake are protected under Schedule 5, Section 9 (1 and 5) of the WCA 1981 (as amended) and the CRoW Act 2000 against deliberate or reckless killing and injuring and sale.

Water Vole The water vole is fully protected under Schedule 5, Section 9 of the WCA 1981 (as amended), which makes it illegal to:  Intentionally kill, injure or take (capture) a water vole;  Possess or control a live or dead water vole, or any part of a water vole;  Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection or disturb water voles while they are using such a place; and  Sell, offer for sale or advertise for live or dead water voles.

Otter Otters are fully protected under the WCA 1981 (as amended), the CRoW Act 2000 and are classified as a European protected species under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). This makes it offence to intentionally or recklessly:  To kill, injure or take an otter from the wild;  To damage or obstruct a holt; and  To disturb an otter in its resting place.

White-clawed Crayfish White-clawed crayfish are partially protected under the WCA 1981 (as amended). This legislation makes it illegal to:  Intentionally take white-clawed crayfish  Sell, barter or exchange white-clawed crayfish

They are also listed on Annex II of the EC Habitats and Species Directive and are classed as “endangered” by IUCN.

34 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

APPENDIX 3: BOTANICAL SPECIES LIST

English Name Scientific Name Ash Fraxinus excelsior Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius Bush vetch Vicia sepium Charlock Sinapis arvensis Cleavers Galium aparine Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata Common knapweed Centaurea nigra Common field-speedwell Veronica persica Common nettle Urtica dioica Common ragwort Senecio jacobaea Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris Crabapple Malus sp. Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. Dog-rose Rosa canina agg. Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Elder Sambucus nigra False oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius Field maple Acer campestre Flowering current Ribes sanguineum Goat willow Salix caprea Grey willow Salix cinerea Great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Greater burdock Arctium lappa Greater plantain Plantago major Ground ivy Glechoma hederacea Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hazel Corylus avellana Holly Ilex aquifolium Honeysuckle Lonicera spp. Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris Pedunculate oak Quercus robur Red fescue Festuca rubra Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata Rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium Silver birch Betula pendula Tufted hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa White dead nettle Lamium album Wood avens Geum urbanum Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus

35 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

APPENDIX 4: RECOMMENDED SPECIES FOR PLANTING AND SOWING

N8 Water’s Edge Meadow Mix (available from Naturescape www.naturescaape.co.uk) Common bent Agrostis capillaris

Common knapweed Centaurea nigra Crested dogstail Cynosurus cristatus Common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica Devilsbit scabious Succisa pratensis

Great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis

Greater bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Gypsywort Lycopus europaeus Hard rush Juncus inflexus Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum Marsh marigold Caltha palustris Marsh woundwort Stachys palustris

Meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris Meadow foxtail (w) Alopecurus pratensis

Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis Pendulous sedge Carex pendula Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria

Ragged robin Silene flos-cuculi – (Lychnis flos-cuculi) Slender-creeping red-fescue Festuca rubra Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica Soft rush Juncus effusus Square-stemmed St John’s-wort Hypericum tetrapterum Sweet vernal-grass (w) Anthoxanthum odoratum Tufted hair-grass (w) Deschampsia cespitosa

Tufted vetch Vicia cracca Water avens Geum rivale Wild angelica Angelica sylvestris Water figwort Scrophularia auriculata Yellow flag Iris Iris pseudocorus

Ponds/wetland areas mix Bank-sides Broadleaved willowherb Epilobium angustifolium Celery-leaved buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus Common marsh bedstraw Galium palustre Cuckoo flower Cardamine pratensis Great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria Lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula Marsh willowherb Epilobium palustre Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Ragged robin Lychnis flos-cuculi Wild angelica Angelica sylvestris Marsh, marginal and emergent plants Brooklime Veronica beccabunga

36 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Common reed Phragmites australis Gipsywort Lycopus europaeus Greater pond sedge Carex riparia Hard rush Juncus inflexus Jointed rush Juncus articulatus Lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis Lesser water parsnip Berula erecta Marsh marigold Caltha palustris Nodding bur-marigold Bidens cernua Soft rush Juncus effusus Water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides Water mint Mentha aquatica Yellow flag Iris pseudacorus Submerged & floating leaved plants Amphibious bistort Persicaria amphibia Common duckweed Lemna minor Common water starwort Callitriche stagnalis Spiked water milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum Water crowfoot Ranunculus omiophyllus Water crowfoot Ranunculus peltatus Yellow flag Iris pseudacorus

Species-rich Meadow Mix (Naturescape N5 Long Season Meadow Mixture) Wildflowers Yarrow Achillea millefolium Common knapweed Centaurea nigra Greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa Wild carrot Daucus carota Viper's bugloss Echium vulgare Lady's bedstraw Galium verum Meadow crane’s-bill Geranium pratense Common cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata Common St. John's-wort Hypericum perforatum Field scabious Knautia arvensis Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis Rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus Ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Common toadflax Linaria vulgaris Bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus Musk mallow Malva moschata Hoary plantain Plantago media Cowslip Primula veris Self-heal Prunella vulgaris Meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris Bulbous buttercup Ranunulus bulbosus Yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor Common sorrel Rumex acetosa Small scabious Scabiosa columbaria Red campion Silene dioica Betony Stachys officinalis Devil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensis Red clover Trifolium pratense Dark mullein Verbascum nigrum

37 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Tufted vetch Vicia cracca Grass species Common bent Agrostis capillaris Sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Quaking grass Briza media Crested dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus Sheep's fescue Festuca ovina Chewing's fescue Festuca rubra ssp. commutata Slender creeping red fescue Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis Meadow barley Hordeum secalinum Smooth-stalked meadow grass Poa pratensis Yellow oat-grass Trisetum flavescens

Native Tree and Shrub Species Alder Alnus glutinosa Ash Fraxinus excelsior Aspen Populus tremula Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Broadleaved lime Tilia platyphyllos Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica Crab apple Malus sylvestris Crack willow Salix fragilis Common pear Pyrus communis Dog rose Rosa canina agg. Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Elder Sambucus nigra Field maple Acer campestre Goat willow Salix caprea Grey willow Salix cinerea Guelder rose Viburnum opulus Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hazel Corylus avellana Holly Ilex aquifolium Pedunculate oak Quercus robur Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Silver birch Betula pendula Small leaved lime Tilia cordata Spindle Euonymous europaeus Walnut Jungus regia Wild cherry Prunus avium Wild privet Ligustrum vulgare

38 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

APPENDIX 5: DESK STUDY DATA

39 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

No. Name Area District Grid Ref. Description Interest 1/1 Nottingham 6.679 Broxtowe SK 481423 Species-rich Botanical, Canal ha District disused canal Odonata, (Awsworth and Amphibian Cossall) and Reptile 1/103 Watnall Bank 0.69 Broxtowe SK 493458 An excellent Botanical ha District base-rich plant community 2/2 Watnall Wood 8.348 Broxtowe SK 494461 Deciduous Botanical ha District woodland 2/5 Nottingham 1.527 Broxtowe SK 460460 An important Botanical, Canal, ha District length of Odonata Eastwood disused canal 2/140 Kimberley 7.399 Broxtowe SK 487444 A good habitat Botanical Dismantled ha District containing a Railway number of notable species 2/245 New Eastwod 0.519 Broxtowe SK 463459 A verge with a Botanical Roadside Verge ha District notable association of grassland species 2/246 Nottingham 3.793 Broxtowe SK 461459 Grasslands Botanical Canal ha District with a good Grasslands, range of New Eastwood species, including some Coal Measures associations 2/247 Bailey Grove, 0.728 Broxtowe SK 459464 A notable Botanical Eastwood ha District collection of recolonised species 2/249 Erewash Canal 1.989 Broxtowe SK 459460 Canal with Botanical ha District notable aquatic and bankside communities 2/250 Erewash Canal 11.478 Broxtowe SK 462457 A valuable Botanical Grasslands, ha District series of New Eastwood grasslands 2/253 Gilt Brook 2.399 Broxtowe SK 490462 A clean, Botanical (Central) ha District wooded stream with its associated species-rich marshy areas and dry banks 2/255 Erewash 8.24 Broxtowe SK 466454 A site Botanical Meadows, New ha District comprising a Eastwood series of grasslands with a notable

40 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

meadow community on a meandering stretch of the River Erewash 2/256 Glasshouse 0.698 Broxtowe SK 481444 A notable Botanical Yard Grassland, ha District herb-rich Awsworth community 2/274 Giltbrook Fields 2.11 Broxtowe SK 484454 Marshy fields Botanical ha District 2/297 Watnall Wood 1.767 Broxtowe SK 492463 A pasture with Botanical Pasture ha District a good range of characteristic species 5/21 Kimberley 7.318 Broxtowe SK 490446 Herb rich Botanical Rough ha District grassland and Grassland scrub 5/273 Newthorpe 2.331 Broxtowe SK 487460 An old mine Botanical Relict Grassland ha District spoil tip with a / Marsh noteworthy mosaic of relict meadow, pioneer communities and scrub 5/2106 Awsworth 2.935 Broxtowe SK 489443 A large hay Botanical Grassland ha District meadow with a notable species 5/2141 Bennerley Coal 19.052 Broxtowe SK 473441 A former mine Botanical, Processing Plant ha District site supporting Butterfly, and Grassland a wide range Odonata, of habitats Amphibian and Reptile 5/3344 Bennerley Wet 11.55 Broxtowe SK 474437 A wet Botanical Grassland ha District grassland pasture of note by the River Erewash 5/3425 Awsworth 2.080 Broxtowe SK Coal-measures Botanical Grassland Ext District 466454 grassland

Enclosed is a map showing the site boundary and plant species data for these sites as an Excel tables where available.

We have the following protected and notable species records from your search area.

Badger:

Square Grid Ref. Dates Location No. Notes SK4946 SK4946 17/04/2009 Sett

41 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

More information on badgers and other notable mammals may be held on the County Mammal Database for which please contact Michael Walker at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, The Old Ragged School, Brook Street, Nottingham NG1 1EA.

Bat:

Our data set now includes Nottinghamshire Bat Groups records.

Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location No. Notes Type Pipistrelle SK4846 SK483466 25/08/1999 Greenacres Casual Close, Newthorpe Pipistrelle SK4945 SK493453 10/07/2000 Strathglen Bats Roost Close, heard in Kimberley soffit and in roof space nr chimney breast. Pipistrelle SK4945 SK494453 20/09/1995 Alma Hill 1 Casual Kimberley

Approximate distance and direction from your site is given in the attached Excel table.

Bird:

Bird data, copyright of Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers, is available for an additional £25.00 plus vat.

Butterfly:

Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Grizzled Skipper SK4946 SK4946 22/05/2009 1/4 Sledder Wood Meadows (Sledder Wood Meadows SSSI)

Crayfish:

We have no crayfish records from your search area.

Fish:

We have no fish records from your search area.

Herpetofauna:

Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location No. Notes Common SK4646 SK461465 01/11/2001 Eastwood Microlise Site, owned Frog by William Davis Ltd., Forest Field, Forest Road, Loughborough LE11 3NS

42 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Great SK4743 SK473439 06/05/2013 near 88 Crested Awsworth Newt Common SK4845 SK4845 1991 Eastwood Breeding. Ludlam Frog Avenue, Giltbrook Common SK4846 SK4846 12/1989 Newthorpe Breeding. 19, Frog Bosworth Drive Common SK4847 SK482474 15/05/1986 Eastwood Frog Common SK4945 SK496454 1989 Kimberley Breeding. High Spania Frog Common SK4945 SK496454 1994 Kimberley Breeding. High Spania Frog Common SK4946 SK4946 08/1997 Greasley 10 Watnall Wood Frog Common SK4946 SK4946 1993 Greasley Watnall Wood Frog Smooth SK4946 SK4946 1993 Greasley Watnall Spinney Newt

Invasive Plant Species:

Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location No. Grade Fallopia SK4845 SK484453 14/05/1997 Greasley Giltbrook colony near japonica road Fallopia SK4845 SK485453 12/06/2010 Giltbrook Adjacent the japonica Giltbrook at Giltbrook. Between a public footpath and the Giltbrook at Giltbrook. Also adjacent to the B6010 (nearly opposite Escape which is in the Giltbrook Retail Park). Fallopia SK4845 SK485454 09/03/2002 Greasley Former tip N of road japonica Fallopia SK4944 SK490446 21/05/2010 Kimberley K. Greens, colony in japonica scrub on formerly dumped material Fallopia SK4945 SK490453 26/05/2010 Kimberley Wasteground japonica Fallopia SK4946 SK493461 31/12/1997 Kirkby-in- Soil heap japonica Ashfield

Fallopia Japonica is Japanese Knotweed.

43 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Mammal:

Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Habitat No. Grade Harvest SK4644 SK469444 17/02/2005 Giltbrook rough 3 nests three nests Mouse Level ground found all of which appeared to have been "opened"

Moth:

There are no Local Wildlife Sites for moth interest in your search area.

Odonata:

There are three Local Wildlife Sites for odonata interest in your search area. The first location name is our Local Wildlife Site name. If there is a second different name, in brackets, this is the recorder’s name for the same site.

Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Habitat Grade Aeshna mixta SK4546 SK459461 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Anax imperator SK4546 SK459461 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Erythromma SK4546 SK459461 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded najas Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Libellula SK4546 SK459461 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded depressa Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage

44 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

vegetation including this one recorded most years Libellula SK4546 SK459461 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded quadrimaculata Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Sympetrum SK4546 SK459461 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded sanguineum Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Aeshna mixta SK4645 SK464457 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Anax imperator SK4645 SK464457 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Erythromma SK4645 SK464457 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded najas Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Libellula SK4645 SK464457 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded depressa Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage

45 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

vegetation including this one recorded most years Libellula SK4645 SK464457 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded quadrimaculata Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Sympetrum SK4645 SK464457 1992-2000 2/5 Nottingham Disused canal No graded sanguineum Canal, Eastwood with plenty of species (Nottingham Canal marginal, recorded but small section to SK emergent and 14 in 464457) submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Aeshna juncea SK4743 SK473439 1996-1997 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Aeshna mixta SK4743 SK473439 1995-2000 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Anax imperator SK4743 SK473439 1995-2000 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Erythromma SK4743 SK473439 1995-2000 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded najas Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage

46 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Libellula SK4743 SK473439 1995-2000 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded depressa Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Libellula SK4743 SK473439 1995-2000 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded quadrimaculata Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Libellula SK4743 SK473439 1995-2000 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded quadrimaculata Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Orthetrum SK4743 SK473439 1995-2000 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded cancellatum Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Sympetrum SK4743 SK473439 1995-2000 5/2141 Bennerley Three No graded sanguineum Coal Processing deacidification species Plant and pits two of recorded but Grassland which are 17 in (Bennerley Coal heavily assemblage Processing Plant, vegetated with including Awsworth) aquatic plants this one reaching the surface. Aeshna mixta SK4744 SK476440 1992-2000 1/1 Nottingham Disused canal No graded Canal (Nottingham with plenty of species Canal site to SK marginal, recorded but 484413) emergent and 14 in submerged assemblage

47 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

vegetation including this one recorded most years Anax imperator SK4744 SK476440 1992-2000 1/1 Nottingham Disused canal No graded Canal (Nottingham with plenty of species Canal site to SK marginal, recorded but 484413) emergent and 14 in submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Erythromma SK4744 SK476440 1992-2000 1/1 Nottingham Disused canal No graded najas Canal (Nottingham with plenty of species Canal site to SK marginal, recorded but 484413) emergent and 14 in submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Libellula SK4744 SK476440 1992-2000 1/1 Nottingham Disused canal No graded depressa Canal (Nottingham with plenty of species Canal site to SK marginal, recorded but 484413) emergent and 14 in submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Libellula SK4744 SK476440 1992-2000 1/1 Nottingham Disused canal No graded quadrimaculata Canal (Nottingham with plenty of species Canal site to SK marginal, recorded but 484413) emergent and 14 in submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years Sympetrum SK4744 SK476440 1992-2000 1/1 Nottingham Disused canal No graded sanguineum Canal (Nottingham with plenty of species Canal site to SK marginal, recorded but 484413) emergent and 14 in submerged assemblage vegetation including this one recorded most years

Otter:

We have no otter records from your search area.

48 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Water Beetle:

There are no Local Wildlife Sites for water beetle interest in your search area.

Water Bug:

There are no Local Wildlife Sites for water bug interest in your search area.

Water Vole:

Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Habitat No. Notes SK4546 SK459460 16/09/2006 Nottingham 2 Canal SK4546 SK459461 16/08/1998 Nottingham Canal 1 Sighting at Eastwood by Canal Swing bridge SK4846 SK489463 1998 Giltbrook, Stream 1 Sighting Newthorpe SK4946 SK491464 21/06/2000 Giltbrook River 2 9 latrines, feeding trib. Of the stations, footprints, 3 Erewash burrows, cropped grass around burrow entrance SK4946 SK491464 29/05/2001 Giltbrook River 6 latrines trib. Of the Erewash

The information provided is copyright of Nottingham City Council and the Nottinghamshire Bat Group.

49 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Re: Smithhurst Road, Giltbrook

Thank you for consulting Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. I have searched the county mammal database and I have found the following records of protected species from within 2km of SK 477457

As badger records are of a sensitive nature it is required that map references or location details are not disclosed or published for public view. Confidential copies can be made available to the client and Local Planning Authority but must not be made available on planning websites.

Distance 1km Grid from site Directi Species GridRef D M Y Habitat Quantity Site Details Notes Square ref (km) on

North side of A610, 2pm, in concrete channel, suitable habitats to Water vole SK476453 06 07 2001 Eastwood east SK4745 0.41 SSW

Link: NCWVS (Er 7a) 9 latrines, feeding stations, footprints, 3 burrows, cropped grass Giltbrook around trib. Of the burrow Water vole SK491464 21 06 2000 river 2 Erewash entrance SK4946 1.57 ENE

Giltbrook indeterm trib. Of the Water vole SK491464 29 05 2001 river inate Erewash 6 latrines SK4946 1.57 ENE

Link: NCWVS (Er 7au) 3 latrines, feeding stations, burrows, cropped grass around indeterm Eastwood burrow Water vole SK461460 21 06 2000 river inate LNR entrance SK4646 1.63 WNW

Link: Bennerley Marsh Wildlife Group, Annual Report 1997; hunting over River trees, near Noctule bat SK462453 15 05 1995 river 4 Erewash Shipley Boat SK4645 1.55 WSW

50 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Link: Bennerley Marsh Wildlife Group, Annual Report Badger 00 02 1997 roadside 1 1997; RTA SK4743 1.84 SSW

Found hanging on pub outhouse door of ... Taken into care and released a Whiskered few days bat SK465470 12 08 2002 urban 1 Eastwood later SK4647 1.77 NW

Link: NWT Newthorpe Riparian common. Mammal indeterm Sewage monitoring Water vole SK469447 27 08 2003 river inate work site. SK4644 1.28 SW

Nottm Canal Water vole SK459463 02 07 2004 canal 1 at Awsworth SK4546 1.90 WNW Nottingham Water vole SK459460 16 09 2006 Canal 2 Canal SK4546 1.82 W Nottingham Water vole SK462458 15 09 2006 canal 1 Canal SK4645 1.50 W

Spraint Bennerley found by Otter SK472438 05 11 2007 river Marsh river SK4743 1.96 SSW

Nottm Canal Water vole SK477440 00 09 2009 CANAL 1 at Awsworth SK4744 1.70 S

Water vole SK464457 21 03 2010 canal 3 Nr Eastwood SK4645 1.30 W

SK475844 NotM Canal Water vole 05 canal at Awsworth latrines SK4744 1.65 S indeterm SETT -no Badger 17 04 2009 wood inate details SK4946 1.33 ENE

River Water Vole SK466454 1997 River Erewash Sighting SK4645 1.14 WSW

Beauvale 2 adults and Water Vole SK470474 1998 Stream 5 Brook 3 juveniles SK4747 1.84 NNW Giltbrook, Water Vole SK489463 1998 Stream 1 Newthorpe Sighting SK4846 1.34 ENE

Sighting at Eastwood by Nottingham Swing Water Vole SK459461 16 08 1998 Canal 1 Canal bridge SK4546 1.84 WNW

51 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

10 latrines, cropped grass around River burrow Water Vole SK469441 21 09 1999 River Erewash entrance SK4644 1.79 SSW

3 latrines, feeding stations, burrows and cropped grass around River burrow Water Vole SK461460 21 06 2000 River Erewash entrance SK4646 1.63 WNW

9 latrines, feeding stations, footprints, 3 burrows, cropped grass Giltbrook around trib. Of the burrow Water Vole SK491464 21 06 2000 River 2 Erewash entrance SK4946 1.57 ENE

Giltbrook trib. Of the Water Vole SK491464 29 05 2001 River Erewash 6 latrines SK4946 1.57 ENE

North side of A610.Seen at 2pm in concrete channel, suitable habitats to Water Vole SK476453 06 07 2001 Eastwood east SK4745 0.41 SSW River Water Vole SK469447 27 08 2003 River Erewash SK4644 1.28 SW Nottingham Water Vole SK459463 02 07 2004 Canal 1 Canal SK4546 1.90 WNW SK462345 Nottingham Water Vole 87 15 09 2006 1 Canal SK4645 1.48 W SK459646 Nottingham Water Vole 00 16 09 2006 2 Canal SK4546 1.77 W

Spraint Bennerley found by Otter SK472438 05 11 2007 River Marsh river SK4743 1.96 SSW Watnall Badger 17 04 2009 Wood Sett SK4946 1.33 ENE

Nottm Canal Water Vole SK4744 00 09 2009 1 at Awsworth SK4744 1.84 SSW

52 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

1 burrow and 1 latrine at very northern end Nottingham of canal on SK475844 Canal, eastern Water Vole 05 01 04 2011 Awsworth bank SK4744 1.65 S

Nottm Canal, Water Vole SK4744 25 07 2009 1 Awsworth SK4744 1.84 SSW Badger 24 07 2014 roadside 1 Eastwood SK4646 1.65 WNW

Water vole Erewash sighting SK474444 Living SK47446 Water Vole 00 2014 Riverside Landscape 44002 SK4744 1.72 S

Water vole Erewash tunnel SK474143 Living SK47415 Water Vole 88 2014 Riverside Landscape 43886 SK4743 1.84 S

Eastwood & District Victory Club, Common/So Eastwood, prano SK470546 2 Nottinghams Pipistrelle 88 18 08 2014 passes hire SK4746 1.35 NNW

Eastwood & District Victory Club, Eastwood, Common SK470546 15 Nottinghams Pipistrelle 88 18 08 2014 passes hire SK4746 1.35 NNW

Church Common 6 Street, Pipistrelle SK464465 12 09 2014 passes Eastwood SK4646 1.53 NW

53 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

QUALITY ASSURANCE:

TITLE: Two Sites off Acorn Avenue in Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire : Preliminary Ecological Assessment

SUBMITTED TO: Broxtowe Borough Council

ISSUE AND REVISION RECORD:

Contract Number: ZJ/14/7249/01

Revision Number: 1

Description: Final Report

Date: 9th March 2015

Disclosure: the information, data, evidence, advice and opinions which have been prepared and provided are true, and have been prepared and provided in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct. I confirm that the opinions expressed are my true and professional bona fide opinions.

AUTHOR

Name: Zoe Jackson MSc ACIEEM Signed:

INTERNAL REVIEWER

Name: Sarah Love MSc MCIEEM Signed:

54 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828