Invertebrate Survey

Barnsclose Quarry

Leigh-upon-Mendip Somerset

Barnsclose Quarry - Invertebrate Survey 2017

Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 3

BACKGROUND ...... 3 2.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 3 3.0 RESULTS ...... 5

RARE AND NOTABLE SPECIES ...... 5 HABITAT QUALITY – ISIS ...... 7 4.0 DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS ...... 9 5.0 REFERENCES ...... 10 APPENDIX 1: FULL SPECIES LIST ...... 11

LIABILITIES:

Whilst every effort has been made to guarantee the accuracy of this report, it should be noted that living and

plants are capable of migration/establishing and whilst such species may not have been located during the survey

duration, their presence may be found on a site at a later date.

This report provides a snap shot of the species that were present at the time of the survey only and does not consider

seasonal variation. Furthermore, where access is limited or the site supports habitats which are densely vegetated only

dominant species maybe recorded.

The recommendations contained within this document are based on a reasonable timeframe between the completion of

the survey and the commencement of any works. If there is any delay between the commencement of works that may

conflict with timeframes laid out within this document, or have the potential to allow the ingress of protected species,

a suitably qualified ecologist should be consulted.

It is the duty of care of the landowner/developer to act responsibly and comply with current environmental legislation

if protected species are suspected or found prior to or during works.

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1.0 Introduction

Background

1.1 The Ecology Partnership Ltd were commissioned to undertake an invertebrate survey on

land at Barnsclose Quarry, Leigh-upon-Mendip, Somerset to ascertain the baseline assemblage of invertebrate species within the site boundary.

1.2 The Ecology Partnership had undertaken previous ecological surveys in April 2017, which highlighted the potential for the site to support a rich assemblage of invertebrate species. The extent of the site and survey area is shown in appendix 1.

1.3 This report presents the results of the surveys in and around the site, which aims

specifically to determine the baseline levels of invertebrate activity within the site.

1.4 Section 2 of this report sets out the methodologies of the surveys. In section 3 the results of

the surveys are presented. Discussions and implications for development are found in

section 4. Section 5 presents the conclusions drawn from the report.

2.0 Methodology

2.1 Terrestrial surveys of the site for invertebrates were carried out at the site with 4 survey

visits being carried out on 8h, 15th, 19th June and 15th August 2017. All surveys were conducted by Dr Jonty Denton FRES FLS CEcol MCIEEM. Standard field techniques were employed to sample the invertebrate fauna across the site.

2.2 Because it is impracticable to survey all the potential invertebrates within any given site, only specific groups of species were examined during fieldwork. These groups are

sufficiently well known as to allow meaningful comparisons to be made with other sites, both locally and nationally. They are also important as indicators of the quality of a site and the habitats present (Brooks, 1993).

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2.3 This survey focused on the Nationally reviewed invertebrate groups, which have had status classifications assigned to each species based on the current and historic

distributions (Ball, 1994). Groups covered during the survey were; • Mollusca (slugs and snails) • Arachnida (spiders, harvestmen and pseudoscorpions)

• Isopoda (woodlice) • Thysanura (bristletails) • Ephemeroptera (mayflies)

• Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) • Plecoptera (stoneflies) • Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets

• Dictyoptera (cockroaches)

• Dermaptera (earwigs)

• - (true-bugs)

• Hemiptera-Homoptera (hoppers)

• Neuroptera (lace-wings)

• Mecoptera (scorpion-flies)

• Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)

• Trichoptera (caddis flies)

• Diptera (true flies)

• Aculeate Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps)

• Coleoptera (beetles)

2.4 In addition some species from other less well known groups which have yet to have official

statuses assigned to them were identified. These included, Parasitic Hymenoptera. The main emphasis of the survey was to find as many rare and notable species as possible within the reviewed groups. The survey area is shown below in figure 1.

2.5 All the terrestrial and arboreal habitat types present across the survey areas were sampled, using a variety of sampling methods. This covered the main activity period for all the invertebrate groups studied. The methods employed included standard techniques of

sweeping grasses, rushes, sedges, herbs and foliage, beating the foliage, and branches of

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trees and bushes, especially blossom bearing plants such as Hawthorn, Rowan, Sloe over a beating tray (Kirby, 1992).

Figure 1. Survey Boundary

3.0 Results

3.1 In total 160 taxa were recorded; the full species list is shown in appendix 1.

Rare and Notable Species

Arachnida (Spiders)

3.2 Liocranidae (Liocranum rubicola) – Nationally Scarce B – A large terrestrial spider, found

under stone in old quarries, cracks in cliffs and dry stone walls. There are county records of this species for Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Cheshire. There are only four records of this species in Somerset in the Spider Recording

Scheme database. This is only the second record for the species in Somerset since 1992. This

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species was found to be present within an old Thrush nest situated on an abandoned cement lorry adjacent to the works compound at the centre of the site.

Dermaptera (Earwigs)

3.3 Lesne’s Earwig (Forficula lesnei) - Nationally Scarce B - A very local species restricted to southern England and Wales. It occurs on open warm sunny hedgerows and woodland edges.

Coleoptera (Beetles)

3.4 Chrysomelidae – Longitarsus fowleri – Nationally Scarce A. A brown leaf beetle associated

with teasel in open disturbed grasslands, quarries etc. The presence of this beetle is given

away by the shot holes it leaves after eating the host plant. Local but increasing.

Figure 2. Species Locations

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Habitat Quality – ISIS

3.5 ISIS is a computer spreadsheet application for recognising invertebrate assemblage types

in species lists collected at scales ranging from management compartments to landscape character area.

3.6 The assemblage types are labelled in terms that relate to their favoured habitats in order

to make them accessible to non-specialists. However, they are actually defined by lists of characteristic species that are generally found together in nature. Two levels are recognised in the classification. Broad assemblage types (BATs) are a comprehensive series of

assemblage types that are characterised by more widespread species. They can be

expressed in lists from a wide range of sites.

3.7 Specific assemblage types (SATs) are characterised by ecologically restricted species and

are generally only expressed in lists from sites with conservation value. Since 2008 there

has also been a third category of assemblage types that cut across this classification. They

are mainly defined by lists of species dependent on a particular environmental resource,

such as flowers as a source of pollen and nectar. The assemblage type classification is given

below. Textual descriptions of each assemblage type and its habitats have been prepared

for incorporation into a web-based database.

3.8 For any set of samples, ISIS scores each recognised assemblage type for representation and

conservation value. Target group, sampling effort or seasonal factors can influence some

of the scoring systems used in ISIS. If the results are to be used in Common Standards Monitoring (CSM), it is therefore necessary to follow standard sampling protocols, in order

to compare assemblages.

Table 1. Arboreal Assemblage Types

Arboreal assemblage types A1 arboreal canopy (846) A211 heartwood decay (175) A212 bark & sapwood decay (503) A2 wood decay (1118) A213 fungal fruiting bodies (89) A215 epiphyte fauna (20)

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Table 2. Field Layer Assemblage Types

Field layer assemblage types F001 scrub edge (179) F002 rich flower resource (241)

F003 scrub-heath and moorland (344) F006 dung (99) F1 unshaded early successional mosaic F111 bare sand & chalk (440) (1188) F112 open short sward (200) F2 grassland & scrub matrix (1910) F221 montane & upland (101) F3 shaded field & ground layer (480)

Table 3. Specific Assemblage Types (SAT)

SAT Code SAT Name No Condition % National BAT Rarity spp. Pool of Species Score Open Short F112 Sward 7 4 163 Rich Flower F002 Resource 5 1

F001 Scrub Edge 2 1

Table 4. Broad Assemblage Types (BAT)

BAT BAT Name Representation Rarity Condition BAT Species Code (1-100) Score Richness Grassland & scrub F2 matrix 3 107 43 Unshaded Early F1 Successional Mosaic 1 107 Favourable 16

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4.0 Discussion & Conclusions

4.1 The invertebrate fauna on site was largely considered to be diverse. The species lists and diversity were considered to be classified as in ‘favourable condition’ for the open early

successional mosaic habitats (the classic brown field community type) using the ISIS programme for SSSI assessment.

4.2 The areas of the site with the most diverse faunal areas were the grassland above the quarry rims and sparsely vegetated open area above the main quarry pits. These areas

should be retained where possible and enhanced. Enhancements are described further below. The quarry floors themselves were found to be species poor and not of importance.

4.3 The sparsely vegetated open areas above the quarried area were herb rich and supported

numerous local species such as Hoplomachus thunbergi on the mouse-ear hawkweed

(Hieracium pilosella) present.

4.4 Clearly the assemblage of invertebrate fauna in the areas described on site is of local

importance, and provided scrub encroachment is kept at bay, these areas will gradually

gain more species over time.

4.5 Thorn scrub is rapidly encroaching on the species rich rabbit grazed grassland above the

east face of the main quarry. This area was also found to support willow warbler and other

bird species of interest during the bird surveys on site, but at least half of the scrub should

be removed.

4.6 The area to the west of the main quarry is currently in excellent condition with a scattering

of rose and small scrub areas, and both coarse and closely cropped grassy areas, providing an ideal structure for invertebrates.

4.7 The south-west of the site has former quarried ground with a variety of topography, with sheltered grassy areas amongst peripheral scrub. Here buddleja (Buddleja davidii) and other

scrub is encroaching and a general clearance of ash (Fraxinus excelsior), sycamore (Acer

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pseudoplatanus) and buddleja and thorn scrub stands would be sensible in the short – medium term to maintain/increase the herb rich calcareous grassland.

4.8 It is considered that any ecological enhancements can be incorporated into a long term

management plan for the site.

5.0 References

Ball, S.G. (1994) RECORDER 3.2. Peterborough. JNCC.

Brooks, S.J. 1993. Joint Committee for the Conservation of British Invertebrates: Guidelines for

Invertebrate Surveys. British Wildlife, 4(5) 283-287

Harvey, P.R., Nellist, D.R. & Telfer, M.G. (eds) 2002. Provisional Atlas of British Spiders (Arachnida,

Araneae) Volumes 1 & 2. Huntingdon: BRC.

Hyman, P.S & Parsons, M.S. 1992. A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain. Part

1. JNCC, Peterborough.

Kirby, P. 1992a. A review of the scarce and threatened Hemiptera of Great Britain. Peterborough, JNCC.

Kirby, P. 1992b. Habitat Management for invertebrates. RSPB

Merrit, P. 1990. A review of the Nationally Notable Spiders of Great Britain. Peterborough, NCC.

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Appendix 1: Full Species List

The Ecology Partnership Ltd 11 Appendix 1 – Species List

Order Family Species English name Status Mollusca Discidae Discus rotundatus Rounded snail common Mollusca Arionidae Arion ater large black slug common Isopoda Oniscidae Oniscus asellus a woodlouse common Isopoda Philosciidae Philoscia muscorum a woodlouse common Isopoda Armadilliidae Armadillidium depressum a pill woodlouse local Isopoda Armadilliidae Armadillidium vulgare a pill woodlouse common Isopoda Porcellionidae Porcellio scaber a woodlouse common Araneae Linyphyiidae Erigone atra a money spider common Araneae Clubionidae Clubiona reclusa a foliage spider common Araneae Clubionidae Cheiracanthium erratcum a foliage spider common Araneae Tetragnathidae Metellina mengei a spider common Araneae Araneidae Araneus diadematus garden spider common Araneae Tetragnathidae Araneus quadratus a spider common Araneae Araneidae Nuctenea umbratica an orb weaver common Araneae Lycosidae Pardosa prativaga a wolf spider common Araneae Pisauridae Pisaura mirabilis Nursery tent spider common Araneae Liocranidae Liocranum rupicola a liocranid spider Notable B Araneae Thomisidae Xysticus cristatus a crab spider common Opiliones Phalangiidae Leiobunum rotundum a harvestman common Common Orthoptera Tetrigidae Tetrix undulata groundhopper common Orthoptera Acridiidae Chorthippus brunneus Field Grasshopper common Meadow Orthoptera Acridiidae Chorthippus parallelus Grasshopper common Dermaptera Forficulidae Forficula auricularia common earwig common Dermaptera Forficulidae Forficula lesnei Lesne's earwig Notable B Heteroptera Atractotomus mali a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Capsus ater a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Dicyphus globulifer a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Dicyphus epilobi a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Campyloneura virgula a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Charagochilus gyllenhalii a plantbug local Heteroptera Miridae Hoplomachus thunbergi a plantbug local Heteroptera Miridae Neolygus viridis a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae stysi a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Orthocephalus saltator a plantbug local Heteroptera Miridae Phytocoris varipes a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Plagiognathus chrysanthemi a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Stenodema laevigata a plantbug common Heteroptera Miridae Stenotus binotatus a plantbug common Heteroptera Anthocoridae Anthocoris nemorum an anthocorid bug common Heteroptera Lygaeidae Scolopostethus thomsoni a ground bug common Heteroptera Rhopalidae Myrmus miriformis a squash bug common Heteroptera Pentatomidae Palomena prasina Green shield bug common Heteroptera Pentatomidae Dolycoris baccarum sloe bug common Heteroptera Scutellaridae Eurygaster testudinaria tortoise bug common Homoptera Cercopidae Philaenus spumarius Common Froghopper common Homoptera Membracidae Centrotus cornutus Thorn hopper local Homoptera Cicadellidae Evacanthus interruptus a leafhopper common Homoptera Cicadellidae Psammotettix confinis a leafhopper common Homoptera Cicadellidae Aphrodes makarovi a leafhopper common Homoptera Cicadellidae Ribautiana ulmi a leafhopper common Homoptera Delphacidae Javesella pellucida a leafhopper common Neuroptera Hemerobiidae Micromus variegatus a lacewing common Lepidoptera Tortricidae Agapeta hamana a torticoid moth common Lepidoptera Tortricidae Dichrorhampha alipinana a torticoid moth common Lepidoptera Gelechidae Syncopacna taeniolella a micro-moth local Lepidoptera Artciidae Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar common Lepidoptera Nepticulidae Stigmella aurella a micro-moth common Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell common Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Painted Lady common Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Inachis io Peacock common Lepidoptera Pieridae Pieris brassiccae Large White common Lepidoptera Satyridae Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood common Lepidoptera Satyridae Aphantopus hyperantus Ringlet common Lepidoptera Satyridae Gatekeeper common Lepidoptera Satyridae maniola jurtina Meadow Brown common Lepidoptera Noctuidae Autographa gamma Silver Y Migrant Large yellow Lepidoptera Noctuidae Noctua pronuba Underwing common Diptera Tipulidae Nephrotoma flavescens a tiger cranefly common Diptera Tabanidae Haematopota pluvialis cleg common Diptera Syrphidae Cheilosia illustrata a hoverfly common Diptera Syrphidae Episyrphus balteatus marmalade hoverfly common Diptera Syrphidae Eupeodes corollae a hoverfly common Diptera Syrphidae Myathropa florea a hoverfly common Diptera Syrphidae Sphaerophoria scripta a hoverfly common Diptera Syrphidae Syrphus ribesii a hoverfly common Diptera Syrphidae Scaeva pyrastri a hoverfly common Diptera Syrphidae Volucella pellucens a hoverfly common Diptera Sarcophagidae Sarcophaga carnaria flesh fly common Hymenoptera Formicidae Formica fusca an ant common Hymenoptera Formicidae Lasius flavus an ant common Hymenoptera Formicidae Lasius niger an ant common Hymenoptera Formicidae Myrmica ruginodis an ant common Hymenoptera Apidae Lasioglossum morio an ant common Hymenoptera Apidae Bombus pascuorum a bumblebee common Hymenoptera Apidae Bombus pratorum sens. Lato a bumblebee common Hymenoptera Apidae Bombus terrestris a bumblebee common Hymenoptera Apidae Apis mellifera hive bee common Hymenoptera Tenthridinidae Tenthredo notha a sawfly common Coleoptera Carabidae Paradromius linearis a ground beetle common Coleoptera Hydrophilidae Megasternum concinnum a beetle common Coleoptera Helophoridae Helophorus brevipalpis a helophorid beetle common Coleoptera Silphidae Silpha atrata a silphid beetle common Coleoptera Cantharidae Rhagonycha fulva a soldier beetle common Coleoptera Cantharidae Malthinus flaveolus a soldier beetle common Coleoptera Nitidulidae Meligethes aeneus a pollen beetle common Coleoptera Nitidulidae Meligethes carinulatus a pollen beetle common Coleoptera Nitidulidae Epuraea melanocephala a pollen beetle common Psyllobora Coleoptera Coccinellidae vigintiduopunctata 22 spot ladybird common Coleoptera Coccinellidae Coccinella 7-punctata 7 spot ladybird common Coleoptera Coccinellidae Harmonia axydris Harlequin Ladybird naturalized a tumbling flower Coleoptera Scraptidae Anaspis maculata beetle common a tumbling flower Coleoptera Scraptidae Anaspis garneysi beetle common Coleoptera Oedemeridae Oedemera lurida an Oedemerid beetle common Coleoptera Oedemeridae Oedemera nobilis Thick kneed beetle common Coleoptera Cerambycidae Stenurella melanura a longhorn beetle common Coleoptera Cerambycidae Grammoptera ruficornis a longhorn beetle common Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Cryptocephalus fulvus a leaf beetle local Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Cryptocephalus moraei a leaf beetle local Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Altica lythri a flea beetle common Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Longitarsus fowleri Teasel flea beetle Notable A Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Neocrepidodera transversa a flea beetle common Coleoptera Apionidae Protapion fulvipes a weevil common Coleoptera Apionidae Ischnopterapion loti a weevil common Coleoptera Curculionidae Hypera plantaginis a weevil common Coleoptera Curculionidae Cionus scrophulariae a weevil common Coleoptera Curculionidae Phyllobius roboretanus a weevil common Coleoptera Curculionidae Trichosirocalus troglodytes a weevil common Coleoptera Curculionidae Sitona lineatus a weevil common

Barnsclose Quarry - Invertebrate Survey 2017

The Ecology Partnership Ltd

Thorncroft Manor Thorncroft Drive Leatherhead

Surrey KT22 8JB

Tel: 01372 364 133

www.ecologypartnership.com

Written by: Dr. Jonty Denton FRES FLS CEcol MCIEEM

Checked by: Tom Rothero BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM Approved: Alexia Tamblyn MA (Oxon) MSc CEnv MCIEEM FRGS Date: 14/05/2018

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