WYKES ENGINEERING
FORMER RAF BASE, CHELVESTON
Ecological Assessment
April 2008 ECO-1026.EcoAs(Biomass).vf
COPYRIGHT
The copyright of this document remains with Aspect Ecology The contents of this document therefore must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part for any purpose without the written consent of Aspect Ecology.
PROTECTED SPECIES
This report contains sensitive information relating to protected species. The information contained herein should not be disseminated without the prior consent of Aspect Ecology.
Aspect Ecology Ltd Hardwick Business Park Noral Way Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 2AF
t 01295 276066 f 01295 265072
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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY 2
3 HABITATS & ECOLOGICAL FEATURES 6
4 FAUNAL USE OF THE SITE 15
5 ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT 19
6 SUMMARY 33
PLANS
PLAN ECO1 Site Location
PLAN ECO2 Ecological Designations
PLAN ECO3 Ecological Features
PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTOGRAPH 1 Overall View of Site and Semi-improved Pasture
PHOTOGRAPH 2 View of Plantation PL5
PHOTOGRAPH 3 View of Veteran Tree
PHOTOGRAPH 4 View of Pond P4
PHOTOGRAPH 5 View of Pond P5
PHOTOGRAPH 6 View of Old Industrial Unit (B1)
PHOTOGRAPH 7 View of Former MOD Structures (B2)
PHOTOGRAPH 8 View of Nissan Huts
PHOTOGRAPH 9 View of Field Drain
PHOTOGRAPH 10 View of Badger Sett BS3
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 Information Obtained from Natural England, including MAGIC and Nature on the Map
APPENDIX 2 Great Crested Newt 2007 Survey Results
APPENDIX 3 Badger Sett Definitions
RAF Chelveston Aspect Ecology Baseline Ecological Assessment 1026.EcoAs(Biomass).vf April 2008
1. INTRODUCTION
Background & Proposals
1.1. Aspect Ecology was originally commissioned by Wykes Engineering in 2005 to undertake a baseline ecological study of land comprising a former RAF base at Chelveston, East Northamptonshire (see Plan ECO1), with a number of detailed ecological surveys carried out between 2005 and 2007. The results of the baseline work have been published by Aspect Ecology within two separate reports entitled “Baseline Ecological Assessment” and “Baseline Ornithological Assessment”, both dated July 2007.
1.2. The present report provides a synthesis of the previous ecological studies and includes a specific assessment of the likely ecological effects of the proposed biomass anaerobic digestion plant (proposed location edged red on Plan ECO1).
Site Characteristics
1.3. The site is bounded on all sides by farmland, mostly in the form of arable and associated farm buildings, with the exception of a short section of the south- western site boundary, which is bounded by residential dwellings. The site itself is dominated by grazed pasture, while other prominent ecological features within the site include mixed plantations and hedgerows, which are largely confined to the boundaries, several ditches and a number of ponds.
1.4. The site is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designations. The nearest statutory designation to the proposed development is Yelden Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which lies approximately 0.4km to the south-east of the site (see Plan ECO2). The next nearest statutory designation is the recently notified Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI/potential Special Protection Area (pSPA)/pRamsar, which lies approximately 3.6km to the north-west of the site.
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2. SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
2.1. The methodology utilised for the survey work can be split into 3 main areas, namely desk study, habitat survey and faunal survey. These are discussed in more detail below.
Desktop Study
2.2. In order to compile background information on the site and its immediate surroundings the following organisations were contacted:
• English Nature • Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough Wildlife Trust • Bedford Badger Group • Bedfordshire Bat Group • Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Recording & Monitoring Centre • North Northamptonshire Badger Group • Northamptonshire Bat Group • Northamptonshire County Bird Recorder • Northamptonshire Herpetofauna Recorder • Northamptonshire Botanical Society for the British Isles • National Biodiversity Network Database
2.3. Where information has been received from the above organisations this is reproduced where appropriate on Plan ECO2.
2.4. Further information on designated sites from a wider search area was also obtained from the online Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) database, which utilises data provided by Natural England, and Natural England’s website (www.natureonthemap.org.uk). This information is reproduced at Appendix 1, and where appropriate on Plan ECO2.
Habitat Survey
2.5. Surveys were carried out to ascertain the general ecological value of the land contained within the boundaries of the site and to identify the main habitats and
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associated plant species, with notes on faunal species using the site also recorded.
2.6. Extended Phase 1 The site was surveyed in March and April 2006 based on extended Phase 1 survey methodology, as recommended by Natural England, whereby the habitat types present are identified and mapped, together with an assessment of the species composition of each habitat. This technique provides an inventory of the basic habitat types present and allows identification of areas of greater potential which require further survey. Any such areas identified can then be examined in more detail.
2.7. Using the above method, the site was classified into areas of similar botanical community types with a representative sample of those species present at the time of the site survey being described. It is upon this that the ecological assessment is based.
Faunal Surveys
2.8. The site was examined for evidence of the potential presence of protected species or species of conservation concern, whilst observations were also made of general faunal activity during the period of the surveys. In addition, specific survey work was undertaken for Badgers, bats, Great Crested Newts and reptiles, and a breeding and wintering bird survey was also completed (the full bird survey methodology and results are reported separately within Aspect Ecology’s “Baseline Ornithological Assessment”, dated July 2007, with only summary information produced within the present report where relevant).
2.9. Badgers. Specific surveys were undertaken to search for evidence of Badgers. The surveys comprised of two main elements. Firstly, searching thoroughly for evidence of Badger setts. For any setts that were encountered each sett entrance was noted and plotted even if the entrance appeared disused. The following information was recorded:
i) The number and location of well used or very active entrances; these are clear from any debris or vegetation and are obviously in regular use and may, or may not, have been excavated recently.
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ii) The number and location of inactive entrances; these are not in regular use and have debris such as leaves and twigs in the entrance or have plants growing in or around the edge of the entrance.
iii) The number of disused entrances; these have not been in use for some time, are partly or completely blocked and cannot be used without considerable clearance. If the entrance has been disused for some time all that may be visible is a depression in the ground where the hole used to be and the remains of the spoil heap.
2.10. Secondly, Badger activity such as well-worn paths and run-throughs, snagged hair, footprints, latrines and foraging signs was recorded so as to build up a picture of the use of the site by Badgers.
2.11. Bats. The buildings within the site were appraised for their potential to support roosting bats based on external and, where access was possible, internal inspections. In addition, the trees within the site were also appraised for their likely potential to support bat roosts.
2.12. For a tree to be classed as having some potential for roosting bats it would usually support one or more of the following characteristics:
− obvious holes, e.g. rot holes and old woodpecker holes − dark staining on the tree below a hole − tiny scratch marks around a hole from bats’ claws − cavities, splits and/or loose bark from broken or fallen branches, lightning strikes etc. − very dense covering of mature ivy over trunk
2.13. Great Crested Newts. The waterbodies at/adjacent to the site were surveyed for amphibians over 6 visits between April and June 2007 during suitable weather conditions (night-time air temperature >5°C, with little or no wind, and no rain) using three methods per visit (torch survey, bottle-trapping and netting) in accordance with the ‘Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines’ (English Nature, 2001) to establish the presence or absence of Great Crested Newts.
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2.14. Torch counting involved the use of high-powered torches to find and, if possible, count the number of adults of each amphibian species. As recommended in the guidelines the entire margin of the waterbodies, where possible, was walked once, slowly checking for Great Crested Newts.
2.15. Bottle-trapping involved setting traps made from 2-litre plastic bottles around the waterbody margins, and leaving the traps set overnight before checking them the following morning. A density of one trap per two metres of shoreline was utilised, where possible, as recommended by the guidelines.
2.16. In theory, netting involves sampling for a period dictated by the size of the water body, and the guidelines recommend 15 minutes of search time for every 50 metres of shoreline.
2.17. Common Reptiles. The site was surveyed for reptiles between June and July 2006. A total of 500 refugia (or `tins`) in the form of 50 x 50cm squares of thick roofing felt were strategically placed at approximately 10m intervals at ground level in suitable reptile habitat across the site. Reptiles are ectothermic (cold blooded) and use the roofing felt to bask under so as to raise their body temperature which in turn allows them to forage earlier and later in the day. These refugia were checked on a minimum of 7 separate occasions, in accordance with the Herpetofauna Workers Manual (JNCC, 2003) and Froglife Advice Sheet 10 “Reptile Survey” (Froglife, 1999), at appropriate times of the day (morning and afternoon/evening) during suitable weather conditions, e.g. intermittent or hazy sunshine, not too windy, sunny spells following wet or cloudy weather.
2.18. In addition, reptiles were actively searched for under likely reptile refuges in suitable locations throughout the site, such as under logs and sheets of corrugated metal.
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3. HABITATS AND ECOLOGICAL FEATURES
3.1. The site was subject to a Phase 1 habitat survey over a number of visits carried out in March and April 2006. Subsequent site visits during 2007 recorded no significant changes to the habitat composition of the site.
3.2. The site contains the following habitats and ecological features:
• Semi-improved Grassland • Plantation Woodland • Trees • Hedgerows • Scrub • Ponds • Ditches • Buildings • Hardstanding
3.3. The locations of these habitat types/features are shown on Plan ECO3, ‘Ecological Features’. Each habitat/feature is described below with an account of the representative plant species present. Photographs of a number of key habitats and features are also appended to this report.
Semi-improved Grassland
3.4. The majority of the site comprises rough pasture (see Photograph 1), grazed by sheep and cattle, with the sward dominated by coarse grass species such as Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus and False Oat- grass Arrhenatherum elatius with occasional Tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa also present. The sward height remains relatively low across large parts of the site due to extensive grazing, although the margins of the plantation woodland and areas that are less accessible to livestock exhibit a taller sward. The herb content of the grassland is low reflecting a probable degree of improvement of the grassland and typical species recorded include Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, Daisy Bellis perennis and Dandelion Taraxacum officinale. In places the ground is more marshy in nature and here patches of locally frequent Soft Rush Juncus effusus are present. Some tall ruderal elements
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have encroached into the grassland, although generally the encroachment has been kept in check by grazing. Where present, the tall ruderal vegetation comprises species such as Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica, Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare, Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense and Broadleaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius.
3.5. A large fenced off area is present within the centre of the site which represents the former wireless station, which is evident from the remains of the old radio mast foundations and the central control room. This area is also used for grazing and it comprises a similar species composition to the other semi-improved pasture across the site.
Plantation Woodland
3.6. The boundaries of the site are partly defined by bands of plantation woodland, which are labelled PL1 – PL6 on Plan ECO3 and briefly described below. In the main, the trees within the plantations are densely planted such that a fairly closed canopy and thick layer of leaf litter has resulted with little in the way of understorey or ground flora present, save for sporadic occurrences of species such as Primrose Primula vulgaris, Creeping Buttercup and Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium.
3.7. PL1 is a relatively narrow band of plantation spanning most of the southern boundary of the site and expanding into a slightly wider triangular shape towards its northern extent. The plantation is approximately 10 –15 years old and dominated by species including Oak Quercus sp., Cherry Prunus sp., Maples Acer spp., Poplar Populus sp. and Ash Fraxinus excelsior.
3.8. PL2 is a narrow woodland band located on the northern site boundary to the west of the main central farm track and is punctuated by a number of old bunkers. Species recorded within the plantation include Ash, Oak and Poplar with an understorey of Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and Dogrose Rosa canina.
3.9. PL3 is a slightly wider plantation and lies further west but also abuts the northern site boundary. The plantation comprises mainly of Poplar and Ash with some dense patches of Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna within the understorey. In
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addition, a small area enclosed by wire mesh fencing is present within the eastern section of this plantation, which possibly represents a former Pheasant enclosure.
3.10. PL4 abuts the north-western site boundary and contains trees approximately 7 – 10 years in age, comprising abundant Ash and Field Maple Acer campestre and more occasional Poplar, Alder Alnus glutinosa and Cherry. Below the canopy the plantation is heavily overgrown with Bramble and Hawthorn scrub.
3.11. PL5 is located at the site’s north-eastern most boundary and is a relatively narrow and young plantation, approximately 5-10 years in age dominated by Maple, Ash, Oak and Cherry (see Photograph 2). Towards its eastern extent the plantation opens out and is comprised of younger trees under which rank grassland is present, comprising common coarse grass species such as Cock’s-foot and sporadic clumps of herbs such as Cowslip Primula veris.
3.12. PL6 is located adjacent to the site’s south-western boundary in proximity to the former MOD structures and it comprises a narrow band of regularly planted Poplar in the main. Immediately to the east of the plantation lie several additional areas of trees which are more mature in nature and comprise mainly Oak, Ash and Hawthorn.
Trees
3.13. Although the site is generally very open in nature, being dominated by pasture, there are numerous semi-mature to mature trees present which occur either as standards or as groups of trees. For example, between the fenced boundary of the former wireless station and the main farm track, in the north of the site, lies an area of uneven ground supporting a group of irregularly spaced mature trees and shrubs, predominantly in the form of Oak, Poplar, Hawthorn and Blackthorn. The northern site boundary in this location supports a number of mature coppiced Ash stools.
3.14. Occasional standard trees occur across the site and of these a mature Ash tree located on the field boundary to the immediate east of plantation PL3, at the end of hedgerow H8, is of particular note. The tree would appear to be of some considerable age and supports several features indicative of veteran status, such
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as large amounts of trunk hollowing, numerous cavities and holes, and abundant deadwood (see Photograph 3).
Hedgerows
3.15. 11 hedgerows were recorded within the site and these are labelled H1 – H11 on Plan ECO3. The hedgerows are confined to the boundaries of the sites and these vary in structure with some being intensively clipped while others are relatively unmanaged in nature. Overall the hedgerows have a relatively sparse ground flora with the main species present being Lords and Ladies Arum maculatum, Hogweed and Stinging Nettle, and more occasional Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Primrose.
3.16. H1 is located at the site’s southern boundary, adjacent to plantation PL1. The hedgerow is dominated by Blackthorn Prunus spinosa and Hawthorn and is generally unmanaged, with gaps in places and Hawthorn expanding into the adjacent plantation in other places. A number of semi-mature coppiced Ash trees are present within the hedgerow as is abundant Bramble.
3.17. H2 is a continuation of H1 and is similar in species composition and structure with the addition of the occasional Willow Salix sp. Just outside of the site boundary to the south a wet ditch/small stream runs parallel to the hedgerow, which is heavily shaded by the adjacent trees and shrubs.
3.18. H3 is located along the eastern site boundary and is also unmanaged and consequently is expanding into the adjacent plantation. The hedgerow is approximately 3 – 5m in height and largely comprises Blackthorn with more occasional Hawthorn and Bramble while a small number of standard Ash trees are also present.
3.19. H4 is situated at the south-western site boundary opposite the large radio mast. It is approximately 5m in height and gappy, appearing to be subject to only sporadic management. The dominant species within the hedgerow is Hawthorn, while Bramble and Dogrose occur more occasionally.
3.20. H5 is located along the southern site boundary between the central and western farm tracks and is associated with a dry ditch. It is well-clipped in nature,
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approximately 2.5m in height and dominated almost entirely by Hawthorn, with occasional Ash standards present.
3.21. H6 lies to the west of the main farm track in the northern part of the site and is itself associated with a narrow access track and a wet ditch, which flows out of the site to the north. At the time of survey the ditch contained a modest flow of water in its northern reach within the site, although the ditch is very shaded by the adjacent hedgerow and as such does not support good amounts of aquatic, emergent or marginal vegetation. The flow of water peters out to the south and here the ditch supports abundant Rushes, Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, and Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara. As with H5 this hedgerow is well clipped, approximately 2.5m high and comprises largely of Hawthorn with occasional young specimens of Ash and Field Maple present.
3.22. H7 runs parallel to H6, on the opposite site boundary and is a sparse, gappy hedgerow approximately 3 – 4 m in height, comprising Hawthorn, Dogrose and Bramble.
3.23. H8 lies perpendicular to hedgerows H6 and H7 and essentially connects the southern ends of these hedgerows. Hedgerow H8 is dominated by Hawthorn and is approximately 3m in height and dense in nature. The hedgerow is associated with a ditch that is partly wet and largely encroached by Bramble scrub.
3.24. H9 is a closely clipped Hawthorn dominated hedge, approximately 1.5m high, which forms the northern boundaries to plantations PL3 and PL4. A number of mature Oak and Ash standards occur within the hedgerow itself.
3.25. H10 occurs along a section of the western site boundary opposite the western fence line of the former wireless station. The hedgerow is well clipped, approximately 2m in height and comprises almost exclusively of Hawthorn, including a number of mature specimens.
3.26. H11 is situated at the far north-eastern site boundary running parallel with plantation PL5 and comprises a mixture of Blackthorn and Hawthorn with a number of standard Ash trees present within the hedgerow itself. The hedgerow is raised upon an embankment and a dry ditch lies adjacent, which is covered largely by Bramble, Stinging Nettle, Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris and
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Hogweed with abundant Dogrose also present within the ditch and the hedgerow itself.
Scrub
3.27. Occasional patches of scrub occur throughout the site, mostly near the site boundaries and at the woodland margins, and these are typically comprised of Bramble and Hawthorn.
Ponds
3.28. 5 ponds were recorded within the site (P2, P3, P4, P5, P8) and the opportunity was also taken to investigate a further 3 ponds outside the site boundary (P1, P6, P7). All of the ponds that occur within the site are man-made in nature and would appear to fulfil the function of balancing ponds/lagoons.
3.29. P1 (off-site) is located to the south of the site within adjacent arable land. It is a man-made rectangular shaped pond with steep banks and is approximately 0.5m in depth. Vegetation within the pond includes dominant Greater Reed Mace Typha latifolia and more occasional Hard Rush Juncus inflexus, Soft Rush Juncus effusus with a thick layer of Blanketweed Cladophora sp. also present at the time of survey.
3.30. P2 lies within the northern corner of plantation PL1, along the eastern site boundary. It is a man-made balancing pond which is rectangular in shape and has steep-sided grassy banks, although in terms of water level the pond is very shallow with no more than 10cm of water in places. The pond supports abundant Greater Reedmace, while on the margins there is abundant Soft Rush and occasional Great Willowherb.
3.31. P3 is a large but thin rectangular-shaped lagoon with steep-sided grassed banks situated close to the northern site boundary to the west of the main farm track. The lagoon appears to be fed by a culvert located at its southern end but at the time of survey it contained very little water. Vegetation recorded within and around the pond includes abundant Greater Reedmace with frequent Brooklime Veronica beccabunga and more occasional Water-plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica, Water Mint and Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa.
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3.32. P4 is located on the north-western site boundary and is of a more or less identical construction to pond P2 (see Photograph 4). The pond has steep grassy banks, 2 of which have been encroached by Hawthorn scrub. Little, if any, water was present within the pond at the time of survey, while the dominant vegetation recorded was that of Greater Reedmace.
3.33. P5 is also situated at the north-western site boundary and is distinctly larger and squarer in shape than other ponds within the site (see Photograph 5). The pond has steep grassed sides, one of which contains the concrete headwall of the main culvert that feeds water into the lagoon. In the pond itself there are large stands of Greater Reedmace, whilst towards the margins Hard and Soft Rush predominate.
3.34. P6 (off-site) lies opposite P5 but is just outside of the site boundary to the west. P6 appears to be a natural circular-shaped pond and contains a moderate depth of water. The pond is shaded by semi-mature Willow Salix sp. and Hawthorn that surrounds the ponds while the margins are encroached by Stinging Nettle. The pond surface was covered by a thick film of Blanketweed at the time of survey.
3.35. P7 (off-site) also lies off-site, slightly further south, and is situated within an arable field. The pond would appear to be a relatively shallow depression supporting only a small amount of water covered by Blanketweed. The pond is overshadowed by the surrounding mature Hawthorn, beneath which mainly ruderal vegetation persists in the form of Stinging Nettle and Cleavers, while some Elder and Bramble scrub is also present.
3.36. P8 is located on the south-western site boundary and comprises a small concrete- sided structure, which contains a low level of standing water. The pond is heavily surrounded and shaded by an impenetrable thicket of Hawthorn and Bramble scrub.
Ditches
3.37. Aside from ditches that are associated with hedgerows, which are described above (section 3.15), there is a single wet ditch present at the margin of plantation PL4. The ditch is approximately 0.5m in depth and held standing water at the time
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of survey. The banks of the ditch are moderately steep and support patches of Soft Rush in places.
Buildings
3.38. Several buildings remain from the site’s former time as an airfield. These buildings are described briefly below, while their locations are shown on Plan ECO3.
3.39. B1 is an old industrial building constructed from corrugated metal sheets with a pitched roof and sliding doors at each gable end (see Photograph 6). Internally, the metal sheetwork is supported by an open steel frame structure and the building is in active use for the storage and reparation of old buses.
3.40. B2 comprises a number of connected structures which, despite their poor state of repair, are still in active use (see Photograph 7). The structures comprise concrete rendered brickwork supporting a pitched corrugated asbestos sheet roof. The majority of windows in the building are broken creating a light and draughty environment internally. The roof is supported by an open steel frame and as such there does not appear to be a loft void present.
3.41. B3 comprises a group of small buildings located within the former wireless station area. These buildings would appear to be the remnants of the central command centre and generally the buildings are small brick built structures with flat roofs.
3.42. B4 and B5 are groups of old Nissan huts located in the northern part of the site which are either derelict or used as temporary animal shelters (see Photograph 8). The individual huts have brick or breezeblock ends and domed metal sheet roofs, some of which are in a considerable state of disrepair.
3.43. Other buildings. A number of smaller ancillary structures are also present within the site such as an old pillbox, several old bunkers (BU1 and BU2) and a substation.
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Hardstanding
3.44. Areas of hardstanding occur throughout the survey site mainly in the form of former MOD tracks, areas around buildings and other former MOD infrastructure surrounding the silage clamps.
Background Records
3.45. No records of any protected or rare plant species or plant species of conservation concern within the site were returned from the desk study exercise. The nearest record was of a Green-Winged Orchid Orchis morio (EC CITES Annex B species) recorded from approximately 0.4km to the south of the site within Yelden Meadows SSSI.
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4. FAUNAL USE OF THE SITE
4.1. General observations were made during the surveys of any faunal use of the site with particular attention paid to the potential presence of protected species. Specific surveys were also undertaken in regard to Badgers, birds and reptiles. The results of the bird survey work conducted at the site are reported separately.
Protected Species
Badgers
4.2. 3 active Badger Meles meles setts were identified within the site, which are labelled BS1-BS3 on Plan ECO3. In addition, a number of other diggings were recorded in the near vicinity and several concrete drains (see Photograph 9) within the grazed pasture appear to be used sporadically by mammals, and may be used by Badgers from time to time.
4.3. BS1 is located on the eastern site boundary within plantation PL1 and comprises 5 entrances, which showed activity at the time of survey in the form of fresh spoil, Badger hairs and dung.
4.4. BS2 is a small sett located at the northern end of the hedgerow amongst an area of fairly dense scrub and comprises 2 entrances, of which 1 appeared to be active at the time of survey with fresh spoil evident.
4.5. BS3 is located within a concrete drainpipe that runs under the southern section of fence line enclosing the former wireless station that appears to be in use by Badgers as evidenced by the clump of Badger hairs caught on a single strand of barbed wire situated above the pipe (see Photograph 10).
4.6. Other Activity. A number of well-worn pathways were noted within the triangular section of plantation PL1, in the general locality of setts BS1 and BS2. In addition, several mammal paths were recorded within the eastern extent of PL5 which could possibly be attributed to Badgers. Aside from this, little evidence of Badger activity in the form of foraging marks, etc. was recorded during the surveys although undoubtedly the site is used to an extent for foraging.
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4.7. Background Records. Information received from the desk study shows that the nearest record of Badgers is of a road traffic accident from the access road to the south of the site. The nearest record returned of a sett is located approximately 1.4km to the south of the site.
Bats
4.8. Buildings. The buildings within the site are generally of an unsuitable construction to support roosting bats with none of the buildings containing loft voids and most being of a steel frame or corrugated metal construction. In addition, many of the buildings are in a poor state of repair such that they are exposed to the elements and do not provide the kind of microhabitat favoured by roosting bats.
4.9. Trees. The majority of trees occurring within the plantation woodlands and throughout the site are generally of an insufficient age to have developed any significant features that could provide potential to support roosting bats. However, 2 trees were identified as having potential to support bat roosts, namely a mature Ash with rot holes on the south-western boundary and a mature Ash close to the central northern boundary, which has significant cavities and rot holes.
4.10. Background Records. No records of any bats from within the site were returned from the desk study. The nearest record was that of a Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus roost, recorded approximately 1.3km to the west of the site, while a number of further records of common bat species were also reported for the wider area.
Water Voles
4.11. Ditches. The wet ditches within the site were examined for any evidence of Water Vole Arvicola terrestris, for example the presence of burrows, runs, gnawed vegetation, droppings, etc. No such evidence was recorded and generally the ditches are considered to be sub-optimal in nature due to the limited extent of marginal vegetation and, in the case of the north-eastern ditch, relatively low water levels.
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4.12. Background Records. No records of any Water Voles from within the site were returned from the desk study. The nearest record returned was from the 1km grid square to the south-east of the site, although a precise location was not given.
Reptiles
4.13. The full results of the reptile survey are shown in Table 1 below. In summary, no reptiles were recorded during any of the survey visits.
Visit Date Weather No. of Reptiles Recorded 1 5-Jun-2006 Sunny / Warm 0 2 13-Jun-2006 Sunny Spells / Some Cloud 0 3 22-Jun-2006 Warm / Overcast 0 4 27-Jun-2006 Sunny / Hot 0 5 29-Jun-2006 Sunny Spells / Cloudy 0 6 5-Jul-2006 Warm / Overcast / Light Rain 0 7 6-Jul-2006 Warm / Cloudy 0 8 12-Jul-2006 Hot / Sunny 0
Table 1: Reptile Survey Results
4.14. Background Records. No records of any reptiles from within or adjacent to the site were returned from the desk study.
Amphibians
4.15. The full results of the Great Crested Newt survey are shown in Appendix 2. However, in summary, peak site counts (i.e. counts summed for all ponds at/adjacent to the site) of 49 Great Crested Newts Triturus cristatus (in mid April 2007) and 29 Smooth Newts Triturus vulgaris (early May 2007) were recorded. The highest number of Great Crested Newts recorded on any one survey was for Pond 1, which lies outside of the site to the south and from which a maximum of 39 Great Crested Newts were recorded.
4.16. Background Records. No records of any Great Crested Newts were returned as part of the desk study from the 3km area enclosing and including the site.
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Birds
4.17. Full details of the bird survey work are presented separately within Aspect Ecology’s “Baseline Ornithological Assessment”, dated July 2007. However, in summary over 50 species of bird were recorded during the surveys, of which approximately 40 are breeding (or likely to be breeding), the rest wintering at the site and/or passing through on migration.
Other Species
Mammals
4.18. Fox. A Fox Vulpes vulpes was sighted within plantation PL1 during the general site survey.
4.19. Brown Hare. Several Brown Hare Lepus europaeus were recorded within the semi-improved pasture at the site, particularly in the north-east corner.
4.20. Rabbits. Numerous Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and Rabbit burrows were recorded throughout the site.
4.21. Small Mammals. The site is likely to support a number of common small mammal species including Field Vole Microtus agrestis and Common Shrew Sorex araneus.
Invertebrates
4.22. The habitats within the site such as the grassland, hedgerows, ponds and ditches are likely to support a range of common invertebrate species. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the habitats within the site are likely to support any protected, rare or notable invertebrate species.
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5. ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT
The Principles of Site Evaluation
5.1. The methods and standards for site evaluation within the British Isles have remained those defined in ‘A Nature Conservation Review’ by Ratcliffe (1977). These are broadly used across the United Kingdom to rank sites, so priorities for Nature Conservation can be attained. For example, current SSSI designation maintains a system of data analysis that is roughly tested against Ratcliffe’s criteria.
5.2. In general terms, these criteria are size, diversity, naturalness, rarity and fragility, while additional secondary criteria of typicalness, potential value, intrinsic appeal, recorded history and the position within the ecological/geographical units are also incorporated into the ranking procedure.
5.3. In addition, any assessment should not judge sites in isolation from others, since several habitats may combine to make it worthy of importance to nature conservation.
5.4. Further, relying on the national criteria would undoubtedly distort the local variation in assessment and therefore additional factors need to be taken into account, e.g. a woodland type with a comparatively poor species diversity, common in the south of England may be of importance at its northern limits, say in the border country.
5.5. Levels of importance can be graded at the National, County or Local level and in terms of low, medium or high value.
Habitat Evaluation & Assessment
Designated Sites
5.6. Statutory. The site itself is not subject to any statutory nature conservation designation. The nearest statutory designation is Yelden Meadows SSSI which lies approximately 0.4km to the south-east of the site (see Appendix 1 and Plan ECO2). Yelden Meadows is a species-rich unimproved flood meadow designated
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on account of its botanical interest. This designation is well removed from the application area and will therefore be unaffected by the proposals.
5.7. The next nearest statutory nature conservation designation is that of Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI, which lies approximately 3.6km to the north-west of the site (see Appendix 1 and Plan ECO2). The SSSI is notified on the basis of its nationally important breeding bird assemblage of lowland open waters and their margins, wintering waterbird species, an assemblage of over 20,000 waterbirds in the non-breeding season and a rare example of wet floodplain woodland. Part of the SSSI is also designated as a proposed Special Protection Area (pSPA) as described under the relevant sections of the baseline ornithology report. Part of the SSSI has also been designated as a potential Ramsar site, however the designation of pRamsar does not hold any legislative weight and is not therefore considered in any detail below, although in any event potential effects would be anticipated to be the same as those described below for the pSPA.
5.8. The qualifying bird species for which the pSPA is designated migrate include Bittern, Golden Plover and Gadwall. Of these species only Golden Plover has been recorded at the site and generally the habitats within the site offer limited suitable habitat compared to the Gravel Pits, which provide a substantial area, some 1,390ha, of highly suitable feeding habitat for wildfowl and waders. Accordingly, it is unlikely that any significant numbers of birds from the pSPA or the SSSI would travel more than 3km to feed within the site, which provides limited foraging opportunities. In any event, the proposals do not preclude birds such as Golden Plover from continuing to utilise the site post-development. It is therefore considered that the proposals will have no likely significant effects on the national or European interest of the Gravel Pits.
5.9. Non-statutory. The site itself is not subject to any non-statutory nature conservation designation. The nearest non-statutory designations are Caldecott Verge County Wildlife Site (CWS) and Stanwick Pasture CWS, which lie approximately 0.25km to the west and north of the site, respectively. The next nearest non-statutory designation is Yelden Field CWS, located approximately 0.5km to the south of the site (see Plan ECO2). A number of other non-statutory designations are found within the local area including Beggars Lane CWS, Hargrave Verges CWS and Old Meadow CWS. These CWSs are designated primarily on the basis of their botanical interest. These non-statutory designations
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are well separated from the application area and will not therefore be affected by the proposals.
Habitats
5.10. Semi-improved Grassland. The semi-improved pasture within the site is evidently subject to extensive grazing and nutrient enrichment, and most likely there has been some herbicide use across parts of the site. Consequently, this habitat supports only a limited diversity of plant species, which are common and widespread in the UK and the local area and hence are of negligible ecological interest. Therefore, this habitat is considered to be of no more than low value at the local level. The proposals are primarily centred on existing buildings and associated areas of hardstanding. However, some very minor losses of the semi- improved grassland may occur as a result of the proposals but this is not considered to be of any ecological significance.
5.11. Plantation Woodland. The boundaries of the site are largely defined by bands of plantation woodland. The plantations are dominated by young to semi-mature trees which have been planted in regular rows at a high density for the most part, with the result that very little in the way of a woodland understorey or ground flora has developed. Consequently, the plantations within the site are considered to be of low value at the local level. Over time the interest of the plantations is expected to increase proportionately.
5.12. The plantations will not be adversely affected by the proposals, on the contrary these will be bolstered through extensive new native woodland planting associated with the landscape proposals for the site.
5.13. Trees. A few mature trees occur across the site which have reached sufficient age to have developed features that provide potential habitat to species groups such as fungi, lichens and epiphytes. Of particular note in this regard is the presence of a veteran Ash tree, recorded in the north of the site. Veteran trees receive planning protection at the national level under PPS9 due to their potential value for biodiversity. The veteran Ash tree is considered to be of high value within the context of the site and, although there are likely to be other veteran trees within the surrounding areas, the tree could possibly be evaluated as being
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of some importance at the local level. The proposals will not adversely affect the veteran tree, nor any other ecologically significant trees within the site.
5.14. Hedgerows. The hedgerows within the site generally occur in association with the site perimeter and these vary in their level of management, with some being intensively clipped while others are relatively unmanaged in nature. However, overall the hedgerows comprise only a few common woody species and have a predominantly sparse ground flora such that none of the hedgerows are considered to be “important” or “species-rich” hedgerows within the context of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 or Section 74 of the CRoW Act 2000, respectively. As such, given the generally low species diversity of the hedgerows and the common status of this habitat type in the local area the hedgerows are considered to be of no more than low to medium value at the local level, albeit the hedgerows undoubtedly function as wildlife corridors.
5.15. None of the hedgerows are to be adversely affected by the proposals and in fact new native hedgerow planting is proposed in association with the landscape scheme for the site.
5.16. Ponds and Ditches. The ponds within the site are essentially steep-sided man- made balancing ponds. At the time of survey all of the ponds within the site contained only a relatively small amount of water, with some being virtually dry, and supporting little in the way of aquatic or marginal vegetation. Similarly, approximately half of the ditches within the site were found to be dry at the time of survey and few of the wet ditches contained good quantities of aquatic or marginal vegetation. The only real exception to this was the ditch associated with hedgerow H6, which was seen to contain a modest flow of water for most of its reach and contained a reasonable amount of aquatic vegetation in places. Overall, the ponds and ditches within the site as habitats per se are considered to be of low to medium value at the local level.
5.17. None of the ponds or ditches will be adversely affected by the proposals.
5.18. Other Habitats. The other habitats within the site, namely the scrub, buildings and hardstanding are considered to be of negligible ecological value and any losses under the proposals are of negligible significance.
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Faunal Evaluation – Protected Species
Badgers
5.19. Legislation. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 consolidates the previous Badgers Acts of 1973 and 1991. The legislation aims to protect the species from persecution, rather than being a response to an unfavourable conservation status.
5.20. As well as protecting the animal itself, the 1992 Act also makes the intentional or reckless destruction, damage or obstruction of a Badger sett an offence. A sett is defined as “any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a Badger”.
5.21. In addition, the intentional elimination of sufficient foraging area to support a known social group of Badgers may, in certain circumstances, be construed as an offence by constituting ‘cruel ill treatment’ of a Badger.
5.22. Local Authorities are therefore obliged to consult English Nature over any application which is likely to adversely affect Badgers.
5.23. Licensing. Any work that disturbs Badgers is illegal without a licence granted by Natural England. Unlike the general conservation legislation, the Badgers Act 1992 makes specific provision for the granting of licences for development purposes, including for the destruction of setts.
5.24. In particular, Natural England has developed guidelines on the types of activity that it considers should be licensed within certain distances of sett entrances. For example using heavy machinery within 30 metres of any entrance to an active sett, and lighter machinery within 20 metres, or light work such as hand digging within 10 metres, all may require a licence.
5.25. Badger licences are typically only granted between July-November, inclusive, during which all licensable works must be completed. It should be noted that a licence cannot normally be issued until the site is in receipt of a full and valid planning permission.
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5.26. Setts. Badgers utilise a number of different sett types throughout their territory. The most important sett within a social group’s territory is the main sett, which is occupied year round. In addition other setts are used to a lesser degree and these are referred to as Annex, Subsidiary and Outlier setts in order of decreasing importance (see Appendix 3 for Badger sett definitions).
5.27. A total of 3 Badger setts were recorded within the site that showed signs of recent Badger activity. All of the active Badger setts are considered to be subsidiary or outlier setts as they consist of, in the main, a low number of entrances with relatively small spoil heaps and accordingly these are considered to be of low- medium importance at the local level. A number of other diggings and structures, such as the field drains, may be utilised by mammals on a sporadic basis but these are not considered to be of any major significance to the local Badgers.
5.28. The nearest Badger sett to the application area is located over 450m away and as such will not be adversely affected by the proposals. Nonetheless, as Badgers could potentially roam into the application area during construction the following standard safeguards will be followed:
o Prior to the commencement of any construction works a check survey should be conducted to ensure that no Badger setts have been excavated within the application area.
o Construction works will be limited to hours of daylight when Badgers will be safely underground.
o Site personnel made aware of the potential presence of Badgers to ensure Badgers remain safe during any works.
o Any trenches or deep pits within the development site that are to be left open overnight will be provided with a means of escape should a Badger enter. This could simply be in the form of a roughened plank of wood placed in the trench as a ramp to the surface. This is particularly important if the trench fills with water.
o Any trenches/pits will be inspected each morning to ensure no Badgers have become trapped overnight. Should a Badger become trapped in a trench it will likely attempt to dig itself into the side of the trench, by forming a temporary sett. Should a trapped Badger be encountered
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Aspect Ecology should be contacted immediately for further advice.
o The storage of topsoil or other ‘soft’ building materials on site will be given careful consideration. Badgers will readily adopt such mounds as setts. So as to avoid the adoption of any mounds, these will be kept to a minimum and any essential mounds subject to daily inspections (or nightly patrols if 24 hour security is present on site) with consideration given to temporarily fencing any such mounds to exclude Badgers.
o The storage of any chemicals on site will be contained in such a way that they cannot be accessed or knocked over by any roaming Badgers.
5.29. Foraging. The semi-improved pasture and plantation woodland within the site offer good foraging opportunities for Badgers typically providing abundances of their favoured food source, i.e. earthworms.
5.30. The proposals will not result in any significant losses of any foraging habitat. On the contrary, additional foraging opportunities will be provided under the landscape proposals, which include native fruit and nut bearing species.
Bats
5.31. Legislation. All British bats are classed as European Protected Species and therefore receive protection under the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended); making it an offence to:
• Deliberately capture, injure or kill bats; • Deliberately disturb bats in a way as to be likely to significantly affect: o The ability of any significant group of bats to survive, breed, or rear or nurture their young; or o The local distribution or abundance of bats; • Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of bats.
5.32. In addition, all British bats are also listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) which contains further provisions making it an offence to intentionally or recklessly:
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• Damage or destroy, or obstruct access to, any structure or place which any bat uses for shelter or protection; or • Disturb bats while occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.
5.33. Licensing. If proposed development work is likely to destroy or disturb bats or their roosts a licence may need to be obtained from Natural England which would be subject to appropriate measures to safeguard bats.
5.34. Roosts. The buildings within the site are largely of an unsuitable construction to support roosting bats and in addition many of the buildings are in a poor state of repair such that they are unlikely to be favoured by roosting bats. Similarly, the majority of trees within the site have not matured sufficiently, or are of an inappropriate species, to have developed the necessary features favoured by roosting bats. However, 2 mature Ash trees were identified as being potentially suitable to support bat roosts, although given the abundance of such habitat in the wider area these are considered to be of no more than medium value at the local level.
5.35. No potential bat roosting places are to be adversely affected by the proposals.
5.36. At best, the site is considered to be of low value to foraging bats with the site almost completely lacking internal navigational features with much of the site comprising large, open fields which due to their intensive grazing are also expected to support a relatively limited insect fauna. The plantations present within the site may provide some very limited foraging habitat for bats or could be used as navigational features for bats commuting around the site.
5.37. The landscape proposals will provide additional potential foraging habitat for bats and will introduce new navigational features across the site, including new hedgerow and shelterbelt planting.
Water Voles
5.38. The ditches within the site are considered to be sub-optimal for Water Vole due to the low levels of water and lack of marginal vegetation. Furthermore, no evidence
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for the presence of Water Vole was recorded during the survey work at the site. As such, the site is considered to be of negligible importance for this species.
Reptiles
5.39. Although the damper, more rank areas of pasture appear potentially suitable for reptiles, the specific surveys recorded no evidence to suggest that any reptile species are present at the site.
Amphibians
5.40. Legislation. All British amphibian species receive a degree of protection under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended). The level of protection varies from protection from sale or trade only, as is the case with species such as common Smooth Newt and Common Toad, to the more rigorous protection afforded to species such as the Great Crested Newt.
5.41. Great Crested Newts are thus protected from deliberate or reckless killing, injury or capture with their habitat, including a breeding site, resting place or any structure or place used for ‘shelter or protection’ also protected against damage or destruction. It is also illegal to deliberately or recklessly disturb Great Crested Newts and their eggs are protected from taking or destroying.
5.42. Licensing. Any development activities that may disturb/destroy Great Crested Newts or their habitat requires a licence, obtained from Natural England.
5.43. Evaluation. A peak count of 49 Great Crested Newts was recorded from the specific survey work carried out at/adjacent to the site. Under Natural England’s guidelines this equates to a medium sized meta-population of Great Crested Newts. Given that Great Crested Newts are not uncommon in the local area the population is considered to be of no more than medium importance at the local level.
5.44. None of the ponds are to be adversely affected by the proposals. Similarly, no significant areas of surrounding terrestrial habitat will be affected and overall it is therefore considered reasonably unlikely that there will be any detrimental effects on Great Crested Newts at the site.
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Birds
5.45. The full results of the bird survey work are presented separately within Aspect Ecology’s “Baseline Ornithological Report”, dated July 2007. However, a summary of the main findings are provided below.
5.46. Wintering Species. The survey results show that during winter the site supports large numbers of birds (1000+ individuals of some species) but these are predominantly species that are abundant in the UK in winter and not of any special conservation concern. Large numbers of Fieldfare occur at the site but this species does not breed in England and hence the presence of this species during winter is not of conservation concern.
5.47. During winter, moderate numbers (up to 150) of Golden Plover were recorded at the site, a species that is considered to be potentially significant in terms of its conservation status within Europe as it is listed under Annex 1 of the Birds Directive, while allows for habitats regularly supporting large aggregations of the species to be protected through designation as an SPA. However, in the UK the species has recently been demoted from the Amber to the Green list (RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern 2002-2007) because new data suggest that it does not qualify as internationally important during the breeding season.
5.48. In any case, the numbers of Golden Plover recorded at the site would not qualify as important at the national or European level as the site is estimated to support less than 0.05% of the UK wintering population, which is estimated at 310,000 (source: RSPB website, 2006). In terms of the more local context, data obtained from the desktop study show that Golden Plover occur at peak monthly totals in excess of 8,700 across Northamptonshire and 6,500 across Bedfordshire during winter. In this context, the number of Golden Plover wintering at the site represents only 1.7% of the peak count for Northamptonshire and only 2.3% of the peak count for Bedfordshire in winter.
5.49. Other Annex I, Schedule 1 or Red List species occur only in very small numbers during the winter, including Redwing and Peregrine which are listed under Schedule 1 of the WCA 1981 but these species are only recorded as occasional winter visitors and do not breed on the site.
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5.50. Breeding Species. In the breeding season, the expanse of open grassland across the airfield supports few species, with Skylark being the most numerous (c.30 singing males). Skylark is listed on the RSPB Red List, UKBAP and is a Species of Principal Importance under the CRoW Act 2000. Despite having undergone recent declines the Skylark is still a common and widespread farmland bird within the local and national context and as such the population recorded within the site is considered to be of no more than local value. Data obtained from the desktop study show that Skylark is well distributed across Bedfordshire, occurring in 92% of the 1km grid squares surveyed. Skylark is also a common resident in Northamptonshire with the highest flock count recorded at 200 birds in 2002.
5.51. Other declining farmland species recorded within the site that are listed under the Red List, UKBAP and CRoW Act 2000 include several pairs of Grey Partridge (also listed under Northamptonshire BAP), Linnet, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. This is a notable list of species of conservation concern, although each only occurs in very low numbers, and most are generally located in peripheral areas. Several other species of conservation concern, e.g. Corn Bunting, were recorded during the breeding season but again only in low numbers and these species were on passage rather than breeding within the site.
5.52. Other breeding birds of conservation interest recorded within the site are Starling (Red List), Song Thrush (Red List, CRoW Act, Bedford and Luton BAP) and Spotted Flycatcher (Red List, Species of Principal Importance). These species have also undergone recent declines in breeding numbers but nevertheless remain common and widespread within both urban and rural environments at the local and national context and as such the populations recorded within the site are considered to be of negligible significance. 5.53. A wide variety of other common species breed (or possibly breed) in peripheral habitats and several common migrant species were recorded passing through the site (e.g. Wheatear and Redpoll).
5.54. Birds of prey are poorly represented at the airfield, with only a single Buzzard recorded as breeding. Incidental records of Sparrowhawk, Hobby and Kestrel were recorded during the surveys but none of these species appear to breed at the site. Other species for which the habitat seems potentially suitable (e.g.
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Merlin, Short-eared Owl or Barn Owl) appear not to be present or were not recorded, at least during the 2005-6 season.
5.55. Summary. Only 1 notable species was recorded in any numbers at the site during the wintering bird survey, namely Golden Plover, which is listed under Annex 1 of the Birds Directive. However, at the numbers recorded the population at the site is considered to be of no more than low importance at the local level.
5.56. During the 2006 breeding season a total of 9 target species were recorded, with the majority occurring in small numbers and at very low densities. The most numerous target species recorded during the breeding season was Skylark, which is listed under the RSPB Red list and as a Species of Principal Importance under the CRoW Act 2000. This species is widespread across the UK and locally abundant, and as such the population recorded at the site is of low importance at the local level.
5.57. Likely effects. The permanent loss of a small area of grassland habitat to the proposals is considered to be of negligible consequence for common bird species, as substantial suitable habitat will remain at the site. Nonetheless, in order to reduce impacts on ground-nesting species such as Skylark, during the construction phase areas of suitable breeding habitat that lie within the proposed development footprint will be cut to a very short height in order to deter nesting in these areas. These measures will be undertaken during the lead-in time to construction and will be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season.
Faunal Evaluation - Other Species
Mammals
5.58. The presence of Fox within the site is of limited conservation interest as it is a common mammal in rural and urban environments both in the local and national context.
5.59. Brown Hare is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and is also listed on the Northamptonshire BAP. The Brown Hare appears to have undergone a substantial decline in numbers since the early 1960s in mainland Britain and hence its inclusion within BAPs. Despite these declines the species
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remains common and widespread throughout Britain’s farmland and accordingly the presence of this species within the site is of minor consequence.
5.60. Other species of small mammal that may be present on the site carry no legislative protection and are common both locally and nationally.
5.61. None of the above mentioned mammals will be adversely affected by the proposals.
Invertebrates
5.62. The habitats within the site are likely to support a range of common invertebrates although there is no evidence to suggest that the site supports any notable invertebrate assemblages.
Enhancement Opportunities
5.63. The proposals present the opportunity to deliver ecological enhancements at the site for the benefit of local biodiversity which will make a positive contribution towards the Northamptonshire BAP.
5.64. The following ecological enhancements are proposed in conjunction with the landscaping scheme for the site:
• Additional planting will bolster existing hedgerows thereby enhancing their function as wildlife corridors and providing additional foraging habitat for species including Badgers and passerines/songbirds;
• Planting of new native hedgerows will improve connectivity at the site boundaries which will facilitate wildlife passage in and around the site;
• Planting of woodland shelterbelts at the site using native species of local provenance will provide sheltered areas for wildlife and new foraging habitat for species groups such as birds. Woodland is a Northamptonshire BAP habitat;
• A programme of clearing out rubbish and choking or over-dominant vegetation will be undertaken to enhance the ecological interest of the
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ponds, which will benefit aquatic invertebrates and amphibian species, such as the Palmate Newt; a Northamptonshire BAP species, and Great Crested Newt. These works will be sensitively timed so as to avoid any undue interference with the Newt breeding season. This will also make a positive contribution toward the objectives of the Northamptonshire Habitat Action Plan for “Open standing water”.
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6. SUMMARY
6.1. Aspect Ecology was originally commissioned by Wykes Engineering in 2005 to undertake a baseline ecological study of land comprising a former RAF base at Chelveston, East Northamptonshire, with a number of detailed ecological surveys carried out between 2005 and 2007. The results of the baseline work have been published by Aspect Ecology within two separate reports entitled “Baseline Ecological Assessment” and “Baseline Ornithological Assessment”, both dated July 2007.
6.2. The present report provides a synthesis of the previous ecological studies and includes a specific assessment of the likely ecological effects of the proposed biomass anaerobic digestion plant.
6.3. Designations. The site itself is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designation. The nearest statutory designation is Yelden Meadows SSSI, which is located approximately 0.4km to the south-east of the site. The next nearest is Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI/pSPA, located approximately 3.6km to the north-west. The nearest non-statutory designations to the site are Caldecott Verge CWS and Stanwick Pastures CWS, which are both located within 0.25km of the site. These designations are well separated from the application area and will not be adversely affected by the proposals.
6.4. Surveys. The site was surveyed in March and April 2006, with additional site visits throughout 2007, based on extended Phase 1 survey methodology. General faunal activity, such as birds or mammals observed visually or by call during the course of the surveys, was recorded. In addition, specific surveys were conducted in respect of Badgers, bats, Great Crested Newts (April – June 2007), reptiles and breeding/wintering birds.
6.5. Habitats. The site is dominated by grazed semi-improved pasture, while other prominent ecological features within the site include mixed plantations and hedgerows, which are largely confined to the boundaries, several ditches and a number of ponds. The habitat losses envisaged under the proposals are of negligible ecological significance.
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6.6. Species. The only protected species recorded at the site were Badgers and Great Crested Newts. Badgers are seen to occupy 3 small but active setts within the site. With respect to Great Crested Newts, a medium meta-population of this species was identified at ponds within/adjacent to the site. None of these species will be adversely affected under the proposals.
6.7. Conclusion. In conclusion, based on the evidence of detailed ecological survey and assessment work there is no reason to suggest that the proposed development will have any significant adverse effect on any ecological designation, habitat or protected species. On the contrary, opportunities are taken under the proposals to provide a number of benefits for local biodiversity.
34
PLANS
PLAN ECO1
Site Location
PLAN ECO2
Ecological Designations
PLAN ECO3
Ecological Features
PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTOGRAPH 1: OVERALL VIEW OF SITE AND SEMI-IMPROVED PASTURE
PHOTOGRAPH 2: VIEW OF PLANTATION Pl5 PHOTOGRAPH 3: VIEW OF VETERAN TREE
PHOTOGRAPH 4: VIEW OF POND P4 PHOTOGRAPH 5: VIEW OF POND P5
PHOTOGRAPH 6: VIEW OF OLD INDUSTRIAL UNIT (B1) PHOTOGRAPH 7: VIEW OF FORMER MOD STRUCTURES (B2)
PHOTOGRAPH 8: VIEW OF NISSAN HUTS PHOTOGRAPH 9: VIEW OF FIELD DRAIN
PHOTOGRAPH 10: VIEW OF BADGER SETT BS3
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1
Information Obtained from Natural England, including MAGIC and Nature on the Map
1026 MAGIC
1026 MAGIC
http://www.magic.gov.uk/magapp/ims?ServiceName=magoverview&Form=True&Encode=False20/02/2006 13:00:49 UPPER NENE VALLEY GRAVEL PITS
YELDEN MEADOWS
Site name: Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits County: Northamptonshire
District: East Northamptonshire, Northampton, South Northamptonshire, Wellingborough
Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under section 28C of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as inserted by Schedule 9 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
Local Planning Authority: East Northamptonshire District Council, Borough Council of Wellingborough, Northampton Borough Council, South Northamptonshire District Council, Northamptonshire County Council
National Grid reference: SP 966717 Area: 1390.27 ha
Ordnance Survey sheet: 1:50,000 141, 152 1:10,000: TL07NW; TL08SW; SP98SE; SP97SE/NE; SP96NW/NE/SW; SP86SE/NE/SW
Notification date: 24 November 2005 Reasons for notification: The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI is a nationally important site for its breeding bird assemblage of lowland open waters and their margins (including the largest nesting colony of grey herons Ardea cinerea in Northamptonshire), wintering waterbird species, an assemblage of over 20,000 waterbirds in the non-breeding season and a rare example of wet floodplain woodland.
General description: This chain of both active and exhausted sand and gravel pits extends for approximately 35 kilometres along the alluvial deposits of the River Nene floodplain from Clifford Hill on the southern outskirts of Northampton, downstream to Thorpe Waterville, north of Thrapston. They form an extensive series of shallow and deep open waters which occur in association with a wide range of marginal features, such as sparsely-vegetated islands, gravel bars and shorelines, and habitats including reedswamp, marsh, wet ditches, rush pasture, rough grassland and scattered scrub. This range of habitat and the varied topography of the lagoons provide valuable nesting, resting and feeding conditions to sustain nationally important numbers and assemblages of breeding and wintering birds. The extensive open waters of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits collectively form one of the most important inland localities in England for waterbirds in the non-breeding season. The lagoons associated with the six pit complexes at Thrapston, Ringstead, Stanwick, Ditchford, Earls Barton and Clifford Hill are all particularly significant as waterfowl refuges, together regularly supporting peak numbers of birds in excess of 20,000 individuals, comprising more than forty species. As well as the waterbird species listed below, which individually occur in nationally important numbers, this assemblage regularly includes large numbers (greater than 2,000 individuals) of mallard Anas platyrhynchos and lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Eleven
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species of waterbird regularly winter here in nationally important numbers: mute swan Cygnus olor, wigeon Anas penelope, gadwall A. strepera, shoveler A. clypeata, tufted duck Aythya fuligula, pochard A. ferina, great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus, cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, bittern Botaurus stellaris, coot Fulica atra and golden plover Pluvialis apricaria. The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits are considered to be of exceptional significance for the variety and quality of breeding birds associated with their open water and marginal habitats. The pit complexes at Earls Barton, Stanwick and Ditchford are of particular importance for this assemblage, although many of the species occur throughout the SSSI. At least 21 species comprise a regular breeding assemblage which includes mute swan, gadwall, shoveler, pochard, tufted duck, little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, great crested grebe and wading birds such as redshank Tringa totanus, which have suffered a steady population decline across the region. Exposed shoreline margins, banks and sparsely-vegetated gravel islands within the lagoons provide nesting sites for little ringed plover Charadrius dubius, ringed plover C. hiaticula, kingfisher Alcedo atthis, and colonies of common tern Sterna hirundo, including the largest two in the county at Earls Barton and Stanwick. Breeding reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, sedge warbler A. schoenobaenus and the rare Cetti’s warbler Cettia cetti, along with water rail Rallus aquaticus, cuckoo Cuculus canorus, yellow wagtail Motacilla flava, grey wagtail M. cinerea and reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, are associated with damp grassland, scattered scrub and stands of marginal vegetation at the lagoon edges. This assemblage also includes the largest breeding colony of grey herons in the county at a former duck decoy at Titchmarsh within the Thrapston gravel pit complex. These tree-nesting birds utilise woodland around the disused decoy pond which consists of several different species of trees and shrubs including silver birch Betula pendula, crack willow Salix fragilis, Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and alder Alnus glutinosa. Stands of wet floodplain woodland occur on past gravel workings at Earls Barton, forming the largest example of this now scarce woodland type in the county. Mature stands are largely dominated by white willow Salix alba with crack willow S. fragilis and occasionally ash Fraxinus excelsior. Osier S. viminalis and grey willow S. cinerea dominate a dense and varied shrub layer amongst an abundance of fallen decaying timber, occurring with others such as almond willow S. triandra, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, buckthorn Rhamnus carthaticus and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. The field layer of this woodland is generally species-poor but characteristic of these seasonally inundated stands, with frequent common nettle Urtica dioica, skullcap Sculletaria galericulata, cleavers Galium aparine, marsh bedstraw G. palustre, rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis and fen species such as lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis and reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea. More open areas of carr are dominated by young stands of willow scrub and reedswamp which fringe a number of open ponds and pools.
Page 11 of 39 COUNTY: BEDFORDSHIRE SITE NAME: YELDEN MEADOWS
Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Local Planning Authorities: Bedford Borough Council Bedfordshire County Council
National Grid Reference: TL 010674
Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 166 1:10,000: TL 06 NW
Date Notified (Under 1949 Act): Date of Last Revision:
Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1988 Date of Last Revision:
Area: 2.76 ha 6.82 ac
Description and Reasons for Notification
Yelden Meadows are a fine example of species-rich unimproved neutral grassland occurring on clay in North Bedfordshire. This habitat has been greatly reduced in extent nationally and is now rare in Bedfordshire.
The grassland community on the site is an example of Alopecurus pratensis-Sanguisorba officinalis flood meadow. This community type is noted for a species-rich, varied sward of grasses and herbs which has been maintained traditionally as a hay meadow with grazing during the winter. The Alepocurus-Sanguisorba community is a lowland grassland that, once common, is now local in the midlands and southern England. This decline has primarily been due to agricultural improvement and such losses are still continuing.
The grassland is dominated by the grasses meadow foxtail Alepocurus pratensis, and rough meadow grass Poa trivialis, with other grasses frequent including crested dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, yellow oat grass Trisetum flavescens and herbs such as common knapweed Centaurea nigra, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, common sorrel Rumex acetosa and great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis. Other species characteristic of old meadows include meadow brome Bromus commutatus, field wood-rush Luzula campestris, cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis, pignut Conopodium majus, dropwort Filipendula vulgaris, yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor, pepper saxifrage Silaum silaus and lady’s bedstraw Galium verum.
Adding to the diversity of the site are the old hedgerows with field maple Acer campestre, hazel Corylus avellana, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, Midland hawthorn C. laevigata, ash Fraxinus excelsior, crab-apple Malus sylvestris, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, elder Sambucus nigra and elm Ulmus spp.
Re-presentation of details approved by Council. Re-typed December 1998. Site Area calculated by GIS 19 April 1998.
APPENDIX 2
Great Crested Newt 2007 Survey Results
Survey Great Crested Month Weather Pond Smooth Newt Palmate Newt Visit Newt Site Site Site 1 Mid April 2007 Fine Total Total Total 1 39 12 0 2 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 4 0 0 0 5 3 1 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 45 0 15 0 0 Early May 2 Warm 2007 1 17 14 0 2 0 0 0 3 6 5 0 4 0 0 0 5 14 9 0 6 2 1 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 39 0 29 0 0 Early May Cool, light 3 2007 rain 1 16 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 7 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 23 6 0 6 2 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 48 0 8 0 0 Early June 4 Warm 2007 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 3 3 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 3 0 4 0 0
5 Mid June 2007 Warm
1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 4 0 0 0 0
6 Mid June 2007 Warm
1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 2 0 0
APPENDIX 3
Badger Set Definitions
Sett Definitions
Badgers live in groups and the members of each group jointly defend a territory. Other Badgers are more or less excluded from this land, which will encompass sufficient foraging areas to support the group throughout the year. Badgers defecate in pits termed ‘dung pits’ and aggregations of these pits are called ‘latrines’. The largest ‘latrines’ tend to be found close to setts and along territorial boundaries, with smaller aggregations of ‘dung pits’ at path intersections and within important feeding areas. Badgers tend routinely to use a network of well-worn paths to access different parts of their territory. The territory may include a number of setts of different sizes and functions:
Main setts These are in continuous use, they are large, well established, often extensive and may have large spoil heaps outside the entrances. There are likely to be well-worn paths leading to the sett. It is where the cubs are most likely to be born. There is generally only one main sett per social group of Badger. Main setts are usually constructed where there is the right combination of soil (to facilitate drainage and ease of digging) aspect slope and cover. The average number of holes is 15.
Annex setts These occur in close association with the main sett (usually within 150m) and are linked to the main sett by clear well-used paths. Annex setts consist of six holes on average, but they are not necessarily in use all the time, even if the main sett is very active. If a second litter of cubs is born this may be where they are reared.
Subsidiary setts These comprise five holes on average, but are not in continuous use and are usually some distance from the main sett (50m or more). There is no obvious path connecting them to the main sett.
Outlying setts These consist of only one or two holes. They can be found anywhere within the territory and usually have small spoil heaps, indication that they are not very extensive underground. There are no obvious paths connecting them to other setts, they are only used sporadically and often used by Foxes or rabbits when not occupied by Badgers.