Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd

LINDSAY CARRINGTON ECOLOGICAL SERVICES LTD

ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL

LAND AT CHILTON FOLIAT

SEPTEMBER 2013 UPDATED NOVEMBER 2013

ON BEHALF OF FOWLER ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING LTD

LINDSAY CARRINGTON ECOLOGICAL SERVICES LIMITED

The Old Squash Court, Rempstone Hall, Rempstone, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5JQ www.ecological-services.co.uk

Telephone: 01929 477115 E-mail: [email protected]

Authorisation

Name Date Signature Report prepared by: Edward Parrott 03/09/13

Report checked and Jenny Sutch 04/09/12 authorised by:

Report updated by: Jenny Sutch 09/10/13

Report updated by: Jenny Sutch 04/11/13

Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ...... 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2.0 POLICY AND LEGISLATION ...... 3 2.1 Legislation ...... 3 2.2 Policy ...... 5 3.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 6 3.1 Desk study ...... 6 3.2 Field study ...... 6 4.0 RESULTS ...... 8 4.1 Desk study ...... 8 4.2 Field study ...... 10 4.2.1 Vegetation ...... 10 4.2.2 Invasive species ...... 14 4.2.3 Bats ...... 14 4.2.4 Badgers ...... 14 4.2.5 Reptiles ...... 14 5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 16 5.1 Designated sites ...... 16 5.1.1 Kennet and Lambourn Floodplain SAC ...... 16 5.1.2 Chilton Foliat Meadows and River Kennet SSSI ...... 16 5.2 Nesting birds ...... 17 5.3 Ecological Enhancement ...... 17 6.0 REFERENCES ...... 19 APPENDIX I: Site proposals ...... 20 APPENDIX II: Phase 1 habitat map of the southern parcel ...... 21

Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

SUMMARY

1. Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited were commissioned by Fowler Architecture and Planning Ltd to conduct an ecological appraisal and targeted reptile survey on land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire (Grid reference: SU 322 705). This survey was undertaken to support a planning application for the construction of nine residential dwellings.

2. An ecological appraisal is essentially a multi-disciplinary walk-over survey and was conducted with the objective of identifying any ecological constraints associated with the proposals such as the site’s potential to support any legally protected species or habitats of high nature conservation value.

3. A targeted badger survey was incorporated into the survey. No evidence was found to indicate that badgers utilise the site and as such, no further recommendations have been made.

4. Suitable foraging and sheltering habitat for reptiles was identified on site. A targeted reptile survey was therefore conducted; however no reptiles were recorded, and as such no further mitigation is required.

5. Several features on site have potential to support nesting birds including the area of broadleaved woodland and the extensive hedgerows. Recommendations have been made regarding breeding bird welfare should works be undertaken on these hedgerows.

6. Recommendations have been made in Section 5.3 to increase the biodiversity value of the site.

1 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire 1.0 INTRODUCTION

Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited were commissioned by Fowler Architecture and Planning Ltd to conduct an ecological appraisal on land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire (Grid references: SU 322 705). This survey was undertaken to support a planning application for the construction of nine residential dwellings.

An ecological appraisal is essentially a multi-disciplinary walk-over survey and was conducted with the objective of identifying any ecological constraints associated with the proposals such as the site’s potential to support any legally protected species or habitats of high nature conservation value.

Section 2 of the report provides some background information on legislative requirements and relevant policy. Section 3 details the methodologies adopted for the ecological surveys that were conducted and Section 4 provides an account of the survey results. Section 5 provides information on the relevance of the results to the proposed development and makes recommendations for measures to mitigate and compensate for the effects on a particular habitat or species.

2 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire 2.0 POLICY AND LEGISLATION

2.1 Legislation

The following legislation may be of relevance to the proposed works. Full details of statutory obligations with respect to biodiversity and the planning system can be found in DEFRA Circular 01/2005.

 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010: This transposes the EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) into domestic law. The Regulations provide protection for a number of species including: o All species of bat; o Dormouse; o Otter; and o Great crested newt.

This legislation makes it an offence to deliberately capture, kill or injure individuals of these species listed on Schedule 2 and damage or destroy their breeding site or place of shelter. It is also illegal to deliberately disturb these species in such a way as to be likely to significantly affect: (i) the ability of any significant group of the species to survive, breed or rear or nurture their young; or (ii) the local distribution or abundance of the species1;

This legal protection means that where development has the potential to impact on bats, or other European protected species, the results of a protected species survey must be submitted with a planning application.2

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are also protected under this legislation. These are a network of sites designated for supporting habitats or species of high nature conservation importance in the European context. Any activity that has a detrimental effect on these European sites is made an offence under the Regulations. Where a development is likely to have a significant impact on a European site, the Regulations require a rigorous assessment of the impacts, known as an Appropriate Assessment.

1 Note that the amendment to the Habitats Regulations in August 2007 and January 2009 has resulted in an increase in the threshold of illegal levels of disturbance to European Protected Species (EPS). An offence is only committed if the deliberate disturbance would result in significant impacts to the EPS population. However, it should be noted that activities that cause low levels of disturbance to these species continue to constitute an offence under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (see below). 2 DEFRA Circular 01/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System.

3 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire  The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and amendments): Protected fauna and flora are listed under Schedules 1, 5 & 8 of the Act. Species likely to be of relevance include: o All species of bat. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb any bat whilst it is occupying a roost or to intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost; o All species of British reptile (in particular grass snake, common lizard, adder and slow-worm). It is illegal to kill or injure these species; and o Great crested newt. It is illegal to obstruct access to any structure or place which great crested newts use for shelter or protection or to disturb any great crested newt while it is using such a place.

This Act also makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or to take, damage or destroy their eggs and nests (whilst in use or being built). In addition, it is an offence to disturb any nesting bird listed on Schedule 1 or their young.

Schedule 9 of the Act lists those species for which it is an offence to plant or cause their spread. Species listed under Schedule 9 that are most likely to be encountered are Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These are a network of sites identified as being of national nature conservation importance and hence afforded legal protection.

 The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000: This Act strengthens nature conservation and wildlife protection through a number of mechanisms. It places a duty on Government Ministers and Departments to conserve biological diversity, provides police with stronger powers relating to wildlife crimes, and improves protection and management of SSSIs.

 The Protection of Badgers Act 1992: This Act makes it an offence to wilfully take, injure or kill a badger; cruelly mistreat a badger; interfere with badger setts, sell or possess a live badger; mark or ring a badger. A licence is required for work involving the use of hand tools within 10metres of a sett, light machinery within 20metres of a sett and heavy machinery within 30metres of a sett.

 Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996: This Act provides protection for all wild animals from intentional acts of cruelty.

 Hedgerow Regulations 1997: These Regulations establish a set of criteria for assessing the importance of hedgerows. Where a hedgerow is deemed to be ‘important’ its removal is prohibited without consent from the local Planning Authority.

4 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire 2.2 Policy

The following policy is of relevance to the proposed works:

 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): This sets out the Government’s vision for biodiversity in England with the broad aim that planning, construction, development and regeneration should maintain and enhance, restore or add to biodiversity and geological conservation interests. NPPF includes sections on legally protected species and sites (see Section 2.1).

 Local Sites (including Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), Local Nature Reserves (LNR), and Biological Notification Sites (BNSs)/County Wildlife Sites (CWSs)): These are a network of sites designated for their nature conservation importance in a local context. Although they are not afforded legal protection they contribute towards local and national biodiversity.

 Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs): BAPs set out policy for protecting and restoring priority species and habitats as part of the UK’s response as signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity. BAPs operate at both a national and local level with priority species and habitats identified at a national level and a series of Local BAPs that identify ecological features of particular importance to a particular area of the country. The requirement to consider and contribute towards BAP targets was strengthened through the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Habitat and Species Action Plans that are likely to be of relevance include:

o Slow worm (UK BAP); o Common lizard (UK BAP); and o Grass snake (UK BAP).

5 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire 3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Desk study

Past records of species identified by Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd and the Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website were used to provide any information they may hold on protected species within 10km and designated sites within 5km of the proposed development. In addition the Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) were contacted for any records they hold within a 1km radius of the sites.

3.2 Field study

The site was assessed for its potential to support protected species, and habitats of nature conservation value (see Section 2). A brief overview of survey techniques for species most likely to be encountered have been provided although in many cases specialist targeted surveys may be required to confirm presence or absence.

Vegetation

The standard Phase 1 habitat survey methodology (JNCC 2010) was adopted whereby habitats are mapped using colour codes (see Appendix II). A detailed walkover survey was undertaken on 7th August 2013 by Edward Parrott, directly searching for legally protected and invasive species of plant and categorising any habitats of ecological value that were encountered. A general description of the vegetation was also noted, listing species encountered and scoring their abundance using the DAFOR scale:

 D Dominant;  A Abundant;  F Frequent;  O Occasional;  R Rare;  L Local (used as a prefix to any of the above).

Bats

Bats often roost in trees. Features such as old woodpecker holes, splits, cavities and rot holes, loose or flaking bark and ivy creepers will be exploited by bats to roost. Any trees present on site were therefore assessed for their potential to support roosting bats by searching for such features.

The presence of roosting bats can be spotted through signs such as accumulations of moth or butterfly wings, staining, bat droppings, or bats themselves. A direct search for evidence of bats utilising the buildings on site was therefore conducted on 7th August 2013. The absence of these cannot, however, be treated as conclusive evidence that bats 6 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire are not present, and therefore an assessment was made of the potential of the trees to support bats based on the following scale:

Confirmed Roost Evidence of bat occupation found High Roosting With significant roosting potential, either because they contain a large Potential number of suitable features or those features present appear optimal Medium Roosting Features with moderate roosting potential, with roosting features Potential appearing less suitable Low or Negligible Trees with few, if any, features suitable for roosting Roosting Potential

Badger

A direct search was undertaken for signs of badger. Signs of badger may include setts, dung pits, latrines, paths or hairs on fences and vegetation. Any setts encountered were classified according to the number of entrances and the extent of their use.

Reptiles

Reptiles are widespread in habitats that provide both cover, in the form of scrub or tall vegetation, and basking areas such as areas of hard standing or short grassland communities. Piles of debris or rubble also provide excellent cover and hibernation sites for reptiles. Reptiles are a notoriously difficult group to survey due to their secrecy. They do, however, have an affinity for hiding under debris exposed or partially exposed to the sun.

A total of 40 pieces of bituminous roofing felt measuring 50 x 50cm were distributed around the site in September 2013, focussing on areas deemed to provide the greatest reptile potential. These reptile refugia were checked a total of seven times during optimal weather conditions when possible, with temperatures above 10°C when it was cloudy with sunny spells so that the refugia were a higher temperature than the surrounding ground.

7 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Desk study

Statutory and non-statutory sites

Table 1 below lists sites designated for nature conservation located within 5km of the site.

Table 1: Statutory and non-statutory sites located within 5km of land at Chilton Foliat.

Site Status Distance Size of Habitat from site area (Km) (Ha) Kennet and SAC1 0.1 114.47 Designated for its internationally Lambourn important population of the red floodplain listed Desmoulin’s whorl snail Vertigo moulinsiana. The habitat comprises well established fen and other wetland habitat as well as unimproved pasture. Kennet and SSSI2 2.43 22.9 Designated for its internationally Lambourn important population of the red floodplain listed Desmoulin’s whorl snail Vertigo moulinsiana. The habitat comprises well established fen and other wetland habitat as well as unimproved pasture. Chilton Foliat SSSI 0.1 54.6 This site comprises an extensive meadows system of wet neutral meadows, watercourses, tall fen vegetation and scrub. The site supports a diverse flora and a variety of birds, the meadows being one of the most important areas in the county for breeding waders. River Kennet SSSI 0.1 112.72 A river which exhibits a transition from chalk to lowland clay. The river Kennet supports the greatest diversity of flora of any surveyed lowland river in Britain.

1 SAC: Special Areas of Conservation 2 SSSI: Site of Special Scientific Interest 8 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire Site Status Distance Size of Habitat from site area (Km) (Ha) Freeman’s marsh SSSI 1.75 27.7 An area of unimproved meadow, marsh and reed bed supporting rich plant and animal communities. The site is particularly important for breeding and wintering birds and many wetland plant species. Brick Kiln Copse LWS1 Within 1km 19.4 Ancient woodland with areas of replanting with broadleaves and conifers. Stew Close Wood LWS Within 1km 11.46 Wet woodland probably planted origin on former water meadow on an island in the River Kennet. Furze Hill Chalk LWS Within 1km 4.3 Unimproved calcareous grassland and scrub on a north facing slope above the River Kennet floodplain.

The Kennet and Lambourn Floodplain SAC lies within 100m of the site whilst the Chilton Foliat Meadows and River Kennet SSSI is located approximately 100m from the site boundary. Mitigation is required in order to ensure these designated sites will not be impacted upon through the proposed development. Further information is provided in Section 5.1.

Protected species records

Records of protected species recorded within 1km of the site have been provided by WSBRC and are presented in table 2 below.

Table 2: Protected species recorded within 1km of land at Chilton Foliat.

Common Name Scientific name Status Location Mammals Water vole Arvicola amphibius Schedule 5 12+ records located along WCA2, UK BAP3 the River Kennet Bat Chiroptera Schedule 2 Habs Roost located in roof void Regs4, in Chilton Foliat West European Erinaceus europaeus UK BAP 2 records located in Hedgehog Chilton Foliat. Brown hare Lepus europaeus UK BAP 2 records located in Littlecote.

1 LWS: Local Wildlife Sites 2 WCA: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) 3 UK BAP: UK Biodiversity Action Plan species 4 Habs Regs: The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 9 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

Common Name Scientific name Status Location Brandt's bat Myotis brandtii Schedule 2 Habs 1 record located in Regs, Schedule 5 SU3170. WCA Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus Schedule 2 Habs 3 records within Chilton pipistrellus Regs, Schedule 5 Foliat. WCA Brown long-eared Plecotus auritus Schedule 2 Habs 2 records located within Regs, Schedule 5 Chilton Foliat. One record WCA, UK BAP within SU3270 and one within SU319705. Long-eared bat Plecotus sp. Schedule 2 Habs 1 record within SU3170.. Regs, Schedule 5 WCA Reptiles Grass snake Natrix natrix Schedule 5 WCA, 1 record located in Furze UK BAP Hill Chalk Local Wildlife Site.

These records of protected and notable species in the vicinity of the site increase the likelihood of them being present where suitable habitat is identified in the field survey.

4.2 Field study

The field survey was conducted by Edward Parrott on 7th August 2013.

4.2.1 Vegetation

The accompanying Phase 1 habitat map provided as Appendix II depicts the habitats encountered and highlights areas of particular interest with target notes.

Descriptions of these habitats are provided below:

Rough grassland

Areas of rough grassland surround the hardstanding driveway in the western end of the site. Species recorded includes abundant cock’s foot (Dactylis glomerata), frequent pineappleweed (Matricaria disoidea) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata). A full species list is provided in table 3 below:

10 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire Table 3: Species recorded within the rough grassland

Common name Latin name Abundance Status Grasses, sedges and rushes Cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata A Common & widespread Herbaceous plants Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium LF Common & widespread Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis O Common & widespread Ivy Hedera helix agg. LF Common & widespread Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium O Common & widespread Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea F Common on wasteland and roadsides Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata F Common & widespread Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. LF Common & widespread Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. O Common & widespread White clover Trifolium repens LA Common & widespread Common nettle Urtica dioica LO Common & widespread

All species observed in the rough grassland were common and widespread and this habitat had no ecological value. As such no further recommendations have been made.

Ruderal vegetation

Two areas of ruderal vegetation are present in the south-western corner of the site. These areas comprise locally dominant hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium), abundant hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and frequent cock’s foot and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus). A full species list is provided in table 4 below:

Table 4: Species recorded within the ruderal vegetation

Common name Latin name Abundance Status Grasses, sedges and rushes False oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius LO Common & widespread Cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata F Common & widespread Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus F Common & widespread Herbaceous plants Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium LD Common & widespread Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense LF Common & widespread Wild carrot Daucus carota R Common on basic soil Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium A Common & widespread Nipplewort Lapsana communis R Common & widespread Poppy sp. Papaver sp. R Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata O Common & widespread Blackthorn Prunus spinosa LF Common & widespread Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. LA Common & widespread Prickly sow-thistle Sonchus asper O Common & widespread Hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica O Common in woodlands and hedgebanks 11 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire Common name Latin name Abundance Status Common nettle Urtica dioica O Common & widespread Trees and shrubs Hazel Corylus avellana R Common & widespread Elder Sambucus nigra R Common & widespread

All species observed in the ruderal vegetation were common and widespread. This habitat does however provide potential sheltering and foraging habitat for a range of native reptile species. Further information is provided in Section 4.2.5.

Semi-improved grassland

The majority of the site comprises semi-improved grassland. Species present include abundant cock’s foot and perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne) and frequent ribwort plantain. A full list of species encountered is presented below in table 5:

Table 5: Species recorded within the semi-improved grassland

Common name Latin name Abundance Status Grasses, sedges and rushes False oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius O Common & widespread Cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata A Common & widespread Perennial rye grass Lolium perenne A Common & widespread Rough meadow grass Poa trivialis O Common & widespread Herbaceous plants Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata LO Common & widespread Daisy Bellis perennis O Common & widespread Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis O Common & widespread Cleavers Galium aparine agg. O Common & widespread Round-leaved crane’s- Geranium rotundifolium R Locally frequent on bill basic soils Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium O Common & widespread Common mallow Malva sylvestris O Common & widespread Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata F Common & widespread Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius O Common & widespread Ragwort Senecio jacobaea R Common & widespread Smooth sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus R Common & widespread Hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica O Common in woodlands Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. LO Common & widespread White clover Trifolium repens LF Common & widespread Common nettle Urtica dioica LF Common & widespread Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys R Common & widespread Trees and shrubs Butterfly bush Buddleja davidii R Non-native, widespread Hazel Corylus avellana R Common & widespread Wych elm Ulmus glabra R Common on basic soil

12 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire Species recorded within the semi-improved grassland are common and widespread and as such this habitat is of little ecological value. No further recommendations have been made.

Broadleaved woodland

An area of broadleaved woodland is present along the western boundary. Species recorded include abundant ivy (Hedera helix agg.) and privet (Ligustrum vulgare). A full list of species has been presented in table 6:

Table 6: Species recorded within the broadleaved woodland

Common name Latin name Abundance Status Herbaceous plants Ivy Hedera helix agg. A Common & widespread Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata O Common & widespread Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens LA Common & widespread Common nettle Urtica dioica O Common & widespread Shrubs and trees Ash Fraxinus excelsior O Common on moist, base rich soils Privet Ligustrum vulgare A Common on basic soil White willow Salix alba R Common in wet habitats Wych elm Ulmus glabra O Common on basic soil

Species recorded in the broadleaved woodland are common and widespread and are of little botanical value. The trees present however have the potential to support nesting birds. Further recommendations have therefore been made in Section 5.2.

Hedgerows

Hedgerows surround the southern parcel on all sides. Species recorded include abundant perennial rye grass, frequent hedge bindweed and locally frequent hazel (Corylus avellana). A full species list is provided in table 7 below:

Table 7: Species recorded within the hedgerows

Common name Latin name Abundance Status Grasses, sedges and rushes Perennial rye grass Lolium perenne A Common & widespread Herbaceous plants Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium F Common & widespread Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense LA Common & widespread Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium O Common & widespread Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. LA Common & widespread Common nettle Urtica dioica LA Common & widespread Prickly sow-thistle Sonchus asper O Common & widespread 13 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire Common name Latin name Abundance Status Shrubs and trees Cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis O Non-native ornamental Hazel Corylus avellana LF Common & widespread Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna O Common & widespread Leyland’s cypress Cupressus x leylandii O Non-native, widespread Ash Fraxinus excelsior R Common on moist, base rich soils Holly Ilex aquifolium O Common on drier soil Cherry sp. Prunus sp. O Cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus R Non-native, widespread Elder Sambucus nigra R Common on improved soil Yew Taxus baccata O Common on dry, basic soil Ornamental / O Non-native ornamental Monkey puzzle / R Non-native ornamental

Species recorded in the hedgerow are common and widespread and are of little botanical value. These hedgerows however have the potential to support nesting birds. Further recommendations have therefore been made in Section 5.2.

4.2.2 Invasive species

No invasive species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 were recorded within the site.

No further action has been recommended.

4.2.3 Bats

Trees on site were assessed as holding negligible potential to support roosting bats.

No further recommendations have been made.

4.2.4 Badgers

No evidence indicating the presence of badgers was recorded during the survey. This includes mammal tracks, snuffle holes, latrines and badger setts.

No further recommendations have been made.

4.2.5 Reptiles

Suitable habitats were identified within both the northern and southern parcels. A targeted reptile surveys was therefore undertaken to determine the current usage of the site by

14 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire reptiles. The results are provided in table 8 below, however to summarise no reptiles were encountered.

Table 8: Results of targeted reptile survey

Date Time Weather Temp Reptiles Other Area (C) recorded 17/09/13 12:00 Overcast, 8/8, 19 0 / / warm 23/09/13 14.30 Overcast 8/8 18.6 0 / / 24/09/13 12:30 Dry, 6/8 22 0 / / 25/09/13 15:00 Dry, 6/8 22 0 / / 27/09/13 14:30 Dry, 6/8 22 0 / / 01/10/13 13:45 Overcast, 8/8 19 0 / / 02/10/13 12:15 Overcast, 8/8 22 0 / /

No reptiles were recorded during the targeted survey and therefore no further action is required.

15 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire 5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The sites were generally considered to be of low ecological value, although a small number of ecological constraints were identified:

 The site lies approximately 100 metres from the Kennet and Lambourn Floodplain SAC and 100 metres from the Chilton Foliat Meadows and River Kennet SSSI, and this is discussed below in Section 5.1.  Hedgerows and woodland habitat provide nesting bird habitat and this discussed further in Section 5.2.  Sites such as these have potential for ecological enhancements and therefore a number of recommendations have been presented below in Section 5.3.

5.1 Designated sites

5.1.1 Kennet and Lambourn Floodplain SAC

The Kennet and Lambourn SAC lies within 100 meters to the south of the site, and is separated by the B4192. Due to the potential pollution that could infiltrate through to nearby watercourses and groundwater during construction, a Construction Method Statement (CMS) will be prepared and implemented. This will set out detailed methods of construction to avoid impacts to the Kennet and Lambourn Floodplain. Due to the presence of the road and housing either side, no direct impacts are anticipated as a result of the proposed development.

The following matters will be addressed in the CMS:

 Details of how materials / chemicals will be stored and controlled on-site to avoid pollution and siltation (for example, all plant will be fitted with drip trays in order to avoid potential pollution incidents and no-refuelling will take place on the site).

 Details on the proposed construction methodology including factors such as construction access, methods of construction, timing of work and working hours.

In addition there is potential for an increase in disturbance and vandalism to the SAC due to the increased number of visitors. This would therefore have a negative effect on the SAC. However in accordance with the Core Strategy it is unlikely that these effects will take place as new development would require the need for open space and green infrastructure. Therefore depending on the final proposals for the site, open green space will need to be provided.

5.1.2 Chilton Foliat Meadows and River Kennet SSSI

Both SSSI sites are located approximately 100 metres to the south of the site. The proposals for the site will not involve any land take or direct impacts to the SSSI. 16 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire However, the potential exists for indirect impacts due to polluted or silty run-off from the site during construction and operation and due to altered drainage patterns and/ or groundwater levels. In order to reduce the potential for indirect impacts to negligible, a Construction Method Statement (CMS) will be prepared and implemented prior to commencement of works as detailed above.

5.2 Nesting birds

Potential habitat for nesting birds was identified during the survey. The hedgerows surrounding the site and the area of broadleaved woodland comprises trees and shrubs that may provide nesting sites for both common and widespread species such as blue tit as well as BAP targeted species and red and amber listed species according to the British Trust for Ornithology’s Birds of Conservation Concern. The following precautions will be implemented to negate any risk of harming, injuring or contributing to the demise of the local bird population:

 Any vegetation clearance, including tree removal to ground level, and demolition of the warehouse should be conducted outside of the bird nesting season which is considered to run from March to September. Where this is not possible a suitably qualified ecologist should check potential nesting habitat immediately prior to clearance. Where nesting birds are encountered clearance must be postponed until the chicks have fledged.  Ecological enhancement measures described in Section 5.4, particularly the use of native species within landscaping, will provide foraging and nesting opportunities for many of these species.

5.3 Ecological Enhancement

Developments such as this have potential to incorporate features that will enhance the site for wildlife through implementing simple and cost effective measures. The following may be incorporated:

 Provision of bird boxes on the trees will help increase the number of bird species within the site. Boxes such as the following can be erected on trees within the site and can be purchased from websites such as www.jacobijayne.co.uk:

o 1B official nest box – can be hung from building walls or trees. Suitable for species including great, blue, marsh and coal tit; nuthatch; wren; and house sparrow.

o 1SP Sparrow Terrace – designed for fixing to outside of walls or within brick walls. Suitable for house sparrows; tits; and spotted flycatcher.

17 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire  Where possible, piles of dead wood (including old tree stumps) should be positioned along the site boundaries to create habitat for a wide range of invertebrates, small mammals and birds.

 Roosting opportunities for bats can be provided through the installation of bat boxes. These can be erected upon trees or buildings and can be obtained from www.jacobijayne.co.uk. Suitable designs for this site include Schwegler 2F and 1FF designs.

 The use of native trees and shrubs within any landscape designs should be used such as hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), oak (Quercus robur), field maple (Acer campestre), hazel (Corylus avellana), and dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), as this provides important foraging habitat for a range of birds and invertebrates, including BAP species such as house sparrow.

18 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire 6.0 REFERENCES

Bat Conservation Trust (2012). 2nd ed Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase I Habitat Survey. JNCC.

Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd (2013) Internal protected species database.

Mitchell-Jones, A. J. (2004), Bat Mitigation Guidelines, English Nature.

Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) Website at www.magic.gov.uk

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2005). Circular 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System.

Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (2013), Data search, WSBRC

19 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

APPENDIX I: Site proposals

20 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

APPENDIX II: Phase 1 habitat map of the southern parcel

T1 SI T2

21 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

Key to Phase 1 habitat map

Site boundary

Semi-improved grassland SI Hardstanding / bare ground

Hedgerow

Fence

Rough grassland

Ruderal vegetation

Broadleaved woodland

Target note

Target notes to accompany phase 1 habitat map

Target Note Description T1 Rough grassland surrounds the western access into the southern parcel. Species recorded here include abundant cock’s foot (Dactylis glomerata), locally abundant white clover (Trifolium repens), frequent pineappleweed (Matricaria discoidea), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), locally frequent bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) and ivy (Hedera helix agg.), occasional field bindweed (Concolvulus arvensis), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and locally occasional common nettle (Urtica dioica).

22 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013 Fowler Architecture and Planning ltd Land at Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

T2 Semi improved grassland comprising abundant cock’s foot and perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne), frequent ribwort plantain, locally frequent white clover and common nettle, occasional false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), reough meadow grass (Poa trivialis), daisy (Bellis perennis), field bindweed, cleavers (Galium aparine), hogweed, common mallow (Malva sylvestris), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), locally occasional dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.) and rare round-leaved crane’s-bill (Geranium rotundifolium), ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), smooth sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), butterfly bush (Buddeleja davidii), hazel (Corylus avellana) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra). T3 Broadleaved woodland comprising abundant ivy and privet (Ligustrum vulgare), locally abundant creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), occasional ribwort plantain, common nettle, ash (Fraxinus excelsior), and wych elm and rare white willow (Salix alba). T4 Ruderal vegetation with species recorded including locally dominant hedge bindweed, abundant hogweed, locally abundant bramble, frequent cock’s foot and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), locally frequent creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), occasional ribwort plantain, prickly sow-thistle (Sonchus asper), hedge woundwort and common nettle and rare wild carrot (Daucus carota), nipplewort (Lapsana communis), poppy sp. (Papaver sp.), hazel and elder (Sambucus nigra). This area contains potential foraging and sheltering habitat for reptiles and as such a targeted reptile survey will be undertaken. T5 See T4 – this area also contains potential foraging and sheltering habitat for reptiles and as such a targeted reptile survey will be undertaken. T6 Hedgerows with abundant perennial rye grass, locally abundant creeping thistle, bramble and common nettle, frequent hedge bindweed, locally frequent hazel, occasional prickly sow-thistle, cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Leyland’s cypress (Cupressus x leylandii), holly (Ilex aquifolium), cherry sp (Prunus sp.), yew (Taxus baccata), ornamental shrub and rare ash, cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), elder and monkey puzzle.

23 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited November 2013