Whitcher Wildlife Ltd. Wildlife Consultants.
LLANGEFNI TO GAERWEN.
PHASE I HABITAT AND PROTECTED FAUNA SURVEY.
Ref No:- 110136.
th Date:- 4 March 2011.
______Cliff Edge, Cliff Road, Darfield, Barnsley, S73 9HR. Tel. 01226 753271. Fax. 01226 270993. [email protected] www.whitcher-wildlife.co.uk Company No. 4401613. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
______
Page Number
1. INTRODUCTION. 3.
2. SURVEY METHODOLOGY. 4.
3. SURVEY RESULTS. 5.
4. EVALUATION OF FINDINGS. 19.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS. 21.
Appendix I. WATER VOLE INFORMATION. 24.
Appendix II. OTTER INFORMATION. 26.
Appendix III. BAT INFORMATION. 28.
Appendix IV. NESTING BIRD INFORMATION. 29.
Appendix V. CRAYFISH INFORMATION. 30.
Appendix VI. INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION. 32.
Appendix VII. REPTILES - GRASS SNAKE AND ADDER INFORMATION. 34.
Appendix VIII. REPTILES - LIZARD INFORMATION. 35.
Appendix IX. MALLTRAETH MARSH SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST MAP. 37.
Appendix X. GCN POND MAPS. 38.
Appendix XI. PHASE I SURVEY ANNOTATED MAPS OF THE SURVEY AREA. 42.
Appendix XII. TARGET NOTES. 43.
2 1. INTRODUCTION.
1.1. Network Rail Ltd are currently clearing vegetation from sleeper end to sleeper end along of the single disused railway line that runs between Gaerwen Junction and Llangefni Station and is 4m 43ch in length. The railway line is being cleared with the intention to carry out further investigation works to assess the feasibility of re- opening the currently disused railway line.
1.2. Whitcher Wildlife Ltd has been commissioned to carry supervise the vegetation clearance works and to carry out a Phase I Habitat and Protected Fauna Survey of the site to establish whether there are any issues that may affect the proposed works.
1.3. The site survey was carried out between the 27th January and 25th February 2011 and this report outlines the findings of that survey and makes appropriate recommendations.
1.4. Appendices I to VIII of this report provide additional information on specific species and are designed to assist the reader to understand the contents of this report.
********************
3 2. SURVEY METHODOLOGY.
2.1. Prior to visiting the site the survey area was cross referenced to maps and aerial photographs to give a general idea of the habitats within the area and to identify potential access and walking routes.
2.2. The survey area was walked where access was agreed and public rights of way were used where no access was agreed. All habitats within the survey area, and where possible the surrounding area were documented and the dominant species within that habitat listed in line with the JNCC Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat surveys.
2.3. The survey area was thoroughly searched for evidence of badger (Meles meles) activity by looking for the following signs:- * Badger setts. * Badger latrines or dung pits. * Badger snuffle holes and evidence of foraging. * Badger paths. * Badger prints in areas of soft mud. * Badger hairs caught on fencing.
2.4. All watercourses within the survey area where possible were thoroughly searched for evidence of water vole (Arvicola terrestris) activity by looking for the following signs:- * Water vole burrows. * Water vole faeces and latrines. * Water vole feeding stations. * Water vole runs. * Water vole prints in areas of soft mud. * Water vole lawns. * Predator field signs.
2.5. All watercourses within the survey area where possible were thoroughly searched for evidence of otter (lutra lutra) activity by looking for the following signs:- * Otter prints in soft mud. * Otter spraints. * Otter Holts.
4
2.6. All mature trees and derelict buildings were assessed/checked for potential bat roosting sites by looking for the following signs:- * Holes, cracks or crevices. * Bat Droppings.
2.7. The land adjacent to the survey area was assessed for bat roosting and foraging potential including connective routes and flight lines.
2.8. The area within 500m of the survey site was cross referenced to maps to highlight all ponds close to the site. Where possible the ponds were accessed using agreed access or public rights of way to assess the potential for great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) to be present.
2.9. All watercourses and waterbodies within the survey area were assessed for the potential for water voles, otters and crayfish.
2.10. The survey area was thoroughly searched for the presence of reptiles or suitable reptile habitats.
********************
5
3. SURVEY RESULTS.
3.1. Data Search Results.
3.1.1. The NBN Gateway website was consulted for records of protected species within or near the survey area. The table below shows a summary of the results found.
Species: Location: Common Frog Records within 100m of Gaerwen Junction and within 10km of the remaining length of the survey area. Common Toad Records within 100m of Gaerwen Junction and within 1km of the line near Gaerwen. Great Crested Newt Records within 2km north of Gaerwen Junction and within 10km of the remaining length of the survey area. Smooth Newt Records within 100m of Gaerwen Junction and in Gaerwen. Common Pipistrelle Records within 10km of the survey area. Brown Long Eared Bat Records at Llangefni and within 1km of where the B4419 crosses over the railway near Gaerwen. Daubenton Bat Records within 1km of the line south of Llangefni. Badger, Water Vole, Myotis bat, Noctule bat Records within 10km of the survey area. and Whiskered bat. Otter There are a number of records of otter within 10km of the site. None are close to the survey area.
3.1.2. Malltraeth Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest is located approximately 500m west of where the railway passes through Pentre Berw. This is designated due to its biological interest. It is important for its breeding bird community and lowland damp grassland and the botanical interest of its ditches and watercourses. Appendix IX of this report contains a map showing the limits of the SSSI.
6 3.2. The Surveyed Area.
The aerial photograph below shows the extent of the survey route between Gaerwen Junction and Llangefni Station.
Llangefni Station.
Gaerwen Junction.
The route is mostly across rural habitats surrounded by grazing land, although there are varying habitats through the route.
3.3. Phase 1 Habitat Survey Results.
3.3.1. Appendix XI of this report contain an annotated maps of the site marked up with varying habitats that are cross referenced to target notes in Appendix XII of this report. The habitats on and adjacent to the site are:-
• Dense Scrub • Scattered Scrub • Scattered trees • Semi Natural Broad Leaved Woodland • Scattered Bracken • Rock Cutting • Standing Water • Flowing Water • Buildings 7 • Improved Grassland • Marshy Grassland • Amenity Grassland • Bare Ground • Fence • Hedgerow
3.3.2. Dense Scrub.
Dense Scrub is the dominant habitat throughout the survey area, primarily within the boundary fence and was also growing along the four foot. Species included in this habitat are dense bramble (Rubus fruticosus), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), gorse (Ulex sp.), goat willow (Salix caprea), ash saplings (Fraxinus excelsior), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), common reed (Phragmites australis) and some fern species.
8 3.3.3. Scattered scrub.
Scattered scrub is abundant throughout the survey area where the dense scrub thins out. Species are similar to those listed in the dense scrub category and include bramble (Rubus fruticosus), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), gorse (Ulex sp.), goat willow (Salix caprea), ash saplings (Fraxinus excelsior) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).
3.3.4. Scattered Trees.
9 Scattered trees are abundant throughout the survey area and are mainly growing along the cutting sides or embankments of the railway line. The dominant species are ash (Fraxinus excelsior), silver birch (Betula pendula) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna).
3.3.5. Semi Natural Broad Leaved Woodland.
There are two areas of semi natural broad leaved woodland throughout the survey area. These areas are high railway embankments that have become wooded with dominantly ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees, with some hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and with bramble (Rubus fruticosus) also growing in this habitat.
10 3.3.6. Scattered bracken.
There are two small areas of this habitat within the survey area. There is one where the bracken is growing between the rocks of a rock cutting and the area is generally very wet. The second is in an area of scattered scrub.
3.3.7. Rock Cutting.
There is a small length of rock cutting located within the survey area. This has a line of trees growing along the top and some scattered scrub and bracken growing from between the rocks.
11 3.3.8. Standing Water.
3.3.8.1. The areas of standing water identified include some large drains that are positioned parallel to the line within the boundary fence. There is a network of drains in the surrounding area as this is generally a very wet area. The banks of the drains are heavily vegetated with common reed (Phragmites australis).
3.3.8.2. There is also standing water in the form of ponds within the surrounding area.
12 3.3.9. Flowing Water.
There are a small number of watercourses that flow under the railway. These vary in size and nature
3.3.10. Buildings.
There are numerous buildings located within close proximity to the survey area. These comprise private housing and factory units and vary in nature. There are no buildings within the railway boundary.
13 3.3.11. Improved grassland.
Improved grassland is the dominant habitat in the surrounding area to the railway line. This is land that has been heavily grazed by sheep.
3.3.12. Marshy Grassland.
There is a large area of marshy grassland immediately adjacent to the railway corridor, outside the boundary fence on both sides of the line to the north of where the line crosses under the A55. This is dominated by sedges, with wet areas and common
14 reed (Phragmites australis) growing along the banks of the network of drains across this area.
3.3.13. Amenity Grassland.
There is a playing field located to the east of the railway corridor to the south of Llangefni.
3.3.14. Bare Ground.
There are some access tracks on the land adjacent to the railway corridor that comprise bare ground.
3.3.15. Fence.
The majority of the railway boundary fence throughout the survey area comprises a post and wire fence.
3.3.16. Hedgerows.
There are a number of hedgerow boundaries in the surrounding area outside the railway boundary fence.
3.4. Protected Fauna Survey Results.
3.1. No badger setts or fields signs were identified along the railway corridor.
3.2. A total of ten watercourses/drainage ditches were identified that flow under the railway within the survey area. All areas within the boundary fence were thoroughly surveyed where possible for the potential or presence of water voles and otters. Full descriptions of these are included in Appendix XII in the target notes.
3.3. No water vole or otter field signs were identified along the watercourses or drains within and near the railway boundary where access and surveys were possible during this initial survey. There is potential for water voles to be present in the drainage ditches marked in T22 and T24 – T30 as these are ideal water vole habitat.
15 3.4. Crayfish surveys were not carried out along the watercourses as crayfish surveys can only be carried out between July and October inclusive to avoid the winter reduced activity period and to avoid disturbing females carrying eggs and releasing their young.
3.5. During the site surveys, and from observations of Ordnance Survey maps and Google Earth maps of the area, a total of 15 ponds and a large area of wetland containing a network of drainage ditches holding standing water have been identified within 500m of the railway corridor throughout the length of the survey area. These are shown on the maps in Appendix X of this report.
3.6. The majority of these are on private land and were not assessed during this initial survey. Any that could be assessed are described in Appendix XII in the target notes and all were identified as being potential habitat for great crested newts. The railway corridor provides ideal terrestrial habitat for great crested newts.
3.7. The presence of watercourses, ponds and drainage ditches along the survey area provide potential habitat for other amphibians and it is likely that other amphibians are present within the survey area. There are also some areas along the survey area where the drainage system for the railway has deteriorated resulting in wet areas along the railway line.
3.8. The railway corridor also provides potential terrestrial habitat for amphibians. The data search has highlighted the presence of frogs and toads within the vicinity of the survey area and are therefore likely to be present.
3.9. There are a number of structures along the length of the railway line surveyed including over bridges, under bridges and culverts. Descriptions of these are included in Appendix XII in the target notes. The following table outlines an initial general bat assessment of each structure identified along the survey area:
16 Target Note Reference: Bat Assessment: T2 No potential for roosting bats. T3 May offer potential for roosting bats. T5 Offers potential for roosting bats. T9 Culvert too small to provide potential for roosting bats. T11 Low potential in deck may be some potential in abutments/wing walls. T13 Low potential in deck may be some potential in abutments/wing walls. T14 Culvert not accessed but water noise makes it less attractive to roosting bats. T15 Cracks in stonework providing potential for roosting bats. T17 May offer potential for roosting bats. T18 May offer potential for roosting bats. T19 Concrete tunnel providing no potential for roosting bats. T21 The abutments offer potential for roosting bats. T32 Low potential in deck may be some potential in abutments/wing walls. T33 Low potential in deck may be some potential in abutments/wing walls. T35 Low potential for roosting bats. T36 May provide suitable habitat for roosting bats. T37 Culvert too small to provide potential for roosting bats. T38 May provide suitable habitat for roosting bats. T39 There is some potential for roosting bats. T40 There is some potential for roosting bats.
3.10. A single mature tree was identified within the survey area (T8) and there are some large semi mature trees within the areas of broad leaved semi natural woodland that have some ivy cover that may provide potential for roosting bats during the summer months.
3.11. There are rock cuttings within the survey area these are assessed as having low potential for roosting bats as there are no obvious deep cracks or gaps suitable for roosting bats and they are generally very wet with a lot of vegetation cover.
17 3.12. The vegetation and any ledges, holes or cracks in any structures along the length of the railway offer potential for nesting birds during the nesting bird season.
3.13. No reptiles were identified during the survey however the edges of the dense scrub offer potential habitat for reptiles. During the warmer months any potentially present reptiles will use the dense scrub as cover and protection and will emerge out into the open areas adjacent, such as the ballast, to bask.
3.14. Two barn owl pellets (T31) were identified on top of an under bridge on the edge of the marshy grassland area. This confirms that barn owls are present within the area and most likely forage here. This perch is not well used by barn owls as only two pellets were identified.
3.15. A small number of rabbit burrows were identified along the survey area.
3.16. Two clumps of Japanese Knotweed were identified within the survey area (T20 and T41).
********************
18 4. EVALUATION OF FINDINGS.
4.1. There are ten watercourses/drainage ditches located within the survey area that flow under the railway line. No water vole or otter field signs were identified during this initial survey, although these could only be surveyed from within the boundary fence and this initial survey was carried out during the winter months when water vole activity levels are reduced and the presence of water voles can easily be missed. It is best practice to carry out water vole surveys between March and October inclusive.
4.2. Drainage ditches marked as T22 and T24 – T30 have potential for water voles as. A thorough survey of these was not carried out during this initial survey as due to the nature of these they will require two surveyors to carry out the survey, with one surveyor accessing along the ditch. Also, this initial survey was carried out during the winter months when water vole activity levels are reduced and the presence of water voles can easily be missed.
4.3. There may also be potential for crayfish in the watercourses. Due to the timing of this survey crayfish surveys were not carried out.
4.4. There are potentially 15 ponds and a large area of wetland containing a network of drainage ditches within 500m of the survey area that may offer potential habitat for great crested newts.
4.5. There is potential for other amphibians to be present within the railway corridor, in particular frogs and toads.
4.6. There are a number of structures present along the length of the railway line that may have potential for roosting bats. The following structures may offer potential for roosting bats (target note references): T3, T5, T6, T11, T13, T14, T15, T17, T18, T21, T32, T33, T36, T38, T39 and T40.
4.7. There is one mature tree (T8) and a number of large semi mature trees throughout the survey area that have a lot of ivy cover that may provide potential for low numbers of roosting bats during the summer months. The ivy may also conceal holes or crevices in the trunks of the trees that could also provide roosting potential for bats.
19 4.8. The rock cuttings are assessed as low potential for roosting bats as no obvious deep cracks or gaps were identified and they were also very wet and damp with some vegetation cover.
4.9. The vegetation and some structures throughout the survey area provide ideal habitat for nesting birds throughout the nesting bird season. The nesting season extends from March to September. 4.10. The railway corridor, in particular the edges of the areas of dense scrub provide habitat for reptiles throughout the year. However, no reptiles were identified during the survey and there are no records of any reptiles in the area.
4.11. Two clumps of Japanese Knotweed were identified within the survey area.
4.12. No other issues were identified that will affect any proposed works.
4.13. Malltraeth Marsh SSSI is located approximately 500m west of the railway line near Pentre Berw. This is not directly an issue to the survey area.
********************
20 5. RECOMMENDATIONS.
5.1. It is recommended that details of any proposed works within 3m of any watercourse/drainage ditches are provided so that an assessment can be carried out and further water vole, otter and crayfish surveys may be required. Access permission may be required to carry out these surveys outside the railway boundary.
5.2. It is recommended that any water vole surveys are carried out between March and October inclusive to avoid periods of reduced activity.
5.3. Crayfish surveys can only be carried out between July and October inclusive to avoid disturbing females carrying eggs and to avoid periods of reduced activity.
5.4. In the event that water voles, otters or crayfish are identified and are an issue to the works, appropriate CCW licences will need to be applied for to cover the works and the species will need to be mitigated for appropriately by excluding the animals from the works areas. It will be necessary to time the works appropriately and if necessary provide alternative habitat for the animals.
5.5. It is recommended that access permission is sought as soon as possible for full great crested newt surveys to be carried out in all ponds and drainage ditches within 500m of the railway corridor, as marked up on the maps in appendix X of this report.
5.6. Natural England/CCW guidelines state that four surveys of each pond/ditch are required to establish a presence or absence of great crested newts. These surveys must be carried out between mid March and mid June with at least two of the surveys carried out between mid April and mid May. Additionally, in all those ponds where great crested newts are identified to be present a further two surveys are required within the same time period, and at least three of the full six surveys must be carried out between mid April and mid May.
5.7. If great crested newts are identified to be present a CCW licence will be required to cover the works with a full mitigation package in place to prevent harming or killing any great crested newts during the works. This will be achieved by excluding great crested newts from work areas and timing the works appropriately.
5.8. It is recommended that, if works will be required to any of the structures T3, T5, T6, T11, T13, T14, T15, T17, T18, T21, T32, T33, T36, T38, T39 and/or T40 along 21 the route, full details of the works are provided and further bat assessments/surveys are carried out between May and September to establish if there are any bat roosts present.
5.9. It is recommended that, if the mature tree (T8) or any large semi mature trees are to felled or directly affected during the spring or summer months, further bat assessments/surveys are carried out to establish if there are any bat roosts present.
5.10. In the event that any roosting bats are identified in any structures or trees to be affected by any proposed works, a CCW licence will be required to cover the works with an appropriate mitigation strategy in place to cater for the bats. This will involve excluding the bats, timing the works appropriately and providing alternative roosting sites for the bats.
5.11. It is recommended that no vegetation clearance or high disturbance works are carried out during the nesting bird season.
5.12. It is recommended that all personnel working on site are briefed on the potential presence of reptiles within the survey area and if any are found they are left to escape by their own means before work proceed. In the event any hibernating reptiles are found or large numbers of reptiles are identified professional advice should be sought immediately.
5.13. It is recommended that any excavation works within 7m of any clump of Japanese Knotweed it is treated as controlled waste and appropriate control measures put in place for any machinery working within 7m of Japanese Knotweed. Advice should be sought for any other works to be carried out within 7m of any Japanese Knotweed.
5.14. It is recommended that the works are carried out in accordance with the Network Rail Site Management Statement for Malltraeth Marsh/Cors Ddyga SSSI.
22 5.15. It is recommended that further survey works are carried out of any proposed access or compound areas outside the railway boundary fence.
******************** Ruth Georgiou.
Natural England Bat Survey Licence Number: - 20104395. Natural England Great Crested Newt Survey Licence Number: - 20101662. Natural England Crayfish Survey Licence Number: - 20104397. Natural England Barn Owl Survey Licence Number: - 20104398. Countryside Council of Wales Bat Survey Licence: - OTH:CSAB:62:2009. Countryside Council of Wales Great Crested Newt Survey Licence: - OTH:SA:303:2009.
04.03.2011.
23 Appendix I. WATER VOLE INFORMATION.
It is necessary to understand a little about water voles, their basic nature, ecology and legal protection in order to evaluate the findings of this report.
The water vole is the largest of the British voles. It lives in a series of holes or burrows at the waters edge and can be found along the banks of ditches, streams, rivers, lakes and canals. Although water voles live in colonies, the breeding females are territorial, each defining their contiguous territory with latrines during the breeding season. This lasts from March to October.
The water vole is herbivorous, feeding primarily on the lush aerial stems and leaves of waterside plants growing alongside the watercourse. Its activity is normally confined to the area within two metres of the watercourse. Bankside vegetation in this area is not only essential for food but also for cover from predators.
The water vole population has been on the decline in recent years. This is partly due to loss of suitable riverside habitats but also due to the increasing population of predators, particularly the escaped American mink. Population decline has been dramatic and has accelerated over the last seven years. Surveys carried out by the Vincent Wildlife Trust show a loss of 67% of occupied sites and of 88% of the remaining population in the last seven years.
The water vole has received limited legal protection since April 1998 when it was included in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Section 9(4) of the Act protects the water vole’s place of shelter or protection but does not protect the water vole itself.
From the 6th April 2008 water voles received an increased level of protection, becoming fully covered by the provisions of section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
24 Full legal protection under the Act makes it an offence to: • Intentionally kill, injure or take water voles. • Possess or control live or dead water voles or derivatives. • Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection. • Intentionally or recklessly disturb water voles whilst occupying a structure or place used for that purpose. • Sell water voles or offer or expose for sale or transport for sale. • Publish or cause to be published any advertisement which conveys the buying or selling of water voles.
********************
25 Appendix II. OTTER INFORMATION.
It is necessary to understand a little about otters, their basic nature, ecology and legal protection in order to evaluate the findings of this report.
Otters are nocturnal and are active all year round. They are large with an adult male reaching 1.2m from nose to tail and weighing about 10kg.
Otters live by undisturbed waters where there is plenty of cover, mostly by freshwater lakes, rivers and quiet small streams as well as some coasts.
Fish are the otter’s main source of food, especially eels and they therefore rely on good fish populations. They also eat amphibians and the occasional bird and small mammal.
An otter may use over 40km of river and needs many resting places throughout this range. A female otter will give birth to 1 to 3 cubs in a natal holt which is often away from the main river and must be completely undisturbed.
Generally the only evidence seen of the otter is its faeces or ‘spraint’, which are deposited along a watercourse in prominent positions.
Once found throughout Britain, most of our otter populations crashed in the 1960’s due to poisoning from agricultural pesticides which drained into our river systems. Although this threat has passed and otter numbers are slowly beginning to recover, they are still subject to a number of serious pressures.
• Habitat loss through intensive river management for drainage and flood defence and due to agriculture and urban development.
• Inadequate food supplies, mainly fish.
• Disturbance of breeding sites by people and especially dogs.
• Low water quality and low river flows.
• Roads which cross or run alongside, rivers.
The UK Biodiversity Plan (BAP) contains an otter Species Action Plan (SAP) aimed at maintaining its existing range and population status, as well as increasing the number of populations through re-colonisation.
The otter is listed on Appendix 1 of CITES, Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive. It is protected under Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981 and Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations, 1994 (Regulation 38). The European sub-species is also listed as globally threatened on the IUCN/WCMC RDL.
26
39.—(1) It is an offence- (a) deliberately to capture or kill an otter; (b) deliberately to disturb an otter; (c) to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of an otter.
27 Appendix III. BAT INFORMATION.
It is necessary to understand a little about bats, their basic nature, ecology and legal protection in order to evaluate the findings of this report.
Over 15 species of bat have been recorded in Britain. These fall into two families, the horseshoe bats and the ‘ordinary bats’. They are extremely difficult to identify in the hand and even more so in flight.
All appear to be diminishing in numbers, probably due to shortage of food, caused by pesticides, as insects are their sole diet, and habitat change.
As their diet consists solely of insects, bats hibernate during the winter when their food source is at its most scarce. They will spend the winter in hollow trees, caves, mines and the roofs of buildings.
Certain species, particularly the pipistrelle (the commonest and most widespread British bat) can quickly adapt to man made structures and will readily use these to roost and to rear their young.
Bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, The Habitats Regulations 1994 and the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000.
It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or capture or disturb bats or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place used by bats for shelter or protection.
A breeding or resting site of any bat is known as a bat roost. A bat roost is therefore any structure a bat uses for shelter or protection. Because bats tend to use the same roosts each year, legal opinion is that the roost site is protected whether or not the bats are present at that time.
Bat roosts can be identified by looking for:-
• Suitable holes, cracks and crevices.
• Bat droppings.
• Prey remains.
• By carrying out night observations using a bat detector.
Where development proposals are likely to affect a bat roost site, a licence is required from Natural England.
The person applying for that licence has to be suitably qualified and experienced in bat matters. That person is then responsible for ensuring that the measures contained in the licence are carried out.
28 Appendix IV. NESTING BIRD INFORMATION.
It is necessary to understand a little about the legal protection offered to nesting birds in order to evaluate the findings of this report.
Part 1.-(1) Of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981states that:-
If any person intentionally:- (a) kills, injures or takes any wild bird; (b) takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built; or (c) takes or destroys an egg of any wild bird, he shall be guilty of an offence.
Part 1.-(5) of the Act states that:-
If any person intentionally:- (a) disturbs any wild bird included in Schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on, or near a nest containing eggs or young; or (b) disturbs dependant young of such a bird, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a special penalty.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 amends the above by inserting after “intentionally” the words “or recklessly”.
The nesting season will vary according to the weather each year but generally commences in March, peaks during May and June and continues until September.
It is also worth remembering that some birds nest in trees and scrub but others are ground nesting.
The best way to avoid this issue is to plan for vegetation clearance to be carried out outside the bird-nesting season.
29 Appendix V. CRAYFISH INFORMATION.
It is necessary to understand a little about crayfish, their basic nature, ecology and legal protection in order to evaluate the findings of this report.
Crayfish are the largest and most mobile freshwater invertebrate. The white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is the only native crayfish and this is protected under European and UK legislation.
White clawed crayfish are generally found in areas with relatively hard, mineral rich waters on calcareous and rapidly weathering rocks. They can be found in a wide variety of environments including canals, streams, rivers, lakes reservoirs and water- filled quarries.
White clawed crayfish are typically found in water between 0.75 and 1.25m deep but can occur in very shallow streams with as little water as 50mm and in deeper, slow flowing rivers. They are typically found under rocks and submerged logs or among tree roots and in river-banks. White clawed crayfish are omnivorous but primarily carnivorous eating macro invertebrates and carrion when available. They will also eat worms, insect larvae, snails, small fish, macrophytes, algae and calcified plants.
Crayfish can live for up to ten years and generally reach sexual maturity after three to four years. Breeding takes place between September and November when the water temperature drops consistently to below ten degrees centigrade. Females over winter with a clutch of eggs held beneath their tail. These may number from 20 to 120 and hatch on the female. The juveniles are released from the mother from June in the south to August in the north.
The main threat to the indigenous white-clawed crayfish is the spread of introduced non indigenous species, particularly the larger, faster growing and aggressive North American signal crayfish (pacifastacus leniusculus). They are also vulnerable to disease, particularly porcelain disease and crayfish plague, and the latter carried by the signal crayfish.
Crayfish are also extremely vulnerable to pollution incidents, particularly those involving biocides, silage and sheep dip.
As a result, white-clawed crayfish are endangered across most of its range and has been given protection under both European and UK legislation.
The white-clawed crayfish is listed on Annex V of the Habitats Directive (EEC 1992), which means that Member States should take measures to ensure that the taking of white-clawed crayfish in the wild is compatible with their being maintained at a favourable status.
In 1998, the white-clawed crayfish was added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act giving it partial protection in relation to Section 9(1) as far as it relates to taking and in respect of Schedule 9(5). It is therefore an offence to
30 intentionally take any white-clawed crayfish from the wild and an offence to sell wild crayfish.
Licences are available from English Nature to allow the taking of white-clawed crayfish for certain specified purposes, including scientific or educational purposes and for conservation purposes. An English Nature survey licence is required where any survey is aimed at finding white-clawed crayfish and involves handling them for counting or identification purposes.
An English Nature Conservation Licence is required for the purpose of conserving white-clawed crayfish or introducing them to particular areas.
Non indigenous crayfish species are also covered under the wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Section 14 makes it an offence for any person to (a) release or allow to escape, any wild animal which is of a kind not ordinarily resident in or a regular visitor to Great Britain in a wild state or; (b) is included in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Three species of non-indigenous crayfish are listed on Schedule 9. These are the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), the narrow clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodacylus) and the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus). Any of these three species found during a survey cannot be returned to the wild.
31 Appendix VI. INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION.
There are two specific invasive species generally encountered and dealt with here.
• Japanese Knotweed. • Giant Hogweed.
Japanese Knotweed, (Fallopia Japonica) {JKW} is a pernicious non-native species of plant. The plant is an extremely long-living perennial that does not spread by seeding but instead it spreads by vegetative means. Any small section of the rhizome, crown and stem segments will grow into a new plant. It is extremely vigorous and very difficult to eradicate.
Giant Hogweed, (Heracleum mantegazzianum) {GH} is not only an invasive alien species but is also an injurious weed as contact with skin causes increased sensitivity to ultra violet light, which can result in rashes, severe burns and painful blistering.
Under section 14 and Part II of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence for either to be planted in the wild or otherwise caused to grow in the wild. Any area where either is found should be fenced off and warning signs erected. All staff should be warned both verbally and in writing that these areas should not be entered and should not be tracked over by machinery.
If land that is contaminated with either Japanese Knotweed or Giant Hogweed is required to be worked on or is in danger of being tracked over or affected by the construction works in any way it must be dealt with in a rigorous way. Failure to do so not only risks prosecution but very high costs to eradicate any new growth.
There does not appear to be any defined distance away from Japanese Knotweed that work should be carried out. Literature does state that the underground root system can spread up to seven metres and this is the suggested size of area to be excavated when eradicating by excavation. All excavated soil must be treated as controlled waste and dealt with according to strictly controlled procedures.
DEFRA guidance suggests that all soil within 4m radius of a Giant Hogweed plant is potentially contaminated with seeds and must therefore be dealt with as contaminated waste and according to strictly controlled procedures.
32 All excavated materials must be transported in sealed vehicles to a waste disposal site that is licensed to deal with waste contaminated with invasive species. On leaving areas of the site known to contain Japanese Knotweed or Giant Hogweed, any tracked machinery that has been used should be thoroughly cleaned within a designated area.
Alternatively Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed can be controlled by a prolonged treatment with approved herbicides.
It is not an offence to leave either growing, in situ, only to spread them to new areas.
Further information is available on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk
33 Appendix VII. REPTILES - GRASS SNAKE AND ADDER INFORMATION.
The grass snake (Natrix natrix) and the adder (Vipera berus) are the two most common snakes to be found in the UK. Adders are found all over Britain while the grass snake becomes rarer towards the north and are rarely found in Scotland.
The grass snake is usually around 120cm long, live in a variety of rough habitats and lay their eggs in warm rotting vegetation. The background colour is dark green and the body is marked with vertical black bars and spots that run along its sides. There is generally a dark collar marking.
The adder is the only native species that is venomous but this is rarely harmful to humans. Adult adders are generally up to 66cm long. Background colouration is a light shade of grey or brown with a black zigzag marking along the length of the back. As with all reptiles, colouration varies and becomes duller as sloughing (skin shedding) approaches.
Both snakes hibernate, spending the winter in burrows or under logs protected from the cold and predators. Maintaining the right body temperature is vital to reptiles' survival. In the morning, they find a warm basking site to heat up their bodies, then later they may move back into the shade because they do not sweat and have to be careful not to overheat. During hot summers, adders will try to move to damper, cooler sites.
Both snakes are protected under schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They received greater protection following reviews of the schedules published in 1988 and 1991. This means they are protected against intentional or recklessly killing and injuring and against sale or transporting for sale.
34 Appendix VIII. REPTILES - LIZARD INFORMATION.
The common or viviparous lizard (Lacerta vivipara) is one of three species of lizard that occur in the UK. They have a dry scaly skin and are variable in colour ranging from brown or yellow-brown to almost green with varying patterns of spots or stripes. The typical length of an adult is 150mm, including the tail.
Common lizards hibernate over the winter, emerging from February onwards depending upon the weather. They begin to mate in April and May and the young are born in late July or August. The lizard gives birth to live young, hence the term viviparous, meaning live bearing.
The lizards draw their body warmth from the sun and consequently spend long periods basking in the sun. They are commonly seen on road and railway embankments and on walls where they sit for long periods soaking up the heat of the sun before going to find food.
They occupy a wide range of habitats including woodland, marshes, heathland, moors, sand dunes, hedgerows and bogs.
Common lizards hunt insects, spiders, snails and earthworms. They stun their prey by shaking it and then swallow it whole.
At night, and when startled, they will shelter beneath logs or stones or under other refuges that may be available.
Common lizards are protected under schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They received greater protection following reviews of the schedules published in 1988 and 1991. This means they are protected against intentional or recklessly killing and injuring and against sale or transporting for sale.
Common lizards should not be confused with the somewhat larger sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). These are typically 190mm long and stockier than the common lizard. Their marking are distinctly different being considerably more colourful. Sand lizards are confined to moorland and coastal sand dunes where they lay their eggs in the warm sand. The range of the sand lizard in the UK is therefore very limited. Sand lizards are a European protected species.
The third species of lizard is the slow worm (Anguis fragilis), which is frequently mis-identified as a snake. The firm body of the slow worm is distinctly cylindrical in shape and the tiny smooth scales result in a very smooth, shiny appearance. Colouration is typically a uniform grey to brown although there is a wide variation from straw coloured to almost black and some animals have very fine stripes or a zig- zag along the centre of the back. The typical length of an adult is 400mm.
Slow worms can be found in a wide variety of habitats throughout Britain and is the most likely reptile to be found in urban and suburban environments.
35 Slow worms hibernate over the winter, emerging from March onwards depending upon the weather. They begin to mate in April and May and six to twelve young are born in August or September.
Their favourite food is slugs but they will also eat insects and spiders.
Slow worms are hard to find. They will bask in the sun but they quickly and quietly move into cover when disturbed and do not generally attract attention as they retreat from a basking spot.
Slow worms are also protected under schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They received greater protection following reviews of the schedules published in 1988 and 1991. This means they are protected against intentional or recklessly killing and injuring and against sale or transporting for sale.
36 Appendix IX. MALLTRAETH MARSH SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST MAP.
Appendix X. GCN POND MAPS.
Map 1.
Pond 3
Pond 4
Pond 1 Pond 2
Map 2.
Pond 10
Pond 9
Pond 7 Pond 8
Pond 6
Pond 5
39 Map 3.
Pond 11 Pond 13 Pond 12
Access required to network of ditches in this area outlined in red.
40 Map 4.
Pond 15
Pond 14
41 Appendix XI. PHASE I SURVEY ANNOTATED MAPS OF THE SURVEY AREA.
See seperate appended document.
Appendix XII. TARGET NOTES.
T1 – Gaerwen Junction. SH 483 707.
Gaerwen Junction is at 0.0000 miles and marks the starting point of the survey area. This was entirely overgrown with dense scrub.
T2 – Overbridge. SH 480 707.
This is a stone arch bridge that is in good condition and is assessed as low potential for roosting bats.
43 T3 – Watercourse flowing through culvert under line. SH 476 707.
This watercourse will require further water vole and otter surveys and further bat assessment/surveys will be required if the culvert will be affected.
T4 – Track adjacent to and providing access to railway line. SH 474 708.
T5 – Overbridge. SH 473 707.
This bridge comprises stone abutments and wing walls with dense ivy cover and a brick jack arch deck. The ivy provides summer roosting potential for bats and there may be deep cracks or gaps concealed behind the ivy suitable for roosting bats.
44
T6 – Surface water. SH 473 707.
This is a very wet area where the drainage system on the railway has failed resulting in surface water run-off across the track. This provides suitable habitat for amphibians such as frogs and toads.
T7 – Pond. SH 468 709.
This is a pond shown on the Ordnance Survey map immediately adjacent to the railway line. This was not identified during the survey, most like due to the dense scrub along the railway boundary. This may be potential habitat for great crested newts and other amphibians.
T8 – Mature Tree. SH 4665 71086.
This is a mature tree located on the north railway boundary. There is a lot of ivy cover on the tree and is offers potential for roosting bats.
45
T9 – Watercourse flowing through culvert under line. SH 4664 7110.
This is a small watercourse that flows under the railway. The banks are low and the water was shallow during the survey. The nature of the watercourse suggests that it never holds a substantial amount of water at any time. This is assessed as low potential for water voles and otters and no field signs were identified during the survey where the watercourse was accessible under the dense scrub inside the railway boundary.
T10 – Pond. SH 4662 7111.
This is a small pond that was identified just outside the boundary fence under some dense scrub. This may be potential habitat for great crested newts and other amphibians.
T11 – Overbridge. SH 4653 7120.
This is a small overbridge that spans the railway line. The deck of this is not suitable for roosting bats but should any works be required that will affect the abutments further bat assessments are required.
46
T12 – Rock Cutting. SH 464 712.
The railway line cuts through a rock cutting here. The cutting sides are generally wet and there is vegetation growing on them. It is assessed as having low potential for roosting bats.
T13 – Overbridge. SH 464 712.
This overbridge is where a main B4419 road spans the railway line. The deck of the bridge offers low potential for roosting bats but if any works will affect the abutments further bat assessments/surveys will be required.
T14 – Watercourse flows through culvert under line. SH 4649 7152.
A fast flowing watercourse flows under the line here. The culvert was not accessed during the survey and therefore any works required that will directly impact upon the culvert will require a bat survey to be carried out. The water noise makes it less ideal for roosting bats. A thorough water vole, otter and crayfish survey was not carried out here due to the nature of the water course. It emerges onto steep embankment below the level of the railway line and fast flowing water is not ideal water vole habitat. However further surveys will be required to confirm this should any works be required within 3m of the banks of the water course.
47
T15 – Underbridge. SH 466 717.
This underbridge comprises stone abutments and wing walls with a bridge jack arch deck. There are cracks in the stonework of the bridge and there is some ivy cover. Therefore any works that will affect the bridge will require a bat survey to be carried out at the appropriate time of year.
T16 – Pond. SH 466 719.
48 This is a large ornamental pond located in the middle of an adjacent field. There is a lot of peripheral vegetation around the pond and it is assessed as potential habitat for great crested newts and other amphibians.
T17 – Watercourse and track under underbridge. SH 470 723.
This watercourse will require further water vole and otter surveys and further bat assessment/surveys will be required if the culvert will be affected.
T18 – Overbridge. SH 470 724.
This is an overbridge where the A5 spans the railway line. Further bat assessments/survey will be required if this will be affected by the works.
T19 – Overbridge. SH 470 727.
This is a modern concrete built tunnel that carried the A55 over the railway line. This offers no potential for roosting bats.
T20 – Japanese Knotweed.
This is a clump of Japanese Knotweed located within the boundary fence. All works within 7m of this must be carried out under controlled measures.
49 T21 – Overbridge. SH 470 728.
This is a small footbridge that spans the railway. It comprises a metal deck with stone abutments and wing walls. There is some ivy cover on this structure that can provide summer roosting opportunities for bats and it may also be concealing deep cracks and gaps suitable for roosting bats.
T22 and T24 to T30 – Drainage Ditches. SH 468 730 to SH 464 736.
These are long lengths of drainage ditches extending along each side of the line. These have dense margins of Common Reed (Phragmites autralis) and some areas of willow scrub growing on the banks. These are assessed as potential water vole habitat.
50 T23 – Marshy Grassland. SH 468 730 to SH 464 736.
There are extensive areas of marshy grassland adjacent to the railway line on both sides. This contains a network of drainage ditches and this whole area requires further great crested newt surveys.
T31 – Barn Owl Pellets. SH 4649 7367.
Two barn owl pellets were identified on top of an underbridge. This confirms the presence of barn owls in the area but this is not an issue to the work as the barn owls have only perched on the railing. The surrounding area is ideal foraging habitat for barn owls.
51 T32 – Drainage ditch under underbridge. SH 4649 7367.
This is an established drainage ditch that extends under the line. No water vole field signs were identified although a thorough extensive survey was not carried out. The underbridge comprises a metal and timber deck that offers no potential for roosting bats. Any works required on the abutments will require a further bat assessment/survey.
T33 – Watercourse flows under underbridge. SH 464 737.
Afon Cefni flows under the line. A thorough water vole and otter survey was not carried out but this has high potential. The underbridge again comprises a metal and
52 timber deck that offers no potential for roosting bats. However, any works required to the abutments will require further bat assessments/surveys.
T 34 – Marshy Grassland. SH 463 737.
This is a patch of marshy grassland that is included in the area that requires further great crested newt survey.
T35 – Overbridge. SH 459 746.
This overbridge comprises a concrete deck and stone abutments. It is in good condition and offers low potential for roosting bats.
53 T36 – Watercourse flowing through culvert. SH 458 747.
This is a small watercourse that flows under the railway through a culvert. No water vole field signs were identified along the watercourse immediately adjacent to the railway. The culvert may offer potential for roosting bats and further assessments/surveys will be required should it be affected by any works.
T37 – Watercourse flows under line through culvert. SH 458 749.
This is a small watercourse that outfalls from underground on the east side of the line. No water vole field signs were identified immediately adjacent to the railway and the culvert is assessed as too small for roosting bats.
54 T38 – Watercourse flows under line through culvert. SH 458 750.
This is a small watercourse that flows under the line. On the west side of the line it offers no potential for water voles or otters. No field signs were identified immediately adjacent to the railway on the east side. A further bat assessment/survey will be required of the culvert should any works be required that will affect it.
T39 – Underbridge. SH 458 754.
This bridge spans a main road that leads into Llangefni. It comprises a steel and timber deck with brick and stone abutments. There is ivy cover on the structure that provides summer roosting opportunities for bats. The ivy may also be concealing deep cracks or gaps suitable for roosting bats therefore further bats surveys will be required if any works will be carried out that will affect the bridge.
T40 – Overbridge. SH 456 757.
This is a stone bridge with a steel reinforced deck. This bridge may offer potential for roosting bats therefore further bat surveys are required should any works be required on this structure.
55 T 41 – Japanese Knotweed. SH 456 758.
There is a clump of Japanese Knotweed located on top of a low retaining wall opposite the old Llangefni Station.
56