Protected Species Survey of Outbuildings at 22 East End, Langtoft, Peterborough PE6 9LP
November 2016
Andrew P. Chick MPhil ACIEEM Ecological Consultant
The Old Farmhouse, Washdyke Lane, Fulbeck, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3LB Tel: 07880700313 E-mail: [email protected]
Report Prepared by Andrew Chick
Protected Species Survey of Outbuildings at 22 East End, Langtoft November 2016
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Protected Species Survey of Outbuildings at 22 East End, Langtoft, Peterborough PE6 9LP
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 5 1.1 Accurate lifespan of ecological data 5 2 SITE DESCRIPTION 5 2.1 Site communities and habitats 5 2.2 Site and site boundaries 5 2.3 Survey buildings 6 2.4 Stone barn 6 2.5 Dovecote 7 2.6 Outbuildings 8 2.7 Survey constraints 9 2.8 Proposed work 9 3 METHODS 9 3.1 Bats 9 3.1.1 Bat activity survey 9 3.2 Common species of birds 10 3.3 Schedule 1 species of birds (Barn Owls) 10 3.4 Badgers 10 3.5 Other statutorily protected species 10 4 RESULTS 10 4.1 Data search 10 4.2 Habitats and plant species 11 4.3 Bats 11 4.4 Birds 15 Schedule 1 species of birds (Barn Owls) 15 4.5 Badgers 16 4.6 Other statutorily protected species 16 5 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 16 5.1 Habitats 16 5.1.1 Recommendations 16 5.2 Bats 16 5.2.1 Legal protection 16 5.2.2 Recommendations 17 5.2.3 Good working practice 18 5.2.4 Recommendations – trees 18 5.2.5 Recommendations - lighting 18 5.3 Birds 19 5.3.1 Legal protection 19 5.3.2 Recommendations 19 5.3.3 Recommended conservation measures – House Sparrows 19 5.3.4 Recommended conservation measures – Swallows 20 5.4 Enhancement recommendations 21 5.4.1 Habitat creation 21 5.5 Further survey recommendations 21 5.5.1 Nesting birds 21 6 REFERENCES 21 APPENDIX 1 22 FIGURE 1 Site habitat and location map at 22 East End, Langtoft 22 APPENDIX 2 24 Procedure to follow if bats are discovered during works 24 APPENDIX 3 25 Native Species Suitable for Planting and Sowing 25
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PHOTOGRAPHS
Photograph 1: Representative images showing the stone barn. 6 Photograph 2: Representative images showing the internal roof structure of the stone barn (left) and the southern extension (right). 7 Photograph 3: Representative images showing the northern (left) and southern (right) elevations of the stone dovecote. 7 Photograph 4: Representative images showing the internal walls (left) and internal roof structure (right) of the dovecote. 8 Photograph 5: Representative images showing outbuildings to the rear of the stone barns. 8 Photograph 6: Representative images of discarded moth wing (left) and two relatively fresh bat droppings (right) from the hay-loft within the stone barn. 11 Photograph 7: Representative images of discarded moth wing on the bonnet of a stored vehicle within the stone barn (left) and c30 discarded moth wings from within the dovecote (right). 11 Photograph 8: Representative image of gaps within the stonework. 12 Photograph 9: Representative image of timber feature within the stonework. 12 Photograph 10: Representative image of the timber frame on the northern elevation. 13 Photograph 11: Representative image of timber beam within stone barn. 13 Photograph 12: Representative image of the ridge tile. 13 Photograph 13: Representative image of an area of missing bedding mortar on the northern elevation. 13 Photograph 14: Representative image of the internal nest-holes. 14 Photograph 15: Representative images showing the location of the trees surveyed. 15 Photograph 16: Representative images of sparrow nest within the stone barn (left) and an old swallow nest located within the stone barn extension (right). 15 Photograph 17: Schwegler 1SP sparrow nestbox (left) and wooden sparrow nestbox (right). 20 Photograph 18: Schwegler No. 10 swallow nest ledges. 20
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Protected Species Survey of Outbuildings at 22 East End, Langtoft, Peterborough PE6 9LP
1 INTRODUCTION
Independent Ecologist and Protected Species Consultant, Andrew Chick MPhil, was commissioned by Mrs P Lighton to undertake a protected species survey of outbuildings at 22 East End, Langtoft, Peterborough PE6 9LP. The survey is required in connection with a future planning application with South Kesteven District Council.
This report details the methods used, describes the habitats and species found on the site, discusses the results and makes recommendations for further work. The common English names are used for all species referred to throughout the text. The Latin name is also given following the common name the first time the species is referred to.
1.1 Accurate lifespan of ecological data The majority of ecological data remains valid for only short periods of time due to the inherently transient nature of the subject. Where the species/group being surveyed for is present within the site, the data is considered to be accurate for two years. However, an update may be needed in order to obtain a European Protected Species licence, if such a licence is required. Where absent, although the data is considered accurate for two years, an update may be required if the habitats surrounding the site are of a quality that are likely to encourage the species to move into the site in the interim.
2 SITE DESCRIPTION
2.1 Site communities and habitats The survey buildings are located at National Grid Reference (NGR) TF 12459 12612 within the village of Langtoft. The survey site contains two traditional stone buildings and two timber framed outbuildings which are surrounded by houses and gardens to the north, east and west; with extensive areas of arable agriculture, including occasional mature trees, hedgerows and drainage ditches to the south. The immediate area is dominated by a garden/small holding area with short mown amenity grassland and compacted hard standing.
Access to the site is available via a gateway and gravelled drive on the southern side of East End road. A general site location is given in Appendix 1 as Figure 1 and shows the approximate survey boundary (marked with a red line).
2.2 Site and site boundaries The majority of the site is dominated by short mown amenity grassland, predominantly comprised of rye-grass Lolium sp.. with occasional yarrow Achillea millefolium, ribwort plantain
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Plantago lanceolate and creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens. There are a number of mature and semi-mature trees including several ash Fraxinus excelsior, apple Malus spp, oak Quercus robur and cherry Prunus spp. One of the apple trees has a growth of mistletoe Viscum album. Associated with the boundary of the site is occasional ornamental planting including leylandii XCuprocyparis leylandii, holly Ilex aquifolium, butterfly-bush Buddleja davidii and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Areas of rough grassland found at the edge of the survey buildings and on the site boundary include false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, white dead nettle Lamium album and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.
2.3 Survey buildings These consist of four buildings, as described individually below, all of which are located to the east of number 22 East End - sharing an access driveway.
2.4 Stone barn A traditional barn that is estimated to be between c200-250 years-old and constructed of local stone. The building supports an original timber framed roof that is covered with Collyweston slates, with no underlining. The northern gable end is adjacent to the main road, with the main access roadway running alongside the western elevation. There are no windows except for an unglazed timber framed opening in the northern gable end.
Photograph 1: Representative images showing the stone barn.
Generally, the stone work is in a good state of repair with only occasional gaps and settlement cracks present within the bedding mortar. There are a number of features associated with wooden beams that key into the stonework. The southern gable end consists of a solid brick wall, suggesting that part of the building has been demolished in the (historic) past, leaving a smaller structure than was originally present. Internally there is a suspended wooden hay-loft, with access available via a ladder and trap door.
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Photograph 2: Representative images showing the internal roof structure of the stone barn (left) and the southern extension (right).
There is no roof void, with the building being open to the apex. The roof is in a good state of repair, with only a small area of missing slates on the southwest elevation. This, along with the unglazed timber window frame on the northern elevation, potentially allows wildlife (bats and birds) unrestricted access to the structure.
Attached to the southern elevation is a single storey extension, which is clad with a mixture of metal sheeting and corrugated fibre cement boarding. At the time of the survey the building was being used for general domestic storage and for parking cars. A high level of dust and general debris within the hay-loft and on stored items within the building suggest that the building is mostly unused.
2.5 Dovecote A traditional dovecote constructed of local stone and supporting a timber-framed roof, covered with clay tiles. The building is in a relatively good state of repair and the roof has been repaired/renovated in the past c30-40 years. Internally, a timber framed workshop has been added to the building, supporting a first-floor storage area.
Photograph 3: Representative images showing the northern (left) and southern (right) elevations of the stone dovecote.
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Photograph 4: Representative images showing the internal walls (left) and internal roof structure (right) of the dovecote.
Internally all of the walls have been fitted with brick and stone nesting chambers (estimated to be at least c1,500 individual nest-holes). A careful inspection of many of the assessable nest- holes suggested that the building has not been inhabited by birds for a significant period of time.
There is no roof void, with the building being open to the apex. The roof is in a good state of repair, with only a small area of missing tiles to the western elevation. There are windows to both gable ends; the window on the western elevation contains no glass - potentially allowing wildlife (bats and birds) unrestricted access to the structure. At the time of the survey the building was being used for general storage with large quantities of timber, hessian sacking and wire meshing stored throughout the building.
2.6 Outbuildings To the south of the two traditional stone buildings are two open-fronted cart sheds. Both are timber-framed with solid brick walls to the rear elevation. At the time of the survey both buildings were being used to store redundant agricultural equipment.
Photograph 5: Representative images showing outbuildings to the rear of the stone barns.
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2.7 Survey constraints There were no constraints to the survey, with full access available to all of the buildings.
2.8 Proposed work The proposed work entails the internal conversion of the buildings into a single domestic dwelling. The plans include an extension to the rear of the dovecote which would affect at least two of the semi-mature ash trees and encroach on the short sward amenity grassland.
3 METHODS
The site was surveyed on 16th November 2016 by Andrew Chick (NE bat licence no. 2015- 15161-CLS-CLS and 2015-15162-CLS-CLS (Class 1 & 2) and NE great crested newt licence no. 2015-8470-CLS-CLS). All habitats and plant communities within and adjacent to the site were recorded and mapped. Representative photographs were taken.
During the initial appraisal of the site the protected species considered likely to occur on site were identified. These were:
Bats Common species of birds Schedule 1 Species of bird – Barn Owls Badgers
The methods used to survey for these species are detailed below.
3.1 Bats Aided where necessary by the use of a powerful torch ('Clulite CB2' 1,000,000 candlepower) and ladders, a visual search was made internally and externally of all cracks and fissures in the walls and the undersides of the roofs of all structures on site for bats. Where accessible, all undisturbed surfaces were inspected for evidence of past and present occupation by bats in the form of: droppings, urine or fur staining, feeding remains, scratch marks and the bodily remains of bats.
With the aid of binoculars, a visual inspection was made of all trees on and adjacent to the survey area for features with the potential to support roosting bats. Such features included dis- used woodpecker holes, cracks and splits in boughs, delaminated bark and ivy-clad trunks.
3.1.1 Bat activity survey A bat activity and emergence survey could not be carried out as mid-November is outside of the bat active season (which runs from April until late-September). During the colder months of
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the year bats spend their time in hibernation, with intermittent activity coinciding with milder weather.
3.2 Common species of birds All habitats were assessed for their potential to support nesting birds. All bird species seen or heard were noted. All disused and active nests were recorded.
3.3 Schedule 1 species of birds (Barn Owls) An inspection was made of the buildings for the presence of barn owls and the signs indicative of their past or present use. These signs include:
Regurgitated pellets Faecal deposits Feathers Discarded prey items
The places that could potentially be used as breeding locations, including roof voids and horizontal surfaces at first floor level, were also checked for any signs of current or former nesting attempts. These signs included brooding adult birds, concentrations of accumulated flattened pellet nest debris, faecal encrustation, eggs or eggshell remains, surplus prey items, bodily remains of chicks or infant down feathers.
3.4 Badgers The survey site and within a 30m distance of the survey site boundary were searched for signs of the presence of badger setts, footprints, padways, feeding signs and latrines.
3.5 Other statutorily protected species As part of the extended walkover of the site and its environs, a search for signs of use by other statutorily protected species was also undertaken. Particular attention was focused on the habitats and plants and the presence of any ponds.
4 RESULTS
4.1 Data search The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) www.nbn.org.uk was searched for records of protected species within the 10km OS grid square TF11. The Langtoft area is known to support a number of common species of bats as well as having local records of great crested newt, badger and numerous schedule 1 species of birds (particularly associated with Langtoft gravel works, which is located approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the survey site).
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4.2 Habitats and plant species The habitat types and plant species recorded within the site during the survey on 16th November 2016 are common in the local context and the region as a whole, with no plants of local importance or significance found. None of the plant species recorded on site appear on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
4.3 Bats Within the stone barn, a total of c30-40 droppings recalling those voided by brown long-eared bats were noted scattered on stored items within the hay-loft area. The droppings were considered to be of mixed ages, although at least one appeared to be relatively fresh. A small concentration of droppings (less than 10) were associated with probable feeding remains (a small number of discarded moth wings), which were found located directly below the ridge beam.
Photograph 6: Representative images of discarded moth wing (left) and two relatively fresh bat droppings (right) from the hay-loft within the stone barn.
A further loose concentration of c5-10 discarded moth wings were located on the bonnet of a stored car, within the ground floor section of the stone barn. Associated with the moth wings were a number of degraded droppings, which were all considered to be old (possibly over one year in age). No fresh droppings were found within this section of the building.
Photograph 7: Representative images of discarded moth wing on the bonnet of a stored vehicle within the stone barn (left) and c30 discarded moth wings from within the dovecote (right).
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Within the dovecote a small concentration of c15-20 discarded moth wings were discovered located directly below the ridge beam on stored timber to the rear of the building. A detailed search of the area failed to find any bat droppings.
No bats or signs of bats were found in the two timber framed outbuildings.
A number of niches were identified on the external fabric of both of the stone barns; in particular niches created by failed mortar joints between stonework, between wooden lintels and the stonework, niches where the roof timbers tied into the stonework and settlement cracks. Where necessary these features were accessed by a ladder and searched utilising an endoscope. There was no positive evidence recorded to suggest use of any of these by bats.
A search of the interior and exterior of the buildings noted a range of features. Where required these features were accessed by ladders and searched (utilising an endoscope if needed). There was no positive evidence recorded to suggest use of any of these by bats. The following are representative images of some of the features inspected:
Stone barn
Photograph 8: Representative image of gaps within the stonework. There were occasional gaps with the stonework. Most of the gaps were superficial. However, there was a small number of gaps that recessed into the inner fabric of the building. These were all carefully inspected and no signs of bats
were found.
Photograph 9: Representative image of timber feature within the stonework. Some of the internal timbers are of a significant size and are keyed into the stonework. In places these pass through the stone walls and can be seen on the external surfaces. Associated with these features are a number of small niches considered
suitable to support small numbers/individual bats. There was no evidence to suggest any were being used at the time of the survey.
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Photograph 10: Representative image of the timber frame on the northern elevation. The timber-framed window on the northern elevation has been boarded up at some time in the past. There is no glass, which potentially allows bats access to the building. Internally, there are features around the timber frame with the potential to
support individual roosting bats.
Photograph 11: Representative image of timber beam within stone barn. Internally there are a number of large timbers supporting the hay-loft. There are gaps around these timbers with the potential to support roosting bats. A careful inspection found no evidence to suggest these were being used at the time of the survey.
Dovecote
Photograph 12: Representative image of the ridge tile. The roof of the dovecote is generally in a good state of repair. The ridge tile is tight fitting with very few gaps or possible access points.
Photograph 13: Representative image of an area of missing bedding mortar on the northern elevation. On the northern elevation there is an area of missing bedding mortar at eaves level. The gap was observed to be cobweb free. However, there was no evidence to suggest use by bats.
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Photograph 14: Representative image of the internal nest-holes. Within the dovecote a high percentage of the nest-holes were inspected. Due to the presence of large amounts of stored timber it was not possible to inspect every feature. However, due to the unheated nature of the building, it was considered suitable to
support hibernating bats.
The survey site was considered likely to be used generally for foraging by bats. Roosting by bats is additionally likely to occur in the surrounding buildings given the presence of moderate feeding habitat in the form of gardens and mature hedgerows.
Tree inspection A total of six trees were inspected for the potential to support roosting bats. Not all of the trees would be affected by the proposed works. The results of the bat roost assessment are shown in the table below:
Tree Species Location Description Bat roost No. potential T1 Apple TF 12465 12616 Mature tree with Medium Located on the northern side of single woodpecker the dovecote (unaffected by the hole, some dead proposed works). wood and lifted bark. T2 Apple TF 12468 12621 Mature tree with Low/Medium Located on the northern side of some dead wood the dovecote (unaffected by the and lifted bark. proposed works). T3 Ash TF 12476 12610 Semi-mature tree None Located on the southern side of with no bat roost the dovecote and proposed to features. be removed. T4 Ash TF 12478 12615 Semi-mature tree None Located on the southern side of with no bat roost the dovecote and proposed to features. be removed. T5 Ash TF 12480 12604 Mature tree with no Low Located on the southern side of bat roost features. the dovecote and is likely to be removed. T6 Ash TF 12486 12611 Mature tree with no None Located on the southern side of bat roost features. the dovecote and is likely to be removed.
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The approximate location of the trees is shown in the images below:
Photograph 15: Representative images showing the location of the trees surveyed.
4.4 Birds A typical assemblage of common British birds was recorded on the site and in the immediate environs of the site.
Photograph 16: Representative images of sparrow nest within the stone barn (left) and an old swallow nest located within the stone barn extension (right).
Old house sparrow Passer domesticus nests were recorded in the ridge of the stone barn, although no birds were noted during the survey. An old swallow nest and an old blackbird nest were recorded in the extension.
Schedule 1 species of birds (Barn Owls) No barn owls were seen during the course of the daylight survey, no evidence of either current or past roosting by this species was found within the survey building. No further work in connection with this species was considered necessary.
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4.5 Badgers No evidence of badger was found within the actual survey area. No setts were found within the survey area, and none were found in the land adjacent. No further work in connection with this species was considered necessary.
4.6 Other statutorily protected species No ponds were found in the immediate environs of the survey site. A single pond was located on the local Ordnance Survey 1: 25 000 scale map at NGR TF 12659 12871, a distance of approximately 320 metres northeast of the survey site. The pond is associated with mature hedgerows and separated from the site by the main road and residential housing.
If the proposed development involves disturbance only within the current buildings and hard standing then no further survey is considered necessary. Given all of these findings, overall the potential for other statutorily protected species likely to be affected by the development is considered to be very low and no further work is recommended.
5 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
All recommendations provided in this section are based on the current understanding of the site proposals, correct at the time the report was compiled. Should the proposals alter, the conclusions and recommendations made in the report should be reviewed to ensure that they remain appropriate.
5.1 Habitats 5.1.1 Recommendations The site comprises hard standing and amenity grassland. The proposed development will result in the loss of an area of amenity grassland and a number of the semi-mature trees. The hard standing is of negligible ecological value and the amenity grassland is of low intrinsic ecological value. Overall the site is considered to be of low ecological value and the proposals are not considered likely to give rise to an adverse ecological impact.
It is recommended that a tree replacement scheme is undertaken (with new trees planted on the southern boundary) to compensate for those lost during the development.
5.2 Bats 5.2.1 Legal protection
In England, Scotland and Wales, all bats are strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and as amended); in England and Wales this legislation has been amended and strengthened by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000.
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Bats are also protected by European legislation; the EC Habitats Directive is transposed into UK law by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 – often referred to as 'The Habitat Regs'. Taken together, all this legislation makes it an offence to:
Deliberately capture (or take), injure or kill a bat Intentionally or recklessly disturb a group of bats where the disturbance is likely to significantly affect the ability of the animals to survive, breed, or nurture their young or likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species whether in a roost or not Damage or destroy the breeding or resting place of a bat Possess a bat (alive or dead) or any part of a bat Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost Sell (or offer for sale) or exchange bats (alive or dead) or parts of bats
A roost is defined as being ‘any structure or place that is used for shelter or protection’, and since bats regularly move roost site throughout the year, a roost retains such designation whether or not bats are present at the time.
5.2.2 Recommendations The recommendations are given in two parts:
Stone barn and dovecote The survey results indicate that both buildings are used by small numbers/individual bats, most likely brown long-eared bats (probably as a feed perch) – an area where they fly in, consume a prey item, rest temporarily and then move on.
The number of droppings located during the survey does not indicate the presence of a maternity colony in either of the buildings. However, bats utilise different roost sites throughout the year, and are most easily detectable during the summer months when they are most active and do form maternity colonies. Therefore, survey work during the winter will only give a partial indication of the level of use of these buildings by bats.
For these buildings, it is advised that an updated survey is conducted by a licensed ecologist during the active bat active season (May – September) with the results forwarded to the LPA to ensure that there is no inadvertent breach in the legislation relating to bats with regards to these buildings.
Outbuildings These buildings are exposed and well lit which reduces the potential for a significant long term bat roost to occur within them. There were a number of features which were considered to offer
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some potential for use by small numbers/individual bats e.g. cracks in the timber work, although there was no evidence of such use. The survey results indicate that these buildings are not key to the overall conservation status of bats in the local area and the development of the buildings would not alter the ability of bats to survive and reproduce; therefore there is no constraint on the development of the buildings and no requirements for any mitigation or further survey work. The ‘ecological functionality’ of bats in the local area will not be adversely affected by the development of these survey buildings.
5.2.3 Good working practice Bats can occupy the smallest of spaces which cannot easily be inspected. It is recommended, as a precaution, that all contractors are warned of the possibility of finding bats and informed that they must stop work at once if they see bats or suspect that they are present. A procedure to follow in the unlikely event of finding a bat is given as Appendix 2. It is also recommended, (again as a precaution) that work should not commence in the time period between the beginning of October and mid-April in order to avoid any potential disturbance to hibernating bats.
It is recommended that any future re-pointing work is NOT carried out during the main winter period to avoid possible entombment of bats. The buildings both have relatively high value with regard to hibernation – they have deep cracks and niches within rubble filled cavities to the stone walls, as well as being disused, unheated and quiet etc.
It is recommended that one week prior to the planned re-pointing work, a suitably qualified ecologist will undertake a precautionary check for the presence of bats.
5.2.4 Recommendations – trees The two apple trees (T1 & T2) are unaffected by the proposed works. Should the plans change then tree T1 (specifically with the old woodpecker hole) should be inspected during the active season for the presence of roosting bats.
The two semi-mature ash trees (T3 & T4) have no features suitable for bat roosting and are both considered to have low ecological valve.
The two large ash trees (T5 & T6) are on the edge of the proposed development site. Neither of these trees contained any features of bat roost potential. However, if it is decided that these trees should be removed, then it is recommended that they are inspected by a licenced bat worker prior to removal with the results forwarded to the LPA.
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2000. Lighting schemes can damage bat foraging habitat directly through loss of land and fragmentation, or indirectly by severing commuting routes from roosts.
It is recommended that any proposed security lighting on site is placed as far from the boundary as possible, and that light spillage onto gardens and the surrounding landscape is avoided by using shields to direct the light. The impact on bats can be minimised by the use of low pressure sodium lamps or high pressure sodium instead of mercury or metal halide lamps. The height of lighting columns in general should be as short as is possible as light at a low level reduces the ecological impact. A sensor should also be used, to provide some dark periods on site.
5.3 Birds 5.3.1 Legal protection All common wild birds are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and as amended). Under this legislation it is an offence to:
Kill, injure or take any wild bird Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird
Certain rare breeding birds are listed on Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and as amended). Under this legislation they are afforded the same protection as common wild birds and are also protected against disturbance whilst building a nest or on or near a nest containing eggs/unfledged young.
5.3.2 Recommendations Since the buildings are clearly used for nesting by species of common birds, any future redevelopment work should ideally avoid the active nesting season. If work commences during the bird breeding season, a search for nests should be carried out before commencing work, and active nests should be protected until the young fledge.
5.3.3 Recommended conservation measures – House Sparrows House sparrows have been noted as breeding within the survey site. This species is included on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and on the Red List under the criteria set out in Birds of Conservation Concern 3: (Eaton M A et al, 2009), as their breeding population has suffered declines of over 50% in the last 25 years. To mitigate for the loss of sparrow nesting areas, a minimum of 2 artificial nest places will be provided, within the new site/development:
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Photograph 17: Schwegler 1SP sparrow nestbox (left) and wooden sparrow nestbox (right).
5.3.4 Recommended conservation measures – Swallows The survey indicates that a pair of swallows breed within the stone barn (although there was no evidence to suggest that they had done so in the recent past). This species typically shows high site fidelity. There has been a marked decrease in the swallow population in recent years, which is thought mainly to be due to losses in the wintering grounds, but habitat loss in the breeding areas is also considered to contribute. Although not on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) it has been placed on the amber list of Birds of Conservation Concern: 2002-2007. It would be advantageous therefore to make provision for nesting swallows within the new development. This can be achieved using specially designed nest ‘ledges’ or artificial nests, though care should be taken in the location of these so as to prevent the droppings creating problems in the future. As swallows prefer to nest inside built structures it can be difficult to incorporate such provision but possibilities could include having areas above garages, inside porches, or wheelie bin enclosures which can be designed to accommodate the birds without the resultant mess becoming a problem.
Photograph 18: Schwegler No. 10 swallow nest ledges.
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5.4 Enhancement recommendations
5.4.1 Habitat creation Habitat creation could be carried out to compensate for the works and to enhance the site for nature conservation and wildlife. In particular BAP Priority Habitats should be considered. It is important that ecological ‘corridors’ are maintained along the site boundaries. Habitat creation could include the planting of native species-rich hedgerows along the southern boundary and the replacement of trees removed during the proposed works. A list of suitable native species for planting and sowing is provided in Appendix 3.
For the proposed habitats to provide some compensation for the works it is essential that native species suitable to the local area are used for planting and that they are designed to maximise their wildlife potential.
5.5 Further survey recommendations
5.5.1 Nesting birds If it is necessary to carry out site clearance works such as tree removal during the bird breeding season, then a nesting bird 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 are found then work will have to be delayed until all chicks have fledged.
6 REFERENCES
Altringham, John. 2003. British Bats. Harper Collins New Naturalist.
Collins, J. (ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practise Guidelines (3rd edn). The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
Eaton, M.A., Aebischer, N.J., Brown, A.F., Hearn, R., Lock, L. Musgrove, A., Noble, D., Stroud, D., Richard, G. (2015) Birds of conservation concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds 108, 708-746.
JNCC 2003 Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: a technique for environmental audit.JNCC, Peterborough.
MAGIC Site Check Report. Available: www.magic.gov.uk.
NBN Gateway. Available: nbn.org.uk.
Shawyer CR 2011 Barn Owl Tyto alba Survey Methodology and Techniques for use in Ecological Assessment Developing Best Practice in Survey and Reporting
Prepared by Andrew Chick MPhil 21 07880700313
Protected Species Survey of Outbuildings at 22 East End, Langtoft November 2016
APPENDIX 1
FIGURE 1 Site habitat and location map at 22 East End, Langtoft
Prepared by Andrew Chick MPhil 22 07880700313
APPENDIX 2
Procedure to follow if bats are discovered during works
If at any point during the works, bats are discovered then contractors must immediately stop work in the relevant area concerned and telephone Andrew Chick 0788 0700313.
An appropriately licensed bat worker will liaise directly with Natural England. Actions will then be taken following advice given. This may include removal of bats, but only where direct written or verbal permission is gained from Natural England.
Only when Natural England is satisfied that there is no further risk to bats will works recommence.
Should it transpire that the operation being carried out is of more risk to bats than was originally thought, then works will be stopped until they can be supervised by an appropriately licensed bat worker.
If a bat is found under a tile or in any other aperture, works will stop immediately (as above). If the bat does not voluntarily fly out, then the aperture will be carefully covered over to protect the bat(s) from the elements, leaving a small gap for the bat to escape voluntarily. Any covering should be free from grease or other contaminants, and should not be a fibreglass- based material.
Any injured bats should be gently placed in a secure ventilated box in a cool, quiet dark place (e.g. cardboard box with a sealed lid) by the contractor while wearing gloves for the bat’s protection whilst awaiting the arrival of the licensed person.
Protected Species Survey of Outbuildings at 22 East End, Langtoft November 2016
APPENDIX 3
Native Species Suitable for Planting and Sowing
The plants should be obtained from specialist nurseries and preferably be of local genetic stock.
1. Native Shrub and Tree Species
Shrubs Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus Crab apple Malus sylvestris Dog rose Rosa canina Dog wood Cornus sanguinea Field maple Acer campestre Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hazel Corylus avellana Holly Ilex aquifolium Spindle Euonymus europaeus Wild privet Ligustrum vulgare Trees Ash Fraxinus excelsior Pedunculate oak Quercus robur Silver birch Betula pendula Wild cherry Prunus avium
2. Native Wildflower Species
Grasses Common bent Agrostis capillaris Crested dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus Meadow fescue Festuca pratensis Red fescue Festuca rubra Rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis Small timothy Phleum bertolonii Smooth meadow-grass Poa pratensis Sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Yellow oat-grass Trisetum flavescens Herbs Bird's-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus Black knapweed Centaurea nigra Common cat's-ear Hypochoeris radicata Common sorrel Rumex acetosa Common vetch Vicia sativa Cowslip Primula veris Field scabious Knautia arvense Lady's bedstraw Galium verum Meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Red clover Trifolium pratense Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Prepared by Andrew Chick MPhil 25 07880700313