Ecological Appraisal
of
Mullensgrove Farm Curdworth Sutton Coldfield Warwickshire B76 9HA
For
CT Planning
(3rd December 2015)
2014-12(02)
Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire, CV8 3LG
Email: [email protected] Tel: 02476 217726 Web: www.ecolocation.org.uk
Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
Contents
Summary ...... 3
1. Introduction ...... 4
2. Site ...... 5
3. Legislation ...... 5
4. Desktop Study ...... 6
5. Results and evaluation ...... 8
6. Discussion and Conclusion ...... 17
7. Recommendations ...... 19
8. References ...... 20
Appendix – Species List ...... 21
Report Author: Catherine Coton BSc (Hons) Grad CIEEM Survey Date: 29/09/2015 Report Date: 03/12/2015 Quality checked by: Anna Swift BSc MSc MCIEEM Quality check date: 03/12/2015
This report has been prepared in accordance with the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Report Writing (2015) and is compliant with the CIEEM Code of Professional Conduct.
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
Summary
An Ecological Appraisal of an area of arable land at Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth, Sutton Coldfield was carried out on 29th September 2015.
It was understood that the land would be subject to a future planning application for new farm buildings and associated access within the southern part of the site to replace the existing buildings which would be lost through the construction of HS2.
The site consisted of a large arable field with fencing at the east and west boundaries. The edges of the field consisted of rough grassland and ruderal vegetation. Earth mounds were present in association with the existing working farm buildings of Mullensgrove Farm, in the middle of the site on the western side. These were dominated by tall ruderal vegetation. A smaller fenced field in the western part of the site included species-poor grassland which was grazed by sheep at the time of the survey. All the habitats identified on site were considered to be of low ecological value.
The site was considered largely unsuitable for protected and notable species, although species such as badgers, bats and birds may occasionally pass through or forage within the site.
A very small pond was present on the northern side of the earth mounds associated with the existing farm buildings. In addition, two large ponds were present on land to the west of the site. It was therefore considered possible that amphibians, including great crested newts, could use the site. However, the proposed new farm buildings were expected to be built over 250m away from the nearest pond with potential to support great crested newts, which was not separated from the development area by significant dispersal barriers.
It was therefore considered that, even if great crested newts were using the small pond on site and larger ponds to the west and north-west of the site boundary, the proposed works were unlikely to have a significant impact on this protected species providing reasonable avoidance measures were put in place during works.
It was considered that no further surveys would be necessary prior to the proposed works providing reasonable avoidance measure for great crested newts are carried out during ground clearance and construction works. These are detailed within the report, along with other sensitive working measures to ensure that protected and notable species are not harmed by the proposed development works.
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
1. Introduction
Instruction
Ecolocation were commissioned by CT Planning to undertake an ecological assessment of an area of land at Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth, Sutton Coldfield which was understood would be subject to a future planning application for replacement farm buildings for those to be lost through the construction of HS2.
Survey Aims
The aims of the survey were to:
Provide a description of the habitats present on site Identify the potential for the presence of protected species on site Determine the need for further ecological surveys Assess the ecological impact of the proposals Identify any ecological constraints/opportunities on site
Scope
The survey sought to identify the potential for protected species on site including:
Bats – suitable trees and natural features for roosting together with suitable foraging habitat.
Birds – areas of habitat/structures that may be used for constructing a nest or for foraging.
Reptiles – areas that could be used for insolation, shelter, foraging and breeding.
Amphibians – suitable aquatic habitat for breeding and terrestrial habitat for shelter and hibernation. A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment was carried out on all waterbodies on site to assess the suitability for great crested newts.
Badger (Meles meles) - areas that might be used for foraging and sett building. Incidental foraging signs, tree scratching, paths, latrines and setts were recorded if found (Harris et al., 1989). A 30m buffer of the whole site was also surveyed, where practicable, most of which was viewed from the site boundaries.
Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) – evidence including droppings and suitable foraging and sheltering habitat.
Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) – suitable habitat such as arable fields and rough field margins together with individual animals.
Harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) – evidence of the presence of suitable habitat such as arable fields and stiff-grassed meadows or the presence of nests.
Invertebrates – areas of habitat that may be used for shelter, and include food plants and species suitable for egg-laying.
Invasive species – evidence of species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
The lack of suitable waterbodies, such as rivers and ditches within or adjacent to the site resulted in the site being unsuitable for water vole, otter, white-clawed crayfish and notable fish, therefore these species were not included in the survey.
The lack of suitable hedgerows connected to suitable structured woodland with flowering and fruiting species resulted in the site being unsuitable for dormice, therefore this species was not included in the survey.
The lack of a diverse habitat mosaic including, woodland, riverbanks and farmland resulted in polecat being scoped out of this survey.
2. Site
Site location
The site (grid reference SP 191 939) was located between the Kingsbury Road and the M42, to the north-east of the village of Curdworth in Warwickshire. The site consisted of a large arable field, which was bordered by major roads, with an area of woodland to the north of the site. The existing farm buildings were not included within the survey.
It was understood that the proposed works would involve erecting replacement farm buildings within the southern part of the site for those to be lost through the construction of HS2.
3. Legislation
Bats
All bat species in the UK and their roosts (places of shelter or rest) are protected from intentional and reckless disturbance and destruction under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended), the latter of which deems all UK bats as European Protected Species. This means that a derogation licence from Natural England is required in order to undertake works which would impact on bats or their roost sites.
Birds
All nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), making it an offence to disturb any breeding birds from the time that they begin nest building until all the young have naturally fledged. Birds can nest in a range of habitats, from houses and outbuildings to hedgerows, trees and scrub vegetation. Some species of birds, including several species associated with farmland, build their nests on the ground.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Great crested newts and their habitats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended), the latter of which deems them a European Protected Species. Under this legislation it is an offence to capture, kill, disturb or trade individuals of this species, or to damage or destroy any breeding sites or resting places, which includes both aquatic and
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
terrestrial habitats. Activities which would impact on this species or its habitats require a licence from Natural England.
More common amphibian species (smooth and palmate newts, common frog and common toad) are all protected from sale under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The four reptile species which are widespread across the UK (grass snake, common lizard, slow worm and adder) are protected from sale and are additionally protected from killing and injury under the same legislation.
Badger
In the UK badgers and their setts (places of rest) are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, making it an offence to intentionally capture, kill or injure a badger or interfere with a sett (including disturbing a badger in a sett, damaging, destroying or blocking up of a sett and digging or allowing dogs to enter a sett). A licence is required for any works impacting on a badger sett.
Hedgehog, brown hare & harvest mouse
Hedgehog, brown hare and harvest mouse are species of conservation concern, having suffered significant population declines, which are now listed as priority species under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (previously UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species). The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 117 states that in order to minimise impacts on biodiversity planning policies should “promote the recovery of priority species populations”. Plans which protect and enhance habitat for these species are therefore encouraged.
Invertebrates
Many invertebrate species have become rare and are now listed as priority species under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (previously UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species). The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 117 states that in order to minimise impacts on biodiversity planning policies should “promote the recovery of priority species populations”. Plans which protect and enhance habitat for these species are therefore encouraged.
Invasive species
An invasive species is a non-native plant or animal which has been introduced and found to have a detrimental impact on native species. This can happen through directly out-competing native species or introducing new diseases. Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) lists known invasive plant and animal species and this legislation makes it an offence to release or plant the listed species in the wild or allow them to escape or spread into the wild. Whilst it is not illegal to have these plants and animals on an area of land, those in control of sites where invasive species are present must take all reasonable steps to avoid allowing them to spread.
4. Desktop Study
Prior to the ecological survey of the site, a desk-top data gathering exercise was undertaken. The MAGIC website was accessed and the Warwickshire Biological Record Centre was contacted for information on statutory and non-statutory sites and protected/notable species records within a 1km radius.
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
Site Designations
The site had no statutory or non-statutory designations for nature conservation within its boundary. The closest non-statutory designated site was Dunton Wood Local Wildlife Site, a small area of woodland found to the east and separated from the site by a major road.
Habitat connectivity and barriers
Overall, connectivity between the site and the surrounding area was considered to be below average. The site was isolated from habitats in the east, west and south by major roads, which were considered to pose a significant barrier to the dispersal of many animals including reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Road verges, in particular mature hedges and trees, may have offered suitable commuting routes for animals such as birds and bats.
The northern boundary of the site was adjacent to an area of woodland, which may have provided habitat for a range of protected and notable species including bats and birds. Further north were areas of arable land and grassland.
There were several ponds within the surrounding area, although many of these were separated from the site by main roads. Two ponds were found adjacent to the site boundary, which may have offered suitable breeding habitat for amphibians which may in turn use habitats within the site.
Site and 1km radius
Area of woodland Heavily used roads
Ponds
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
Species
The Warwickshire Biological Record Centre (WBRC) provided the following records within a 1km radius. In addition, the Ecology Map Book for the proposed HS2 route was studied for recent survey results within the site and immediate surrounding area. Only species scoped in to the survey, where records exist, are commented on within the species section.
Mammals
Badgers have been recorded approximately 1km to the south-east of the site.
Reptiles and amphibians
There were no formal records of reptile or amphibian species held by the WBRC; however, it was noted from the HS2 Ecology map book for the area that great crested newts were recorded within a pond to the south-east of the site, although this pond was separated from the site by a major road.
Birds
Several records of notable bird species were found within a 1km radius of the site. These included birds associated with farmland such as lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), as well as more generalist species including house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and starling (Sturnus vulgaris).
Invertebrates
Several notable invertebrate species were recorded within a 1km radius of the site, including Biodiversity Action Plan butterflies.
Invasive species
Several historic records of Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), an invasive plant species, were found within a 1km radius of the site.
5. Results and evaluation
Phase 1 habitat survey
On the 29th September 2015 a walkover survey of the site was carried out in accordance with standard methodology for Phase 1 habitat assessment (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 1993) by a suitably experienced surveyor, Catherine Coton (Assistant Ecologist, Grad CIEEM).
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
Timing and Conditions
The site was visited on Tuesday 29th August 2015, commencing at 10:30am.
Parameter Recorded Figure Temperature 14ºC Cloud cover 70% Precipitation None Wind speed (Beaufort Scale) 2 – light breeze
An annotated Phase 1 habitat survey map is provided in this section. This illustrates the location of all habitat types recorded at the site together with target notes depicting features of ecological interest. Habitats were classified using Phase 1 methodology (JNCC, 1993) and were then evaluated against the IEEM EIA evaluating habitats and species guidelines (2006) in order to give them a scale of importance from low to high value in the context of the site (unless otherwise stated). Such criteria included size, species diversity, presence of Local BAP or UK BAP habitats and species together with presence of other notable species.
Habitats
Arable Tall ruderal vegetation Improved grassland Pond Dry ditch Boundaries
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
Arable
The majority of the site was comprised of a large arable field split into sections of different crops and areas of bare earth. The narrow field edges, alongside boundary fencing, consisted of rough grassland with abundant false oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), frequent mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), cleavers (Galium aparine) and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), occasional field pansy (Viola tricolor), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) and hemlock (Conium maculatum) and rarely occurring poppy (Papaver rhoeas), evening primrose (Oenothera sp.) and fumitory (Fumaria sp.).
Large arable field Rough grassland field margins
Arable fields are areas of agricultural land are used for cereal or crop production. The intensity of how this habitat is farmed can affect its ecological value. For example, the value of an arable field that is intensively farmed up to the boundary line is less than that of a field that is surrounded by a 5m field margin and is subject to minimal fertilizer/herbicide use. In this case, the large field was ploughed almost to the edge of the field and there were no hedgerows around the site. This limited its ecological value; however, the narrow field margins were likely to offer some shelter and a commuting route for animals such as amphibians and small mammals.
LOW ecological value
Tall ruderal vegetation
Large earth mounds were noted around the existing farm buildings on site, which enclosed farm operations. These mounds were dominated by tall ruderal vegetation. Species included abundant nettle (Urtica dioica) and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) with occasional self-seeded shrubs including elder (Sambucus nigra) and rose (Rosa sp.). Several piles of logs and rubble were noted in this area (target note 2).
Earth mounds dominated by tall ruderal vegetation
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Tall ruderal habitat is typically described as “weedy” vegetation growing on disturbed soil. It is not an uncommon habitat and it is easily recreated as it is usually dominated by one or two common plant species. It may provide a moderately good habitat and food source for common invertebrates, more so when part of a habitat mosaic, but overall it is generally considered to be of low ecological value. In this case, the vegetation was likely to offer some cover and foraging habitat for invertebrates and amphibians; however, the regular disturbance from nearby farm operations limited the ecological value.
LOW ecological value
Improved grassland
A small, fenced field of species-poor grassland was noted in the middle of the site. This was closely grazed by sheep at the time of the survey and was dominated by grasses, with very few broad-leaved plants noted.
Small closely grazed field
Agriculturally improved grassland is grassland which has been subject to management such as heavy grazing or fertiliser use which increases the nutrient levels of the soil. A high level of nutrients, in particular nitrates, improves the growth rates of rank, dominant grasses. Over time, the vigorous growth of rank grasses out- competes and suppresses the growth of finer grasses and wildflower species. As a result, agriculturally improved grassland is often limited in terms of botanical diversity and this limits the value for notable and protected species. In this case, aerial imagery suggested that this land parcel had been ploughed in the past and the species present were limited to common grasses. Overall, this habitat was considered to be of low ecological value as it offered few opportunities for foraging or sheltering animals.
LOW ecological value
Pond
A single, very small pond was noted within the site boundary (target note 1). This was found at the northern edge of the earth mounds surrounding the working farm. The water surface was dominated by duckweed (Lemna sp.) and a small patch of flote-grass (Glyceria sp.) was noted. The water appeared to be relatively shallow and this feature was expected to dry out in hot weather.
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Small pond on site
The ecological value of ponds varies greatly depending on a number of factors such as size, shading and water quality. These habitats may be common in a particular area where the topography and water table allow. Ponds can provide valuable habitat for a number of species, in particular amphibians such as great crested newts. In this case, the small size of the pond limited its ecological value; however, the small amounts of aquatic vegetation and surrounding tall ruderal vegetation habitat meant that this feature could be used by amphibians, which is discussed further in the species section, below.
MEDIUM ecological value
Dry ditch
A dry ditch was present along the northern boundary of the site. This was dominated by tall ruderal vegetation including nettles and thistles, along with encroaching bramble scrub.
Ditches can provide valuable linear corridors through a landscape suitable for a range of species including reptiles, amphibians and mammals. In this case, the well-vegetated nature of the dry ditches across the site offered safe cover for a range of commuting animals, although the tall ruderal vegetation present was limited in terms of species diversity. This habitat was therefore considered to be of low ecological value.
LOW ecological value
Boundaries
Post and wire fencing was present along the majority of the site boundaries, although this was defunct in places. At the southern end of the site, adjacent bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) scrub was encroaching over the fencing and into the site, where it offered some potential for nesting birds (target note 3). Please see Phase 1 map for locations of fencing.
LOW ecological value
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Species
The potential of protected species to be present on site was given a value evaluated by the habitat suitability, records within the 1km radius and any evidence found on site.
Bats
There are 18 species of bats found in the UK, all of which are protected by European law and identified as priority species under the UK BAP and Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006, as they have been in decline over recent years. Bats use a range of different habitats depending on species and time of the year. However, all bats found in the UK are reliant on invertebrates as a food source and therefore habitats that are known to be beneficial to invertebrates can be considered as beneficial to bats, such as pasture, woodland and water bodies. In addition, most bats rely on good connective habitat, such as hedgerows, to ensure they can travel safely between roosts and foraging areas.
There were no records of bats within a 1km radius of the site; however, this was considered likely to be due to under-recording in the area rather than an absence of bats. None of the habitats on site offered suitable features for roosting bats, although semi-mature and mature trees and buildings adjacent to the site may have offered suitable roosting sites. It was considered possible that bats would occasionally forage on site, in particular over the tall ruderal vegetation and rough grassland edges which were likely to support common invertebrates. However, it was considered unlikely that any bats would rely on the site for a foraging source given its isolation by well-lit, busy roads and use for crop cultivation.
Likelihood of bat roosting: LOW
Likelihood of bat foraging/commuting: LOW
Badgers
European badgers and their setts are protected in the UK, although they have become more common over recent years. Badgers use a range of habitats (rural and urban); however, they are generally associated with agricultural land and woodland. A clan of badgers will have a number of setts which they use at different frequencies at different times of the year.
There were two records of known setts found approximately 1km to the south-east of the site. No evidence of badger was found on site during the survey and the regular disturbance by farm operations and limited habitats on site meant that the site was considered to be sub-optimal for sett-building. Nevertheless, the woodland habitat to the north of the site could offer suitable habitat for setts and the occasional presence of badgers commuting through or foraging on site in future could not be ruled out.
Likelihood of badger presence: LOW
Reptiles
There are a number of reptiles which are found in the UK including common lizard, sand lizard, slow worm, grass snake and adder. All reptiles native to the UK are identified as priority species under the UK BAP and Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. As cold blooded creatures, basking makes up a very important part of their life cycle and because of this all reptiles will use areas that are exposed to the sun in the morning and late afternoon to ensure they maintain a regulated body temperature.
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There were no records of reptiles within the 1km search radius. The habitats on site were uniform and offered limited opportunities for basking or shelter and limited prey for foraging. This, coupled with the site’s isolation by major roads, meant that the site was considered very unlikely to support reptiles.
Likelihood of reptile presence: LOW
Amphibians
A number of species of frog, toad and newt are found in the UK. Three species, great crested newt, natterjack toad and pool frog, are afforded European Protected Species status. All amphibians are reliant on suitable ponds for breeding in spring, as well as suitable terrestrial cover for foraging, commuting and hibernating over winter.
Previous surveys in the area carried out in 2013 to inform HS2 identified great crested newts using a pond approximately 30m away from the site to the south. However, this pond was separated from the site by the Kingsbury Road, which was considered to be a major barrier to dispersal of newts due to its regular use by vehicles. It was therefore considered unlikely that newts from this pond would be able to access the site.
A single small pond was found within the site, with two large ponds noted on land adjacent to the site on the same side of the road. The HS2 surveys had not identified the small pond within the site and no surveys of this pond had been undertaken. The two larger ponds had been identified and scoped in to the HS2 great crested newt surveys. The pond to the immediate west of the Mullensgrove Farm buildings was identified on HS2 maps as ‘Survey Incomplete – no Great Crested Newts found’, whilst the pond at the junction of Marton Lane and Kingsbury road was identified as ‘Scoped in – no access permission’. Therefore, no conclusions could be drawn as to the presence or likely absence of great crested newts within this pond from the HS2 survey data.
The pond on site was subject to a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment during the survey to determine its suitability for great crested newts. In addition, the pond adjacent to the farm buildings was surveyed from the road. The results of the HSI assessments for these ponds are shown in the tables below. The third pond, at the junction of Marston Lane and Kingsbury Road, was inaccessible during the survey.
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) results
HSI can be useful in:
Evaluating the general suitability of a sample of ponds for Great Crested Newt Comparing general suitability of ponds across different areas Evaluating the suitability of receptor ponds in a proposed mitigation scheme
HSI is limited by being insufficiently precise to allow one to draw conclusions neither that a pond with a high score will support great crested newts nor that a pond with a low score will not do so. Also, the results do not allow conclusions on newt populations to be reached.
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In line with the ARG UK HSI Advice Note, the area of the large pond adjacent to the farm was omitted from the calculation as its area exceeded 2,000m².
The majority of the site consisted of arable land, which is generally considered to be sub-optimal habitat for amphibians, although newts will sometimes use cracks in cultivated ground for hibernation during winter. In addition, the rough field margins and tall ruderal vegetation on site were likely to offer suitable cover for any amphibians using the ponds on and adjacent to the site. The potential for individual amphibians to pass through the site could not be ruled out and given the “good” HSI score of the larger pond adjacent to the site, the occasional presence of great crested newts on site could not be ruled out.
Likelihood of amphibian presence: MEDIUM
Likelihood of great crested newt presence: MEDIUM
Birds
The site as a whole offered limited opportunities for nesting birds as there were no hedgerows. Small areas of encroaching bramble scrub at the boundaries (target note 3) offered suitable cover for common garden birds, although the extent of this habitat within the site was very small. The large arable field was likely to be regularly disturbed by farm works and the major roads at either side of the site caused a significant amount of noise, which was considered likely to deter ground nesting species such as lapwing and skylark. Overall, the likelihood of birds using the site for nesting was considered to be low.
Likelihood of nesting bird presence: LOW
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Hedgehog
Hedgehogs have been in decline recently due to increased pressures from a number of factors including habitat fragmentation. They are now considered a priority species under the UK BAP and Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. Hedgehogs rely on habitats that are high in invertebrate numbers and have safe areas for nesting and good connectivity.
There were no records of hedgehog within a 1km radius of the site and no evidence of this species was found during the survey. The roads running adjacent to the site were likely to deter this species from entering the site; however, it was possible that hedgehogs would use habitat in the surrounding area, such as the woodland to the north of the site, and the occasional presence of this species on site could not be ruled out.
Likelihood of hedgehog presence: LOW
Brown Hare
Although brown hare are considered to be widespread in the lowlands of mainland Britain recent declines in numbers have highlighted this species as a priority under the UK BAP and Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. This species inhabits arable farmland where they feed on grasses, herbs and bark.
There were no records for brown hare within a 1km radius of the site and no individuals were seen during the survey. Although this species prefers an agricultural landscape, the main roads running alongside the site were considered likely to pose a significant barrier to this species and reduce the likelihood of individuals entering the site.
Likelihood of brown hare presence: LOW
Harvest mouse
Harvest mice have declined as a result of agriculture intensification. This species is typically found in fields of cereal crops such as wheat and oats, in reed beds and in other tall vegetation, such as long grass and hedgerows.
There were no records for harvest mouse within the 1km search radius and no evidence of this species was found during the walkover survey. Overall, the habitats offered limited opportunities for this species and the likelihood of harvest mice using the site was considered to be low.
Likelihood of harvest mouse presence: LOW
Invertebrates
The tall ruderal vegetation and rough grassland on site were likely to provide suitable food and cover for a range of common invertebrates. The large arable field was likely to be subject to pesticide use, which would limit the numbers of any species present. Overall, the habitats on site were widespread and common and therefore considered unlikely to support a resident population of a notable invertebrate species.
Likelihood of notable invertebrate presence: LOW
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Invasive species
There were records of Himalayan balsam with a 1km radius of the site. No evidence of invasive plants or animals listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) were found during the survey.
Likelihood of invasive species presence: LOW
Limitations
There were no significant limitations at the time of survey.
6. Discussion and Conclusion
The site consisted of a large arable field with fencing present on the east and west boundaries. The edges of the field consisted of rough grassland and ruderal vegetation. Earth mounds were present in association with the existing working farm buildings of Mullensgrove Farm, in the middle of the site on the western side. These were dominated by tall ruderal vegetation. A smaller fenced field in the western part of the site included species-poor grassland which was grazed by sheep at the time of the survey. All the habitats identified on site were considered to be of low ecological value.
It was understood that the land would be subject to a future planning application for new farm buildings and associated access within the southern part of the site to replace the existing buildings which would be lost through the construction of HS2. The proposed works are expected to impact on an area of arable land and a small area of the rough grassland field margin where a new access road would link to the adjacent Kingsbury Road.
The site was considered largely unsuitable for protected and notable species, although species such as badgers, bats and birds may occasionally pass through or forage within the site.
A very small pond was present on the northern side of the earth mounds associated with the existing farm buildings. In addition, two large ponds were present on land to the west of the site. It was therefore considered possible that amphibians, including great crested newts, could use the site.
Great crested newts were identified within a pond to the south of the site during 2013 surveys for HS2; however, this pond was separated from the site by the Kingsbury Road, a major road which was considered to pose a significant barrier to dispersal of newts. It was therefore concluded that newts from this pond would not be able to access the site.
The proposed new farm buildings would be erected over 250m away from the nearest pond with potential to support great crested newts, which was found to the immediate west of the existing Mulensgrove Farm buildings. It was therefore considered that, even if great crested newts were using this pond and the small pond on site and larger pond to the north-west, the proposed works were unlikely to have a significant impact on this protected species providing appropriate precautions were taken during works.
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250m buffers around ponds (yellow dotted lines) Development within red hatched area does not need GCN surveys providing reasonable avoidance measures followed.
It was considered that no further surveys would be necessary prior to the proposed works providing reasonable avoidance measure for great crested newts are carried out during ground clearance and construction works. These are detailed below, along with other sensitive working measures to ensure that protected and notable species are not harmed by the proposed development works.
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7. Recommendations
Avoidance, mitigation and legal obligation
In order to develop the site, Ecolocation recommend the developer follow the advice set out in this “Avoidance, mitigation and legal obligations” section, to avoid harm or impact to legally protected and notable species and habitats on site, as outlined within The National Planning Policy Framework:
The National Planning Policy Framework para 117 states that "To minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, planning policies should...promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations". In order to ensure no net loss of biodiversity in accordance with NPPF & Circular 06/2005 recommendations are made below:
Works should be carried out to avoid the winter months (November-February), when great crested newts could use cracks within the arable ground for hibernation. Works must not be carried out in weather conditions under 6oC.
Any excavations left overnight should have sloping boards installed to ensure that any animals which may fall in have a means to escape.
Any areas of rough vegetation at the field edge, which will be cleared as part of the new access formation, should be strimmed to a height of 10cm prior to works and maintained at this level until works are completed. In addition, all vegetation within 10m either side of the new access should be maintained at a low level. This is to deter animals such as amphibians from entering this area, where they could be harmed by the proposed works.
A check for nesting birds should be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist immediately prior to works. If nesting birds are found to be present the subsequent advice of the ecologist must be followed and a minimum buffer of 5m should be maintained with no disturbance around the nest(s) until all the young have naturally fledged.
Should evidence of protected species (including great crested newts) be discovered during works Ecolocation or the local office of Natural England should be contacted for advice on the best way to proceed.
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
8. References
Birds of Conservation Concern 3: The Population Status of Birds in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (Various, 2009).
Birds of Northern Europe, 2010. Birdguides iPhone App.
BSI, 2012. Trees in Relation to Construction. BS 5837:2012.
Circular 06/2005 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and Their Impact Within the Planning System
HS2 Ecology Map Book: CFA 20 ecology map book: Curdworth to Middleton (Ref: ES 3.5.1.5.20), available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140806173545/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/hs2-environmental- statement/volume-5/ecology/MB54_VOL5_EC_CFA20_WATERMARKED.pdf
Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995. Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment. London: E & FN Spon.
JNCC, 2004. Bat Workers Manual. 3rd edition.
JNCC,1993. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A technique for environmental audit. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
MAGIC, 2013. Available from: http://www.magic.gov.uk/.
National Planning Policy Framework 2012.
Online Atlas of British and Irish Flora. Available from: https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/.
Rose, F., 2006. The Wildflower Key – How to identify wild flowers trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland. 2nd edition. London: Warne.
RSPB. Available from: www.rspb.org.uk.
Stace, C., 1997. New flora of the British Isles. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2012.
UK BAP Priority Species and Habitats, available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/protectandmanage/prioritylist.aspx.
Warwickshire Biological Record Centre
Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981. HMSO (as amended).
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Ecological Appraisal 2014-12(02) Mullensgrove Farm, Curdworth
Appendix – Species List
Common Name Scientific Name DAFOR – D - dominant A – abundant F – frequent O – occasional R – rare, L – locally Trees/Shrubs Sycamore (seedlings) Acer pseudoplatanus R Herbs Autumn hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis R Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. O-LA Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius O Canadian fleabane Conyza canadensis O Chickweed Stellaria media O Cleavers Galium aparine F Common vetch Vicia sativa O Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris O Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens O Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense O-LF Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. O Dovesfoot cranesbill Geranium molle O Evening primrose Oenothera sp. R Fat hen Chenopodium album O-LF Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis O Field pansy Viola arvensis O Fumitory Fumaria sp. R Green alkanet Pentaglottis sempevirens R Groundsel Senecio vulgaris O Hemlock Conium maculatum O Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium O Knotgrass Polygonum sp. F Lettuce Lactuca sp. O-LF Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris F-LA Nettle Urtica dioica F-LA Nipplewort Lapsana communis O Poppy Papaver rhoeas R Ragwort Senecio vulgaris R Red campion Silene dioica R Red dead nettle Lamium purpureum O Redshank Persicaria maculosa O Rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium O Scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodurum O Shepherd’s purse Capsella bursa-pastoris O Sow thistle Sonchus sp. O Spear thistle Cirsium vulgaris O Speedwells Veronica spp. O Spurge sp. Euphorbia sp. R White campion Silene latifolia O White clover Trifolium repens O White dead nettle Lamium album O Willowherb Epilobium sp. O Grasses, sedges & rushes Annual meadow grass Poa annua O Black grass Alopecurus myosuroides O Common couch Elymus repens O Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera O False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius F Sterile brome Bromus sterilis O Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus O
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