LAND ADJACENT AND WITHIN FINCHES FARM,

STANSTED

PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL

APPRAISAL REPORT

Date of report 2nd October 2020 Date of survey 26th August 2020 Author Jenny Passmore Reviewer Becky Clover Client Name Jo Middelboe Corylus reference 20104

CORYLUS ECOLOGY

Unit A3 Speldhurst Business Park, Langton Road, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN3 0NR Telephone: 01892 861868 Email: [email protected] Director: H G Wrigley (née Lucking) BSc. MIEEM, CIEEM Corylus Ecology Ltd Registered in England No 5005553 Registered Office: Henwood House, Henwood, Ashford Kent TN24 8DH VAT Reg No. 862 2486 14

CORYLUS ECOLOGY ______

CONTENTS

Page Number

1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Methodology 2 3.0 Results 4 4.0 Evaluation 9 5.0 Conclusions 15

References

Figures Figure 1 – Phase 1 Habitat Plan Figure 2 - Annotated Photographs

Appendices Appendix 1 – Bat Legislation Appendix 2 – Sensitive Lighting Guidance

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Corylus Ecology was asked to undertake an ecology survey of land adjacent and within Finches Farm in Stansted, Kent. The Site is located on Labour-in-Vain Road, to the north-west of Wrotham village in Kent (TQ 60031 60516) and the proposals are to demolish the existing outbuildings to make way for a residential dwelling.

1.2 The Site includes five outbuilding structures which are centred around an area of ruderal vegetation and there is an overgrown hedgerow along the northern boundary.

1.3 The PEA was undertaken by Corylus Ecology on 26th August 2020. The survey includes a Phase I Habitat Survey, which provides information relating to the habitats within the Site, and a Protected Species Assessment, which identifies potential for protected species and informs the need for further protected species surveys. The Protected Species Assessment includes a Bat Building Survey, which aims to identify any evidence of and potential for roosting bats during daylight hours.

1.4 The objectives of the survey were as follows:  Classify and map the habitats within the Site according to those within the Phase I manual;  Determine the potential for protected species to occur within the Site, including an assessment of the buildings for potential to support bats;  Identify key ecological constraints to allow early avoidance or minimisation of ecological effects through appropriate design;  Suggest appropriate further protected surveys where necessary; and  Suggest measures to maintain and enhance biodiversity.

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2.0 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Preliminary Desk Study 2.1.1 A preliminary search within 3km of the Site was undertaken for designated areas, priority habitats, and European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences using the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) interactive mapping service (Defra, 2020). Records from the local biological records centre were not sought due to the relatively small scale of the Site and proposals.

2.2 Bat and Barn Owl Building Survey 2.2.1 All buildings were subject to an external and internal survey on 26th August 2020. The survey was undertaken by Jenny Passmore (licence number 2016-23195-CLS-CLS) and Becky Clover (licence number 2017-28806-CLS-CLS) of Corylus Ecology.

2.2.2 The external survey of the buildings included an assessment of areas for potential for bats and a search for evidence such as droppings and staining immediately below potential roost areas, at the base of the buildings and on window sills. The interior of the buildings was surveyed for evidence of bats including droppings, staining and bats themselves. Bat droppings were searched for on the top of beams (where they are less likely to have been disturbed/damaged) as well as on the ground below. A high powered Clulite torch was used in the search. An endoscope with halogen light, which can fit into cavities only 9.5mm wide, was used to look for signs of bats in any accessible cavities. Buildings are placed into one of the four categories of bat roost potential: High, Moderate, Low and Negligible, as described in Table 1 below (Collins, 2016).

2.2.3 The building survey included an assessment of breeding bird potential, including potential for barn owl nesting locations such as ledges, and a search for evidence including pellets, feathers and staining.

2.3 Phase I Survey 2.3.1 The Site was subject to a Phase I Habitat Survey on 26th August 2020. The habitats present on the Site were mapped in accordance with the ‘Handbook for Phase I Habitat Survey’ (JNCC, 2003). Habitat areas and features of topographical and/or ecological interest were described in the form of target notes (TN). These were later used to create botanical species lists by target note area and also to create a colour coded Phase I Habitat map, which is presented as Figure 1. All nomenclature follows Stace (2019).

2.3.2 The Phase I Habitat Survey also includes the mapping of invasive botanical species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as well as those classed as rare or declining.

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However, some species are seasonally constrained, and therefore may not be visible on a single visit. Likewise, the presence of densely vegetated habitats may restrict access and invasive species therefore may not be recorded.

2.4 Protected Species Assessment 2.4.1 The survey included an assessment of the potential for the Site to support protected species. This type of survey aims to assess the potential for protected species to occur due to the habitats present and does not include any species-specific survey methods designed to demonstrate whether the Site is in fact used by such species. The exception is badgers Meles meles as field signs associated with this species can be searched for, including latrines, holes, pushes, paths and hairs.

Bat Tree and Habitat Assessment 2.4.2 As part of the protected species assessment, a ground level investigation of all suitable trees was carried out to identify bat potential. Bats may use any crack or hole (such as woodpecker holes), splits or flaking bark and ivy (JNCC, 2004).

2.4.3 In addition, the on-site habitats were assessed for their suitability to support foraging and commuting bats. Trees, buildings and habitats were placed into one of four categories; High, Moderate, Low or Negligible (Collins, 2016):

Table 1: Bat Habitat Assessment Criteria

Negligible Habitat/structure with negligible features likely to be used by roosting, foraging or commuting bats.

Low A habitat/structure that could be used by small numbers of roosting or commuting bats, such as a gappy hedgerow or unvegetated stream, but isolated - i.e. not very well connected to the surrounding landscape by other habitat.

Moderate Continuous habitat connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for commuting and foraging, such as lines of trees and scrub or linked back gardens.

A structure with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by bats, but are unlikely to support a roost of high conservations status. High Continuous, high quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by commuting bats, such as river valleys, hedgerows, lines of trees and woodland edge.

A structure with one or more potential roost sites that are suitable for a large number of bats on a regular basis and for a longer period of time.

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3.0 RESULTS 3.1 Preliminary Desk Study Sites of Special Scientific Interest 3.1.1 Halling to Trottiscliffe Escarpment SSSI is a 648ha area of the North Downs, 1.8km to the east of the Site. The SSSI is representative of a mosaic of chalk habitats with outstanding assemblages of plants and invertebrates. The downland is no longer grazed and only small areas remain on the south-facing slope. The grassland is dominated by upright brome Bromus erectus, sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina, dwarf thistle Cirsium acaule, chalk milkwort , clustered bellflower Campanula glomerata, horseshoe vetch Hippocrepis comosa, and several species of orchid including the scarce musk orchid Herminium monorchis and man orchid Aceras anthropophorum. The area is of great entomological importance. It is the only known location in Britain for the citrinalis and several other very scarce , beetles and grasshoppers also occur. The Site is within the Impact Risk Zone of this SSSI, however this only applies to industrial operations and small residential developments are exempt.

European Protected Species Licence Records 3.1.2 Regarding records of protected species, there is a great crested newt (GCN) Triturus cristatus record from a location 2.7km to the south of the Site for a class licence return, in May 2017. A GCN licence was also granted in 2009 for a nearby location, 2.7km to the south beyond the M20 and M26 motorway. A bat EPS licence was granted August 2011 to August 2012 for a non-breeding roost of common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, for a location 2.7km to the north-west. A licence covering a non-breeding roost of common pipistrelle, brown long-eared Plecotus auritus and Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri was granted March 2012 to December 2014 for a location 2.2km to the south-west. Regarding dormice Muscardinus avellarius, there is an EPS licence granted for the period September 2009 to March 2010 for a location 2.7km to the south.

Habitats 3.1.3 There are fragments of ancient woodland in the immediate vicinity, the nearest being an area of 0.29ha which is situated 165m to the west. Larger areas of ancient woodland exist within 3km, such as that associated with the Halling to Trottiscliffe Escarpment. Under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, an inventory of Priority Habitats was devised. This is a list of habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. Deciduous woodland, lowland calcareous grassland and woodpasture and parkland are priority habitats present within the 3km area. The nearest lowland calcareous grassland is 645m to the south and the nearest

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woodpasture and parkland is 2.4km to the south-west. There are also large areas of good quality semi- improved grassland within a 3km radius; this is not a priority habitat but is of conservation value.

3.2 Bat & Barn Owl Building Survey 3.2.1 Building A is constructed with corrugated metal walls on the north, east and west elevations and single skin timber weatherboards on the southern elevation with many holes and gaps. Inside there is a plastic lining on the walls of the northern elevation and the northern section of the eastern and western elevations. The lining is flaking in many places, exposing the corrugated metal. Inside there is a wide shelf against the northern wall and the building is used for light storage of household items. No bat droppings were noted. The building has ‘Low to Negligible’ potential for bat roosts, where the lining of the walls is intact and creates a cavity with the wall in places.

3.2.2 Building B is a side room to building C, constructed of corrugated metal throughout with a modern timber frame and brick supports. Inside there is shelving on the walls and no cavities suitable for bats were noted. Rat droppings were noted. An electricity cupboard near the entrance was checked for signs of bats and none were found, however a bird’s nest has been constructed via a small hole at the top. The building has ‘Negligible’ potential for bat roosts.

3.2.3 Building C is constructed of breezeblock and brick, with holes in the brick work from ground level to 1m. There is a corrugated metal roof which is monopitched and slopes down to the north. There are wooden doors and an open grilled window facing north. There are gaps into the neighbouring building to the west. There is suitable access into the building but it is drafty and there are no crevice features or evidence of use. The building has ‘Negligible’ potential for bat roosts.

3.2.4 Building D is breeze block with render and the roof is covered in bitumen felt. There are wooden barge boards and gaps are present between the barge board and wall behind in some places. The majority of these gaps were filled with cobwebs at the time of the survey, indicating that no bats or birds have entered the gaps in the recent past. There are wooden double doors to the south and a gap above the doors. A car is stored inside and there were two bird’s nests noted as well as ten old long-eared bat Plecotus sp. droppings in the north-west corner, which had lost their shape and partially disintegrated. Bird droppings, with remains and urea, were noted on the inside of the door. The building has ‘Low to Negligible’ potential for bat roosts.

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3.2.5 Building E is an open-sided shelter with a wooden frame and corrugated metal monopitched roof. The walls are made of vertical timber panelling. Bird’s nests were noted. Regarding bats, the building has ‘Negligible’ potential.

3.2.6 There was no evidence of barn owl in any of the structures and the buildings were not considered suitable for nesting barn owl.

3.3 Phase I Survey 3.3.1 The Site measures approximately 0.05ha and there are five buildings with surrounding land including ruderal vegetation and trees. The habitats present are shown within Figure 1 with further details provided by way of specific Target Notes, denoted by the letters TN. Individual trees are denoted by the suffix T.

Tall Ruderal 3.3.2 The majority of the Site, including the land between building C and D, is formed of ruderal vegetation, TN2, which has been recently cut. The vegetation is dominated by common nettle Urtica dioica and Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus with frequent bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, dandelion Taraxacum officinalis agg., yarrow Achillea millefollium, bramble Rubus fruiticosus agg., common hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, black horehound Ballota nigra, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, wood avens Geum urbanum, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, nipplewort Lapsana communis, petty spurge Euphorbia peplus, herb Robert Geranium robertianum and hawthorn saplings Crataegus monogyna.

3.3.3 There is a band of tall ruderal vegetation alongside the road, TN5. This is similar to TN2, as described above, however it is unmanaged so it is growing to approximately 0.5m and additional species include false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, green alkanet Pentaglottis sempervirens and wood sedge Carex sylvatica.

Species-poor Hedge 3.3.4 Along the northern boundary of the Site is an overgrown hedge, TN1, which includes mature Leyland cypress Leylandii x cupressus growing to a height of 8m as well as elder Sambucus nigra, cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus and goat willow Salix caprea.

Spoil 3.3.5 There are building materials, TN4, located in the north-east corner of the Site, including wooden sleepers and concrete posts.

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Concrete 3.3.6 There is a concrete plinth, TN3, to the north of building D.

Boundary Features 3.3.7 Towards the southern boundary of the site is a timber panel and concrete post fence, TN6.

3.4 Protected Species Assessment Bat Habitat 3.4.1 The Site provides opportunities for foraging or commuting bats. There are mature trees on the northern boundary and vegetation which would support abundant invertebrate prey items and the Site is relatively sheltered. There is also minimal levels of artificial lighting however the majority of the Site is buildings and short vegetation. Overall the Site is considered to provide ‘Low’ quality habitat for bats under the BCT guidelines (Collins, 2016).

Bat Tree Assessment 3.4.2 All trees were assessed for their potential to support bat roosts. There were no trees supporting bat potential; all were categorised as having Negligible potential (Collins, 2016).

Reptiles 3.4.3 The ruderal habitat TN2 has been recently cut and there are no areas of dense vegetation for refuge or shelter. The vegetation of TN5 is longer and more suitable for foraging and basking reptiles, but is small in area and shaded by the mature trees lining Labour-in-vain road. It is also partially isolated from the wider landscape by the road to the south, and hardstanding and closeboard fencing to the north. The habitats to the north of the Site appear suitable for reptiles, consisting of pasture fields with areas of scrub and hedgerows.

Great Crested Newts 3.4.4 There is one mapped pond within a 500m radius which is located 360m to the west, beyond the A20. The A20 would be a fairly substantial barrier to newts moving between breeding ponds and terrestrial habitat in the wider landscape.

3.4.5 The areas of ruderal vegetation TN2 and TN5 provide suitable terrestrial habitat for great crested newts and TN4, comprising of wooden sleepers, provides suitable hibernation features for amphibian species such as great crested newts, smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris and palmate newt L. helveticus. However,

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due to the lack of waterbodies in the local area, there is a negligible chance of great crested newts being present on site.

Badger & Hedgehog 3.4.6 There were no badger setts, latrines or paths evident on Site. The habitats are suitable for hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus foraging and shelter.

Dormice 3.4.7 It is noted, from other consultancy work in the area, that dormice have been recorded in the local area around the A20 and M20. The habitats surrounding the Site, such as the tree line along Labour-in-Vain Road to the south, provide potential dormouse habitat and connect to an area of ancient woodland approximately 185m to the south-east.

3.4.8 The habitats within the Site are considered sub-optimal for dormice: the mixed mature hedgerow (TN1) along the northern boundary of the Site is dominated by Leyland cypress and this does not provide a suitable source of food or nesting material for dormice. There is a small amount of willow and elder at the western end of this treeline, which links to hedgerows and treelines to the west and north: it therefore has some low potential to support foraging dormice if they are present in the local landscape. There is a mature hazel tree on the southern boundary (T1) which is potentially too shaded, however it has low potential to be used as dormouse habitat, as it is close to the roadside vegetation and it has a wide base suitable for hibernation nests.

Breeding Birds 3.4.9 The buildings, electricity box and trees have potential to support breeding birds.

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4.0 EVALUATION 4.1 Preliminary Desk Study 4.1.1 The Site falls within the Impact Risk Zone (IRZ) for Halling to Trottiscliffe Escarpment SSSI, which is an area of chalk habitat on the North Downs. However, the IRZ does not apply to small residential developments. There are records of GCN, dormice and bat licences (covering common pipistrelle, brown long-eared and Natterer’s bat) in the 3km search area. There are no priority habitats within the Site, however within the 3km search radius there is deciduous woodland, lowland calcareous grassland, woodpasture and parkland as well as large areas of good quality semi-improved grassland. A development of this size and nature is unlikely to have any detrimental impacts on these habitats. The proposals have the ability to improve habitats in the local area, such as through inclusion of native planting.

4.2 Bat & Barn Owl Building Survey 4.2.1 Buildings B, C and E have ‘Negligible’ potential for roosting bats and there are no further recommendations for these buildings with regard to bats.

4.2.2 All the buildings support potential and evidence of breeding birds. Breeding birds are protected from disturbance under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. Therefore works to the buildings should avoid the key bird breeding season which is 1st March – 1st September. Any work that is carried out outside this period should be undertaken with a watching brief by an ecologist and, if any breeding birds are identified, work would need to cease until the chicks have fledged.

4.2.3 Building A supports a feature with ‘Low to Negligible’ potential for a bat roost. The suitability of this feature, the lining on the inside of the building, is low as it has disintegrated and the corrugated metal would be thermally unsuitable. As a precaution, it is recommended that the lining is removed by hand.

4.2.4 Regarding building D, there is old evidence of long-eared bats (10 droppings), suggesting occasional use, and access points were noted into the building at the eaves and over the door. There is no roof void or cavities for long-eared bats to roost in, and it is likely that the droppings were from a bat using the building for shelter, perhaps as a transitionary night roost during poor weather conditions, and on one or two occasions only. No feeding remains to indicate the use of the building as a feeding perch were found. The crevice created by the barge board on the western elevation is small and likely to be thermally unstable, so is considered only suitable for singleton bats and transient roosts. It is recommended that the wooden barge boards are removed by hand prior to demolition.

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4.2.5 There was no evidence of barn owls and the buildings have very low suitability to support this species.

4.3 Phase I Habitat Survey 4.3.1 No rare plants or habitats were identified within the Site. The Leyland cypress trees along the northern boundary are due for removal. These have high potential to support breeding birds. All wild birds receive protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and this includes disturbance while breeding. To avoid disturbance, works to remove any trees should avoid the key breeding season from 1st March to 1st September. This means the trees should be removed during the period 1st September to 1st March.

4.3.2 The Site supports established trees and ruderal vegetation. The species diversity is relatively poor, however the vegetation on Site has value for a variety of wildlife, including invertebrates, small mammals such as hedgehogs, and breeding birds.

4.4 Protected Species Assessment Bat Habitat 4.4.1 The Site supports ‘Low’ quality habitat for foraging and commuting bats (Collins, 2016) and no further activity surveys are recommended as the Site is small and predicted impacts on habitats are low. For example, it is understood that some of the mature trees on the northern boundary are being retained, with the possibility of replacing non-native Leyland cypress with native species. In addition, there is scope to include generous native planting within the scheme. Native planting recommendations are provided in the NPPF section below. A sensitive lighting strategy is recommended and further information is included in Appendix 2.

Bat Tree Assessment 4.4.2 No trees with bat roost potential have been identified and there are no further recommendations.

Reptiles 4.4.3 There is sub-optimal habitat for reptiles on the southern boundary of the Site (TN5). It is recommended that the ruderal vegetation on Site is managed frequently up until work commences to prevent the habitats becoming more suitable over time and avoid the need for a reptile presence/likely absence survey. Materials and spoil should be kept off the ground to avoid creating areas of refuge and winter hibernation features for any local population of reptiles which may be present in the surrounding area, such as in the land to the north. During works, materials should be stored on hardstanding or pallets and

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the Site should be kept tidy, including the removal of refuse and waste materials at the earliest opportunity.

Great Crested Newts 4.4.4 There is suitable terrestrial habitat for great crested newts. However, the nearest pond is 360m to the west, on the other side of a major road which would form a barrier to amphibian movement. There is negligible potential for great crested newts to be within the Site and no further surveys are recommended.

4.4.5 It is recommended that good practice measures are followed during construction work to avoid harm to any amphibians, such as common toad Bufo bufo, as well as small mammals which may be present. For example, care should be taken to avoid creating artificial refugia: building and waste materials should be stored on hardstanding, away from the vegetated areas and on pallets. The wooden sleepers (TN4) should be removed slowly and carefully, by hand where possible, outside the winter months. This will minimise the risk of encountering hibernating common species of amphibian.

Badger & Hedgehog 4.4.6 There were no field signs of badger and no further surveys are required. The habitat and rural environment is suitable for hedgehog. Recommendations regarding maintaining and enhancing the habitats on Site for hedgehog are provided in the NPPF section below.

Dormice 4.4.7 The habitats on Site are suboptimal for dormice: they are limited to the mature hazel tree (T1) on the southern boundary and the small amount of willow and elder at the western end of the northern treeline. These could support foraging or hibernating dormice if the species is present in the local environment. It is understood that only the Leyland cypress in the northern treeline is due to be removed and replaced with native species.

4.4.8 Further dormouse presence/likely absence surveys are not considered necessary provided that the native sections of treeline TN1 are retained. Native species should be used as a replacement for the Leyland cypress, recommendations for which are provided in the NPPF section below. The hazel tree T1 has connections to the roadside vegetation and should be retained. If pruning is required, coppicing can be undertaken from October – March. If removal is required, it is recommended that an ecologist supervises the work to undertake a precautionary search for dormouse nests as the branches are cut. An EPS licence and mitigation measures would be required if a dormouse nest is found.

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Breeding Birds 4.4.9 All wild birds receive protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and this includes disturbance while breeding. To avoid disturbance, works to remove any trees and buildings should avoid the key breeding season 1st March to 1st September.

4.4.10 Any work that is carried out outside this period should be undertaken with a watching brief by an ecologist and, if any breeding birds are identified, work would need to cease until the chicks have fledged. Recommendations for the provision of replacement nesting areas are provided below.

4.5 National Planning Policy Framework 4.5.1 The proposals for the Site will need to take into account the National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) which sets out the Government’s current planning policy in relation to conserving and enhancing the natural environment. The NPPF states that “the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

 Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils;

 Recognising wider benefits of ecosystem services;

 Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures.

Planting 4.5.2 Species-rich native hedgerows should be included wherever possible, including for the replacement of the Leyland cypress on the northern boundary. Heavily flowering and fruiting native species should be planted such as hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, hazel, hornbeam Carpinus betula, field maple Acer campestre, wild privet Ligustrum ovalifolium and guelder rose Viburnum opulus. Traveller’s joy Clematis vitalba and dog rose Rosa canina should be planted at regular intervals to help thicken the vegetation along the hedgerows. Hedgerows can benefit a range of species including birds, small mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and bats.

4.5.3 It is also recommended that fruit trees and climbing plants are selected for ornamental planting. Tree species that could be planted include apple Malus domesticus, pear Pyrus communis, crab apple Malus sylvestris, cherry plum Prunus cerasifera cherry Prunus avium, and plum Prunus sp. Climbing plants

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such as honeysuckle Lonicera pericyclemum, ivy, clematis Clematis spp, jasmine Jasminium spp., and single-flowered roses Rosa spp. are all recommended

Species Measures - Hedgehogs 4.5.4 Suitable habitat for hedgehogs is present and it is recommended that measures are included to maintain interest for this declining species:  Any closeboard fencing used in the proposed development will be installed with 13x13cm holes at the base to allow hedgehogs to forage in the local habitats and move across the landscape. Alternatively, gravel boards and fencing panels can be bought with inbuilt hedgehog access, e.g. Quercus fencing and Jacksons fencing. The holes in fencing should link up with grass verges and hedgerows to create ‘Hedgehog Highways’ through the development.  Two log piles will be provided around the margins of the Site at the base of the treeline or hedgerows.

Species Measures - Birds 4.5.5 As bird nesting sites are likely to be lost to the proposals, it is recommended that there is provision for nesting birds. Bird boxes should be installed at a minimum height of 3m, preferably in a sheltered location close to the vegetated boundaries of the Site. The following boxes are recommended:  Two open-fronted nest boxes with smaller entrance holes of 28mm favoured by goldfinches Carduelis carduelis and smaller birds (e.g. Schwegler 2H Robin box).  Two open-fronted nest boxes with larger entrance holes of 45mm that are attractive to blackbirds and thrushes (Vivara Pro Woodstone oval open nest box or similar).

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5.0 CONCLUSIONS 5.1 A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal has been undertaken of land adjacent and within Finches Farm in Stansted, Kent. The Site includes five outbuildings, with a mature tree line and ruderal habitat. The proposals involve removal of the buildings to make way for a residential dwelling.

5.2 Regarding the potential of the buildings to support bat roosts, buildings A and D have ‘Low’ potential. Advice has been provided to remove the low potential features by hand. All the buildings have breeding bird potential so the remainder of the demolition should be timed to occur outside the key breeding period, meaning 1st September to 1st March.

5.3 There is a small extent of bat foraging habitat. However, provided that the tree line (TN1) is retained and native planting is incorporated into the proposals, the impacts are likely to be negligible and further surveys are not recommended. A sensitive lighting strategy has been recommended.

5.4 Advice has been provided to frequently manage the ground vegetation to prevent it becoming suitable for reptiles. During works, materials should be stored on hardstanding or pallets and the Site should be kept tidy. A presence/likely absence survey may be required if the habitats are not managed and are left to become more suitable for reptiles to colonise.

5.5 GCN are unlikely to be present on Site due to the distance from the nearest pond. Good practice measures have been outlined to avoid harm to any other common amphibian species that may be present. This includes the careful removal of the spoil pile and storage of materials on hardstanding and pallets.

5.6 The habitat is suitable for hedgehog foraging and therefore enhancements and mitigation measures for hedgehogs have been provided as part of the requirements under NPPF. No badger signs were noted and no further surveys are required.

5.7 Further dormouse presence/likely absence surveys are not recommended, provided that the western end of hedgerow TN1 is retained and the Leyland cypress at the eastern end are replaced with native species. If the hazel tree on the southern boundary requires removal, it is recommended that an ecologist supervises the work to undertake a precautionary search for dormouse nests. If dormice are found then works should stop and an EPS licence would be required to permit the development. A mitigation strategy would involve like-for-like replacement planting of any habitat lost.

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5.8 Regarding breeding birds, recommendations have been made in relation to the timing of any vegetation clearance; this should be undertaken outside of the breeding bird season, limiting this work to between 1st September and 1st March. If this does not fit within planned timescales, the vegetation should be checked for breeding birds prior to removal by a suitably experienced ecologist.

5.9 Recommendations for enhancing the ecological value of the proposed Site under the National Planning Policy Framework have been suggested. These include planting of species-rich hedgerows, climbing plants and fruit trees and the provision of enhancements for hedgehogs and breeding birds.

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REFERENCES

Altringham, J. 2003. British Bats. New Naturalist.

Collins J (ed.) 2016. Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edition) Bat Conservation Trust, London

Defra. 2020. MAGIC Map Website. Accessed September 2020.

English Nature. 2004. Bat Mitigation Guidelines. Peterborough.

Institute of Lighting Professionals (ILP) and Bat Conservation Trust (BCT). 2018. Guidance Note 8: Bats and Artificial Lighting.

JNCC. 2004. The Bat Workers Handbook.

Russ, J. 2012. British Bat Calls: A guide to species identification. Pelagic Publishing.

Stace, C. 2019. New Flora of the British Isles. 4th Edition. Cambridge University Press.

20104 LAND ADJACENT AND WITHIN FINCHES FARM PEA REPORT, OCTOBER 2020 revision description date checked by

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Appendix 1 – Bat Legislation

All British bat species receive legal protection in the United Kingdom. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) (as amended) transposes into UK law the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention). The 1981 Act was recently amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the more recent Habitats Regulations amendments (2007). All British bat species are listed under Schedule 5 of the 1981 Act, and is therefore subject to the provisions of Section 9, which makes it an offence to:

 Intentionally kill, injure or take a bat [Section 9(1)];  Possess or control any live or dead specimen or anything derived from a bat [Section 9(2)]  Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection [Section 9(4)(b)];  Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure or place which a bat uses for shelter or protection [Section 9(4)(c)]  Sell, offer for sale, possess or transport for the purpose of sale or publish advertisements to buy or sell a bat [section 9(5)]

Bats are also included on Annex IV of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (known as the Habitats Directive) which is the means by which the European Union meets its obligations under the Bern Convention. This was transposed into national law through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, and later through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, updated in 2017. Annex IV of the Habitats Directive requires Member States to construct a robust system of protection for species of European importance, including all species of bat found in the UK, in order to ensure the favourable conservation status of these species. This is outlined in Article 12 of the Habitats Directive and achieved through Part 3 of the Conservation Regulations, whereby Regulation 41 makes it an offence to:

 Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat [Regulation 41(1)(a)];  Deliberately disturb a bat in such a way as to be likely to i) impair their ability to survive, breed, rear or nurture their young, hibernate or migrate, OR ii) affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of that species [Regulations 41(1)(b), 41(2)(a) and 41(2)(b)];  Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat [Regulation 41(1)(d)].

Under the law, a roost is any structure or place used for shelter or protection. This could be any structure, for example, any building or mature tree. Bats use many roost sites and feeding areas throughout the year. These vary according to bat age, condition, gender and species, as well as season and weather. Since bats tend to re-use the same roosts for generations, the roost is protected whether the bats are present or not.

In addition four species of bat - greater and lesser horseshoe, barbastelle and Bechstein’s - are included within Annex II of the Habitats Directive. Article 3 of the Directive requires Member States to develop a coherent ecological network of important and high quality designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for the protection of these species, forming part of the Natura 2000 network.

The UK is also a signatory to the Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe, which came into force in the UK in 1994. This Agreement was set up under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild (referred to as either the Bonn Convention or CMS), which recognises that endangered migratory species can only be properly protected if activities are carried out over the entire migratory range of the species. The Agreement aims to address threats to bat species, such as those arising from habitat degradation and disturbance of roosting sites. The Fundamental Obligations of Article III of this Agreement require the protection of all bats and their habitats, including the identification and protection from damage or disturbance of important feeding areas for bats as well as places used for shelter or protection.

Appendix 2 - Technical Guidance on Artificial Lighting and Bats From: Institute of Lighting Professionals (ILP) and Bat Conservation Trust (BCT). 2018. Guidance Note 8: Bats and Artificial Lighting.

Luminaires come in a myriad of different styles, applications and specifications which a lighting professional can help to select. The following should be considered when choosing luminaires:

 All luminaires should lack UV elements when manufactured. Metal halide, fluorescent sources should not be used.  LED luminaires should be used where possible due to their sharp cut-off, lower intensity, good colour rendition and dimming capability.  A warm white spectrum (ideally <2700 Kelvin) should be adopted to reduce blue light component.  Luminaires should feature peak wavelengths higher than 550nm to avoid the component of light most disturbing to bats (Stone, 2012).  Internal luminaires can be recessed where installed in proximity to windows to reduce glare and light spill.  Low level or bollard lighting can often cause unacceptable glare, poor illumination efficiency, a high upward light component and poor facial recognition. Therefore the use of specialist bollard or low-level downward directional luminaires should only be considered if their use is directed by a lighting professional.  The height of columns should be carefully considered to minimise light spill.  Only luminaires with an upward light ratio of 0% and with good optical control should be used – See ILP Guidance for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light.  Luminaires should always be mounted on the horizontal, i.e. no upward tilt.  Any external security lighting should be set on motion-sensors and short (1 minute) timers.  As a last resort to minimise, accessories such as baffles, hoods or louvres can be used to reduce light spill and direct it only to where it is needed.