PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL Prepared for L. B. Contractors
Land at Glen Holt, Gainsborough Road
April 2020
Land at Glen Holt
Fauna Forest Ecology Limited Registered company number in England: 10184201 VAT Registration number: 284024905 Registered office address: 20 Linacre Way, Park Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST3 5SY
T: 01782 326859 M: 07917765464 E: [email protected] W: www.faunaforest.co.uk
This document has been prepared by Fauna Forest Ecology Limited as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal report. Fauna Forest Ecology Limited accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared.
Methods used to prepare this report, including those carried out in the field, followed The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct.
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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2 METHODOLOGY ...... 5 3 RESULTS ...... 5 4 DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 11 5 REASONABLE AVOIDANCE MEASURES ...... 16
APPENDIX A: PLANT AND ANIMALS RECORDED ...... 17 APPENDIX B: LEGISLATION SUMMARY ...... 19 APPENDIX C: MAPS & SITE PLANS ...... 22 APPENDIX D: SITE IMAGES ...... 27
TABLES
Table 1: LWSs within 2km of survey site ...... 6 Table 2: Weather conditions during PEA ...... 8 Table 3: Ponds & other waterbodies within 500m of site ...... 10 Table 4: Acid grassland / grassheath species list ...... 17 Table 5: Hedgerow, scrub & boundary line species list ...... 18 Table 6: Scattered trees species list ...... 18 Table 7: Bird species recorded on site ...... 18
SITE PLANS & MAPS
Figure 1: Site Location Map ...... 23 Figure 2: Site Habitat Map ...... 24 Figure 3: Phase 1 Habitat Map ...... 25 Figure 4: Proposed Plans Map ...... 26
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This report provides the results of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) survey on land at Glen Holt, located off Gainsborough Road in Nottinghamshire, NG23 7HX (central Ordnance Survey (OS) Reference SK 83000 67635). The proposals are for the construction of 25 timber-style lodges with associated parking facilities, utilities and access roads. A planning application has been submitted to Newark & Sherwood District Council under reference number 20/0015/FULM.
1.2 The findings included in this report are based on the survey undertaken on 6th March 2020 by Fauna Forest Ecology Limited. The purpose of the survey was to identify and classify habitats within the site boundaries, undertake an appraisal of site habitats that hold potential ecological value to notable and protected wildlife, and to look for evidence of such species. The survey results provide information to determine the likely ecological impact the proposed development will have on habitats and wildlife species, and to inform the level of further survey effort and mitigation required to comply with relevant nature conservation policies and legislation. The evaluation and findings in this report can be used by Newark & Sherwood District Council in their view of the planning application.
1.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (February 2019) sets out the government planning policies for England and how they should be applied. Chapter 15: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment, is of particular relevance to this report as it relates to ecology and biodiversity1. The Government Circular 06/2005, which is referred to by the NPPF, provides further guidance in respect of statutory obligations for biodiversity and geological conservation and their impact within the planning system. Biodiversity enhancement recommendations are included in this report. These measures have been specifically designed with a view to aid with biodiversity net gain at the site.
1.4 There are two survey areas within the boundaries of the site. For the purpose of this report they are referred to as Area 1 and Area 2. Much of the habitat inside Area 1 has been levelled and cleared in recent months by use of heavy machinery, leaving bare ground across much of the site with defunct hedges, lines of scrub and soil bunds along the boundary margins. Tall ruderal patches are also growing near the centre of the field and also along the eastern edge between both fields. Area 2 is a field comprising heavily grazed acid grassland / grassheath with defunct hedges, lines of scrub and occasional trees along the margins.
1.5 All survey and assessment work was completed in accordance with official assessment guidelines2 and largely followed that recommended by the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) 3 and follows the British Standard Code of Practice4.
1https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/779764/NPPF_Feb_2019_ web.pdf 2 Collins J (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines, 3rd edn. Bat Conservation Trust, London. 3 CIEEM (2015) Guidelines for Ecological Report Writing. CIEEM, Winchester. 4 British Standards Institution (2013) BS 42020:2013. Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development. British Standards Institution, London.
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2 METHODOLOGY
Desk Study 2.1 Using freely-available resources such as the online MAGIC database, a desk study was undertaken to acquire data in relation to local habitats and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). In addition to this, Nottinghamshire Biological & Geological Record Centre (NGBRC) was asked to provide a list of habitats, designated sites, and notable wildlife from within a 2km radius of the survey site.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal 2.2 The PEA5 survey was carried out by ecological consultants Helen Ball MSc CEnv MCIEEM and David Nixon on 6th March 2020. Dominant vegetation structure was identified during the survey, allowing habitats to be categorised according to standard Phase 1 methodology6 and valued for their ecological importance. The survey also involved a walkover of the site to:
• Produce a list of flora species present on site7; • Identify the presence of invasive non-native flora8 • Assess habitats on site for their potential to support notable and protected wildlife; • Identify and map linear features and / or corridors suitable for use by animals
Limitations 2.3 The survey was undertaken at a suboptimal time of year when some flora may not be in flower.
3 RESULTS
Desk Study 3.1 One SSSI known as Spalford Warren exists within 2km, with its most southerly boundary approximately 164m north of the survey site. The closest other SSSI is Besthorpe Warren which according to MAGIC, its closest boundary line is 2.1km south of the survey site.
3.2 NGBRC provided information of sixteen Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs) within 2km of the survey site, all of which are shown in the table below.
5 Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (2013) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Assessment. CIEEM, Winchester. 6 JNCC 2010 Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: a technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough. 7 Those listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended 8 Those listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended
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Table 1: LWSs within 2km of survey site No. Name Area District Grid Ref. Description Interest 1/87 Old Trent 4.808 Newark SK 824694 Aquatic and bankside Botanical, Oxbow, ha and communities developed Water Spalford Sherwood along an abandoned Beetle District river channel and/or Water Bug 1/88 Spalford 37.575 Newark SK 832680 An important grass- Botanical, Warren ha and heath habitat of a type Moth, Sherwood of very restricted inland Amphibian District occurrence - although and/or largely planted with Reptile conifers, substantial areas of sand land 2/482 Meadow Lane 8.207 Bassetlaw SK 813686 A collection of species- Botanical Grasslands, ha District rich grasslands Normanton on Trent 2/644 The Fleet, 11.885 Newark SK 824653 A large aquatic site with Botanical, Girton ha and a species-rich emergent Odonata Sherwood and aquatic plant District community 2/646 Girton 5.906 Newark SK 826661 An excellent sequence Botanical Grasslands ha and of damp species-rich Sherwood grasslands District 2/650 Besthorpe 10.907 Newark SK 828654 An area of acidic Botanical Warren ha and grasslands and scrub Sherwood developed on District Quaternary blown sands with a notable community of calcifuge plants 2/651 Gainsborough 1.214 Newark SK 829684 Dry sandy roadside Botanical Road Verges, ha and verges with a plant Spalford Sherwood community of very District restricted distribution in the county
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2/822 The Fleet 3.463 Newark SK 825655 A damp grassland Botanical Grassland, ha and grading into the Girton Sherwood bankside vegetation of District the Fleet 2/825 Girton Gravel 67.156 Newark SK 820670 A large mosaic of semi- Botanical, Pits ha and natural and Moth, Sherwood successional Water District communities on disused Beetle gravel pits and/or Water Bug 2/827 Gainsborough 3.98 Newark SK 828672 Good examples of Botanical Road ha and characteristically Grasslands, Sherwood species-poor acid Girton District grassland developed on blown sands 2/829 Besthorpe 0.13 Newark SK 832654 A short length of verge Botanical Road Verge ha and with a notable plant Sherwood association District 2/830 Sand Lane, 0.25 Newark SK 833692 A roadside verge Botanical Spalford ha and Sherwood District 2/831 Spalford 2.542 Newark SK 841684 A representative Botanical Arable Field ha and community of sandy Sherwood arable weeds District 5/200 A1133 Verge, 0.562 Newark SK 827671 Dry sandy roadside Botanical Girton ( East ha and verges with a notable Side ) Sherwood plant community District 5/201 Green Lane 0.218 Newark SK 823674 Green lane verges Botanical Verges, Girton ha and supporting a relict Sherwood grassland characteristic District of the blown sand 5/2228 Gainsborough 41.774 Newark SK 825670 A former gravel pit of Water Road Gravel ha and interest for Water Beetle Pit, Girton Sherwood Beetles and/or District Water Bug
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3.3 The following fauna records relevant to the survey and this report were returned by NGBRC.
Mammals 3.4 A total of 116 bat records were returned. These included 29 common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, nine soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus, 33 Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii, 12 brown long-eared Plecotus auritus, nine whiskered Myotis mystacinus, six Brandt’s Myotis brandtii, two Daubenton’s Myotis daubentonii, five Natterer’s Myotis nattereri, one barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus and five noctule Nyctalus noctula. Other bat records included three unknown bat species, one brown long-eared or Natterer’s, three Myotis sp., one Nyctalus sp., and one Pipistrellus sp.. Other information returned by the records centre included records of two badger Meles meles that were recorded 300m from the survey site with the most recent observation in 2003. One brown hare Lepus europaeus was recorded 1.21km from the site in 2004 and additionally, hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus is recorded in the area, with a total of seven records returned, the closest observation was 790m from the survey site and most recent was recorded in 2017.
Reptiles 3.5 NGBRC provided 17 records of grass snake Natrix helvetica, with the closest sighting 390m from the survey site and the most recent from 2008. Other records include two species of lizard; the slow worm Anguis fragilis and common lizard Zootoca vivipara. Two slow worm records were returned, the closest to site was 970m and the latest record is from 2005. There are four common lizard records, the closest was 490m away from site and the most recent was from 2007.
Amphibians 3.6 Two amphibian species are recorded less than 2km from the site. They are for common frog Rana temporaria and common toad Bufo bufo. In total, three common frog records were provided, with the closest 940m from site and the most recent record submission was from 2016. Five common toad records were returned, the closest to site was 730m and the most recent record was from 2014. No great crested newt Triturus cristatus records were returned as part of the search.
3.7 Weather conditions during the survey are shown in the below table.
Table 2: Weather conditions during PEA Date Start Finish Temp °C Wind Cloud % Rain Notes 06/03/2020 11:00 15:00 6 Calm 60 Dry N/A
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Habitats 3.8 Nearby habitats beyond the boundaries of the site are largely made up of grazed and arable fields, many of which are bound by hedge margins that provide a network of connectivity to the wider landscape and beyond. There are waterbodies over to the west, including two large boating lakes, and also the River Trent which is positioned approximately 1.5km from the site.
3.9 The site itself is in a rural setting approximately 5.4km north west of Collingham and 3km east of Grassthorpe. It is set back from the A1133 Gainsborough Road and it is accessible via a narrow driveway leading to a small compacted gravel parking area, where there were small business cabins and a chalet used for residential purpose. The survey area lies east from Gainsborough Road, consisting of two rectangular-shaped fields (Area 1 and Area 2) boarded by gappy defunct hedges, scrub patches with occasional trees, and infrequent ruderal stands. No buildings, ponds or other water bodies were present, and all areas were accessible while the survey was carried out.
3.10 Area 1 is the smaller of the two fields, sized at approximately 0.8ha. It has been cleared and levelled in recent months and largely comprised bare ground, revealing sandy soils with evidence of some ruderals that were re-growing. Species included common nettle Urtica dioica, spear-thistle Cirsium vulgare, cleavers Galium aparine, chickweed Stellaria media, white campion Silene latifolia, common couch Elymus repens and cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris. In some parts of the field the soil has been pushed into 2m high bunds around the edges and up into the hedge along the north boundary line adjacent to the neighbouring land, and also up against the division line between each of the two survey fields.
3.11 Area 2 is a field that is approximately 1.7ha in size. It is a relict area of acid grassland / grassheath on wind-blown sands that has been subject to agricultural enclosure. It had been heavily grazed by horses and rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, resulting in an extremely short sward and turf, subsequently leading to the loss of ericaceous shrubs and thus a simplifying of structural diversity. Regardless of impacts by heavy grazing, a diversity of flora that are locally characteristic of this important habitat had been retained. Of particular note was the presence of county rare sand sedge Carex arenaria, a species relatively abundant across the site growing in several large patches, albeit grazed off short. Growing amongst the sedge included other flora such as common sorrel Rumex acetosa, self-heal Prunella vulgaris, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, common chickweed, wild pansy Viola tricolor, sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina and field speedwell Veronica persica. Other flora species is likely to be present than revealed by the survey, this is mostly due to how short the sward was cropped as a consequence of heavy grazing. In this field, there was also a high density of ruderals and flora that thrive on dry and bare sand habitats. Additionally, there was a presence of mosses, often found in high abundance throughout the sward, and spread across this field. The field was generally undulating enclosed by fencing and defunct hedgerows.
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3.12 Defunct hedges with large gaps were present along the north sides of both fields adjacent to a neighbouring farm factory, and also along the central margin between each of the two fields. The hedges were tall and unmanaged, dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, with occasional patches of elm Ulmus procera and elder Sambucus nigra. Over time, some hedge sections have transformed to become lines of scrub. Occasional oak Quercus robur and silver birch Betula pendula trees were also present along the boundary lines.
Notable Flora 3.13 Sand sedge is a county rare species and during the survey, it was found in abundance across Area 2. No Schedule 8 or Schedule 9 flora was discovered during the survey.
Fauna 3.14 Whilst a specific Ground Level Tree Assessment (GLTA) for identification of bat roosting features was not undertaken, no trees on site provided much in the way of roosting value. Trees and hedges on site and within a close proximity of Glen Holt do however provide value to foraging and commuting bats.
3.15 Hedgerows, scrub and tall ruderal in parts of the site connected to adjacent fields where habitats have been allowed to grow longer, all provide shelter and commuting routes for reptiles such as the common lizard and slow worm. No evidence of reptiles was discovered during the survey and the site was not considered suitable for adder Vipera berus.
3.16 No ponds or other standing water habitat is found on site, so it therefore lacks suitable breeding habitat for amphibian populations. Commuting and sheltering non-breeding amphibian populations may potentially use the hedges and scrub outside the breeding season during the terrestrial phase of their life cycle, however none were found during the survey itself. Three small ponds were identified within a 500m radius of the site, as well as two large boating lakes located over to the west. All water habitats were discovered on the MAGIC database while undertaking the desk study and relevant information regarding their whereabouts is shown in the below table.
Table 3: Ponds & other waterbodies within 500m of site No. Approx. grid ref. Direction from site Distance from site Notes 1 SK8284 6757 South west 151m N / A 2 SK8304 6724 South east 393m N / A 3 SK 8337 6734 South east 489m N / A 4 SK 8257 6775 West 301m Boating lake 4 SK 8398 6750 South west 345m Boating lake
3.17 The survey concluded that no badger setts are located in close proximity to the site boundary and no specific badger activity was recorded. Several rabbit warrens, mammal tracks and areas of rabbit
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scratching were noted but none of this activity related to badgers. The site is considered to be of value for a local badger population, providing opportunity for commuting and foraging individuals.
3.18 No signs of nesting by birds was recorded during the survey, although the hedge and scrub lines were noted as suitable habitat in which birds would build nests. At the time of the survey, a typical assemblage of common birds was observed in and around the boundaries of the site, with species including dunnock Prunella modularis, blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus, great tit Parus major, great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major, robin Erithacus rubecula and a flock of five redwing Turdus iliacus. Other species recorded in their commute over the site included woodpigeon Columba palumbus and buzzard Buteo buteo.
3.19 Nearby arable fields and other surrounding grassland habitats that have been less impacted by intense grazing, all provide suitable habitat for ground-nesting birds such as the sky lark Alauda arvensis and lapwing Vanellus vanellus, and during the journey to site, a large flock of lapwing was seen approximately 2km from the site. In addition to the above, barn owl Tyto alba will most likely exploit the surrounding fields and hedges for the purpose of commuting and foraging and while the survey area should not be discounted as suitable, a large proportion of the site provides only low value to the barn owl and there are no suitable roosting features either.
3.20 Other notable species that may utilise the site for the purpose of commuting and foraging include the brown hare and hedgehog, although none of either species were observed at the time of the survey.
4 DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
Proposals 4.1 Land at Glen Holt is the subject of a planning application submitted to Newark & Sherwood District Council under planning reference 20/0015/FULM, for which there are proposals to construct 25 timber- style lodges with associated parking facilities, utilities and access roads. In Appendix C (Figure 4) of this report, drawings supplied by Plan B Planning and Design have been included to illustrate the scope of the proposed development. For the purpose of this report, the site has been divided in two sections which are referred to as Area 1 and Area 2.
Habitats 4.2 As part of the desk study, online resource MAGIC was used to obtain information regarding SSSIs in the area and NBGRC was asked to provide a list of all non-statutory designated sites plus all protected and notable species within a 2km radius of the site at Glen Holt.
4.3 Results from the online desk study show one SSSI known as Spalford Warren, does indeed exist within the 2km search radius. It is positioned approximately 164m north of the survey site. Spalford Warren comprises the best remaining example of acid grassland / grassheath dominated by wavy hair-grass
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Deschampsia flexuosa and sand sedge remaining in Nottinghamshire and is one of the few sites of this type to be found in the Midlands. With regards to biology, this SSSI is a remarkable inland example of grass heath dominated by tussocks of wavy hair-grass and sand sedge developed on soils derived from post- glacial blown sands. Although parts of the site have been planted with conifers, substantial areas of the original acid grassland / grassheath remain. Patches of heather Calluna vulgaris, gorse Ulex europaeus, broom Sarothamnus scoparius and bracken Pteridium aquilinum occur within the acid grassland / grassheath while in the shorter turf adjacent to the paths and boundary roads herbs characteristic of sand-land habitat such as slender trefoil Trifolium micranthum, birdsfoot Ornithopus perpusillus, field mouse-ear Cerastium arvense and shepherd’s cress Teesdalia nudicaulis occur. This vegetation type, which has affinities with certain of the Breckland acid grassland / grassheaths, is of very restricted inland occurrence9. In addition to the site’s unique habitat, there are anecdotal records of common lizard, slow worm and grass snake.
4.4 NGBRC provided records of 16 known LWSs within a 2km search radius of the survey site and of particular note is Gainsborough Road Grasslands, Girton (site code 2/827), a 4.044ha site less than 500m north east of the survey site. This LWS forms part of Spalford Warren SSSI.
4.5 Survey results identified the site is a remnant patch of habitat that once would have characterised much of the wind-blown sand geology in the local area, with Spalford Warren being one of the few remaining examples containing ericaceous shrubs. But other nearby remnants areas are also in existence, such as Gainsborough Road Grasslands, Girton LWS.
4.6 As the development proposals are small-scale, no impacts to local SSSIs / LWSs are anticipated provided that waste is appropriately disposed of and nocturnal lighting recommendations included in this report are adhered to.
4.7 Two small land parcels were surveyed as part of the PEA which in total, comprise an approximate area of 2.5ha. It was apparent during the survey that Area 1 had been cleared and levelled in recent months and machinery was used to push surface soil up against the margins of the site to form bunds. At the time of the survey bare ground dominated Area 1 and there were small patches of ruderal growing through which are typically associated with disturbed ground. Other habitats included a defunct hedge, which for the most part could also be described as unmanaged scrub. Area 2 is the most easterly field on site which was also boarded by a defunct hedge and scrub lines, and at the time of the survey, much of the dominant ground vegetation had been grazed intensively by rabbits and horses. Flora communities in this field were found to mirror those present on nearby LWS Gainsborough Road Grasslands, Girton. Of particular note was the presence of sand sedge, a species that is rare in the county of Nottinghamshire. The survey found that the dominant habitat is characteristic of acid grassland / grassheath, a rare habitat in the county. Given dwarf shrub habitat is not present on site, the acid grassland / grassheath has been classified as Lowland Acid Grassland Priority Habitat.
9 https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/Citation/1004326.pdf
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4.8 Whilst the survey was carried out at a time of year considered suboptimal for flora identification, additional botanical surveys during the optimal season would unlikely provide a significant amount of additional data given much is already known about flora communities using this unique habitat. In addition to this, it should be assumed that the acid grassland / grassheath on site is a reflection of the same good quality habitat found at Spalford Warren and associated LWA Gainsborough Road Grasslands, Girton. In light of the above, it should also be assumed that former habitats across Area 1 would have once been dominated by acid grassland / grassheath.
4.9 It is without doubt the proposed development will bare impact on approximately 60% of the remaining acid grassland / grassheath at Area 2. This is due to the requirement for access paths, parking and the cabin plots, however considering a vast quantity of the site has suffered from intense grazing, sympathetic habitat management in areas unimpacted by the proposals would aid with the future success of the remaining acid grassland / grassheath. It is therefore recommended all habitat further beyond the most eastern proposed plots (Figure 4) is allowed to restore back to its natural state. Ideally, infrequent mowing regimes will be carried out two or three times on an annual basis as the grass becomes notably longer. Additional management between mowing periods will naturally occur by rabbit grazing.
4.10 Whilst there is a requirement for hard standing pathways leading to the cabins, best practice would be to allow the margins between these pathways to also restore back to their natural state. In addition to this, any tree planting should be restricted to the boundaries of the site rather than as originally planned in the centre of the field east of the cabins. It is strongly advised that moving forward, horses are not allowed to graze the site as this will lead to continued overgrazing thus preventing regrowth and subsequent biodiversity net gain. If the recommendations provided above are implemented into the overall design of the project, there will be no requirement for further botanical surveys at the site.
4.11 It is believed that no hedges or scrub lines will be removed in conjunction with the development. Regardless of the ecological importance of habitats on site, in this instance we refer to the unmanaged hedges and scrub along the boundaries of the site, best practice would be for the developer to provide an adequate and proportionate level of compensation to further enhance biodiversity at site and local level. One option would be to plant species-rich hedge sections along the boundaries of the site where there are currently no or few belts of hedge and scrub. The new hedge would enhance connectivity to and from the site and provide additional shelter and foraging opportunity for a number of fauna species, significantly contributing to Biodiversity Net Gain at the site, as set out in the latest NPPF.
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Hedgerow Planting 4.12 Hedge plants should be approximately 0.5m transplants of locally common native species and of British provenance (preferably local) and should comply to British Standard 393610. A diverse mixture of species is recommended to enhance the wildlife value of the hedgerow and provide a good feeding resource for both pollinating insects and birds. The composition of species should include 10% hazel Corylus avellana, 60% hawthorn, 10% field maple Acer campestre, 5% holly Ilex Aquifolium, 10% blackthorn Prunus spinosa, 5% dog rose Rosa canina with the addition of wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana and/or guelder rose Viburnum opulus with no less than six species in total. It is also advised that trees are planted amongst the hedgerow. Ideal species could include wild cherry Prunus avium, oak Quercus robur, hornbeam Carpinus betulus, alder Alnus glutinosa, silver birch Betula pendula and / or rowan Sorbus aucuparia. It will be necessary for a hedgerow protection, management and aftercare plan to be derived to ensure the future success of the new hedge.
Bats 4.13 Bat have been recorded in the area. Most records are from individuals captured as part of the National Nathusius’ Project at various locations surrounding Girton Lakes, and the majority were captured over 500m from Glen Holt itself. However, some of the species recorded at Girton Lakes included those that are light-sensitive, such as Brandt’s, Natterer’s, brown long-eared, Daubenton’s and whiskered, and all have the capability of commuting and foraging at distances over 1km, possibly over the survey site at Glen Holt.
4.14 None of the trees on site are earmarked for felling and during the survey, none were inspected for their potential to support roosting bats. Given there are no trees of great age or maturity, the presence of roosts in any onsite trees is considered unlikely. However, should the works schedule change in such a way that there is a requirement to fell trees, then a suitably qualified ecologist should be appointed to assess them for bat-roosting potential. All hedges and scrub lines on site will be used by commuting and foraging bats. The removal of such habitats or the inappropriate use of nocturnal lighting would impact bats. Provided no trees, hedges or scrub linear are to be removed and nocturnal lighting is not allowed to spill over these habitats or over habitats beyond the site itself, no impacts to bats are anticipated.
Reptiles 4.15 Records of reptiles exist in the area with the closest being at Gainsborough Road Grasslands, Girton LWS. With the exception of New Lane which is a narrow road between the adjacent farm buildings north of the site and the LWS, the survey site is well connected to the LWS by a network of hedges,
10 https://apps2.staffordshire.gov.uk/SCC/TrimDocProvider/?ID=003/07/06/04/1039
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grasslands and heath, therefore the possibility of reptiles utilising the hedge and scrub margins on site should not be discounted. So long as the hedges and scrub are not impacted by the development, impacts to reptiles are not anticipated and no additional surveys are needed.
Amphibians 4.16 GCN are not recorded within 2km and there are no standing waterbodies on site. Five waterbodies have been identified in the search area and these include the two large boating lakes on the opposite side of the A1133, as well as three small ponds in local gardens; the closest is 151m south west of the site near Highfield Farm. Whilst the lack of records might merely be down to the under-recording of a species, and the hedge and scrub margins provide habitat that is suited to amphibians, no impacts are considered likely. This is because the site work will focus on the central regions of the site.
Badger 4.17 Two road-kill badger records were returned from the records centre, both were discovered 300m from site and both were near Besthorpe. Whilst the site itself provides only limited suitability for sett-building badgers due to its relatively flat formation coupled with gappy hedges and scrub lines, their presence to the local area should not be discounted, as all habitats onsite and nearby represent an excellent foraging and commuting environment in which they would typically exploit. By adhering to Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs), disturbance, injury and death to badger can be avoided during the development stage of the project.
Birds 4.18 Hedges, scrub and ruderal on site all provide nesting opportunity for a host of bird species, and the acid grassland / grassheath areas are of use to ground nesting birds. The removal of such habitat would lead to a significant loss in biodiversity and moreover, habitat clearance (between February and late August) without a nesting bird survey by a suitably qualified ecologist would potentially lead to the disturbance, injury or death of birds and / or their eggs. The hedges and scrub will be retained for this project and by planting new sections of species-rich hedge, birds are given more opportunity to feed, commute and breed in the area which in turn, will help increase biodiversity at local level.
4.19 Ways to further enhance the site value with regards to bird nesting would be to fit nest boxes to existing trees. Options include close-hole boxes and open-fronted boxes which would then provide opportunity for a variety of birds. Artificial swallow Hirundo rustica nests could also be installed in the covered area between the site work buildings located beyond the boundaries of the survey area (in ownership of the developer). Swallow boxes should be positioned close to the roof of a building or structure, ideally in a dark or shaded location, with a gap approximately 80mm between the ledge and the roof, so that access to and from the nest is not restricted.
4.20 Arable and grazing fields and mature hedges further beyond the boundary lines of the survey site are suitable for use by the barn owl but the site itself provides low value to this species. No impacts are anticipated unless lighting or noise are used impropriety during nocturnal hours.
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Brown Hare & Hedgehog 4.21 Brown hare and hedgehog are a BAP species and those exploiting the site could be impacted by the works that are proposed if RAMs are not adhere to. Mitigation set out in paragraphs of this report relating to habitat enhancements will also benefit both of these species. For example, planting species-rich hedges will attract invertebrates, annelids and other prey in which hedgehogs prey on, as well as giving additional shelter for hedgehogs and brown hare. Furthermore, by promoting acid grassland / grassheath regrowth, the site will become much more attractive to other mammal species including brown hare.
5 REASONABLE AVOIDANCE MEASURES
5.1 Where possible, vehicles will use existing tracks onto and within the construction zone. It is advisable that only building products to be used on the day are brought and stored on the site. If building products need to be stored onsite (e.g. overnight or for more than one day), they will be stored on pallets or retained in bags on pallets to ensure that refuges are not created that may attract animals. Building products should be placed on existing hard standing if possible.
5.2 All holes created during the construction period (e.g. to lay a concrete pad) will be filled in and finalised on the same day so as not to leave any pitfall traps. If this is unavoidable, they should be left with a sloping end or ramp to allow animals that may fall in to escape.
5.3 Lighting should be carefully considered during the construction phase and post-development. No lighting should be directed towards hedgerows and none should be allowed to spill over into the adjacent fields. If there is a requirement to install lighting, then a low-level lighting scheme should be implemented to avoid indirect disturbance to nocturnal animals that may utilise local habitats. During the development phase, it is recommended that works are not carried out after dusk and they do not commence until after dawn. Generators and machinery that emit significant noise levels must not be left to run through the night. Light spill is to be controlled and if lighting is required at night, hooded shields must be fitted to prevent spill onto nearby habitats likely to support wildlife.
5.4 If works must commence within the bird nesting period, it is recommended that a suitably qualified ecologist is appointed to inspect the site for nesting activity ahead of works commencing. Works should not be initiated until the ecologist has confirmed that no nesting birds exist within the area of impact. If an active nest is discovered, an exclusion zone should be established, and works must be halted in that area until the nest is no longer active. Works should not commence without confirmation from a suitably qualified ecologist that no nesting birds exist within the area of impact.
5.5 Irrespective of the time of year, if any nesting birds are discovered on site, an area around the nest site will be protected from disturbance with a suitable fence (not HERAs fencing) that would include an
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appropriate buffer zone, as determined by the suitably qualified supervising ecologist. Work will then be avoided in this area until the nest is no longer in use. Buffer zones in this respect will normally be 5m in diameter, and will be delineated by canes, cordon tape and signage.
5.6 Holes should be covered over at night. Also, any pipes over 150mm in diameter should be capped off at night to prevent other animals from entering. Any spoil resulting from excavations will either be spread and compacted within the area on the same day or be removed from the construction area on the same day. It will not be left in loose heaps overnight. All cut vegetation will be removed from the development site and immediate surroundings to avoid use by birds as nesting habitat.
APPENDIX A: PLANT AND ANIMALS RECORDED11
Table 4: Acid grassland / grassheath species list Scientific Name Common Name Festuca rubra Red fescue Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bentgrass Jacobaea vulgaris Common ragwort Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Geranium molle Dove’s foot crane’s bill Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain Cerastium fontanum Common mouse-ear Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail fescue Draba verna Common whitlow-grass Rumex acetosella Sheep’s sorrel Cerastium arvense Field mouse-ear Aphanes australis Parsley-piert Myosotis ramosissima Early forget-me-not Carex arenaria Sand sedge Carduus nutans Musk thistle Erodium cicutarium Common stork’s-bill Lotus corniculatus Bird’s-foot trefoil Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog Rumex acetosa Common sorrel Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Stellaria media Common chickweed
11 Plant names according to Rose F, O’Reilly C (2006) The Wild Flower Key, Revised Edition. Penguin Books, London.
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Viola tricolor Wild pansy Festuca ovina Sheep’s fescue Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica persica Field speedwell
Table 5: Hedgerow, scrub & boundary line species list Scientific Name Common Name Urtica dioica Common nettle Dactylis glomerata Cock’s foot Lamium album White dead-nettle Galium aparine Cleavers Silene latifolia White campion Anthriscus sp.
Anthriscus sylvestris Cow parsley Sonchus arvensis Perennial sow-thistle Verbascum thapsus Great mullein Elymus repens Common couch
Ulmus procera Elm Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn
Table 6: Scattered trees species list Scientific Name Common Name Quercus robur Oak Ulmus procera Elm Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Sambucus nigra Elder Betula pendula Silver birch
Table 7: Bird species recorded on site Scientific Name Common Name
Buteo buteo Buzzard Dendrocopos major Great spotted woodpecker Troglodytes troglodytes Wren Turdus iliacus Redwing Columba palumbus Woodpigeon Prunella modularis Dunnock Cyanistes caeruleus Blue tit Parus major Great tit Erithacus rubecula Robin Corvus monedula Jackdaw
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Corvus frugilegus Rook
APPENDIX B: LEGISLATION SUMMARY
Habitats Directive Species listed in the Habitats Directive 1992 (transposed into UK law through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010) for which it is illegal to deliberately capture, kill or disturb any individual, or deliberately damage or destroy a breeding site or resting site. In 2007 and 2009, the Habitats Regulations were amended to define illegal disturbance as that which would affect the ability of a significant group of animals of a European Protected Species to survive, breed or to rear or nurture their young, or to hibernate or migrate, or to affect the local distribution or abundance of the species.
Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 The act to makes provision about bodies concerned with the natural environment and rural communities; to make provision in connection with wildlife, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Parks and the Broads; to amend the law relating to rights of way; to make provision as to the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council; to provide for flexible administrative arrangements in connection with functions relating to the environment and rural affairs and certain other functions; and for connected purposes.
Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 The CRoW applies to England and Wales only, enforcing a statutory policy for biodiversity conservation. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) provides the framework for fulfilling the UK’s responsibilities towards the Convention on Biological Diversity. The CRoW Act is compliant with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, requiring consultation where the rights of the individual may be affected by these measures.
The Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2017 (the Habitat Regulations) The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 consolidate the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 with subsequent amendments. The Regulations transpose Council Directive 92/43/EEC, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (EC Habitats Directive), into national law. They also transpose elements of the EU Wild Birds Directive in England and Wales. The Regulations came into force on 30th November 2017 and extend to England and Wales (including the adjacent territorial sea) and to a limited extent in Scotland (reserved matters) and Northern Ireland (excepted matters). In Scotland, the Habitats Directive is transposed through a combination of the Habitats Regulations 2010 (in relation to reserved matters) and the and the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994. The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c)
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Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) transpose the Habitats Directive in relation to Northern Ireland.
Bats In England and Wales, bats and their roosts are protected under the Conservation of Species and Habitats Regulations 2017 (as amended) and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Taken together, this legislation makes it an offence to: • Deliberately capture (or take), injure or kill a bat • Intentionally or recklessly disturb a group of bats where the disturbance is likely to significantly affect the ability of the animals to survive, breed, or nurture their young or likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species whether in a roost or not • Damage or destroy the breeding or resting place of a bat • Possess a bat (alive or dead) or any part of a bat • Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost • Sell (or offer for sale) or exchange bats (alive or dead) or parts of bats A roost is defined as being ‘any structure or place that is used for shelter or protection’ and since bats regularly move roost site throughout the year, a roost retains such designation whether or not bats are present at the time.
Reptiles All native British species of reptile (of which there are 6) are listed in Schedule Five of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and as such are protected from deliberate killing, injury or trade. Therefore, where development is permitted and there will be a significant change in land use, a reasonable effort must be undertaken to remove reptiles off site to avoid committing and offence. The same act makes the trading of native reptile species a criminal offence without an appropriate licence.
Great Crested Newts Great crested newts are a European Protected Species, listed on Annex II and IV of the EEC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora, receiving protection under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. This species is also afforded full protection under the Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (WCA 1981) and Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994 (Regulation 38). Under such legislation it is an offence to:
• Intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or capture a great crested newt; • Possess or control any live or dead specimen or anything derived from a great crested newt; • Intentionally or recklessly* damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection by a great crested newt; and • Intentionally or recklessly* disturb a great crested newt while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.
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• Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place. • Sell, barter, exchange or transport or offer for sale great crested newts or parts of them. *Reckless offences were added by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which applies only to England and Wales.
Badger Badger is protected in Britain under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
The legislation affords protection to Badgers and Badger setts and makes it a criminal offence to:
• wilfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a Badger, or to attempt to do so; • interfere with a sett by damaging or destroying it; • to obstruct access to, or any entrance of, a Badger sett; or • to disturb a Badger when it is occupying a sett.
Birds All common wild birds are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and as amended). Under this legislation it is an offence to: • Kill, injure or take any wild bird • Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built • Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird Certain rare breeding birds are listed on Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and as amended). Under this legislation they are afforded the same protection as common wild birds and are also protected against disturbance whilst building a nest or on or near a nest containing eggs/unfledged young.
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APPENDIX C: MAPS & SITE PLANS
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Figure 1: Site Location Map
Land at Glen Holt
Figure 2: Site Habitat Map
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Figure 3: Phase 1 Habitat Map
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Figure 4: Proposed Plans Map
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APPENDIX D: SITE IMAGES
Photo 1: Northern boundary of Area 1. Photo 2: Eastern boundary of Area 1
Photo 3: Western boundary of Area 1 Photo 4: Northern boundary of Area 2. Image shows sand sedge along fence line
Photo 5: Image shows hedge and scrub lines Photo 6: Scattered trees along eastern along northern boundary of Area 2 and also boundary of Area 2 dominant acid grassland / grassheath habitat