John Drewett

Ecology

Bat scoping survey report

High Marriforth, Marriforth Lane, Rookwith, HG4 4BH

November 2009

Castlerigg, Redmire, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4EL  [email protected] 01969 623065

Contents 1 Summary ...... 3 2 Site location ...... 4 3 Development proposals ...... 5 4 Methodology ...... 7 4.1 Desk study ...... 7 4.2 Field survey ...... 7 5 Desk study ...... 8 6 Site description ...... 9 6.1 Buildings ...... 10 7 Assessment ...... 14 7.1 Constraints on survey information ...... 14 7.2 Summary of findings ...... 14 7.3 Potential impacts of development in absence of mitigation ...... 14 7.4 Recommendations and mitigation ...... 15 8 Background information and references ...... 16 8.1 Bats: Legislation and policy guidance ...... 16 8.2 Brief summary of bat biology ...... 17 8.3 References ...... 18 Method Statement: High Marriforth, Marriforth Lane, Rookwith, HG4 4BH .. 19

Record of report and revisions

Date Details Issued by 24 November 2009 Original report John Drewett

High Marriforth 2 1 Summary

A bat scoping survey of buildings at High Marriforth, Rookwith was commissioned in November 2009 by Mr Philip Fairburn. The survey was required in connection with proposals to convert part of the buildings to form a farm workers’ dwelling.

The survey was carried out to establish the following: Likelihood of particular buildings, structures, trees or other features to support bats Bat behaviour that may be affected by the proposed activity or development in terms of emergence, foraging, commuting or mating Opportunities for enhancement of bat habitat that may be possible with any given area

The survey was carried out on 24 November 2009 by

Surveyor Natural England Bat Licence No. or status John Drewett BSc. (Hons.), MIEEM 20091675 (Conservation & scientific)

Four bat droppings were found inside the upper floor of the area to be converted. A further dropping was found in an adjoining building.

The complex of buildings provides good scope for roosting bats, particularly in wall crevices and in roof areas. There is no definitive evidence of roosting within the areas to be converted, although there is potential in external walls.

The proposed development is considered unlikely to have a significant impact on roosting bats. However, as there is potential for bats to roost undetected in certain crevices, the method statement attached must be followed in full and should be conditioned.

If the development has not been commenced by May 2010 then the site should be re-surveyed for bats.

High Marriforth 3 2 Site location

Site name and address: High Marriforth, Marriforth Lane, Rookwith, HG4 4BH OS Grid Ref. SE198875 Altitude 135m Local Planning Authority Hambleton District Council

Site location plan

There are no statutory nature conservation sites at or adjacent to the survey site.

High Marriforth 4 3 Development proposals

The proposal is for the conversion of cart sheds, a hay loft and part of the granary building to form an agricultural workers cottage. Other buildings to be retained, although stores scheduled for use as workshop.

Existing plan

Proposed plan

High Marriforth 5

Existing elevations

Proposed elevations

High Marriforth 6 4 Methodology

4.1 Desk study

Information concerning designated sites was obtained from www.magic.gov.uk.

Information regarding bats previously recorded at the site or within 2km was obtained from North Yorkshire Bat Group.

4.2 Field survey

The following activities were carried out during this survey: An examination and assessment of the site and habitats present within 300m An examination of each building to record its main structural features and condition and to identify features that may be suitable for roosting bats The making of a photographic record of the site, its features and any evidence of bats to illustrate the findings in this report A detailed check of the interior and exterior of buildings to look for bat droppings; feeding remains such as moth & butterfly wings; live bats; dead bats; stains and marks on surfaces indicating regular use by bats

All surveys utilise a digital camera, binoculars, torches and ladders as necessary. No additional equipment was used in conducting this survey.

High Marriforth 7 5 Desk study

The following records of bats previously recorded within 2km of the site were supplied by North Yorkshire Bat Group.

Species Site Grid ref. Date Comment Daubenton's Jervaulx Abbey SE171857 08 Jun Bat 2003 Brown Long- Old Hall, Thornton SE1787 07 Jun eared Bat Steward 1985 Brown Long- Kilgram Grange SE192859 07 Mar Very extensive spread of eared Bat Farm, Kilgram Lane, 2002 droppings. At least 2 species - Jervaulx, Ripon long eared and ? Unknown Kilgram Grange SE192859 07 Mar Very extensive spread of Farm, Kilgram Lane, 2002 droppings. At least 2 species - Jervaulx, Ripon long eared and ? Brown Long- Ruswick Manor, SE195894 11 In flight eared Bat Newton-le-Willows May 2006 Common Ruswick Manor, SE195894 26 Apr Active very early in evening in Pipistrelle Newton-le-Willows 2006 large agricultural shed. Presumed roosting. Unknown Ruswick Manor, SE195894 26 Apr In flight. Possibly Newton-le-Willows 2006 Whiskered/Brandt's Soprano Ruswick Manor, SE195894 26 Apr Feeding around trees to west of Pipistrelle Newton-le-Willows 2006 buildings Daubenton's Squirrel Bank SE206850 13 Aug In flight. Bat 2006 Daubenton's Squirrel Bank SE206850 22 Aug In flight. Bat 2006 Daubenton's Squirrel Bank SE206850 11 Aug In flight Bat 2008 Daubenton's Squirrel Bank SE206850 21 Aug In flight Bat 2008 Pipistrelle Aysgarth School, SE208890 13 Feb Bats found hibernating under species Newton-le-Willows 2006 concrete floor Soprano Meadow View, SE212894 09 Aug Dead bat Pipistrelle Station Road, 2005 Newton le Willows

High Marriforth 8 6 Site description

The survey site is 6.5km to the west of Bedale. The surroundings are predominantly rural. The site is bordered on all sides by grassland, grazed by sheep.

The nearest freshwater is a small lake approximately 750m to the north east. Thornton Steward Reservoir is 1.7km WNW and the River Ure is 1.5km to the south.

The survey site is 300m from the nearest woodland which is predominantly broadleaved. The area is generally well supplied with small copses and woodlands.

The site is in an area with little light pollution.

The main features within the site boundaries are a range of existing farm buildings and grassland grazed by sheep.

The buildings are located within a field. Most of the local fields are bordered by hedges, some incorporating hedgerow trees. The woods to the south and south-east of the site are visible from the buildings.

Buildings in local landscape setting

High Marriforth 9 6.1 Buildings

Main surveyed buildings (red: cart shed / hay loft, blue: granary)

Each building surveyed is described below and has been assigned to one of five categories according to its potential to support roosting bats:

No bat roost potential. No bat droppings, feeding remains or other evidence of use by bats was found and there were no suitable crevices in which bats could roost.

Low bat roost potential. No bat droppings, feeding remains or other evidence of use by bats was found, but crevices were present which could be suitable for occasional or casual use by bats, but the risk is considered to be low.

Medium bat roost potential. A small number of droppings were scattered in the building, indicating that bats have at least flown there OR some crevices that are likely to be suitable for roosting bats were present, although these may not show signs of use (e.g. entrances covered by cobwebs. etc.).

High bat roost potential. Signs of bats are present in the form of droppings, feeding remains, etc., but with no particular concentration. There are many crevices of a type likely to be attractive to roosting bats.

Confirmed bat roost. Bats and/or concentrations of droppings found.

6.1.1 Cart Shed / Hay Loft (medium bat roost potential) The building is of stone construction with rubble filled walls and an unlined slate roof. The walls are reasonably well pointed externally and partially plastered internally, restricting the number of available cracks and crevices. There are some arrow slit crevices right through the wall at

High Marriforth 10 intervals and a number of smaller crevices around the ends of beams. There are a number of small holes beneath ridge tiles and also a number of slightly raised slates. There are windows on the east side, but west side windows have been temporarily boarded over. The ground floor is largely open on the east side.

No evidence of bats was found internally. There is some potential for bats to roost at the ridge, gaining access via gaps below ridge tiles and for temporary use by bats of the areas behind the plywood boarding over west windows. The gaps around beam ends offer excellent potential for roosting bats, but the arrow slits are too open to support bats.

East side of building West side of building

Gaps under ridge tiles Gaps around beam ends

Underside of roof Interior, upper floor

High Marriforth 11 6.1.2 Granary Building (medium bat roost potential) This building is also of stone construction with a slate roof. The stone walls are generally well pointed except for the exterior east end which contains many deep crevices both in the wall and around the quoins. These probably lead to a rubble infill and have the potential to support roosting bats in summer and during hibernation in winter. The slate roof has been re-laid over the past two years and is largely underfelted with a breathable membrane.

The building is linked to the hay loft at first floor level via an opening towards the SE corner. There is a small opening between wall top and roof that would permit bats to enter directly from the workshop to the north. There is a partially missing window at the east end of the building. A stairway at the west end provides access to the upper floors of both buildings.

Four bat droppings (probably of Brown long-eared bats) were found on the upper floor towards the east end. No other signs of bats were located.

East end of building Crevices in external east wall

Interior of roof Interior of granary

High Marriforth 12 6.1.3 Other buildings Other buildings on the site were not fully examined as they will not be affected by the proposed development. However, some attention was paid to the workshop to the north. Bats could gain easy access to the interior via openings and doorways and a single bat dropping was found. Areas of ridge beam clear of cobwebs could indicate some use by roosting bats, although further evidence would have been expected.

High Marriforth 13 7 Assessment

7.1 Constraints on survey information

The survey was carried out in winter when bats have generally left their summer roosts and are inactive. This makes it impractical to carry out a bat emergence survey, so roosts within narrow and inaccessible crevices may be overlooked.

7.2 Summary of findings

The survey site is located in a rural area with little or no light pollution and is close to woodland and freshwater habitats. All of these features are likely to make the site attractive to roosting bats.

There are no existing records of bats from the survey site and only four species recorded from within 2km. This does not necessarily indicate an absence of bats from the site nor does it represent an inventory of all bats found locally. Existing records have largely been assembled as a result of volunteers responding to enquiries about bats from members of the public, so most records relate to inhabited buildings and reports are most frequent from more populated parts of the county.

Four bat droppings were found inside the buildings being affected by the proposed development and a further dropping was present in an adjoining building. These probably represent nothing more than casual use by a single bat flying inside the building on one night, most likely entering through the upper east window. This confirms that bats are aware of the site, but does not necessarily confirm the presence of a roost.

Some work has been carried out on the surveyed buildings in recent years, in particular the re- roofing of the granary and the lining of the roof with a breathable membrane. This could have caused disturbance to bats if they were roosting there at the time, although there are still access points available, so bats could roost undetected between slates and membrane. There are ideal access points for bats under the ridge tiles above the hayloft, but no internal evidence to suggest that bats use these at present.

Because bats may use any small crevices at any time there are several areas of the building where bats could roost without leaving visible evidence of their presence. These are beneath ridge tiles; within crevices in masonry (particularly the exterior east wall of the granary); within narrow gaps around beam ends in exterior walls of the cart shed / hay loft; and behind temporary plywood boarding on exterior of the cart shed / hay loft.

In conclusion, there is evidence that bats visit the site, but no confirmation of roosting. However, the buildings have a medium risk of supporting roosting bats, as described above.

7.3 Potential impacts of development in absence of mitigation

The opportunities for roosting bats inside the surveyed buildings are limited to the roof areas. As repairs to the granary roof were carried out recently, no further works are proposed beyond underdrawing, so no adverse impact by these works is anticipated. There is the potential for some disturbance to any bats that might choose to roost between the ridge tiles and ridge beam

High Marriforth 14 by roof repairs, timber treatment or through blocking holes beneath ridge tiles, although there is currently no evidence that suggests bats are present.

All pointing work has the potential to entomb bats in walls as the bats may have crawled some distance inside the wall fill from potential access points on the wall surface. Cracks and crevices that are less than 20mm wide have the greatest likelihood of supporting bats. Particularly vulnerable areas are the external east wall of the granary and the narrow slots around beam ends (not the arrow slits) on the east and west walls of the cart shed / hay loft.

Bats may make temporary use of gaps behind plywood boarding over windows and so may be vulnerable to injury when these are removed.

7.4 Recommendations and mitigation

Given the scope of the proposed works in this case, it is considered that by following a method statement, the likelihood of adversely impacting on bats, even where roosts may have been missed can be largely avoided. Therefore, further survey work is not warranted.

So long as the attached method statement is followed in full, then a European Protected Species licence will not be required. It is recommended that compliance with the method statement be made a condition of any planning permission granted.

High Marriforth 15 8 Background information and references

8.1 Bats: Legislation and policy guidance

Bats receive protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended) and under the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations, 1994 (as amended).

It is an offence to:- Deliberately capture (or take), injure or kill a bat Intentionally or recklessly disturb bats where the disturbance is likely to significantly affect the ability of that species to survive, breed, rear or nurture their young or; to hibernate or migrate or; to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong Damage or destroy the breeding or resting place (roost) 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

The Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992, requires states to develop national strategies and to undertake a range of actions aimed at maintaining or restoring biodiversity. The UK Biodiversity Strategy was produced in response to the Convention.

Individual Species Action Plans (SAPs) have been developed to address the causes of decline for those species that have been identified as priorities for UK conservation action. Country-level lists contain species considered of national importance in biodiversity strategies. The current list includes Bechstein’s Bat, Greater Horseshoe Bat, Lesser Horseshoe Bat, Barbastelle, Noctule, Soprano Pipistrelle and Brown long-eared bat. At a more local level there are Local Biodiversity Action Plans for smaller geographical areas which may cover a greater or lesser range of bat species.

In England & Wales, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act, 2006 imposes a duty on all public bodies, including local authorities and statutory bodies, in exercising their functions, “to have due regard, as far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity”. It notes that “conserving biodiversity includes restoring or enhancing a population or habitat”.

Where it is proposed to carry out works which will have an adverse impact on bats or on a bat roost, a European Protected Species (EPS) licence must first be obtained from Natural England, even if no bats are expected to be present when the work is carried out.

An EPS licence application requires details of the proposed works, the bats which may be affected and the mitigation proposed to maintain the favourable status of bats in the region. The application is usually drawn up on behalf of the client by a specialist ecological consultant. The consultant is likely to be required to check that work is proceeding in accordance with the method statement and to also carry out monitoring of the impact on bats for sometime after completion of the works.

When considering an application, the Natural England licensing section may consult with the local planning authority and specialist conservation staff. This process may take a considerable length of time. Natural England presently states that it aims to make a decision on an application within 30 working days of receipt. There is no guarantee that a licence will be granted and no fast track High Marriforth 16 process to obtaining a licence. Applications can only be made once planning permission has been granted (where appropriate).

EPS licences can only be issued if Natural England is satisfied that there is no satisfactory alternative to the development and that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species at a favourable conservation status in their natural range.

PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation is the relevant national planning statement in relation to protected species. It provides guidance on how the Government's policies on nature conservation should be implemented through the land use planning system. PPS9 states that “the aim of planning decisions should be to prevent harm to biodiversity and geological conservation interests. Where granting planning permission would result in significant harm to those interests, local planning authorities will need to be satisfied that the development cannot reasonably be located on any alternative sites that would result in less or no harm. In the absence of any such alternatives, local planning authorities should ensure that… adequate mitigation measures are put in place… If that significant harm cannot be prevented, adequately mitigated against, or compensated for, then planning permission should be refused.

8.2 Brief summary of bat biology

Bats are the only mammals to have developed powered flight. They are the second largest group of mammals in the world, with almost 1000 different species. In Britain 17 species occur, with the variety generally declining northwards. All British bats feed solely on invertebrates.

British bats live in crevices in trees, caves, buildings, bridges, tunnels and other structures. They are long-lived animals which use roost sites to which they return in subsequent years. In summer females are generally colonial, each species gathering together in warm maternity roosts to give birth to their single young. Males often spend the summer singly or in smaller groups. Bats may use several different roosts over a summer, moving between sites depending on prevailing weather and other conditions.

In winter bats hibernate. During hibernation their body temperature falls close to the ambient temperature of their chosen hibernaculum and their heart rate and metabolism drop dramatically. In this state they use little energy, allowing them to survive until spring on their fat reserves. They are very sensitive to temperature changes which cause them to wake, a process which uses considerable energy. Repeated arousal in winter can threaten their survival. Many species hibernate in cool, stable underground sites such as caves and tunnels.

For more than 50 years bats have undergone a major decline in numbers. The reasons for these declines are many and varied, but include destruction of roost sites, a reduction in insect prey and direct and indirect poisoning from toxic chemicals. Even our commonest species, the Pipistrelle bats, have declined by more than 60% in recent years.

The survival of a colony of bats depends on there being a range of suitable summer roost sites, hibernation sites and feeding areas within a reasonable distance. For most species, these various sites must be linked by a more or less continuous network of linear features such as rivers, woodland edges and hedgerows, along which the bats commute from place to place (Limpens & Kapteyn 1991).

High Marriforth 17 8.3 References Anon (2005) Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity & Geological Conservation, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Bat Conservation Trust (2007) Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines, Bat Conservation Trust, London Mitchell-Jones A J (2004) Bat mitigation guidelines, English Nature. Mitchell-Jones A J & McLeish A P (2004) Bat Workers’ Manual, JNCC.

High Marriforth 18 Method Statement: High Marriforth, Marriforth Lane, Rookwith, HG4 4BH

THE FOLLOWING METHODS MUST BE FOLLOWED BY ALL PARTIES WORKING ON THIS PROJECT

Repair or replacement of roofs No alterations or timber treatment to be carried out to the roof of The Granary other than underdrawing and insulation work.

If repairs to the roof of the Hay Loft are necessary these must be carried out before the end of April 2010. During repair or replacement of roofs special care must be taken to ensure that any bats present are not injured or killed. Roof slates (especially at the ridge and eaves) must be lifted vertically and the undersides checked for the presence of bats.

If timber treatment is necessary this must be done at the same time as other roof works. Timber treatment chemicals can be harmful to bats so only ‘bat-friendly’ products based on permethrin or cypermethrin may be used. Even these can harm bats which come into direct contact with them, so a careful check must be made for bats before spraying begins. If bats are present spraying must not take place.

Providing bat access to roof At least four access points must be provided in the roof of the Hay Loft to allow bats to gain access to the area between the slates and underfelt. This can most easily be done by leaving existing gaps beneath ridge tiles or creating new ones 15mm high by about 75mm long. Alternatively ‘bat access slates’ can be inserted close to the ridge.

Bat access slates cannot be purchased, but can be quickly made from a piece of lead. The lead must be at least Code 6 quality, as the use of a lower code will soon sag. A 300mm square of lead is sufficient to make one slate. The ‘slate’ should be hammered into shape to the dimensions shown by moulding it over a piece of wood.

Removal of temporary plywood panels Remove these panels with care assuming that bats may be underneath, to avoid crushing them. If any bats are found stop work immediately and follow procedure below.

Pointing of masonry The narrow gaps around the ends of beams in the external walls of the Cart Shed / Hay Loft building should be retained to provide potential roosting and/or hibernating places for bats. These gaps should be blocked at the interior of the building to prevent bats accessing the inside of the building.

Some bats may be found roosting in other small crevices in masonry which are to be pointed. This applies especially to the east wall of the Granary. It is therefore important that such crevices are checked prior to pointing up. Crevices as narrow as 15mm may be used by bats. If bats are present, stop work and seek further advice.

High Marriforth 19 When bats hibernate in winter they can be concealed deep in crevices and are unable to quickly move if disturbed. This presents a serious risk of them being entombed. Therefore, avoid pointing during cold weather and between November and February.

Provision for hibernation in external walls Gaps should be left in the external wall during pointing to provide places suitable for hibernating bats. The gaps should slope up slightly to shed water and have a height of 18mm (range 15- 20mm) and be a minimum of 80mm wide. These are best achieved by inserting a batten in the wall prior to pointing and removing this once the mortar has set.

Procedure if bats are found If bats are found during works all work in the immediate area MUST STOP. Advice must be obtained before continuing by contacting John Drewett on 01969 623065 or via the national bat helpline on 0845 1300 228.

If bats have been exposed and have not flown off, gently re-cover them taking particular care not to crush them. If this is not possible and the bats are at risk carefully place the bats in a secure, ventilated container until help is obtained. You are strongly advised to wear gloves when handling bats.

High Marriforth 20