Otter and Water Vole Report

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Crewe Green Link Road (South)

September 2012

B1772401/OD/036

Originated by Checked by Reviewed by Approved by

ORIGINAL NAME NAME NAME NAME Rhonda Ridley Simon Holden Simon Holden Rosie Simon DATE INITIALS RR INITIALS SDJH INITIALS SDJH INITIALS RS September Draft Document Status 2012

REVISION NAME NAME NAME NAME

DATE INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS Document Status

REVISION NAME NAME NAME NAME

DATE INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS Document Status

REVISION NAME NAME NAME NAME

DATE INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS INITIALS Document Status

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Contents

Executive Summary 1

1 Introduction 3 1.1 Background 3 1.2 Limitations 3

2 Methodology 5 2.1 Desk Study 5 2.2 Field Survey 5 2.2.1 Otter 5 2.2.2 Water vole 5

3 Results 7 3.1 Site Description 7 3.2 Otter 8 3.2.1 Desk Study 8 3.2.2 Field Survey 8 3.3 Water vole 8 3.3.1 Desk Study 8 3.3.2 Field Survey 9

4 Conclusion 11 4.1 Otter 11 4.2 Water vole 11

5 References 13

Appendix A Otter and Water Vole Information 15 Summary of Biology and Habitat Requirements for Otter 15 Otter Nature Conservation Status 15 Legislation and Policy Framework for Otter 16 Summary of Biology and Habitat Requirements for Water Vole 16 Water Vole Nature Conservation Status 17 Legislation and Policy Framework for Water Vole 17

Appendix B Photographs 19

Figure 25

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Executive Summary

This report presents the findings of an otter (Lutra lutra) and water vole (Arvicola terrestris) survey undertaken by Jacobs UK Ltd. (Jacobs) on behalf of Cheshire East Council (CEC) as part of the Crewe Green Link Road (South) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which will be reported in the Environmental Statement for the scheme.

Gresty Brook and Basford Brook were subject to a presence/absence survey for otter and water vole which comprised four separate site visits between April and July 2012.

Evidence of otter comprising feeding remains and spraint (droppings) was recorded during the survey.

Multiple recent water vole records exist for the survey area. However, these records were not confirmed by the present field survey. Possible water vole feeding stations were recorded on Gresty Brook, no further evidence confirming the presence of water vole was recorded. It is concluded from the absence of water vole latrines, foot prints, runs, burrows and sightings that water vole have either suffered a decline and are no longer present on the site or they are present at a very low population density which was not detected during the survey.

Otter and water vole have been assessed as being of local nature conservation value.

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1 Introduction

1.1 Background

Jacobs UK Ltd. (Jacobs) has been appointed to undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA) on behalf of Cheshire East Council (CEC) for the development of a new link road between the A5020 Western Gate roundabout (Grid Reference SJ72295369) and the A500 (Grid Reference SJ72645279), located to the south east of Crewe. This link road is known as ‘Crewe Green Link Road South’, which will be referred to as ‘the Scheme’ throughout the report. The EIA is reported in the Environmental Statement for the scheme.

CEC previously undertook an environmental assessment of this link road, which was reported in the Planning and Environmental Statement that supported the planning application submitted in June 2011. Planning permission was granted in October 2011. This planning application did not include the areas required for the borrow pit, flood compensation area, soil storage area and temporary site compounds. CEC is now undertaking an environmental assessment of the whole road scheme including these additional areas, which will support a new planning application.

This report has been prepared to present the results of an otter (Lutra lutra) and water vole (Arvicola terrestris) survey conducted by Jacobs’ ecologists to inform the EIA for the planning application of the Scheme.

The objectives of this survey were to assess the presence/absence of otter and water vole in the survey area, establish breeding status and to evaluate the importance of the area for these species. The survey area is defined as Gresty Brook and Basford Brook. The location of the survey area is shown on Figure 1.

Water vole is fully protected under Section 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) through its inclusion in Schedule 5.

Otter is afforded strict protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) on Schedule 5 (sections 9(5)(a) (b) and 9 (4)(b)(c) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 implements the European Union’s ‘Habitats Directive’ (Council Directive 92/43/EEC (a) on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora) in Great Britain. Further details regarding the biology and habitat requirements, nature conservation status, legislation and policy framework for otter and water vole is summarised in Appendix A.

1.2 Limitations

The water level in Basford Brook and Gresty Brook was too deep to survey from in- channel for approximately two-thirds of the survey area. The water vole survey results are limited by this factor and it is possible that field signs were not visible, particularly in areas with dense, overhanging vegetation and undercut banks. Heavy rain fall preceded survey visits 1 and 3 this may have washed away otter and water vole field signs.

The findings of this report represent the professional opinion of qualified ecologists and do not constitute professional legal advice. The client may wish to seek 3 OD/036 Water vole and Otter Survey Report

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professional legal interpretation of the relevant wildlife legislation cited in this document.

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2 Methodology

2.1 Desk Study

A review of the otter and water vole data in the Crewe Green Link South Planning and Environmental Statement (TEP, June 2011) was undertaken.

A search of National Biodiversity Network website (www.data.nbn.org.uk) was undertaken during the scoping stage of the project to gather information on the protected species that may be present in the survey area.

Information was also sought from the following organisations:

• The local biological recording centre for Cheshire (rECOrd). The centre was contacted and asked to provide records of species within 2km of the survey area. • Environment Agency provided details of survey work completed in the survey area. • Aone+ was also contacted and asked to provide records of road traffic accidents involving otter within a 5km radius of the Scheme.

2.2 Field Survey

2.2.1 Otter

A field survey was undertaken by Jacobs’ ecologists comprising: four survey visits on 11th April, 18th May, 15th June and 25th July 2012. Standard otter survey methods (National Rivers Authority, 1993) were adopted which consisted of systematic searching of riparian habitat and man made structures (bridges and culverts) for sightings and evidence of otter. Evidence of otter may include: spraint, footprints, holts and lying up sites.

2.2.2 Water vole

A field survey was undertaken by Jacobs’ ecologists comprising: four survey visits on 11th April, 18th May, 15th June and 25th July 2012. The survey sought to confirm the presence or likely absence of water vole and establish a population size estimate. The survey followed standard water vole survey methodology (Strachan and Moorhouse, 2006) which consisted of searching for signs such as burrows, lawns, latrines, feeding stations and footprints. Results were recorded on standard survey forms. Where safe to do so, an in-channel survey of the banks was undertaken.

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3 Results

3.1 Site Description

There is one watercourse in the survey area. The section of the watercourse that flows in a south to north direction is known as Basford Brook, its course turns to flow in an east to west direction to the south of the Crewe – Derby railway line. This east to west section is known as Gresty Brook. The Basford Brook floodplain is flat and wide in the survey area. The Gresty Brook floodplain is interrupted to the north by the railway embankment to the south the top of the embankment grades into the surrounding arable land. The water depth varied from April – July, it generally ranged from 0.75m to 1.1m. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is the main emergent plant and is occasional in small stands. Submerged plants include pedunculate water-starwort (Callitriche brutia), curled pondweed (Potomogeton crispus) and fool’s watercress (Apium nodiflorum).

The survey area has been divided into four reaches starting at the north of the site on Gresty Brook and continuing upstream to Basford Brook. The four reaches are described below and their location is shown on Figure 1. Photographs showing the general character and bank profile of each reach are shown in Appendix B.

Reach 1

The watercourse retains natural meanders in this reach. The adjacent habitat is open sedge swamp in the west grading into wet woodland in the east, the bankside vegetation is limited in the wooded area. In the west at the end of the reach the watercourse is culverted under the main railway line. The earth banks are steep (>45°) or undercut. The banks vary in height from approximately 0.5m to 2m above the height of the water. The current is slow-moderate and the channel width is approximately 1.25m.

Reach 2

The watercourse channel has been straightened in this reach. The adjacent habitat is agricultural land and the banks are open and not shaded. The left bank profile ranges from shallow (<45°) to vertical and the height ranges from approximately 0.5m to 1.25m. The right bank is vertical, low (approximately 0.1 - 0.5m) and cattle poached. The current is slow and the channel width is approximately 1.5m - 2m.

Reach 3

The watercourse in this reach has not been straightened to the same degree as reach 2 and it is more similar in character to reach 1, a small length of bank has been reinforced at the toe by wooden boards, this is located towards the middle of the reach. The adjacent habitat is agricultural land, mature trees are frequent on the west bank but the tree density is not such that it limits ground layer vegetation. The banks are mainly steep and are variable in height but the average bank height is approximately 1m above the water level. The right bank is partially fenced in this reach, some cattle poaching of banks evident where sections were not fenced and the where banks were not steep. The current is slow and the channel width is approximately 1.5m.

Reach 4

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The water course passes through steep sided high embankments to approximately 1.5m. The adjacent habitat is tall grassland and tall ruderal vegetation. The current is slow and the channel width is approximately 1.5m.

3.2 Otter

3.2.1 Desk Study

According to the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for otters in the Cheshire region, otters are present within the county although the population is still lower than would be expected (Cheshire Region Biodiversity Partnership 2008a).

The biological records search yielded one record from rECOrd within 4km of the proposed route on 3rd February 2011. This was at Crewe College 1.3km to the north on Valley Brook.

No evidence of otter was recorded in the survey area in the Crewe Green Link South Planning and Environmental Statement (TEP, June 2011). The potential for otter to expand their range into the survey area was noted.

3.2.2 Field Survey

Otter spraint was recorded in Reach 1 on the trunk of a fallen tree that was lying across Gresty Brook on 25th July 2012 see Appendix B Photo 9.

Evidence of fresh otter spraint (droppings) was recorded in both culverts under the A500. Fresh otter spraint was recorded in the east culvert at the culvert entrance to the north of the A500 (Reach 3) on 11th April 2012, 18th May 2012 and 25th July 2012. Fresh spraint was recorded in the west culvert at the culvert entrance to the south of the A500 (Reach 4) on 18th May 2012. No other otter field signs or sightings were recorded.

No lying up sites or holts were recorded. The swamp and woodland habitat in reach 1 provide potential lying up sites for otter as it is relatively secluded and it has dense vegetation cover. The bankside vegetation on reach 2, 3, and 4 is less extensive and provides fewer lying up opportunities. No holes in the bank or tree root systems which could potentially be used as holts were recorded.

The Water Framework Directive states that the Basford Brook is of moderate ecological status, it also supports salmon, trout and white-clawed crayfish and offers good foraging habitat for otter.

3.3 Water vole

3.3.1 Desk Study

According to the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for water voles in the Cheshire region, the species can be described as widespread and locally common in the county (Cheshire Region Biodiversity Partnership 2008b).

The biological records provided by rECOrd show five records of water vole within 2km of the proposed scheme between 2001 and 2003. These were recorded on Englesea Brook and Valley Brook, 1 to 1.5km north / north east.

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The Crewe Green Link South Planning and Environmental Statement (TEP, June 2011) provided records of water vole within the survey area. Basford Brook and Gresty Brook were surveyed in August 2008 with update surveys undertaken in 2010 of areas of the brook in the development footprint. Evidence of water vole was found on Basford Brook and Gresty Brook. Field signs on Basford Brook included 17 small mammal burrows, 2 feeding remains, 2 sightings and several runs. Field signs on Gresty Brook: one small mammal burrow and one run. The report stated that water vole activity was spread along the majority of the water course and while some areas offer little in the way of foraging or sheltering habitat the whole watercourse is likely to be used by ranging water vole. Generally the west bank offers better habitat for water vole as it is not subject to cattle poaching. Heavy rain had occurred prior to the survey, this may have washed away latrines and feeding remains. Water vole numbers did not appear to be particularly high or dense.

This report also refers to the following previous water vole records:

• Basford Brook 2001 water vole burrows, latrines and feeding station 200- 300m stretch north of A500. • Basford Brook 2003 Water vole holes, latrines, feeding stations and runs along Basford Brook to south of the Railway line. • Gresty Brook and ponds in arable field to west 2003. Droppings, holes, runs and found on the brook only, nothing recorded in the ponds.

3.3.2 Field Survey

No water vole sightings or field signs were recorded. Two burrows approximately 7cm in diameter were located on the left (west) bank in Reach 1. They are of suitable size for water vole, however no water vole field signs or evidence of recent use were recorded. Two burrows approximately 6cm in diameter were located on the left (west) bank in Reach 2. They are of suitable size for water vole, however no water vole field signs were recorded and one of the burrows looked recently flooded. Several feeding stations consisting of grass and rush feeding remains 5-10cm in length were located along both banks of Reach 1 and 2, however it is not possible to determine presence from feeding remains alone as other mammals such as field vole (Microtus agrestis) leave feeding remains which are similar to water vole. Additionally water vole feeding stations are usually associated with runs leading to or from burrows and are typically located at the waters edge; this was not consistent with the results from this survey.

Overall the watercourse provides suitable habitat breeding and foraging habitat for water vole with the following exceptions: the eastern half of reach 1 is wooded and has sparse bankside vegetation and the east bank of reach 2 is cattle poached and it is unsuitable for burrowing.

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4 Conclusion

4.1 Otter

The presence of otter was confirmed by field survey. Otter is assessed as being of local nature conservation value this reflects that it is a UK and European protected species which is currently increasing in number in Cheshire and the survey area is not a confirmed breeding site for the species. This report has been used to inform the EIA and develop an appropriate mitigation strategy, which is presented in the Environmental Statement for the scheme.

4.2 Water vole

The presence of water vole on Gresty Brook and Basford Brook was not confirmed by field survey. Former records of water vole on Gresty Brook and Basford Brook exist from 2001 until 2010. The population of water vole previously recorded may have gone locally extinct or it may still exist at a low population density that was not detected by the field survey despite the high level of survey effort applied. It is concluded that suitable habitat for water vole is present and there is the potential for water vole to either re-colonise the site or for an existing low population to remain present on the site. On this basis the site is assessed as being of local importance for water vole, this reflects its status as a nationally protected species which is widespread and locally common in the Cheshire region (Cheshire Biodiversity Action Plan website, undated). This report has been used to inform the EIA and develop an appropriate mitigation strategy, which is presented in the Environmental Statement for the scheme.

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5 References

Cheshire Region Biodiversity Partnership otter webpage (2008a). http://www.cheshire-biodiversity.org.uk/action-plans/listing.php?id=18 (Accessed 22 November 2010).

Cheshire Region Biodiversity Partnership water vole webpage (2008b). http://www.cheshire-biodiversity.org.uk/action-plans/listing.php?id=36 (Accessed 22 November 2010).

Harris, S., Morris, P., Wray, S. and Yalden, D. (1995) A review of British mammals: population estimates and conservation status of British mammals other than cetaceans. Peterborough, JNCC.

H.M.S.O. (1994) Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan. H.M.S.O., London.

H.M.S.O. (2010) Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations

H.M.S.O. (1981) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. H.M.S.O., London.

Kruuk, H., Carss, D.N., Conroy, J.W.H. and Durbin, L. (1993) Otter (Lutra lutra) Numbers and Fish Productivity in Rivers in North East Scotland. Symposium of the Zoological Society, 65, 171-191.

Kruuk H. (2008) Otters: ecology, behaviour and conservation. Oxford University Press.

Mason, C.F. and Macdonald, S.M. (1986) Otters: Ecology and Conservation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

National Rivers Authority (1993) Otters and River Habitat Management. Conservation Technical Handbook Number 3.

Powell, A. and Milburn, K. (2011) Northwest Lowlands Water Vole Project Final Report.

Strachan and Moorhouse (2006) Water Vole Conservation Handbook 2nd Ed. Environment Agency, English Nature, WildCRU. Oxford, UK.

TEP (2011) Crewe Green Link Road South, Crewe, Cheshire: Planning and Environmental Statement. TEP.

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Appendix A Otter and Water Vole Information

Summary of Biology and Habitat Requirements for Otter

Otters (Lutra lutra) are members of the Mustelidae family which also includes weasel, stoat, badger, polecat, pine marten and mink. There are 13 species of otter worldwide although only the Eurasian otter is native to Britain (Mason and Macdonald, 1986).

Otters are known to breed throughout the year although in some areas such mainland Scotland there is a bias toward winter births. Mean litter size is estimated at between two and three cubs (Mason and Macdonald, 1986). Otter cubs become self-sufficient and begin to disperse at about one year old. Otters may live up to 16 years in the wild but the average is closer to four years old.

Otters are relatively rare and elusive animals and so research on population densities is difficult to undertake. Harris et al (1995) calculated a density of one individual per 16.7 miles (27km) of water in England and Kruuk et al., (1993) calculated one otter per 1.8 – 18 miles (3-50km) of stream in northeast Scotland (a mean of one otter per 9 miles (15km) of stream).

Otter presence is generally determined by recording spraint (faeces), which is generally deposited in prominent places such as under bridges and on rocks in or along a watercourse. Otters have been recorded exploiting a variety of different types of waterways and wetlands in Britain. In England and Wales they are mainly restricted to fresh water habitats (i.e. lakes, ponds, canals, streams, rivers and ditches) but in Scotland they have been recorded in coastal habitats. Otters will cross land away from waterways using features such as dry ditches with good vegetation cover.

Otters use resting sites usually termed ‘holts’ or ‘couches’ in which to sleep. These may be holes or covered areas (holts) found under roots of bank side trees or within log or stone piles. The word couch is used where they use an above-ground nest- like structure in reeds or other vegetation (Kruuk, 2008).

Otter diet consists largely of fish, crayfish and amphibians and occasionally mammals, birds and reptiles. Fish make up approximately 80% of an otter’s diet so the suitability to support fish and the water quality of the watercourse is important in assessing the habitat suitability for otter. However, otters may also use other linear features such as streams and ditches to lie up or to cross country between rivers.

Otter Nature Conservation Status

Up until the mid 20th century the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) was widely distributed across the UK. However, between the 1950s and 1980 there was a significant decline in otter populations particularly across the midlands and the south-east of England.

Factors contributing to the decline in otter populations include; habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and insensitive management of riparian habitats; use of organochlorine pesticides leading to reduced ability to reproduce; widespread pollution of watercourses resulting in reduced availability of prey species; and increased road mortality.

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Otters are protected by national and european legislation. Since 1978, when hunting them was banned, they have been increasing in number and distribution. The fourth National Otter Survey of England was conducted between January 2000 and February 2002. The results of this survey were published in 2003 and show that otters are becoming more widespread in the rivers of England. The survey found positive signs of otters at 55% more sites than in the 1994 survey. In fact, in every one of the 12 regions and catchments areas surveyed, there was an increase in the number of sites where the signs of otters were detected, representing a 527% increase since 1979 (Cheshire Biodiversity Action Plan website, undated).

Legislation and Policy Framework for Otter

• intentionally kill, injure or capture or take an otter; • intentionally or recklessly disturb an otter whilst it is occupying a holt; • deliberately disturb an otter in such a way as to be likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of otters or the ability of any significant group of otters to survive, breed, rear or nurture their young; • possess or control (live or dead animal, part or derivative); • deliberately (intentionally) or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a holt; • deliberately (intentionally) or recklessly disturb an otter whilst it is occupying such a structure or place; • sell, offer for sale, possess or transport for the purpose of sale (live or dead animal, part or derivative).

Otter is a UK BAP Priority Species and is also included in the Local BAP for Cheshire. The Cheshire BAP includes plans to increase the population range in Cheshire by enhancing and creating otter habitat and artificial holts by 2015.

Summary of Biology and Habitat Requirements for Water Vole

The water vole (Arvicola terrestris) is a member of the rodent family and is the largest of the British voles. Water voles are associated with riparian habitats such as the edge of streams, rivers, drainage ditches, as well as other wet land habitats such as ponds, canals and marshland. They have a preference for slow flowing water courses with dense bank side vegetation. They are generally herbivorous in their diet showing a preference for grasses, rushes, sedges and herbs in summer and fruits and bark in autumn and winter.

Water voles tend to build their burrows in soft earth within 2m of the bank edge. Female water voles are territorial unlike their male counterparts. Typical water vole home ranges vary between 30m and 150m for females and 60m to 300m for males (Strachan and Moorhouse, 2006. Territories are marked out using piles of droppings in areas known as latrines.

The water vole breeding season occurs between March and October and a female can have between two and five litters per season with between five and eight young

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per litter. During winter water voles do not hibernate but do become less active above ground. They tend to congregate in groups during the winter months.

Water voles prefer static or slow flowing water courses where the water depth is greater than 1 metre. They require stands of emergent vegetation and/or tall grasses for feeding. Heavily shaded or wooded areas are unsuitable for water vole as they lack feeding habitat. Areas of dense vegetation which provide protection from predators such as mink are favoured. Soft earth banks are required so water voles can excavate their burrows. Bare, rocky or lined channel banks are avoided.

Water Vole Nature Conservation Status

Water vole populations have undergone a long term decline in Britain throughout the 20th Century. Evidence from national surveys carried out in 1989-1990 and 1996- 1998 suggested a population crash, water vole had disappeared from 67.5% of their former sites. Reasons for this decline include agricultural intensification, habitat loss, changes in riparian management and the spread of American mink (Mustela vison).

The latest data from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) reporting website (BARS) indicates there may have been an overall increase in the UK water vole population in 2008. Localised expansion of water vole population range has been seen in some areas where there has been habitat creation, enhancement and management and a strict catchment-wide mink control regime. The Northwest Lowlands Water Vole Project survey results indicate that water vole may have been lost from 56% of sites in the north west lowlands over the last 10 years (Powell and Milburn, 2011).

Legislation and Policy Framework for Water Vole

Water vole is fully protected under Section 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) through its inclusion in Schedule 5. The legal protection makes it an offence to:

• intentionally kill, injure or capture or take a water vole; • possess or control (live or dead animal, part or derivative); • deliberately (intentionally) or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a breeding site or any structure or place used for shelter or protection by a water vole; • deliberately (intentionally) or recklessly disturb a water vole whilst occupying such as structure or place, and • sell, offer for sale, possess or transport for the purpose of sale (live or dead animal, part or derivative).

Licences can be applied for from Natural England for specific activities relating to; scientific and educational activities; ringing or marking; conservation of water voles or introduction into certain areas; preserving public health and public safety; preventing spread of disease; and preventing serious damage to any form of property or to fisheries. Licences to trap and remove water vole from a development site for the purpose of conservation must meet set criteria from Natural England this includes that the act cannot reasonably avoided and the translocation will produce a conservation benefit.

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Water vole is a UK BAP Priority Species and is included in the Local BAPs for Cheshire. The Cheshire BAP includes plans to maintain and enhance the current Cheshire water vole population.

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Appendix B Photographs

Reach 1

Plate 1 Middle of reach 1 looking downstream (west)

Plate 2 End of Reach 1 looking downstream (west) 19 OD/036 Water vole and Otter Survey Report

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Reach 2

Plate 3 Middle of reach 2 looking downstream (north)

Plate 4 Middle of reach 2 looking upstream (south) Reach 3

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Plate 5 Middle of reach 3 looking downstream (north)

Plate 6 Middle of reach 3 looking upstream (south)

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Reach 4

Plate 7 Middle of reach 4 looking downstream (north)

Plate 8 End of reach 4 looking downstream (north)

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Plate 9 Otter feeding remains and spraint

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Figure

Figure 1 - Water Vole and Otter Survey Results

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