NEWINGTON QUARRY Sand & Gravel Extraction Environmental Statement
ANNEX C - ECOLOGY ASSESSMENT
47072089.ES AECOM March 2015
Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Context
This document comprises an Ecological Impact Assessment for the proposed additional sand extraction at Newington Quarry. Please note, this annex must be read in conjunction with the main text of the Environmental Statement (ES) which contains: a detailed description of the proposed development; development drawings; and a summary of other assessments undertaken in relation to the proposed development which may be relevant. A full description of the Scheme is given in Section 4 of the ES main text.
1.2 Introduction
Hanson Aggregates currently work Newington South quarry, which is to the south of Slaynes Lane; Newington North is to the north of Slaynes Lane and restored to nature conservation end use that comprises wet grassland and associated shallow ephemeral scrapes and permanent stretches of open water, principally for breeding and over wintering waders and wildfowl. Misson quarry, a small adjunct to Newington North, is worked on an occasional basis and is located at the north east end of Newington North. This assessment relates to proposed additional mineral extraction to the west of Newington North quarry (Newington West) and a proposed Additional Working Area (AWA) within Newington South quarry.
1.3 Scope
An Environmental Impact Assessment scoping opinion was sought from Nottinghamshire Council (NCC) through submission of a scoping report for the project in August 2014. There was a commitment in the scoping report to include a chapter on Nature Conservation within the ES that would include: a Phase 1 vegetation and habitat survey; a desk study for known information; any necessary protected species surveys; and an assessment of the impact of the development with measures to avoid/minimise/mitigate and compensate for any identified significant adverse impacts. The following responses were received with respect to ecology in the formal scoping response received 19th November 2014; the NCC ecologist noted: a desk study to include information on statutory and non-statutory sites, protected and notable species and this should be done through consultation with a range of recorders and groups; the Phase 1 survey should also include a search for signs and appraisal of habitats for protected/notable species; targeted surveys could be required for wintering and breeding birds, badgers, reptiles and water voles; the assessment should cover habitats and species, ecosystem structures and functioning, landscape features and hydrology issues; the evaluation should include reference to Legislation, Policy Section 41, the LBAP, etc.; impacts of the scheme, both negative and positive to be assessed including effects on the nearby Idle Washlands SSSI; and opportunities for enhancement through restoration to be provided.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 1 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
The response from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT) followed very much the same requests with the addition that surveys could be required for bats, amphibians, invertebrates and otter and they strongly supported the restoration to floodplain wetland habitats. NWT is involved in the restoration of both Newington North and Newington South. The scope of the ecological evaluation of the application areas and assessment of the proposed Scheme has included: a desktop data review of existing biological records and search for statutory and non-statutory designated sites of ecological importance through consultation with the relevant local biological records holders and investigation of Natural England’s interactive, web-based MAGIC (Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside) database; and field surveys for flora and fauna involving: i. a Phase 1 Habitat survey (to standard JNCC method) to record type, location and extent of vegetation and habitats within the application area boundary, including notable hedgerows; ii. an appraisal of habitats present within the application areas for their suitability to support protected or notable species of fauna, including birds, mammals, herpetofauna and invertebrates. Use has also been made of data that has been collected at the quarries to satisfy planning conditions. This includes monthly bird data and walkover surveys of each phase, particularly ditches for water vole, prior to commencement of soil stripping.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 2 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
2. LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT This section lists the legislation and planning policy relevant to the protection and enhancement of habitats and species. The framework for the assessment of the potential ecological effects of the proposed development is based on current legislation and UK government and local authority policies that relate to nature conservation. See Appendix 1 for details of the relevant legislation and planning policies. Below is a summary of the plans and policies.
2.1 National Legislation
The main relevant legislation for the protection of wildlife and ecology in the UK comprises: The Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended); The Countryside and Rights of Way (CroW) Act 2000; The Natural Environment and rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006; and The Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010 (as amended).
2.2 National Planning Policy
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. Appendix 1 provides the relevant Policies in detail but in summary: “The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures”; “to minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity through planning policies”; and “when determining planning applications, local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity.”
2.3 Local Planning Policy
Nottinghamshire County Council is in the latter stages of producing a New Minerals Local Plan but until such time that this is adopted, the Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan (adopted 2005) has a number of saved policies relevant to ecology and biodiversity. These can be found in Appendix 1 but in brief they are: Policy M3.17: Biodiversity; Policy M3.18: Special Areas for Conservation; Policy M3.19: Site of Special Scientific Interest; and Policy M3.20: Regional and Local Designated Sites. Policy M3.21: Protected Species - this is a policy that has not been saved and relies on the fact that the species receive statutory protection under UK legislation.
2.4 Biodiversity Action Plans
2.4.1 National Strategy In July 2012 the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework was published. This covers the period 2011 - 2020 and forms the UK Government’s response to the UN convention on Biological Diversity held in Nagoya in 2010. This contained 5 strategic goals (“Aichi” Goals). The Framework recognised that the Biodiversity Action Plan should now be delivered through strategies for each of the 4 countries comprising United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. In England this is embodied in Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services. These country strategies replace the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP). In England the priority species and habitat for action are those listed on Section 41 of the NERC Act (2006).
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 3 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
Relevant habitat action plans includes hedgerows and species; water voles, reptiles and farmland birds.
2.4.2 Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Plan The Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Plan was produced in 1998 but is kept updated through the Biodiversity Action Group (http://www.nottsbag.org.uk/). Relevant habitats include; fen, marshes and swamps, ditches, farmland, lowland wet grassland, hedgerows and rivers and streams. Relevant species include; water vole and otter.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 4 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
3. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The methodology used to assess the significance of impacts on ecological receptors is based on the Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) published by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, 2006). Areas and/or species of ecological value within the Site are identified and the main factors contributing to their value are described. An ecological resource or feature is considered to be valuable (or have potential value) at the following scales: International; UK; National (i.e. England/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales); Regional; County; District (or Unitary Authority, City or Borough); Local (or Parish); or within immediate zone of influence only1. The impact on a feature has a number of characteristics that need to be fully described before significance can be assessed. A number of factors need to be considered when describing and assessing impacts, which include: direction (positive, negative or neutral impact); magnitude (the amount or level of impact); extent (area in hectares, linear metres, etc); duration (in time or related to species life-cycles); reversibility (i.e. is the impact permanent or temporary); timing and frequency (e.g. related to breeding seasons); and cumulative effects (between impacts from a number of sources). IEEM guidance states that impacts should be determined as being significant when they have an adverse or positive effect “on the integrity of a defined site or ecosystem and/or the conservation status of habitats or species within a given geographical area”. Such impacts may be significant at the level of importance defined in the Evaluation section or, for habitats and species, at a lesser geographical scale. For example, limited impacts on woodland of County importance might be assessed as being significant at a District level of importance. Using this information and judgement, it is determined whether the effects will be significant or not on the integrity (of site/ecosystems) or conservation status (of habitats/species) of each ecological feature and the impact significance is determined at the appropriate geographical scale. Where possible, levels of certainty are given to indicate the likelihood that both the predicted activity/impact and the associated ecological effect will occur. The IEEM guidance suggests using the following four-point scale to identify the levels of confidence arrived at by professional judgement: Certain/High; Probable/Moderate; Unlikely/Low; Extremely unlikely/Negligible. To provide consistency of impact assessment terminology, each impact (referred to as effects throughout this assessment) is assigned using the IEEM criteria but has been translated to a significance level on a scale of negligible, minor, moderate and major, as outlined in Table 3.1.
1 For the purposes of this study, the zone of influence within which potential direct effects on flora and fauna may be reasonably anticipated is considered to be the planning application boundary and an approximate 2km radius around the proposed development. Whilst the impacts expected are all largely confined within the footprint of the working quarry, a buffer is included to provide confidence in any assessment of impacts in the wider area and in particular any hydrology related impacts.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 5 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
Table 3.1: Effect Significance Criteria
Effect Significance Equivalent IEEM Assessment
Major Significant Positive Impact on ecological integrity or conservation Beneficial status at Regional, National or International level. Significant Moderate Significant Positive Impact on ecological integrity or conservation Beneficial status at District - County level. Minor Significant Positive Impact on ecological integrity or conservation Non-significant Beneficial status at Site - Local level. Neutral Negligible No Significant Impact on ecological integrity or conservation status. Minor Significant Adverse Impact on ecological integrity or conservation Non-significant Adverse status at Site - Local level Moderate Significant Adverse Impact on ecological integrity or conservation Adverse status at District - County level. Significant Major Significant Adverse Impact on ecological integrity or conservation Adverse status at Regional, National or International level
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 6 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
4. BASELINE CONDITIONS Full details of the results of the desk study can be found in Appendix 2. Below is a brief summary.
4.1 Desk Study
The desk study was undertaken to identify statutorily designated sites within 2km of the Site boundary and local non-statutory wildlife sites and records of protected/notable species within 1km of the Site boundary. The following sources were consulted: MAGIC online database; the national biodiversity network (NBN) gateway website; and Nottinghamshire Biological Records Centre (NBRC).
4.1.1 Statutory Designated Sites There is one statutory designated site within 2km from the Site boundary. This is the River Idle Washlands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) unit 2 (10.38ha). The SSSI unit is currently classified as neutral grassland –lowland and its condition is formally classified by Natural England as ‘unfavourable recovering’ (October 2010). The SSSI citation, SSSI condition statement, MAGIC map and MAGIC site check report are provided in Appendix 2. In 2008, the vegetation within Unit 2 of the SSSI was surveyed as part of the work for planning permission for Newington South. At this time vegetation within the SSSI was botanically poor short grazed sward grassland and in wetter areas appeared to be an MG13 Agrostis stolonifera – Alopecurus geniculatus wet grassland type. The grassland was dominated in wetter parts by reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) interspersed with wet grassland dominated by marsh foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus), flote-grass (Glyceria fluitans) and creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera). Forbs included creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), curled dock (Rumex crispus), common spike rush (Eleocharis palustris) and amphibious bistort (Persicaria amphibia). Drier grassland was dominated by creeping bent, perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne) and tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa). Forbs included dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and redshank (Polygonum persicaria).
4.1.2 Non-Statutory Designated Sites Information received from NBGRC indicates that there are ten Local Wildlife Sites within 1km of the Scheme boundary. The application area itself is part of the Slaynes Lane LWS (5/2164). It is described as Carr, farmland and gravel pits prone to winter/spring flooding and is designated for its rich breeding bird assemblage. The adjacent SSSI unit 2 is also notified as an LWS named Slaynes Lane Washland. It is described as one of five washlands along the River Idle that represent the last fragments of a once extensive site of importance for both its plant and bird communities. The next closest sites are south of the River Idle. Full results for all LWS are provided in Appendix 2. Table 4.1 below summarises the information.
Table 4.1: Non-Statutory Sites within 1km of the Scheme
No. Name Area Grid Ref. Description Interest (ha)
2/420 Barrier Bank, 7.26 SK 669936 A valuable habitat mosaic of damp Botanical Newington grassland, drains, ruderal vegetation and woodland
2/569 Barrier Bank, 14.4 SK 694946 A site of scrubby woodland and ruderal Botanical Misson riverside vegetation incorporating a representative stretch of the River Idle 2/573 Slaynes Lane 11.9 SK 685938 One of five washlands along the River Botanical,
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 7 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
Table 4.1: Non-Statutory Sites within 1km of the Scheme
No. Name Area Grid Ref. Description Interest (ha)
Washland Idle representing fragments of a once Bird extensive site of importance for both its plant and bird communities 2/574 Newington 50.98 SK 661935 One of five washlands along the River Botanical Washland Idle representing the last fragments of a once extensive site of importance for both plants and birds 2/969 Rugged Butts 38.03 SK 678956 An extensive area of acid grassland Botanical with associated woodland habitats 5/106 Everton Carr 6.38 SK 688936 A semi-natural deciduous woodland on Botanical Woodland a damp peaty/sandy substrate 5/2164 Slaynes Lane 121.5 SK 680940 Carr, farmland and gravel pits prone to Bird winter/spring flooding supporting rich assemblage of breeding birds 5/2223 Toft Hill Lane 0.15 SK Ditches and a pond of interest for Water Water Drain and 684935 Beetles Beetle/Bug Pond 5/2241 River Idle - 2.04 SK A section of the River Idle of interest for Water Everton Carr 681935 Water beetles Beetle/Bug 5/2288 Portland Drain 0.69 SK A drain Botanical 709934
4.1.3 Protected and Notable Species The NBRC have provided records for a number of protected and notable species within 1km of the Scheme boundary. These included bats, badgers, otters, water voles There are a number of recent records including a roost from a dwelling along Bawtry road in Newington. Older (≥10 years) records show a roost north east along Bawtry Road towards Newington and also records of foraging bats at Misson village to the north east. There are records of otter along the River Idle; a spraint was recorded at Misson sluice back in 1995 but there are more recent records of regular sightings downstream of Misson village. A previous desk study undertaken for a ROMP review at Newington provided two records of water vole both from 1999: one from Black Bank Drain (SK699934) which is >1km south east of the Site and a second from the ‘river by Misson’ (SK692947) which is 300m north west of the Site. The current desk study has listed a number of recent records from south of the River Idle, south west of the Site. Water voles have been recorded during previous survey work along Slaynes Lane Drain; the population does appear to fluctuate, some years few signs have been found, other years quite a few signs. Some years the river floods the whole are to quite a depth and this must affect badly the survival of water voles and in very recent years, mink have been spotted around the restored Newington North. The side drains feeding south from Slaynes Lane have been slowly lost to the Newington South development but these were shallower than Slaynes Lane drain and often dry for extended periods; water vole signs were recorded sporadically along these. European Eel has been recorded from the River Idle downstream around Misson village. There are records of common amphibians from within the quarries themselves and Newington North is now restored to a complex of wetlands. There are recent records of common toad and common frog from the quarry and older records of these and smooth newt from the land to the north of Bawtry Road. There are no records of great crested newts within a minimum of 1km from the Scheme boundary. There are no records of reptiles from within 1km. Other species recorded includes mink on the river downstream of the Site and there are sightings from quarry personnel of mink on the restored Newington North; harvest mouse has been recorded around 1km to the east on the other side of the River Idle.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 8 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
A large number of water beetle and water bugs have been provided from a number of locations within the wider area but there none apparently from the Application area. There has been a monthly survey of bird use of the area since 2008 and a summary report is produced covering December - November each year to satisfy Planning Condition 15, which relates to the potential for bird strike at nearby Robin Hood Airport. The principal concern is large flocks of wildfowl and trigger thresholds have been set. The survey is undertaken by a local ornithologist and whilst the emphasis is on waterbirds, does record all species within Newington North, Newington South and Unit 2 of the Idle Washlands SSSI. The last available summary report is from 2014 and is provided as Appendix 3. Most notable in the last few years has been breeding avocet. Data for 2014 has sand martins, skylarks, yellow wagtails and lapwings breeding in good numbers with hundreds of sand martins. Most birds are recorded on the restored Newington North with a lot less within the active Newington South quarry and numbers limited in Unit 2 of the SSSI because of its relatively small size. Most species recorded within Unit 2 are as singles or low numbers with only mallard (all year round), wigeon (wintering), greylag geese (early summer) and black headed gulls (spring) recorded in double figures. However, this year long-eared owl bred within the area. Water fern (Azolla filiculoides) is known from Slaynes Lane and has been the subject of treatment to try and at least control its abundance and in 2014 biological control has been started using a weevil, Stenopelmus rufinasus. The amount of the water fern does fluctuate year to year but in 2014 formed large deep beds in the ditch. There is also a record from 2009 of a small stand of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) along Slaynes Lane.
4.2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey
A Phase 1 vegetation and habitat survey was undertaken of the land within and adjacent to the two proposed additional extraction areas on the 3rd September 2014. Habitats were mapped and described as per the published guidelines (Joint Nature Conservation Council, 2010).
4.2.1 Newington South The proposed AWA within Newington South is situated between the current consented working area and the flood bank along the River Idle (Figure 4.1). The area was down to a potato crop in 2014. There are small lengths of two ditches that ran north west from the flood bund to Slaynes Lane within the proposed extraction limit but these has now been cut off by the current quarry working and both were dry. To the north is the edge of the current working area of the quarry Along the toe of the flood bund there is a dry shallow ditch and a fence. The dry shallow ditch is covered in ruderal species including reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium), great hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), fat hen (Chenopodium album) and black bindweed (Fallopia convolvulus). The flood bund itself is poor-semi improved/improved grassland and is used for grazing cattle. Unit 2 of The River Idle Washlands SSSI is situated immediately to the south of the flood bund. Botanically it is poor grazed short-sward grassland which in wetter areas would appear to be an MG13 Agrostis stolonifera – Alopecurus geniculatus wet grassland type.
4.2.2 Newington West Newington West lies to the west of the restored Newington North and comprises two agricultural fields sown with fodder beet in 2014. The area is bounded to the north by Bawtry Road, to the east by the restored Newington North site, to the south by Slaynes Lane and to the west by agricultural land and Tunnel Tech mushroom farm. There is a relatively new hedgerow along the boundary with the restored Newington North and there are further hedgerows along Slaynes Lane, the western boundary with Tunnel Tech, along Bawtry Lane and for part of the length of the ditch that runs between the two fields. In detail: H1 - relatively new hedgerow along the boundary with Newington North comprising blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), hazel (Corylus avellana), field maple (Acer campestre), dog wood (Cornus sanguinea) and rose (Rosa sp.). H2 - this is a continuation north of H1 but is a more established but still young hedgerow with hawthorn, elder (Sambucus nigra), field maple and rose. H3 - hedgerow along Bawtry Road, which is recently planted at its eastern end and there is an old entrance at the spot where access would be required for the proposed extension. Further west the hedgerow is more mature with scattered small standard trees including a young ash (Fraxinus excelsior) tree, an ash tree that
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 9 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
has been pollarded and a dead tree covered in ivy (Hedera helix). All three trees had negligible - low bat roost potential with no obvious features. At its western end the hedgerow is covered in bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and is poor quality. H4 - a new hedgerow has been planted along the boundary with Tunnel Tech behind which is young plantation woodland and in the south west corner of the field a small copse has been planted. H5 - newly planted hedgerow along north side of a dry ditch with willows scattered along it. H6 - newly planted hedgerow on east side of ditch from H5 north to H2 H7 - newly planted hedgerow from Slaynes Lane north along the east side of the ditch to meet H6 H8 - largely defunct hedgerow along Slaynes Lane; little more than scattered willows There is a ditch (D1) that runs between the two fields from where it appears at the north end of hedgerow H1 south to meet H5 and then south alongside H7 to Slaynes Lane. The ditch is dry at the north end for about 50m and then on the day of the survey was holding water all the way down to Slaynes Lane. The northern half was overgrown with reedmace (Typha latifolia), reed sweet grass (Glyceria maxima) and tall ruderal species; the southern half was narrow with very steep vegetated sides. It is also proposed to use a restored area within the north west part of Newington North to receive water from dewatering of the working phases of Newington West. This area was previously an active lagoon and was recently (2014) restored by re-grading the edges and was left to re-vegetate naturally.
4.3 Species
The response to scoping included a potential requirement for survey for a number of species/groups. This included wintering and breeding birds, badgers, reptiles, water voles, bats, amphibians, invertebrates and otter. Working of both areas will result in the loss of regularly cultivated ground, which in 2014 was used to grow potatoes (South) and fodder beet (West). Newington South is an active quarry and the proposed additional working area is located within the current consented quarry boundary.
4.3.1 Bats There are no structures and only a small number of trees within Newington West. There are no trees or structures within Newington South. The trees identified within Newington West are along Bawtry Road and were assessed to have negligible/low roosting potential. These trees are not being disturbed by the proposals and so would not be affected by the scheme and as such have been scoped out from requiring further survey. No boundary features are being lost to the development and the habitat lost is regularly cultivated ground. There is generally no working after dark, save in winter; working hours are 07:00 - 19:00 and 07:00 - 13:00 and little lighting, save for on vehicles, is used. Bats from the local area could forage and commute along hedge lines, Slaynes Lane, the flood bund and river corridor but he proposals do not affect the ability of these to function as they do currently and so surveys to determine activity levels re considered to be unnecessary and are scoped out. Bats are not considered further in this assessment, other than that the restoration proposals provide for a mosaic of wet grassland, reed beds and shallow water bodies, which would provide an increase and enhancement of suitable foraging habitat for bats that may be using the area currently.
4.3.2 Otter There are records of otter along the River Idle downstream of Newington South but there is no reason not to expect them to be using the river upstream where the quarry is located. No boundary features are being lost to the development and the habitat lost is regularly cultivated ground, which does not provide cover for otter. Working of the additional area within Newington South would be closer to the river than the current extraction boundary but for the most part along this stretch the river curves away from the quarry and the whole way along it is separated by the barrier bank. Based on this, it is considered that there is no requirement to undertaken specific survey for otter use along the river and there is no suitable habitat within either proposed extraction area. Otters are not considered further in this assessment, other than that the restoration proposals provide for a mosaic of wet grassland, reed beds and shallow water bodies, which would provide an increase and enhancement of suitable habitat for otters that may be using the area currently.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 10 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
4.3.3 Water Voles There are records of water vole along Slaynes Lane Drain and measures have been taken previously to avoid harm to water voles when undertaking certain operations within the quarry, including temporary exclusion along a section of the Drain whilst the bridge was constructed to connect Newington North and Newington South. Planning conditions attached to both permissions have also required surveys along ditches prior to being culverted for crossing or lost to working. Neither of the proposed extraction areas will result in the loss of suitable water vole habitat; there are two sections of once longer drains within Newington South but these are now dry and isolated from Slaynes Lane Drain. Stand-offs from other ditches and drains means that there is no likelihood of impacting on water voles and so other than the requirements under the current permission no surveys have been undertaken. Water voles are not considered further in this assessment, other than that the restoration proposals provide for a mosaic of wet grassland, reed beds and shallow water bodies, which would provide an increase and enhancement of suitable habitat for water voles that may be using the area currently.
4.3.4 Badgers No signs of badgers were seen whilst undertaking the walkover surveys of the two areas; there are records of setts some distance to the north on the other side of Bawtry lane. The land south of Slaynes Lane can often flood completely and no signs of badgers have ever been picked up. The land at Newington West does rise to Bawtry Lane and so less liable to flooding but no signs were seen during the walkover survey and it is considered that badgers are not a constraint to the proposals.
4.3.5 Amphibians Prior to the commencement of Newington North, there were no ponds within the area other than the seasonal flooding of the arable land and the ditches that where once widespread across the area but most of which had been lost to land draining and improvement in the 1980s. There are no records of great crested newts within at least 1km of the Site but there are records of common frog and common toad within the quarry and smooth newt further afield but within 1km. Both spawn and young of both species are seen regularly within the now restored Newington North and as Newington South is restored, likely here to. The land to be lost to the proposed development is under regular cultivation and as such has low value for these species; stand-offs from suitable habitat, ditches and hedgerows means that there is little risk of significant impact and so specific surveys have not been undertaken for these species. Amphibians are not considered further in this assessment, other than that the restoration proposals provide for a mosaic of wet grassland, reed beds and shallow water bodies, which would provide an increase and enhancement of suitable habitat for amphibians.
4.3.6 Breeding and Wintering Birds A survey of bird use, primarily wetland bird use of Newington North, Newington South and Unit 2 of the SSSI is undertaken monthly to fulfil a planning condition in connection with bird strike risk at Robin Hood airport. Records are made of other species and it is considered that this data is sufficient to judge the potential impacts of the proposed development. A summary of the data has been provided in Section 4.1.3 above and the last summary report prepared to satisfy existing planning conditions (2014) is attached at Appendix 3.
4.3.7 Reptiles There are no records of reptiles from within 1km. Whilst there have not been any confirmed sightings of reptiles (most likely grass snake given the habitats present) within the quarry, a precautionary approach has been taken when suitable habitat along ditches has been lost to soil stripping. The vegetation has been strimmed short working towards Slaynes Lane Drain followed on a few days later by stripping out of the ditch in stages towards the Drain. The regularly cultivated land has been considered to be unsuitable. No survey of the two proposed additional working areas has been undertaken for reptiles; the land to be lost is unsuitable being regularly cultivated and save for two remnant sections of dry ditch no suitable habitat would be lost. It is considered that the same precautionary measures on these small areas would be sufficient. The ditches within and bounding Newington West are to be retained with a 10m stand-off from the top of bank. Reptiles are not considered further in this assessment, other than that the restoration proposals provide for a mosaic of wet grassland, reed beds and shallow water bodies, which would provide an increase and enhancement of suitable habitat for grass snake in particular.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 11 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
4.3.8 Invertebrates Surveys have not been undertaken of the land within the two proposed additional working areas; the land to be lost is predominantly land under regular cultivation and as such unsuitable for most groups of invertebrates. Habitat that does have wider suitability is not affected by the proposals. Invertebrates are not considered further in this assessment, other than that the restoration proposals provide for a mosaic of wet grassland, reed beds and shallow water bodies, which would provide an increase and enhancement of suitable habitat for a wide range of invertebrate species.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 12 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
5. ASSESSMENT OF NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE
5.1 Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Importance
The proposed additional working area (AWA) in Newington South is adjacent to the River idle Washlands SSSI. The SSSI as a whole is designated for its wet grassland habitats and wintering bird assemblages and is recognised of National nature conservation value. Unit 2 forms an integral part of the SSSI. Part of the reason for the SSSI designation is the assemblage of wintering and passage wildfowl. Unit 2 is surveyed monthly throughout the year for birds as a requirement under existing planning conditions in relation to bird strike. In 2014 the species to reach double figures were greylag geese (maximum 21 in July), mallard (maximum 60 in November), wigeon (maximum 102 in November) and black headed gull (maximum 40 in February). Twenty-four species were recorded using this part of the SSSI in 2014 with most as singletons on one or few occasions or small numbers.
5.2 Non - Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Importance
Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) - formerly Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) - are now designated according to criteria set by the Nottinghamshire Local Site Panel published in March 2014 (http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=51475&p=0). Previously designation criteria were based on habitat but now include criteria for a range of species groups. The sites listed above in Table 4.1 are considered to be of County value for nature conservation importance as they will qualify on one or more the criteria listed in the current guidelines. The whole of Newington North, Newington South and Misson quarry are located within Slaynes Lane LWS and the reason given is birds. The LWS also includes the land proposed as Newington West and arable land outside the quarry to the north east. Increasingly as the habitats develop in Newington North and restoration takes place within Newington South it would be expected that the site would qualify under a number of other criteria including dragonflies, amphibians and water beetles and water bugs.
5.3 Habitats
5.3.1 Within Application Site Boundaries None of the habitats within the two proposed additional working areas qualify as habitats of principal importance in England under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. The hedgerows are too recently planted to qualify and the arable land does not appear to qualify under arable field margins, as they are cropped too close to the field boundary. The other habitats, principally regularly cultivated ground, within the two additional working areas are no more than of Local nature conservation value. However the two fields proposed for Newington West are included within Slaynes Lane LWS and whilst they do not qualify for LWS status for the habitats present form part of the wider area that is used by the bird assemblage that does qualify.
5.3.2 Adjacent Habitats The restored Newington North quarry is located immediately to the east of the proposed Newington West. The habitats that are developing are likely to qualify, if they do not already, as they develop and mature, as Section 41 habitats of priority importance for conservation. These include: coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, ponds and reedbeds. The whole of Newington North is within Slaynes Lane LWS and as they develop are likely to become of County conservation value. Newington South is a working quarry currently but will increasingly be restored westwards to grazing marsh and reedbeds, which will be establishing at the time of working the proposed additional extraction area. These habitats, as they develop, will increasingly be likely to qualify as Section 41 and based on the Newington North restoration likely to become of County conservation value. The agricultural land to the north east is within the Slaynes Lane LWS and whilst they do not qualify for LWS status for the habitats present form part of the wider area that is used by the bird assemblage that does qualify.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 13 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
5.3.3 Species The bird assemblage present within the Newington complex qualifies the area as an LWS and as such regarded of County conservation value. A number of species including avocet and colonies of sand martins also qualify the area as County conservation value under separate qualifying criteria in the guidelines. No other species, certainly not within either of the proposed additional extraction areas, are likely to qualify as more than Local conservation value. There are protected species present in the wider area and a number of these are likely to qualify as County value where they are present. This would be the case for water vole in Slaynes Lane Drain. A summary of the value of the identified Sensitive Receptors is provided below in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1: Assignment of Ecological Value
Assessed Ecological Receptor Description Value River Idle Washlands Best remaining washland grasslands along the River National SSSI Idle floodplain Slaynes Lane Washland Part of Idle Washlands SSSI National LWS (Unit 2 SSSI) Carr, farmland and gravel pits prone to winter/spring flooding supporting rich assemblage of breeding birds. Slaynes Lane LWS County Includes Newington North and South, proposed Newington West and Misson quarry Various, largely drains or ditches with rich Other nearby LWS County flora/invertebrate fauna Nesting and foraging Rich assemblage and reason for designation of Slaynes County birds Lane LWS New hedgerows, cultivated land, technically within the Slaynes Lane LWS but qualifies for overall bird Other habitats Site/Local assemblage using whole area and not in their own right as habitats of value.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 14 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
6. ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT The potential for many effects of quarrying are mitigated during the design stage and others through adoption of best working practice. These are embedded into the Scheme and therefore, as with the restoration proposals, form part of the Scheme and as such are considered to be effects in their own right when assessing impacts upon identified sensitive receptors. Embedded measures include standard industry best practice for dust suppression, lighting, noise, soil handling, surface water management all of which significantly reduce the potential for significant adverse impacts on sensitive receptors.
6.1 Noise
The quarry operates with a minimum of machinery and operations are primarily below ground level save for soil stripping and soil placement during restoration. Newington South quarry is operational and breeding and wintering birds have habituated to the current conditions and use extensively the restored Newington North and Unit 2 of the SSSI without too much apparent disturbance.
6.2 Air Quality/Dust
Standard dust suppression measures (spray tanker) are taken during extended dry periods. In addition, there is a 15mph speed limit and all lorries are sheeted before leaving site. This would continue to be the case.
6.3 Surface and Ground Water
Flooding has historically occurred as at times of high water within the River Trent discharge from the River Idle is precluded, resulting in flooding. Major engineering works undertaken in the early 1980s were undertaken to decrease the potential for flooding and barrier bank runs between Newington South and the River Idle. Due to the potential for flooding to occur in the winter months, extraction at Newington South takes place on a campaign basis (i.e. to avoid winter working); this would continue. Dewatering takes place for all mineral extraction operations at Newington South. A sump is excavated into the working area, from where the water inflow is pumped to a silt settlement lagoon. From here, the clean water is pumped into a ditch adjacent to Slaynes Lane under EA consent and from the ditch it passes to the River Idle. There would be similar dewatering for operations in Newington West with the dewatering lagoon to be located within Newington North (utilising a recently restored lagoon in the north west adjacent to the proposed Newington West). From here the water would be discharged into the River Idle via a pipeline.
6.4 Soil Handling
Soil stripping and restoration would be restricted as far as is practical to end August - end March (i.e. outside of what is considered to be the main nesting bird season). This restricts the potential for adversely affecting nesting birds. Where this is not possible, standard measures would be undertaken involving a survey and, should nesting birds be found, a cordon placed around the nest until the young have fledged.
6.5 Restoration
Restoration of Phases 7 & 8 proposed in Newington South would be to wet grassland and reedbed, the main habitats being established within the current restoration plan for Newington South. Phases 7 & 8 lie adjacent to areas to be restored to reedbed and wet grassland and would extend these habitats south to the barrier bank and Unit 2 of the SSSI. Restoration of the extraction area within Newington West would be to a wetland complex including a mosaic of wet and drier grassland, pools and scrapes and fringing reedbeds to complement the already restored Newington North. The field to be used for soil and overburden storage would be restored back to agriculture.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 15 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
7. IMPACT ASSESSMENT
7.1 Development Proposals
The details of the development are given in section 4 of the Environmental Statement. In summary, the proposals are for: an additional area of extraction (within the current consented boundary) in Newington South, comprising of two Phases (7 & 8) - referred to as the Newington South Additional Working Area (AWA); the land comprises a strip of land of approximately 4.5ha situated between the current limit of extraction and Barrier Bank; Newington West - which comprises two arable fields west of the restored Newington North; one of the fields comprises the proposed extraction area (approximately 7.8ha) and the other will be for soil and overburden storage (approximately 8ha); a recently restored lagoon in the north-west corner of Newington North would be used to receive water from dewatering the extraction area. If consented, working in Newington South would be completed and restored and then Newington West worked. This means that Newington West can be worked as a stand-alone quarry with its own access so there is no further disturbance to Newington North and Newington South once restored. The main elements of the operation within Newington South would continue as per the current operation (see section 4 of the main ES for further details). Restoration of Newington South Phases 7 & 8 would be to wet grassland and reedbed - the main habitats being established within the currently approved restoration plan. Phases 7 & 8 lie adjacent to and extend these habitats out from the current consented restoration footprint (see restoration plan which accompanies the main ES). Newington West would be worked much the same way as Newington South but there would be a new access road straight from the site onto Bawtry Road to avoid having to drive through the restored Newington North or along Slaynes Lane to exit through the current access. Water from dewatering of the extraction areas would be pumped into a recently restored lagoon area within the north west corner of Newington North. The use of this area does not require any ground works to prepare, other than the laying of a pipe from the extraction areas. The extraction area and dewatering lagoon for the Newington West development would be restored to a wetland complex to complement the restored Newington North, with the field used for soil/overburden storage back to agriculture (see restoration plan which accompanies the main ES).
7.1.1 Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Importance Unit 2 of the Idle Washlands SSSI is situated immediately to the south of Newington South. It is separated from the site by Barrier Bank, a tall and wide flood bund constructed in the 1980s to control flooding of the river. It was the construction of this bund that allowed much of the land originally designated as SSSI to be drained resulting in the current SSSI, which now comprises four discrete Units along a stretch of the River Idle from Bawtry (Unit 1) north eastwards for approximately 2.5km (Unit 4). Unit 2 was last assessed as to its “condition” by Natural England under their condition monitoring assessment protocol in 2010, when it was classified as “Unfavourable Recovering”. This means that the Site does not meet the Favourable criteria for the attribute(s) that are present but that its condition is progressing towards this. The unfavourable condition would appear to have been a combination of being drier than expected for the habitat present and also too high/low grazing pressure. Management was being addressed in 2010 by the area being brought into an agri-environment scheme. The reasons for designation of the SSSI as a whole is the presence of good examples of wet grassland communities and large numbers of wintering and passage waterfowl. Added interest is provided by the breeding bird community including snipe and redshank. The Newington South AWA would take the extraction boundary approximately 60m closer to Unit 2 of the SSSI. As the phases of extraction are dewatered to enable working, there is the potential for this to affect sensitive areas within Unit 2 of the SSSI. In 2008, the hydrology assessment (Annex A) chapter for the application for Newington South provided a detailed assessment of impacts. It was stated that: The indicated radius of influence of dewatering under the anticipated conditions will result in a maximum radius of influence of some 216 m. The distance of the proposed mineral extraction from the SSSI (Unit 2) and the extremely limited effects of the proposed works are such that it is considered that they will not adversely impact upon the site. This was accepted by Natural England and the MPA particularly as the conclusions
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 16 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
were that the overriding influence on the levels in the SSSI was the seasonal winter flooding from the River Idle during periods of prolonged rainfall. Annex G (of the main ES) states that for the Newington South AWA part of the Scheme, the drawdown would be of the order of 195m, this is based on new data from the current site. However, there has been no change to the overriding influence on the SSSI - i.e. the flooding from the River Idle and, this being the case, it is assessed that there would be Negligible effect on the features present in the SSSI for which it is designated from the proposed extension to the working area in Newington South. Once restored, the wetland complex to be created within Newington South and Newington West would complement those already created in Newington North, all of which, once established, would be managed for nature conservation. A “Landscape Restoration, 5 year Aftercare and 21 Year Habitat Management Plan” has been approved for Newington North and Newington South and will be expanded to include Newington West. This Plan was designed in consultation with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, The RSPB, Natural England and the Environment Agency. Measures included in the Plan are to improve Unit 2 of the SSSI through re-wetting the area by excavating a series of channels from the River Idle to allow more water onto the site. These measures are expected in the medium to long-term to provide a Major beneficial effect on Unit 2 of the SSSI in particular and to the SSSI as a whole.
7.2 Non-Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Importance
7.2.1 Slaynes Lane LWS The proposals result in temporary loss and on restoration a change in land use of the parts of the Site that are located within the proposed additional extraction areas - i.e. phases 7 & 8 within Newington South and similar for Newington West, although the field to be used for soil/overburden storage would be restored back to agricultural use. It is clear that whilst the loss of some agricultural land (approximately 4.5ha Newington South and 8ha Newington West) will lead to a reduction in habitat for a small range of bird species that are dependent on this habitat, in the case of Newington West only part of the application area would be lost (the area required temporarily for soil storage would be restored to agriculture on completion of quarrying). Thus, the proposed development would result in the loss of approximately 12.5ha of agricultural land. Given the extensive areas of land under cultivation across the wider area, this would not be expected to be significant and is assessed to be a Negligible effect. Most of the bird species affected by the loss of the arable land would be expected to use the habitats that have been created on restoration of Newington North and similar to be created during progressive restoration of Newington South and what is proposed for the extraction area in Newington West. The ongoing restoration affords a wide range of habitats that are already attracting a diverse assemblage of wintering, passage and breeding birds including a number of notable species. These habitats are providing complementary habitat to that found within the SSSI, particularly within Unit 1 to the west but to a lesser extent Unit 2 and it would be expected that the Site as a whole once restored would attract numbers and species that could qualify the area for SSSI status. Based on this it is assessed that the effects on the LWS have the potential to be a Major beneficial effect.
7.2.2 Slaynes Lane Washland LWS This is equivalent to Unit 2 of the SSSI and has been assessed above for the SSSI.
7.2.3 Other LWS Working of Newington West and an increase in the working area within Newington South is not expected to have any effects on the other LWSs that are more distant from the Site.
7.3 Habitats
Loss of the arable land is not considered to be significant as a habitat type. The field in Newington West that would be used for soil/overburden storage would be restored to agricultural use. It is assessed there would be no significant effect on this resource. There are new planted hedgerows within and around Newington West but these are to remain and as they develop will provide habitat for farmland birds that cannot breed in the wetland complex but which will use such area for foraging. Similarly there has been some small scale copse planting, again to provide cover for birds. In the medium term these are predicted to deliver a Minor beneficial effect.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 17 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
There are two remnant sections of ditch, now dry, within Newington South that would be lost to the proposals. This loss is not assessed to be significant, particularly as restoration provides for new ditches as part of the wetland restoration. The ditches within and bounding Newington West are being retained and so there is no direct impact upon these. The section running between the proposed extraction areas and the soil storage area does hold water for at least part of the year and during extraction there is the potential for this to be dry for longer periods from dewatering. The ditch does not however hold any significant species and on completion of quarrying the water regime would be restored; it assessed that working of these areas would result in a short term Minor adverse effect on this ditch. No significant effects are expected on habitats adjacent to the proposals.
7.4 Species
The potential for significant effects on species from working of both of the proposed additional extraction areas is limited to birds; nesting, passage and overwintering. The potential for direct effects would appear to be limited based on the nature of the land to be lost to the proposed development (regularly cultivated land) and the mitigation measures inherent within the Scheme design (e.g. with regard to soil stripping). The potential for indirect effects are wider from noise and changes to surface hydrology and water levels. It is difficult to assess whether working of Newington South is having an adverse effect on birds using the area, however based on site working being limited to a face shovel, this would not be expected itself to cause any significant effects. There are however regular lorry movements and these could be more likely to result in a significant effect. Lorries enter along a haul road that runs along the east side of Newington North, crosses Slaynes Lane and enter into the Newington South working area. Lorries then use internal haul routes to access working faces for loading. It would appear however from the results of the monthly bird surveys that this is not having a significant effect on wintering passage and nesting birds. It is quite apparent that birds present get habituated quickly to the situation and are not significantly affected by the lorry movements. Working of Newington West would not affect use of Newington North any more so than the current consented working of Newington South, and there is a proposed new access that would avoid having to drive through Newington North to enter/exit the site. Based on this it is assessed that, as there would be no significant change to the current noise situation from working, it would not be expected that there would be a significant adverse effect on use of adjacent areas by birds. There is the potential for impacts on nesting birds from rapid localised changes in water levels. This could occur and affect birds within Newington North from dewatering of Newington West, (but not the small Newington South AWA). The potential is for localised lowering of surface water levels in Newington North as a result of dewatering within Newington West (or a rapid rise) during nesting season. This could result in a loss of nests to rapid rise or access for predators through a rapid and/or prolonged fall in water level. The effect will depend on the rate, duration and timing of such impacts. Without mitigation this is assessed to have the potential for a Moderate adverse impact on nesting birds during the life of extraction at Newington West.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 18 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
Table 7.1: Summary of Potential Effects on Ecological Receptors Before Mitigation
Sensitivity of Magnitude of Initial Classification of Receptor Nature of Effect Resource/ Effect Effect and Statement of Receptor Significance River Idle High No impact None expected Not significant Washlands SSSI Medium Very Low Negligible non-significant Temporary loss of loss of agricultural land; agricultural land and change Major Beneficial effect on Slaynes Lane LWS of use of agricultural land to restoration through wetland habitats creation of wetland habitats Slaynes Lane See above for effects on
Washland LWS SSSI Low Very Low Loss of these habitats at most a Minor adverse Loss of two small sections of effect with potential on ephemeral ditches; loss of Habitats restoration to be a Minor small areas of agricultural beneficial effect through land creation of wetland habitats Unexpected rise or fall in High Moderate Nesting and water levels in Newington Potential for a Moderate foraging birds north during working of adverse effect Newington West
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 19 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
8. MITIGATION AND MONITORING Based on the provision already in place for working of the current quarry and the lack of any significant adverse effects, there are no specific mitigation proposals over and beyond those incorporated as part of best working practice for all except the potential for a moderate impact on nesting birds in Newington North from potentially significant de-watering impacts from the operation of Newington West. Monthly monitoring of the use of the area by birds would continue, as part of the planning conditions with respect to trigger numbers and Robin Hood airport, for the life of the quarry. Development of wetland habitats following completion of quarrying would be monitored for at least the statutory five-year aftercare period.
8.1 Nesting Birds It has been identified that that there is the potential for a Moderate adverse effect on nesting birds from de- watering of the void during working of Newington West. There are three phases, each one expected to take around twelve months, followed by progressive infilling and restoration. Water entering the working void is to be pumped into a lagoon located in the north west of the restored Newington North. The predicted extent of any depression in groundwater levels is not expected to be more than 195m from the edge of the excavation into the restored Newington North (see Annex G of the main ES). Such drawdown is also expected to be mitigated partially by the lower permeability of the material used to backfill following extraction within Newington North and the impacts will be seasonally limited to nesting season. However, should water levels be depressed, there is the potential that birds nesting within this zone could be affected adversely by lower water levels by allowing predators access to otherwise inaccessible locations.
To mitigate for this occurring it is recommended that within the Scheme provision is made for the water pumped from the void to be re-circulated into Newington North, rather than be pumped to the river. This would have the effect of closing the system whereby water leaving the western end of Newington North is replaced by re-circulated water from the void. A level board would be installed in the lake nearest to Newington West and should the level fall below a pre-determined level, this would trigger release of water from the lagoon in Newington North instead of the river.
It is assessed that provided the above monitoring and mitigation measures are implemented, this reduces the risk to nesting birds to Negligible and not significant.
Table 8.1 below summarises the level of residual effects following mitigation.
Table 8.1: Summary of Potential Effects on Ecological Receptors Following Mitigation
Initial Effect and Mitigation Proposed Significance Residual Effect Receptor Nature of Effect Statement of of Impact EIA Significance CIEEM Potential for a Scheme to monitor Negligible; non- Not significant Unexpected rise Moderate adverse surface water levels significant Nesting or fall in water effect with provision to and levels in recirculate water from foraging Newington north the freshwater lagoon birds during working of back into Newington Newington West North
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 20 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
9. RESIDUAL EFFECTS There are no predicted residual significant effects from working of the two proposed additional working areas at Newington Quarry. Effects beyond the end of quarrying are expected to be Beneficial as the wetland habitats develop and come under management for birds and other features of interest.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 21 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
10. INTER-RELATIONSHIPS AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS No schemes have been identified that could have a cumulative effect on any of the features. The inter-relationship of working of the Newington South AWA and Newington West with the existing Newington South and Misson West working quarries and the restored Newington North, is that there is the potential for an enhanced benefit to nature conservation and wetland and birds in particular.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 22 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
11. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS An additional working area (AWA) is proposed within Newington South and a new working area ‘Newington West’ is proposed adjacent to the now restored Newington North. The current land-use of both proposed extraction areas is arable land under cultivation. The southern extension to the current extraction limit within Newington South is bounded by the current workings to the north and a river flood bund to the south. Beyond the flood bund is a section of the River Idle Washlands SSSI (Unit 2). The loss of agricultural land within the Newington South AWA is considered not to be significant for nature conservation and the restoration following working to wet grassland and reed bed (to complement the restoration of the existing quarry) is assessed to be an overall significant beneficial effect. It has been concluded there would not be any significant effects on Unit 2 of the SSSI from the extension to the current extraction limit. Newington West is bounded to the east by the restored Newington North, to the south by Slaynes Lane, to the west by agricultural land and to the north by Misson Lane and beyond further agricultural land. Working of this site would result in the loss of agricultural land to extraction and temporary loss of further agricultural land to soil and overburden storage. The loss of the agricultural land to the proposed extraction is considered not to be significant for nature conservation and the restoration following working to wet grassland and small water bodies (to complement the restoration of Newington North) is assessed to be an overall significant beneficial effect. There is a low risk that there could be some effect on water levels within the immediate restored Newington North site during quarrying but should this occur, water extracted from the workings can be released back into Newington North instead of being discharged to the river. Overall it is assessed that the additional working area in Newington South and the proposed Newington West would have no significant adverse effects on any of the identified features. The restoration of both areas following working has been designed to enhance and increase the extent of the large wetland complex being created following quarrying and as such would have an overall significant beneficial effect. Thus the working of the two proposed additional extraction areas accords with both national and local policies and results in biodiversity gain, a significant target under NPPF.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015 23 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
REFERENCES Institute of Environmental Assessment (1995). Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment. Institute of Environmental Assessment, London. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase I Habitat Survey: A technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015
Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
APPENDIX 1: LEGISATION AND POLICY
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015
Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
1. WILDLIFE LEGISLATION
1.1 The Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended)
The WCA 1981 is the major domestic legal instrument for wildlife protection in the UK, and is the primary means by which the following are implemented: The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (‘the Bern Convention’); and The Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild birds (the ‘Bird Directive’) The main relevant provisions of the Act are: allowance for the protection of the most important habitats by designating SSSI’s, a level of protection to all nesting wild birds and specific species under Schedule 1, and protection to various other species under the Act, including other animals (Schedule 5) and plants (Schedule 8). The Countryside and Rights of Way (CroW) Act, 2000 Part III of this Act deals specifically with wildlife protection and nature conservation in England and Wales. The CroW Act strengthens the safeguards afforded to SSSI’s and adds to the protection of wild animals designated under the WCA 1981 by making it an offence to “recklessly disturb” the sheltering places of wild animals designated under Schedule 5 of the WCA.
1.2 Habitats & Species Regulations, 2010 (as amended)
The original Regulations transposed the EU Directive on Natural Habitats, and Wild Fauna and Flora 9/43/EEC) into domestic legislation. Amendments in 2007 and 2009 addressed a number of gaps and inconsistencies in the original legislation and provided a greater legal certainty and clarity in a number of areas and in April 2010 the Regulations were brought up to date to consolidate changes made since 1994. The Regulations afford a high level of protection to a variety of species that are considered important at a European scale. The Regulations identify European Protected Species and various habitats of importance within the European Union, with important sites for these habitats/species or both being designated as special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Any proposed development that may have a significant effect on a SAC or Special Protection Area (SPA) should be assessed in relation to the site’s ‘conservation objectives’, i.e. the reasons for which the site is designated. The new Regulations simplify the species protection regime to better reflect the Habitats Directive, provide a clear legal basis for surveillance and monitoring of European Protected Species (EPS). The Regulations also amend the WCA, updating Schedules 5 and 8 to consider provisions made by the Habitat Regulations 1994 in relation to the protection of EPS. They also offer further clarification to Part 4 of Section 9 considering “reckless” offences on wild animals, which was previously amended by the CROW Act 2000.
1.3 Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act, 2006
Section 41 of the NERC Act requires the listing of habitats and species that are considered to be of principle importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England, including habitats and species in England that have been identified as priorities within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP). The NERC Act requires that the section 41 list be used to guide decision-makers such as public bodies, including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty under section 40 of the NERC Act 2006 ‘to have regard’ to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal functions.
1.4 Protection of Badgers Act 1992 The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 was put in place to protect the welfare of badgers in the UK and protect them from persecution. The Act makes it an offence to: Wilfully kill, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or attempt to do so; Interfere with a sett by damaging or destroying it; Obstruct access to, or any entrance of, a badger sett; or Disturb a badger when it is occupying a sett.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015
Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
2. NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY
2.1 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Section 11 of the NPPF relates specifically to “Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment”. Paragraph 109 states that “The planning system should contribute and enhance the natural and local environment by: Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils; Recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services; Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures; Preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability; and Remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate. Paragraph 113 states that “Local Planning Authorities should set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape areas will be judged. Distinctions should be made between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites, so that protection is commensurate with their status and gives appropriate weight to their importance and the contribution that they make to wider ecological networks”. Referenced here is ODPM Circular 06/2005, which provides further guidance re the hierarchical approach and the Circular remains extant in its entirety within the NPPF. Paragraph 118 states that “When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity by applying the following principles: if significant harm resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused proposed development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest likely to have an adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (either individually or in combination with other developments) should not normally be permitted. Where an adverse effect on the site’s notified special interest is likely, an exception should only be made where the benefits of the development, at this site, clearly outweigh both the impacts that it is likely to have on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest and any broader impacts on the national network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest; development proposals where the primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be permitted; opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged; planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss; and the following wildlife sites should be given the same protection as European sites: - potential Special Protection Areas and possible Special Areas of Conservation; - listed or proposed Ramsar sites;26 and - sites identified, or required, as compensatory measures for adverse effects on European sites, potential Special Protection Areas, possible Special Areas of Conservation, and listed or proposed Ramsar sites. Paragraph 119 states “The presumption in favour of sustainable development (paragraph 14) does not apply where development requiring appropriate assessment under the Birds or Habitats Directive is being considered, planned or determined.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015
Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
2.2 Local Planning Policies
2.2.1 Policy M3.17: Biodiversity Planning permission will not be granted for minerals development which will adversely affect the integrity or continuity of habitats or features identified as priorities in the UK and/ or Nottinghamshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan, unless an overriding need for development is demonstrated which outweighs the nature conservation importance of the feature. If the loss of the habitat or feature cannot be avoided, provision will be made, where practicable, for the creation of an equivalent habitat or feature, either on the development site or under the terms of a voluntary agreement on a suitable alternative location within the county.
2.2.2 Policy M3.18: Special Areas for Conservation Planning permission will not be granted for minerals development which would destroy or significantly adversely affect a Special Area of Conservation or a candidate Special Area of Conservation unless: (a) there is no alternative solution; and (b) there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest; and, if the site hosts a priority habitat or species: (c) there are overriding reasons of human health and public safety; and (d) there are beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment. The assessment of any adverse impact will take account of the scope for mitigation and/ or compensatory measures to replace the loss.
2.2.3 Policy M3.19: Site of Special Scientific Interest Planning permission will not be granted for minerals development which would have an adverse effect, directly or indirectly, on the special interest of an SSSI or a candidate SSSI unless the reasons for the development outweigh the nature conservation considerations. The assessment of any adverse impact will take account of the scope for mitigation and/or compensatory measures to replace the loss.
2.2.4 Policy M3.20: Regional and Local Designated Sites Planning permission for minerals development in areas which are regional or local designated sites will only be granted where it can be demonstrated that the importance of the development outweighs the regional or local value of the site, taking into account measures to mitigate/compensate against any adverse impact.
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015
Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
APPENDIX 2: DESK STUDY INFORMATION AND PHASE 1 HABITAT PLAN
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015
Paul Benyon Associate, Ecology URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited 12 Regan Way, Chetwynd Business Park Nottingham NG9 6RZ
17th December 2014
Your ref. Email of 15th December 2014 47069568 Our ref.: G:/nbrcenqu/URS25.doc
Dear Paul,
Ref: Sites within a 1km and species from within a 2km radius of grid reference SK 681 944 Thank you for consulting Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre (NBGRC). Having carried out a search of our records I can provide you with the following information. International and statutory sites are not administered by us. Please check on the MAGIC website for these. There are fifteen Local Wildlife Sites (were called Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation - SINCs) in your search area. The Nottinghamshire Natural History Site Alert Schedule describes these sites as follows:-
No. Name Area District Grid Ref. Description Interest 1/65 Delve 0.675 ha Bassetlaw SK 697944 An excellent Botanical Drain (and District association of associated aquatic plant channel) species in several drains 2/420 Barrier 7.26 ha Bassetlaw SK 669936 A valuable habitat Botanical Bank, District mosaic of damp Newington grassland, drains, ruderal vegetation and woodland 2/568 Everton 0.402 ha Bassetlaw SK 698930 Species-rich Botanical Carr Drains District drainage channels 2/569 Barrier 14.435 Bassetlaw SK 694946 A site of scrubby Botanical Bank, ha District woodland and Misson ruderal riverside vegetation incorporating a representative stretch of the River Idle 2/573 Slaynes 11.921 Bassetlaw SK 685938 One of five Botanical, Lane ha District washlands along Bird Washland the River Idle representing fragments of a once extensive site of importance for both its plant and bird communities 2/574 Newington 50.986 Bassetlaw SK 661935 One of five Botanical Washland ha District washlands along the River Idle representing the last fragments of a once extensive site of importance for both plants and birds 2/576 North Carr 5.8 ha Bassetlaw SK 706945 One of five Botanical, Drain District washlands along Water Washland the River Idle Beetles/Bug representing fragments of a once extensive site of importance for both its plant and bird communities 2/578 Barrow 48.889 Bassetlaw SK 677920 A mixed plantation Botanical Hills ha District and secondary Plantation woodland 2/969 Rugged 38.039 Bassetlaw SK 678956 An extensive area Botanical Butts ha District of acid grassland with associated woodland habitats 5/106 Everton 6.388 ha Bassetlaw SK 688936 A semi-natural Botanical Carr District deciduous Woodland woodland on a damp peaty/sandy substrate 5/2164 Slaynes 121.524 Bassetlaw SK 680940 Carr, farmland and Bird Lane ha District gravel pits prone to winter/spring flooding supporting rich assemblage of breeding birds 5/2223 Toft Hill 0.154 ha Bassetlaw SK 684935 Ditches and a pond Water Lane Drain District of interest for Beetle/Bug and Pond Water Beetles 5/2241 River Idle - 2.041 ha Bassetlaw SK 681935 A section of the Water Everton District River Idle of Beetle/Bug Carr interest for Water beetles 5/2288 Portland 0.699 ha Bassetlaw SK 709934 A drain Botanical Drain District 5/3395 North Carr 1.074 ha Bassetlaw SK 705947 Drain with a Botanical Drain District notable aquatic and marginal communities
Enclosed is a map showing the site boundaries and plant species data for these sites as Excel tables where available.
We have the following protected and notable species records from your search area.
Badger:
Square Grid Ref. Dates Location No. Notes SK6794 10/04/2005 Sett 22 Holes SK6794 02/09/2004 Outlier
More information on badgers and other notable mammals may be held on the County Mammal Database for which please contact Michael Walker at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, The Old Ragged School, Brook Street, Nottingham NG1 1EA.
Bat:
Our data set now includes Nottinghamshire Bat Groups records.
Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location No. Notes Type Unidentified SK6694 SK668940 11/09/2013 Bawtry Road, 30+ old Roost Bat Newington droppings in builkding Noctule Bat SK6694 SK668940 11/09/2013 Bawtry Road, 1 Over Casual Newington Common SK6694 SK668940 11/09/2013 Bawtry Road, 1 Foraging Casual Pipistrelle Newington Daubenton's Bat SK6694 SK668940 11/09/2013 Bawtry Road, 1 Fly past Casual Newington recorded unidentified bat SK6795 SK6795 01/05/2005 Misson Feeding Casual species over pond unidentified bat SK6994 SK692949 1994 River Lane, Roost species Misson Pipistrelle SK6995 SK690950 16/07/2002 Misson Map ref Casual approx
Approximate distances and directions from your central grid ref. are given in the attached Excel table.
Bird:
Slaynes Lane and Slaynes Lane Washlands are SSSIs for bird interest. Please see the appropriate SSSI citations on Natural England’s website. Background bird data, copyright of Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers, are available for an additional £25.00 plus vat.
Butterfly:
There are no Local Wildlife Sites for butterfly interest in your search area.
Crab:
Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Habitat Notes Chinese SK6994 SK6994 19/09/2012 River Idle River Eriocheir Mitten Crab sinensis regularly caught. Well established
Crayfish:
We have no crayfish records from your search area.
Fish:
Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Habitat Notes European SK6994 SK6994 19/09/2012 River Idle River yellow eels Eel regularly seen European SK6994 SK6994 19/09/2012 River Idle River silver eels Eel regularly seen
Herpetofauna:
Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location No. Notes Common SK6794 SK677945 01/08/2013 Misson Sand Juvenile Frogs Frog Quarry around pond Common SK6795 SK677950 08/2013 Misson Sand Toadlets in and Toad Quarry around pond Smooth SK6795 SK6795 04/2005 Misson. 5 Several dates in Newt Pond pond between SK677949 and SK677951 Common SK6795 SK6795 04/2005 Misson 100s Tadpoles Frog Common SK6795 SK6795 04/2005 Misson Tadpoles Toad
Invasive Plant Species:
Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location No. Notes Crassula SK6795 SK6795 02/09/2004 Misson helmsii Fallopia SK6894 SK684944 29/01/2009 Misson Slaynes Lane, Misson japonica
Mammal:
Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Habitat No. Notes Harvest SK6993 SK692934 08/02/2003 Everton rough adult. 6 Mouse grassland nests verge found on bank between track and dyke on west side. Tall cocksfoot/ false oat grass sward with sparse hawthorn and bramble Mink SK6994 SK6994 19/09/2012 River Idle River regularly seen
Moth:
There are no Local Wildlife Sites for moth interest in your search area.
Odonata:
There are no Local Wildlife Sites for odonata interest in your search area.
Otter:
Species Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Habitat No. Notes Otter SK6894 SK689946 11/07/1995 Misson River 1 Adult Sluice spraint Otter SK6994 SK6994 19/09/2012 River Idle River regularly seen
Water Beetle:
There are three Local Wildlife Site for water beetle interest in your search area. Another site unmapped supports notable species. The first location name is our Local Wildlife Site name. If there is a second different name, in brackets, this is the recorder’s name for the same site. The site is also a botanical Local Wildlife Site.
Species Square Grid Ref. DateLocation No. Grade Chaetarthria SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? 6 Local A seminulum s. lat. Austerfield present (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Cercyon marinus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? 1 Local A Austerfield present (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Haliplus heydeni SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Local A Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Ilybius SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? 1 male Local A chalconatus Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Rhantus grapii SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? 1 Local A Austerfield present (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Agabus didymus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Local B Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Cercyon SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Local B convexiusculus Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Hydroporus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Local B discretus Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Rhantus suturalis SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? 1 Local B Austerfield present (from Sorby Drain, Atlas 2006) Newington Agabus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? bipustulatus Austerfield Drain, Newington Agabus SK6694 SK666940 2000 needs mapping? bipustulatus Austerfield Drain, Newington Agabus paludosus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Agabus sturmii SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Anacaena SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? globulus Austerfield Drain, Newington Anacaena limbata SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Anacaena SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? lutescens Austerfield Drain, Newington Colymbetes fuscus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Haliplus fluviatilis SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Haliplus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? lineatocollis Austerfield Drain, Newington Haliplus sibiricus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Helophorus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? grandis Austerfield Drain, Newington Helophorus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? minutus Austerfield Drain, Newington Helophorus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? obscurus Austerfield Drain, Newington Hydraena riparia SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Hydraena riparia SK6694 SK666940 2000 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Hydrobius SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? fuscipes Austerfield Drain, Newington Hydroporus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? incognitus Austerfield Drain, Newington Hydroporus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? palustris Austerfield Drain, Newington Hydroporus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? planus Austerfield Drain, Newington Hygrotus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? impressopunctatus Austerfield Drain, Newington Laccobius SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? bipunctatus Austerfield Drain, Newington Laccobius SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? minutus Austerfield Drain, Newington Laccophilus SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? minutus Austerfield Drain, Newington Nebrioporus SK6694 SK666940 2000 needs mapping? elegans Austerfield Drain, Newington Ochthebius SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? minimus Austerfield Drain, Newington Laccobius SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? Local A sinuatus Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Agabus didymus SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? Local B Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Anacaena limbata SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Anacaena SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? lutescens Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Hydroporus SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? palustris Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Laccophilus SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? minutus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Limnebius SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? 1 female truncatellus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Ochthebius SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? minimus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Gyrinus urinator SK6793 SK677934 1999 5/2241 River male, 1 Local A Idle - Everton female (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Gyrinus urinator SK6793 SK677934 2009 5/2241 River common Local A Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Hygrotus SK6793 SK677934 2009 5/2241 River Local A versicolor Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Graptodytes SK6793 SK677934 2009 5/2241 River Local B pictus Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Gyrinus distinctus SK6793 SK677934 1999 5/2241 River 1 male Rare (from Idle - Everton Sorby Atlas Carr (River Idle, 2006) Everton Carr) Haliplus fluviatilis SK6793 SK677934 2009 5/2241 River Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydrobius SK6793 SK677934 2009 5/2241 River fuscipes Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydroporus SK6793 SK677934 2009 5/2241 River palustris Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Nebrioporus SK6793 SK677934 2009 5/2241 River elegans Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Agabus didymus SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? Local B Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Scarodytes SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? 3 Scarce halensis Austerfield present (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Agabus paludosus SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Haliplus SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? lineatocollis Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Helophorus SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? minutus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Hydroporus SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? planus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Ilybius fuliginosus SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Ochthebius SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? minimus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Laccobius SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? Local A sinuatus Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Agabus didymus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? Local B Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Helochares SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? Local B lividus Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Hydroglyphus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? Local B geminus Austerfield (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Scarodytes SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? 2 Scarce halensis Austerfield present (from Sorby Drain, N of Atlas 2006) Newington Agabus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? bipustulatus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Agabus paludosus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Anacaena SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? globulus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Anacaena SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? lutescens Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Gyrinus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? substriatus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Haliplus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? lineatocollis Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Helophorus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? grandis Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Helophorus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? minutus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Hydraena riparia SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Hydrobius SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? fuscipes Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Hydroporus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? incognitus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Hydroporus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? palustris Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Hydroporus SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? planus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Laccobius SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? minutus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Ochthebius SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? minimus Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Gyrinus urinator SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241 River 1 male, Local A Idle - Everton 1 female (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Gyrinus urinator SK6893 SK681934 2008 5/2241 River 5 Local A Idle - Everton present (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Gyrinus urinator SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River common Local A Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Hydraena SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River 6 Local A testacea Idle - Everton present (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Anacaena SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241 River Local B bipustulata Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Graptodytes SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River Local B pictus Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Laccophilus SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241 River Local B hyalinus Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Rhantus suturalis SK6893 SK681934 2008 5/2241 River Local B Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Gyrinus distinctus SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241 River 1 male Rare (from Idle - Everton Sorby Atlas Carr (River Idle, 2006) Everton Carr) Anacaena SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River lutescens Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Colymbetes fuscus SK6893 SK681934 2008 5/2241 River Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Gyrinus SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River substriatus Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Haliplus fluviatilis SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Haliplus SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River immaculatus Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydrobius SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241 River fuscipes Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydroporus SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River palustris Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydroporus SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River planus Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hygrotus SK6893 SK681934 2008 5/2241 River impressopunctatus Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hygrotus SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River impressopunctatus Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hygrotus SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River inaequalis Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Nebrioporus SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River elegans Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Noterus SK6893 SK681934 2009 5/2241 River clavicornis Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Anacaena SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill present Local B bipustulata Lane Drain and (from Sorby Pond (Everton Atlas 2006) Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Hygrobia SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill Local B hermanni Lane Drain and (from Sorby Pond (Everton Atlas 2006) Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Agabus nebulosus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Haliplus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill immaculatus Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Helophorus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill brevipalpis Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Helophorus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill minutus Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Hydroporus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill palustris Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Hydroporus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill planus Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Hyphydrus ovatus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Laccophilus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill minutus Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Noterus SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill clavicornis Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Anacaena SK6894 SK688940 2010 5/2241 River lutescens Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Haliplus fluviatilis SK6894 SK688940 2010 5/2241 River Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Helophorus SK6894 SK688940 2010 5/2241 River minutus Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydrobius SK6894 SK688940 2010 5/2241 River fuscipes Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydroporus SK6894 SK688940 2010 5/2241 River palustris Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Ilybius fuliginosus SK6894 SK688940 2010 5/2241 River Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Nebrioporus SK6894 SK688940 2010 5/2241 River elegans Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Gyrinus urinator SK6894 SK689943 2002 5/2241 River Local A Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Laccophilus SK6894 SK689943 1999 5/2241 River Local B hyalinus Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Gyrinus SK6894 SK689943 2002 5/2241 River substriatus Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Nebrioporus SK6894 SK689943 1999 5/2241 River elegans Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Gyrinus urinator SK6994 SK690946 2002 5/2241 River Local A Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr) Haliplus SK6994 SK690946 2002 5/2241 River immaculatus Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Haliplus SK6994 SK690946 2002 5/2241 River lineatocollis Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Cercyon tristis SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Local A Carr Drain (from Sorby Washland Atlas 2006) (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Laccobius SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Local A sinuatus Carr Drain (from Sorby Washland Atlas 2006) (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Graptodytes SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Local B pictus Carr Drain (from Sorby Washland Atlas 2006) (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Helochares SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Local B lividus Carr Drain (from Sorby Washland Atlas 2006) (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Agabus sturmii SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Anacaena limbata SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Anacaena SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North lutescens Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Dryops luridus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Haliplus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North lineatocollis Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Haliplus ruficollis SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Helophorus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North aequalis Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Helophorus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North brevipalpis Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Helophorus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North obscurus Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hydraena riparia SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hydrobius SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North fuscipes Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hydroporus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North palustris Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hydroporus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North planus Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hydroporus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North pubescens Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hygrotus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North impressopunctatus Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hygrotus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North inaequalis Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hyphydrus ovatus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Laccobius SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North minutus Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Laccophilus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North minutus Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Noterus SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North clavicornis Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Ochthebius SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North minimus Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Gyrinus urinator SK7094 SK700945 2002 5/2241 River Local A Idle - Everton (from Sorby Carr (River Idle, Atlas 2006) Everton Carr)
Water Bug:
There are two Local Wildlife Sites for water bug interest in your search area. These are the same sites as for water beetles.
Species Square Grid Ref. Date Location No. Grade Gerris SK6694 SK666940 2000 needs mapping? Local B (from thoracicus Austerfield Drain, Sorby Atlas Newington 2006) Gerris SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Local B (from thoracicus Austerfield Drain, Sorby Atlas Newington 2006) Callicorixa SK6694 SK666940 2000 needs mapping? praeusta Austerfield Drain, Newington Gerris SK6694 SK666940 2000 needs mapping? lacustris Austerfield Drain, Newington Gerris SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? odontogaster Austerfield Drain, Newington Hydrometra SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? stagnorum Austerfield Drain, Newington Nepa cinerea SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Sigara SK6694 SK666940 2000 needs mapping? nigrolineata Austerfield Drain, Newington Velia caprai SK6694 SK666940 2002 needs mapping? Austerfield Drain, Newington Paracorixa SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? 2 Local B (from concinna Austerfield Drain, females Sorby Atlas N of Newington 2006) Corixa SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? punctata Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Gerris SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? odontogaster Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Notonecta SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? glauca Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Sigara SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? dorsalis Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Sigara SK6695 SK669956 2002 needs mapping? nigrolineata Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Micronecta SK6793 SK677934 2009 5/2241 River Idle - several Local A (from poweri Everton Carr Sorby Atlas (River Idle, 2006) Everton Carr) Gerris SK6795 SK671959 2002 needs mapping? lacustris Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Gerris SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? Local B (from thoracicus Austerfield Drain, Sorby Atlas N of Newington 2006) Paracorixa SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? Local B (from concinna Austerfield Drain, Sorby Atlas N of Newington 2006) Gerris SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? odontogaster Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Sigara SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? dorsalis Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Sigara SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? lateralis Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Sigara SK6796 SK671960 2002 needs mapping? nigrolineata Austerfield Drain, N of Newington Gerris SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241River Idle - lacustris Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hesperocorixa SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241River Idle - sahlbergi Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydrometra SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241River Idle - stagnorum Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Velia caprai SK6893 SK681934 1999 5/2241River Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Callicorixa SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill praeusta Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Corixa SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill punctata Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Hydrometra SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill stagnorum Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Notonecta SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill glauca Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Plea SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill 3 minutissima Lane Drain and present Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Sigara SK6893 SK684935 1999 5/2223 Toft Hill lateralis Lane Drain and Pond (Everton Carr: Toft Hill Lane (pond)) Notonecta SK6894 SK689943 2002 5/2241River Idle - glauca Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Sigara falleni SK6894 SK689943 2002 5/2241River Idle - Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Notonecta SK6994 SK690946 2002 5/2241 River Idle - Local B (from viridis Everton Carr Sorby Atlas (River Idle, 2006) Everton Carr) Sigara SK6994 SK690946 2002 5/2241 River Idle - Local B (from fossarum Everton Carr Sorby Atlas (River Idle, 2006) Everton Carr) Callicorixa SK6994 SK690946 2002 5/2241 River Idle - praeusta Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Hydrometra SK6994 SK690946 2002 5/2241 River Idle - stagnorum Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Notonecta SK6994 SK690946 2002 5/2241 River Idle - glauca Everton Carr (River Idle, Everton Carr) Ilyocoris SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Local B (from cimicoides Drain Washland Sorby Atlas (Everton Carr: 2006) Barrier Bank ponds) Microvelia SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Local B (from reticulata Drain Washland Sorby Atlas (Everton Carr: 2006) Barrier Bank ponds) Gerris SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr odontogaster Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Hydrometra SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr stagnorum Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Notonecta SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr glauca Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Sigara SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr dorsalis Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds) Sigara falleni SK6994 SK699946 2002 2/576 North Carr Drain Washland (Everton Carr: Barrier Bank ponds)
Water Vole:
Square Grid Ref. Dates Location Habitat No. Notes SK6693 SK666931 17/09/2013 Scaftworth Numerous Parish sightings along Drain drain in 2007 SK6793 SK675936 22/10/2013 Numerous sightings along drain in 2007 SK6793 SK677937 22/10/2013 Numerous sightings along drain in 2007 SK6994 SK692947 18/06/1999 River Idle River Latrines
The information provided is copyright of Nottingham City Council and the Nottinghamshire Bat Group.
This information can be issued in its entirety to your client and the LPA. If either makes it available to the public we request that badger set location details and house or farm names and numbers where there are bat roosts be withheld.
There will be a charge of £130.00 plus vat for this data search invoice to follow.
Please contact me on (0115) 8762188 if you have any questions about this data.
Yours sincerely
Peter Acton Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Record Centre SK 681 944
1/85
2/969
5/108
5/2162
2/569
5/3395 2/576 1/65
5/2164
2/574 2/573 5/2241
2/420 5/2223 5/106
5/2288 2/568
2/578 5/2289
5/3366 1/67
5/102 © Crown copyright and database right 2013. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100019317. Produced by NBGRC Team 17/12/2014 Meters Key 0 160 320 640 I
Feature Mapped
Local Wildlife Site Site Information: 1/65 Delve Drain (and associated channel)
Local Authority: Bassetlaw District Grid Reference: SK69793 94409 Size: 0.675 ha
Site Description:
This site comprises the Delve Drain and two connected field drains; the Magnus Drain and Black Bank Drain. These deep, steep sided drains are bordered by arable land, which would have originally been fenland. At present this land is farmed organically growing vegetables and cereals. Due to restricted access only the Magnus Drain was surveyed from the adjacent footpath.
The banks support species such as Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), Common Meadow-rue (Thalictrum flavum) and Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), whilst the drain itself has an excellent association of aquatic, emergent and marginal plant species. The submerged flora includes Curled, Fennel and Lesser Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus, P. pectinatus and P. pusillus) along with Horned Pondweed (Zannichellia palustris), whilst emergent species include Pink Water-speedwell (Veronica catenata) and Water Cress (Nasturtium officinale). The more robust marginal species such as Common Reed (Phragmites australis), Bulrush (Typha latifolia) and Branched Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) are kept in check by dredging.
Drains such as these represent a refuge for the plant species associated with the old fenland landscape. They also provide breeding sites for amphibians and odonata, which in turn support bird and mammal species.
BAP Priority Habitat:
BAP Priority Species:
Nottinghamshire SINC Selection Criteria:
Review: Site Selected: 31/03/2001 Site Reviewed: 28/08/2013
Further Information: This summary sheet has been produced using information held by Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre. Please contact NBGRC if you require further details by e-mail: [email protected]
Note: The designation as a Local Wildlife Site does not confer any right of access to the site.
Site Information: 2/568 Everton Carr Drains
Local Authority: Bassetlaw District Grid Reference: SK 69801 93080 Size: 0.402 ha
Site Description:
This site comprises three interconnected drainage channels set in an intensively farmed arable landscape. The southern arm is steep-sided and water filled as is the stretch to the east; however the northern arm is much shallower and appears to be dry. The drains support a good selection of aquatic and emergent plants including Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa), Fennel Pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) and Pink Water-speedwell (Veronica catenata). There are also stands of Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) and Branched Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), with the banks supporting Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris).
The drain provides breeding sites for amphibians and odonata with a number of dragonfly species seen during the survey. It also provides a refuge for plants which were once much more prevalent in the landscape before the area was drained for agricultural improvement.
BAP Priority Habitat:
BAP Priority Species:
Nottinghamshire SINC Selection Criteria:
Review: Site Selected: 31/03/2001 Site Reviewed: 14/08/2014
Further Information: This summary sheet has been produced using information held by Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre. Please contact NBGRC if you require further details by e-mail: [email protected]
Note: The designation as a Local Wildlife Site does not confer any right of access to the site.
Site Information: Slaynes Lane Washland 2/573
Local Authority: Bassetlaw District Grid Reference: SK 68552 93821 Size: 11.921 ha
Site Description:
This site is one of five washlands along the River Idle representing the remaining fragments of a once extensive area of importance for both its plant and bird communities. This damp grassland is surrounded by the River Idle to the east, west and south with arable farmland situated to the north. Regularly flooded in winter, and in recent wet summers, the site is of great importance for passage and wintering wading birds and wildfowl.
Botanically the site is very interesting comprising a rich variety of plant species associated with various levels of inundation. These include county rarities such as Tubular Water-dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa) and Tasteless Water-pepper (Persicaria mitis) along with emergent plants such as Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus), Pink Water-speedwell (Veronica catenata), Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris) and Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica). Areas of exposed mud are being colonised by plants such as Trifid Bur-marigold (Bidens tripartita), Marsh Yellow-cress (Rorippa palustris) and Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus). The edges of the river support taller marginal species including Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Reed Sweet- grass (Glyceria maxima) and Grey Club-rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) whilst drier areas are characterised by docks (Rumex spp.), False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and Common Nettle (Urtica dioica).
BAP Priority Habitat:
BAP Priority Species:
Nottinghamshire SINC Selection Criteria:
Review: Site Selected: 31/03/2001 Site Reviewed:19/09/2012
Further Information: This summary sheet has been produced using information held by Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre. Please contact NBGRC if you require further details by e-mail: [email protected]
Note: The designation as a Local Wildlife Site does not confer any right of access to the site.
Site Information: Newington Washland 2/574
Local Authority: Bassetlaw District Grid Reference: SK 67012 93851 Size: 7.428 ha
Site Description:
This site forms part of what remains of the Idle Washlands being situated next to the River Idle, the pasture floods regularly providing important habitat for wetland birds and plants. The depression in the centre of the field is dominated by Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia), which is growing in water deep enough to also support Nuttall's Water-weed (Elodea nuttallii). Around the edges Pink Water-speedwell (Veronica catenata), Marsh Yellow-cress (Rorippa palustris) and Trifid Bur- marigold (Bidens tripartita) grow on the wet soils. Drier areas of the field contain a semi-improved grassland which is grazed by ponies.
The river edges are floristically rich with a good selection of marginal plants including Reed Sweet- grass (Glyceria maxima), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides).
The site is of importance for birds both during the breeding season and for wintering wildfowl.
BAP Priority Habitat:
BAP Priority Species:
Nottinghamshire SINC Selection Criteria:
Review: Site Selected: 31/03/2001 Site Reviewed:19/09/2012
Further Information: This summary sheet has been produced using information held by Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre. Please contact NBGRC if you require further details by e-mail: [email protected]
Note: The designation as a Local Wildlife Site does not confer any right of access to the site.
Site Information: 2/578 Barrow Hills Plantation
Local Authority: Bassetlaw District Grid Reference: SK677920 Size: 48.889 ha
Site Description:
This mixed woodland, situated on a hill, comprises a coniferous plantation with some areas of secondary broadleaved woodland. The canopy of broadleaved areas contains Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), English Oak (Quercus robur), Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) with an understory of Elder (Sambucus nigra), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Sycamore saplings. In the ground flora some areas are dominated by Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) and Nettle (Urtica dioica) whilst others support stands of Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), particularly underneath the pine. The woodland supports many species indicative of ancient woodland, with locally abundant Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Climbing Corydalis (Ceratocapnos claviculata), along with Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina) and Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia).
The wider rides support areas of acid grassland with characteristic species such as Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and the county-rare Hoary Cinquefoil (Potentilla argentea). The woodland provides habitat for birds and there is plenty of dead wood available for invertebrates.
BAP Priority Habitat:
BAP Priority Species:
Nottinghamshire SINC Selection Criteria:
Review: Site Selected: 31/03/2001 Site Reviewed: 25/06/2012
Further Information: This summary sheet has been produced using information held by Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre. Please contact NBGRC if you require further details by e-mail: [email protected]
Note: The designation as a Local Wildlife Site does not confer any right of access to the site.
Site Information: 2/969 Rugged Butts
Local Authority: Bassetlaw District Grid Reference: SK 67861 95620 Size: 38.039 ha
Site Description:
This site comprises an extensive area of former sand quarry with birch (Betula sp.) woodland, bare ground and areas of tree planting and restoration. Characteristic plant species which have colonised this floristically rich site include Vipers Bugloss (Echium vulgare), Hare’s-foot Clover (Trifolium arvense), Bird’s-foot (Ornithopus perpusillus) and Smooth Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris glabra). Flooded areas support a number of associated plant species including Broad-leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton natans), Narrow-leaved Water-plantain (Alisma lanceolatum), Marsh Yellow-cress (Rorippa palustris) and Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus).
BAP Priority Habitat:
BAP Priority Species:
Nottinghamshire SINC Selection Criteria:
Review: Site Selected: 31/03/2001 Site Reviewed: 25/04/2011
Further Information: This summary sheet has been produced using information held by Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre. Please contact NBGRC if you require further details by e-mail: [email protected]
Note: The designation as a Local Wildlife Site does not confer any right of access to the site.
COUNTY: NOTTINGHAMSHIRE/SOUTH YORKSHIRE SITE NAME: RIVER IDLE WASHLANDS DISTRICT: BASSETLAW/DONCASTER Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Local Planning Authority: BASSETLAW DISTRICT COUNCIL, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council National Grid Reference: (Area 1) SK 662 936 (Area 1) 50 (ha.) 123.6 (ac.) (Area 2) SK 685 937 (Area 2) 10.6 (ha.) 26.2 (ac.) (Area 3) SK 706 945 (Area 3) 5.1 (ha.) 12.7 (ac.) (Area 4) SK 720 963 (Area 4) 22.8 (ha.) 56.6 (ac.) Total – Notts 51.9 (ha.) 128.4 (ac.) Total – S. Yorks 36.7 (ha.) 90.6 (ac.) Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 111, 112 1:10,00: SK 69 SE, SK 79 SW, SK 79 Date Notified (Under 1949 Act): 1972 Date of Last Revision: 1981 Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1983 Date of Last Revision: – Other Information: The site boundary has been amended. Parts of the site are managed as nature reserves. Reasons for Notification: The site comprises good examples of wet grassland plant communities, and attracts large numbers of wintering and passage waterfowl. Biology The site combines the best remaining washland grasslands along the River Idle floodplain. Characteristically the grassland swards are dominated by marsh foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus in a community which contains such wet meadow herbs as la smock Cardamine pratensis and great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis. In wetter areas the vegetation is dominated by stands of reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima which has also colonised the internal drains although, locally, a more varied wetland plant community occurs which includes such plant species as meadow rue Thalictrum flavum. There are occasional stands of common reed Phragmites australis notably between an artificial scrape and the River Idle in Area 3. The washlands are important as feeding and roosting sites for populations of wintering and passage waterfowl including Bewick’s, whooper and mute swans, wigeon, teal, pochard, snipe and a variety of other wildfowl and wading birds. Additional interest is provided by the breeding bird community which includes snipe and redshank. Page 1 of 1
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/proxy.ashx?http://gisdata.landmarkcloud.co.uk/arcgis/rest/directories/arcgisoutput/MAGIC/MagicExportWeb... 19/12/2014 Newington Quarry Additional Sand & Gravel Extraction
Environmental Statement Annex C: Ecology
APPENDIX 3: REVIEW OF WATERBIRD POPULATIONS 2014
47072089: ES Annex C AECOM March 2015
Newington North
Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
January 2015
47069568
Prepared for: Hanson Aggregates
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
Rev Date Details Prepared by Checked by Approved by
1 January Final David Plant Paul Benyon Paul Benyon 2015 Senior Ecologist Associate Associate
URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited 12 Regan Way, Chetwynd Business Park Chilwell, Nottingham NG9 6RZ United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)115 907 7000 Fax: +44 (0)115 907 7001 www.ursglobal.com
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
i
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
Limitations
URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited (“URS”) has prepared this Report for the sole use of Hanson Aggregates (“Client”) in accordance with the Agreement under which our services were performed. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this Report or any other services provided by URS. This Report is confidential and may not be disclosed by the Client nor relied upon by any other party without the prior and express written agreement of URS.
The conclusions and recommendations contained in this Report are based upon information provided by others and upon the assumption that all relevant information has been provided by those parties from whom it has been requested and that such information is accurate. Information obtained by URS has not been independently verified by URS, unless otherwise stated in the Report.
The methodology adopted and the sources of information used by URS in providing its services are outlined in this Report. The work described in this Report was undertaken between December 2013 and November 2014 and is based on the conditions encountered and the information available during the said period of time. The scope of this Report and the services are accordingly factually limited by these circumstances.
URS disclaim any undertaking or obligation to advise any person of any change in any matter affecting the Report, which may come or be brought to URS’ attention after the date of the Report.
Certain statements made in the Report that are not historical facts may constitute estimates, projections or other forward- looking statements and even though they are based on reasonable assumptions as of the date of the Report, such forward-looking statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results predicted. URS specifically does not guarantee or warrant any estimate or projections contained in this Report.
Copyright
© This Report is the copyright of URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited. Any unauthorised reproduction or usage by any person other than the addressee is strictly prohibited.
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
ii
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. BACKGROUND ...... 1 2. METHODS ...... 1
2.1 Count Method ...... 1 2.2 Population Thresholds ...... 1 2.3 Survey Dates ...... 4 2.3.1 2007/08 Survey Data ...... 5 2.3.2 2009/10 Survey Data ...... 5 2.3.3 2010/11 Survey Data ...... 5 2.3.4 2011/12 Survey Data ...... 5 2.3.5 2012/13 Survey Data ...... 6
3. RESULTS FOR 2014 ...... 6
3.1 Waterbird Assemblage ...... 6 3.2 Large Waterbirds ...... 7 3.2.1 Newington North ...... 7 3.2.2 Newington South ...... 7 3.2.3 SSSI ...... 7 3.3 Medium-sized Waterbirds ...... 7 3.3.1 Newington North ...... 7 3.3.2 Newington South ...... 8 3.3.3 SSSI ...... 8 3.4 Small Waterbirds ...... 8 3.4.1 Newington North ...... 8 3.4.2 Newington South ...... 8 3.4.3 SSSI ...... 8
4. CONCLUSIONS ...... 9
APPENDIX A COUNT DATA AND REPORTS (DERICK SCOTT) DECEMBER 2013 – NOVEMBER 2014
MONTHLY BIRD REPORTS
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
iii
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
1. BACKGROUND
As part of the consultation process for a planning application to revise working at their Newington North quarry, near Bawtry, Nottinghamshire, Hanson Aggregates were asked to provide a bird monitoring programme to satisfy concerns from Robin Hood Airport (approximately 15 km to the north) that large numbers of birds may be attracted to the site both during working and on restoration and present a bird strike hazard to aircraft on take-off and approach to the airport.
The bird monitoring programme and the establishment of agreed thresholds above which action would be considered was subsequently included as Planning Condition 15 attached to the planning permission granted by Nottinghamshire County Council on the 27th March 20081.
On the advice of URS, Hanson Aggregates contracted local ornithologists to conduct a monthly monitoring programme using the Wetland Bird Survey2 (WeBS) type counts of the site and surrounds. This report is the fourth annual monitoring report that analyses the results of the monthly bird count programme in relation to the agreed thresholds and sets out a number of broad conclusions as to the likelihood of incidents; the requirement of any more detailed counts and whether there is a need for mitigation to reduce watebird numbers at the Quarry. Data collected as part of the planning application process and on which the thresholds for action are based are provided in the results.
2. METHODS
2.1 Count Method
Carl Cornish a local ornithologist with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT) conducted monthly counts between November 2008 and January 2009. February 2009 was missed unfortunately, as there was a change of counter. From March 2009 to date, Derick Scott, another independent, local ornithologist has conducted the monthly counts.
The method for each survey, which generally takes place throughout the course of one day between 08:00 and 17:00hrs is to walk the site from early morning and then again in the afternoon. Records of all bird species are assigned to one of three survey areas: Newington North (north of Slaynes Lane), Newington South (south of Slaynes Lane) and part of the River Idle Washlands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located between the River Idle and a flood bund to the south of Slaynes Lane. Birds flying over are also recorded and included in the totals.
As far as the planning condition is concerned, the key parameter is the count data for Newington North but the distribution of wetland birds in the adjacent compartments is relevant to understand the causes of high numbers within the target area and also insights into effective management of high numbers.
2.2 Population Thresholds
Population thresholds for the key target waterbird species were agreed principally based on body size, since size correlates reasonably well with both flight speed and flocking behaviour
1 Provided as Appendix to 1st report to Hanson Aggregates December 2009 and not reproduced here
2 Further details at: http://www.bto.org/webs/index.htm
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
1
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
(Table 1). This table has been expanded to provide size classes for all wetland species counted within the three count areas (Table 2).
Table 1: Threshold population levels for principal waterbird species within Newington North recorded during extension works (2007- 08)
Wetland Species Newington North Body size category 1% national population Threshold
Grey heron Large 50 -
Mute swan Large 50 375
Coot Medium 250 1730
Curlew Medium 250 1500
Gadwall Medium 250 171
Mallard Medium 250 3520
Pintail Medium 250 279
Shoveler Medium 250 148
Teal Medium 250 1920
Wigeon Medium 250 4060
Black-headed gull Small 1000 19000
Golden plover Small 1000 2500
Lapwing Small 1000 20000
Redshank Small 1000 1200
Snipe Small 1000 -
Waterbird assemblage - 2000 -
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
2
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
Table 2: Threshold population levels for all waterbird species recorded between 2007 and 2014
Newington North (NN) Size Class Wetland Species Count Threshold
Large Canada goose 50 Large Cormorant 50 Large Great black-backed gull 50 Large Grey heron 50 Large Greylag goose 50 Large Little egret 50 Large Mute swan 50 Large Pink-footed goose 50 Large Shelduck 50 Medium Avocet 250 Medium Common gull 250 Medium Common tern 250 Medium Coot 250 Medium Curlew 250 Medium Gadwall 250 Medium Goldeneye 250 Medium Great crested grebe 250 Medium Herring gull 250 Medium Lesser black-backed gull 250 Medium Mallard 250 Medium Moorhen 250 Medium Oystercatcher 250 Medium Pintail 250 Medium Pochard 250 Medium Shoveler 250 Medium Water rail 250 Medium Wigeon 250 Small Black tern 1000 Small Black-headed gull 1000 Small Common sandpiper 1000 Small Dunlin 1000 Small Garganey 1000 Small Golden plover 1000 Small Green sandpiper 1000
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
3
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
Newington North (NN) Size Class Wetland Species Count Threshold
Small Greenshank 1000 Small Jack snipe 1000 Small Kingfisher 1000 Small Lapwing 1000 Small Little grebe 1000 Small Little ringed plover 1000 Small Redshank 1000 Small Ringed plover 1000 Small Ruff 1000 Small Snipe 1000 Small Teal 1000 Small Tufted duck 1000 Small Wood sandpiper 1000 Small Woodcock 1000 Waterbird Assemblage 2000
2.3 Survey Dates
Survey dates and details are provided in Table 3.
Table 3: Details of timing of waterbird counts at Newington
Date Weather Human Disturbance Flood State
Cold, light rain "on and off" most of Ramblers totalling 40 the morning with strong winds from in three separate Water level in lagoon was 31/12/2013 E/SE, overcast groups lower than previous visit
Cold, very windy, from SW, overcast Some small pools but not 31/01/2014 with some light rain in the afternoon None extensive flooding
A dog walker, a Cold, frosty with dense fog, clearing cyclist and a farm SSSI contained a fair 28/02/2014 slightly, overcast. pick-up amount of water in places
Mild, dry, mainly cloudy but some A large part of the SSSI 28/03/2014 sunshine throughout the day None was waterlogged
Dry but cool, overcast in the morning, Party of ramblers No flooding of areas 30/04/2014 some weak sunshine later and one birdwatcher observed
29th - Cool, overcast with continuous 29 & rain. 31st - Mild, dry with occasional A gang of ramblers A good deal of standing 31/05/2014 sunshine water
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
4
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
Date Weather Human Disturbance Flood State
Newington North water Warm and close, slight breeze quite None levels have dropped 26/06/2014 sunny considerably
Water levels in the large A walker and a Warm, overcast and slightly humid, lagoons slightly higher cyclist 31/07/2014 with a light breeze from time to time. than previous visit
Two cars and a van No significant change in 28/08/2014 Mild, dry, overcast along the lane water levels
A number of Mild and slightly overcast early ramblers and dog No flooding 30/09/2014 morning, warm and sunny later walkers
Hardly any wind, dry, sunny and quite One car along More waterlogged than 31/10/2014 warm Slayne's Lane previous months survey
28th - Cool, dry at first, totally 28 & overcast with dense fog. 30th - Two walkers Same as previous month 30/11/2014 Medium cloud cover, some sunshine
2.3.1 2007/08 Survey Data
White Young Green undertook waterbird counts between October 2007 and March 2008 across the same survey areas and using the same methods. These data showed that peak numbers occurred during winter 2007/08 especially of flocks of lapwing, wigeon and black- headed gull and it was apparent that this was caused by extensive flooding across the entire river valley. This indicated that management of bird numbers above target thresholds would be difficult in such conditions because numbers were high across all three counting areas (Newington North, Newington South and the River Idle Washlands SSSI compartment).
2.3.2 2009/10 Survey Data
During the previous survey of November 2009 to October 2010, there was one breach of threshold values. The threshold of 250 birds was breached in June 2010 with a count of 381 lesser black-backed gulls. Counts outside of Newington North were considerably higher and driven largely by the wet and waterlogged conditions in January and February 2010.
2.3.3 2010/11 Survey Data
The annual count data for Newington North show that the large waterbird threshold was breached once in October 2011, which concerned 86 greylag geese. Numbers outside of Newington North were lower than in previous surveys; probably driven by the freezing weather during the winter and lower precipitation during the rest of the year.
2.3.4 2011/12 Survey Data
The annual count data for Newington North show that the large waterbird threshold was not breached during the November 2011 to October 2012 survey period. No individual species threshold counts for Newington North were breached during the current survey period. Numbers outside of Newington North were relatively similar to 2010/11 and lower than in the first two survey periods.
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
5
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
Overall, there were no threshold breaches. The large greylag goose flock recorded in October 2011 was not recorded this year and appears not to have become established at Newington North.
2.3.5 2012/13 Survey Data
The annual count data for Newington North show that the large waterbird threshold was breached five times. These threshold counts, occurred in, December 2012 (140), June (57), August (369), September (196) and October (281). These breaches included large numbers including high counts of mute swan (114), greylag goose (292) and Canada goose (61). The large numbers were due to the very heavy flooding that occurred on Newington North. Numbers outside of Newington North were relatively similar to 2011/12 and lower than in the first two survey periods.
3. RESULTS FOR 2014
The results are set out in the graphs below and data provided in Appendix A. Where species are not included, such as Canada goose or other duck species, this is because numbers were small and would not have occurred in significant numbers. The overall assemblage total includes all species.
3.1 Waterbird Assemblage
The total water bird assemblage trigger level is 2000 birds (see Table 1) and the data below indicate that numbers across Newington North, Newington South and River Idle SSSI section only reached a maximum of 861 birds during October 2014 (Figure 1). Interestingly, the peak in previous years has been in February apart from 2013. There were 3,100 waterbirds in February 2008, 2,600 birds in February 2010 and 402 birds in February 2011 and 695 in March 2012. In 2013, the peak occurred in September with 1514 birds recorded. All these previous peak counts, except in March 2012, were a direct response to large scale flooding events of the valley, as was the October record in 2014.
Figure 1: Waterbird Assemblage in all areas
Within Newington North the peak numbers also occurred in October 2014 (Figure 2) with 782 waterbirds recorded. This consisted of mostly gadwall, mallard, golden plover and lapwing associated with the flooding. This distribution is similar to 2013 when there was a peak in
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
6
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
September and 2012 with the peak in October because of heavy rain and flooding, though different from previous years when peaks were in February consisting of mostly duck species associated with some flood events. Totals did not exceed thresholds within the Newington North site at any point during this year’s survey.
Figure 2. Waterbird Assemblage of Newington North
3.2 Large Waterbirds
3.2.1 Newington North
Species occurring in double figures included cormorant in September (15), October (21) and November (15) and grey heron in September (11). Similarly double figures were recorded for greylag goose in July (111), August (19) and September (11). Therefore there was a breach of the threshold of 50 individuals in July 2014 when 111 greylag geese occurred. It is possible that this flock were post breeding birds on their way to larger waterbodies for their post- breeding moult, especially as numbers had dropped significantly, with only 19 recorded in the following month of August.
3.2.2 Newington South
Large waterbirds were recorded in nine of the twelve monthly visits, these were all swans except for one greylag goose and the highest count was three mute swan in November 2014.
3.2.3 SSSI
During May 2014, there were 11 greylag geese and in July 2014, 21 greylag geese recorded on the SSSI; no other species recorded reached double figures.
3.3 Medium-sized Waterbirds
3.3.1 Newington North
The highest counts were recorded during November were 150 mallard and 250 wigeon were seen. Mallard numbers of 127 also occurred in September, no other species occurred in triple figures. Unlike the previous year where the threshold was breached on six occasions with the heavy flooding no breaches were recorded this year.
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
7
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
3.3.2 Newington South
There was only one species recorded that entered double figures which was mallard (10) during February 2014.
3.3.3 SSSI
Mallard had double figures in March, August, October and November with counts of 16, 11, 14 and 60 respectively. There were also 38 wigeon recorded in February, 62 in October and 102 in November.
3.4 Small Waterbirds
3.4.1 Newington North
The highest counts occurred in October when 350 golden plover, 140 lapwing, 55 teal, 41 black-headed gulls and 15 tufted duck were recorded. This was the highest count for golden plover recorded on site. The 1,000 bird threshold was never breached.
3.4.2 Newington South
The highest count was 22 black-headed gulls in January; the only other species recorded in double figure counts were 10 lapwing in April.
3.4.3 SSSI
The only species to occur in double figures were 40 black-headed gull in March and 15 black- headed gull in April.
Figure 3 below shows the numbers of each group recordfed monthly through the year.
Figure 3: Large, medium and small waterbird assemblages of Newington North
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
8
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
4. CONCLUSIONS
The annual count data for Newington North show that the large waterbird threshold was breached on one occasion in July 2014. The medium and small waterbird thresholds were not breached during these current surveys.
Numbers outside of Newington North were relatively similar to 2010/11 and 2011/2012 and 2012/13, which were all lower than in the first two survey periods.
Overall, there was only one threshold breach. This did not occur due extensive flooding on site, occurring in July. The most likely reason is the occurrence of a roving flock of greylag geese going to a post breeding moult location, especially as there were only 19 greylag recorded in August. Though there was a breach to the threshold of an individual species, this was on one occasion only, and the total waterbird assemblage was never breached during the survey.
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
9
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
APPENDIX A COUNT DATA AND REPORTS (DERICK SCOTT) DECEMBER 2013 – NOVEMBER 2014
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
December 2013 January 2014 February 2014 March 2014 April 2014 May 2014
WeBS Species NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total Size Class l Canada goose 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 6 0 0 6 0 1 0 1 l Cormorant 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 I Great white egret 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l Great black-backed gull 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l Grey heron 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 4 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 l Greylag goose 2 0 6 8 6 0 1 7 4 0 0 4 6 0 0 6 18 0 4 22 6 2 11 19 l Little egret 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l Mute swan 2 2 0 4 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 l Shelduck 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Large 8 2 6 16 15 1 1 17 13 1 1 15 12 1 0 13 26 1 4 31 13 3 12 28 m Common tern 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 m Coot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 37 0 2 39 52 2 0 54 42 0 0 42 m Gadwall 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 16 0 0 16 34 0 0 34 29 0 0 29 m Great crested grebe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 m Lesser black-backed gull 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 m Mallard 34 4 2 40 14 0 4 18 12 10 4 26 21 6 16 43 39 6 6 51 20 0 6 26 m Mediterranean gull 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 m Moorhen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 m Oystercatcher 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 m Shoveler 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 3 0 1 4 m Wigeon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 38 40 10 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Medium 36 4 2 42 14 0 4 18 42 10 43 95 88 6 18 112 131 8 6 145 99 0 7 106 s Black-headed gull 0 0 0 0 6 22 0 28 16 1 0 17 37 0 40 77 38 0 15 53 16 5 0 21 s Common gull 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s Golden plover 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s Lapwing 5 0 0 5 0 6 0 6 10 6 0 16 8 0 0 8 10 10 0 20 2 4 0 6 s Little grebe 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s Little ringed plover 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 s Redshank 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 s Ringed plover 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 s Snipe 9 0 0 9 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s Teal 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 6 0 0 6 4 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 s Tufted duck 10 0 0 10 4 0 0 4 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 Small 27 0 0 27 11 28 0 39 38 7 0 45 51 0 40 91 59 10 17 86 23 9 0 32 Waterbird Assemblage 71 6 8 85 40 29 5 74 93 18 44 155 151 7 58 216 216 19 27 262 135 12 19 166
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
June 2014 July 2014 August 2014 September 2014 October 2014 November 2014
Size WeBS Species NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total NN NS SSSI Total Class l Canada goose 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l Cormorant 2 0 0 2 6 0 0 6 3 0 0 3 15 0 0 15 21 0 0 21 15 0 0 15 I Great white egret 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l Great black-backed gull 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l Grey heron 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 11 0 0 11 2 0 0 2 5 0 0 5 l Greylag goose 8 0 0 8 111 0 21 132 19 0 0 19 8 0 0 8 11 0 0 11 4 0 0 4 l Little egret 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l Mute swan 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 6 3 0 9 l Shelduck 4 0 0 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Large 17 0 0 17 124 0 21 145 27 0 2 29 38 1 0 39 36 1 0 37 30 3 0 33 m Common tern 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 m Coot 21 1 0 22 19 0 0 19 23 0 0 23 16 0 0 16 4 0 0 4 12 0 0 12 m Gadwall 17 0 0 17 53 0 0 53 22 0 0 22 65 0 0 65 50 0 0 50 11 0 0 11 m Great crested grebe 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 m Lesser black-backed gull 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 18 0 0 18 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 m Mallard 18 1 2 21 47 2 6 55 22 0 11 33 127 0 0 127 45 0 14 59 150 2 60 212 m Mediterranean gull 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 m Moorhen 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 3 m Oystercatcher 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 m Shoveler 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 0 0 5 13 0 0 13 19 0 0 19 7 0 0 7 m Wigeon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 22 0 62 84 250 0 102 352 Medium 63 2 2 67 125 3 6 134 90 1 12 103 233 1 0 234 144 1 76 221 435 3 163 601 s Black-headed gull 22 0 0 22 18 0 0 18 20 0 0 20 46 0 0 46 41 0 0 41 22 0 0 22 s Common gull 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s Golden plover 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 350 0 0 350 0 0 0 0 s Lapwing 6 0 0 6 152 0 0 152 63 0 0 63 37 0 0 37 140 0 0 140 6 0 0 6 s Little grebe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s Little ringed plover 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s Redshank 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 s Ringed plover 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s Snipe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 8 0 0 8 s Teal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 56 0 0 56 55 0 0 55 140 0 0 140 s Tufted duck 3 0 0 3 7 0 0 7 12 0 0 12 5 0 0 5 14 0 0 14 16 0 0 16 Small 32 0 0 32 177 0 0 177 117 0 0 117 144 0 0 144 602 0 1 603 193 0 0 193 Waterbird Assemblage 112 2 2 116 426 3 27 456 234 1 14 249 415 2 0 417 782 2 77 861 658 6 163 827
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015
Hanson Aggregates – Newington North – Review of Waterbird Populations 2014
MONTHLY BIRD REPORTS
HANSON AGGREGATES\47069568 HANSON 2014\NTRP0001/DJP/DJP January 2015