Bantycock Mine
Restoration Management Plan, Part I: Habitat Creation November 3, 2015
Report Number 2014_008_01
AB Ecology, 65 Common Tel: 07957 427204 [email protected] Lane, Auckley www.abecology.co.uk Doncaster, DN9 3HX
RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction ...... 2 2 Method Statements ...... 4 3 Management and Monitoring ...... 22 4 References...... 22
Drawings
Drawing 1 – Site Compartment Plan
Appendices
Appendix A – Vegetation Establishment Survey Report
RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION
1 INTRODUCTION DRaW UK Ltd commissioned AB Ecology on behalf of Saint-Gobain to produce an updated Restoration Management Plan for Bantycock Mine. Bantycock Mine, Nottinghamshire (‘the Site’) is located approximately 0.2 km south of the village of Balderton and approximately 1.5 km south of Newark-on-Trent. The centre of the quarry lies at National Grid Reference SK 810 503 and covers an area of approximately 227 ha. The Management Plan is a condition of Planning permission 3/13/00603/CMA issued by Nottinghamshire County Council. The Management Plan is in two parts: Part I: Habitat Creation and; Part II: Aftercare specification (AB Ecology, 2015a). Part I describes the methods of habitat creation to be implemented in order to compensate for the ecological impact of the Bantycock Mine quarrying activities upon flora and fauna. This report has been prepared in response to conditions 56 of the aforementioned planning permission which are as follows: Condition No. 56 ‘Within 12 months of this permission a restoration management plan for the site shall be submitted to the MPA for its written approval and implementation in accordance with the approved details. The management plan shall include:
a) a site assessment including a review of the existing natural interest on site and an assessment of restoration options, including the natural regeneration options, as appropriate; b) the aims and objectives for each habitat type to be created, both within the 5-year aftercare period, and beyond; c) habitat creation methodologies, including details of how each area is to be restored, with reference to restoration timing/phasing, site preparation/cultivation, planting/sowing methodologies, species mixes and proportions and establishment management methodologies; d) management prescriptions, including details of those actions required to achieve the aims and objectives identified; e) details of monitoring proposals, which shall include a review of management at the end of the 5-year aftercare period; and f) work programme/table of works, which shall illustrate what management activities are proposed in what month of each year, for the 5-year aftercare period.”
This report should be read in conjunction with the Bantycock Mine Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a) which sets out the management prescriptions for the restored features at Bantycock Mine. The following reports are also referred to: . Ecological Assessment of Bantycock Mine, Nottinghamshire: Addendum to Environmental Statement (Golder Associates, 2006); . Planning Permission 3/13/00603/CMA; . Bantycock Quarry Planning Condition No. 51 Protected Species Monitoring Programme (Golder Associates, 2007a); . Bantycock Quarry Planning Condition No. 53 Reptile Mitigation Scheme (Golder Associates, 2007b); and . Bantycock Gypsum Mine, Annual Ecology Report 2013-2014 (Golder Associates, 2013b).
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1.1 DEVELOPMENT Bantycock Mine is to be progressively mined for high grade gypsum over the next 15-20 years. Drawing 3 – Revised Phasing Plan (Section 73 Supporting Statement) shows the approved mine development phases; each cell representing the approximate extent of extraction per annum. Gypsum extracted will be crushed on the Site and processed at the Jericho Works; an existing processing plant immediately north of the Site. To compensate for impacts upon protected species and important habitats the Site will be restored in accordance with the proposed restoration scheme presented in Drawing 4 (Section 73 Supporting Statement). Corresponding habitat creation zones have been identified as indicated on Drawing 1 and include wetland (Zone WT), species-rich grassland (Zone G), woodland and scrub (Zone WD), and agricultural land (Zone A) with hedgerows (H) and ditches (D). The characterisation of these compartments is discussed in greater detail in Section 2.3. The northern part of the Site has been restored to agricultural land (Zones A1-A4) with hedgerows and some woodland planting in field corners and boundaries. Parts of the Site have also been planted with woodland (Zones WD3-WD8 & WD11).
1.2 HABITAT CREATION STRATEGY The habitat creation strategy adopts a series of measures to minimise the negative effects inflicted upon protected species and species of conservation importance. Furthermore, it outlines the measures necessary to create compensatory habitats suitable for these species during all stages of their life-cycle. The following species/groups of species are addressed: . Badger Meles meles (All associated information can be found in a separate confidential report, AB Ecology, 2015c); . Water vole Arvicola amphibius; . Bird species on the NERC Act 2006 (HMSO, 2006) Section 41 priority species list (formerly UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species) and species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (HMSO, 1981); and . Reptiles (primarily grass snake Natrix natrix).
1.3 AFTERCARE SPECIFICATION The management/aftercare activities pertaining to the habitats created are described in Bantycock Mine Restoration Management Plan, P-art II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a) and also in the Landscape 5 Year Aftercare Strategy (DRaW, 2015).
1.4 REPORT FORMAT Section 2.0 describes what actions need to be taken to mitigate for protected species and to provide compensatory habitat at the Site. Sections 2.6 and 2.7 provides recommendations for creating habitat for little ringed plover Charadrius dubius and ditch design for water vole. This information is also provided in a separate report for the purposes of satisfying Planning Conditions 50 and 52, (AB Ecology, 2015b). Section 3.0 highlights the main management considerations posed in the ‘Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification’, and Section 4.0 references the texts used in the present report.
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2 METHOD STATEMENTS
2.1 GENERAL SITE CONDUCT
2.1.1 The Ecological Clerk of Works A site induction (‘Toolbox Talk’) will be organised with the Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)1 and the contractor(s) prior to commencement of any of the works detailed in the following section. This shall inform contractors of the key risks/ecological constraints in relation to the Site work, and any precautions that need to be taken, for example to avoid disturbance in sensitive areas. The ECoW will be present to oversee the creation of new habitats and translocation of vegetation and other materials. As a minimum the ECoW will be present at the start and towards the end of works to ensure compliance with methodologies described in the following Sections and to certify the quality of the work. It will be necessary for the ECoW to be present at other times, defined by the complexity of the task and the potential for disturbance to existing sensitive features. Only once the ECoW is satisfied with the outcome of each item, will that item be considered as a completed action.
2.1.2 Environmentally Sound Working Practices During construction all refuelling and servicing of vehicles must be carried out within a designated area (previously agreed by the ECoW) that is bunded and has an impermeable base, situated away from wetland habitats. To prevent spillages, refuelling should be carried out by pumping through a trigger delivery nozzle. Fuel and oil must be stored within bunded tanks. The designated area should be maintained in a secure and clean manner and fenced appropriately to reduce risk of vandalism that might result in pollution. Drip trays should be used around mobile plant. An adequate quantity of oil absorbent material should be stored on Site and any spillages cleared up immediately. The Site should be kept free from the build-up of silt and mud. Suitable wheel-washing facilities already exist at the main Site entrance.
2.1.3 Fencing Sensitive Areas Sensitive areas must be fenced as advised by the ECoW before any clearance begins (ideally in late February/early March) and would be supervised by the ECoW to ensure that no disturbance within the sensitive areas or to nesting birds takes place. These areas would include for example, waterbodies/courses inhabited by water voles, and habitat piles that have potential to support hibernating reptiles. Fencing of small areas would use high visibility orange net fencing supported by metal posts; in larger areas post and wire fencing may be required.
2.1.4 Consent of the Internal Drainage Board Under Section 23 of the Land Drainage Act 1991 any works affecting a watercourse (including altered discharge into a watercourse) require the prior consent of the Internal Drainage Board (IDB). This would apply to the proposed restoration of drainage ditches and the proposed wetland creation at the Site. The northern part of the Site lies within the Newark Area IDB District and the southern part of the Site lies within the Upper Witham IDB District. Accordingly, both IDBs will need to be consulted.
1 Ecological Clerk of Works is defined as ‘a suitably experienced ecologist with experience of conducting the relevant activity and familiarity with the ecology of the Site’.
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2.2 PROTECTED SPECIES CONSTRAINTS The programme of habitat creation across the Site will need to account for ecological constraints, primarily the presence of protected species. The following is an account of the protected species relevant to the Site. It includes general distribution and status, legislation and key measures that need to be adopted when these species may be encountered including appropriate working distances and seasonal sensitivities. Full details of legislation and policy in relation to species and habitat on the Site can be found in Section 2.0, Bantycock Mine Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.2.1 Water Voles
Status on Site Water voles were recorded in the ponds located to the north of the Site in 2006, within the area which has already been restored (WT2 and WT3). They have also been recorded in a ditch along Staple Lane beyond the northern Site boundary. However there have been no signs recorded during the biennial water vole surveys since 2009.
Legislation Water vole is a priority species on Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 (HMSO, 2006) and is fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (HMSO, 1981). The legislation makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure, damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place that water voles use for shelter or protection or disturb water voles while they are using such a place.
Measures
Seasonal/Spatial Constraints The proposed restoration scheme involves the restoration of drainage ditches across the Site. This will include creation of new drainage ditches and re-profiling of the existing ditches within or adjacent to the Site. Given that no water voles currently inhabit the ditches on the Site, no direct impacts of the ditch habitat creation works are anticipated upon this species. As water vole populations fluctuate their return to ditches and waterbodies on the Site may occur, so habitat should be retained and maintained in a favourable condition. Pre-construction water vole surveys will be required and if present, appropriate measures implemented under the direction of the ECoW. The restoration of drainage ditches will take into account that they will discharge into Cowtham Drain which flows into Shire Dyke. The latter is known to have supported water voles previously and altered hydrological characteristics could result in negative impact upon water voles unless suitably managed. It is, therefore, recommended that water levels of Cowtham Drain are monitored and appropriate measures taken to maintain its existing hydrological characteristics. A water measurement board would be installed at the northern end of the drain and water levels monitored quarterly to determine any deviation from the average water level in the drain. The baseline survey would be undertaken in advance of any restoration work. Should water levels of Cowtham Drain significantly change during any phase of restoration, advice would be sought from the ECoW.
Licensing Issues Works affecting water voles require a licence issued by the appropriate statutory authority (Natural England, 2008) which in England is Natural England. Licences can only be granted if there is no satisfactory alternative and the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species at a favourable conservation status in their natural range.
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Pre-construction Surveys Water vole monitoring of the Site is required as part of the Protected Species Monitoring Programme (Golder, 2007a) under planning Condition 49. Should these surveys, carried out every two years, identify the presence of water voles in any of the ditches subject to restoration work, the ECoW should be consulted and appropriate measures implemented, which may include activities requiring a licence.
2.2.2 Breeding Birds
Status on Site Habitats suitable for ground nesting birds were present across much of the Site during initial surveys in 2006. Little-ringed plover was recorded on the Site and is listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (HMSO, 1981). Red list2 (Eaton et al, 2009) and Section 41 species recorded at the Site include grey partridge Perdix perdix, skylark Alauda arvensis, song thrush Turdus philomelos, starling Sturnus vulgaris, house sparrow Passer domesticus, tree sparrow Passer montanus, linnet Acanthus cannabina, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus and corn bunting Miliara calandra.
Legislation All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (HMSO, 1981), making it an offence, with certain exceptions (e.g. game birds), to intentionally do the following: . 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; or . Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird. Measures
Seasonal/Spatial Constraints A bird disturbance regime using bird scarers has been adopted in order to prevent birds from nesting within or in the vicinity of mining activities. The monitoring programme (Golder 2007a) includes regular monitoring of the efficacy of the bird disturbance regime around active areas of the quarry during site supervision visits. All vegetation clearance works should be avoided during the bird-nesting season (March to August inclusive). If site clearance works are programmed to occur during this period then each area of potential bird nesting habitat should be checked for nesting activity, including occupied nests and nests being built. These inspections should be carried out by a suitably skilled ecologist or ornithologist 24 - 48 hours before commencement of the vegetation clearance programme. Where nesting birds are identified, vegetation clearance in the areas surrounding the nests will have to be postponed until the chicks have fledged. Given the above, it is recommended that upon completion of mining any un-vegetated areas are maintained vegetation free and with a high disturbance regime to avoid impacts to, for example little-ringed plover.
Pre-construction Surveys Breeding bird monitoring is required as part of the Protected Species Monitoring Programme (Golder, 2007a) under planning Condition 49. Any significant results arising from this monitoring will be used to inform the restoration of the Site.
2 Red list species are those that are globally threatened according to IUCN criteria and whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years.
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2.2.3 Reptiles
Status on Site A small population of grass snake was identified at the Site in 2006. In 2007, the main areas highlighted as suitable for grass snake and affected by the initial phases of the mining works were subject to a destructive search and translocation to the Staple Lane Mitigation Area within zone WT2 (Golder 2007b).
Legislation Grass snake is protected under Section 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (HMSO, 1981). This prohibits intentional killing, injury and trade of animals and/or parts of animals.
Measures
Destructive Reptile Search The majority of the Site comprises agricultural land, identified as having no potential to support reptiles. However, poor semi-improved grassland with tall ruderal vegetation within Cells 18, 19 and 20 was considered suitable reptile habitat and will be lost due to mining. A destructive reptile search will be undertaken prior to mining in these cells following the methodology previously used at the Site as detailed in Bantycock Quarry, Planning Condition no. 53, Reptile Mitigation (Golder, 2007b).
Pre-construction Surveys Over the short-term, no mining cell includes habitat suitable for reptiles. Should reptile surveys of the Site (required under Condition 49 & 51) identify the presence of other suitable reptile habitat or the presence of reptiles, then the ECoW would need to be consulted, and most likely, a destructive search carried out.
2.3 HABITAT CREATION ZONES The proposed restoration plan of the Site is shown in Drawing 4 (Section 73 Supporting Statement) and includes creation of woodland habitat (Section 2.4), species-rich grassland habitat (Section 2.5), wetland habitat (Section 2.6) and agricultural land with ditches and hedgerows (Sections 2.7-2.9). Habitats have been compartmentalised and are discussed in the paragraphs below. Habitat Creation Zones have been selected on the basis of the following factors: . Predominant existing habitats; . Potential for habitat re-creation; and . Proposed management regimes. The location of the proposed Habitat Creation Zones are illustrated by means of the compartment plan on Drawing 1, and the subsequent text gives a rationale for their inclusion. The management of habitats is provided in Bantycock Mine Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.3.1 Zone WT This zone relates to wetland habitats. These include open water (together with draw-down zones), shingle, reedbed, wet grassland, cliff habitat and field ponds.
2.3.2 Zone G This zone covers species-rich grassland habitat. It includes an area of species-rich neutral grassland to the southeast of the Site (Zone G1), and two further areas of species-rich grassland; one on the southwest of the Site (Zone G2) and; one on the eastern part of the Site (Zone G3). Each grassland zone will contain areas of sparsely vegetated bare ground and a wildlife corridor will be created to link Zones G1 and G2 to benefit
RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION - NOVEMBER 3, 2015 7 RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION invertebrates such as the grizzled skipper. Zone G1 was originally proposed as a trial area for creation of species- rich grassland to serve as a pilot study. During ecology site inspections conducted in 2010, a series of discussions regarding the practicality of a grassland restoration trail area in Zone G1 took place. It became evident that implementation of the restoration trial scheme in this area was not feasible for a number of reasons, such as positioning of topsoil bunds and presence of a high pressure gas pipeline. An alternative restoration area was subsequently discussed and provisionally approved by NCC in 2011. Saint- Gobain Formula communicated in 2012 that this alternative restoration area would no longer provide a suitable restoration trial area, due to poor accessibility and risk of erosion from prevailing winds. As a substitute, Golder Associates undertook a vegetation establishment survey across the existing soil storage areas assessing soil properties and time-period of natural colonisation. There is a diverse sample of naturally vegetated soil stores across the Site, ranging from those exhibiting 1 year of colonisation to those with over 20 years colonisation. Some are composed of overburden (bedrock/parent material), some of subsoil, and some of topsoil. Assessing these soil stores has given a better understanding of natural grassland colonisation outcomes that can be achieved with the materials available. This study was undertaken in 2013 and the results can be found in Appendix A.
2.3.3 Zone WD This zone covers woodland and scrub vegetation. This will primarily be composed of isolated patches of planted trees and shrubs that will be encouraged to develop naturally into woodland and scrub (Zones WD1-2 and WD9-WD13). This zone also includes existing plantations within the restored areas (Zones WD3-WD8 & WD11).
2.3.4 Zone A This zone is representative of agricultural land. This includes the agricultural land to the north of the Site that already exists (Zones A1-A4) and the proposed agricultural land across the remainder of the Site (Zones A5 & A6). Agricultural fields will be bordered by agricultural field margins3. Furthermore small tree plantations will be created (or have been created) along the perimeter of the fields. Approximately 78.3 ha of the Site, including already restored fields to the north of the Site, will be returned to agricultural use. Initially the restored site would be used for grazing but as soil structure improves (through the action of worms, etc.) it may be possible for arable crops to be grown, as is currently the case in Zones A1-A3.
2.3.5 Ditches D The network of drainage ditches at the Site includes existing ditches (D1, D2, D3 and D9 (part of)) and proposed drainage ditches (D4-8, remainder of D9 and D10). Of these, D1-D7 are perimeter ditches and D8- D10 are temporary ditches aiding the drainage of agricultural land.
2.3.6 Hedgerows H Hedgerows at the Site comprise existing hedgerows (H1-H6) and proposed hedgerows (H7-H16).
2.4 WOODLAND AND DENSE SCRUB
2.4.1 Rationale At present, the Site does not comprise any mature woodland habitat; however the proposed restoration scheme involves creation of woodland and scrub habitat, via planting. This is in accordance with Chapter 10.11 of
3 Arable field margins refers to strips of land lying between arable crops and the field boundary, and extending for a limited distance into the crop, which are deliberately managed to create conditions which benefit wildlife (particularly farmland species such as farmland birds and arable weeds).
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Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan (adopted 5 December 2005 and an update to this is currently being issued for consultation) which makes specific reference to the restoration of the Site: ‘The general lack of trees and hedgerows along the gypsum outcrop near Newark means that there is scope for reclamation schemes to improve the environment, by including a greater level of planting than was present prior to extraction.’ Woodland will be established in a central belt through the middle of the Site and then running to the west, providing a bold unifying landscape feature. The planting will form a ‘backbone’ aiding the assimilation of the new and previously restored landform within its surroundings, as well as providing opportunities for the following: . Bats – Foraging habitat, and in time roosting habitat as trees mature; . Birds – Provision of nesting habitat and foraging habitat for fruit and invertebrate feeding birds including bullfinch, linnet, song thrush and turtle dove; . Amphibians and reptiles – Overwintering habitat for all taxa, especially associated with dead wood piles and large fallen timber; and . Invertebrates – Dead stems for aerial nesting bees and wasps, dead wood and decaying litter for invertebrates. As indicated on Drawing 1 and detailed in Table 1, native broad-leaved woodland planting (core and edge/scrub species) will be used in drier parts of the Site, while wet woodland will be placed on the lower lying areas surrounding the proposed wetland to the southwest of the Site (Zone WD 1) where soil conditions are expected to be moist. Table 1: Proposed Planting Areas of Woodland and Scrub Habitats (refer Drawing 1)
Woodland/Scrub Habitat Type Proposed Planting Area Zone Native broad-leaved woodland WD2, WD3, WD7, WD8, WD11, 22.9 ha (core) WD12 Native broad-leaved woodland 22.2 ha WD2-7, WD9-13 (edge/scrub) Wet woodland 4.8 ha WD1
2.4.2 Constraints The potential exists for disturbance to the range of protected species recorded at the Site (see Section 2.2). Advice must be sought prior to the commencement of activities to ensure that areas inhabited by badgers, (refer to confidential badger report AB Ecology, 2015c), reptiles or water vole are all avoided or that an appropriate mitigation strategy is in place. Disturbance to nesting birds will also need to be avoided. Protected species constraints and appropriate recommendation pertaining to woodland habitat creation are summarised below.
2.4.3 Timing Ground preparation will take place at the same time as other major restoration works at the Site, avoiding the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive). Tree and scrub planting will be carried out when soil and weather conditions are suitable for the relevant operations, avoiding periods of frost or strong winds as follows: . Deciduous trees and shrubs (planted as whips): late October to early March; and . Container grown plants: at any time if ground and weather conditions are favourable. Ensure that adequate watering and weed control is provided.
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Woodland has already been planted in Zones WD3-WD8 and WD11. Monitoring of the establishment of this habitat will take place as directed in the Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.4.4 Equipment/Machinery The following equipment will be used for ground preparation: . Tracked 3600 excavator – for digging and loading of topsoil; . Articulated dump truck (ADT) – for bulk movement of soils to receptor bunds or soil storage areas; and . Spades, tree/shrub whips (or container grown plants) and tree spat mats for planting. 2.4.5 Ground Preparation The areas proposed for planting will be cleared of rubbish, concrete, metal, glass, decayed vegetation, contaminated topsoil (subsoil, rubble, fuel, lubricants etc.) and large stones. Vegetation will be cleared to ground level and arisings removed where required. Topsoil, where present, will be stripped and retained in bunds for woodland and agricultural land restoration. Subsoil (of a neutral or alkaline pH, sourced from the quarry) will be used to achieve the desired contour level across the restored Site. A dressing of ca. 200 mm topsoil4 will be added to the subsoil to provide a rooting substrate for trees and shrubs. Woodland planting in Zones WD9-WD13 will follow the same methodology as previously adopted in Zones WD3-WD8. Woodland planting in Zones WD1 and WD2 is for biodiversity purposes as opposed to screening and will therefore follow a different approach as outlined in the following paragraphs. Due to the lack of topsoil available at the Site, only small concentrated deposits of topsoil will be used for woodland planting within selected locations across Zone WD2. Planting of the topsoil deposits would take place, but the surrounding subsoil will be left to colonise naturally across the remainder of the area proposed for woodland creation. Similarly, wet woodland in Zone WD1 will be planted as small pockets around the wetland zone, allowing for development of wet grassland (see Drawing 1).
2.4.6 Planting Methodology All tree and shrub species will be supplied as 450-600 mm bare root stock and either fenced from rabbits or, if appropriate, individually guarded using plastic tree guards. Plants will be grouped in random mixes of between three and six plants of the same species. Planting densities will be as follows:
. Wet woodland species identified for Zone WD1 will be planted into the discrete deposits of topsoil at 1.5 m centres; and . Trees and shrubs identified for Zone WD2 will be planted into the discrete deposits of topsoil as follows: . Broad-leaved woodland core species will be planted at 1.5 m centres; and . Broad-leaved woodland edge/scrub species will be planted at 1.5 m centres. These species will be placed predominantly on the outer edge of the discrete deposits.
4 NB topsoil cover at the Site is very thin (typical depths of 100 mm for topsoil and 200 mm subsoil).
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Further details regarding the planting methodology can be found in the 5 year aftercare strategy (DRaW, 2015).
2.4.7 Species Mix It is recommended that species native to the United Kingdom and of regional provenance, ideally from Seed Zone 402 or 403 (Forestry Commission, undated), are used for planting. The Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment (Nottinghamshire County Council, undated) also provides a list of native trees and shrubs that ‘are commonly found within Trent Washlands and are suitable for inclusion in planting schemes’. These sources have been used to produce the species lists below. Species mixes proposed for native broad-leaved woodland (core and edge/scrub) and wet woodland are provided in the following tables. Unless specified otherwise, trees/shrubs will be obtained from suppliers listed in the Horticultural Trades Association Nursery Certification Scheme. Table 2a: Native Broad-Leaved Woodland (Core) Species
Latin name Common name Composition (%) Acer campestre Field Maple 20% Alnus glutinosa Alder 15% Betula pendula Silver Birch 10% Corylus avellana Hazel 15% Tillia cordata Lime 5% Malus sylvestris Crab Apple 5% Prunus avium Wild Cherry 10% Quercus robur English Oak 20%
Table 2b: Native Broad-Leaved Woodland (Edge/Scrub) Species
Latin name Common name Composition (%) Corylus avellana hazel 20% Crateagus monogyna hawthorn 25% Prunus spinosa blackthorn 15% Rosa canina dog rose 5% Salix caprea goat willow 10% Ilex aquifolium holly 5% Ligustrum vulgare wild privet 10% Malus sylvestris crab apple 10%
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Table 2c: Wet Woodland Species
Latin name Common name Composition (%) Alnus glutinosa alder 20% Salix alba white willow 15% Salix fragilis crack willow 15% Corylus avellana hazel 15% Salix caprea goat willow 15% Salix viminalis osier 10% Ligustrum vulgare wild privet 5% Rosa canina dog rose 5%
2.4.8 Measurement of Outcome The ECoW will be able to sign off this item once satisfied that the ground preparation and the planting has been completed to the required standard, with all trees/shrubs firmly heeled in. Subsequent management and monitoring of the establishment of this habitat will take place as directed in the Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.5 SPECIES-RICH GRASSLAND
2.5.1 Rationale Currently, the Site comprises small areas of species-poor semi-improved neutral grassland with tall ruderal vegetation, which is valuable grass snake habitat. Unimproved neutral grassland is a local BAP habitat and the Nottinghamshire BAP (the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, 1998) states ‘Improve the condition of relict habitat so that it qualifies as unimproved neutral grassland’ and. ’Encourage the re-establishment and increase the area of unimproved neutral grassland’. A wildlife corridor will be created, running from the west to the east and linking the areas of grassland, it will encourage the colonization of invertebrates such as grizzled skipper. Established species rich grassland habitat will bring a range of benefits for the following groups of species: . Bats – Foraging habitat, particularly in areas afforded shelter from the wind; . Birds – Provision of foraging habitat for seed, invertebrate and small mammal feeding birds including barn owl Tyto alba, bullfinch, corn bunting, grey partridge, hobby Falco subbuteo, linnet, reed bunting, skylark, song thrush and turtle dove Streptopelia turtur; and open areas of nesting habitat for skylark; . Amphibians and reptiles – Primarily foraging habitat, for all species; and . Invertebrates – Foraging habitat especially for nectar and pollen gathering bees and wasps. Habitat for phytophagous (foliage feeding) invertebrates such as weevils, crickets, butterflies and moths, particularly the grizzled skipper (recently recorded on the Site by staff in 2014). The Restoration Masterplan shows a species-rich grassland (depicted as ‘wildflower meadow’), which will be created in Zones G1, G2 and G3 as indicated on Drawing 1. Species rich grassland will also be established along the wildlife corridor which will be approximately 50 m and will link the grassland zones within the Site. Results from the vegetation establishment survey undertaken in 2013 have shown that suitable soil for creating neutral or calcareous wildflower meadows exist on the Site. The results of the survey concluded that Area F (see Appendix A, Drawing 1), would be the most suitable soil store to be used to create species rich grassland
RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION - NOVEMBER 3, 2015 12 RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION as part of the restoration of the Site. Area F had the most suitable soil properties, high species diversity and the lowest proportion of non-desirable species. Area F is also one of the oldest soil stores on the Site and as such there is a level of confidence that over time and with management such as cutting and removing arisings, grazing and selective herbicide treatment that a species rich dry grassland, as defined in Condition 54, can be achieved using this soil.
2.5.2 Constraints The potential exists for disturbance to the range of protected species recorded at the Site (see Section 2.2). Advice must be sought prior to the commencement of activities to ensure that areas inhabited by badgers (refer to confidential badger report AB Ecology, 2015c), reptiles or water vole are all avoided or an appropriate mitigation strategy is in place. Disturbance to nesting birds will also need to be avoided. Protected species constraints and appropriate recommendations pertaining to grassland habitat creation are summarised below.
2.5.3 Timing The restoration of Zones G2 and G3 will be phased on completion of the relevant cells for mining. There are no major time constraints in terms of creating this habitat, although work would be postponed during periods of very wet or very dry weather, due to impracticalities of working with waterlogged or dry, dust creating soils respectively.
2.5.4 Equipment/Machinery The following equipment will be used for ground preparation: . Tracked 3600 excavator – for digging and loading of topsoil; . Tracked dozer – for regrading; and . Articulated dump truck (ADT) – for bulk movement of soils to receptor sites or storage areas. 2.5.5 Ground Preparation Topsoil and 300 mm of subsoil will be removed and stored separately. The area will be backfilled with 300 mm of subsoil from Area F as recommended in the vegetation establishment survey report. Any topsoil retained from topsoil stripping will be stored in bunds for shrub and tree planting at a later stage.
2.5.6 Planting Methodology The most viable means of establishing a species-rich grassland is to encourage this through natural regeneration. The area cleared of vegetation and topsoil will be allowed to re-vegetate through natural colonisation and succession. However, to ensure that the larval food plant for grizzled skipper is rapidly established at the site, plug planting (as directed by the ECoW) will be undertaken of creeping cinquefoil within the species rich grassland areas. If in a three-year period the natural colonisation method does not prove successful, the following two approaches can be used as alternatives: . Assisted natural colonisation via strewing green hay: Species-rich grassland can be created using green hay following the methodology provided by DEFRA (2004). The area where habitat is to be created (Zone G) should be clear of weeds and prepared immediately prior to strewing. The hay should be cut from the donor site (preferably local), when the seed is ripe (late June or as decided by the ECoW) and collected as bales or as loose hay. The donor site would be selected for its nature conservation value and would include at least nine desirable5 grassland species per m2. This should include food plants for the
5 These include: meadow buttercup, common knapweed, yellow-wort, germander speedwell, yarrow, common sorrel, sneezewort, St. John’s-wort species, betony, bird’s-foot trefoil, self-heal, red clover, black meddick, lesser trefoil, devil’s-bit scabious, wild carrot, common cat’s ear, autumn
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grizzled skipper and its caterpillars such as bugle, birds foot trefoil, ragged robin and/or creeping cinquefoil. Hay cut from 1 ha of suitable grassland can seed 2 ha of new grassland. The hay should be strewn in a thin layer of shallow fine tilth and shaken on several successive days to prevent rotting. . Wildflower seeding: Should the methods described above prove unsuccessful, the ECoW may consider seeding with a commercially available wildflower seed mix, suitable for rough grazing (see Table 3). Seeding should take place in calm weather between April and October. Further details regarding the planting methodology can be found in the 5 year aftercare strategy (DRaW, 2015).
2.5.7 Species Mix It is recommended that a wildflower seed mixture (see an example in Table 3) is purchased from an approved supplier listed on Flora Locale webpage (http://www.floralocale.org). Table 3: Suggested Grassland Seed Mixture
Latin name Common name Composition (% by weight) Wildflowers Centaurea nigra black knapweed 4% Leucanthemum vulgare ox-eye daisy 4% Trifolium pratense red clover 4% Plantago lanceolata ribwort plantain 2% Prunella vulgaris self-heal 2% Galium verum lady's bedstraw 2% Achillea millefolium yarrow 2% Daucus carota wild carrot 2% Lotus corniculatus bird’s foot-trefoil 2% Geranium pratense meadow crane's-bill 2% Viccia cracca tufted vetch 2% Hypericum perforatum perforate St. John's-wort 2% Centaurea scabiosa greater knapweed 2% Potentilla reptans creeping cinquefoil 2% Knautia arvensis field scabious 2% Lathyrus pratensis meadow vetchling 2% Primula veris cowslip 2% Grasses and Sedges Festuca rubra red fescue 15% Cynosurus cristatus crested dog’s tail 10% Deschampsia caespitosa tufted hair-grass 10% Arrenatherum elatius false oat-grass 10%
hawkbit, rough hawkbit, meadow vetchling, goat’s beard, agrimony, eyebright, field wood-rush, grasses (common bent, crested dog’s tail, sweet vernal, meadow fescue, red fescue, sheep’s fescue, yellow oat grass, quaking grass, Yorkshire fog, tufted hair-grass) all sedges, all orchid species.
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Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog 10% Carex flacca glaucous sedge 5%
2.5.8 Measurement of Outcome The ECoW will be able to sign off this item once satisfied that the desired area of proposed species-rich grassland has established. Subsequent management and monitoring of the establishment of this habitat will take place as directed in the Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.6 WETLAND AREA
2.6.1 Rationale Wetland habitat can be readily created given the correct soils, drainage patterns and provided sufficient time is allowed for its establishment. The proposed wetland habitat will include a mosaic of deep and shallow waterbodies (30.7 ha), swamp/reedbed (ca. 5.5 ha), fringed by wet grassland. Approximately 3.2 ha of shingle habitat will also be created in order to support little ringed plover on the Site, in accordance with Condition 50 of the planning consent. Approximately 20 field ponds will be created along field margins throughout the Site and cliff habitat created on the edge of the large lake to attract sand martins and invertebrates. Ponds are a NERC priority habitat (formerly a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitat) and standing water is also covered under the Local Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) (the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, 1998). Reedbed is both a LBAP habitat and a NERC priority habitat and fens, marshes, swamps and lowland wet grassland (marshy grassland) are covered under the LBAP. Established wetland habitat will bring a range of benefits for the following species: . Bats – Foraging habitat, particularly in areas afforded shelter from the wind; . Birds – Provision of nesting and foraging habitat for little ringed plover and reed bunting. Predation opportunities for birds of prey including hobby, and nesting habitat for these species, either in mature willow trees or in reedbed. . Amphibians and reptiles – Breeding habitat for amphibians and foraging habitat for all species; and . Invertebrates – A diverse array of aquatic invertebrates can benefit from wetland creation, especially where it promotes the establishment of both seasonal and permanent waterbodies, which have their own discrete aquatic invertebrate assemblages. In marginal and seasonally inundated areas, the invertebrate assemblage changes to one that is entirely terrestrial or semi-aquatic. The proposed restoration of a surface water drainage regime and creation of a new ditch habitat is discussed in the next section (Section 2.7).
2.6.2 Constraints The potential exists for disturbance to badgers, (refer to confidential badger report AB Ecology, 2015c), and reptiles whilst constructing the new wetlands. Pre-construction surveys for protected species will be undertaken, if required, to ensure that disturbance to protected species is avoided or an appropriate mitigation strategy is in place. Since wetland creation may potentially alter hydrological properties of Cowtham Drain, this work would require the prior Consent of the Newark Area Internal Drainage Board (IDB) and Upper Witham IDB.
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2.6.3 Timing Preparatory work for wetland habitat will take place upon completion of the topsoil stripping in these zones. There are no seasonal time constraints in terms of creating this habitat, although work would need to be postponed during periods of very wet or very dry weather, due to impracticalities of working with waterlogged or dry, dust-creating soils respectively.
2.6.4 Equipment/Machinery The following equipment will be used for ground preparation: . Tracked 3600 excavator – for digging and loading of topsoil and regrading; . Tracked dozer – for regrading; and . ADT – for bulk movement of materials to receptor sites (e.g. shingle banks) or storage areas. 2.6.5 Ground Preparation The area designated for wetland creation are within Zones WT1 is enlarged and shown on Drawing 6 (Section 73 Supporting Statement). Field ponds will be created within Zones WT5-10. Zone WT2 was created in 2006, while Zone WT3 already exists on the Site (Drawing 1). The use of an experienced excavator driver and an experienced ECoW, with close cooperation between the two will be key to the successful creation of the wetland habitats. It is anticipated that upon completion of mining, the Site will consist of a subsoil composite. Accordingly, due to the low retention capacity of such composite, all waterbodies created will have to be lined with clay to a minimum depth of 300 mm. This will be laid in an undulating fashion as directed by the ECoW, so as to retain wetter areas and drier bars during summer drought. In Zones WT1 and the fringes of WT4 the waterbody will be excavated to a maximum depth of 1.5 m to retain standing water. A shallow incline (drawdown zone) will need to be achieved along the margins of all waterbodies. This will afford the necessary conditions for establishment of a wide fringe of wetland vegetation suitable for wading birds, nesting birds, reptiles and amphibians. Once the final profile is achieved, and all necessary waterbodies have been clay-lined, a maximum of 300 mm of sand and gravel will be spread over the clay membrane to provide a rooting substrate for aquatic and marginal plants. When creating waterbodies, soils will be located to ensure that they remain wet enough (but not waterlogged) around the perimeter of drawdown zones to support wet grassland. Furthermore a number of depressions (as directed by the ECoW) will be excavated within the area marked as ‘wet grassland’ (see Drawing 1) to provide seasonal pools and permanently wet/damp soil. Gravel and sand will be placed around, and on the islands in WT1 to create 3.2 ha (cumulative) of bare ground/shingle habitat. A cliff will be created on the western edge of WT4 to attract sand martins and invertebrates. This cliff should be a vertical face and rise at least 1.5 metres above normal water height. Ideally it should be over 5 metres in height. Field ponds will be created along field boundaries in a variety of depths and size directed by the ECoW.
2.6.6 Planting Methodology Natural regeneration of the wetland areas would be the desired method of vegetation establishment. However, since the areas proposed for new wetland creation are not connected to other waterbodies/courses (drainage system is yet to be restored); natural colonisation may prove to be of limited success. Accordingly, the
RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION - NOVEMBER 3, 2015 16 RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION translocation of vegetation or individual specimens from a local donor site to the receptor sites (Zone WT 1, WT4 and WT5-10) will be considered. A suitable donor site for vegetation translocation will be selected by the ECoW, characterised by a diverse and locally relevant array of plant species. In order to avoid disturbance to the donor site, these plants would be dug out and planted at low density across the receptor sites under the supervision of the ECoW, preferably in April/May or in September/October. It is recommended that targeted planting of reeds using plug plants will be required to establish the reedbeds. This will be undertaken in Year 2 after the land form has been created. At this point the water table will have stabilised sufficiently to maintain the plantings. The plants should not be submerged but the surface should not be allowed to dry out. Individual plug plants will be planted in April or May at a density of 4 per m2 , and in 5 x 5 m square blocks, as directed by the ECoW. Stand wire-mesh fencing will be erected around the planting blocks to protect the plants from grazing animals. Further details regarding the planting methodology can be found in the 5 year aftercare strategy (DRaW, 2015).
2.6.7 Species Mix Suitable plant species for the wetland area are listed in Table 4. Proportions (%) of individual species would depend on characteristics of the donor site and would be instructed by the ECoW prior to planting. Translocation or planting of invasive species6 and unfavourable species7 will be avoided. Table 4: Wetland Plant Species
Latin Name Common Name Aquatic Plants (Submerged and Floating) Potamogeton crispus curly pondweed Potamogeton natans broad-leaved pondweed Zannichellia palustris horned pondweed Myriophyllum spicatum spiked water-milfoil Ceratophyllum demersum rigid hornwort Ranunculus aquatilis common water-crowfoot Callitriche stagnalis common water-starwort Marginal Plants Mentha aquatica water mint Myosotis scorpioides water forget-me-not Alisma plantago-aquatica water plantain Lycopus europaeus gypsywort Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum watercress Ranunculus sceleratus celery-leaved buttercup Veronica beccabunga brooklime Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife
6 These include: New Zealand pigmyweed , water fern, floating pennywort. 7 These include: reedmace, Canadian waterweed, nutall’s waterweed, parrot’s feather.
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Lysimachia nummularia creeping jenny Carex otrubae false fox-sedge Reedbed Plants Phragmites australis common reed Phalaris arundinacea reed canary-grass Glyceria maxima reed sweet-grass Iris pseudacorus yellow flag iris
2.6.8 Measurement of Outcome The ECoW will sign off this item once satisfied that the ground preparation has been completed to the required specification and that the coverage and establishment of vegetation of wetland features are sufficient. Subsequent management and monitoring of the establishment of this habitat will take place as directed in the Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.7 DITCHES
2.7.1 Rationale Ditches are listed as an LBAP habitat, and the Nottinghamshire Habitat Action Plan (HAP) for ditches says ‘The wildlife value of ditches derives in part from providing a historic continuity for the entire waterway corridor, which includes the open water zone and field margins. The water channel provides a habitat for aquatic and emergent plants, and associated invertebrates, fish and semi-aquatic mammals. Ditches can be very important for reptiles (particularly grass snake), amphibians and water voles. Ditches often have an adjoining verge or field margin which can be of a grassland habitat which is less intensively managed and which provides a foraging area for many creatures from beetles to water voles’ (The Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, 1998). There are existing ditches on Site which will be re-profiled for conservation purposes. However, as part of the mine closure new ditches will be created in order to provide sufficient drainage from restored land. Existing ditches D1, D2 and D3 will be re-profiled. New ditches to be created are D4-D10 (see Drawing 1).
2.7.2 Constraints Prior to the restoration of the existing drainage ditches the consents of the Newark Area IDB and Upper Witham IDB will need to be obtained, as detailed in Section 2.1.4. The potential exists for disturbance to the full range of protected species recorded at the Site, (refer to confidential badger report AB Ecology, 2015c). Pre-construction surveys for protected species will be undertaken, if required, to ensure that disturbance is avoided or an appropriate mitigation strategy is put in place. It should be noted that water voles may inhabit the existing ditches at the Site (particularly along Staple Lane) and therefore the work needs to comply with the recommendations for water voles described in Section 2.2.1.
2.7.3 Timing The creation of new ditches and the re-profiling of existing ditches will take place at the same time as the creation of other neighbouring habitats. These activities will take place outside of the bird breeding season (March to August).
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2.7.4 Equipment/Machinery The following equipment will be used for ground preparation: . Tracked 3600 excavator – for digging and loading of topsoil and regrading; and . ADT – for bulk movement of soils to storage areas. 2.7.5 Ground Preparation At 50 m intervals, 10 m sections of the existing perimeter ditches (D1-D3) will be re-profiled and dredged (de- silted) to the desired profile (see Drawing 6, Section 73 Supporting Statement). This work will be phased and at all times one third of a ditch habitat will be left untouched to reduce disturbance to the ditch wildlife and retain some vegetation. The new perimeter ditches (D4-D7) will be designed and constructed to mirror the existing (re-profiled) ditches. In addition, at 50 m intervals, 10 m sections of the new perimeter ditches will be sloping at 45˚ with inundated ledges, which will enable colonisation by marginal plants (see Drawing 6 for ditch profile). New interior ditches (D8-D10) will take the shape of a simple trapezoidal profile. Average ditch width will be approximately 1.5 m, with sufficient depth to maintain the summer water level at 0.5 m. This depth is not achievable for ditches on sloping grades; since these are seasonal ditches aimed at draining the agricultural land and are expected to be dry during the summer. Ditch creation and re-profiling will be undertaken in collaboration with the IDB’s. Further details of the management of perimeter ditches is included in the Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.7.6 Planting Methodology The ditches along Staple Lane and Grange Lane are vegetated by a variety of aquatic and marginal plant species, these have the potential to colonise the newly created ditches within the Site. The existing ditches will be interlinked with the new ditch network, therefore new ditches will be left to colonise naturally. Habitat establishment will be monitored periodically and if establishment proves to be of limited success, translocation of vegetation or individual specimens from the nearby ditches will be considered. This should be directed by the ECoW. Further details regarding the planting methodology can be found in the 5 year aftercare strategy (DRaW, 2015).
2.7.7 Species Mix No seeding is required for ditch habitat as establishment via natural regeneration/colonisation will be promoted.
2.7.8 Measurement of Outcome The ECoW will sign off this item once satisfied that the ground preparation has been completed to the required standard and that the coverage and vegetation establishment of drainage network of the Site is sufficient. Subsequent management and monitoring of the establishment of this habitat will take place as directed in the Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.8 HEDGEROWS
2.8.1 Rationale Hedgerows are present on the perimeter of the Site and aid the dispersal of animals and woodland plants. Hedgerows are listed as a Local BAP habitat, and Nottinghamshire BAP (The Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, 1998) for hedgerows states;
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‘Today, with much of rural Nottinghamshire dominated by intensive arable farming, the remaining hedgerows often represent the most significant wildlife habitat in a landscape. In urban and other built environments, hedgerows may provide a haven for flora and fauna where other refuges are often limited or absent. Hedges are especially important for butterflies, moths and other invertebrates, birds, and mammals such as bats, harvest mice, stoats, weasels and hares. They provide a source of food for insects, which in turn support predatory invertebrates and vertebrates. In addition they provide cover (e.g. for nesting birds) and shelter from the elements. Mature trees within hedgerows can provide roosts for bats and owls, particularly the little owl, which is declining in numbers and relies on old, standard trees. Hedges are also important breeding sites for many birds and insects.’ Hedgerows H1-H6 already exist at the Site, however new hedgerows will be planted upon completion of mining (H7-H16), as indicated on Drawing 1.
2.8.2 Constraints The potential exists for disturbance to the full range of protected species recorded at the Site (see Section 2.2). Advice must be sought prior to the commencement of activities to ensure that badgers (refer to confidential badger report AB Ecology, 2015c), reptiles or water vole are all avoided or an appropriate mitigation strategy is in place. Disturbance to nesting birds will also need to be avoided.
2.8.3 Timing Ground preparation will take place at the same time as other major restoration works at the Site avoiding the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive). Planting will be carried out between late October to early March when soil and weather conditions are suitable, avoiding periods of frost and strong winds.
2.8.4 Equipment/Machinery The following equipment will be used for ground preparation: . Tracked 3600 excavator – for digging and loading of topsoil; . ADT – for bulk movement of soils to receptor bunds or soil storage areas; and . Spades, tree/shrub whips (or container grown plants) and tree spat mats for planting. 2.8.5 Ground Preparation The areas proposed for planting will be cleared of vegetation to ground level and arisings removed where required. Topsoil, where present, will be stripped and retained in bunds for woodland and agricultural land restoration. Subsoil (of a neutral or alkaline pH sourced from the quarry) and topsoil will be used to construct raised banks that will subsequently be planted with hedgerow species. Accordingly excavators will be used to regrade subsoil to the required profile. A maximum of 200 mm of topsoil in which to plant trees and shrubs will be added to this subsoil8.
2.8.6 Planting Methodology All tree and shrub species will be supplied as 450-600 mm bare root stock and either fenced from rabbits or, if appropriate, individually guarded using plastic tree guards. Native hedgerow species will be planted as a double staggered row, at 6 plants per linear metre. Individual hedgerow trees will be 1.5 m feathered with one tree on average every 50 m. Further details regarding the planting methodology can be found in the 5 year aftercare strategy (DRaW, 2015).
8 NB topsoil cover at the Site is very thin (typical depths of 100 mm for topsoil and 200 mm subsoil).
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2.8.7 Species Mix It is recommended that species native to the United Kingdom and of regional provenance are used for planting. The Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment (Nottinghamshire County Council, undated) provides a list of native trees and shrubs that ‘are commonly found within Trent Washlands and are suitable for inclusion in planting schemes’. The proposed restoration species have been chosen from this list, along with species recorded around the Site. Table 5: Native Hedgerow Species
Latin name Common name Composition (%) Crateagus monogyna hawthorn 60% Corylus avellana hazel 10% Prunus spinosa blackthorn 15% Rosa canina dog rose 5% Ilex aquifolium holly 5% Cornus sanguinea dogwood 5% Quercus robur English oak Feathered trees (1.2-1.5 m 6 cm girth) planted at irregular intervals
Acer campestre field maple Feathered trees (1.2-1.5 m 6 cm girth) planted at irregular intervals Tilla cordata small leaved lime Feathered trees (1.2-1.5 m 6 cm girth) planted at irregular intervals
2.8.8 Measurement of Outcome The ECoW will be able to sign off this item once satisfied that the ground preparation has been completed to the required standard and that hedgerows at the Site are sufficient in coverage and location. Subsequent management and monitoring of the establishment of this habitat will take place as directed in the Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
2.9 AGRICULTURAL LAND AND ARABLE FIELD MARGINS The Site is dominated by agricultural land and, upon completion of mining, will be restored to agricultural land with field margins. Field margins are listed as a Local BAP habitat, and Nottinghamshire BAP (The Biodiversity Action Group, 1998) for field margins says ‘Arable field margins make an important contribution to the county’s biodiversity. In the past, arable field margins have declined as hedgerows have been removed and agricultural improvements have allowed more intensive farming up to the field margin. Recently, this situation has changed as new options in agri-environment schemes have encouraged farmers to reinstate these habitats. Field margins provide nest sites for many hedgerow breeding birds, act as buffer zones around wetland habitats, and provide essential habitat for invertebrates. Over 2000 species of insect are associated with arable field margins.’ The restoration of agricultural land with field margins is directed by the landscape architect. This involves restoration of agricultural fields, field margins, hedgerow planting and tree planting. The restoration of agricultural land requires that the restoration soils are placed across the restored landform to a depth of 750 mm (450 mm subsoil and 300 mm topsoil). The prescribed depths of restoration soils would
RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION - NOVEMBER 3, 2015 21 RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION enable the land to be returned to agricultural use, as is currently the case in Zone A. Hedgerows delineating fields will be planted using native shrubs found in the local area (see Section 2.8). Furthermore, a network of drainage ditches will also be reinstated across the Site (See Section 2.7), which would include perimeter ditches and seasonal field ditches. At least 5 m wide arable field margins will be maintained across Zone A. These margins would comprise uncultivated natural grassland, self-seeded, or sown with a locally sourced wildlife mix. Field margins should be at least 6 m wide when adjacent to ditches, to protect from spray drift of fertilisers or pesticides.
3 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING Saint-Gobain Formula will retain responsibility for ongoing management of habitats at the Site for the duration of mining operations, plus the minimum 5 year after-care period following final restoration of the Site. This will ensure that the habitats created are maintained in a favourable condition for biodiversity. The programme of management will include the following: . Monitoring - the rate of establishment/colonisation of habitats and species will be closely monitored and actions prescribed if threshold levels are not met; . Manage Woodland and Scrub - scrub will be controlled so that it does not encroach across large parts of the grassland and wetland habitats; . Manage Species-Rich Grassland - once a dense sward has established across the main area of species-rich grassland, it will be grazed or alternatively will be cut once a year, in late summer; . Manage Reedbed - areas of open water will be maintained within the waterbodies, by clearance of reeds or other vegetation as neccesary; . Manage Ditches - ditches will be maintained employing dredging and vegetation clearance; . Manage Hedgerows - hedgerows will be managed by cutting, laying and pollarding on a rotational basis. . Maintain Arable Field Margins – a 5 m wide buffer zone wil be maintained in order to enhance arable field margins beneficial for wildlife. Aftercare management and monitoring prescriptions for these habitats are fully described in Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification (AB Ecology, 2015a).
4 REFERENCES AB Ecology (2015a). Bantycock Mine Restoration Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification. Unpublished Report to Saint-Gobain Formula. AB Ecology (2015b). Method Statements for Condition 50 & 52. Unpublished Report to Saint-Gobain Formula AB Ecology (2015c). CONFIDENTIAL – Bantycock Mine Restoration Management Plan – Associated Badger Information Unpublished Report to Saint-Gobain Formula Eaton, M.A., Brown, A.F., Noble, D.G., Musgrove, A.J., Hearn, R., Aebischer, N.J., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, A. and Gregory, R.D. (2009) Birds of conservation concern 3: The population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds, 102, pp.296-341.
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DEFRA (2004). Sward Enhancement: Diversifying Grassland by Spreading Species Rich Green Hay. Rural Development Technical Advice Note 28. DEFRA. DRaW (2015) Bantycock Gypsum Mine: 5 Year Aftercare Strategy Unpublished Report to Saint-Gobain Forestry Commission (undated) Regions of Provenance Map [online] Available at: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-72kldl [Accessed October 2015] Golder Associates (UK) Ltd (2006). Environmental Assessment of Bantycock Mine, Nottinghamshire: Addendum to Environmental Statement. Unpublished Report to BPB Formula Golder Associates (UK) Ltd (2007a). Bantycock Quarry Planning Condition No. 51. Protected Species Monitoring Programme. Unpublished Report to BPB Formula. Golder Associates (UK) Ltd (2007b). Bantycock Quarry Planning Condition No. 53. Reptile Mitigation Scheme. Unpublished Report to BPB Formula. Golder Associates (UK) Ltd (2013b). Bantycock Gypsum Mine Annual Ecology Report 2013-2014. Unpublished Report to Saint-Gobain Formula HMSO (1981) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 [online]. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69 [Accessed January 2015]. HMSO (1981) Land Drainage Act 1991 [online]. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk [Accessed January 2015]. HMSO (2006) Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 [online]. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents [Accessed January 2015]. Natural England (2008) Water Voles – The Law in Practice: Guidance for Planners and Developers. Peterborough: Natural England. Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group. Taylor, J.K. (ed). (1998). Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire County Council Nottinghamshire County Council (undated) Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment: Chapter 4.0 The Trent Washlands Chapter [online]. Available at: http://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov. uk/media/newarkandsherwood/imagesandfiles/planning policy/pdfs/landscapeandbiodiversity/landscapecharacterassessment/Trent%20Washlands%20-%20DONE. pdf [Accessed January 2015]
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Drawings
Drawing 1 – Site Compartment Plan
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19.2m Dismantled Railway BOWBRIDGE LANE BOWBRIDGE
22.6m Drain
Drain Pond 13.4m WB El Sub Sta BM 21.98m 22.4m
El Sub Sta Hoppers Drain L Twr 20.1m JERICHO WORKS Tanks Tank (Gypsum) 17.5m H1 GRANGE LANE GRANGE LANE Conveyor 15.2m D7 Conveyor Silo L Twr GP Conveyor Hopper
GRANGE LANE Hopper G3 WD4 L Twr 13.1m Conveyor WD3
WD5
Drain Drain
STAPLE LANE
Drain Track D1 H2
Drain A2 H7 13.1m
Drain WB A1 WB El Sub Sta
Drain G2 Pond D6 H3 WD6
Track H8 H4 WD2 D8
Drain A3
WD7 STAPLE LANE
Drain D9 12.8m WD13
Water WD8
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LANE WD1 13.1m
Drain D10 WD1 H9 A4 D2 Drain H10 H5 H12
WD12 Track G3 A5 H14
D3 A 6065 A
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A 1 A H6 1 A Pond COWTHAM Pump HOUSE FARM CROSS LANE WD9
23 15.5m A6
D5 15 D4
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CROSS LANE 1:8,000 (disused) Airfield Shelter Reservoir (covered) WD11 H16 0
Path (um) G1 21.3m
Drain BM 21.63m WD10 160 18.9m
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WESTERN DRIVE WESTERN A 1 A
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A 6065 A 2
A 6065 A Drain 20.6m
BM 20.46m 20.4m
2 20.1m
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Drain 20.46m BM HIGHWAY CHILDRENS 20.5m 320 A 6065 Balderton Hospital 19.8m
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Drain 480m 19.3m Drawing No. Size Title Project Client A3 LEGEND WD G A Scale 1:8,000 er5Year 0 Year 5 Year 0 5m20 250m 250m 250m Bantycock Gypsum Mine Proposed Footpath/Access Track Existing Footpath/Access Track Proposed Ditch (D) Existing Ditch (D) Proposed Hedgerow (H) Existing Hedgerow (H) Species Rich Grassland Wildlife Corridor Site boundary Arable Land Woodland and Scrub Wetland Site Compartment Plan Rotational Ditch Management Date Saint Gobain 25.06.15 - 1 Year 10 Created by DN9 3HX Doncaster 65 Common Lane AB Ecology Auckley A CD RAW Year 10 Year 5 Reviewer Rev
RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, PART I: HABITAT CREATION
Appendices Appendix 1: Vegetation Establishment Survey
Restoration Management plan, part I: habitat creation - July 8, 2015
20 September 2013 Project No. 13514140043.500/B.0
Mr Jeff Torr Saint-Gobain Formula Bowbridge Lane New Balderton Newark Nottinghamshire NG24 3BZ
VEGETATION ESTABLISHMENT SURVEY Dear Mr Torr
Golder Associates UK (Ltd) (Golder) was commissioned by Saint-Gobain Formula to undertake a vegetation establishment survey across existing soil stores at Bantycock Mine, Balderton (hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’). This letter reports the background to the commission of the survey and the survey results. Background This survey methodology was derived as a method of assessment and monitoring in connection with ecology-related planning condition 55 in planning consent (reference 3/06/00991/CMM).
Condition 55 stated that: …….’The meadow planting scheme shall provide for the stripping of the south-eastern field marked ‘W’ on Plan ‘Restoration Master Plan’ Figure No. 16 in the ES received by the MPA on 5 May 2006 and include details of a mechanism for the assessment of the suitability of natural regeneration methods in the establishment of the meadow habitat for a period of three years and thereafter provide for subsequent re- seeding in the event that this is unsuitable or management of the regenerated meadow in the event this is successful. In the event that natural regeneration is successful in the trial area, natural regeneration shall be used as the method of restoration in the other areas proposed as wildflower meadow, indicated as ‘W’ on Plan ‘Restoration Master Plan’ Figure No. 16 in the ES received by MPA on 5 May 2006, and as amended by Condition 56. Should natural regeneration prove unsuccessful in the restoration of the trial area, all wildflower meadow/species rich dry grassland areas shall be restored using an appropriate wildflower seed mix, the composition of which shall have been provided in the scheme for woodland and meadow planting. The scheme shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details.’
During site visits conducted in 2010, discussions took place regarding the practicality of a grassland restoration trail area in Zone G1, and corresponds to the area provisioned in the Ecological Management Plan (Golder 2009a1 and 2009b2)) took place. These discussions highlighted that the implementation of a restoration trial scheme in this location was not feasible due to, disturbance to badgers, positioning of topsoil bunds and the presence of a high pressure gas pipeline. An alternative restoration area was subsequently discussed and provisionally approved by the MPA in 2011.
1 Golder Associates (UK) Ltd (2009a) Bantycock Mine Ecological Management Plan, Part I: Habitat Creation. Unpublished Report to BPB Formula. 2 Golder Associates (UK) Ltd (2009b) Bantycock Mine Ecological Management Plan, Part II: Aftercare Specification. Unpublished Report to Nottinghamshire County Council.
Golder Associates (UK) Ltd Golder House, Tadcaster Enterprise Park, Station Road, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire LS24 9JF, UK Tel: [+44] (0) 1937 837800 Fax: [+44] (0) 1937 837850 www.golder.com Golder Associates: Operations in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America
Company Registered in England No.1125149. At Attenborough House, Browns Lane Business Park, Stanton-on-the-Wolds, Nottinghamshire NG12 5BL VAT No. 209 0084 92 Golder, Golder Associates and the GA globe design are trademarks of Golder Associates Corporation.
Mr Jeff Torr 13514140043.500/B.0 Saint-Gobain Formula 20 September 2013
However, in 2012 Saint-Gobain Formula communicated that the alternative restoration area may no longer provide a suitable trial area, due to poor accessibility and risk of erosion from prevailing winds. As a substitute, Golder recommended that vegetation establishment across the existing soil storage areas within the Site be assessed, taking into consideration soil properties and length of time for natural colonisation. This methodology was issued to Saint-Gobain Formula in our proposal P3514140043/1/V.0 dated 6 February 2013 and then subsequently in a letter submitted as a supporting statement to Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) as part of the Section 73 application made in April 2013. This approach to satisfying condition 55 was agreed in a meeting with Saint-Gobain, NCC and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust in September 2012.
Several planning conditions for the mine were revised in 2013 (including Condition 55) as the result of submitted recent planning application (reference 3/1300603/CMA). The vegetation establishment survey now provides the basis of assessment for soil stores that can be used to satisfy current Condition 54 of the current planning consent. Objective The vegetation trial was instigated to assess the suitability of the existing soil stores across the Site in respect of their application and compatibility as rooting substrates for future unimproved, species-rich grassland habitat establishment, via natural succession.
A diverse range of naturally vegetated storage bunds are present across the Site, ranging from those exhibiting 1 year of colonisation to those with over 20 years colonisation, of which some are composed of overburden (bedrock/parent material), subsoil, and topsoil. Assessing these soil stores will give a better understanding of natural grassland colonisation outcomes that can be achieved with the materials available, taking into consideration soil properties and length of natural colonisation.
The survey also examined physical properties of soils, obtained through soil analysis (e.g. measurements of pH and soil nutrients). The following methodology was developed specifically for this assessment. Methodology On 18 July 2013 two suitably experienced botanists undertook a survey of six storage bunds within the Site, which are representative of the variety of soil types of differing ages of vegetation succession. The areas surveyed (A-F) are presented on Drawing 1, supplemented with photos depicting the vegetation at the time of survey. The areas selected best represent represent the variety of soils on Site, including some which are only two or three years old, through to others which have been left undisturbed for over 20 years.
Across each identified area homogenous stands were identified and within each homogenous stand three randomly arranged quadrats (2 m x 2 m) were sampled for plant species coverage and soil properties. To assess plant species coverage the DOMIN3 scale was applied. The DOMIN scale is a ten-point scale of cover/abundance used to record the extent of species in a sample (JNCC 20104).
Soil properties tested5 included pH, essential plant macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), and observations on soil structure were made.
An estimation of the approximate age of each area was obtained through consultation of mine plans as well as anecdotal evidence provided by experienced British Gypsum staff who have worked at the Site over twenty years. Results The results of the vegetation establishment survey and soils analysis are summarised in Table 1, full species lists from the vegetation survey can be found in Appendix 1. Soil testing procedures and nutrient reading charts can be found in Appendix 2.
3 1 = few individuals (but less than 4% cover), 2 = several individuals (but less than 4% cover), 3 = many individuals (but less than 4% cover), 4 = 4-10% cover, 5 = 11-25% cover, 6 = 26-33% cover, 7 = 34-50% cover, 8 = 51-75% cover, 9 = 76-90% cover; and 10 = 91-100% cover. 4 JNCC (2010) National Vegetation Classification Users’ Handbook. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 5 Soil was tested using a Tenax field portable soil testing kit.
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Mr Jeff Torr 13514140043.500/B.0 Saint-Gobain Formula 20 September 2013
Table 1: Soil Properties and Average Number of Species per Quadrat Area Surveyed Properties A B C D E F pH 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 Nitrogen low low low low low low Potassium medium medium high high medium medium Phosphorus medium high high high medium medium Approximate age of area6 2 years 5-6 years 6 years 10-20 years 14 years 25 years Number of species (average, taken from Appendix A, Tables 1 & 2) 10 12 10 12 10 16
Area A is a relatively new bund, having been created approximately two years ago, the soil structure is sandy, free draining and very stony. It has a neutral pH and is low in nitrogen with medium levels of potassium and phosphorus. The bund has been colonized quickly by grassland species and no bare soil is evident on the bund, however spear thistle Cirsium vulgare is beginning to dominate in some areas. The following plants were constant7 in the three quadrats: meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, sterile brome Bromus sterilus, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, spear thistle, bearded couch Elymus caninus, cleavers Galium aparine and a hawkweed Hieracium sp. This community is dominated by grasses with sterile brome and bearded couch being the most abundant. Other than grasses, few flowering plants were recorded in this community.
Area B is a bund that has been in place for approximately 5 - 6 years, the soil structure is mostly sandy but some clay particles were found. It has a neutral pH and is low in nitrogen, with medium levels of potassium and high levels of phosphorus. In this community the following plants were constant: mugwort Artemisia vulgaris, creeping thistle, hemlock Conium maculatum, common couch Elytrigia repens, round-leaved crane’s-bill Geranium rotundifolium, perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne, common poppy Papaver rhoeas and ragwort Senecio jacobaea. Herbs are more abundant on this bund including dense patches of nettles Urtica doica, curled dock Rumex crispus and mugwort. Grasses are less abundant but there are a greater proportion of flowering plants such as poppy and round-leaved crane’s bill.
Area C is a tall bund approximately 6 years old and lies on the northern boundary of the mine. The soil structure is free draining and very stony with a neutral pH, it has low levels of nitrogen and high levels of potassium and phosphorus. It has a well-developed grassland community with abundant tall ruderals present. In this community the following plants were constant: creeping thistle, hemlock and common couch. Common couch dominated the three quadrats, however wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa and false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius were also abundant in two of the three quadrats. Flowering plants such as common poppy were only occasional.
Area D is a small bund created 10-20 years ago. The soil structure is clay, it is low in nitrogen and has a neutral pH but high in potassium and phosphorus. In this community the following plants were constant: false oat grass, hemlock, perennial rye-grass, black medick Medicago lupulina, wild parsnip, rough meadow- grass Poa trivialis, ragwort and red clover Trifolium pretense. A small proportion of bare ground was present throughout the quadrats with frequent flowering plants present including abundant black medick and red clover.
Area E is a medium sized bund with a flat top approximately 14 years old, the soil structure is very fine and sandy but highly compacted. The soil has low levels of nitrogen, a neutral pH and medium levels of potassium and phosphorus. The bund comprises species poor grassland with very few herbaceous species, tall grasses dominate. In this community the following plants were constant: false oat-grass, Yorkshire fog and field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis. Cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata, red fescue Festuca rubra and rough meadow grass were also abundant. Flowering plants were rare in this area as they have been
6 Data obtained from Bantycock site staff. 7 Constant species are those occurring in over 60% of the quadrats per transect
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Data Protection Data Protection 12
13.1m 25 23 Path (um)
Drain 15
Mast
GOLDSTRAW LANE
Drain Ward Bdy Legend
Settling Tanks CR CR A 6065
A 6065 Drain I Planning Consent Boundary Reservoir (covered) Pond 33 kv. u/g Cable Newlands 13.1m 15.5m
I El Sub Sta LANE
STAPLE Drain 2 Plantation Broad-leaved Woodland
DRIVE Gypsum Works
SI Def SOUTH 12.8m Tanks A 1 A Dense/Continuous Scrub Tanks Cul
Drain Hoppers I Cul Conveyor L Twr
Conveyors
16 Scattered Scrub El Sub Sta Drain Drain Drain BM 21.63m
9 L Twr 10 WB Conveyor 33 kv. u/g Cable 13.4m Tank Tank Ponds WB SI 1 Conveyor L Twr WB
Hopper Tall Ruderal
8 El Sub Sta CAMERON LANE A
Drain Pond
21.3m Wheel Wash 13.1m SI Drain ESS Semi-improved Neutral Grassland
Pond DALE WAY Lagoon Fines Drain SI Drain Drain
SI 2
Drain 1 Government Oil Pipeline 2 I A HUNDRED ACRES LANE STAPLE LANE Cross Lane Farm Drain 7 Improved Grassland Drain
A 1 COLLINSON LANE COLLINSON CROSS LANE 1
CR GOODWIN LANE 2
33 kv. u/g Cable 8
Track GP SI 13.1m Poor Semi-improved Grassland 3 Drain
Airfield SI (disused)
F 16 SI Swamp
CROSS LANE
Drain SI GRANGE LANE SI
18.9m Standing Water A SI SI Track Drain
A 6065
A 1 350000N 350000N
A 6065 5400 2800 Running Water E Drain SI Q Quarry D SI S Spoil pSI A A A Arable 15.2m SI Ephemeral/Short Perennial A SI Native Species-rich Intact Hedge
Concrete Road
C 20.6m Ablutions Mess Room Mine Office
17.5m Government Oil Pipeline Species-poor Intact Hedge SI Site Managers Office Crushing Car Park Plant Crossing Parking Point Diesel Tanks SI
Pathway Species-poor Defunct Hedge Lorry Loading Area Generator
Q Fitters Area
pSI Pathway B.G. Stocking Area Small DumperLarge Parking Dumper Fence Parking Trommell Waste
4747 CUT12 Dry Ditch
GRANGE LANE
CUT6 STOCKPILE AREA A 1440 B Buildings
20.1m Hardstanding S S CUT10 Q CUT9
CUT8 Cakes Cocks Muck CUT7 Bare Ground Rock Cocks Muck SI Grey Muck Indicative Location of Area to be
22.4m Top Rock Surveyed Blue Rock Q
S CUT11 A Photo Reference
Pond Q
A 1 Trunk Road 4700 349000N 6900 349000N
A B A Balderton Grange
Silo 3585
Track 3581
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1277 A Drain
Pond Rev Description PM Review Date Track Pump 5972 Client High Pressure Gas Pipeline Cowtham House 0 7469 200 400 600m Saint-Gobain Formula 1667 1:10,000 Project
Drain 9162 Ecology Monitoring and Mitigation
Title Vegetation Establishment Survey D E F C Created by Requested by Proj Manager Reviewer Date JW RB CD FB 05/09/13 File No. Project No. 519722r1 13514140043 Size Scale Status A3 1:10,000 Report Issue Drawing No. Rev 1 - © Golder Associates (UK) Ltd Golder House Tadcaster Enterprise Park Station Road Tadcaster North Yorkshire LS24 9JF +44 (0)1937 837 800
APPENDIX 1 Vegetation Establishment Survey - Species Lists
Table 1: Vegetation Establishment Survey (Areas A-C) Domin Score Common Name Latin Name A B C Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis 3 4 3 false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius 5 4 9 5 mugwort Artemisia vulgaris 2 3 4 sterile brome Bromus sterilus 7 6 2 2 hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium 3 creeping thistle Cirsium arvense 3 2 1 2 2 3 1 4 3 spear thistle Cirsium vulgare 3 3 5 3 2 1 hemlock Conium maculatum 3 2 1 1 1 5 cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata 2 2 2 1 teasel Dipsacus fullonum 1 bearded couch Elymus caninus 4 3 7 common couch Elytrigia repens 5 3 2 7 8 8 American willowherb Epilobium ciliatum 2 great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum 1 2 cleavers Galium aparine 4 3 3 3 3 round-leaved crane’s-bill Geranium rotundifolium 1 1 1 hogweed Heracleum sphondylium 4 mouse-ear hawkweed Hieracium pilosella agg. 2 3 a hawkweed Hieracium sp. 3 3 2 1 Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus 3 oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare 1 perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne 1 2 2 2 3 common poppy Papaver rhoeas 1 2 3 1 wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa 5 5 butterbur Petasites hybridus 2 rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis 2 1 curled dock Rumex crispus 1 4 2 common ragwort Senecio jacobaea 2 2 3 2 white campion Silene latifolium 1 1 perennial sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis 1 dandelion Tataxacum officinale agg. 1 1 2 nettle Urtica doica 4 Miscellaneous bare soil 4 1 4 moss 5 4 Number of Species 10 13 8 11 13 12 9 10 12 (not including moss)
20 September 2013 Project No. 13514140043.500/B.0 1/2
APPENDIX 1 Vegetation Establishment Survey - Species Lists
Table 2: Vegetation Establishment Survey (Areas D-F) Domin Score Common Name Latin Name D E F Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera 3 1 2 3 sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum 2 2 false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius 2 4 5 5 6 9 8 8 7 creeping thistle Cirsium arvense 2 1 1 spear thistle Cirsium vulgare 2 field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis 2 2 1 hemlock Conium maculatum 4 2 1 cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata 3 7 3 3 4 1 teasel Dipsacus fullonum 1 1 Common couch Elytrigia repens 4 ield horsetail Equisetum arvense 2 tall fescue Festuca arundinacea 1 red fescue Festuca rubra 4 5 4 3 6 bristly oxtongue Helminthotheca echioides 1 1 a hawkweed Hieracium sp. 2 Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus 2 1 8 5 2 3 2 3 perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 common bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus 2 black medick Medicago lupulina 6 2 5 3 4 4 5 ribbed melliot Melilotus officinalis 2 1 1 wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa 5 4 2 1 1 butterbur Petasites hybridus 7 6 5 ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata 2 5 2 4 4 3 rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis 3 2 3 6 3 3 2 creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans 3 curled dock Rumex crispus 1 common ragwort Senecio jacobaea 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 white campion Silene latifolium 1 perennial sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis 2 2 dandelion Tataxacum officinale agg. 3 1 upright hedge-parsley Torilis japonica 2 2 red clover Trifolium pratense 3 4 2 white clover Trifolium repens 1 3 4 3 nettle Urtica doica 2 hairy tare Vicia hirsuta 1 Miscellaneous bare soil 1 2 2 moss 5 1 2 Number of Species 14 14 8 11 12 7 17 16 17 (not including moss)
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