Wester Cowden

Extended Phase I Habitat Survey

Wester Cowden Farm

Easter Langside Lane

Dalkeith

Midlothian

EH22 2FN

April 2016

Updated September 2016

Prepared for ark architecture + design, 14 Royal Terrace, Glasgow, G3 7NY

On behalf of Buccleuch Property by

Acorna Ecology Ltd. 50 Foxdale Drive, Bonnybridge, FK4 2FE, [email protected]

0 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Executive Summary Acorna Ecology Ltd. was commissioned by ark architecture + design on behalf of Buccleugh Property in April 2016 to carry out an extended Phase I habitat survey with protected species walkover survey The ecological surveys included the Phase I habitat survey, a desk study, and a walkover protected species survey that considered the potential presence of relevant European Protected Species (bats), Badgers, and breeding birds.

Habitats None of the habitats within the area were notable for their rarity, quality, or extent, and in summary we consider the habitats to be unremarkable and common (mostly either formal private gardens, ephemeral ground, or rough areas around the farm yard, with a few trees present. Habitats and botanical species are therefore not an ecological constraint for development at this site.

Bats A number of potential roost features were noted on trees and buildings alike. Roosting bats are therefore considered likely to be an ecological constraint and further survey work is required to confirm the presence or absence of bats prior to planning approval.

Badgers Badgers are not an ecological constraint within the development site but as Badgers are known to be present in the wider area it is recommended that best practice measures to safeguard Badgers in development sites are adhered to during the development.

Breeding birds The habitat within the site was suitable for breeding or roosting by Barn Owl (Schedule 1 status) but no evidence was found of this species or any other notable raptor with an enhanced UK status of protection. The development site had a low value for other breeding birds but their presence means a seasonal constraint on site clearance works. To remove breeding birds as a constraint would require site clearance to take place between mid-September and mid-March (outwith the bird breeding season). If any such works were proposed during the bird breeding season we recommend that the area proposed for works and a 50m buffer would need checked by an ecologist to determine if any breeding birds with active nests or dependent fledglings were present. If any were present then works must not take place until the breeding cycle is complete for those individual birds, although there may be other areas of the development site that could safely be worked where no breeding birds were present.

1 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Contents

Executive Summary ...... 1 1. Introduction...... 3 2. Scope of Assessment and Survey ...... 3 3. Relevant Policy and Guidance...... 3 4. Desk Study...... 9 5. Bats in Scotland...... 10 6. Survey Methods...... 14 7. Results...... 18 8. Conclusions ...... 20 Figure 1. Phase I habitats...... 23 Figure 2. Locations of buildings surveyed for potential roost features (prf) and trees with prf ...... 24 Figure 3. Locations of birds exhibiting breeding behaviour...... 25 Appendix 1. Plant species list ...... 26 Appendix 2. Plates...... 38

2 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

1. Introduction Acorna Ecology Ltd. was commissioned by ark architecture + design on behalf of Buccleugh Property in April 2016 to carry out an extended Phase I habitat survey with protected species walkover survey for a proposed development site at Wester Cowden Farm, Dalkeith (NT 35135 67095), where the applicant is currently only seeking outline planning consent. The development site included the existing farm steading (excluding farmhouse), and a row of occupied cottages and associated gardens on Easter Langside Lane to the north of the steading. This report has been updated in September 2016 to address some comments made by the appointed ecological consultee contracted by the local authority [The Wildlife Information Centre (TWIC)] on the version submitted in April 2016.

2. Scope of Assessment and Survey The ecological surveys included the Phase I habitat survey, a desk study, and a walkover protected species survey that considered the potential presence of relevant European Protected Species (bats), Badgers, and breeding birds.

3. Relevant Policy and Guidance This ecological assessment has been undertaken with regard to the legislative requirements given in the following:

• The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (The Habitats Regulations);

• The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations as amended (2004, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012);

• Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act, 2004;

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and subsequent amendment through The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2007, 2009, & 2011);

• Wildlife & Natural Environment (Scotland) Act (2011);

• Protection of Badgers Act, 1992 (and subsequent amendment through The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004);

• Wild Mammals (Protection) Act, 1996;

• The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (The Berne Convention), 1979;

• The Land Reform (Scotland) Act, 2003;

• Scottish Planning Policy (June 2014) replaces NPPG14 and SPP (February 2010);

• The Midlothian Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2006;

• The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), revised priority list 2007; and the

• Scottish Biodiversity List 2007

3.1. Biodiversity Status The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is the UK Government's commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity signed in 1992. It is comprised of two types of Action Plans developed to set priorities for nationally and locally important habitats and wildlife:

3 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Habitat Action Plans • Broad Habitat Statements - summary descriptions of 28 natural, semi-natural and urban habitats and the current issues affecting the habitat and broad policies to address them; and

• UK BAP Priority Habitat Action Plans - detailed descriptions for 45 habitats falling within the Broad Habitat classification and detailed actions and targets for conserving these habitats.

Species Action Plans • Produced for UK BAP Priority Species: information on the threats facing 382 species and action plan targets to achieve a positive conservation status;

• Grouped Species Action Plans - common policies, actions and targets for similar species, for example for Eyebrights, or Commercial Marine Fish. There are nine grouped action plans;

• Species Statements - overview of the status of species and broad policies developed to conserve them for two groups of species.

Several bat species are UK BAP priority species with action plans. Soprano Pipistrelles are a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species but Common Pipistrelle bats have now been removed from the list (2007). Daubenton’s bat is a species of UK conservation concern.

Local Biodiversity Action Plans Each Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) partnership, usually but not always at the local authority level identifies and establishes actions to conserve local priorities and also link this action to the delivery of national Species and Habitat Action Plan targets wherever possible. Grouped action plans at this level include bats, and Waders, for example.

Barn Owl is a Midlothian LBAP priority species for conservation, while Soprano Pipistrelle, Common Pipistrelle, Daubenton’s Bat, Whiskered Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat, and Natterer’s Bat are key species in the LBAP.

The LBAP includes the following potentially relevant habitat action plan: Non-species rich hedgerows.

3.2. Notable Habitats and Plants Notable habitats in the UK are protected by statutory designation as Special Areas of Conservation if their value is recognised internationally, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) if have a national value, or as Local Nature Reserves (LNR) if valued within a local authority area. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 transposes European legislation conferring protection on such habitats: Sections 28 to 33 of Part 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act detail the law regarding SSSIs. Sections 34 to 53 deal with other protected areas within Great Britain.

Several plant species are classed as European Protected Species and are listed in Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive, and in the UK on Schedule IV of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (The Habitats Regulations). In addition, there are a number of species protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to pick, uproot, trade in, or possess (for the purposes of trade) any wild plant listed in Schedule 8, and prohibits the unauthorised intentional uprooting of such plants. It also contains measures for preventing the establishment of non-native species which may be detrimental to native wildlife, prohibiting the release of animals and planting of plants listed in Schedule 9. It also provides a mechanism making any of the above offences legal through the granting of licences by the appropriate authorities.

The most problematic invasive, non-native plants were listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Under section 14(2) of the Act it was an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow any species of plant listed on Schedule 9. Due to identification of a whole host of additional problematic invasive species a draft list of species for addition to the Schedule was prepared in 2007 and consulted on.

4 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Invasive species presence across ownership boundaries raised issues with liability at many sites where any scheduled invasive plant species have knowingly been allowed to spread onto neighbouring properties as it was illegal to allow them to spread thus. The relatively recent Wildlife & Natural Environment (Scotland) Act (2011) significantly amended the Wildlife and Countryside Act in Scotland, and has removed ambiguity on liability by simplifying the issue of invasive non-native species in the wild and avoided the need for addition to a revised list by simply making it an offence to plant or cause any non-native plant species to grow in the wild. This change in policy has brought Scotland to the forefront of invasive species and control by demonstrating a high recognition of the issues invasive plant species are causing including high costs for control and eradication.

Some invasive species are more onerous to deal with than others, for example, Japanese Knotweed may take three or more years to eradicate, and any waste containing Japanese Knotweed is classed as controlled waste, and cannot be used for exemptions under Waste Management Licensing. For off-site disposal it must be buried in a licensed landfill site at a depth of at least 5m. Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty of care on all waste producers to ensure that any wastes are disposed of safely and that a written description of the wastes, and any specific harmful properties, is provided to the site operator. Failure to appropriately dispose of any material containing Japanese Knotweed or several other invasive species may lead to prosecution under Sections 33 and 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Section 14 of the WCA 1981. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 increased the penalties available to someone committing a Section 14 offence. Penalties on summary conviction were increased to include imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine not exceeding £40,000. On conviction on indictment, the penalties are an unlimited fine (i.e. whatever the court feels to be commensurate with the offence) and/or a 2 year prison sentence.

3.3. European Protected Species: The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (The Habitats Regulations) Full consideration of European Protected Species (EPS) must be given as part of the planning application process, not as an issue to be dealt with at a later stage.

As stated previously, several plant species are classed as European Protected Species and are listed in Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive, and in the UK on Schedule IV of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (The Habitats Regulations). Full consideration of European Protected Species (EPS) must be given as part of the planning application process, not as an issue to be dealt with at a later stage. The European Protected Species of potential relevance to this survey area were the following nine species of plant:

Creeping Marshwort Apium repens Early Gentian Gentianella anglica Fen Orchid Liparis loeselii Floating-leaved water Plantain Luronium natans Lilarney Fern Trichomanes speciosum Lady’s Slipper Cypripedium calceolus Slender Naiad Najas flexilis Shore Dock Rumex rupestris Yellow Marsh Saxifrage Saxifraga hirculus

The European Protected Species of animal of potential relevance to this survey area were bat species found in the Central Belt of Scotland.

European Protected Species are protected in Annex IVa in the EC Habitats and Species Directive, which is transposed into UK legislation by the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (Schedule II of The Habitats Regulations). The full details of this legislation can be viewed at:

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1994/Uksi_19942716_en_4.htm

5 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

This legislation was amended on the 14th February 2007 (The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2007.), and explanatory guidance on this was published by the Scottish Government in April 2007. The amendment removed all EPS from Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. There are therefore now no defences in the WCA 1981 whatsoever for any actions impacting on EPS, and protection is afforded by the following legislation only:

Under Regulation 39 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (The Habitats Regulations) it is now a criminal offence (subject to specific exceptions) to:

(a) deliberately or recklessly to capture, injure or kill a wild animal of a European protected species; (only defences are mercy killing, capture for tending a disabled animal or circumstances where the animal is captive bred and lawfully held).

(b) deliberately or recklessly–

(i) to harass a wild animal or group of wild animals of a European protected species;

(ii) to disturb such an animal while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection;

(iii) to disturb such an animal while it is rearing or otherwise caring for its young;

(iv) to obstruct access to a breeding site or resting place of such an animal, or otherwise to deny the animal use of the breeding site or resting place;

(v) to disturb such an animal in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are, likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species to which it belongs; or

(vi) to disturb such an animal in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are, likely to impair its ability to survive, breed or reproduce, or rear or otherwise care for its young;

(c) deliberately or recklessly to take or destroy the eggs of such an animal; or

(d) to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal.

It should be noted that only the offence of damaging or destroying a breeding site or resting place of an EPS is a strict liability offence. The remaining offences are offences only where they are carried out “deliberately” or “recklessly”.

In Scotland licenses may be granted by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to permit certain activities that would otherwise be illegal due to their potential impact on EPS or their places of shelter/breeding, whether or not they are present in these refuges. This includes for developmental work. Under Regulation 44 of The Habitats Regulations, the provisions in Regulation 39 (protection of animals) do not apply to anything done for any of the purposes defined in Regulation 44 provided that any action is carried out “under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority”.

Three tests must be satisfied before a development licence for disturbance of an EPS or damage to a site/destruction of a site used by EPS will be granted. Note: A license application will fail unless all three tests are satisfied.

• Test 1 - the licence application must demonstrably relate to one of the purposes specified in Regulation 44(2). This regulation states that licences may be granted by SNH where the activities to be carried out under any proposed licence are for the purpose of “preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or

6 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment”;

• Test 2 - Regulation 44(3)(a) states that a licence may not be granted unless Scottish Natural Heritage is satisfied “that there is no satisfactory alternative”; and

• Test 3 - Regulation 44(3) (b) states that a licence cannot be granted unless Scottish Natural Heritage is satisfied “that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range”.

Note: Breach of Licensing Conditions A new regulation 46A came into force on 15th May 2007. This now makes it an offence to breach any conditions attached to a licence. Licence conditions should therefore be adhered to at all times.

3.4. Additional Legal Protection for Bats

• Additional protection is afforded through the Bern Convention (1979), enacted in Scotland through the Nature Conservation Act (Scotland) 2004;

• Appendix III, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn, 1980), Appendix 2; and

• The Bonn Convention’s Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (London, 1991).

It is also a legal obligation in Scotland to consult with SNH before you do anything that might affect bats or their roosts such as:

• Removal of hollow, old, or decaying trees;

• Blocking, filling, or installing grilles over old mines or caves; and

• Building, alteration, maintenance, or re-roofing

In all cases where bats are found to occupy trees or buildings and there is a developmental issue, SNH must be informed before any development takes place. A licence to permit development may then be obtained from SNH if appropriate.

3.5. Badger In the UK, Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (c.51), which repeals the previous Badgers Acts of 1973 and 1991, and certain sections of other relevant acts such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, The Environmental Protection Act 1990, The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, The Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991, and The Criminal Justice Act 1991. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 was further amended and strengthened through the Nature Conservation Act (Scotland) 2004.

The 1992 Act makes it an offence to:

• Wilfully kill, injure, catch, or take a Badger from the wild (or attempt to);

• Cruelly ill-treat a Badger, digging for Badgers, using Badger tongs, using a firearm other than permitted (under the exceptions regarding humane dispatch of an injured animal) within the Act;

• Damage, destroy or obstruct access to any part of a Badger sett (whether occupied or unoccupied);

• Disturb a Badger while it is occupying a sett, either by intent or by negligence;

7 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

• Dig a Badger sett;

• Cause a dog to enter a Badger sett;

• Sell or offer for sale a live Badger, have possession or control of a live Badger. Be in possession of a live or dead Badger or any part of one; and

• Mark a Badger or attach any ring, tag, or other marking device to a Badger.

Note: A Badger sett is defined within the Act as “any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a Badger” where current use means “any sett within an occupied Badger territory regardless of when it may have last been used”.

It is also a legal obligation to obtain a licence from Scottish Natural Heritage before you do anything that might affect Badgers or their setts, for example for:

• Development purposes [as defined under the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997]; and

• Alteration or maintenance of existing buildings where Badgers are found.

It is also a legal obligation in Scotland to consult with SNH before you do anything that might impact Badger setts, whether currently occupied or not.

Despite the above legislative protection, Badgers are not a UK Biodiversity priority species for conservation and are only considered of UK conservation concern.

3.6. Breeding Birds All breeding birds have basic statutory protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. In addition, a number of species that are rare or uncommon are afforded enhanced statutory protection during the breeding season by inclusion on Schedule One of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, which protects adults in places of rest, their eggs, and young.

• All breeding birds in the UK are protected through Sections 1-8 (referring to Schedules 1 to 4) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act [WCA] (enacting the Bern Convention and the Birds Directive), and subsequent amendments through the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. With certain exceptions, all wild birds, their eggs and dependent young are protected from intentional killing, injuring and taking; they cannot be in anyone’s possession, whether live or dead, and nests (whilst being built or in use) cannot intentionally be taken, damaged or destroyed. A general licence permits control of some species with landowner consent.

• Schedule 1 of the WCA is a list of nationally rare breeding birds for which all offences carry special (higher) penalties. The legislation also makes it an additional offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb adults or the dependent young of these species, at any stage of their breeding.

• Schedule 2 is a list of traditionally hunted birds for which protection does not apply outside a “close season”.

• European legislation provides additional legal protection as European Protected Species for a number of species of high conservation concern.

‘The Population Status of Birds in the UK’ was originally produced in 2002, and listed the UK status of 247 species of bird. Of these 40 were “red-listed” and 121 “Amber-listed” as species of conservation concern, and 86 species “Green-listed”. This listing did not provide additional legal protection for these species but highlighted those of concern for nature conservation purposes. The lists have been

8 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

updated several times and were updated a fourth time in 2015 (Eaton et al. 2015), resulting in re- designation of the UK status of 247 species of bird: 67 are now “red-listed” and 96 “Amber-listed” as species of conservation concern, while only 81 species are “Green-listed”.

4. Desk Study A desk-based review of sites designated for their nature conservation interest was completed in April 2016 and was updated in September 2016.

4.1. Sites with Statutory Designation Interrogation of the Scottish Natural Heritage SiteLink V3 database determined that the study area contained no sites with a statutory nature conservation designation. The nearest such site was:

The Dalkeith Oakwood Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI 487) lies approximately 1.6km northwest of the development area. This was designated for its wood pasture habitats and lichens and beetles.

4.2. Sites with Non-statutory Designation The Local Authority aims to protect locally important natural heritage sites from damaging developments through the introduction of Local Biodiversity Sites (LBS) in 2009 – based on the network of sites previously designated as Wildlife Sites or Listed Wildlife Sites (Scottish Wildlife Trust). There are no LBS within 1km of the development site, although Newbattle Woods is perhaps just over 1km away (LBS 29 to the southwest).

4.3. Protected Species The desk study found no historical records of species with enhanced statutory protection for the development site or in close proximity to it (<0.5km from it):

4.3.1. Consultation with The Wildlife Information Centre 4.3.1.1. Bats TWIC provided 171 records of bats within 5km of the Site, including six species of bats: Common and Soprano Pipistrelles, Whiskered Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat, Natterer’s Bat, and Daubenton’s Bat. The nearest record to the Site was of an unidentified bat in flight at Whitehill in October 2015 (N. Harmsworth recorder). The majority of records were distributed along the River South Esk corridor between Newbattle Abbey and Dalkeith Country Park, with Common and Soprano Pipistrelles, and Daubenton’s Bat all recorded (David Dodds Associates Ltd. recorder). Appendix 1. Contains a summary of the data purchased from TWIC.

4.3.1.2. Other species TWIC did not provide any records of notable species such as Badger, Otter, or Water Vole within 3km of the Site. TWIC did provide some plant records, a few bird records, and three records of Hedgehogs. None of these records are relevant to the Site and development on it but have been provided in Appendix 1. of this report.

4.3.2 Records from other sources The NBN Gateway (NBN) was consulted directly in September 2016 for relevant species records from datasets posted by SNH/JNCC because Paul Baker has written permission to cite data from SNH data sets (Colin McLeod) and from the Mammal Society dataset for commercial purposes:

The following datasets on the NBN Gateway were checked:

• JNCC collation of taxon designations" provided by Joint Nature Conservation Committee;

• SNH Species Repository;

9 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

• Compilation of records of 12 Article 17 terrestrial mammal species in Scotland; and

• SNH Bat Casework records 1970-2007.

The Central Scotland Wildlife Information Centre (CSWIC) database was consulted in April 2016 for records of protected species on Site.

4.3.2.1 Bats The NBN Gateway posted SNH dataset that we had permission to cite provided 24 records for six species of bats within 5km of the Site: Common, Soprano and Nathusius’s Pipistrelles, Whiskered Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat, Natterer’s Bat, and Daubenton’s Bat (SNH staff ref. for records). These records have not been copied from the NBN Gateway website due to potential confidentiality matters as they include roosts, and also because none of the records were within proximity to the Site so have a low relevance to this study: No records were within 1km of the Site, and most were of bats along the River South Esk corridor between Newbattle Abbey and Dalkeith Country Park.

The Central Scotland Wildlife Information Centre (CSWIC) was consulted in April 2016 for records of protected species on Site and in the wider area but all bat records obtainable were further than 2.5km from the Site, with records predominantly in the Eskbank – Newton Grange area. CSWIC confirmed the presence of four species of bat in the wider area: Common and Soprano Pipistrelles, Daubenton’s bat, and Brown Long-eared Bat, with a fifth, Natterer’s present within 6km of the Site (SO, SM, MP, and GB recorders). These records are all confidential and specific details cannot be published.

4.3.2.2. Badgers Badger: The CSWIC had two records of active Badger setts within 3km of the development site during 2008 (sites confidential, MP, recorder).

5. Bats in Scotland 5.1. Background Information Four species of bat are relatively widespread in Midlothian:

• Common Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) 45 kHz;

• Soprano Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) 55 kHz;

• Daubenton’s Bat (Myotis daubentonii);

• Brown Long-eared Bat (Plecotus auritus); and

Another five species occur in Central Scotland but tend to have restricted distributions, or less is known about their distribution:

• Natterer’s Bat (Myotis nattereri) Scattered throughout Central Belt including Midlothian;

• Noctule Bat (Nyctalus noctula) (more of a southern Scottish distribution but recorded in West Lothian and East Dunbartonshire, and in 2009 in Midlothian - http://www.lothianlife.co.uk/2009/01/noctule-bat-arrives-in-midlothian/);

• Nathusius’s Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus nathusii) 38 kHz –(Stirlingshire and Midlothian);

• Whiskered Bat (Myotis mystacinus) – within the Lanarkshire and Midlothian areas; and

10 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

• Leislers Bat (Nyctalus leisleri) (more of a southern Scottish distribution but known southwest of Glasgow).

5.2. Bat Roost Types Nine main types of roost have been identified (Collins 2016). These are:

• Day roosts (March – November but more-so in the summer): used for resting during the day, and may be occupied daily by solitary or small numbers of males, or may be used infrequently as part of a chain of roost sites alternated daily but are rarely occupied at night. Whole colonies of some species such the Leisler’s bat will change roost during the day including taking young with them;

• Night roosts (March – November): a place where bats rest or shelter during the night but are rarely present during the day. Can be used by solitary bats or entire colonies, and are often indicated by large accumulations of insect remains and some droppings;

• Feeding roosts (May – November): a place where individual bats or small groups may rest or feed during the night between bouts of foraging, in times when weather changes, or just for a temporary rest. May be used by solitary bats to whole colonies but are rarely used during the day;

• Transitional/occasional roosts (spring or autumn generally but may be used April-October): Some roosts may be transitional, when small numbers are present for a limited period, usually during the spring and autumn.

• Swarming sites (August – November) tend to be around caves and mines and may be used for hibernation as well as being important for mating, with large numbers of male and female bats gathering from late summer to autumn.

• Mating roosts (September – October): where mating takes place from late summer and may continue through the winter;

• Maternity roosts (May - August): the most obvious roost type. These consist almost exclusively of females, most of which give birth and raise a single young but sometimes may include males in some species of bats. These colonies usually disperse by the autumn, although some species may remain in one roost all year round;

• Hibernation roosts (October – March); roost sizes may vary from individual to groups but must have a high humidity and constant cool temperature above freezing but generally less than 4°C; and

• Satellite roosts (May – August): alternative roosts near to maternity roosts used by a few breeding females or small groups of females throughout the breeding season;

Note: swarming sites (August – November) tend to be around caves and mines and may be used for hibernation as well as gathering for mating.

In Scotland, most species of bats roost by concealing themselves in crevices and are not easy to find. The presence of droppings is a key sign to their presence but numbers of droppings vary widely and even some large roosts have little evidence of droppings to indicate their presence. Hibernating bats however leave little or no trace of their presence. Other possible signs are a characteristic odour like ammonia. In addition, a clean or polished area at a place through which light can enter may suggest an entrance/exit hole.

5.3. Bats and Trees Trees may provide safe dry places for bats to roost, although some bats prefer to roost in buildings when suitable buildings are present. Some bats remain roost faithful for prolonged periods, while

11 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

others may have several alternate roost sites, and others may range much further using roosts several kilometres apart as weather conditions, food availability, and seasons change. Potential roost sites in trees may include:

• Crevices in bark:

• Gaps under loose bark on dead branches or trunks;

• Rotted knot holes;

• Hollow trunks;

• Cracks, splits etc. in stems and branches;

• Rotted-out branches;

• Growth deformities, compression forks, cankers;

• Gaps between overlapping branches;

• Dense ivy coverage;

• Woodpecker and Squirrel holes;

• Bird nesting boxes/bat boxes already present; and

• Crow, Magpie, and Buzzard nests.

5.4. Bats and Buildings Buildings may provide safe dry places for bats to roost, although some bats prefer to roost in trees even when suitable buildings are present. Some bats remain roost faithful for prolonged periods, while others may have several alternate roost sites in a steading or housing estate, and others may range much further using roosts several kilometres apart as weather conditions, food availability, and seasons change. Outbuildings and barns are often used as night roosts and shelters.

Potential locations for either access for roosting or for actual roosts in houses and outbuildings include:

Walls: • Behind cladding, external tiles or weatherboarding;

• Gaps in mortar/stonework allowing access inside the cavity wall spaces;

• At the top of solid walls;

• In window frames or windowsills;

• Behind loose render;

• Behind loose wall slates; and

• Potentially in any existing bat boxes already present on the building

Note Bat droppings may be found on the ground, garden furniture or other external objects such as bins and cars, or on windows and stuck to walls may also serve to focus attention on specific areas of a building to look for a roost.

12 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Eaves: • Between soffit and bargeboard; and

• Behind bargeboards or fascias

Roofs and lofts: • Space under ridge tiles;

• Between under-felt or boards and tiles or slates;

• Inside roof space at ridge ends or roof junctions;

• Inside roof space in gaps between timber and brickwork of chimneys;

• The junction of roof timbers, especially where ridge and hip beams meet;

• The top of gable end or dividing walls;

• Lower corners of the eaves;

• Between loft insulation and ceiling; and

• Space between joist and ceiling.

• The top of chimney breasts;

• Ridge and hip beams and other roof beams;

• Mortise and Tenon joints;

• All beams (free-hanging bats);

• Behind purlins; and

• Under lead/tin flashing

Within rooms in residential buildings • The floor and surfaces of any furniture or other objects;

• Behind wooden panelling;

• In lintels above doors and windows;

• Behind window shutters and curtains;

• Behind pictures, posters, furniture, peeling paintwork,

• Peeling wallpaper, lifted plaster and boarded-up windows; and

• Inside cupboards and in chimneys accessible from fireplaces.

13 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

In agricultural buildings • Gaps in mortar/stonework allowing access inside the rubble-filled cavity of the walls from inside the building;

• Wall top;

• Between exposed roofing tiles at the ridge where no sarking is present;

• Crevices between timbers or between timbers and walls/roof; and

• In lintels above doors and windows

Note: The above lists are not exhaustive – the surveyor should use professional judgement based on experience to decide where inspection is necessary.

6. Survey Methods 6.1. Notable Plants, Habitats & Scheduled Invasive Plants A Phase I Habitat walkover survey following the standard methodology and definitions used to map and describe habitats as per the Joint Nature Conservancy Committee guidelines (JNCC, 2010) was completed for the development site. Key locations of botanical interest were identified and target notes recorded where appropriate.

The objectives of this Phase I survey were to: i. Provide an update to the baseline assessment of habitat distribution and extent within the boundaries of the area; ii. Provide an updated evaluation of the ecological value of the habitats present prior to development; iii. Record any notable species; and iv. Record any non-native plants listed on Section 14(2) of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

6.2. Bats All methodology followed Bat Conservation Trust Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines (Collins 2016). Note on the Bat Survey Guidelines from Bat Conservation Trust (January 2016): “Professional judgement and surveyor experience: The guidelines are not a prescription for professional bat work. They do not aim to override professional judgement and cannot be used to replace experience. Deviations from the methods described are acceptable providing the ecological rationale is clear and the ecologist is suitably qualified and experienced. In some cases it may be necessary to support such decisions with evidence, particularly if they may lead to legal challenge.”

6.2.1. Preliminary Ground Level Assessment of Trees for Roost Potential The aim of this survey was to determine if any trees within the development site had potential value for use by roosting bats or evidence of any actual bat presence by a detailed inspection of the exterior of the tree from ground level. The survey looked for features that bats could use for roosting (PRFs) and categorised the trees according to their individual potential value for use by roosting bats (Table 6.2. below). Mature trees within the site were checked for PRFs such as crevices, holes, splits, tears, and ivy that could be used by bats to enter roosting sites such as those listed above, along with field signs

14 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

of bat occupancy such as urine streaking, grease marks, smooth or worn surfaces, or droppings caught on bark or on webs. Where appropriate, inspections were made using binoculars.

Trees with no bat roost potential were not recorded individually.

6.2.2. External Assessment of Buildings for Use by Bats All buildings within the development site boundary were assessed externally during daylight to look for PRF such as access points that could potentially be used by bats to enter crevices that could be used as roosting sites such as under loose or missing panels or cracks and crevices, loose flashing etc. on the building. Each potential access point was examined with binoculars for signs indicative of use by bats such as droppings, urine streaking, polished, or worn surfaces, or staining marks at the potential entry point. The ground along the walls was also checked for dropping accumulations, and brickwork and windows were also checked for the presence of occasional droppings. Internal access was taken to steading buildings but not the occupied cottages or farmhouse as these were either private or outwith the development site respectively. Buildings were scored according to Table 6.2. below to grade each building by its suitability for use by roosting bats

Table 6.2. Tree/building suitability assessed according to the Categories listed in the BCT Guidelines (Collins 2016)

Suitability Description of Roosting Habitats

Negligible Negligible habitat features on site likely to be used by roosting bats. Low A structure with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by individual bats opportunistically. However, these potential roost sites do not provide enough space, shelter, protection, appropriate conditions and / or suitable surrounding habitat to be used on a regular basis or by larger numbers of bats (i.e. unlikely to be suitable for maternity or hibernation). A tree of sufficient size and age to contain PRFs but with none seen from the ground or features seen with only very limited roosting potential.

Moderate A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by bats due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions and surrounding habitat but unlikely to support a roost of high conservation status (with respect to roost type only – the assessments in this table are made irrespective of species conservation status, which is established after presence is confirmed). High A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that are obviously suitable for use by larger numbers of bats on a more regular basis and potentially for longer periods of time due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions and surrounding habitat.

6.2.3. Internal Assessment of Buildings for Use by Bats The internal survey for bat signs was limited to buildings B1 – B4, B6 & B7 due to access restrictions but it was not considered necessary to survey within building B5 due to the construction of the building and view into it through a window, or Buildings B8 – B13 due to lack of prf. For those buildings accessed the inspections looked for evidence of bats having been present such as single

15 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

droppings, accumulations of droppings under roosting perches, smell of ammonia from damp droppings, moth wings and other prey remains, and dead bats, as are occasionally found in roosts or where bats have entered and become trapped. In addition to the visual search, the bat worker carried an SSF2 Bat Detector, which picks up any bat social chatter as is often found in larger roosts in particular. The SSF2 is ideal for this purpose as it constantly scans all frequencies between <20kHz and >65kHz and so any bat “noise” will be picked up on the spot without reviewing recordings later.

6.3. Badgers Field survey methodology followed Harris et al. (1989). Badgers leave many different signs of their occurrence, so are relatively easy to detect, these include:

• Badger setts may be large networks of connected tunnels and chambers with several entrances that are usually shaped like a flattened arch and 20-30cm high and 25-35cm across, or have a single entrance to either a small burrow or large network of tunnels. Bones in and around the entrance, usually indicate Fox activity (rank fox smell may be noticeable). Fox earths have smaller entrances, but foxes may occupy Badger setts even when Badgers are in residence;

• Scraps of fresh bedding that have been dragged in (often grassy material) may be found around the sett entrance. There may also be scraps of old bedding that has been dragged out;

• Day nests are piles of bedding above ground that are used by Badgers occasionally;

• Badgers are clean animals and create spoil heaps outside the main sett, which may contain old bedding, bits of fur, and perhaps small bones. They also use latrines, and will have one or more that are used until the hole is full, and then they start another;

• Badger droppings are very varied depending on the diet (black and slimy means a diet rich in worms, but cereal grains, seeds, and hard parts of insects may be seen). The smell and texture are very distinctive; as is the usual deposition in small oblong latrines either by the sett or at strategic locations on the territory boundary (different individuals have different home ranges within the clan territory). Occasionally droppings are not deposited in latrines but left lying on the ground;

• Clear footprints will show a prominent central pad, either four or five toes and claw marks, and may be found leading to and from the sett, as well as on Badger trails. The front foot usually has longer claws than the back foot, and the prints may overlap, with the back print partially obscuring the front;

• Badger Hairs may be found caught on fences, on brambles or other thorny plants as well as in old bedding outside setts. The guard hairs are 7.5-10cm long, distinctly wiry to the touch, and are mainly white/off-white with a distinctive black band near the white tip. Shorter belly hairs may also be found but are finer and less wiry so are harder to confirm as Badger unless guard hairs or another field sign is found;

• Scratch marks on trees and rocks, fence-posts, wooden greenhouses, barns, or even garden furniture. Scratch marks often show a series of four or five parallel deep gouges, but sometimes lighter parallel lines of scratches are left where Badger claws have clipped something they have scrambled over (such as logs obstructing a Badger trail);

• Badgers have their own traditional networks of regularly used trails both through woodland and across fields that may have been used for many years, and may be worn to a clearly visible rut in the soil, with any new plant growth flattened. Prints may be evident on these trails and where boundary features or obstacles cross the route, Badger hairs may be found caught (for example, on barbed wire, low thorny branches, wooden fences, etc. Closer to the sett, these trails may be muddy through constant use;

• Ground disturbance from foraging Badgers may include round/oval snuffle holes a few cm deep when they forage for worms (50% of lowland Badger diet (especially on lawns and golf-courses). Signs of digging for roots, bulbs such as pignut, and tubers. Beetles and grubs may also be eaten,

16 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

and the remains of wasp nests torn out of the ground are a sign of Badgers in an area. Badgers usually dig down through the top to avoid getting stung. Bark ripped from rotting logs or tree trunks may also be signs of foraging and grub extraction; and

• On cold, still, winter days, steam may rise from active Badger sett entrances. Land within the development site and a 50m buffer zone was searched for evidence of Badgers during the Phase I habitat survey.

6.4. Breeding Birds A reduced Common Bird Census (CBC) single survey methodology was used to record species and behaviour within the development site, rather than the 10-12 survey visits recommended by the British Trust for Ornithology. A variety of cues may be used to assess residency and breeding based on the British Trust for Ornithology Common Bird Census and Breeding Bird Survey methodologies (http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2004/), although the reduced version of CBC commonly used for proposed development sites and for general baseline data sets is more appropriate for use than the recently developed Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). The locations of all birds observed or heard were mapped, any evidence of breeding behaviour noted, and a list of species present recorded. Only birds physically using the Application Site, or close enough at boundaries to use the Application site were recorded, those flying over were omitted. The survey day was selected to follow survey method guidance, with weather conditions dry, and with light/no wind to optimise count data.

Class Category of Evidence Possible Breeding Species observed in breeding season in possible nesting habitat Singing males present or breeding calls heard in breeding season – The number of singing males taken to be indicative of the number of breeding pairs Collection of nest material

Probable Breeding Pairs observed in suitable nesting habitat in breeding season Permanent territory presumed through registration of territorial behaviour (song etc.) on at least two different days, a week apart, at the same place Display and courtship Visiting probable nest site Agitated behaviour or anxiety calls from adults Building nest or excavating nest hole

Confirmed Breeding Nest containing eggs Used nest or egg shells found (occupied or laid within the survey period) Nest with young seen or heard Adults carrying food for young or faecal sacs Distraction display/injury feigning/alarm calling by adults

6.5. Limitations There were no significant constraints on any of the survey work as completed.

17 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

7. Results 7.1. Phase I habitats The development site had ten Phase I habitat types present (Figure 1.). A total of 70 species of plants were noted (Appendix 2.). Figure 1. illustrates habitats and target note location).

• A1.1.1 Semi-natural broad-leaved woodland: group of four mature trees by northern entrance to farmyard, strip of sycamore trees between steading and cottages to north, and small copse of young immature trees at south end of site;

• B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland – grassland is species-poor and has established on Field margin and unmanaged corners here and there around the steading;

• J1.1 Arable – edge of cereal field is just within development site boundary;

• J1.2 Amenity grass – at southwestern corner of site an area of amenity grass was within the site boundary;

• J1.3 Ephemeral/short perennial – has established in yards where cracks and soil accumulations;

• J2.1.2 Species poor intact hedge;

• J2.3.1 Species-rich intact hedge with trees;

• J3.6 Buildings;

• J4 Bare ground – open ground in farmyard;

• J5 Other habitat: surfaced roadway into steading, and to cottages, surfaced agricultural tracks and yards, and hard standing.

7.2 Bats. 7.2.1. Preliminary Ground Level Assessment of Trees for Roost Potential There were five trees that had potential roost features that could be used by roosting bats (Table 7.2.1., and Figure 2.):

Table 7.2.1. Trees with features of potential value for use by roosting bats

Ref # Grid reference Tree Species BCT Category Comments T1 NT 35159 67217 Sycamore Moderate Ivy covered

T2 NT 35155 67198 Wych Elm Moderate Ivy covered

T3 NT 35152 67188 Beech Low Crow nest

T4 NT 35153 67173 Sycamore High Large cavity in trunk at 10m

T5 NT 35182 67140 Sycamore High Mature tree, lots of broken limbs, trunk cavities between 6m and 15m, lots of ivy covering lower part of tree

18 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

7.2.2. External Assessment of Buildings for Bat Roost Potential There were thirteen buildings within the development site (Figure 2.). In addition, the farmhouse was also surveyed due to its proximity to the development site (lay within indicative site boundary but was not part of proposal):

Table 7.2.2. Building features of potential value for use by roosting bats

Suitability Building # Building Structure for PRF # Comments roosting B1 Sandstone walls, corrugated High 1 Hole in sandstone/loose mortar zinc roof/half of roof is slate, tin ridge 2 Birds nesting under wooden board so potential access for bats 3 Lots of loose and raised slate 4 Raised tin ridge 5 Crack around chimney stack 6 Holes in brickwork B2 Sandstone walls,, slate roof, High 1 Loose slates zinc and clay ridge 2 Holes under gutter 3 Birds nest B3 Sandstone gable walls, wooden Low 1 Hole beside top window slatted walls to side on top of blocks, asbestos roof

B4 Old sandstone walls slate roof, High 1 Large hole side of building tin ridge 2 Raised tin ridge 3 Covered in ivy 4 Hole in brick, covered in ivy B5 Block building, asbestos roof 1 Ivy on building B5 2 Hole in block work 3 Gap under edge 4 Ivy on wall 5 Crack in brick 6 Window missing 7 Covered in ivy B6 Red brick shed with tin roof B7 Brick, sandstone, and wood Moderate 1 Covered in ivy walls, corrugated zinc roof B8 & B9 Sandstone walls well pointed, Negligible No obvious potential tin ridge, and slate roof B10 & B11 Sandstone walls well pointed, Negligible No obvious potential tin ridge, and slate roof B12 & B13 Sandstone walls well pointed, Negligible No obvious potential tin ridge, and slate roof

19 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Suitability Building # Building Structure for PRF # Comments roosting Farmhouse Sandstone walls, slate roof, part High 1 Raised tin ridge B14 tin ridge, part clay ridge 2 Hole in face of building 3 Holes under gutter 4 Holes under gutter 5 Hole in brick 6 Hole in chimney 7 Hole in brickwork 8 Hole beside window

7.2.3. Internal Assessment of Buildings for Use by Bats There were no signs of bats within any of the buildings surveyed internally.

7.3. Badgers There was no evidence of Badger within the development site or buffer area surveyed.

7.4. Breeding Birds No breeding species with enhanced statutory protection such as Barn Owl were found. A small number of common breeding bird species were found exhibiting breeding behaviour within the development site: Fifteen bird species were detected within the development site, of which two species were UK Red-listed species of conservation concern and three were Amber-listed species of conservation concern (Table 7.4. below, and Figure 3.).

Table 7.4. Bird species exhibiting breeding behaviour

Species Species Lesser Black-backed Blackbird Gull Blue Tit Long-tailed Tit Chaffinch Oystercatcher Chiffchaff Starling Dunnock Swallow Goldfinch Woodpigeon Great Tit Wren House Sparrow Key Species in red = UK Red-listed species of conservation concern Species in amber = Amber-listed species of conservation concern Species in black = Green-listed species of conservation concern

8. Conclusions 8.1. Phase I habitats None of the habitats within the development area were notable for their rarity, quality, or extent, and in summary we consider the habitats to be unremarkable within the local authority area, or even on a more localised basis. Habitats and botanical species were therefore not an ecological constraint for development at this site.

20 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

8.2. Bats A number of potential roost features were noted on trees and buildings alike. Roosting bats are therefore considered likely to be an ecological constraint and further survey work is required to confirm the presence or absence of bats prior to planning approval. The additional survey work must be a suite of presence/absence surveys that to follow the new bat survey guidelines must:

i. Consist of two dusk and one pre-dawn survey (or similar combination) spread at least two weeks between each survey;

ii. Be completed between May and September (only one survey in September if any);

iii. Dusk surveys be completed on dry nights of 10ºC or more at dusk (no minimum temperature requirement for pre-dawn surveys); and

iv. A minimum of three surveys are required on trees with high roost potential where a bat roost is found but four or more surveys are required for trees where no bat roost is found – i.e. aim of survey is to be conclusive.

Note: the timing of surveys will be influenced by the date for the intended planning committee for the planning application, as there would be a need to have all three surveys completed for deliberation (no suspensive planning conditions permitted for survey data for European Protected Species). Should any bat roosts be found SNH will be consulted and a Bat Protection Plan (BPP) produced and appended to this report for submission to the Local Authority for deliberation as the Local Authority must be confident that the methodology for roost protection or destruction and associated mitigation proposed will result in no negative impact on the individual bats or the local conservation status of the species as a consequence of development and either roost disturbance or loss. Mitigation measures may include the provision of bat boxes, creation of habitat corridors, and demolition works/roost loss being supervised by a licenced bat worker to ensure a high due regard for the presence of bats.

8.3. Badgers Badgers are not an ecological constraint within the development. However, Badgers are known to be present and active in the wider area and may travel over 1.5km in an evening. We therefore recommend that a high due regard for the presence of Badgers in the wider area should be maintained. This is best done by adhering to the following best practice measures to safeguard Badgers during development of the site:

Best Practice Measures to Safeguard Badgers

• Any soil materials stockpiled for an extended period of time could offer burrowing habitat for mammals such as Badgers, so if any soils are stored they should be checked for the presence of any excavations by mammals prior to removal or re-working;

• Any pipe compounds should be secured so that wild mammals cannot enter pipe stacks at night;

• No pipes will be left open ended in trenches and accessible to wild mammals overnight;

• Any trenches/excavations remaining open overnight that are deeper than 1.5m will have escape ramps provided in case wild mammals fall in, or will have at least one graded slope that any mammals could use to get out again;

• SEPA guidelines will be followed and high standards will be maintained with regard to the prevention of water pollution, with a pollution prevention plan in place. Measures will be in place to prevent any concrete/cement liquor, muds, silts etc. from reaching water that Badgers could drink from; and

21 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

• The use of white light directed towards the woodland to the west or adjacent grassland and arable areas will be avoided as far as practical: Any lighting should be hooded and face away from the woodland margins. This will reduce the chances of disturbing any foraging wild mammals or their prey.

8.4. Breeding Birds The habitat within the site was suitable for breeding or roosting by Barn Owl (Schedule 1 status) but no evidence was found of this species or any other notable raptor with an enhanced UK status of protection. The development site had a low value for other breeding birds but their presence means a seasonal constraint on site clearance works. In particular, Swallows have a protracted breeding season between April and September.

To remove breeding birds as a constraint would require site clearance to take place between mid- September and mid-March (outwith the bird breeding season). If any such works were proposed during the bird breeding season we recommend that the area proposed for works and a 50m buffer would need checked by an ecologist to determine if any breeding birds with active nests or dependent fledglings were present. If any were present then works must not take place until the breeding cycle is complete for those individual birds, although there may be other areas of the development site that could safely be worked where no breeding birds were present.

9. References/relevant reading

Bang, P. & DahlstrØm, P. 2001. Animal Tracks and Signs. Oxford University Press, Oxford

Collins, J. (ed.) 2016. Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edn.) The Bat Conservation Trust, London. ISBN-13: 978-1-8727459-96-1

Eaton, M.A., Aebischer, N.J., Brown, A.F., Hearn, R.D., Lock, .L, Musgrove, A.J., Noble, D.G., Stroud, D.A., and Gregory, R.D., 2015. Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 108, 708–746.

Fitter, R., Fitter, A., & Farrer, A. 1987. Collins guide to the grasses, sedges, rushes and ferns of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins. (publ.).

Harris, S., Cresswell, P. and Jefferies, D. 1989. Surveying Badgers. The Mammal Society, Occasional Publication No.9. Published by the Mammal Society.

JNCC, 2010, Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit, ISBN 0 86139 636 7

Rose. F. 1981. The wild flower key. Warne, London.

Scottish Natural Heritage. 2004. Badgers and Development. Environment & Heritage Service Publishing Unit

Stace, C. 1997. New flora of the British Isles. 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

22 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Figure 1. Phase I habitats

J3.6 J5

J3.6 J5

Tn2 J3.6 A1.1.1 J4

J2.1.2 Tn1

B2.2

Tn3 Tn9 J3.6 B2.2 J1.1 J5 Key A1.1.1 Tn5 Site boundary J1.3 J1.3 A1.1.1 Semi-natural broad- J3.6 leaved woodland

B2.2 Semi-improved neutral Tn10 Tn8 grassland A J2.3.1 J3.6 J1.1 Arable and grass B2.2 margin

J1.2 Amenity grass

J4 J1.3 Ephemeral/short perennial

J5 A J2.1.2 Species poor intact J1.3 J3.6 hedge

J3.6 Tn4 B2.2 J2.3.1 Species-rich intact hedge with trees Tn6 J2.1.2 J5 J1.3 Tn7 J3.6 Buildings

J4 Bare ground J2.1.2 J5 Other habitat: surfaced roadways etc.

23 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Figure 2. Locations of buildings surveyed for potential roost features (prf) and trees with prf

B812 & B13 B10 & B11 B8 & B9

T1

B1 T2 T3 B7 T4 B14 B6

T5 B2 B3

Key

Site boundary

T1 – T5 Trees with prf

B4 B5 B1 – B14 Buildings surveyed for prf (no prf on B6 or B8 – 13)

24 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Figure 3. Locations of birds exhibiting breeding behaviour

GO D. SG WR

B. CC Key LT GT Site boundary SG CH Bird species codes SG BTO Common name WP species 2OC code HS BT B. Blackbird SL BT Blue Tit 3LB CH Chaffinch BT CC Chiffchaff D. Dunnock HS GO Goldfinch HS GT Great Tit HS House Sparrow LB Lesser Black- backed Gull LT Long-tailed Tit OC Oystercatcher SG Starling SL Swallow WP Woodpigeon WR Wren

BT

25 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Appendix 1. Desk Study data:

Table 1. TWIC

Common Name Location Name Location Grid Date Comment Source Reference Bats Dobbies Road, Bonnyrigg NT305653 January 2000 - Max. 2. Lothian Wildlife Information patch March 2001 Centre - Local Patch Project (public) Bats Lasswade NT3065 19/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Bats Lasswade NT3065 19/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Bats Lasswade NT3065 29/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 03/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 03/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 03/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 03/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/07/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/07/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/07/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/07/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/07/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 30/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Lasswade NT3065 29/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 03/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 03/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 03/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 03/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/07/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/07/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 26/07/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 29/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 29/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 29/08/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 29/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 29/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 30/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd

26 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Common Name Location Name Location Grid Date Comment Source Reference Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 30/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 30/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 30/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lasswade NT3065 30/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Bats Edmonstone Terrace, NT309697 26/07/2001- Max. 2. Lothian Wildlife Information Danderhall 26/10/2001 Centre - Local Patch Project (public) Bats Dalkeith, Melville NT310670 27/07/1987 summer roost Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Castle Hotel Roost recording Soprano Pipistrelle Bonnyrigg, Lasswade NT3164 18/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Bonnyrigg, Lasswade NT3164 18/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Bonnyrigg, Lasswade NT3164 18/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Bonnyrigg, Lasswade NT3164 18/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Bonnyrigg, Lasswade NT3164 18/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Bonnyrigg, Lasswade NT3164 18/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Bonnyrigg, Lasswade NT3164 18/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3266 28/05/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3266 28/05/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3266 28/05/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Dalkeith, Iron Mill NT326671 18/10/1990 occasional roost Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Roost recording Pipistrelle Bat species Millerhill NT3270 09/06/2009 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Millerhill NT3270 04/06/2009 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Millerhill NT3270 04/06/2009 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Millerhill NT3270 07/05/2009 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Millerhill NT3270 09/06/2009 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Millerhill NT3270 10/06/2009 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Millerhill NT3270 14/05/2009 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Millerhill NT3270 23/04/2009 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Newbattle Viaduct NT32716482 15/03/2013 1 Adult. Found in Recorder - Singleton, R vertical joint at 9m %0Aheight during endoscope inspection Pipistrelle Bat species Dalkeith, Ironmill NT327673 22/07/1987 summer roost Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Park, Whitesprings Roost recording Pipistrelle Bat species Newbattle Viaduct NT32806477 13/03/2013 1. Adult. Found in Recorder - Singleton, R vertical joint at 15m %0Aheight during endoscope inspection Bats Newbattle Abbey Crescent NT329658 May 1997 - Max. 1. Lothian Wildlife Information Estate December 2000 Centre - Local Patch Project (public) Pipistrelle Bat species Dalkeith, Lugton NT329678 07/05/1987 summer roost Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat School Roost recording 27 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Common Name Location Name Location Grid Date Comment Source Reference Daubenton's Bat Dalkeith, Country NT333682 23/09/2001 day roost? Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Park, bridge over Esk Roost recording Bats Lingerwood Cottages NT335636 1988 - 2000 Max. 2. Lothian Wildlife Information Centre - Local Patch Project (public) Pipistrelle Bat species Dalkeith High School NT335671 17/09/1987 exclusion Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Roost recording Soprano Pipistrelle Newtongrange NT3364 07/10/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Lothianbridge NT3365 23/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lothianbridge NT3365 12/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lothianbridge NT3365 12/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lothianbridge NT3365 12/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lothianbridge NT3365 19/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lothianbridge NT3365 19/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lothianbridge NT3365 23/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Lothianbridge NT3365 23/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Bats Newbattle NT3366 09/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 11/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 11/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 20/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 20/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 23/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 23/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 23/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 30/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle, Dalkeith NT3366 18/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Newbattle, Dalkeith NT3366 30/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Daubenton's Bat Newbattle, Dalkeith NT3366 18/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Daubenton's Bat Newbattle, Dalkeith NT3366 30/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Newbattle NT3366 11/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Newbattle NT3366 23/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Newbattle NT3366 23/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Newbattle, Dalkeith NT3366 18/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 11/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 20/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 20/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 23/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Newbattle NT3366 23/09/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Newbattle, Dalkeith NT3366 18/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Newbattle, Dalkeith NT3366 30/06/2013 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3367 10/05/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3367 11/05/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3367 13/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3367 14/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle St Andrews Street, NT3367 19/05/2010 David Dodds Associates Ltd 28 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Common Name Location Name Location Grid Date Comment Source Reference Dalkeith Pipistrelle Bat species Dalkeith NT3367 14/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3367 10/05/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3367 11/05/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3367 13/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Dalkeith NT3367 14/06/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Bats Reed Drive, NT339649 04/06/1997 Remarks:"Eating Lothian Wildlife Information Newtongrange moths". Centre - Mammal Survey (public) Bats Suttieslea Drive NT3464 11/08/1997 Remarks:"Eating Lothian Wildlife Information moths". Centre - Mammal Survey (public) Bats Inveresk Lodge NT3471 02/09/1997 Situation: in field Lothian Wildlife Information National Trust below National Centre - Mammal Survey (public) garden,Midlothian. Trust garden. Abundance: 5-6. Remarks: seen after dark,9pm:quite small,possibly pipistrelles.. Bats Inveresk Lodge NT3471 02/09/1997 Situation: garden. Lothian Wildlife Information National Trust Remarks: quite Centre - Mammal Survey (public) garden,Midlothian. small,possibly pipistrelle,seen after dark. Bats Near Whitehill NT350667 08/10/2015 Bat seen flying at Recorder - Harmsworth, N Business Centre, approx 19:17 Dalkeith Bats Near Bielgrange NT362675 04/12/1997 Lothian Wildlife Information Centre - Mammal Survey (public) Bats Carberry Tower NT364697 February 1998 - Lothian Wildlife Information March 2001 Centre - Local Patch Project (public) Bats Dalkeith, Carberry NT365695 12/09/1988 tree hole roosts Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Towers Roost recording Bats Vogrie Pond, Vogrie NT3663 28/05/2015 Over pond Recorder - Harmsworth, N Country Park Bats Crossgatehall, NT3669 15/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Bats The Trows, Carberry NT3669 May 1998 - April Max. 4. Lothian Wildlife Information 2001 Centre - Local Patch Project (public) Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 22/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 22/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 22/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig 29 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Common Name Location Name Location Grid Date Comment Source Reference Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 25/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 25/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 25/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 30/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 30/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 30/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 30/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 30/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 30/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 30/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Soprano Pipistrelle Crossgatehall, NT3669 30/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Whitecraig Bats Backhill NT374693 September 1998 - Max. 4. Lothian Wildlife Information September 1999 Centre - Local Patch Project (public) Bats Dewarton NT3764 18/05/1997 Woodland. Dead Lothian Wildlife Information on pavement Centre - Mammal Survey (public) below trees. Bats Dewarton NT3764 31/05/1997 In garden. Seen Lothian Wildlife Information each day. Centre - Mammal Survey (public) Bats Dewartown NT3764 09/05/1998 Probably Lothian Wildlife Information Pipistrelle Centre - Mammal Survey (public) Brown Long-eared Bat Edgehead NT3765 12/10/2007 David Dodds Associates Ltd Brown Long-eared Bat Edgehead NT3765 12/10/2007- David Dodds Associates Ltd 15/10/2007 Brown Long-eared Bat Edgehead NT3765 28/08/2008 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Edgehead NT3765 26/08/2008 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Edgehead NT3765 28/08/2008 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Edgehead NT3765 28/08/2008 David Dodds Associates Ltd Natterer's Bat Edgehead NT3765 28/08/2008 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Edgehead NT3765 26/08/2008 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Edgehead NT3765 28/08/2008 David Dodds Associates Ltd Unidentified Bat Edgehead NT3765 26/08/2008 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle near Cousland NT3767 13/08/2011 David Dodds Associates Ltd Bats Dewartown Village NT378641 1998 - 1999 Max. 2/4 Lothian Wildlife Information

30 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Common Name Location Name Location Grid Date Comment Source Reference Centre - Local Patch Project (public) Bats Near Cranston NT379647 08/10/2015 Bat seen foraging Recorder - Harmsworth, N Country Nursery, at 19:08 Edgehead Bats Pathhead, Vogrie NT381633 04/06/1987 flying Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat House Roost recording Brown Long-eared Bat Pathhead, Vogrie NT381633 20/06/1988 summer roost Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat House Roost recording Pipistrelle Bat species Pathhead, Vogrie NT381633 07/06/1989 summer roost Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat House SW turret Roost recording Whiskered Bat Pathhead, Vogrie NT381633 20/06/1988 Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat House Roost recording Brown Long-eared Bat Vogrie NT3863 20/06/2005 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Vogrie NT3863 09/10/2007 David Dodds Associates Ltd Common Pipistrelle Vogrie NT3863 20/06/2005 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Vogrie NT3863 09/10/2007 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Bat species Vogrie NT3863 23/09/2006 David Dodds Associates Ltd Soprano Pipistrelle Vogrie NT3863 20/06/2005 David Dodds Associates Ltd Pipistrelle Ford, Pathhead NT386645 June 1998 - June Max. 900. Location: Lothian Wildlife Information 1999 maternity roost Centre - Local Patch Project (public) nearby, numbers up from over 250 to about double that number. Increase in numbers. Pipistrelle Bat species Pathhead, Marmion NT388645 19/07/1986 occasional roost Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Cottage, Ford Roost recording Pipistrelle Bat species Pathhead, NT388645 20/08/1986 summer roost Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Woodlands, Ford Roost recording Brown Long-eared Bat Elibank Castle NT395695 13/10/1996 hibernaculum? Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Roost recording Daubenton's Bat Elibank Castle NT395695 13/10/1996 hibernaculum? Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Roost recording Natterer's Bat Elibank Castle NT395695 13/10/1996 hibernaculum? Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat Roost recording Brown Long-eared Bat Pathhead, 151 Main NT3964 14/11/1984 dead Lothian Bat Group - Lothian Bat St Roost recording Scientific Name Common Name Location Name Grid Date Comment Source Reference Buteo buteo Buzzard Easthouses NT3466 26/02/2013 overhead Recorder - Harmsworth, N Buteo buteo Buzzard A68, Dalkeith NT3567 05/02/2015 Perched on small The Wildlife Information Centre - tree alongside A68 Record a Raptor Survey (public) Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Newbattle woods NT3466 11/01/2014 Recorder - Harmsworth, N

31 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Common Name Location Name Location Grid Date Comment Source Reference Woodpecker Erithacus rubecula Robin Newbattle woods NT3466 11/01/2014 Recorder - Harmsworth, N Troglodytes troglodytes Wren Newbattle woods NT3466 11/01/2014 alarm heard Recorder - Harmsworth, N Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine Shaws Wood, Easthouses NT3466 26/02/2013 rare Recorder - Harmsworth, N Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony Gorebridge NT36N 1956 Locality: given as Botanical Society of Britain and NT36. Situation: Ireland (vc83) grassland. Agrostis gigantea Black Bent Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Frequent; at wheat Botanical Society of Britain and edge Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Betula pubescens Downy Birch Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Ocassional Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Frequent Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Frequent Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Fagus sylvatica Beech Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Locally abundant Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Fallopia convolvulus Black-bindweed Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Locally abundant Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Populus nigra Black-poplar Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Ocassional Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Rosa rubiginosa Sweet-briar Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Rosa spinosissima Burnet Rose Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Salix repens Creeping Willow Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Ocassional Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Silene latifolia White Campion Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Vulpia bromoides Squirreltail Fescue Thornybank, Dalkeith NT3467 August 1999 Rare Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Project 2010 (2) Leiobunum blackwalli Leiobunum Dalkeith NT3467 1960 National Recording Scheme -

32 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Common Name Location Name Location Grid Date Comment Source Reference blackwalli Harvestmen Erinaceus europaeus West European Taylor Place, Dalkeith NT3466 03/07/2011 adult and 2 young The Wildlife Information Centre - Hedgehog Hedgehog Survey (public) Erinaceus europaeus West European near Whitehill NT3566 13/06/2014 1 dead on road The Wildlife Information Centre - Hedgehog Hedgehog Survey (public) Erinaceus europaeus West European Dalkeith NT3467 01/01/2005- NBN Observation People's Trust for Endangered Hedgehog 31/12/2005 ID: 389218309. Species - Hedgehog records 05-06 Record Key: 459. Hogwatch & Rural Landowner Age Class: Survey Unknown

33 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Appendix 2. Plant species list

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 Grid reference NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT 35155 35200 35155 35125 35128 35098 35146 35181 35113 35086 67230 67269 67201 67086 67186 67071 67057 67126 67202 67137 Target note T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 Common name Scientific name Ash Fraxinus excelsior 1 Beech Fagus sylvatica 1 Box Buxus sempervirens 1 Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. 1 1 1 1 1 Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius 1 1 1 1 Broad-leaved Willowherb Epilobium montanum 1 1 1 Broom Cytisus scoparius 1 1 Bush Vetch Vicia sepium 1 Butterfly-bush Buddleja davidii 1 1 1 Cleavers Galium aparine 1 1 1 1 Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata 1 1 1 1 1 Colt's-foot Tussilago farfara 1 Common Bent Agrostis capillaris 1 Common Chickweed Stellaria media 1 Common Field-speedwell Veronica persica 1 1 Common Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Common Nettle Urtica dioica 1 1 1 1 1 Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea 1 1 Common Vetch Vicia sativa 1 Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris 1 1 1 Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera 1 1 1 1 Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens 1 34 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 Grid reference NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT 35155 35200 35155 35125 35128 35098 35146 35181 35113 35086 67230 67269 67201 67086 67186 67071 67057 67126 67202 67137 Target note T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 Common name Scientific name Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense 1 Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus 1 1 Daisy Bellis perennis 1 1 Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dog Rose Rosa canina 1 1 1 Elder Sambucus nigra 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Flowering Currant Ribes sanguineum 1 Garden Privet Ligustrum ovalifolium 1 Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata 1 1 1 1 Goat Willow Salix caprea 1 1 1 Gooseberry Ribes uva-crispa 1 Ground-elder Aegopodium podagraria 1 1 1 Groundsel Senecio vulgaris 1 1 1 1 Guelder-rose Viburnum opulus 1 Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 1 1 1 1 Herb-robert Geranium robertianum 1 Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium 1 1 1 1 1 Holly Ilex aquifolium 1 Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum 1 Ivy-leaved Toadflax Cymbalaria muralis 1 Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria 1 Opposite-leaved Golden- Chrysosplenium oppositifolium 1 saxifrage Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne 1 1 1 Prickly Sow-thistle Sonchus asper 1 Raspberry Rubus idaeus 1

35 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 Grid reference NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT NT 35155 35200 35155 35125 35128 35098 35146 35181 35113 35086 67230 67269 67201 67086 67186 67071 67057 67126 67202 67137 Target note T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 Common name Scientific name Red Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum 1 Red Fescue (Creeping) Festuca rubra 1 1 Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata 1 Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium 1 Rowan Sorbus aucuparia 1 Shepherd's Cress Teesdalia nudicaulis 1 1 1 Silver Birch Betula pendula 1 1 Smooth Meadow-grass Poa pratensis 1 Smooth Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus 1 1 Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus 1 Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis 1 Spanish Bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica 1 1 Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare 1 1 1 Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus 1 1 1 1 1 Tansy Tanacetum vulgare 1 Timothy Phleum pratense 1 White Clover Trifolium repens 1 1 1 1 White Dead-nettle Lamium album 1 Wild Cherry Prunus avium 1 Wild Mustard Sinapis arvensis 1 Wood Avens Geum urbanum 1 1 Wych Elm Ulmus glabra 1 1 1 Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus 1 1 1 1 1 # plant species at target 34 11 15 24 23 10 12 16 7 12 note

36 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

37 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Appendix 3. Plates

Plate 1. Woodland strip southwest of cottages

Plate 2. Hedge to rear of cottages

38 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Plate 3. Ephemeral habitat established in yard of steading

Plate 4. Ephemeral habitat established in yard of steading

39 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Plate 5. Small copse of immature trees at southern end of site

Plate 6. Buildings B3 and B5 with semi-improved grassland in rear of image and Tree T5

40 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Plate 7. Building B1

Plate 8. Building B2

41 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

Plate 9. Tree T1

Plate 10. Tree T5

42 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property Wester Cowden

43 Acorna Ecology Ltd. Ark/Buccleugh Property