Lambrigg Beck Ecological Assessment
Final Report
October 2013
J Murphy & Sons Ltd Ullswater House, North Lakes Business Park Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0BT
JBA Project Manager Chris Dale The Old School House St. Joseph’s Street Tadcaster LS24 9HA Revision History
Revision Ref / Date Issued Amendments Issued to Final Report / October 2013 J Murphy & Sons Ltd Contract This report describes work commissioned by J Murphy & Sons Ltd, on behalf of Network Rail; by J Murphy & Sons Ltd's representative for the contract was Andy Sharrock. Kimberley Jennings of JBA Consulting carried out this work.
Prepared by ...... J Kimberley Jennings BSc MSc Assistant Ecologist
Reviewed by ...... Laura Thomas BA MRes MCIEEM Senior Ecologist Purpose This document has been prepared as a Final Report for J Murphy & Sons Ltd. JBA Consulting accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the Client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared. JBA Consulting has no liability regarding the use of this report except to J Murphy & Sons Ltd.
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Copyright © Jeremy Benn Associates Limited 2013 Carbon Footprint A printed copy of the main text in this document will result in a carbon footprint of 74g if 100% post-consumer recycled paper is used and 94g if primary-source paper is used. These figures assume the report is printed in black and white on A4 paper and in duplex. JBA is aiming to reduce its per capita carbon emissions.
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Contents
1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Site Description ...... 1 1.3 Proposed Works ...... 1 2 Methodology ...... 3 2.1 Desk-based Assessment ...... 3 2.2 Site Walkover Survey ...... 3 3 Results ...... 4 3.1 Designated Sites ...... 4 3.2 Habitats and Flora ...... 4 3.3 Protected and Notable Species ...... 5 4 Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 7 4.1 Evaluation of Survey Results ...... 7 4.2 Recommendations ...... 7 4.3 Summary of Further Survey Requirements ...... 10 References...... I
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List of Figures Figure 3-1: Lambrigg Beck alongside Beckside Cottage ...... 4 Figure 3-2: White-clawed Crayfish from Lambrigg Beck ...... 6
List of Tables Table 4-1: Summary of Ecological Constraints and Optimal Project Working Periods ...... 10
Abbreviations EA ...... Environment Agency NBN ...... National Biodiversity Network NE ...... Natural England PPG ...... Pollution Prevention Guidelines SEPA ...... Scottish Environment Protection Agency SSSI ...... Site of Special Scientific Interest
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1 Introduction
1.1 Background JBA Consulting was appointed by J Murphy & Sons Ltd to undertake a flood feasibility study of the Lambrigg Beck, near Kendal, Cumbria. The beck is prone to overtopping when water levels are high, causing the surrounding land and West Coast Mainline Railway to flood. As part of the site investigations an experienced ecologist from JBA conducted a site walkover survey on the 3rd September 2013. This site visit was carried out in order to help determine the impact potential future works may have on native White-clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes populations which had been identified as a constraint during an initial walkover survey (JBA Consulting, April 2013). A desk-based assessment of publicly accessible ecological records and environmental information relating to White-clawed Crayfish and other protected species was also undertaken. This updated report highlights the issues and constraints which have been identified as a result.
1.2 Site Description
1.2.1 Location and Setting Lambrigg Beck is located near the village of Grayrigg on the outskirts of Kendal, Cumbria. The West Coast mainline runs directly alongside a small section of the Beck.
Figure 1-1: Location Map
1.3 Proposed Works The proposed flood alleviation works will be in the vicinity of Beckside Cottage (SD 59545 95926) approximately 1770m downstream from the source at Lambrigg Park Farm (SD 59836 94711)
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The Lambrigg Beck Flood Mitigation study is a feasibility study only at this stage with no physical works designed, but early results indicate works will be required in the immediate future if flood risk is to be lowered. The works at this stage consist of a series of options and their feasibility in relation to flood alleviation of the West Coast Mainline Railway.
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2 Methodology
2.1 Desk-based Assessment A desk-based assessment was undertaken using readily available internet sources of data, to identify any historical ecological records and any designated nature conservation sites within 2km of the proposed site. Sources of information included: National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC)
2.2 Site Walkover Survey A site walkover survey was undertaken by an experienced ecologist on the 3rd September 2013 and consisted of the following: Assessment of the habitat for native White-clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes and recording of any evidence of this species on the site; Recording of any evidence of protected species found on the site (e.g. Badger Meles meles, Water Vole Arvicola amphibius, Otter Lutra lutra) and assessment of habitat potential for these protected species; Assessment of habitat suitability for reptiles and amphibians, particularly Great Crested Newts Triturus cristatus; Identification of features with the potential to support roosting bats; Recording of bird species observed; and Recording of any non-native invasive species. The relevant length of river to be affected by the works was surveyed, along with the adjacent surrounding areas, where accessible.
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3 Results
3.1 Designated Sites River Kent and Tributaries Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located approximately 1.6km downstream from the potential works site (alongside Beckside Cottages). The River is designated as it supports nationally important populations of White-clawed Crayfish, which are a primary Annex II species and an important part of the designation for this site. One of the headwaters also supports one of the largest populations of Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera in England. Both Freshwater Pearl Mussel and Bullhead Cottus gobio are present as a qualifying feature of the SAC, but are not a primary reason for its designation. There are no primary Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature of the SAC, however, Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation(3260) are present as a qualifying feature.
3.2 Habitats and Flora The surrounding land is pasture dominated by improved grassland fields divided up with hedgerows of varying quality, with some mature Ash Fraxinus excelsior and Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus hedgerow trees.
Figure 3-1: Lambrigg Beck alongside Beckside Cottage Lambrigg Beck runs alongside the track for a distance of approximately 500m within the area surveyed, this is a shallow, fast flowing mesotrophic watercourse with a stony bed. The area of 2013s7427 Lambrigg Beck Ecological Report Final V1.0_KJ 4
watercourse alongside Beckside Cottage is heavily modified with gabion baskets present in both the trackside bank and the riverbed. The banks on both sides offer plentiful burrowing habitat for White-clawed Crayfish. The watercourse is lined by mature trees in the upstream reaches and a combination of both tall rudreral and scrub along the downstream reaches. The habitat consists of improved grassland either side of the Beck and is grazed by sheep. Some poaching of the banks has occurred were the sheep cross the stream.
3.3 Protected and Notable Species
3.3.1 Previous Site Records A data search using the NBN Gateway website (http://data.nbn.org.uk) yielded records for Otter, White-clawed Crayfish, Polecat Mustela putoris, Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara, Brown Trout Salmo trutta, Salmon Salmo salar, Bullhead Cottus gobio and several species of bat which are present within the wider area including Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Brandt's bat Myotis brandtii. The data search further highlighted the presence of a number of both farmland and wetland bird species in the area.
3.3.2 Fauna There is abundant bird nesting habitat within the immediate vicinity of the structure and the watercourse due to the presence of scrub and mature tree-lines along the river banks and field boundaries. No evidence of Water Vole or Otter was observed during the site assessment. However, the Beck is considered suitable for Otter, due to the presence of potential resting sites. It may be possible that Otter are using the watercourse for commuting and foraging as the habitat is considered suitable and the data search identified records of this species for the area. It is highly likely that bats will be using the surrounding area for foraging and commuting through given the habitats present and numerous linear features. The immediate habitat has potential for roosting bats due to the presence of many mature trees which line the watercourse and field boundaries, which provide ideal habitat for many bat species to roost in. The river bed substrate is comprised of areas of rocky outcrops, boulders and gravels of varying sizes. This type of habitat is suitable for White-clawed Crayfish. The banks of the river also provide ample burrowing habitat for this species. Surveys for Crayfish were undertaken during the survey in the form of hand-searching in the watercourse area alongside the track and Beckside Cottage. Two dead individuals and one live White-clawed Crayfish were found during the site visit (See Figure 3-2 below).
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Figure 3-2: White-clawed Crayfish from Lambrigg Beck Despite the presence of a large pond approximately 500m north-west of the proposed works area, the habitat was assessed as being sub-optimal for Great-crested Newt, due to the nature of the surrounding terrestrial habitat (improved grassland) and lack of other distinct waterbodies/wetland areas in the vicinity. Also the railway itself provides a barrier to movement of this species. No signs of Badger were found in the locality of the proposed works area. No non-native invasive species were identified on site.
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4 Conclusions and Recommendations
4.1 Evaluation of Survey Results The general area contains a large number of linear features which can be used as commuting / foraging routes by a number of bird and bat species, along with nesting sites for birds. There are many areas of tall ruderal vegetation and mature trees associated with the riverbanks which can provide potentially excellent habitat and cover for species such as Otter. The beck also provides excellent habitat for White-clawed Crayfish and this species was recorded as present in the Beck during the survey. Due to the nature of the works potential impacts identified in relation to this site include: Potential negative impact on River Kent and Tributaries SAC, SSSI; Disturbance to White-clawed Crayfish habitat; Disturbance to fish habitat and temporary impediment to fish passage; Disturbance to individual foraging/commuting Otters and potential resting sites; Disturbance of breeding birds and potential damage/destruction of nests (if works undertaken between March - September); Disturbance to foraging/commuting bats; and Removal of scrub and/or mature trees.
4.2 Recommendations The flood alleviation works may cause a negative impact on the surrounding wildlife and habitats in the immediate vicinity of the railway structure. The following measures should be undertaken to mitigate any impacts associated with the works. However, it must be noted that the recommendations listed below are basic, industry-standard ones as the exact scope of works is not yet known. Once a full range of engineering options has been approved then a full-scale, site-specific mitigation plan can be prepared and implemented prior to any works beginning on site. Due to the designation of the River Kent and Tributaries SAC, SSSI located downstream of the site, it would be advisable to notify Natural England of any works taking place. As a result of the protected site being located downstream, silt mobilisation and pollution prevention should be a priority on site to ensure no negative impact is caused on the SAC and SSSI from the proposed works (See Section 4.2.6 for further guidance).
4.2.1 White-clawed Crayfish There are numerous records of White-clawed Crayfish within Lambrigg Beck. These were identified as part of the desk-based assessment. This was further confirmed by the Environment Agency (Environment Agency. pers. comm.) and during the site visit which found two dead and one live individual. Due to the ecology of this species, the only possible time of year to conduct construction works is between July and September. Over the winter White-clawed crayfish will burrow into banks in order to shelter, consequently it is impossible to trap or remove them from a site during this time and it is highly unlikely Natural England would permit a licence for works to go ahead during this period. During May – June White-clawed crayfish are in their breeding phase and will be carrying eggs, again it is an unfeasible time of year to capture any individuals present in the footprint of the works. In order to ensure no White-clawed Crayfish are inadvertently killed during the proposed works, it will be necessary to conduct mitigation in the form of trapping before ay construction works begin. Any individuals found would then be removed and translocated to a suitable site upstream of the works. However, due to the large extent of burrowing habitat present and dependent on the level of works talking place, it may be necessary to have an Ecological Clerk of Works present on site during certain phases of works to relocate any individuals found. Other standard levels of mitigation and issues to be considered at this early stage (as recommended by Natural England Standing Advice) also include: 2013s7427 Lambrigg Beck Ecological Report Final V1.0_KJ 7
Minimising the amount of disturbance to the river bank; Minimising the length of channel to be affected; Where feasible, bank and channel work should be carried out in small sections rather than all at once; Installing measures to minimise siltation; Preventing pollution to water courses; Providing replacement habitat if the work involves permanent loss of habitat; Including aquatic and emergent vegetation in the channel design; Bio-security with regard to all PPE and plant machinery leaving and entering the watercourse.
In order to survey for White-clawed Crayfish a survey licence is required as this species is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to intentionally take White-clawed Crayfish from the wild. A conservation licence and a trapping licence will be required from the Natural England and Environment Agency respectively. It is advised that this is applied for at least 30 days before any works proceed to allow time for the licences to be granted.
4.2.2 Fish Due to the presence of both Salmonid and Coarse fish species in the watercourse, the works would be subject to a timing constraint. Consequently in-river works should occur between June- September inclusive before the fish spawning season starts (Environment Agency, Pers. comm.). No works should be conducted between October-June during the fish spawning season. If possible, hard engineering of the river bed should be avoided. If this is not possible, then the permanent works should be designed so as not to pose a barrier to fish movement. It is essential to ensure that fish can migrate past the work area whilst works are on-going in line with current legislation (Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, as amended); e.g. if the works are in the channel then retain as much open channel width as possible at all times. The works will involve bed excavation, which could lead to damage or loss of spawning habitats for fish species. Any river bed materials removed or disrupted as part of the works will be replaced. Where new material is placed in the river bed, it will be covered with existing bed material. Where necessary, bed material removed from the river will be stored on the bankside. The storage facility will be such that there will be no loss of sediments from the material stored and no external contamination (e.g. a bunded plastic sheet or sealed plastic container). Once excavations are complete, and the new material has been introduced, the stored material will be replaced over the bed. Once normal flows are restored after demobilisation, the replaced material should be redistributed by the currents. These measures should ensure no net loss of material and no significant changes to bed sediment morphology or composition.
4.2.3 Otter No records of Otter were found during the site survey; however there are records of this species within the catchment. Consequently, all excavations should be left open for the minimum possible time, and not over-night. If excavations have to be left open over-night they will either be covered securely or fitted with an escape ramp (no more than 45°) to allow accidentally trapped animals to escape. Materials to cover excavations or create escape ramps will be on site at all times so that all excavation areas can be made safe before leaving site. All materials stored on site will be stacked securely so as to prevent accidental collapse if investigated by an Otter, or other large mammals.
4.2.4 Breeding Birds If it is necessary to remove any vegetation, this should be conducted outside of the breeding bird season (March - September inclusive) so no nests are damaged or destroyed. It is an offence to damage or destroy active nests under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Additionally a number of species receive further protection under Schedule 1 of this act, making it also an offence to disturb these birds whilst on the nest or with dependent young. If works are scheduled during March - September then it is essential, before any tree felling or vegetation clearance takes place, that an ecologist visits the site to ensure that no nests are damaged or 2013s7427 Lambrigg Beck Ecological Report Final V1.0_KJ 8
destroyed. If any nests are found, they must be safeguarded, with an appropriate buffer zone, until chicks have successfully fledged.
4.2.5 Bats There is a risk that the use of floodlighting during the construction phase could disturb foraging and commuting bats. Therefore, no areas in or around the site should be floodlit at night and night working should be avoided for the duration of the project. Any permanent lighting installed on the site should be downwards facing and directed away from the watercourse, scrub and tree- lines to minimise disturbance to bats.
4.2.6 Pollution Prevention Measures Appropriate mitigation measures should be implemented prior to the construction phase to ensure that water quality of the river is not adversely affected through pollution incidents and silt mobilisation. This mitigation should include: Relevant Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG) produced jointly by the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Environment and Heritage Service of Northern Ireland should be followed. Appropriate sediment control measures should be employed. Any chemical, fuel and oil stores should be located on impervious bases within a secured bund with a storage capacity 110% of the stored volume. Biodegradable oils and fuels should be used where possible. Drip trays should be placed underneath any standing machinery to prevent pollution by oil/fuel leaks. Where practicable, refuelling of vehicles and machinery should be carried out on an impermeable surface in one designated area well away from any watercourse or drainage (at least 10m). Emergency spill kits should be available on site and staff trained in their use. Operators should check their vehicles on a daily basis before starting work to confirm the absence of leakages. Any leakages should be reported immediately. Daily checks will be carried out and records kept on a weekly basis and any items that have been repaired/replaced/rejected noted and recorded. Any items of plant machinery found to be defective will be removed from site immediately or positioned in a place of safety until such time that it can be removed. All items of plant will be checked prior to use before each shift for signs of wear/damage. All washing out of grout pumps will be carried out in designated areas away from the river, such as in the lined compound area. At no point will grout pumps be washed out at the worksite.
4.2.7 Completion of Works It is recommended that any areas of bare ground resulting from the works should be re-seeded using locally sourced species-rich native seed to ensure the any exposed areas re-colonise as quickly as possible, reducing net habitat loss. If trees are removed as part of the works, if possible, replanting should be undertaken. This should be done using native species, sourced from local provenance.
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4.3 Summary of Further Survey Requirements The following pre-works surveys are recommended before any work begins on site: White-clawed Crayfish pre-works mitigation and translocation; Otter Survey: if works do not proceed in the immediate future, it would be advisable to check any areas marked for construction prior to any works beginning on site; Breeding Bird Survey: if works are undertaken between March-September and vegetation removal is required then a breeding bird survey is necessary.
4.3.1 Optimal Working Period Table 4-1: Summary of Ecological Constraints and Optimal Project Working Periods
Ecological Recommended Period for Survey Period Working Period Constraint Flood Alleviation Works
White-clawed July -October July-October Crayfish
Coarse Fish July-February July-February* July-September Migratory Fish April- September April- September* (Salmonids)
Otter Any time of Year Any Time of Year
*On the basis that the watercourse is not fully obstructed during the construction phase of the works (if this is not possible, please seek further ecological advice).
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References Natural England Standing Advice Species Sheet: White-clawed Crayfish http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/Crayfish_tcm6-21618.pdf Accessed 11.10.2013 Peay, S., 2002, Guidance on Habitat for White-clawed crayfish and its restoration, Environment Agency Technical Report.
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