Commercial in Confidence

Leekbrook Invertebrate Walkover Survey Report Moorland & City Railways

December 2013

Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 29 November 2013 Quality Management

Quality Management

Job No.: CS/067245-02

Project: Proposed Residential Housing Development, Leekbrook

Location: Leekbrook, Staffordshire

Title: Invertebrate Walkover Survey Report

Document Ref.: Invertebrate Report Issue / Revision: 03

File Reference: Leekbrook Development Invertebrate Report Clients Amends_Rev 3 DW.docx

Date: 18th October 2013

Colin Plant Prepared by: Signature (for file): Associate Entomologist

Neil Page MCIEEM Prepared by: Signature (for file): Ecologist

Glen Shah MCIEEM Checked by 1: Signature (for file): Senior Environmental Consultant

Tabatha Boniface MCIEEM Authorised by: Signature (for file): Principal Ecologist

Revision Status / History

Rev Date Issue / Purpose/ Comment Prepared Checked Authorised

02 12.11.13 Clients review NCP DW TB

03 29.11.13 Clients review DW DW DW

Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 Contents

Contents 1. Summary 2 2. Introduction 3 2.1 Background 3 2.2 Site Location 3 2.3 Planning Policy 3 2.4 Biodiversity Policy 4 3. Methods 5 3.1 Survey & Report Objectives 5 3.2 Desk Study 5 3.3 Walkover Survey 5 3.4 Survey Constraints 5 3.5 Personnel & Quality Assurance 6 4. Results 7 4.1 Site Description 7 4.2 Desk Study 7 4.3 Habitat Appraisal 8 4.4 Walkover Survey 10 5. Interpretation & Recommendations 11 5.1 Interpretation 11 5.2 Recommendations 11

Figures Figure 1: The Site Boundary 3

Tables Table 1: SERC Species Records 8 Table 2: Invertebrate Species Recorded On Site 10

i Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 1/ Summary

1. Summary

Capita Ecologists were commissioned by Moorland & City Railways to undertake an initial invertebrate survey for an area of undeveloped land on the former Leekbrook Railway Junctions site, Staffordshire. The survey was commissioned as part of a wider feasibility study in relation to the potential future development of the site.

The site includes a range of habitats capable of supporting invertebrate assemblages and a number of invertebrate species were observed on site during the course of the habitat and invertebrate surveys. Based upon data acquired to date, it is believed that the habitats and species recorded do not constitute a constraint to the development of the site.

The open mosaic habitat situated in the west of the site constitutes the most valuable habitat for invertebrates. The transitional zones that exist between the tall and short areas of vegetation on site have the potential to support a large, diverse range of invertebrate species. In addition, due to the potential overlap of supporting habitats present upon abutting land, the open (western) area of the site has the potential to provide an important foraging resource for saproxylic invertebrates. If this is the case, the value of the site would increase.

The loss of vegetation that would occur as a result of the proposed development would result in the loss of habitat upon which the invertebrate species presently rely. Furthermore, in combination with the recent clearance of neighbouring land, the clearance of the site would create a definitive break in the habitat network present along the River Churnet. This has the potential to reduce and fragment the amount of suitable habitat available within the wider area. Recommendations relating to site management practice, potential mitigation measures and further surveys are detailed within Section 5 of this report.

2 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 2/ Introduction

2. Introduction

2.1 Background Capita Ecologists, Blackburn, were commissioned by Moorland & City Railways in July 2013 to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of a site in Leekbrook, Staffordshire. The site has been identified for a potential residential housing development and the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was commissioned as part of a wider feasibility study in order to establish the ecological baseline conditions at the site. Based on the results of the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and a review of previous consultation data, a number of further ecology surveys were recommended. One of these was an invertebrate walkover survey. This report details the aims, methodology and findings of this walkover. It also includes advice, interpretation (of the results) and recommendations in relation to invertebrates.

2.2 Site Location The Leekbrook Junction site (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’) is a triangular area of disused land approximately 2.9 km to the south of the Town of Leek, Staffordshire (Grid Ref.: SJ 398179 354102).

Figure 1: The Site Boundary

2.3 Planning Policy In March 2012, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published and replaced the previous Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9), although the guidance document ‘Planning for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation: A Guide to Good Practice’ (ODPM 06/2005) was not replaced by the Framework. The NPPF promotes plan-making and decision-taking with a presumption in favour of sustainable development. Sustainable development is achieved where developments are designed to address the mutually dependent threads of sustainability: economic, social and environmental needs. In terms of biodiversity, sustainable development should not only achieve no net loss of biodiversity, but incorporate proposals that achieve net gains for nature alongside the other social and economic needs of society.

3 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 2/ Introduction

Protected sites and species are a material consideration in determining planning applications. Therefore, all information relating to protected sites and species must be submitted with planning submissions for determination of the whole application. The NPPF promotes the approval of plans where applications can demonstrate that they are in accordance with up-to- date local plans and have addressed material considerations. In accordance with the Staffordshire Moorlands Local Plan (1998), Policy N3: Infilling within the Greenbelt, Policy N15: Nature Conservation Sites and Policy H14: Meeting Housing Demand are local policies that are relevant to the site.

2.4 Biodiversity Policy Section 41 (S41) of the Natural Environment & Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 requires the Secretary of State to publish a list of habitats and species that are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. This constitutes an up-to-date list of Habitats of Principal Importance and Species of Principal Importance that require action in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and is used as a guide to decision makers, such as pubic bodies and including planning authorities, to implement their duty of having regard to biodiversity when carrying out their functions. Local BAPs have also been written and adopted to develop plans for species of nature conservation importance at regional and local levels. The Ecosystem Action Plans (EAPs), formerly the Moorlands Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), covers the area surrounding Leekbrook. The action plans that are considered to be relevant to the site include the following:

 Deadwood Beetles Species Action Plan;  Ground-nesting Solitary Bees & Wasps Species Action Plan;  Native Woodland Habitat Plan;  River, Stream & Canals Habitat Action Plan;  Urban Habitat Action Plan;  V-Moth Macaria wauaria Species Action Plan;  Wall Lasiommata megera Species Action Plan;  White Letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album Species Action Plan.

4 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 3/ Methods

3. Methods

3.1 Survey & Report Objectives The objectives of the invertebrate walkover and this report are to:

 Establish an initial ecological baseline at the site in relation to invertebrate species and to form an initial impression of the site’s importance for local invertebrate assemblages;

 Obtain sufficient field data to be able to advise whether a more detailed invertebrate survey is required;

 Advise whether the proposed development of the site would result in adverse impacts (if any) upon the invertebrate species present;

 Recommend site management practices intended to increase the site’s biodiversity value for invertebrates and/or appropriate mitigation measures (if required) intended to offset/reduce potential adverse impacts; and

 Inform the planning process. 3.2 Desk Study The desk study involved a review of the existing survey data that was available at that time, a review of online resources and a consultation exercise with the local records centre. Species records pertaining to invertebrates within a 2 km radius of the site boundary were requested from the local Staffordshire Ecological Record Centre (SERC). The aim of the desk study was to establish the presence and distribution of invertebrates both on the site and within the surrounding area in order to support the subsequent walkover survey.

3.3 Walkover Survey The walkover was undertaken on 20th September 2013 and its purpose was to appraise the habitats present in terms of their ability to support and sustain invertebrates. It was not the intention to obtain a definitive list of the invertebrate species present during the walkover, but a sample of those species observed species were recorded.

The survey methods used included sweep-netting and active searches. The sweep-netting involved passing a 16” diameter net both over bare ground and through low-level vegetation. The material collected was selectively removed by a pooter (i.e. aspirator) and any species present recorded. The active searches included searching flower-heads, lifting deadwood, debris (including artificial reptile refugia) and stones and recording any invertebrate species observed. Plant galls (caused by larval stages) in leaves, leaf-mines or invertebrates in flight observed were also recorded.

3.4 Survey Constraints The guidelines published on the Natural England website state that a formal invertebrate surveys should consist of a five-day survey spread over the six-month period of May to October, inclusive. The guidelines also state that the specialist entomologist may vary this to best suit the

5 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 3/ Methods

site conditions and it is believed that the reduced survey that was undertaken at the Leekbrook site was sufficient for the objectives outlined in Section 3.1

The recommendations that have been proposed in this report are based upon data acquired to date (i.e. desktop study and an initial walkover).

3.5 Personnel & Quality Assurance The desktop study and the final review of walkover survey data was undertaken by Capita Ecologist Neil Page. Neil Page is a Full Member of the Chartered Ecology & Environmental Management (CIEEM) and has been an Ecological Consultant for the last five years. Neil has a broad range of professional experience in consulting services, including ecosystem management, design, planning, protected species mitigation and environmental research projects. Neil also has experience of a range of habitats and species, coupled with habitat creation and management, which has enabled him to mitigate both social and environmental issues on a wide variety projects and schemes. Neil is an experienced surveyor of reptiles and amphibians and he holds a Natural England Science & Education Great Crested Newt Licence.

The walkover survey was undertaken by Colin Plant, Consultant Entomologists and Managing Partner from Colin Plant Associates UK. Colin has experience of a vast range of freshwater and terrestrial invertebrate ecology work, including single-visit assessments and simple inventory surveys to full Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), water-pollution monitoring, environmental planning, land management and mitigation. Colin also has experience of undertaking entomological assessments in relation to both national and international forensics.

6 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 4/ Results

4. Results

4.1 Site Description The land within the site boundary (see Figure 1) formerly housed an engine shed and coaling plant for locomotives that were demolished in 1946. Since then, the site has been left unmanaged and, as a result, has undergone natural succession.

The former railway line defines the (north to south-aligned) western edge of the site. A branch of the railway, including intact tracks, forms the (south to east-aligned) south-eastern edge of the site and a minor road forms the (east to north-aligned) north-eastern edge. At the eastern apex of triangular boundary, a railway bridge crosses over the minor road. The railway line that forms the south-eastern boundary runs along the top of an artificial embankment that rises 5 m above the rest of the site. The embankment descends southwards towards the disused railway line present. On the northern side of the embankment, the ground is roughly level with the rest of the site.

The site is located in the moorlands area of northern Staffordshire, 150 m above sea level. The site is post-industrial in nature and is dominated by secondary vegetation that appears to be a few decades old. The secondary vegetation consists mainly of woodland that opens-up towards the western boundary. There are a number of transitional habitats (i.e. edge habitats) present, most noticeably towards the south-east boundary.

The River Churnet runs north-west to south-east and passes the site at its southern end. Leek Brook runs east to west and merges with the River Churnet at the site’s southern end outside the site boundary. There is a foul water channel present next to the site that forms part of the nearby Severn Trent Sewage treatment facility. At the time of walkover and writing, there were no aquatic habitats present within the red line boundary of the site.

4.2 Desk Study The species records obtained from SERC include both UK and local BAP Priority Species present within a 2 km radius of the site. These are detailed within Table 1, below.

Common Species Name Location Grid Ref. Date Source Name Railway Cottages, SERC General Cinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaeae SJ980536 30/06/13 Leek Road Records 2013 Basford Bridge, County Recorders Cinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaeae SJ9852 10/08/01 Cheddleton (DWE): 1mm Basford Bridge, County Recorders Cinnabar Moth Tyria jacobaeae SJ9852 10/08/01 Cheddleton (DWE): 1mm Vespula Ladderedge CP County Recorders Common Wasp (Paravespula) SJ973551 23/06/07 near Leek (DRS) vulgaris Bombus Small Garden Ladderedge CP County Recorders (Megabombus) SJ973551 23/06/07 Bumble Bee near Leek (DRS) hortorum Small Heath Coenonympha County Recorders Ladderedge CP SJ968548 29/06/09 Butterfly pamphilus (JDS) SBI ‘98-‘00 Small Heath Coenonympha Ladydale Wood SJ988559 28/04/00 Resurvey Staffs. Butterfly pamphilus Pasture Moorlands

7 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 4/ Results

Common Species Name Location Grid Ref. Date Source Name Small Heath Coenonympha Butterfly Rod Wood SJ9953 10/07/99 Butterfly pamphilus Conservation (1q9) Dolichovespula Ladderedge CP County Recorders Tree Wasp (Pseudovespula) SJ973551 23/06/07 near Leek (DRS) sylvestris SBI ‘98-‘00 Lasiommata Caldon Canal: Wall Butterfly SJ968538 08/09/98 Resurvey Staffs megera Hollinhay Wood Moorlands Railway Cottages, SER General Insect: Beetle Saperda scalaris SJ980536 28/06/13 Leek Road Records 2013 Andrena Insect: Edge of County Recorders (Notandrena) SJ997531 28/06/98 Hymenopteran haymeadow (JRW) chrysosceles Andrena Insect: Edge of County Recorders (Taeniandrena) SJ997531 28/06/98 Hymenopteran haymeadow (JRW) wilkella Insect: True Fly Dactylolabis Rod Wood and County Recorders SJ997531 28/06/98 (Diptera) transversa Mellor’s Wood (DRS) Insect: True Fly Dactylolabis SWT Nature Rod Wood SJ997531 28/06/98 (Diptera) transversa Reserve Surveys Table 1: SERC Species Records

4.3 Habitat Appraisal 4.3.1 Woodland The woodland present is secondary woodland of semi-natural origin, rather than plantation. The species listed below is not an exhaustive list, but is provided as an indication of habitat type and age in order to facilitate an interpretation of the value of its incumbent invertebrate ecology.

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna appears to be the dominant species within the eastern half of the site. Having been drawn to the light, the trees are tall and thin and surpass the height of the adjacent railway embankment by >3 m. The hawthorn is interspersed with similarly tall and thin sallow (i.e. rough-leaved Salix) trees. The close nature of the tree growth minimises light penetration through the canopy and the woodland floor is dark. As such, rather than having a diverse herbaceous flora, it is dominated by brambles Rubus fruticosus agg. and stinging nettle Urtica dioica. There are almost no clear areas under the primary canopy and those that are recorded are small and support small stands of Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera. Owing to the almost mono-cultural nature of the woodland and the lack of a well-developed herb-layer, it is believed that the invertebrate fauna present is likely to be limited.

To the north of the site, the habitat that is present along the former railway cutting includes (at its edges) elements of the adjacent ancient woodland that is situated further to the north. rowan Sorbus aucuparia and deciduous oak Quercus spp. are present, along with more sallow, willow (i.e. smooth-leaved Salix species) and very occasional hazel Corylus avellana. With regards to the latter, only a single small tree was noted. It is believed that this area is likely to support a more varied invertebrate assemblage than the wooded area of the site.

To the west of the site, the number of willow Salix spp trees present increases and the woodland begins to thin. The woodland gives way, via a belt of gorse Ulex europaeus and broom Cytisus scoparius, to an open mosaic area.

8 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 4/ Results

4.3.2 Open Habitat Mosaic To the west, the site boundary includes a wide, north to south-aligned strip of fairly open ground with occasional scrub. Tall ruderal herbs, especially St John’s-wort Hypericum sp., dominate, but there are also other plants present in lesser quantities, including ragwort Senecio jacobaea .

To the south of this area, a central grassy track broadens to present a more varied sward. Whilst the overall floral diversity still appears to be fairly restricted, which in turn will restrict the associated invertebrate fauna present, open mosaic habitats typically support a increased invertebrate biomass/biodiversity. This often overlaps, and is therefore linked to, adjacent edge habitats. Thus, the edge habitats present on the site have potential to support greater invertebrate interest than within some of the isolated habitats present.

4.3.3 Micro-Habitat Whilst there is some dead/dying wood present on site in the form of either standing or fallen trees, it is sparse. As such, the associated invertebrate species that rely upon it and the micro- habitat features associated with the decay process (i.e. fungal hyphae, rot-holes and sap-runs, etcetera) are believed to be limited. However, the older woodland situated to the north of the site has the potential to include a large amount of deadwood.

For a part of their life-cycle, saproxylic invertebrates are reliant upon dead/dying wood from over-mature or damaged trees and the fungi and other species associated with it. Thus, the area to the north has the potential to support a significant saproxylic community that may overlap with the site due to the multiple habitat requirements of this species. For example, most saproxylic invertebrates only feed in deadwood during their larval stages and seek an alternative, high-energy food resource upon emergence as an adult. Typically, the high-energy food resource consists of the nectar contained within the flowers growing in open areas adjacent to the breeding site. Owing to anatomical variance between different saproxylic invertebrates species, a range of flower species is necessary to support a diverse assemblage. On this basis, the open western area of the site has the potential to provide an important foraging resource for saproxylic invertebrates in some groups.

Other microhabitat features present on site include low-level (i.e. <1 m high) cliffs present at a few places along the lane. These appear to consist of a friable substrate and, where they receive direct sunlight during the summer, may support micro-habitat for breeding solitary bees and other fossorial invertebrates.

4.3.4 Ecological Networks Whilst the woodland on site is believed to constitute low quality invertebrate habitat, it does form part of a woodland chain that stretches along the valley of the River Churnet. It is, therefore, likely to be important in terms of the movement of invertebrate species through the wider countryside. However, it was noted during the walkover that the land located to the east of the site has recently* been cleared of vegetation, creating a partial break in habitat connectivity.

* According to anecdotal evidence obtained from a local resident, the clearance occurred within the ten days preceding the date of the walkover survey.

9 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 4/ Results

4.4 Walkover Survey The invertebrate species observed on site during the course of the walkover are detailed within Table 2, below. Four of the listed species were not included within the SERC species records which reflects the under-recorded nature of invertebrates in the county.

Walkover Survey: 20th September 2013 Weather conditions* at the start: Weather conditions* at the end:  Temp: 17°C.  Temp: 21°C.  Humidity: 61.5%.  Humidity: 62.1%.  Wind speed: 0 mph.  Wind speed: 0mph.  Cloud cover: 65%.  Cloud cover: 65%. Group Species Location Notes Diptera Agromyza alnibetulae Mines on birch Agromyza vicifoliae** Mines on tufted vetch Calycomyza artemisiae Mines on mugwort Dasineura trifolii** Galls on clover leaves Liriomyza centaureae Mines on knapweed Liriomyza taraxaci** Mines on dandelion Pegomya bicolor** Mines on dock Phytoliriomyza melampyga Mines on Himalayan balsam Phytomyza plantaginis Mines on lanceolate plantain Phytomyza spondylii Mines on hogweed Lepidoptera Bucculatrix bechsteinella Mines on rowan Ectoedemia minimella Mines on birch Mompha raschkiella Mines on rosebay Parornix anglicella Mines on hawthorn Lepidoptera Phyllonorycter anderidae Mines on birch (cont.) Phyllonorycter oxyacanthae Mines on hawthorns Phyllonorycter quercifoliella Mines on oak Phyllonorycter salicicolella Mines on sallow Phyllonorycter sorbi Mines on rowan Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella Mines on birch Phyllonorycter viminiella Mines on willow (Salix alba) Stigmella ‘aurella’ Mines on bramble Stigmella oxyacanthella Mines on hawthorns Stigmella svenssoni Mines on oak Tischeria ekebladella Mines on oak Parasitica Andricus ostreus Gall on oak leaf Neuroterus quercusbaccarum Galls on oak leaves Symphyta Eupontania pedunculi Gall on Salix alba/fragilis Fenusa pumila Tenanted mines on birches Other Anthophila fabriciana Dozens on flowers in afternoon sunshine Ocypus olens Female walking across the road Pararge aegeria Several flying about Kleidocerys resedae Landed on surveyor Table 2: Invertebrate Species Recorded On Site

* Weather conditions are considered optimal for the survey. ** Constitutes a new county record.

10 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 5/ Interpretation & Recommendations

5. Interpretation & Recommendations

5.1 Interpretation The site includes a range of habitats capable of supporting invertebrate assemblages and a number of invertebrate species were observed on site during the course of the walkover. However, based upon data acquired to date, it is believed that these do not constitute a constraint to the development of the site.

The woodland area that occupies most of the site consists of tall, thin trees and a closed canopy. As such, it is unlikely to support a varied range of invertebrate species or to constitute an important feature of invertebrate interest. The open mosaic habitat situated in the west of the site constitutes the most valuable habitat for invertebrates. The transitional zones that exist between the tall and short areas of on site vegetation have the potential to support a large, diverse range of invertebrate species. In addition, due to the potential overlap of supporting habitat present upon abutting land, the open western area of the site has the potential to provide an important foraging resource for saproxylic invertebrates. If this is the case, the value of the site would increase.

The loss of vegetation that would occur as a result of the proposed development would result in the loss of habitat upon which the invertebrate species present rely. Furthermore, in combination with the recent clearance of neighbouring land, the clearance of the site would create a definitive break in the habitat network present along the River Churnet. This has the potential to reduce and fragment the amount of suitable habitat available within the wider area.

5.2 Recommendations The following recommendations are made on the basis of invertebrate ecology, only, and in isolation of all other factors (inc. the timetable of any development works at the site).

5.2.1 Management Practice

The woodland area that occupies most of the site may be improved in terms of habitat suitable for invertebrates through the removal of an estimated16,519 m2 of trees. Peripheral tree groups that border the site will be retained to screen the site and provide continued conservation value on the site. This amounts to an estimated 16,416m2 of trees. 5.2.2 Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures should be created and adopted to reduce the severity of any adverse impacts upon the invertebrate ecology present. Based upon the information acquired to date through the 2013 surveys, general mitigation measures may include:

 Creating connecting habitat to provide stepping stones within any break(s) in the habitat network. To some degree this would be achieved in the long term as the residential gardens mature and diversify and will be retained by the retention of the peripheral trees;  Incorporating flora (e.g. bluebell or wood anemone, etc.) that would provide an additional foraging resource* within the landscape design.

Ideally, it would be better to devise a detailed and comprehensive mitigation strategy for the site as a whole, but to do this further knowledge and understanding of the invertebrate species

11 Leekbrook Development Commercial in Confidence 14 October 2013 5/ Interpretation & Recommendations

assemblage present at the site would be required. Although the habitat will change, as the gardens mature they will also provide a valuable and varied habitat for invertebrates, likewise the addition of the swales and balancing ponds proposed as part of the scheme design will add to the diversity of the site.

* These should be nectar-rich species and advice is available upon request.

12 Commercial in Confidence

Capita Property and Infrastructure Ltd Capita Blackburn Business Centre CastleWay House 17 Preston New Road Blackburn BB2 1AU

Tel +44 (0)1254 273000 Fax +44 (0)1254 273559 www.capita.com