Appendix 12.3 Gwent Farmers Community Solar Scheme- Survey of Breeding 1. Introduction

1.1 Survey Context and Aims In March 2015, Smiths Gore commissioned Ecus Ltd to undertake a survey of breeding birds to accompany a planning application for the development of a solar scheme located on agricultural land around Llanwern near Newport, Gwent (centred around Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: ST 33761843).

The purpose of the survey of breeding birds was therefore to:

 describe the assemblage of birds present on the site during the breeding season and

 assess the importance of the various habitats to breeding species and,

 provide sufficient information to facilitate an assessment of the impact of the solar farm development on breeding birds that range from high to low conservation status.

The level of survey undertaken is described below and is considered sufficient to meet the aims of the project with the level of coverage appropriate to the complexity and size of the site.

The survey was not intended to census every individual or count and map every breeding territory.

Details related to Wildlife & Countryside Act (as amended) Schedule 1 species are provided in a separate Confidential Annex.

1.2 Policy and Legislative Context

There is a considerable body of international and UK policy and legislation related to wild bird populations. This is supplemented by additional supportive guidance on the protection and conservation status of those populations and species. The following documents are relevant to this survey:

 EU Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the ‘Birds Directive’) 1979; the Severn Estuary is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the Directive;1

 The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention; the Severn Estuary is designated as a Ramsar site under this Convention;2

1 Natura 2000 Standard Data Form UK9015022 Severn Estuary Update 2015-12. Online (accessed 20/09/16). Available from: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SPA/UK9015022.pdf  Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended legally protects Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Schedule 13 to the Act lists a number of species that are protected by special penalties at all times; the Severn Estuary is designated for several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and the sub- units are part of the Gwent Levels - Whitson SSSI and the Gwent Levels - Nash & Goldcliff SSSI.

 Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (BoCC4); this assessment by experts from a number of NGOs presents an up to date review of the conservation status of birds in the UK using standardised criteria (Appendix 5).4

Full details of national, regional and local planning policy and relevant legislation relating to nature conservation have been included in the Ecology and Nature Conservation chapter of the full Environmental Statement. 2. Survey Method

2.1 Survey Area

The study area incorporated the application area within the red line boundary (Figure 1) with observations also made over adjacent land including the area of the Severn Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) closest to the Application Area.

For the purpose of the transect surveys the study site was considered as four sub- units as shown in Figure 1 (although a number of other areas were originally included before being removed from the scheme):

 Whitson (c. Fields 1 – 11 centred 2.6 km north of the Severn Estuary

 Half Acre (c. Fields 12 – 38) centred 1.8 km north of the Estuary

 Broadstreet North (c. Fields 39 – 44) centred 2.7 km north

 Broadstreet Chapel (c. Fields 45 – 53) centred 1.8 km north.

Application Site boundaries changed during the survey periods and transects were amended were possible. While not all the field were surveyed on every occasion, the surveys undertaken to date are considered adequate to give a baseline of bird activity in what is an area of relatively consistent habitat type.

2.2 Survey Description

The survey method involved walked transects surveys repeated across the breeding season. A modified version of the winter bird survey transect route was adopted for the

2 Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) online. (accessed 3/10/15). Available from: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/RIS/UK11081.pdf

3 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); Schedule 1 Part 1

4 Eaton MA, Aebischer NJ, Brown AF, Hearn R, Lock L, Musgrove AJ, Noble DG, Stroud D and Gregory RD (2015) Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds 108, pp708-745. breeding bird surveys and undertaken by an experienced ornithologist. The transect route was modified so that: (a) changes in habitat focus and development footprints could be taken into account; (b) all parts of the survey area could be approached by the surveyor to within approximately 50 metres or could be observed from a observation point where access was not feasible; (c) where changes in water levels in ditches and reens affecting access; (d) the surveyor could focus on more complex and/or dense areas of vegetation where less visible species could otherwise be overlooked and (e) the presence of cattle. The route was walked at a steady pace with each bird identified by sight or song/call and the route reversed on alternate visits to prevent any temporal bias. Observations/records of birds were marked on a field map using standard BTO species symbols (Appendix 3) and bird activity codes (Appendix 4).

Generalised transect routes are shown in Figure 2.

Time did not allow for nest searching and, in the context of the survey aims, this was not considered necessary. Signs of breeding activity were noted and used as criteria in assessing breeding status based on European Ornithological Atlas Committee guidelines5; these are described in Table 1.

Table 1: Breeding Activity Assessment

Breeding Status Activity in the field

Possible  Species observed in breeding season in possible nesting habitat  Singing male(s) present (or breeding calls heard) in breeding season. Probable  A pair observed in suitable nesting habitat in breeding season;  Permanent territory presumed through registration of territorial behaviour (song, etc.) on at least two different days;  Courtship and display;  Visiting probable nest-site  Brood patch on adult examined in the hand  Nest-building or excavating of nest-hole Confirmed  Distraction-display or injury-feigning;  Used nest or eggshells found (occupied or laid within period of survey);  Recently fledged young (nidicolous species) or downy young (nidifugous species)*;  Adults entering or leaving nest-site in circumstances indicating occupied nest (including high nests or nest holes;  Adult carrying a faecal sac or food for young;  Nests containing eggs  Nests with young seen or heard * Some bird species can move significant distances from the nest shortly after fledging therefore the presence of juvenile birds from highly dispersive species with no records of previous signs of

5 European Bird Census Council. European Breeding Bird Census Methodology. Last accessed 09/08/15. Available from: http://www.ebcc.info/wpimages/video/EBBA2_methodology_final.pdf

Breeding Status Activity in the field breeding within the study area would be treated as a likely breeding record only.

2.3 Survey Timings & Conditions

Seven survey visits were undertaken between March and July 2015 giving cross- season coverage. Based on prior knowledge of the site and particularly the winter avifauna, it was considered that lowland waders (Lapwing Vanellus, Redshank Tringa totanus, Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Curlew Numenius arquata), Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti) were potential breeding species and hence the survey programme was based around the standard methodologies for those taxa6,7. The suggested three survey periods for the waders being 1) 15 – 30 April, 2) 1 – 21 May, 3) 22 May – 18 June. These periods also gave coverage for Cetti’s Warbler and Skylark with additional March and April visits to ensure early breeders were covered and a July visit to assess juvenile and family party presence.

Details of the survey visits are provided in Table 2.

Table 2: Survey Visit Details

Approximate Approximate Survey Survey Date Temp. Cloud o Wind Precip’n time of High tide height Code & Time C (oktas) tide/ Low tide (m)

18/03/15 HW=06:05 & HW=11.3m & N 8 – 12 NE 1-2 0 - 6 Dry 12:00–19:05 LW=00:13 LW=2.6m

16/04/15 HW=05:48 & HW=11.3m & O 7 - 13 1 NE/SE 1 - 6 Dry 06:30-12:00 LW=12:25 LW=1.2m

28/04/15 HW=03:21 & HW=8.9m & P 8 - 12 1 – 3 SW 3 - 5 Dry 06:15-12:10 LW=09:13 LW=3.4m

15/5/15 HW=05:20 & HW=11.1m & Q 6 - 11 0 3 - 6 Dry 06:00-12:00 LW=11:54 LW=1.3m

08/06/15 8 - HW=11:53 & HW=11.0m & R N 1 0 Dry 05:00-12:00 12.5 LW=05:48 LW=1.2m

29/06/15 HW=05:35 & HW=11.2m & S 14 - 25 SW 0 - 1 5 Dry 05:00-12:03 LW=12:11 LW=2.5m

T 30/07/15 13 - 19 NW 2 -0 3 - 5 Dry HW=07:48 & HW=12.9m & 05:50- 11:40 LW=14:38 LW=1.4m

6 O’Brien, M and Smith, K.W. 1992 Changes in the status of waders breeding on wetland grassland in England and Wales between 1982 and 1989. Bird Study 39: 165-176.

7 Gilbert G., Gibbons D W, Evans J. 2011. Bird Monitoring Methods: a manual of techniques for key species. RSPB. Sandy, Bedfordshire. In addition to diurnal surveys, crepuscular and nocturnal visits were made as a number of species, particularly waders, move and feed in the hours of darkness especially in response to tidal influence. Surveys therefore coincided with high water on the Severn Estuary. The nocturnal surveys also took the form of walked transects and used Cobra Tornado night vision equipment to scan the site from the transect route. These surveys are summarised in Table 3. Both surveys were undertaken over two nights for safety reasons.

Table 3 Crepuscular and Nocturnal Site Survey Details

Survey Survey Date & o Cloud Temp. C Wind Precip’n Code Time (oktas) 13 - 14/3/15 Clear and 19:15 – 01:30 6 – 3 2-3 NW 0 – 3 Dry HT 23:53

L and

14/3 – 15/3/15

22:30 – 06:00 4 - 2 1 – 2 NE 5 Dry HT 01:46 31/3 – 01/04/15 Dry 23:00 – 06:30 6 - 4 1–2 SW 4

and M 04/4 – 05/04/15 Dry 20:30 - 04:30 9 - 6 1 SE 7

HT 20:28 3. Survey Findings

3.1 Breeding Season Avifauna

A complete list of the species registered during the surveys is provided in Table 4 with their international and national conservation and protection designations. This list includes species that breed on the site, species that use the site for foraging and, for completeness, species that were only seen overflying the site. For the small latter group there was no evidence that the species concerned necessarily had any association with the site. Table 4 Site Species Complete List

Birds SPA BoCC4 W&CA 1981 English Vernacular Ramsar Directive Scientific name Interest 9 Status Schedule name 8 Criteria 10 11 Annex 1 species 1 12

Mute Swan Cygnus olor 

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 4.1 C5 

Gadwall Anas strepera 4.1 C5 

Teal Anas crecca 4.2 C6  Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 4.2 

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 4.2 

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus  Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta  A1

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 

Buzzard Buteo buteo 

Kestrel* Falco tinnunculus 

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 

Crane Grus grus  A1

Lapwing* Vanellus vanellus 4.2 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 4.2  

Curlew* Numenius arquata 4.2  Redshank Tringa totanus 4.1 C5 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago 

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus C6 

Herring Gull* Larus argentatus 

Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia 

Stock Dove Columba oenas 

8 Natura 2000 Standard Data Form UK9015022 Severn Estuary Update 2015-12. Online (accessed 20/09/16). Available from:

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SPA/UK9015022.pdf

9 Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) online. (accessed 3/10/15). Available from: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/RIS/UK11081.pdf

10 Eaton MA, Aebischer NJ, Brown AF, Hearn R, Lock L, Musgrove AJ, Noble DG, Stroud D and Gregory RD (2015) Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds 108, pp708-745.

11 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); Schedule 1 Part 1

12 EC Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds - Annex 1 Birds SPA BoCC4 W&CA 1981 English Vernacular Ramsar Directive Scientific name Interest 9 Status Schedule name 8 Criteria 10 11 Annex 1 species 1 12 Woodpigeon Columba palumbus 

Streptopelia Collared Dove  decaocto Cuckoo* Cuculus canorus   Barn Tyto alba  

Little Owl noctua  Swift Apus apus 

Green Picus viridis 

Magpie Pica pica 

Jay Garrulus glandarius 

Jackdaw Corvus monedula 

Rook Corvus frugilegus 

Carrion Crow Corvus corone 

Goldcrest Regulus regulus 

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 

Great Tit Parus major 

Coal Tit Periparus ater 

Skylark* Alauda arvensis 

Swallow Hirundo rustica 

House Martin Delichon urbicum 

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti  

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 

Phylloscopus Chiffchaff  collybita Phylloscopus Willow Warbler  trochilus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 

Whitethroat Sylvia communis 

Acrocephalus Sedge Warbler  schoenobaenus Acrocephalus Reed Warbler  scirpaceus Troglodytes Wren  troglodytes Starling* Sturnus vulgaris 

Blackbird Turdus merula 

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 

Robin Erithacus rubecula 

Phoenicurus Redstart  phoenicurus Birds SPA BoCC4 W&CA 1981 English Vernacular Ramsar Directive Scientific name Interest 9 Status Schedule name 8 Criteria 10 11 Annex 1 species 1 12 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus 

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 

Dunnock* Prunella modularis 

House Sparrow* Passer domesticus 

Tree Sparrow* Passer montanus 

Yellow Wagtail* Motacilla flava 

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba 

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 

Greenfinch Chloris chloris 

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 

Linnet* Carduelis cannabina 

Bullfinch* Pyrrhula pyrrhula 

Emberiza Reed Bunting*  schoeniclus * These species included on the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 Section 7 list. The breeding status of each species on the Application sites is discussed in the following sections in relation to their conservation status.

3.2 Breeding status of birds of conservation concern

The following tables describe the breeding status of species of conservation concern or interest against the EOAC criteria.

Table 5 Species of International and European conservation concern

W&CA SPA Birds Ramsar BoCC4 1981 English Vernacular name Scientific name Interest Directive Criteria Status Schedule species Annex 1 1 Little Egret Egretta garzetta  A1

This species was seen on a number of occasions as a flyover. No evidence of breeding was found within the Application sub-units although a juvenile was recorded in July on a reen within Broadstreet Chapel. Crane Grus grus  A1

Two colour-ringed birds were seen on several occasions feeding, sometimes in areas of longer vegetation (0.7m), particularly in fields between the Half Acre and Whitson sub-units but also on Half Acre itself in June. Occasional preening and calling as seen during the surveys can form part of the species’ display although no other evidence of breeding was recorded. (Figure 3) Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 4.1 C5 

Two birds seen during the April visits on the Half Acre sub-unit and a pair seen again as a flyover in June on the same site, but not subsequently, although birds were seen outwith the Application sites and as occasional flyovers. No evidence of breeding found. (Figure 4) Gadwall Anas strepera 4.1 C5 

A pair was seen in April close to Hare’s Reen on the Half Acre sub-unit. Two females were seen in May adjacent to the Broadstreet Chapel sub-unit with a male on Half Acre. Other birds were seen closer to the estuary. Breeding is considered probable. (Figure 5) Redshank Tringa totanus 4.1 C5 

Occasional birds seen on the estuary only. No evidence of on-site breeding found. Teal Anas crecca 4.2 C6  Two birds flushed on Broadstreet Chapel during nocturnal survey in March. Seven birds were present on the estuary in March. No evidence of breeding found. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 4.2 

Mallard were seen on all sub-units during the breeding season including during nocturnal surveys. Four pairs were recorded on the Whitson site in April and additional 2-3 pairs on Broadstreet Chapel in May. Pairs were observed in suitable nesting habitat and later in the season family parties and juveniles were also seen. Breeding is considered confirmed. (Figure 6) Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 4.2 

In May a pair of Tufted Duck were seen on a reen within the Broadstreet Chapel sub-unit. A pair was also seen on a reen within the Broadstreet North sub-unit in June. Considered to be a probable breeding species. (Figure 7) Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 4.2  Activity on the sub-units was concentrated on Half Acre with occasional birds seen on Whitson. Three birds were observed on Half Acre during nocturnal surveys in March and at least one in April. In April four birds, probably two pairs remained faithful to two fields on Half Acre with some display flights. Breeding was confirmed for Half Acre with up to five pairs, but after some early display behaviour no evidence of breeding was recorded on Whitson or the Broadstreet sites to the west. By late June and July the birds appeared to have moved out of the fields as the vegetation had grown too high. (Figure 8). Off-site activity was recorded in April and May between Whitson and Half Acre with up to 16 birds and some display flights; six to seven pairs were estimated by the surveyor and at least one incubating bird was seen. By June up to 25 birds were present including mobile young. Curlew Numenius arquata 4.2  A small number of birds were seen as part of mixed flocks early in the season but not subsequently. Lesser Black-backed Larus fuscus C6  Gull In April small groups up to 15 were present loafing with Herring Gulls. In May, June and July only single birds or pairs were seen foraging during silage cutting or as flyovers. Breeding is considered unlikely.

Table 6 Additional Species of UK conservation concern

SPA Ramsar BoCC W&CA Birds English Vernacular Scientific name Interest Criteria 4 1981 Directive name species 5 Status Sch. 1 Annex 1 Herring Gull Larus argentatus 

Singles, pairs and occasionally small groups were seen as flyovers or foraging in the area. No evidence of breeding was recorded. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus  At least one bird present on Half Acre in June. Skylark Alauda arvensis 

Small numbers of birds (<5) were recorded in Broadstreet Chapel and Half Acre in April, May and June. Six birds were recorded on Half Acre in late June. Probable breeding species. (Figure 9) Starling Sturnus vulgaris 

Small numbers (<5) seen on the Whitson sub-unit and occasionally Half Acre. In May a bird with food SPA Ramsar BoCC W&CA Birds English Vernacular Scientific name Interest Criteria 4 1981 Directive name species 5 Status Sch. 1 Annex 1 was followed back to a nest site in the centre of the Whitson sub-unit. Breeding is confirmed. Turdus philomelos 

Single birds were seen or heard on all sub-units except Broadstreet North. Bird seen carrying food on Half Acre. Breeding is considered confirmed. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 

Single birds were seen or heard on Broadstreet Chapel in April and June and Whitson in April. A bird was seen carrying food recorded north of Whitson. Breeding is in the area confirmed. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 

A possible migrant bird was seen on Broadstreet Chapel in April with three at the same time on Whitson. A family group of 8 birds, including at least 4 juveniles, were recorded feeding in rushy fields within the northeastern part of Half Acre in July. Breeding is considered confirmed for the general area at least. House Sparrow Passer domesticus 

In April small numbers (<5) were recorded on Broadstreet Chapel and Broadstreet North with additional birds associated with building to the north of the development boundary. In June birds were also recorded on Half Acre. In July a family party was recorded on Broadstreet Chapel. It is considered that birds use the sites during the breeding season for foraging but are likely to nest in buildings off site. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 

Seen with House Sparrows in the area but not on any of the sub-units. Possible breeder. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 

Single birds seen as flyovers on Half Acre in June and Broadstreet Chapel in July. No evidence of breeding was recorded. Linnet Carduelis cannabina 

Birds seen regularly on Half Acre with two singing males in June and at least four adult birds and a family party seen in July. Linnet were also seen on Broadstreet North and Broadstreet Chapel. Breeding is considered to be confirmed. No birds were recorded on Whitson. (Figure 10).

3.3 Breeding status of other bird species of interest

The following table summarises the breeding status and distribution of other migrant and less common resident species. For each of the four sub-units an estimate of the number of breeding pairs is provided. Where the number presented is 1 this may represent one pair or one individual bird potentially representing a pair. Where it was possible to make a judgement, the breeding status based the EOAC criteria is given (Po=possible; Pr=probable and C=confirmed)

Table 7 Other notable features of the breeding avifauna

Breeding Status

BoCC4

English Vernacular name Status

North

Chapel

Whitson

HalfAcre

Broadstreet Broadstreet

Mute Swan  1 2 1 C Sparrowhawk  Flyover Kestrel  Flyover Water Rail  1 Po Snipe  1 Stock Dove  1 Little Owl 1  Green Woodpecker  1 Pr Great Spotted Woodpecker  Chiffchaff  3 3 4 Po Willow Warbler  1 1 1 Po Blackcap  3 C Lesser Whitethroat  1 1 5 C Whitethroat  4 4 4 11 C Sedge Warbler  5 Po Reed Warbler  4 4 2 12 C Redstart  1 Stonechat  Wheatear  1 Pr Pied Wagtail  Meadow Pipit  3 Po Bullfinch  1 Po Reed Bunting  2 4 1 6 C

3.4 Nocturnal Surveys

The nocturnal surveys were undertaken in March and April at times to coincide with high water on the estuary. Few birds were encountered; where significant, these records are included in the species descriptions above. Additional species encountered were two Mute Swans (Elver Pill Reen adjacent to Half Acre in April), Snipe (three or four birds recorded on Half Acre in March), Moorhen (two birds on Half Acre in March) and Little Owl (three birds in April on Whitson).

3.5 Severn Estuary observations

While no formal counts were made, the proximal intertidal area of the Estuary at the outlet of the Elver Pill Reen, was watched from a observation point once a month between March and June. Table 8 presents the species observed and the peak monthly count. Table 8 Estuary Counts (Elver Pill Reen Outlet) (shading indicates species recorded in sub- units inland)

SPA Art Ramsar BoCC4 Vernacular name Scientific name 4.1 Mar Apr May Jun Criteria 5 Status species

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 4.1 C5  2 15 4 11 Wigeon Anas penelope 4.2  2 2

Teal Anas crecca 4.2 C6  7 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos  4 3 6 26

Haematopus Oystercatcher  2 2 ostralegus Curlew Numenius arquata 4.2  14

4. Discussion

The breeding season avifauna comprised:

 waterfowl associated with the reens, ditches and marginal habitats that form a network corridor across the four sub-unit sites,

 wading species such as Lapwing that preferred the open fields and

 passerines that mainly utilised the hedgerows, trees and marginal vegetation of the reens as nesting sites.

Two European Bird Directive (Annex 1) species were recorded during the breeding season; Little Egret and Common Crane. Neither is considered to be a breeding species and both only used the sites or adjacent areas for foraging. Cranes are the subjects of a re-introduction scheme in Somerset (The Great Crane Project).

Of the listed SPA qualification species (Article 4.1) only Gadwall was considered a probable breeder (1 – 3 pairs), associating with the reen network particularly on Half Acre. This species was not seen on the estuary during the breeding season. Shelduck is also a listed SPA species but having been present in the early season did not appear to stay to breed; birds were seen on the estuary but there seems no connection with the sub-units in terms of breeding.

None of the sub-units are considered significant breeding habitat for listed SPA species.

Other wildfowl species are included within the SPA qualification assemblage (Article 4.2). Teal were seen early in the season but were not considered to be breeding. Tufted Duck was only recorded in very small numbers but probably bred in the reen network corridor (1-2 pairs). Mallard was more widespread with breeding birds on all four sub-units although exact numbers are difficult to confirm. The reen corridors provide a valuable breeding habitat for this species. Birds were consistently seen on the estuary with numbers increasing late in the breeding season.

Lapwing is also included within the SPA Assemblage and in 2015 bred within the Half Acre sub-unit (c. 5 pairs) and a number of other off-site, but adjacent, fields, in the area. The estimated total for Half Acre represents c.12.5% of the number of breeding pairs at the time of the notification of the Newport SSSI (40) and 13.5% of the mean number of pairs between 2005 -2010 (37)13. This species nests in the open and is selective of its nest site, dependent on the state and management of the vegetation, site drainage and sight lines. As a result, though the birds favoured Half Acre in 2015, this may not be the case in other years. The area particularly around Half Acre is considered locally important for this species under current land management.

Curlew is included in the SPA Assemblage but did not remain to breed after early season sightings.

13 Vanstone, A. & Lamacraft, D, Challis, A. 2012. A Report on Welsh SSSI Bird Features. RSPB Cymru Strategic Partnership Grant 2010 – 2013. No. 13347.

Lesser Black-backed Gull is an additional Ramsar Criteria 6 species but only used the fields for foraging particularly during agricultural disturbance of soils and vegetation.

Several BoCC Red-listed species were found on the sites during the breeding season including a single Cuckoo that was probably parasitizing Reed Warblers, although other host species including Meadow Pipit, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail and Robin were also present. Skylark is also Red-listed and S42 but did not breed in large numbers on the sub-units; the habitats may not be optimal but possibly grazing disturbance discourages a larger number of pairs. Whinchat is another ground nesting species; a summer visitor, this species probably nested in rough grassland either adjacent to a reen or at the base of a small bush, although the exact location (on- or off-site) could not be ascertained. Other Red-listed passerine species such as Starling, Tree Sparrow, Song and Mistle Thrush, Linnet and Dunnock (S42) all favoured the boundary hedgerows and trees as nesting sites. These latter habitats are valuable to the passerine avifauna in a landscape otherwise dominated by open grassland.

Overall the Llanwern sub-units provide a range of habitats for breeding birds. Based on the surveys undertaken to date, the reens and the field margins provide the main focus for breeding birds. The open field areas, particularly on the Half Acre site where it is dominated by Juncus spp., favour species such as Lapwing and Skylark but only where the crops and management are favourable.