Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
Protected Species Survey Gors Twr, Llaingoch, Holyhead
Client Details Ann Parry Gors Twr, Llaingoch, Holyhead, Anglesey Grid Reference SH22838226 Planning Authority Anglesey County Council Planning Application No. Not known Date of Survey 30th August 2018 Architect Details Dafydd Edwards, 1 Trehwfa Road, Holyhead, LL65 1LE Report Version 0.1 Date of Report Writing September 2018
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
CONTENTS
1.0 SUMMARY 3
2.0 INTRODUCTION 3
2.1 Surveyor details 4
2.2 Purpose of survey 4
2.3 Proposed works 5
2.4 Legislation and policy guidance summary 6
3.0 SITE AND PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 8
4.0 METHODOLOGY 11
4.1 Desktop study 11
4.2 Daylight building inspection 11
4.3 Bat activity surveys 12
5.0 RESULTS 12
5.1 Desktop study 12
5.2 Daylight building inspection 12
5.3 Bat activity survey 12
6.0 SURVEY LIMITATIONS 13
7.0 CONCLUSIONS 14
8.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 14
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS & RAM 15
10.0 REFERENCES 16
11.0 APPENDICES 16
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
1.0 SUMMARY
Gors Twr is the subject of a planning application for conversion into a holiday let. As such a Protected Species Survey was commissioned to establish features with potential to support bats and other protected species and to determine past and present use of the building by bats and nesting birds
The site has been assessed as having a high value to bats, as bats were observed and recorded commuting and foraging around the buildings. However no bats were observed emerging from the buildings during the survey. As such, at this present time the proposed works are presently classed as having no impact on the favourable conservation status (FCS) of bats within the immediate area
Due to the roofing features of these buildings being either totally or partially absent, reducing their potential to support roosting bats and there was no evidence to suggest that bats have been using these buildings, it is estimated that no further survey is necessary
There were no other protected species, either internally or externally, which would be impacted by the development
As there is no proposal to remove any trees or hedgerows the proposed works will have no impact on the continued ecological functioning (CEF) of the habitat on the site concerned
2.0 INTRODUCTION
A Protected Species Survey was commissioned by Mr Dafydd Edwards on behalf of Mrs Ann Parry on the property known as ‘Gors Twr’, Llaingoch, Holyhead, Anglesey.
It is understood that the client proposes to convert the old cottage and adjoining outbuilding into a holiday let.
The survey was carried out by ecological consultant Bev Plummer on 30th August 2018 in accordance with Bat Conservation Trust’s ‘Bat Surveys Good Practice Guidelines’, English Nature’s ‘Bat Mitigation Guidelines’ and the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management (CIEEM) ‘Codes of Professional Conduct’.
Gors Twr is a derelict cottage with adjoining outbuilding located at approximately SH22838226 and sitting at the base of Holyhead Mountain, west of Holyhead town and port (Figure 1).
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
Figure 1 Aerial map of property location (red circle)
2.1 Surveyor Details
Bev Plummer (surveyor 1) is an NRW licenced bat worker (licence no. 78879:OTH:CSAB:2018) with 6 years of experience in Ecology and Conservation. Ian Plummer (surveyor 2) is an assistant surveyor with 3 years of experience in emergence surveys.
2.2 Purpose of Survey
The purpose of this survey was to establish whether any protected species may be impacted by the proposed works. With this in mind the objectives were to:
Establish features on the site with potential to support bats and other protected species
Look for and identify any past or present physical signs of bats and/or nesting birds using the buildings
Identify presence/absence of protected species
Provide advice and recommendations including, if applicable, any required reasonable avoidance measures (RAM) or mitigation
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
2.3 Proposed Works
It is understood that the client proposes to convert the existing derelict cottage and adjoining outbuilding into a holiday let.
Figure 2 Proposed site plan (A – existing outbuilding, B – existing derelict cottage)
Figure 3 Proposed floor plan
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
2.4 Legislation and Policy Guidance Summary
Bats
All 17 UK bat species are afforded protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, under which (and along with European Legislation) it is an offence to:
Intentionally kill, injure or capture a bat or a group of bats
Destroy, damage or obstruct access to a known bat roosting or resting place, whether or not bats are present at the time of the incident
Intentionally disturb a bat while it is occupying/using any place or structure for shelter and protection, as this can significantly affect its: ability to survive, breed and nurture young; abundance and local distribution
Certain bat species are also afforded additional levels of conservation importance. Some species are included on the IUCN Red Data list of global Threatened Species while others are included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to identify species of international (European) importance affected by rapid decline and risk.
Protected Species Guidance
A Protected Species Survey is required prior to any works being undertaken where there is a risk of any protected species being present and impacted by the works whether or not planning permission is required.
Where bats are found within a potential development site and any works might result in committing an offence, a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) may be requested from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). This would be obtained only if NRW are satisfied that there is no other alternative to the derogation and that works will have no negative impact on the favourable conservation status of the species concerned. The said licence application would require a method statement detailing all mitigation and compensation measures that would be taken, to afford bats alternative roosting/resting opportunities.
Due to the seasonal nature of bat activity and survey work, plenty of time must be allowed before commencement of any proposed works, to allow for survey work and the possibility of requiring an EPSL, which can take up to 40 days to apply for.
Where planning permission is being pursued, the presence of a species which is protected under European or UK law is a material consideration in a planning authorities’ decision, if the proposed development works are likely to impact on that species.
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
Nesting birds
Breeding/Nesting Birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to:
Intentionally kill, injure or capture any wild bird Destroy, damage or take any wild bird’s eggs or nests (while in use or being built)
Bats and nesting birds are also protected by:
Environment (Wales) Act 2016
This Act sets out Wales' approach to planning and managing natural resources at a national and local level with a general purpose linked to statutory 'principles of sustainable management of natural resources' defined within the Act.
The Environment (Wales) Act introduces a new, enhanced Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystem Duty on public bodies to ensure that biodiversity is an integral part of decision- making. The Duty will replace the existing Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Duty. Public authorities will be required to report on the actions they are taking to improve biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience.
Section 6 of the Act places a duty on public authorities to seek to maintain and enhance biological diversity (referred to as biodiversity). All public bodies, statutory undertakers, Ministers of the Crown and other public office holders are required to apply the duty when they are carrying on any functions in Wales, or in relation to Wales.
Section 7 of the Act is similar to the duty in section 42 of the NERC Act 2006 which it replaces. It places a duty on the Welsh Ministers to publish, review and revise lists of living organisms and types of habitat in Wales, which they consider are of key significance to sustain and improve biodiversity in relation to Wales.
Biodiversity Policy
Wales Biodiversity Partnership (WBP) has produced biodiversity checklists for local authority and public authority staff in Wales. The checklists will assist public and local authorities to take account of biodiversity in their operational activities and will help organisations to remain legal under the Environment (Wales) Act (2016) Biodiversity Duty, Habitats Regulations and other biodiversity related legislation. In addition, the implementation of the checklists and guidance will help build towards the biodiversity outcomes contained in the Environment Strategy for Wales.
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
3.0 SITE AND PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
The derelict property sits within a rural location, W of Holyhead town and port. The surrounding landscape (Figure 4) landscape consists of some pasture, heathland and rocky outcrops (particularly closer to Holyhead Mountain and the RSPB nature reserve). The immediate habitat provides some linear features in the form of hedgerows and trees which potentially provide connectivity for commuting and foraging bats.
Figure 4 Aerial view of immediate surrounding habitat with property circled in red
The nominated property is an adjoining derelict cottage and outbuilding facing E. Both sections are constructed of stone. The old cottage at the S end has virtually no remaining roof features (apart from a few slates at either end) and crumbling walls (Figure 5). It has many gaps in the remaining stone work and the interior is overgrown with vegetation (Figure 6).
The adjoining outbuilding to the N has a corrugated asbestos roof, supported by wooden purlins and trusses, but the centre section of roof is missing (Figure 7). The centre ridge beams run N – S (as would the cottage before the roof collapsed).
The outbuilding was formerly a cow shed. It has wooden door and window openings on the E side and the W side is almost completely open and exposed (Figure 8).
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
Figure 5 E aspect of old cottage with most of the roof missing
Figure 6 Internal view of old cottage. Looking SE
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
Figure 7 E aspect of outbuilding with centre section of roof missing
Figure 8 W aspect of outbuilding with open sided access
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
4.0 METHODOLOGY
4.1 Desktop study
A study was undertaken using Natural Resources Wales (NRW) web site to establish whether the property was situated in a protected area and an aerial study of the location and surrounding habitat was also undertaken using Google Earth prior to visiting the site, to establish likelihood of bats or other protected species being present.
4.2 Daylight Building Inspection
On the 30th August 2018 an external and internal building inspection was carried out in order to look for physical signs of bats and other protected species, which in this case is likely to be nesting birds. The survey only included the outbuilding nominated for development. Weather conditions were dry with an air temperature of 15.5oC with 30% cloud and no wind.
An external search was systematically undertaken for any signs around the perimeter of the buildings using Pentax Papillio close-focus binoculars and a strong torch and any gaps with potential to support bats and nesting birds were noted.
The surrounding habitat features were assessed for potential to support bats.
An internal search the outbuilding was also done to identify signs of use.
Signs which are indicative of the presence of bats are:
Staining from fur oils and scratch marks around useable features like small cracks or holes within stone/brick/wooden clad walls, around windows/doorways, in roof structures
Feeding remains such as moth and butterfly wings
Droppings stuck to walls, on sills, on the ground below entry/exit holes
Visual or audible confirmation of animals being present
Flies around gaps/holes and distinctive odours of bats
Signs indicative of nesting birds are possible entry points and physical signs of a nest, droppings and bird activity.
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
4.3 Bat Activity Survey
An emergence survey was undertaken on the same evening of the 30th August 2018 using a Batbox Duet dual frequency detector and a Magenta 5 heterodyne detector by two surveyors. Two Anabat Express static recorders were also deployed for the duration of the survey, in order to later analyse bat calls on associated software. Surveyors and Anabat recorders were positioned with consideration to features with the most potential for emerging bats, which in this case was either side of the buildings. Surveyor 1 was located on the SE corner with full view of the front aspect of the buildings and surveyor 2 on the rear SW corner, with full view of the rear of the buildings.
The weather at the start of the survey was dry and mild at 14.2oC with no wind and sunset was predicted at 20:13 local time. The survey commenced at 19:50 and ceased at 21:45 with an air temperature of 11.5oC, still with no wind or rain.
5.0 RESULTS
5.1 Desk Study
According to the NRW web site the property is not situated in a protected area, but the immediate surrounding habitat features indicated a possibility of bats being present.
5.2 Daylight Building Inspection
Internal and External Inspection:
There were many holes/gaps in the stone walls of the old derelict cottage that were inspected (where accessible), but the remains of the slate roof at both ends provided the most potential for crevice-dwelling bats.
There were few gaps/holes in the outbuilding walls both internally and externally, except at the top of the walls and around window and door openings, but the W side was almost completely exposed to the outside.
There were no signs of bats (such as droppings, fur stains, feeding remains or animals) or any other protected species in or around either section of building at the time of the inspection.
5.3 Bat Activity Survey
The first bat to be heard and observed was a Common Pipistrelle at 20:42, which commuted from N to S up the lane, then circled the buildings. There were subsequently a few more Common Pipistrelle passes, mainly commuting along the hedge up the lane which serves the property, but which may have been the same bat.
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
A Myotis sp. was also detected from 20:56, as was a Brown Long Eared (BLE) bat at 21:15, but both species were only heard not seen.
No bats were seen to emerge from the buildings.
Static Anabat Express recordings
The following tables give results of the static Anabat recorders which were positioned next to surveyors. The fact that Common Pipistrelles were first recorded on site around 30 minutes after sunset (and usually emerge from buildings up to 30 minutes after sunset) indicates that they are probably roosting very close by.
Anabat 1
Detector location Survey start time Survey end time Sunset/sunrise SE corner (on lane) 19:50 21:35 20:13
Species recorded Time of first pass Time of last pass Total no. of passes Common Pipistrelle 20:42 21:06 19 Myotis sp. 20:56 20:56 1
Anabat 2
Detector location Survey start time Survey end time Sunset/sunrise SW corner 19:49 21:35 20:13
Species recorded Time of first pass Time of last pass Total no. of passes Common Pipistrelle 20:43 21:06 9 Myotis sp. 20:56 20:56 1 Brown Long Eared 21:15 21:15 1
6.0 SURVEY LIMITATIONS
The survey on this property was conducted to the best of the surveyor’s ability in and around areas which were safe and accessible. When looking for signs of bats it was not always possible to make a clear assessment of some gaps and holes on the exterior due to inaccessibility/height and where droppings may not be obvious against floor substrates and debris, especially in and around outbuildings.
The interior of the cottage was also not very safe to access due to overgrown vegetation covering debris.
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
Even though there may be few or no signs of bats at the time of a survey, there is always a possibility that bats may be using a building on a regular or seasonal basis, may be hidden from view behind inaccessible structures during the survey, or may move into a building after the survey. Hence their absence cannot be definitive.
This survey only provides a snapshot of bat usage and therefore the assessment of the suitability of the building to support bat roosts must also be taken into account.
7.0 CONCLUSION
There is a confirmed presence of different bat species, including Common Pipistrelle, BLE and Myotis sp. using the site for foraging and commuting. As such this site is classed as having a high value to bats
However, due to the roofing features of these buildings being either totally or partially absent, reducing their potential to support roosting bats and there was no evidence to suggest that bats have been using these buildings, it is estimated that no further survey is necessary
8.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
As there was no evidence of bats using the buildings and no bats were observed emerging from them during the survey, at this present time the proposed works are classed as having no impact on the favourable conservation status (FCS) of bats within the immediate area
There was also no evidence of nesting birds or other protected species, either internally or externally, which would be impacted on by the development
As there is no proposal to remove any trees or hedgerows the proposed works will have no impact on the continued ecological functioning (CEF) of the habitat on the site concerned
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
9.0 RAM & RECOMMENDATIONS
Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAM)
Even though no bats were seen to emerge during emergence surveys, there is always a possibility that they may be present (which cannot always be confirmed through surveys) or move in after the surveys. Hence their absence cannot be definitive, especially due to the site still having some potential to support bats. Hence the following reasonable avoidance measures should be undertaken, as good working practice:
Removal of remaining roofing features should preferably be timed to take place between 30th September - 1st May in any year, to avoid the main active bat season (May - September). This should be done with great care and by hand in case any bats are found
During other works, structures such as window/door frames, abutment flashings, lintels, wall plates or any other features which may be harbouring crevice-dwelling bats should also be removed with due diligence
It would be prudent to have a licenced bat worker available on call to provide assistance should bats be discovered. If any bats are discovered all work must cease (and not continue until matters are dealt with) and NRW or a licenced bat worker are contacted immediately to secure the roost. Please refer to guidance on page 6.
Recommendation
It is recommended that a few simple measures are taken to provide new bat rooting opportunities in line with Wale’s biodiversity policy:
One or two bat boxes suitable for various bats species (see Appendices for examples, but other designs are also available from i.e. nhbs.co.uk) could be fixed high up onto the gable ends of the renovated buildings (or any suitably tall trees), facing various aspects. This will provide an enhancement feature in the way of a roosting/resting opportunity for bats using the site for commuting and foraging
Lighting
Due to bats regularly using the immediate habitat on site, to avoid disturbance (to bats and other nocturnal wildlife) it is recommended to keep exterior light spillage to a minimum. Any lighting should be shroud and capped to reduce spillage and on motion sensors. LED bulbs only are recommended
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10.0 REFERENCES
BCT (2016) Bat Surveys Good Practice Guidelines: 3rd Edition. London: Bat Conservation Trust.
CIEEM (2016) Code of Professional Conduct. Hampshire: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
Mitchell-Jones A, J (2004) Bat Mitigation Guidelines. Peterborough: English Nature.
11.0 APPENDICES
Improved cavity bat box for hollow-dwelling species, available at www.nhbs.co.uk
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Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018
BCT (2018) Bat box information pack for crevice-dwelling bats (also available from www.nhbs.co.uk along with other designs)
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