Site: No. 59 Ellis Road,
Crowthorne
Survey: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey
Client: Dusek Design Associates
Reference: 0176_14 (RE01) Date Submitted: 10 October 2014 Version: V1
Author Date Jay Stebbings BSc (Hons) ACIEEM 10 October 2014 Ecologist Reviewed Date
Bill Lever BSc (Hons) MCIEEM 10 October 2014 Director
Approved Date
Bill Lever BSc (Hons) MCIEEM 10 October 2014 Director
Report History Details New Date submitted Comments Version number BL Ecology Ltd review process V0 10 October 2014 N/A Issued to client V1 10 October 2014 N/A
Disclaimer
Copyright BL Ecology Ltd. All rights reserved.
No part of this report may be copied, altered or reproduced by any means without prior written permission from BL Ecology Ltd.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the client stated on the front sheet and unless otherwise agreed in writing by BL Ecology Ltd, no other party may use this report with the exception of the relevant Planning Authority or their ecological records centre.
BL Ecology Ltd, Ground Floor, Weaver’s Cottage, 830 Harrogate Road, Bradford, BD10 0RA Tel: 01274 416 067 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bl-ecology.co.uk
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 2/23 Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 1.1 Background to Development ...... 5 1.2 Objectives and Agreed Brief ...... 5
2 RESULTS ...... 6 2.1 Background ...... 6 2.2 Desk Study ...... 6 2.3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 7 2.1 Bat Survey ...... 8 2.1 Habitat Assessment for Other Faunal Species ...... 9
3 IMPACTS AND LEGISLATION ...... 11 3.1 Protected Sites ...... 11 3.2 Botany ...... 11 3.3 Bats ...... 11 3.4 Breeding Birds ...... 11 3.5 Planning Policy Status ...... 12
4 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 13 4.1 Habitats and Botany ...... 13 4.2 Bats ...... 13 4.3 Breeding Birds ...... 13
5 REFERENCES ...... 14 5.1 Cited References ...... 14
6 FIGURES ...... 15 6.1 Figure 1 – Site Location and Desk Study Results ...... 15 6.2 Figure 2 – Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map ...... 15 6.3 Figure 3 – Photographs ...... 15
7 APPENDIX 1 – PROPOSALS ...... 16
8 APPENDIX 2 – SURVEY METHODOLOGIES...... 17 8.1 General ...... 17 8.2 Desk Study ...... 17 8.3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 17
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 3/23 8.4 Habitat Assessment for Faunal Species ...... 18 8.5 Bat Habitat Assessment ...... 19 8.6 Limitations ...... 20
10 APPENDIX 3 – DATA SEARCH RESULTS ...... 21
11 APPENDIX 4 - BATS ...... 22 11.1 Biology ...... 22 11.2 Protection ...... 22 11.3 Planning Policy ...... 23 11.4 UK BAP and Species of Principal Importance...... 23 11.5 References ...... 23
Disclaimer
Copyright BL Ecology Ltd. All rights reserved.
No part of this report may be copied or reproduced by any means without prior written permission from BL Ecology Ltd.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the client stated on the front sheet and unless otherwise agreed in writing by BL Ecology, no other party may use this report with the exception of the relevant Planning Authority or their ecological records centre.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 4/23 1 Introduction
1.1 Background to Development
1.1.1 A planning application is being prepared which details plans to replace a dwelling at 59 Ellis Road in Crowthorne, Berkshire (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’). The site is located at approximate Ordnance Survey grid reference SU 8386 6472, as illustrated within Figure 1.
1.1.2 Works will involve demolition of the existing bungalow and garage, with subsequent construction of a replacement dwelling, in addition to general landscaping (hereafter referred to as ‘the development’). The proposals are provided within Appendix 1.
1.1.3 This report includes the survey methodologies undertaken (included as Appendix 2), the results, impacts, relevant legislation, and any mitigation or further surveys required to enable to project to comply with current European/UK legislation and policies.
1.2 Objectives and Agreed Brief
th 1.2.1 On 16 September 2014, BL Ecology was commissioned to undertake habitat mapping and faunal surveys within site. The agreed brief was to:
• Undertake a desk study to ascertain protected species and nature conservation sites known within 1km of the site; • Complete a Phase 1 habitat survey of the areas likely to be affected by works; • Undertake a daytime scoping survey and dusk emergence survey of the buildings affected by the development; • Assess the habitat suitability for protected and BAP species; and • Submit a report with associated mapping, outlining the likely mitigation for the site including the need for additional surveys .
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 5/23 2 Results
2.1 Background
2.1.1 This section outlines the desk study records that were obtained for designated sites and ecologically important habitats/species, as well as the field survey results.
2.1.2 All explanations of the law pertaining to the European or UK protected and particular common species found during the desk study, or found during the walkover of the site are listed in Section 3.
2.2 Desk Study
2.2.1 A response was received from the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) on 2nd October 2014 of records for all designated sites and ecologically important habitats/species within 1km of the site, referred to as the ‘study area’. A summary of protected species and local wildlife site records is provided in Appendix 3.
2.2.2 Sites of Nature Conservation Interest
2.2.2.1 There is one internationally designated site for nature conservation interest within the study area: • Thames Basin Heaths SPA, located 0.7km east of the site. The site is designated due to the presence of extensive heathland and bog, in addition to areas of woodland, parkland and wood pasture.
2.2.2.2 There are two nationally designated sites for nature conservation interest within the 2km study area: • Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods & Heaths SSSI, located in the same area as the Thames Basin Heaths, 0.7km east of the site. The site is designated for an extensive mosaic of broadleaved woodland, coniferous plantation, dry and wet heathland, valley mire and a series of base-poor ponds with a scarce-breeding invertebrate assemblage; and • Heath Lake SSSI, located 0.8km north-west of the site. The site is designated for notable geology and hydrology surrounding a shallow acid lake which supports a variety of characteristic fauna.
2.2.2.3 Two areas of the Thames Basin Heaths Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA) are located approximately 0.5km east of the site and 1km south-west of the site. BOAs are selected as areas with the greatest opportunities for habitat creation and restoration in order to connect biodiversity with ecosystems, managed at a landscape scale. The areas do not represent statutory designations or constraints.
2.2.2.4 The locations and details of designated sites are provided within Appendix 3.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 6/23 2.2.3 Protected Species
2.2.3.1 The data searched revealed the following protected species records, which are shown on Figure 1: • 18 records of terrestrial mammals, comprising common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus ), pipistrellus species, brown-long eared bat (Plecotus auritus ), noctule ( Nyctalus noctula ) and western European hedgehog ( Erinaceous europaeus ). The closest bat records comprise roosts of pipistrellus and brown long-eared bats within 300m of the site. All other mammal records are located at least 500m from the site. One record of badger was also revealed within 1km from the site. • 19 records of birds including green woodpecker ( Picus viridis ), song thrush ( Turdus philomelos ), house sparrow ( Passer domesticus ), spotted flycatcher ( Muscicapa striata ) and brambling ( Fringilla montifingilla ). All bird records are located at least 800m to the north and north-east of the site, within areas of broadleaved woodland. • 8 records of reptiles and amphibians comprising adder ( Vipera berus ), slow-worm ( Anguis fragilis ), common toad ( Bufo bufo ) and common frog (Rana temporaria ). These records are located 750m south-east and 850m north-west of the site within areas of woodland with aquatic habitat. • 24 records of invertebrates, comprising stag beetles ( Lucanus cervus ) and three moth species. The majority of invertebrate records are of stag beetles recorded within private gardens more than 500m south of the site recorded in 1998. • One record of bluebell ( Hyacinthoides non-scripta ) located 980m north of the site.
2.3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Table 1: Habitats and Flora on Site Legislation or Receptor Details Impact Policy (if relevant) Habitats The majority of the site comprises mown amenity grassland of low species diversity. Fescue species (Festuca sp. ) are dominant; other species include yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ), buttercup ( Ranunculus Amenity sp. ), ribwort plantain ( Plantago lanceolata ), No ecological impact N/A grassland dandelion ( Taraxacum sp. ), meadow cranesbill (Geranium pratense ), lesser stitchwort ( Stellaria graminea ), common nettle ( Urtica dioica ), herb robert ( Geranium robertianum ) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus ). Bare ground This is present in the northern section of the site and hard and comprises the access roads from Ellis road and No ecological impact. N/A standing an area of gravel to the west of the bungalow. These comprise the existing bungalow in the centre of the site (B1 on Figure 2), a detached single- Impacts discussed in Section Buildings storey garage (B2), a greenhouse (B3) and a N/A 2.1 below. wooden summerhouse (B4). A bat scoping survey was undertaken for all buildings (see Section 2.1)
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 7/23 Legislation or Receptor Details Impact Policy (if relevant) This is present throughout the site along the boundaries and in smaller patches throughout the amenity grassland. A variety of garden plants is A loss of flowering plants Ornamental present, dominated by rhododendron through site clearance will N/A planting (Rhododendron ponticum ), palms ( Arecaceae ), result in a reduced resource Hydrangea species, iris species, torch lily ( Kniphofia for foraging insects. sp. ), Yorkshire fog ( Holcus lanatus ), yellow ox-eye daisy ( Rudbeckia hirta ) and garden ferns. These are present throughout the site and comprise saplings in the northern section of the site, semi- mature trees in the southern section, and two Scattered mature trees on the northern site boundary. Species Loss of a small number of broadleaved present include English oak ( Quercus robur ), apple sapling and semi-mature trees N/A trees (Malus domestica ), silver birch ( Betula pendula ), during site clearance. crack willow ( Salix fragilis ), weeping willow ( Salix babylonica ), English elm ( Ulmus procera ), and pear (Pyrus sp. ). These are present in small sections (<20m) along all boundaries of the site and between the garage (B2) Loss of a small section Species- and bungalow (B1). The hedges comprise yew (approximately 10m) of poor intact (Taxus baccata ) and rhododendron, and do not hedgerow between the N/A hedgerow meet the criteria for an important hedgerow under bungalow and garage during the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, due to their short demolition. length, age and poor species diversity. Potential to spread wall This is present on small patches on the northern cotoneaster outside the site Wall Schedule 9 and southern aspects of the bungalow (B1), growing and into the wild during 1 cotoneaster WCA 1981 adjacent to the walls up to a height of 0.7m. removal of vegetation from the site.
2.1 Bat Survey
Daytime Inspection for Signs of Roosting Bats 2.1.1 No signs of roosting bats were found during the daytime survey. There was an absence of typical field signs such as droppings and staining around gaps that could provide entrance to a roosting space, although it should be noted that external signs are not always present and can be removed by wind and rain.
Daytime Inspection for Bat Roost Potential 2.1.2 The existing bungalow (B1) comprises a single-storey red brick dwelling with rendered upper walls and a concrete tile roof (see Figure 3, Photograph 1); a first-floor section is present on the western section of the building. Two roof voids are present in the eastern and western sections of the house (see Figure 3, Photograph 2); the accessible eaves were found to be well sealed internally with sections of insulation (see Figure 3, Photograph 3). The majority of the roof structure contains no gaps and is well maintained. The only gaps present were found within a dormer extension on the western roof slope, where the roof of the extension meets the main roof slope, and on the north-western corner of the dormer roof (see Figure 3, Photographs 4 and 5). Overall, B1 was found to hold low potential for roosting bats .
1 Plants featured on Sch. 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 8/23 2.1.3 The detached garage (B2) comprises a single-storey red brick building with rendered upper walls and a concrete tile roof (see Figure 3, Photograph 6). Gutters mounted on wooden gutter boards are present on the eastern and western elevations however no gaps into the eaves were found. One large gap is present on the south-eastern corner of the building at eaves level however this is completely obscured by foliage surrounding the southern elevation, making it inaccessible to bats. Overall, B2 was found to hold negligible potential for roosting bats .
2.1.4 The greenhouse (B3) in the southern section of the site comprises a typical glass and metal greenhouse with no gaps, crevices or other suitable features for roosting bats, and holds negligible potential for roosting bats .
2.1.5 A summerhouse is present in the south-eastern corner of the site, and comprises a single-storey wooden outbuilding with a wooden roof (see Figure 3, Photograph 7). No gaps are present anywhere in the structure; B4 is therefore considered to hold negligible potential for roosting bats .
2.1.6 All trees on site were found hold negligible potential for roosting bats due to an absence of gaps, cracks, crevices, rot hole, loose bark or any other features with suitability for roosting bats.
Dusk Emergence Survey 2.1.7 Due to the assessment of B1 as holding low potential for roosting bats, a dusk emergence survey was undertaken on 22 nd September 2014 by Jay Stebbings, who holds a Natural England Class 2 Bat Survey Licence (CLS03241) and Joanna Dodsworth, an ecologist with 2 years of experience undertaking bat surveys.
2.1.8 Section 8.5 in Appendix 2 outlines the methodology, timings and weather conditions.
2.1.9 No bats were seen to emerge from B1 during the survey; bat activity was moderate, and predominantly comprised commuting and foraging common pipistrelles; no other bat species were observed.
2.1 Habitat Assessment for Other Faunal Species
2.1.1 Table 2 below provides details of the assessment for other faunal species
Table 2: Other Faunal Species Results Legislation Receptor Details Impact or Policy (if relevant) There is the potential for Potential breeding bird habitat is present within killing/injury of nesting birds or the hedgerows and scattered broadleaf trees destruction of their nests or eggs if Birds throughout the site. The buildings on site do not WCA 1981 vegetation removal is undertaken hold any potential for nesting birds. The bird during the active nesting season species revealed in the desk study (March to August inclusive). One record of a badger sett was revealed with 1km of the site. The exact location is not Badger provided within this report however the record of No ecological impact. the sett and the location of the site are separated by significant residential development
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 9/23 Legislation Receptor Details Impact or Policy (if relevant) and roads. Furthermore, no woodland or dense scrub is present on site and the site is largely inaccessible to badger due to the presence of fencing on the eastern, southern and western boundaries and a busy road on the northern boundary. Therefore it is considered extremely unlikely that badger could be present on site. No ponds are present on site or adjacent to the sire, or were identified within 250m of the site during analysis of aerial mapping. No records of Great crested any newt species were revealed in the desk No ecological impact. N/A newts study; the closest amphibian records are located at least 750m from the site. Therefore it is considered highly unlikely that this species could be present on site. Numerous records of stag beetles were revealed within the desk study within 1km of the site. Dead wood is essential for the life cycle of stag beetles, as it is used for egg laying and feeding. No dead wood is present anywhere on site, Invertebrates No ecological impact. N/A therefore it is considered highly unlikely that the habitats on site could support this species. No other habitats or vegetation assemblages which could be used by rare or notable invertebrates and present on site. No water courses are present on site or within Water vole, 500m of the site, which is isolated within an white-clawed urban setting. Therefore it is considered No ecological impact. N/A crayfish, otter, extremely unlikely that these species could be fish species present on site due to the absence of suitable habitat or ecological connectivity. One record of adder and three records of slow worm were revealed during the desk study however the habitats on site are not considered suitable for reptiles, due to the absence of Reptiles undisturbed basking habitat adjacent to shelter. No ecological impact. N/A The working area is currently proposed on amenity grassland and existing hard standing and buildings that are unsuitable habitats for these species.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 10/23 3 Impacts and Legislation
3.1 Protected Sites
3.1.1 The nearest site of nature conservation interest to the site is the area 0.7km east of the site containing Broadmoor to bags hot & Heaths SSSI and the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. This was designated due to heath and woodland communities, neither of which are present on site. Furthermore, the site does not support any ecological connectivity between the wider landscape and any designated sites with 1km. Overall, due to the location of the site within urban development and the absence of habitats related to the nearby protected sites, it is considered that the development will not have an impact on any sites of nature conservation interest.
3.2 Botany
3.2.1 The wall cotoneaster found on the site will need careful removal and disposal, as this is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and is therefore subject to the conditions placed in Section 14 of the Act. Section 14 prohibits the planting of this species in the wild or actions which would otherwise cause it to grow. These provisions are necessary to prevent the establishment of non-native plant species which may be detrimental to our native wildlife.
3.3 Bats
3.3.1 Based on one dusk emergence survey undertaken in suitable conditions, it is considered that bats are currently absent from the bungalow on site (B1). Although no bats were seen to emerge, low potential for roosting bats exists within the dormer extension on the western slope of the roof of B1; therefore the presence of future roosting bats cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore there is the potential for the killing/injuring of future roosting bats within B1 during demolition.
3.3.2 The following legislation makes it an offence to injure or kill a bat and also to deliberately, recklessly or intentionally disturb a bat whilst in its roost or to destroy/obstruct a roost: • The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010; • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); and • The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
3.4 Breeding Birds
3.4.1 The scattered broadleaf trees and hedgerows on site are very likely to support pairs of common breeding birds. Any destruction of an active bird’s nest, whether a common species or not, would constitute contravention of UK wildlife law.
3.4.2 Wild birds are afforded protection through the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which prohibits the killing, injuring, taking, or selling, of any wild bird or their nests or eggs.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 11/23 3.5 Planning Policy Status
3.5.1 In addition, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2012) requires planning authorities to use the planning system to enhance the natural and local environment by minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible.
3.5.2 Under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, all local authorities must, in exercising its functions, have consideration for biodiversity.
3.5.3 If the recommendations outlined in Section 7 are undertaken, the development will have no legal or planning or policy constraints and will satisfy the constraints in the NERC Act.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 12/23 4 Recommendations
4.1 Habitats and Botany
4.1.1 Locally native plants should be used for the landscaping of the new site. Flowering species should be planted to encourage insects, for example buddleia (Buddleja davidii ), forget-me-not ( Myosotis arvensis ), honeysuckle ( Lonicera periclymenum ), thyme ( Thymus polytrichus ), together with fruiting trees/shrubs such as rowan ( Sorbus aucuparia ) and apple ( Malus domestica ) that birds can use for foraging.
4.1.2 Trees not subject to removal should be protected during works in accordance with British Standard 5837: 2012 ‘Trees in relation to Design, Demolition and Construction ’ with sufficient root protection (width of the crown) and where necessary hand digging of roots.
4.1.3 One species of plant listed on schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) were identified on site, consisting of wall cotoneaster on the northern and southern aspects of B1. This species is subject to the conditions placed in Section 14 of the Act, which prohibits the planting of the species in the wild or actions which would otherwise cause it to grow. These provisions are necessary to prevent the establishment of non-native plant species which may be detrimental to our native wildlife. During removal, care should be taken to ensure the wall cotoneaster is not introduced into the wild by appropriate disposal.
4.2 Bats
4.2.1 The demolition of the dormer extension section of B1 should be undertaken carefully by hand as though bats could be present. The roof of the dormer extension and the small soffit box should be removed carefully by hand, with the contractor checking for bats throughout. Once the dormer extension is removed, the remainder of the demolition can take place unhindered.
4.2.2 Although extremely unlikely, in the event that bats are found all works must cease immediately and a licensed bat worker should be contacted. BL Ecology Ltd can be contacted on 01274 416 067.
4.3 Breeding Birds
4.3.1 It is recommended that to avoid destruction of breeding bird’s nests that any vegetation that will be affected by development works should be removed outside of the bird breeding season, between September to February. This will avoid contravention of wildlife law. Alternatively, vegetation can be removed at any other time of year following a check for breeding birds by a suitably qualified ecologist.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 13/23 5 References
5.1 Cited References
5.1.1 Department for Communities and Local Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework. Department for Communities and Local Government, London.
5.1.2 Entwistle, A.C., Harris, S., Hutson, A.M., Racey, P.A., Walsh, A., Gibson, S.D., Hepburn, I., and Johnston, J. (2001) Habitat Management for Bats: A guide for land managers, land owners and their advisors. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
5.1.3 Holdich, D. (2003). Ecology of the White-clawed Crayfish. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No.1. English Nature, Peterborough.
5.1.4 Environment Agency. Pollution Prevention Guidelines, Works in, Near or Liable to Affect Watercourses (PPG5). http://www.environment- agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/ppg05.pdf .
5.1.5 Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2003). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for Environmental Audit (revised reprint 2007).
5.1.6 MAGIC (Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside) http://www.magic.gov.uk/
5.1.7 NBN (National Biodiversity Network) www.searchnbn.net
5.1.8 Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S., and Jeffcote M. (2000). Evaluating the Suitability of Habitat for the Great Crested Newt. Herpetological Journal, Vol10, pp 143-155.
5.1.9 Stace, C.A. (1997). New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press
5.1.10 Strachan, R. (2006). Water Vole Conservation Handbook; Second Edition. English Nature, Environment Agency and Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. George Street Press Ltd.
5.1.11 Woods, M. (1005). The Badger. The Mammal Society.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 14/23 6 Figures
6.1 Figure 1 – Site Location and Desk Study Results
6.2 Figure 2 – Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map
6.3 Figure 3 – Photographs
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 15/23 Site Location
KEY Amphibian Bird Flowering plant Insect - beetle (Coleoptera) Insect - moth Reptile Terrestrial mammal
Date Figure 1 - Site Location and Desk Study Results 07.10.14 Map reference 0176_14/RE01 - FIG 1 No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne - Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey Approved by Bill Lever Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [2013] This mapping uses OS Open Data Vector Map District (1:25,000) Scale 1:15'000 at A4 Road Ellis
B2B2
B1B1
B3B3
KEY Line Species-poor intact hedgerow B4B4
Amenity grassland
Bare ground
Buildings
Hard standing
Ornamental planting
Scattered broadleaved trees
Wall cotoneaster
Figure 2 - Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map Date 10.10.14
No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne - Extended Phase 1 Map reference 0176_14/RE01 - FIG 2 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey Approved by Bill Lever Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Licence Number 100049706 Scale 1:300 at A4 Photograph 1: Existing bungalow (B1), showing northern Photograph 2: Roof void within B1 elevation
Photo graph 3: Internal view of eaves blocked with Photograph 4: Gap within roof structur e of dormer insulation extension on B1
Photograph 5: Gap within corner of roof structure of Photograph 6: Detached garage in the north-east of the dormer on B1 site
Project No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne – Phase 1 and Bat Survey Title Photographs Reference 0176_14/RE01 Figure Number 3, Page 1 of 2 Created by Jay Stebbings 10.10.14
Photograph 7 : Wooden summerhouse in the south-east Photograph 8: Typical mown amenity grassland in the corner of the site southern section of the site
Photo graph 9: Typical ornamental planting containing Photograph 10 : Scattered broadleaved fruit trees in the scattered broadleaved trees northern section of the site
Photograph 11 : Species-poor intact hedgerow between the Photograph 12 : Wall cotoneaster on the northern garage (B2) and the bungalow (B1) elevation of B1
Project No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne – Phase 1 and Bat Survey Title Photographs Reference 0176_14/RE01 Figure Number 3, Page 2 of 2 Created by Jay Stebbings 10.10.14
7 Appendix 1 – Proposals
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 16/23 8 Appendix 2 – Survey Methodologies
8.1 General
8.1.1 A survey area was defined which is shown on Figure 1 (hereafter named ‘the site’).
8.1.2 This chapter describes the methodologies involved for each stage of the assessment. Standard stages undertaken for this type of assessment include a desk study, a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, and an assessment of habitats available for the presence of protected faunal species. However, due to the presence of a building within the site boundary a detailed bat habitat assessment was additionally undertaken.
8.2 Desk Study
8.2.1 A standard ‘study area’ was defined which encompasses an area 2km from the site. The following sources were used in order to provide data:
• Thames Valley Ecological Records Centre – to gather records of European and UK protected species and habitats as well as third tier sites (non-statutory) designated for nature conservation;
• NBN Gateway ( www.searchnbn.net/ ) – to ascertain whether the local area supports European or UK protected species;
• Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) (www.magic.gov.uk ) – to ascertain whether there are any statutory sites designated for nature conservation; and
• Aerial photos – in order to aid preliminary ecological and overall assessment of the site.
8.3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey
nd 8.3.1 A walkover survey was undertaken on 22 September 2014 by Jay Stebbings ACIEEM and Joanna Dodsworth accordance with Phase 1 Habitat Survey Guidelines (JNCC, 2010).
8.3.2 The Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology provides a standard technique for classifying and mapping habitats. The approach is based upon differentiating between various vegetation and other topographical and substrate features such as watercourses. Phase 1 Habitat maps are used to identify and locate features of interest, e.g. Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats.
8.3.3 Phase 1 habitat mapping also necessitates the production of target notes which are numbered sequentially and mapped. Target notes are used to provide further information on habitat features of particular or potential interest. They record the prominent and/or characteristic plant species present in a discrete block of vegetation, along with some indication of the relative abundance of these species using the “DAFOR” scale (D = dominant; A = abundant; F = frequent; O = occasional; R = rare).
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 17/23 8.3.4 All animal and plant names are referred to in the text under their common names and scientific names. All nomenclature for vascular plants follows Stace (1997). Floral diversity and broad NVC of plant communities has been recorded wherever possible.
8.3.5 Any plant species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) that may be present, particularly Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica ), giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum ) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera ), have been recorded and mapped.
8.4 Habitat Assessment for Faunal Species
8.4.1 In conjunction with the Phase 1 Habitat Survey, the potential for the site to support any other legally protected faunal species and/or faunal species of nature conservation importance, e.g. UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species was assessed during the walkover survey.
8.4.2 Detailed surveys for other faunal species were not undertaken at this time, rather the potential for the site to support each species / species group was assessed based on the known range of each species / species group and the suitability of the habitats within the site. The species / species groups searched for during an extended phase 1 are: • Great crested newts – these require standing water on the site or on adjacent land. Any ponds that are within 250m of the site should be considered. Great crested newts require different habitats at different times of the year; terrestrial habitat most suitable for newts includes scrub, unimproved grassland, woodland and gardens (Oldham et al., 2000); • Badger – badger can be found on a variety of habitat types. They generally prefer to create setts in undisturbed areas and within typography that is sloped. Preferred habitats for foraging include woodlands and grassland (Woods, 1995); • Breeding Birds – nesting sites for birds depends on the species involved and can be created within structures (buildings, bridges, cliffs etc.), trees, shrubs, within ground vegetation and on bare ground, providing that suitable foraging habitat is adjacent; • Otter – otter require freshwater habitat in the form of standing or running water. The water must contain prey species, such as fish, crustaceans or amphibians. Suitable riparian habitat is required that can support resting sites and natal dens, the latter of which are created within secure, undisturbed sites such as within exposed tree roots adjacent to the water, or within disused rabbit entrances; • Reptiles – the habitat requirements of this group depends on the species involved. The most likely species to be encountered in the UK are common lizard ( Zootoca vivipara ), grass snake ( Natrix natrix ), slow worm ( Anguis fragilis ) and adder ( Vipera berus ). Reptiles require a heterogeneous habitat with different vegetation types and structures, including bare ground patches for basking; • Water vole – this species requires freshwater habitat that has a relatively stable water level. Undisturbed riparian habitat is required that has an abundance of vegetation species such as grasses and rushes
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 18/23 that provide both cover from predators and act as a food source (Strachan, 2006); and • White-clawed crayfish – this species of crayfish requires calcareous streams with an abundance of suitable refuges, such as a rocky substrate, tree roots and leaf litter (Holdich, 2003).
8.5 Bat Habitat Assessment
8.5.1 Daytime Inspection for Signs of Roosting Bats 8.5.1.1 The daytime survey was undertaken by Jay Stebbings (Natural England Class 2 Bat Survey Licence Number CLS03241), who has 5 years of experience undertaken bat scoping and activity surveys, and Joanna Dodsworth, who has 2 years of experience undertaking bat scoping and activity surveys.
8.5.1.1 The survey included a residential building, three single-storey outbuildings, and all trees within the boundary of this plot.
8.5.1.2 The exterior walls, the floor, windows and ledges of the buildings were assessed for signs of roosting bats using binoculars and a high powered torch. An assessment was also made of the roof void within the property. Trees were assessed for signs of roosting bats from ground level. Signs searched for included:
• Bat droppings; • Scratch and grease marks around entrances; • Dead juvenile bats; and • Noises of bats calling from within the roost.
8.5.2 Daytime Inspection for Bat Roost Potential 8.5.2.1 An assessment was also made of the potential for the building to support bats at other times of year. Suitable bat roosting features were searched for throughout the buildings. Features searched for included:
• Cracked, missing or loose roof tiles; • Gaps in soffits, facias or barge boards; • Gaps in brickwork or blockwork; • The presence of a cavity wall; • Access into the eaves; • Access into the ridge tiles; and • Any other crack or gaps at least 10mm in size. 8.5.3 Suitable bat roosting features were searched for on the trees. Features searched for included:
• Loose bark; • Woodpecker holes; • Rot holes; • Mature ivy; • Dead wood; and • Stress splits and cracks.
8.5.3.1 The buildings and trees were then awarded a level of potential to support roosting bats in summer, the breeding period, transitionally and in winter (roost requirements can be found in Appendix 4). The level of potential is defined by
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 19/23 the presence of suitable roosting features together with the locality, environmental conditions, age and proximity to suitable bat foraging habitat. The levels of potential are defined below:
• Negligible – Building or tree with no roosting potential and located in poor bat foraging habitat; • Low – Building or tree with limited roosting potential with limited suitable bat foraging habitat. No suitability for breeding and/or hibernating bats; • Moderate – Building or tree with some roosting potential of varying types and sizes, connected to some optimal bat foraging habitat. Some suitability for breeding bats and/or hibernating bats; • High – Building or tree with multiple potential roosting cavities of varying types and sizes. High suitability for breeding bats and/or hibernating bats and connectivity to a range of optimal bat foraging habitats; and • Confirmed roost – Presence of droppings found internally, underneath roost access points or the presence of bats confirmed.
8.6 Limitations
8.6.1 The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was conducted during an optimal time of year to survey for fauna and flora.
8.6.2 The species data collected through this desk study was obtained from TVERC. This is the standard source to obtain relevant records from the local area within 2km. However, although the records are considered adequate for this study, they might not be comprehensive as data can be held by individuals, and the data records might not have been recently updated.
8.6.3 The species data provided by TVERC is considered to be valid for 12 months usage, thereafter a further request for more up to date data is recommended to comply to best practise requirements.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 20/23
10 Appendix 3 – Data Search Results
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 21/23
Biodiversity Report
Site: 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne, Wokingham
TVERC Ref: B164.14
Prepared for: BL Ecology Ltd
Date: 2/10/2014
By Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre
This report should not to be passed on to third parties without prior permission of TVERC. Please be aware that printing maps from this report requires an appropriate OS licence
TVERC is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council TABLE OF CONTENTS
The following are included in this report:
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Terms & Conditions Species data statements
PROTECTED & NOTABLE SPECIES INFORMATION:
Table of legally protected and notable species records (1 km search area) Species status key Data origin key
DESIGNATED WILDLIFE SITE INFORMATION:
A map of designated wildlife sites (1 km search area) Descriptions/citations for designated wildlife sites Designated wildlife sites guidance
Produced by TVERC 06/09/2012 TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The copyright for this document and the information provided is retained by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre. The copyright for some of the species data will be held by a recording group or individual recorder. Where this is the case, and the group or individual providing the data in known, the data origin will be given in the species table.
TVERC must be acknowledged if any part of this report or data derived from it is used in a report. The whole document may be used as an appendix within your report.
The data in this report can only be used for the project for which it was requested. It cannot be passed on to third parties without permission of TVERC (this excludes reports presented to clients and Local Authorities).
The data should be considered valid for a maximum 12 months from the date on the cover of this report. If the data is to be used after that time an update should be requested. The data must not be added to any permanent database system.
The absence of any species or habitat data for any site, area or location does not mean that any species or habitat is not present.
MAPS
To reproduce the Ordnance Survey mapping you must hold a relevant licence for the use of Ordnance Survey mapping or it can be copied at a printers or copyshop that holds a licence to carry out search work (see the Ordnance Survey website).
Produced by TVERC September 2012 DATA STATEMENTS
STATEMENT ON RECORDS BELONGING TO THE BERKS AND SOUTH BUCKS BAT GROUP (BSBBG)
TVERC has agreed an exchange of data with BSBBG which enables us to provide records belonging to them with the grid reference given to 1 km precision. Such records are indicated by the term “refer to BSBBG for full details” in the location column and BSBBG in the data origin column of the species table. Enquirers are recommended to contact the BSBBG direct to obtain further information. Please note that the BSBBG provides TVERC with an annual update of their records, so they may hold records for your search area that TVERC does not yet have access to. Requests for information may be submitted via the BSBBG website; www.berksbats.org.uk.
STATEMENT ON RECORDS BELONGING TO THE BINFIELD BADGER GROUP
TVERC has agreed an exchange of data with Binfield Badger Group which enables us to provide records belonging to them with the grid reference given to 1 km precision. Such records are indicated by the term “refer to BBG for full details” in the location column and BBG in the data origin column of the species table. Enquirers are recommended to contact the Binfield Badger Group direct to obtain further information. Please note that the BBG provides TVERC with an annual update of their records, so they may hold records for your search area that TVERC does not yet have access to. Requests for information from Binfield Badger Group can be submitted to: Binfield Badger Group PO Box 3805 Binfield Berks RG42 1HH
Email: [email protected]
STATEMENT ON WILDLIFE TRUST WATER VOLE DATA
Since 2008 data has been collected as positive or negative sections of watercourses. Positive sections crossing into search areas are included within the data. These are shown with the central grid reference for the stretch of watercourse. This may fall outside the search area but the stretch will be at least partly within the search area. The location information shows the beginning and end points of the stretch of watercourse.
Produced by TVERC September 2014 USE OF NBN GATEWAY DATA
Commercial organisations and members of the public may refer to the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway for wildlife records and habitat and designated site information for their own private use. The NBN Gateway’s Terms and Conditions state "You may not republish wholesale the material, data and/or information made available to you, or exploit it for commercial or academic research purposes without first obtaining written permission from the relevant data provider". This means that environmental consultants cannot use NBN data in ecology reports for planning applications unless they have obtained written permission from all the data providers. If NBN Gateway data are also provided for this project please make sure that the NBN Gateway’s terms and conditions are followed precisely. The National Planning Policy Framework states that “planning policies and decisions should be based on up-to date information about the natural environment and other characteristics of the area”. The NBN Gateway does not hold the most up-to-date, comprehensive or highest resolution information on protected and notable species, local sites or habitats in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. TVERC have advised planning authorities in Berkshire and Oxfordshire that ecology reports using only NBN data should not usually be validated and the NBN has requested that suspected breaches of NBN terms and conditions are reported to the NBN Data Access Officer, who will take appropriate action. Further detail is available on our website: http://www.tverc.org/cms/content/ecological-survey-reports-planning-applications.
STATEMENT ON GRID REFERENCES
The following types of grid references are provided:
Six figure grid references. Many of these will be an assigned relatively central grid reference for a site though with small sites the assigned grid reference for a site could be close to the edge. The record may have come from anywhere within the site. Where additional location information is provided the reference may be more accurate or central to a subsite within the larger site. Where the location is not site based, the grid reference should be within 100 metres of the location. Four figure grid references. Generally these are 1km records often with some location information to give an idea of which part of the 1km square the record was found. Sometime this information can be quite accurate. Where a large site is referred to the location should be in that part of the 1km square that is within the site. In some case these may be tetrad records with grid reference referring to a 2km x 2km square. This includes some confidential records from Oxford Ornithological Society. Other tetrad data is rarely included. Eight and ten figure grid references: These are generally accurately worked out to the location where the species was found. However for small and narrow sites eight figure grid references may be used as a central grid reference for a site. TVERC intends to start tagging data to qualify these grid references but at present only a limited amount of qualification is provided. 1km square records are tagged as 1km record and 2km square records are tagged as 2km record. Produced by TVERC September 2014 Legally Protected & Notable Species Records 59, Ellis Road, Crowthorne 1 km Search Area
Abundance Priority and/or Grid Ref. Data European NERC Other Common Name Scientific name Sex/Stage Date Year Grid Ref Qualifier Location Type of Record Origin Directives UK Legislation S.41 Designations Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta 24/05/1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT WACA-Sch8 Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male 06/06/2007 2007 SU834644 Private garden - Flowerbed field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Female 09/06/2007 2007 SU834644 Private garden - Shrub/undergrowth field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Female 06/06/2007 2007 SU834644 Private garden - Flowerbed field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Female 26/07/2006 2006 SU836642 Private garden - No details field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Female 09/06/1998 1998 SU83756410 Red House Nursery School, Crowthorne field record BBOWT HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Female 09/06/1998 1998 SU83756410 Mown/Short grass field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male 19/06/1998 1998 SU83756410 Town - Car park/yard field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male 19/06/1998 1998 SU83756410 Red House Nursery School, Crowthorne field record BBOWT HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Female 16/07/1998 1998 SU837638 Waterloo Road, Crowthorne, RG45 7PB. field record BBOWT HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Female 16/07/1998 1998 SU837638 Private garden - Outdoor furniture field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male 01/06/1998 1998 SU838640 field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 15/06/2006 2006 SU838641 Private garden - No details field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 01/05/1998 1998 SU838642 Private garden - Dead wood reported to recorder PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Adult May-98 1998 SU838642 Nursery school, Crowthorne, Berks field record BBOWT HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male 01/01/1998 1998 SU839653 Private garden - No details field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B 1 Male; 2 Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus Females Jun-98 1998 SU839653 Hatch Ride, Crowthorne, RG45 6LB. field record BBOWT HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male Summer 1998 1998 SU839653 Hatch Ride, Crowthorne, RG45 6LB. field record BBOWT HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 2 Females 01/06/1998 1998 SU839653 Private garden - Path/drive/patio field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male 01/06/1998 1998 SU839653 Private garden - Path/drive/patio field record PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male 01/01/1998 1998 SU844645 Town Dead (reason unknown) PTES HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus 1 Male Summer 1998 1998 SU844645 Crowthorne, Berks Dead (reason unknown) BBOWT HabDir-A2* WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Notable-B, BF LBAP White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda 11/06/2000 2000 SU8365 1 km record Pine Wood Robinson MV Trap (125W) LN NERC S.41 Blood-Vein Timandra comae 10/09/2001 2001 SU8365 1 km record Pine Wood netted LN NERC S.41 Rustic Hoplodrina blanda 16/07/2000 2000 SU8365 1 km record Pine Wood Robinson MV Trap (125W) LN NERC S.41 New Wokingham Road (A3095), Common Toad Bufo bufo 17 Adults 2009 2009 SU832652 Crowthorne, Berks field record BRAG WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 New Wokingham Road (A3095), Common Toad Bufo bufo 15 Adults 2010 2010 SU832652 Crowthorne, Berks field record BRAG WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 New Wokingham Road (A3095), Common Frog Rana temporaria 32 Adults 2009 2009 SU832652 Crowthorne, Berks field record BRAG HabDir-A5 WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b New Wokingham Road (A3095), Common Frog Rana temporaria 28 Adults 2010 2010 SU832652 Crowthorne, Berks field record BRAG HabDir-A5 WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, 9.5b Slow-worm Anguis fragilis 6 Dead 01/08/1996 1996 SU844641 Napier Woods, Crowthorne field record LN WACA-Sch5_sect9.1(kill/injuring), sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Adults 1995 1995 SU845640 Crowthorne, Broadmoor Hospital nr field record BRAG WACA-Sch5_sect9.1(kill/injuring), sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Adults 08/01/1996 1996 SU845641 Broadmoor field record BRAG WACA-Sch5_sect9.1(kill/injuring), sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Adder Vipera berus 1997 1997 SU8365 1 km record Crowthorne Wood MOP WACA-Sch5_sect9.1(kill/injuring), sect9.5a, 9.5b NERC S.41 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo Summer 1988 - 1994 1994 SU846652 Transport & Road Research Laboratory LN WACA-Sch1_part1 BF LBAP probable Wood Lark Lullula arborea breeding 1988 - 1994 1994 SU846652 Transport & Road Research Laboratory LN BirdsDir-A1 WACA-Sch1_part1 NERC S.41 Bird-Amber, BF LBAP Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT WACA-Sch1_part1 Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT WACA-Sch1_part1 Common Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Amber Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Red Marsh Tit Poecile palustris 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Red House Sparrow Passer domesticus 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Red House Sparrow Passer domesticus 09/04/1997 1997 SU840655 Fuel Allotment Wood field record U NERC S.41 Bird-Red Hedge Accentor Prunella modularis 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Amber Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Red Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT Bird-Amber 2 Adults feeding & in Song Thrush Turdus philomelos flight 16/04/2000 2000 SU8364 1 km record No. 4 The Avenue, Crowthorne field record BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Red Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Red
1 Juvenile; 2 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Adults feeding 14/05/2000 2000 SU840637 Verge, Lower Broadmore Rd, Crowthorne field record BBOWT NERC S.41 Bird-Red Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT WACA-Sch1_part1 Bird-Red Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT Bird-Amber Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 1992 - 1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride BBOWT Bird-Amber Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 14/07/1996 1996 SU840655 Fuel Allotment Wood field record BBOWT Bird-Amber Eurasian Badger Meles meles Sett DELETED 2010 DELETED DELETED field record BFC Badgers Act (1992)
Prepared by TVERC 2/10/2014 Page 1 Legally Protected & Notable Species Records 59, Ellis Road, Crowthorne 1 km Search Area
Abundance Priority and/or Grid Ref. Data European NERC Other Common Name Scientific name Sex/Stage Date Year Grid Ref Qualifier Location Type of Record Origin Directives UK Legislation S.41 Designations an unidentified bat Chiroptera 24/05/1993 1993 SU8365 Refer to BSBBG for more details field record BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.4c, 9.5a, 9.5b an unidentified bat Chiroptera 24/05/1993 1993 SU836656 Small Woodland off Nine Mile Ride None BBOWT HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.4c, 9.5a, 9.5b Unidentified Bat Myotis 04/10/1996 1996 SU845640 Crowthorne house NE HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Unidentified Bat Myotis 30/06/1987 1987 SU8464 1 km record Broadmoor Hospital house NE HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula Adults 01/06/2010 2010 SU8365 Refer to BSBBG for more details field record BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c NERC S.41 Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 1994 - 2000 2000 SU833644 Roost LN HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus Dec-06 2006 SU8363664569 26 Westbury Close Crowthorne Roost WBC HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 2002 2002 SU8364 Refer to BSBBG for more details field record BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 1 06/12/2006 2006 SU8364 Refer to BSBBG for more details dung/droppings/frass/pellet, etc. BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 14/05/2012 2012 SU8364 Refer to BSBBG for more details dung/droppings/frass/pellet, etc. BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Pipistrelle Bat species Pipistrellus 25/10/2012 2012 SU8365 Refer to BSBBG for more details dung/droppings/frass/pellet, etc. BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 14/05/2012 2012 SU8364 Refer to BSBBG for more details aural bat detector BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 1 Male 14/05/2012 2012 SU8364 Refer to BSBBG for more details Injured Bat Record BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c Long-eared Bat species Plecotus 4 07/10/1986 1986 SU841651 Crowthorne house NE HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c 01/01/2000 - Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus 31/12/2000 2000 SU8364 Refer to BSBBG for more details field record BSBBG HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c NERC S.41 Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus 1 18/10/1996 1996 SU842649 Crowthorne house NE HabDir-A4 HabReg-Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, 9.5a, 9.5b, 9.4c NERC S.41 West European Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 1 06/09/2006 2006 SU829648 Crowthorne field record PTES NERC S.41 West European Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 1 Dead 21/05/2012 2012 SU843643 Crowthorne, Brookers Corner dead on road LN NERC S.41
Prepared by TVERC 2/10/2014 Page 2
Status Key. Produced January 2014 by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre
EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES
BirdsDir-A1 - Species listed on Annex 1 of EC Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds. HabDir-A2, HabDir-A4 & HabDir-A5 - Annex 2 and Annexes 4/5 respectively of the EC Habitats Directive. This is the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
UK LEGISLATION: CONSERVATION OF HABITATS AND SPECIES REGULATIONS 2010
This legislation translates the European Habitats Directive (see above) into UK law where species are listed in Schedule 2 and Schedule 4. Species are tagged as HabReg-Sch2 or HabReg-Sch4.
UK LEGISLATION: WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1981
Schedule 1 Wild Birds prohibits the intentional killing, injuring or taking of any wild bird and the taking, damaging or destroying of the nest (whilst being built or in use) or eggs. It prohibits possession of wild birds (dead or alive) or their eggs. In addition:
WACA-Sch1(pt 1) – There are additional penalties for offences relating to birds on this schedule and it is also an offence to disturb such birds at the nest or with dependent young. WACA-Sch1(pt 2) – Covers the protection of birds which may be killed during the open season.
(Please note that some schedule 1 bird records will refer to species that do not breed in the county, e.g. over-wintering birds such as Redwing or Fieldfare. Although we include them in the annotated records, only they and their nests, eggs and dependent young enjoy extra protection under the W&C 1981 act. If you are in any doubt about the breeding status of a bird please contact us at TVERC)
Schedule 5 Wild Animals WACA-Sch5_sect9.1 – covers intentional killing injuring or taking (species are covered by all or some of these) WACA-Sch5_sect9.2 – Covers possession or control (live or dead animal, part or derivative) WACA-Sch5_sect9.4a – Covers damage to or destruction of any structure or place used by a scheduled animal for shelter or protection. WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b – Covers disturbance of animal occupying such a structure or place. WACA-Sch5_sect9.4c – Covers obstruction of access to any structure or place which any such animal uses for shelter or protection WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a – Covers selling, offering for sale, possessing or transporting for the purpose of sale (live or dead animal, part or derivative). WACA-Sch5_sect9.5b – Covers advertising for buying or selling such things.
Schedule 8 Wild Plants WACA-Sch8 - Covers any picking, uprooting or destruction of plants listed on the Schedule. It also prohibits the sale, etc, or possession for the purpose of sale of any plants on the Schedule.
Produced by TVERC September 2012
PRIORITY NERC S.41 2006
Species listed in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 as a species of principle importance. These are very similar to the list of UKBAP and have superseded them. Species are tagged NERC S.41.
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: RED LISTS
Global Red List Species (tagged GlobalRed) - Species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Species included are from post 1994 and post 2001 lists.
GB Red List Species (tagged GBRed) - Species included in national red lists. Species included are from pre 1994 and post 2001 lists. Please note not all taxon groups are currently covered, for example fungi.
Abbreviations:
EX – Extinct A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. EW – Extinct in the Wild. Species known to survive only in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population(s) well outside the past range. CR – Critically Endangered (CR) Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. EN – Endangered: Species that are not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. VU – Vulnerable: A species is Vulnerable when it is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future NT – Near Threatened – A taxon considered to llikely to become endangered in the near future. LR(cd) – Lower risk (conservation dependent) DD – Data deficient – A taxon with insufficient data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction. RE – Regionally Extinct – Taxa that are considered extinct within the region but populations exist elsewhere in the world. Inde – indeterminate – based on a pre 1994 category: Taxa which are known to be Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare but with insufficient data to place them in one of the categories. Insu – Insufficiently known - based on a pre 1994 category which equates to data deficient.
Species included here are from information compiled by JNCC (The Joint Nature Conservation Committee).
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: NATIONALLY NOTABLE SPECIES
This covers invertebrate species not falling within IUCN categories but never the less uncommon in Britain.
Nationally Notable A (Tagged Notable-A): Taxa which occur in <30 10 km (hectad) squares or for less well recorded groups within <7 vice counties.
Nationally Notable B (Tagged Notable-B): Taxa which don't fall within IUCN categories but are uncommon in Britain and occur in 31-100 10 km sq/ or for less or for less well recorded groups between 8 and 20 vice counties
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Notable (Tagged Notable): Taxa known to be scarce (occurring in between 16 and 100 10km squares) but for which there is insufficient information to assign them to the above categories.
This designation comes from the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) species dictionary but is supported by JNCC.
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: NATIONALLY RARE OR SCARCE SPECIES
This designation covers species that are recognised to occur in only a few locations in Britain.
Rare (tagged as Status-NR) = occurring in 15 or fewer hectads (10 km squares) in the UK
Scarce (tagged as Status-NS) = occurring in 16 – 100 hectads in the UK.
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN LISTS & RED LIST FUNGI
These lists were drawn up by leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organizations including the RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology. The most recent version was published in May 2009. Red List (tagged Bird-Red) - species are those that are globally threatened, whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years (i.e. by more than 50% in 25 years), or which have declined historically and not recovered.
Amber List (tagged Bird-Amber) - Amber list species are those whose population or range has declined moderately in recent years (by more than 25% but less than 50% in 25 years), those whose population has declined historically but recovered recently, rare breeders (fewer than 300 pairs), those with internationally important populations in the UK, those with localised populations, and those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe.
Red List Fungi – This designation uses the Red Data List of Threatened British Fungi (preliminary assessment) by Shelley Evans (BMS Conservation Officer). Species are designated as:
Fungi Red-CR – Critically Endangered Fungi Red-EN – Endangered Fungi Red-NT – Near Threatened Fungi Red-VU – Vulnerable
These follow current IUCN guidelines (2001) as closely as possible but with adaptations to take into account the fungal lifestyle and associated practicalities of fungal recording.
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: LOCAL BAP SPECIES
For any Local Authority that has drawn up a list of BAP species. Designations will only apply to species recorded from the Local Authority area.
Currently, only Bracknell Forest Council have such a BAP list and relevant records are tagged Bracknell LBAP.
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DATA ORIGIN KEY
Data Origin Origin Details Abbreviation AN Abingdon Natural History Society ANHSO Ashmolean Natural History Society (& Rare Plant Group) BBG Binfield Badger Group BBOWT Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust BC Butterfly Conservation (includes Upper Thames and National Data) BDS British Dragonfly Society BENHS British Entomological Natural History Society BFC Bracknell Forest Council BIG Berkshire Invertebrate Group BLWS Berkshire Local Wildlife Sites Project BMG Berkshire Mammal Group BOC Berkshire Bird Clubs BOS Banbury Ornithological Society BRAG Berkshire Reptile & Amphibian Group BRC Biological Record Centre (Monk's Wood) BSBBG Berks & South Berks Bat Group BSBI Botanical Society of the British Isles BTC Banbury Town Council BTO British Trust for Ornithology BUWG Bracknell Urban Wildlife Group CBT Childe Beale Trust CDC Cherwell District Council CRPG Cotswold Rare Plant Group EA Environment Agency (formally the National Rivers Authority) EC Professional Ecological Consultant ET The Earth Trust (formally the Northmoor Trust) FLC Friends of Longcot Churchyard FWAG Farmland Wildlife Advisory Group HA Highways Agency LN Local/National Expert (known to TVERC) LWVP Lower Windrush Valley Project MGLG Moor Green Lakes Group MOP Member of the Public NE Natural England/EN/NCC NFC Newbury Field Club NHM Natural History Museum NPD National Ponds Database NRG Newbury Ringing Group NT National Trust OBG Oxfordshire Bat Group OBRC Oxfordshire Biological Record Centre (TVERC precursor) OCC Oxfordshire County Council OLWS Oxfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Project OMG Oxfordshire Mossing Group OOS Oxfordshire Ornithological Society ORAG Oxfordshire Reptile & Amphibian Group OS Otter Spotter Project
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DATA ORIGIN KEY (Contd)
Data Origin Origin Details Abbreviation OUNHM Oxford University Natural History Museum OUWG Oxford Urban Wildlife Group OX Oxford City Council PC Pond Conservation PL Plantlife PTES People's Trust for Endangered Species RBC Reading Borough Council RBWM Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead RDNHS Reading and District natural History Society RM Reading Museum RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RUWG Reading Urban Wildlife Group RWP Reading Woodlands Plan SODC South Oxfordshire District Council SW Shotover Wildlife TVERC Thames Valley Environmental Record Centre TVFG Thames valley Fungus Group TW Thames Water U Unknown VCH Victoria County History (historical records) VWH Vale of White Horse District Council WB West Berkshire District Council WBC Wokingham Borough Council WIA Wildlife in Ascot Group WILDCRU Wildlife Conservation Research Unit WMUWG Windsor & Maidenhead Urban Wildlife Group WODC West Oxfordshire District Council WS Wytham Survey WWT Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust YE Yattendon Estate
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County: BERKSHIRE/SURREY Site name : BROADMOOR TO BAGSHOT WOODS AND HEATHS Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
Local Planning Authorities: Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Surrey County Council, Surrey Heath District Council
National Grid Reference: SU877644
Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 175 1:10,000: SU86 SE, SW, NW, SU96 SW
Date Notified (Under 1949 Act): 1973 Date of Last Revision: 1975
Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1983, 1985 Date of Last Revision: 20 October 2000
Area: 1696.99 ha
Reasons for Notification
This site has an extensive mosaic of broadleaved woodland, coniferous plantation, dry and wet heathland, valley mire, a series of base-poor ponds and a scarce breeding invertebrate assemblage. In particular, the heathland and coniferous plantation supports internationally important populations of woodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler, and have a nationally important dragonfly and damselfly population. The site includes the valley bogs of Broadmoor Bottom and Wishmoor Bottom which form the most important remaining examples of this type of habitat in the area.
General Description
The mosaic of habitats mostly overlies sandy Barton Bed deposits and plateau gravels of the Thames Basin series. Wetter areas are underlain by sands and clays of the Bracklesham Beds and alluvium.
The valley bog at Broadmoor Bottom supports wet heath dominated by cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix and the bog moss Sphagnum compactum with areas of bog myrtle Myrica gale. Wetter areas contain typical bog plants including bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, round-leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia, and deer grass Trichophorum cespitosum, whilst purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea dominates much of the remainder. The valley bog at Wishmoor Bottom supports a rich bryophyte flora with nine species of Sphagnum bog moss including the nationally scarce Sphagnum flexuosum, and S. magellanicum which is scarce in southern England. Hare’s-tail cotton grass Eriophorum vaginatum, which is uncommon in south-east England, is also present in wetter areas around Wishmoor Bottom, together with two important fern species, the nationally rare crested buckler-fern Dryopteris cristata and the nationally scarce marsh fern Thelypteris palustris.
The drier heathland is mainly dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris and dwarf gorse Ulex minor, with areas of bracken and pine and birch scrub. An area of grass heath dominated by bristle bent Agrostis curtisii and dwarf gorse occurs to the east of Wishmoor Bottom at one of the most easterly limits of the community. Common wintergreen Pyrola minor, which has a very local distribution in Berkshire, is present in the grass heath.
The invertebrate fauna of the wetland areas includes the bog bush-cricket Metrioptera brachyptera and a range of dragonflies. These include the broad-bodied chaser Libellula depressa, black-tailed skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum, large red damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula and the golden-ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii which is local in southern England. The dry heathland areas support the nationally scarce silver-studded blue butterfly Plebejus argus, and the uncommon spider Euarcha arcuata. The mixture of open heathland and woodland provides habitat for heathland birds including stonechat Saxicola torquata, redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus and three particularly vulnerable species of bird, woodlark Lullula arborea, nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and Dartford warbler Sylvia undata. The site also has a small breeding population of hobby Falco subbuteo. Forestry management of the coniferous woodland, which includes rotational clearance and subsequent replanting, provides temporary areas of developing heathland. These areas, together with open storm damaged areas and the developing heathland alongside broad forest rides, are utilised as breeding habitat by woodlark and nightjar.
Rapley Lakes are a collection of large, base-poor ponds. They support a rich diversity of aquatic and marginal plants including alternate water milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum, bog St John’s wort Hypericum elodes and lesser bulrush Typha angustifolium. Of particular importance is the dragonfly fauna with several rare species present including the brilliant emerald Somatochlora metallica, ruddy darter Sympetrum sanguineum, downy emerald Cordulia aenea and small red damselfly Ceriagrion tenellum.
Other Information
1. This site includes land which has been proposed for the designation as a Special Protection Area under the Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds. Nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler are listed on Annex I of the Directive.
2. Woodlark, Dartford warbler and hobby are specially protected by being listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
3. Woodlark and nightjar are priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
4. Lowland heathland is a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. COUNTY: BERKSHIRE SITE NAME: HEATH LAKE Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Local Planning Authorities: Wokingham District Council, Berkshire County Council National Grid Reference: SU829652 Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 175 1:10,000: SU86 NW Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1989 Date of Last Revision: Area: 6.1 ha 15.1 ac Other information: The site is designated as public open space under a management agreement with Wokingham District Council (Section 52 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971).
Description and Reasons for Notification
The site consists of a small, shallow lake, surrounded by birch and pine woodland with areas of relict heathland. Heath Lake is a long-established open water habitat supporting specialist communities of native plants and animals. Of particular interest are populations of some uncommon and rare aquatic plant species.
Heath Lake is situated on a sandy alluvial deposit overlying the Bracklesham Beds. The lake is stream and spring-fed and the water is slightly acid, influenced by the nutrient-poor substrate and surrounding soils. 'Acid lakes' are rare in lowland Britain, being a more typical feature of parts of Wales, northern England and Scotland. Heath Lake is the only example of an acid lake in Berkshire which still retains its characteristic flora.
The lake is generally less than 1 m deep, which allows for good penetration of light and ample growth of aquatic plants. Submerged species include alternate water-milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum, growing abundantly in dense masses, and the delicate six-stamened waterwort Elatine hexandra. This species, though widely distributed in Britain, occurs only very locally and is known to exist at present at only one other Berkshire site. Other species include floating club-rush Eleogiton fluitans, blunt-leaved and lesser pondweeds Potamogeton obtusifolius and P. pusillus and shoreweed Littorella uniflora which is abundant along the northern edge of the lake. This species is common in upland lakes, but only occurs very locally in lowland England.
The margins of the lake generally consist of low peaty banks with wet marshy areas in places along the water's edge. A diversity of plant species inhabits these areas, ranging from marginal aquatic and marsh species to plants typical of bogs and wet heaths. Marginal/marsh species include lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula, marsh bedstraw Galium palustre, greater bird's-foot trefoil Lotus uliginosus and water mint Mentha aquatica, together with stands of soft rush Juncus effusus and yellow iris Iris pseudacorus. Damp peaty areas support sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus, bulbous rush J. bulbosus, star sedge Carex echinata, marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris and bog pimpernel Anagallis tenella. Purple moor grass Molinia caerulea is locally abundant, forming a wet heath community in association with cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix. The margins of the lake also support populations of pillwort Pilularia globulifera, a type of fern with simple, linear leaves. This species is rare and declining in Britain, and is now mainly found in southern counties. Heath Lake is believed to be the only remaining site for pillwort in Berkshire.
Inflow and outflow streams also support a variety of aquatic and marsh plant species, including water horsetail Equisetum fluviatale and round-leaved water crowfoot Ranunculus omiophyllus.
Woodland surrounding the lake consists of birch and mature Scots pine with oak, rowan and crab apple also present. Guelder-rose and alder buckthorn occur around the lake edge where willows predominate. The uncommon purple willow Salix purpurea grows by the inlet at the eastern end of the lake.
The site also supports some small areas of dry heathland and acid grassland. Patches of heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea occur here, together with species of grasses and rushes. Associated with these areas are plants typical of acid grassland such as lesser skullcap Scutellaria minor and devil's-bit scabious Succisa pratensis. The lake and its associated flora support a variety of aquatic insects and other animals. Dragonflies include Aeshna grandis, Sympetrum striolatum and Orthetrum cancellatum. A small island is used by some of the lake's breeding birds, which include great crested grebe. Berkshire Conservation Target Areas Descriptions
Thames Basin Heaths This area includes the Thames Basin Heaths SAC and the area between Bracknell and Ascot including Swinley Park and Brick Pits SSSI and Englemere Pond SSSI. To the west it includes a band of land south of Crowthorne and Wokingham where there are more heathland and bog sites such as Sandhurst to Owlsmoor Bogs and Heaths and a group of sites with remnants of these habitats. Joint Character Area: Thames Basin Heaths Geology: This area has a complex and varied geology dominated by various types of sand. The central area where the SAC is located has Camberley Sand with large areas of Surrey Hill Gravel. In the east there are the clays, silts and sands of the Windlesham Formation and in the north east Bagshot Formation sand. There are also patches of Swinley Clay, Head and River Terrace Gravel and Sand. The western has Camberley Sand, overlain in places by River Terrace Sand and Gravel, and a band of Windlesham Formation Sand. The north western area is Bagshot Sand with Head and River Terrace Sand and Gravel. Topography: a relatively flat area with slopes running down to the Blackwater Valley in the west. Biodiversity: • Heathland and Bog: There are extensive areas of heathland and bog at Sandhurst to Owlsmoor Bogs and Heaths SSSI, Wellington Bog SSSI and within the largely wooded Broadmoor to Bagshot Heaths and Woods. Remnants are found elsewhere including the golf course at Crowthorne. Bog is also found in association with ponds and small lakes at Englemere Pond and Rapley Lakes. In the west remnants of these habitats are found. The heathland is important for species such as nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler and also reptiles and butterflies such as silver studded blue and grayling. • Woodland: there are extensive areas of largely planted woodland and some semi- natural acidic woodland areas. There are patches of wet woodland in places. • Parkland and Wood pasture. There are numerous veteran trees within planted woodland at Swinley Park. • Ponds: the ponds and small lakes at Swinley Brick Pits, Rapley Lakes and Wellington College support good populations of dragonflies and damselflies, which are also associated with a number of other sites, and there are great crested newts at Swinley. • Other species: there is a water vole population near Sandhurst.
Geodiversity: The area has a number of important features such as the clear changes in underlying geology shown at Finchampstead Ridges. Access: Finchampstead Ridges is owned by the National Trust. Access in the east is extensive but controlled with nature reserves and other open access areas. Targets and Opportunities: Heathland and bog restoration and management. Access control. Significant areas of land are owned by MOD, Crown Estate, national Trust and BBOWT.
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GUIDANCE ON THE VARIOUS STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY WILDLIFE SITE DESIGNATIONS.
SITE DESIGNATIONS THAT PROTECT THE UK'S NATURAL HERITAGE THROUGH STATUTE
LOCAL NATURE RESERVES (LNRS) (IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES)
Under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 LNRs may be declared by local authorities after consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation agency. LNRs are declared and managed for nature conservation, and provide opportunities for research and education, or simply enjoying and having contact with nature.
NATIONAL NATURE RESERVES (NNRS)
NNRs contain examples of some of the most important natural and semi-natural terrestrial and coastal ecosystems in Great Britain. They are managed to conserve their habitats or to provide special opportunities for scientific study of the habitats communities and species represented within them.
NNRs are declared by the statutory country conservation agencies under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. In Northern Ireland, Nature Reserves are designated under the Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965.
RAMSAR SITES
Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, agreed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. Originally intended to protect sites of importance especially as waterfowl habitat, the Convention has broadened its scope over the years to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. The Convention adopts a broad definition of wetland, namely "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres". Wetlands "may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the wetlands".
There is only one Ramsar site in Berkshire or Oxfordshire, South West London Waterbodies.
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SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSI) (ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES)
The SSSI series has developed since 1949 as the national suite of sites providing statutory protection for the best examples of the UK's flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features. These sites are also used to underpin other national and international nature conservation designations. Most SSSIs are privately-owned or managed; others are owned or managed by public bodies or non-government organisations.
Originally notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, SSSIs have been renotified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Improved provisions for the protection and management of SSSIs were introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (in England and Wales) and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC) AND SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCI)
SACs are designated under the EC Habitats Directive. SACs are areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SACs in terrestrial areas and territorial marine waters out to 12 nautical miles are designated under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). New and/or amended Habitats sites which have been submitted to the European Commission by Government, but not yet formally adopted by the Commission, are referred to as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs). Sites which have been adopted by the EC, but not yet formally designated by governments of Member States are known as Sites of Community Importance (SCIs). In the UK, designation of SACs is devolved to the relevant administration within each country.
SACs, together with SPAs, form the Natura 2000 network.
SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA)
SPAs are classified by the UK Government under the EC Birds Directive. SPAs are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and migratory birds within the European Union. SPAs in terrestrial areas and territorial marine waters out to 12 nautical miles are classified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
SPAs, together with SACs, form the Natura 2000 network.
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NON-STATUTORY NATURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS
LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES
Local authorities for any given area may designate certain areas as being of local conservation interest. The criteria for inclusion, and the level of protection provided, if any, may vary between areas. Most individual counties have a similar scheme, although they do vary. Most Local Wildlife Sites systems involve a panel of ecologists and others in the development of local criteria and the selection of the sites. Panels usually include a local government ecologist, an Natural England representative, the Local Wildlife Trust, the Local Environmental Record Centre and sometimes include a representative of local landowners and local naturalists. These sites, which may be given various titles such as ‘County Wildlife Sites’ (CWS), 'Local Wildlife Sites' (LWS), 'Local Nature Conservation Sites' (LNCS), 'Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation' (SINCs), or Sites of Nature Conservation Importance' (SNCIs), together with statutory designations, are defined in local plans under the Town and Country Planning system and the National Planning Policy Framework and are a material consideration when planning applications are being determined. As part of a national standardisation process these sites have recently been renamed as Local Wildlife Sites in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Previously they were known as County Wildlife Sites in Oxfordshire and Wildlife Heritage Sites in Berkshire. Although the use of these names, especially in citations and descriptions, is being edited and replaced with Local Wildlife Sites or LWS it is likely that some references will remain to these former names until this is complete.
PROPOSED LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES AND EXTENSIONS
These are also included on designated sites maps. They are areas thought to include important areas of UKBAP habitat or priority or protected species populations. Extensions are likely to have similar habitats to the adjacent Local Wildlife Sites. Local Authorities are made aware of these sites. They will not have been fully surveyed and taken to the selection panel as yet.
NGO PROPERTIES / NATURE RESERVES
A variety of non-governmental organisations such as the John Muir Trust, Plantlife, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Wildlife Trusts and Woodland Trust own or manage nature reserves or other areas of land that are important for biodiversity. These sites may be intended primarily for nature conservation, or for other purposes such as protection of landscape features or the provision public access to the countryside. These areas of themselves have no statutory basis, but a large number are also designated SSSIs / NNRs / SPAs / SACs / Ramsar sites, etc. In Berkshire and Oxfordshire, BBOWT (Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust), Woodland Trust and RSPB sites fall into this category.
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LOCAL GEOLOGICAL SITES (LGS)
Local Geological Sites formerly known as Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected land such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As part of a national standardisation process these sites have recently been renamed as Local Geological Sites in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Sites are selected under locally-developed criteria, according to their value for education, scientific study, historical significance or aesthetic qualities. Whilst not benefiting from statutory protection, LGS are equivalent to Local Wildlife Sites, and ''...consideration of their importance becomes integral to the planning process”.
OTHER SITES
Occasionally other sites might be shown on maps. These are likely to be sites with some wildlife interest, usually managed by local groups, local authorities or town councils but which do not have a specific statutory or non-statutory designation.
Some local authorities within Oxfordshire and Berkshire have identified other sites which are protected through policies in their local plans, including sites of local importance to nature conservation (SLINCs) in oxford city and district wildlife sites in Cherwell. For SLINCs we only show sites on maps that are not local wildlife sites or proposed local wildlife sites.
CONSERVATION TARGET AREAS/ BIODIVERSITY OPPORTUNITY AREAS
These landscape scale areas have been identified as supporting high concentrations of UKBAP habitats and species populations and the potential to restore habitats at a landscape scale. These areas act as a focus for targeting resources into habitat management and restoration.
Produced by TVERC September 2012 11 Appendix 4 - Bats
11.1 Biology
11.1.1 Bats make up 20% of all mammal species in the world, the order Chiroptera has over 1100 species with 17 species of those being native to the UK.
11.1.2 All British bats are insectivores and eat a range of prey from midges and mosquitoes to beetles and spiders. Their nocturnal feeding habits mean they are secretive and often utilise less developed areas such as woodlands, grasslands, watercourses and hedgerows. Bats can however be seen in more urban areas with the most common bats species, common pipistrelle, preferring to roost in buildings throughout the summer.
11.1.3 Bats have varying requirements for roosting throughout the year and this also varies vastly between species. Certain species are fairly restricted to trees throughout the year such as the barbastelle and noctules. General bat roosting habitats can include caves, mines, trees, buildings and churches.
11.1.4 Female bats require warmer temperatures in the summer where they can raise their young, these summer breeding sites are often used year after year and depending on species can range between 20 individuals to several hundred. Some roosts have been recorded at over 1000 individuals. Females begin to find breeding roosts in May and are normally present all summer.
11.1.5 Male bats spend most of the year segregated away from females in solitary roosts or in small numbers. In autumn after the females have had their pups in summer, male bats begin to either seek out breeding females to mate with or create mating roosts or harems. After mating bats disperse to their hibernation sites and fertilisation is delayed until the following spring.
11.1.6 In winter when insect prey is at a minimum, bats begin to seek hibernation sites where they can slow their bodies into torpor and save energy. Hibernation sites tend to support stable temperatures with high humidity, these sites are often in caves, tree hollows or deep in stone walls. Upon warming in spring bats begin their yearly cycle once again and pregnant females begin to form their maternity colonies once more.
11.2 Protection
11.2.1 Because of the fragility of bats roosting habitats and their massive decline over the last century, bats are now a fully European protected species. The legislation makes it an offence to: • Deliberately or intentionally capture, injure or kill a bat; • Deliberately disturb bats in such a way as to be likely significantly to:- o Impair their ability to survive, breed or rear or nurture their young, or to impair their ability to hibernate or migrate; or o Affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of that species; • Damage, destroy or obstruct a breeding site or resting place of bats.
11.2.2 Actions which are likely to cause one or more of the offences listed above can be licensed by Natural England.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 22/23 11.2.3 In addition to this greater and lesser horseshoe, barbastelle and Bechstein’s bats are included on Annex II of the Habitats Directive (Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994 (as amended 2007). This legislation requires that areas Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated in suitable areas to protect the habitat of these species.
11.3 Planning Policy
11.3.1 The NPPF states that impacts to biodiversity should be minimised and also biodiversity should be enhanced where possible. Bats are therefore considered under the NPPF; this document is therefore a material consideration when assessing planning applications.
11.4 UK BAP and Species of Principal Importance
11.4.1 Barbastelle, Bechstein’s, greater and lesser horseshoe, brown long-eared, noctule and soprano pipistrelle are Priority Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species. These Priority species are transposed into the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. The act means all government departments must conserve these species and promote others to conserve them and their habitats.
11.5 References
11.5.1 Bat Conservation Trust (2012). Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines. BCT, London.
11.5.2 Entwistle, A.C., Harris, S., Hutson, A.M., Racey, P.A., Walsh, A., Gibson, S.D., Hepburn, I., and Johnston, J. (2001) Habitat Management for Bats: A Guide for Land Managers, Land Owners and their Advisors . JNCC, Peterborough.
11.5.3 Highways Agency (1996). Design Manual for Roads and Bridges , Volume 10 Environmental Design and Management: Section 4 The Good Roads Guide- Nature Conservation, Part 6 Nature Conservation Management Advice in Relation to Bats.
11.5.4 HM Government (1995). Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Volume 2: Action Plans. JNCC, Peterborough.
11.5.5 Mitchell-Jones, A.J. & McLeish, A.P. (1999). Bat Workers' Manual (2nd Edition). Joint Nature Conservancy Committee, Peterborough
11.5.6 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2005). Planning Policy Statement 9; Biodiversity and Geological Conservation .
11.5.7 Russ, J. (1999). The Bats of Britain and Ireland . Alana Ecology, Shropshire.
0176_14 (No. 59 Ellis Road, Crowthorne) Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Bat Survey 23/23