Polegate and Willingdon

Appendix 1.4 – Polegate and Willingdon

547 Sites

120_1510 Hindsland Fields (East) 193_1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road 204_1510 Cophall Farm 236_3370 Mornings Mill Farm 241_1510 Land at Shepham Lane 255_1510 Land at and Adjoining Honey Farm 257_1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm 271_1510 Land South of Aberdale Road 457_1510 Little Shepham, Shepham Lane 540_3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm 772_1510 Land at Rear of Dittons Farm 835_1510 Land at Polly Arch, Lynholm Road

548 120/1510 Hindsland Fields (East), Eastbourne Road

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is identified as a playing field in a semi-urban setting on the boundary of residential development between Polegate and Lower Willingdon; it is bordered on the east by agricultural land (Morning’s Mill Farm). Aside from farmland, the surrounding area is developed for housing, recreation and transport. The site itself comprises open grassed land bordered by scrub, hedgerow and trees. No significant built structures are present. The local soils are slightly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loams and clays with impeded drainage.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 500m Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance None

Sites of local importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Deciduous woodland A small area of deciduous woodland lies to the 350m NE Priority Habitat north east of site beyond the site boundary.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Plants (box, broad-leaved spurge, large leaved lime) - Reptiles (common lizard, slow worm,) - Birds (hobby, black redstart) - Invertebrates (wall, sallow, white admiral, Webb’s wainscot, Roesel’s Bush-cricket) - Mammals (water vole, common pipistrelle, hedgehog)

549 120/1510 Hindsland Fields (East), Eastbourne Road

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations Ecological baseline: non-native species

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; Wall cotoneaster

Setting and green infrastructure

The sites lies in a semi-urban landscape adjacent to the urban edge of Polegate with a strong green infrastructure network on all except the west side comprising in-site woodland and some hedged field boundaries. The surrounding landuse is a mixture of farmland, recreation (playing fields) and housing. A minor watercourse (drain) arises to the south of the site and flows south toward the A2270. There are no ponds within the search area.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The site is unmanaged, although tracks through the vegetation indicate informal public access.

Habitat Description

Figure 120/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub This community type, which appears to have developed from the hedgerows which previously bounded the site, now skirts more or less the entirety of the site boundary. The scrub is tiered in structure, increasing in height with distance from the interior of the site, and this is particularly the case along the site’s eastern boundary where there is less shading tree cover. Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. dominates towards the centre of the field, with blackthorn Prunus spinosa, elder Sambucus nigra and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna becoming more prominent towards the site boundaries. Scrub towards the northern boundary contains a higher proportion of oak Quercus robur, hazel Corylus avellana, and goat willow Salix caprea relative to the other species. Ground storey species include lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, bittersweet Solanum dulcamara, nettle Urtica dioica, cleavers Galium aparine, hogweed Heracleum spondylium, and bindweed Calystegia sepium. A2.2 Scattered scrub Scattered scrub is a prominent feature through the interior of the site. Juvenile oak Quercus robur dominates, with other species including dog rose Rosa canina, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland This grassland community type occupies the area not dominated by dense scrub. False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius dominates. Other grasses present include timothy Phleum pratense, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, common bent Agrostis capillaris, and cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata. Associated forbs include common bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, lesser stitchwort Stellaria

550 120/1510 Hindsland Fields (East), Eastbourne Road

graminea, hogweed Heracleum spondylium, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, and creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, which is patchily abundant. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees The hedgerows are partially obscured by the dense and continuous scrub habitats alongside the boundaries. The hedgerows appear dominated by a mixture of hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and blackthorn Prunus spinosa, with associated woody species including oak Quercus robur, goat willow Salix caprea, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., hazel Corylus avellana, elder Sambucus nigra and dog rose Rosa canina. The hedgerow standards primarily consist of large, mature oaks Quercus robur The hedge bases were not visible.

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

The site features species rich hedgerow habitat. Notable site habitats If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

Rare and scarce plants The presence of uncommon plant species is unlikely.

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce Rare and scarce invertebrates invertebrates.

Site habitats e.g. hedgerow, scrub, grassland, are suitable for Amphibians including great crested newts this group, however the absence of local ponds means that presence is unlikely.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, scrub, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and scrub habitats are likely to support nesting birds. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging Breeding/Wintering birds habitats including a large tract of pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

The scrub and hedgerow habitats have potential to support Dormouse dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

551 120/1510 Hindsland Fields (East), Eastbourne Road

Terrestrial mammals including badger No badger setts or other signs were noted during the Phase I survey. However, the habitats in the local area are very suitable for this species and foraging use cannot be ruled out.

Several of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, Bats (roosting potential) detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken. Bat presence cannot be ruled out.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between foraging habitat within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the recommended further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Sites of national importance N/A N/A Sites of local importance Medium County Neutral Probable Moderate Habitats Lower Parish Probable Adverse Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants N/A N/A Invertebrates N/A N/A Amphibians including great N/A N/A crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including N/A N/A water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Detailed development proposals must be informed by an updated Phase 1 Habitat Survey and species surveys as set out below to identify the likely mitigation requirement in respect of these habitats and species and ensure that potential impacts are identified and appropriate mitigation developed.

552 120/1510 Hindsland Fields (East), Eastbourne Road

Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X Great crested newt survey March to June X Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February X Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October X Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round X Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including scrub and hedges at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • Retention of areas of scrub wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

Should development at this site proceed, generic (standard) mitigation for impacts upon habitats and species is set out below. Further detailed or species-specific mitigation may be required dependent upon the outcome of the recommended protected habitat or species surveys.

• Ensure a minimum 10m working offset from retained habitats. • To mitigate for loss of woody vegetation, semi-natural planting should include berry bearing native trees and shrubs to enhance food availability for wildlife. The proposed planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense scrub as well as more open areas. • Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known value to wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source. All ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense planting as well as more open areas. • Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird nesting season of March to July inclusive. • Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed for the duration of the development. • Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g. security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust. • Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation. • Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped. • Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan (LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such

553 120/1510 Hindsland Fields (East), Eastbourne Road

habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

554 L16416 Hailsham Area Action Plan Polegate & Willingdon 120/1510 Hindsland Fields (east), Eastbourne Road

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Figure 120/1510/E01 1:1000@A3

September 2016

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Licence number: AL 100002205.ALnumber:©CROWN Licence Office. COPYRIGHT. Stationery Majesty’s Her of controller the of permission Ordnancethe mapReproduced Surveythe with from 555 193/1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is elongated and situated on open land along the fringe of development between Polegate and the A27. The site itself comprises mainly arable land with a small area of grassland, and is bordered by woodland, scrub, trees and residential land on the south side, with the A27 to the north. Shepham Lane forms the western boundary. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 1km Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance None

Sites of local importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Two small stands of Ancient semi-natural Ancient woodland 330m NE woodland lie within the search radius; Drockmill Hill Shaw and Shepham Wood. Coastal and floodplain Extensive areas of this habitat lies to the grazing marsh Priority 40m E north of the site beyond the A27. Habitat A number of small scattered woodlands lie Deciduous woodland On site within the search area including one small Priority Habitat stand within the site boundary. Good quality semi- One area of semi-improved grassland lies improved grassland 522m E 500m east of the site boundary Priority Habitat

556 193/1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt) - Birds (firecrest, tree sparrow, peregrine, barn owl, Cetti’s warbler) - Invertebrates (wall, white admiral) - Mammals (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat, noctule, serotine, hedgehog) - Plants, fungi (galingale, rye brome, rooting bolete)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations

Ecological baseline: non-native species

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius: - Plants; rhododendron, hybrid bluebell, wall cotoneaster, montbretia, winter heliotrope, three-cornered garlic.

Setting and green infrastructure

The site is elongated along an east-west axis and is located in a semi-urban developed setting at the east edge of Polegate. It is bordered on the north side by the Polegate Bypass (A27) and Pevensey Levels beyond which are open countryside. To the east it is bordered by a small area of deciduous woodland, to the south and west by land under development or in residential use, and to the west by fields. Green infrastructure presence is moderate and limited to hedges and the small wood on the south and east borders, respectively. The north side is limited by the A27 dual carriageway. Surrounding landuse is a mixture of urban development and mixed farmland. There are an estimated 3 ponds within the search area, two of which lie beyond the A27.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown or grazed meadow. The majority of the site, however is under arable cultivation. Hedges appear to be generally regularly managed. The area of woodland and scrub in the south of the site appears unmanaged.

Habitat Description

Figure 193/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland The site includes areas of semi-mature woodland, which supports a range of species. Some of the trees, including ash Fraxinus excelsior, wych elm Ulmus glabra and oak appear to be mature. Other species include hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, holly Ilex aquifolium, field maple Acer campestre, elm Ulmus sp., horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastaneum, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum and blackthorn Prunus spinosa.

557 193/1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road

The understorey vegetation includes ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, false-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, greater stitchwort Stellaria holostea, herb robert Geranium robertianum, cleavers Galium aparine, cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and cuckoo pint Arum maculatum. Ivy Hedera helix and bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta are abundant. The woodland appears unmanaged and lots of dead wood is present in the groundlayer. A1.3.1 Mixed semi-natural woodland There is an area of mixed semi-natural woodland to the southwest of the site. The majority of this area was inaccessible due to a fence and thick hedging and so all observations are made from the perimeter. The dominant tree species is ash Fraxinus excelsior. Other species include hazel Corylus avellana, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, cherry Prunus spp., oak Quercus robur, field maple Acer campestre and Scot’s pine Pinus sylvestris. Ground flora species include stone parsley Sison amonum (which is restricted to the woodland margins), bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., nettle Urtica dioica, wood dock Rumex sanguineus, and hedge woundwort Stachys sylvestris. A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub There is an area of scrub to the east of the site adjacent to the A27. Species include bramble Rubus fruticosus agg, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, goat willow Salix caprea, hazel Corylus avellana and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland There is a semi-improved grassland strip around the arable fields. Species present include Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, timothy Phleum pratensis, false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, foxtail Alopecurus sp, perennial rye grass Lolium perenne and cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata. Associated forbs include lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, common centaury Centaurium erythraea, greater plantain Plantago major, cut-leaved cranesbill Geranium dissectum, , creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, curled dock Rumex crispus, white clover Trifolium repens and wood dock Rumex sanguineus. Damper areas within the field margins support, in addition, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, marsh cudweed Gnaphalium uliginosum, greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, soft rush Juncus effusus, tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa, square-stalked willowherb Hypericum tetragonum, and water pepper Persicaria hydropiper. C3.2 Tall non-ruderal There are two small non-ruderal patches in the corners of fields on damp ground. Species present include wood dock Rumex sanguineus, bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, marsh thistle Cirsium palustre, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, soft rush Juncus effusus and pendulous sedge Carex pendula. Young blackthorn Prunus spinosa scrub is developing in these areas. G2 Running water Running water separates the two arable fields. Long grassy banks are present on either side. Species associated with the water include greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, dog rose Rosa canina, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., woody nightshade Solanum dulcamara and perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis. J1.1 Arable The two large fields are under arable cultivation. Associated weed species along field margins include common field speedwell Veronica persica, pale persicaria Persicaria lapathifolia, scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis,

558 193/1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road

sharp-leaved fluellin Kickxia elatine, field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis, and scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact The dominant hedge species is blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Other woody species include hazel Corylus avellana, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, ash Fraxinus excelsior, oak Quercus robur, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, privet Ligustrum vulgare, gorse Ulex europaeus, guelder rose Viburnum opulus, dog rose Rosa canina, field maple Acer campestre and dogwood Cornus sanguinea, with an abundance of bindweed Calystegia sepium. Associated ground flora species include creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, wild carrot Daucus carota, bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, slender knapweed Centaurea debeauxii, nettle Urtica dioica, hairy willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, wood avens Geum urbanum, smooth tare Vicia tetrasperma, ragwort Senecio jacobaea and hogweed Heracleum spondylium. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees The east and west site boundaries comprise intact hedgerows dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna with mature and semi-mature trees, such as ash Fraxinus excelsior, oak Quercus robur, poplar Populus sp. and field maple Acer campestre. Other species recorded within the hedgerows include elder Sambucus nigra, blackthorn Prunus spinosa and ivy Hedera helix. The hedge bases contain a range of ruderal vegetation, such as common nettle Urtica dioica, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens and cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris as well as other species in a similar composition to J2.1.1. J2.4 Fence A variety of fencing types are present along the southern and eastern site boundaries bordering the urban edge of Polegate.

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite) There appear to be no veteran trees on site, although a Veteran trees thorough search of the woodland was not possible. The site features species rich hedgerow and woodland, habitats. Notable site habitats If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

The presence of uncommon plant species in the woodland and Rare and scarce plants wet grassland areas cannot be ruled out.

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce Rare and scarce invertebrates invertebrates, but presence in the woodland habitats cannot be ruled out.

Amphibians including great crested newts Some site habitats (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the

559 193/1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road

local area, including on site. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging habitats including a large tract of marshland means Breeding/Wintering birds that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to Dormouse support dormouse.

The watercourse may support water vole, however the Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter presence of otter is considered unlikely.

Some of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have Bats (roosting potential) structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The site features a number of habitats of ecological value (refer to Figure 193/1510/E02 Ecological Constraints and Opportunities for further information) The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the recommended further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Sites of national importance N/A N/A Sites of local importance Medium District Unknown Moderate Habitats Lower District Possible Adverse Veteran trees Unknown Unknown Plants Unknown Unknown Invertebrates Unknown Unknown Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts

560 193/1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road

Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including Unknown Unknown water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Figure 193/1510/E03 Ecological Opportunities and Constraints Plan summarises potential or known ecological constraints at the site.

Recommendations for further survey

Recommended further survey Survey type Season for survey Survey required? Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September ✓ Hedgerow survey May to October ✓ Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓ Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓ Great crested newt survey March to June ✓ Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February X Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October ✓ Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round X Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including scrub and woodland at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • Retention of areas of scrub and trees, and linear features such as hedgerows wherever possible throughout the site.

561 193/1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road

Outline mitigation

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

562 193/1510 Land Bounded in Part by A27 & Levett Road

• Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

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I V V I I V V I I V I V I I V I Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Figure 193/1510/E01 1:2000@A3

September 2016

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Licence number: AL 100002205.ALnumber:©CROWN Licence Office. COPYRIGHT.Majesty’s Stationery Her of controller the of permission Ordnancethe mapReproduced Surveythe with from 564 204/1510 Cophall Farm

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is in a rural/ agricultural area centred around and almost encircling a farm and outbuildings on the west side of the A27/ A22 junction roundabout near Polegate. The site itself comprises a series of fields divided by hedgerows of varying width and maturity. The east edge of the site is adjacent to a highway service area including some commercial buildings, a Holiday Inn, and MacDonalds. A field close to the service area appears to be used for car boot sales. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 2km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 2km Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance None

Sites of local importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Abbots and Wilmington Woods is recognised Ancient Woodland consisting of broadleaf semi-natural woodland and remnant conifer CW92 plantation with large woodland rides and Abbots & Wilmington glades. There are also areas of acidic Wood & Milton Hide 1km W grassland, heath, scrub, marsh, lake and LWS ponds. The site is a diverse and rich mosaic

of habitats supporting several locally and nationally important plant, invertebrate and bird species. Semi-natural woodland with a rich ground CW74 flora, including many ancient woodland Diplocks Wood LWS 1.8km S indicator species, such as bluebell, wood

anemone, early purple orchid and sanicle.

565 204/1510 Cophall Farm

History of coppicing (hazel, hornbeam, sweet chestnut) with standards (ash, oak) not considered to be veteran trees. Supports a colony of saw-wort Serratula Summerhill Lane 1.5km W tinctoria in addition to wild strawberry, wood Notable Road Verge sage and common cow-wheat. Numerous areas of semi-natural and replanted Ancient Woodland are present Ancient woodland Adjacent within the search radius including adjacent to site. Coastal and floodplain This habitat type is found extensively within grazing marsh Priority 900m E the surrounding landscape, including Habitat Pevensey Levels. A large number of deciduous woodlands lie Deciduous woodland On site within the search area, including a small area Priority Habitat within the site boundary. Traditional orchard One traditional orchards is present within 1km 325m NE Priority Habitat of the site, lying 1.1kms to the north-east. A small area of lowland heath is shown as Lowland Heath Adjacent S lying to the south of the site boundary

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt) - Birds (barn owl, red kite, common crossbill, long-eared owl, peregrine, black redstart) - Invertebrates (white letter hairstreak, wall, white admiral, grizzled skipper, small heath and pearl- bordered fritillary butterfly; many moth species, including cinnabar, mottled rustic, lackey and buff ermine) - Mammals (dormouse, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat, noctule, Brandt’s bat, whiskered bat, serotine, dormouse, water vole, hedgehog) - Bony fish (European eel) - Plants ( Spiked rampion, tubular water-dropwort, box)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations

Ecological baseline: non-native species

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; cherry laurel, rhododendron, winter heliotrope, red valerian, New Zealand pygmyweed, Japanese knotweed, montbretia, hybrid bluebell, fringed waterlily, wall cotoneaster, variegated yellow archangel - Invertebrates; Horse Chestnut leaf miner

Setting and green infrastructure

The site is extensive and is situated in a rural/ agricultural setting with a strong green infrastructure network comprising boundary and in-site hedgerows and trees. The local green infrastructure network provides important connectivity with a substantial area of deciduous and mixed woodland (community forest) to the north and west, including the Abbot’s Wood Ancient Woodland (14ha). The woodlands north of the site include designations for SSSIs/SACs/SPAs & Ramsar sites (England).

566 204/1510 Cophall Farm

A small area of lowland heath is indicated on the south boundary. The surrounding landuses are predominantly mixed farmland, parkland and commercial development and infrastructure to the east. Whootton Manor (Grade II listed) and associated gardens is located approximately 0.5km to the south-west and the eastern tip of the South Downs National Park is located approximately 0.8km to the south. Drains and ditches are present on site and at the west and south boundaries. There are over 15 ponds within the search area. These include several on-site ponds. A number of the ponds lie to the east of the busy A22 dual carriageway.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown or grazed meadow. The majority of the hedges appear to be regularly managed.

Habitat Description

Figure 204/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland The site includes areas of semi-mature woodland, which support a range of species including hazel Corylus avellana, poplar Populus sp., grey willow Salix cinerea, holly Ilex aquifolium, cherry Prunus avium, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, and elder Sambucus nigra although oak Quercus robur generally dominates. Buddleia Buddleja davidii occurs on some margins. The woodland is typically quite dense and so understorey vegetation is limited, but more open areas and woodland margins support nettle Urtica dioica, water figwort Scrophularia auriculata (in association with ponds, watercourses and damper areas), common figwort Scrophularia nodosa, hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, creeping soft-grass Holcus mollis, grey sedge Carex divulsa agg., remote sedge Carex remota, wood avens Geum urbanum, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea and enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana. Part of the woodland strip that runs north/south through the centre of the site is accessible to livestock and here ground vegetation is particularly sparse and depauperate. Nevertheless, bluebells Hyacinthoides non- scripta, and red campion Silene dioica are present. A narrow belt of woodland is present along the southern site boundary adjacent to site 257/1510, which supports a range of species including oak Quercus robur, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and elder Sambucus nigra. The understorey vegetation includes wood brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, herb robert Geranium robertianum, nettle Urtica dioica and ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, but bramble predominates. Gorse Ulex europeaus and field rose Rosa arvensis are present along the field boundary. Small areas of woodland extend out from the main areas to encompass the ponds on site. A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub The area of dense scrub amongst the buildings and hardstanding in the eastern part of the site is particularly species rich. Here, constituent species include blackthorn Prunus spinosa, buddleia Buddleja davidii, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and gorse Ulex europaeus. Goat willow Salix caprea and white willow Salix alba are present in damper spots.

567 204/1510 Cophall Farm

Associated herbs include bristly oxtongue Helminthotheca echioides, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, perforate St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, teasel Dipsacus fullonum, nettle Urtica dioica, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, and hoary willowherb Epilobium parviflorum. The areas of scrub at the north east of the site have similar species composition to this, as does the adjacent area to the allotment gardens for ground flora. The area of scrub bordering the woodland beyond the site’s boundary to the north comprises a dense strip of gorse. A2.2 Scattered scrub This habitat type is restricted mainly to a field at the south east of the site, one corner of which is dominated almost exclusively by young blackthorn Prunus spinosa scrub, over an understorey as B2.2. A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees A number of scattered trees are present within the site, being mainly on unhedged site boundaries. These range from immature to mature specimens and comprise a mixture of planted specimens and trees which may have arisen naturally. Species present include ash Fraxinus excelsior (as along the edges of the garden section immediately north of Cop Hall Farm house), but more commonly mature oak Quercus robur. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland The grassland type occupies much of the site. Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne is generally dominant, but there is a diversity of other grass species present including crested dogs tail Cynosurus cristatus and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus. Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and timothy Phleum pratense are also present though typically confined to field margins. Associated forbs include selfheal Prunella vulgaris, curly dock Rumex crispus, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, silverweed Potentilla anserina, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, lady’s mantle Achemilla mollis, yarrow, Achillea millefolium, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria, knapweed Centaurea nigra agg., cat’s-ear Hypocharis radicata, greater plantain Plantago major and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare. West of Cop Hall Farm house sharp-leaved fluellen Kickxia elatine is present on bare ground along some field margins. Some of the fields within this portion of the site are heavily grazed to the extent that bare ground is a prominent feature, and fields at the north eastern corner of the site similarly. Additional species occurring in these fields, and particularly at their margins, include marsh cudweed Gnaphalium uliginosum, scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis, common centaury Centaurium erythraea, pale persicaria Persicaria lapathifolium, black medick Medicago lupulina, common chickweed Stellaria media, and spear-leaved orache Atriplex prostrata. Moth mullein Verbascum blattaria was also present in scattered locations close to buildings. In the south western-most field there is an abundance of soft rush Juncus effusus, and smooth tare Vicia tetrasperma was present towards field margins in this part of the site. B4 Improved grassland This community type is located at the centre of the site. Species richness is generally low and the sward is dominated by perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne. Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus is patchily abundant. Associated fords include creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, and greater plantain Plantago major. B5 Marshy grassland This community type is restricted to field margins in the southwest of the site. These areas are rank, tussocky and dominated by rushes, specifically soft rush Juncus effusus. Other species within this area recorded during survey include hard rush Juncus inflexus, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, greater pond sedge Carex riparia, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, ribwort plantain Plantago

568 204/1510 Cophall Farm

lanceolata, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, and ragwort Senecio jacobaea. Teasel Dipsacus fullonum was present patchily, C1.1 Bracken - continuous There are several areas of continuous bracken Pteridium aquilinum within the site. These predominantly lie at woodland edges and extend into the margins of adjoining fields. C3.1 Tall ruderal There are two large areas of this community type within the site although smaller areas are scattered around in field corners etc. Both extend from the bases of field hedgerows. They are dominated by nettle Urtica dioica, with abundant bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and other species such as creeping thistle Cirsium arvense. Tufted vetch Vicia cracca features prominently. G1 Standing water Several ponds are present within the site. That in the southwest corner is covered entirely by duckweed Lemna sp. All ponds are shaded and are surrounded by nettle Urtica dioica and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Goat willow Salix caprea and grey willow Salix cinerea feature prominently in the marginal woody vegetation. G2 Running water Running water is a particular feature of the centre of the site, with water flowing west to east. Banksides are overgrown so no aquatic flora was observable. Bankside species include great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, water mint Mentha aquatica, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, bindweed Calystegia sepium, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., nettle Urtica dioica, water figwort Scrophularia auriculata, soft rush Juncus effusus, greater bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, and tufted vetch Vicia cracca. Elder Sambucus nigra is patchily present. Charlock Sinapis arvensis and black mustard Brassica nigra are present on disturbed ground, for example near crossing points. In areas shaded by woodland hart’s tongue Asplenium scolopendrium and male fern Dryopteris filix-mas are present. J1.2 Amenity grassland Amenity grassland within the site serves primarily as area for boot sale events, but also includes mown lawns associated with buildings. All areas are mown very short. Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne has a tendency to dominate, whilst Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus is patchily abundant. Associated forbs include bristly oxetongue Helminthotheca echioides, common field speedwell Veronica persica, black nightshade Solanum nigrum, fat hen Chenopodium album, cut-leaved cranesbill Geranium dissectum and creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, which are common in disturbed areas; also, white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, dandelion Taraxacum agg., black medick Medicago lupulina, daisy Bellis perennis, yarrow Achillea millefolium, silverweed Potentilla anserina, and selfheal Prunella vulgaris. Soft rush Juncus effusus and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg occur also along some banksides of sections of Cop Hall Farm house garden. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact This hedge type constitutes many of the corridors that divide fields within the site. Blackthorn features prominently as the main structural species, along with hazel Corylus avellana, privit Ligustrum vulgare, elder Sambucus nigra, gorse Ulex europaeus, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Twiners and scramblers include dog rose Rosa canina, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum and ivy Hedera helix. Other associated species include bittersweet Solanum dulcamara, male fern Dryopteris filix-mas, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, tufted vetch Vicia cracca, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare and bracken Pteridium aquilinum. J2.1.2 Native species-poor hedge, intact This hedgerow community type is featured only at the east of the site, where amenity grassland sits adjacent to the A22 and a slip road. Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna predominates. Other species include privit Ligustrum vulgare, and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Associated groundcover incudes bindweed Calystegia sepium,

569 204/1510 Cophall Farm

bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, prickly sowthistle Sonchus asper, bittersweet Solanum dulcamara, and common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees This hedgerow type is present along several field boundaries within the site, and features a range of mature and semi-mature trees, mainly oak Quercus robur. Other tree species include ash Fraxinus excelsior, field maple Acer campestre and goat willow Salix caprea. The hedge species are otherwise as J2.1.1 with the addition of black bryony Tamus communis. The hedge bases contain a range of species similar to that found in association with J2.1.1. However, additional species include musk mallow Malva moschata, and mugwort Artemisia vulgaris. J2.3.2 Species-poor hedge with trees Tree species present are similar to J2.1.1. Hedge base flora includes any of the species found in association with J2.1.2, though grasses found in B2.2 grassland are more abundant than forbs. J2.4 Fence Wooden fences tend to feature closer to Cop Hall Farm House. Barbed wire occurs elsewhere. J2.6 Dry ditch A dry ditch is found toward the east of the site in association with a woodland strip running west/east. Species present include false-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, hart’s tongue Asplenium scolopendrium, male fern Dryopteris filix-mas, nettle Urtica dioica, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., hogweed Heracleum spondylium, herb robert Geranium robertianum, and enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana. J3.6 Buildings There are a number of buildings on the site. Most of these are associated with the pumping station and nearby restaurant and café. J4 Hardstanding and bare ground Most of the hardstanding present on site occurs in association with the restaurant and café complex. All areas are frequently used, so associated species are sparse and few.

Target Notes

1 Temporary fencing subdivides the field.

2 Area of boggy ground within scrub, supporting rushes Juncus spp.

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

570 204/1510 Cophall Farm

The site features species rich hedgerow, grassland and woodland habitats. Notable site habitats If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

The presence of uncommon plant species on site cannot be Rare and scarce plants ruled out.

The presence of uncommon invertebrate species on site Rare and scarce invertebrates cannot be ruled out.

Some site habitats are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the local area, including on site. The Amphibians including great crested newts presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging Breeding/Wintering birds habitats including a large tract of woodland and pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The grassland areas may support wintering thrush species.

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to Dormouse support dormouse.

Some sections of watercourse may be suitable for use by Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter water vole. Otter presence is unlikely, but cannot be ruled out.

Some of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. Detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out. Some of the buildings on site are suited for use by roosting Bats (roosting potential) bats, particularly those which are currently in residential use. The various modern single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation and so are unlikely to be used by roosting bats. However, the local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken. So the

571 204/1510 Cophall Farm

existence of an on-site roost in one or more of the buildings is likely.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

The site features a number of habitats of ecological value. The table below summarises the likely or potential value of ecological receptors with a provisional assessment of the unmitigated impact of any development. This assessment is indicative until such time the recommended further surveys can be undertaken. The precautionary principal has been adopted in arriving at this assessment.

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Sites of national importance N/A N/A Moderate Sites of local importance Medium County Probable Adverse Moderate Habitats Lower District Probable Adverse Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants Unknown Unknown Invertebrates Unknown Unknown Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including Unknown Unknown water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

572 204/1510 Cophall Farm

Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February ✓ Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October ✓ Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓ Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including scrub and woodland at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • The ponds should be retained. • Retention of areas of scrub and trees, and linear features such as hedgerows wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

573 204/1510 Cophall Farm

• Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan (LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements

Figure 204/1510/E03 Ecological Opportunities and Constraints Plan summarises potential enhancement measures at the site.

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Retention and enhancement of the ponds and watercourses on site through de-silting and removal of overhanging woody vegetation. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • Enhancements to the retained woodland habitat, including thinning out non-native deciduous tree species, and replacement planting with native species. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland and hedgerow). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

574 . 1

2 .

L16416 Hailsham Area Action Plan Polegate & Willingdon 204/1510 Cophall Farm

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Figure 204/1510/E01 1:4000@A3

September 2016

575 236/3370 Mornings Mill Farm, Eastbourne Road, Willingdon

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is situated in a rural area between Polegate and Willingdon, bordering pasture, urban habitats, a road and a railway line. The site itself comprises mainly pasture, including some floodplain marshland and small areas of scrub, together with the Mornings Mill farmstead and associated buildings. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 2km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 2km Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance

Distance from Key habitat/ features of Site Direction site (approx.) interest An area of species-rich chalk grassland Willingdon Down SSSI 1km S on steep slopes at the eastern end of the South Downs.

Sites of local importance

Distance from Key habitat/ features of Site Direction site (approx.) interest Species -rich grazed grasslands CW33 supporting a number of notable plant Cranedown & Middle species, including round-headed 1.9km W Brow LWS rampion, bastard toadflax, autumn lady’s tresses, common spotted orchid and pyramidal orchid. CW74 Semi-natural woodland with a rich Diplocks Wood LWS 820m W ground flora, including many ancient woodland indicator species, such as

576 236/3370 Mornings Mill Farm, Eastbourne Road, Willingdon

bluebell, wood anemone, early purple orchid and sanicle. History of coppicing (hazel, hornbeam, sweet chestnut) with standards (ash, oak) not considered to be veteran trees. This site comprises grounds belonging to three residential properties supporting a variety of habitats within an urban area, including a filled in former decoy pond with associated ash E96 and sycamore woodland and a stream. 1.8km S The Coppice The site supports a diverse ground flora, including ferns (hart’s-tongue, soft shield fern), ancient woodland indicator species (wood sedge, giant fescue), and marginal wetland plants, such as brooklime. This roundabout and the surrounding road banks support a large population of E98 orchids (common spotted orchid, Willingdon 1.8km S pyramidal orchid, bee orchid) and a Roundabout LWS diversity of chalk grassland plants, including yellow rattle, lady’s bedstraw, and purging flax. Two areas of mature oak and ash woodland with a diversity of other native species occurring less frequently, and supporting at least eleven and ten E117 ancient woodland indicator species, Hampden Park and 1.8km S respectively. Ham Shaw The sites are notable for supporting a remarkable diversity of epiphytic lichens, including species associated with ancient woodlands. Seven named Ancient Woodland sites lie Ancient woodland 970m (nearest) W within the search area Lowland calcareous Areas of calcareous grassland grassland Priority 1.2kms SW associated with Willingdon Down SSSI Habitat lie to the south west of the site Areas of lowland meadow associated Lowland Meadows 1.2kms SW with Willingdon Down SSSI lie to the Priority Habitat south west of the site This habitat type is found close to the Coastal and floodplain site and extensively within the grazing marsh Priority Adjacent surrounding landscape, including Habitat Pevensey Levels. Deciduous woodland A large number of deciduous woodlands Adjacent Priority Habitat lie within the search radius.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt) - Birds (bittern, stone curlew, barn owl, red kite, common crossbill, long-eared owl, peregrine, black redstart)

577 236/3370 Mornings Mill Farm, Eastbourne Road, Willingdon

- Invertebrates (white letter hairstreak, wall, white admiral, grizzled skipper, small heath and pearl- bordered fritillary butterfly; many moth species, including cinnabar, mottled rustic, lackey and buff ermine) - Mammals (dormouse, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, nathusius’s pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat, noctule, Brandt’s bat, whiskered bat, serotine, dormouse, water vole, hedgehog) - Bony fish (European eel) - Plants (Spiked rampion, tubular water-dropwort, box, burnt orchid, frog orchid, tuberous pea, corn parsley, maiden pink)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations

Ecological baseline: non-native species

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; cherry laurel, rhododendron, winter heliotrope, red valerian, New Zealand pygmyweed, Japanese knotweed, montbretia, hybrid bluebell, fringed water lily, wall cotoneaster, variegated yellow archangel - Invertebrates; Horse Chestnut leaf miner, harlequin ladybird

Setting and green infrastructure

The site, though rural/ agricultural itself and extensive in area, is semi-enclosed within a predominantly urban landscape at the edge of Polegate close to Lower Willingdon. There is a reasonably strong internal green infrastructure network comprising a network of hedged fields and ditches but little habitat connectivity (as there is little to connect to). It is bordered on the north by a railway line and to the south by Eastbourne Road (A2270) and by residential development. The surrounding land use is a mixture of pasture, including grazing marsh, and urban habitats. A minor watercourse arises to the southwest of the site and flows northeast to ultimately join Mill Ditch and Langley Sewer. There are an estimated 6 ponds within the search area. These include one small on-site pond. The remaining ponds lie to the north of the railway line.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown or grazed meadow and grazing marsh. The majority of the hedges appear to be regularly managed. There are small areas of unmanaged scrub, ruderal vegetation and rough grassland in the south of the site. Vehicle movements keep unsurfaced trackways open.

Habitat Description

Figure 236/3370/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland There is an area of broadleaved semi-natural woodland immediately to the north of the site but outside the site boundary.

578 236/3370 Mornings Mill Farm, Eastbourne Road, Willingdon

A2.1 Continuous scrub There are several areas of dense/continuous scrub throughout the site. Species present within these areas include, hornbeam Carpinus betula, ash Fraxinus excelsior, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, field maple Acer campestre and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. On damp ground, false fox sedge Carex otrubae, reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea and greater willowherb are also present. Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica is present in this habitat. A2.2 Scattered scrub Areas of scattered scrub are present throughout the site. Species present include elder Sambucus nigra, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees A number of scattered trees are present within the site, being mainly on field boundaries. These arrange from immature to mature specimens and comprise a mixture of planted specimens and trees which may have arisen naturally. Species present include oak Quercus robur, field maple Acer campestre. hazel Corylus avellana and mature poplar Populus spp. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland Many of the fields within the site comprise this habitat. The dominant sward species within these areas varies between between tall fescue Schedonorus arundinaceus, perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus. Other grass species that are present include cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata, couch grass Elytrigia repens, bent grass Agrostis capillaris, sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum and timothy Phleum pratense. Associated forbs include tufted vetch Vicia cracca, smooth tare, hogweed Heracleum spondylium, agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria, common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, yarrow Achillea millefolium, strawberry clover Trifolium fragiferum, white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense, self-heal Prunella vulgaris, field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis, goat’s beard Tragopogon pratensis and pepper saxifrage Silaum silaus. B4 Improved grassland Many of the fields within the site comprise this habitat. The sward is dominated by Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus. Associated forbs include white clover Trifolium repens, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, yarrow Achillea millefolium, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius and meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris. Areas of broken ground also support creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans and redshank Persicaria maculata. B5 Marshy grassland There is an area of marshy grassland in the south of the site. This area is dominated by soft rush Juncus effusus, jointed rush Juncus articulatus and marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre. Grass species present here include sweet grass Glyceria sp, and sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum. Associated forbs include red clover Trifolium pratense, strawberry clover Trifolium fragiferum, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, greater bird’s foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus and amphibious bistort Persicaria amphibia. C3.1 Tall ruderal There are several areas of tall ruderal vegetation throughout the site. These areas are typically dominated by nettles Urtica dioica. Other species include greater burdock Arctium lappa, docks Rumex sp., bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, bindweed Calystegia spp., teasel Dipsacus fullonum, nipplewort Lapsana communis, knotgrass Persicaria aviculare agg., woody nightshade Solanum dulcamara, hogweed Heracleum spondylium, greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, bristly ox- tongue Helminthotheca echioides and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus.

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G2 Running water Running water surrounds the southeastern, southwestern part of the northwestern boundaries of the site. Species associated with these watercourses include greater horsetail Equisetum telmatia, nettle Urtica dioica, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., ivy Hedera helix and cuckoo pint Arum maculatum. No aquatic species were observed. J1.2 Amenity grassland There are very small areas of amenity grassland surrounding the houses and other buildings within the site. These areas are typically dominated by perennial rye grass Lolium perenne and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus. Other species include broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata, common bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, dandelion Taraxacum agg., self-heal Prunella vulgaris, red clover Trifolium pratense and common sorrel Rumex acetosa. J1.3 Ephemeral/short perennial There is an area of ephemeral vegetation along an access road in the centre of the site. Species recorded here include shepherd’s purse Capsella bursa-pastoris, tufted vetch Vicia cracca, scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis, lesser swine cress Lepidium didymum, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, field speedwell Veronica arvensis, prickly sowthistle Sonchus asper, knotgrass Polygonum aviculare agg., red goosefoot Chenopodium rubrum, fat-hen Chenopodium album and silverweed Potentilla anserina. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact Most of the boundaries within this site are marked by native species-rich hedges. Species present include elm Ulmus spp., hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, hazel Corylus avellana, dog rose Rosa canina, dogwood Cornus sanguinea, holly Ilex aquifolium, gorse Ulex europaeus, ash Fraxinus excelsior and grey willow Saliix cinerea. The ground flora is dominated by nettle Urtica dioica but cuckoo pint Arum maculatum, greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum and creeping thistle Cirsium arvense are also present J2.2.2 Species-poor defunct hedge Defunct hedge is present in several parts of the site. Species present within these hedges include bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees The eastern boundaries comprise intact, somewhat unmanaged hedgerows dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna with mature and semi-mature trees, such as ash Fraxinus excelsior, oak Quercus robur and hazel Corylus avellana, present throughout. Other species recorded within the hedgerows include field maple Acer campestre, elder Sambucus nigra, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, wild plum Prunus domestica, gorse Ulex europeaus and grey willow Salix cinerea, together with black bryony Tamus communis, bindweed Calystegia spp. and ivy Hedera helix. The hedge bases contain a range of ruderal vegetation, such as common nettle Urtica dioica, stone parsley, meadow sweet, wood dock, bramble and lesser burdock. J2.3.1 Species-poor hedge, intact Species-poor hedges are present throughout the site. Species present include hawthorn and blackthorn. Wilson’s honeysuckle is also present in those bordering the gardens. J2.3.2 Species-poor hedge with trees These hedges contain species such as hawthorn, blackthorn and oak. The ground flora is dominated by nettles and ivy. J2.4 Fence A variety of fencing types are present throughout the site.

580 236/3370 Mornings Mill Farm, Eastbourne Road, Willingdon

J2.6 Dry ditch The dry ditch is dominated by soft rush Juncus effusus. The ditch widens to form a small pond at one end. It is not known if this is seasonally wet. J3.6 Buildings There are a number of buildings on the site, including several residential properties. Other buildings appear to be used mainly for storage or are not in use. Many ferns have colonised the walls of disused buildings. J4 Hardstanding and bare ground An access track leads to the farm. There is also hardstanding associated with the various farm buildings. Species found here include bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, common orache Atriplex patula, pineapple weed Matricaria discoidea, knotgrass Polygonum aviculare agg., hoary willowherb Epilobium parviflorum and black medick Medicago lupulina.

Protected species

The site is known to support, or considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

The site features species rich hedgerow and, grassland habitats, including some marsh grassland. If these habitats Notable site habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

A number of uncommon plant species were recorded during Rare and scarce plants the phase 1 survey.

The site is considered to have potential to support rare or Rare and scarce invertebrates scarce invertebrates.

Some site habitats e.g. hedgerow, grassland, ruderal, are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the Amphibians including great crested newts local area, including on site. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, grassland, ruderal) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging Breeding/Wintering birds habitats including a large tract of pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is considered to have some potential to support wintering birds.

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Dormouse The hedgerow habitats have potential to support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter The watercourses may be used by these species.

None of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out. Bats (roosting potential) Most of the buildings on site are unlikely to be used by a significant population of roosting bats as single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation. However, the dwellings may support bat roosts and the local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Moderate Sites of national importance High National Probable Adverse Moderate Sites of local importance Medium County Probable Adverse Moderate Habitats Lower District Probable Adverse Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants Unknown Unknown Invertebrates Unknown Unknown Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including Unknown Unknown water voles and otters

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Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Recommended further survey Survey type Season for survey Survey required? Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September ✓ Hedgerow survey May to October ✓ Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓ Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓ Great crested newt survey March to June ✓ Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February ✓ Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October ✓ Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓ Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including hedges and watercourses at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • The pond should be retained. • Retention of areas of scrub and trees, and linear features such as hedgerows and ditches wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

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• Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known value to wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source. All ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense planting as well as more open areas. • Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird nesting season of March to July inclusive. • Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed for the duration of the development. • Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g. security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust. • Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation. • Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped. • Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan (LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements

Figure 236/3370/E03 Ecological Opportunities and Constraints Plan summarises potential enhancement measures at the site.

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Retention and enhancement of the pond on site through de-silting and removal of any overhanging woody vegetation. • Reinstatement of any ditch sections lost to under-drainage. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • Enhancements to the retained watercourses including reprofiling and removal of overhanging vegetation. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (hedgerow, woodland etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site.

584 236/3370 Mornings Mill Farm, Eastbourne Road, Willingdon

• Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

585 Locations of features indicative only

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! ! D D ! D ! D ! D D L16416 Hailsham Area Action Plan D D D D Polegate and Willingdon D D D D 236/3370 - Mornings Mill Farm ! D D D D D D D D D D D D D ! D D D ! D Phase 1 Habitat Survey !D D D D D Figure 236/3370/E01 ! 1:4000@A3 D ! D ! D ! D D ! ! September 2016 D ! D !

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Ecological Assessment

Site overview

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 2km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 2km Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations. Sites of European importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Pevensey Levels Ramsar covers a large, mostly unfragmented area of lowland wet grassland. It is designated for supporting an Pevensey Levels 1.6km NE outstanding assemblage of wetland plants Ramsar and invertebrates, and is one of the best site in Britain for freshwater molluscs, aquatic beetles and dragonflies. Pevensey Levels SAC comprises large areas of Pevensey Levels Special grazing marsh and is designated for Area of Conservation 1.6km NE supporting good populations of Ramshorn (SAC) snail across a wide spatial distribution.

Sites of national importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Pevensey Levels SSSI is a large area of grazing meadows with a complex system of ditches. It supports a number of nationally Pevensey Levels SSSI 1.6km NE rare and scarce aquatic plants and invertebrates, in addition to over 1% of the total British population of wintering lapwings.

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Sites of local importance Distance from Site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest site (approx.) Abbots and Wilmington Woods is recognised Ancient Woodland consisting of broadleaf semi-natural woodland and remnant conifer plantation with large CW92 woodland rides and glades. There are also Abbots & Wilmington areas of acidic grassland, heath, scrub, Wood & Milton Hide LWS 1.5km NW marsh, lake and ponds. The site is a

diverse and rich mosaic of habitats supporting several locally and nationally important plant, invertebrate and bird species. Semi-natural woodland with a rich ground flora, including many ancient woodland indicator species, such as CW74 bluebell, wood anemone, early purple Diplocks Wood LWS 1.4km SW orchid and sanicle. History of coppicing (hazel, hornbeam, sweet chestnut) with standards (ash, oak) not considered to be veteran trees. 500m (nearest Seven named Ancient woodlands lie within Ancient woodland E location) the search radius. Coastal and floodplain Extensive areas of this habitat lies to the 200m (nearest grazing marsh Priority N north of the site beyond the A27 and to location) Habitat the south east. A number of small scattered woodlands lie Deciduous woodland Adjacent within the search area including stands to Priority Habitat the east and west of the site boundary. Good quality semi- One area of semi-improved grassland lies improved grassland 1.1km E 1.1km east of the site boundary. Priority Habitat Lowland Heathland A small area of lowland heath is shown as 1.3km W Priority Habitat lying to the west of Polegate. Traditional orchards 500mm (nearest Two small areas of this habitat are present N Priority Habitat location) within the search area.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt) - Birds (barn owl, red kite, turtle dove, lapwing, peregrine, corn bunting) - Invertebrates (white letter hairstreak, wall, white admiral, grizzled skipper, small heath and pearl- bordered fritillary butterfly; moth species, including chimney sweeper and chalk-hill bell) - Mammals (dormouse, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat, noctule, Brandt’s bat, whiskered bat, serotine, water vole, hedgehog) - Bony fish (European eel) - Plants (Spiked rampion, tubular water-dropwort, box)

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Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations

Ecological baseline: non-native species

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; cherry laurel, rhododendron, winter heliotrope, red valerian, New Zealand pygmyweed, japanese knotweed, montbretia, hybrid bluebell, fringed water lily, wall cotoneaster, variegated yellow archangel - Mammals; American mink

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies in a strongly rural landscape albeit one immediately adjacent to the urban edge of Polegate and separated from the Pevensey Marshes by a main road. There is a strong green infrastructure network comprising tree belts, hedgerows and well-vegetated road corridors. The surrounding land use is a mixture of pasture, including grazing marsh, arable, and urban habitats. There are an estimated 6 ponds within the search area, only one of which is on site. The remainder lie beyond the A27.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site comprised grazed pasture. A large part of the site is under arable management. There are smaller areas of unmanaged semi-improved grassland and ruderal habitats. Internal boundary hedges are kept closely cut.

Habitat Description

Figure 241/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland There are several examples of this woodland community type within the site, these occurring as small strips or fragments. In each case the dominant tree is oak Quercus robur, of which individual trees are typically mature. Other species include field maple Acer campestre and ash Fraxinus excelsior. The associated ground flora includes false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, stone parsley Sison amonum, field rose Rosa arvensis, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., wood dock Rumex sanguinea, and cleavers Galium aparine. A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub The only identified area of this scrubland community type is located at the northern boundary where it encloses an area of ruderal vegetation. Here mature oak Quercus robur and blackthorn Prunus spinosa scrub dominate, with ivy Hedera helix forming the main groundcover. A2.2 Scattered scrub Small areas of scattered scrub are present in the northeast and northwest part of the site. In the northwest amongst an area of ruderal vegetation, oak Quercus robur dominates, though elder Sambucus nigra is also

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present. Along the base of the fenceline which marks the northern boundary of the site within the northeastern field, species composition is similar to that listed under C3.1. A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees A number of scattered trees are present within the site, being mainly on unhedged site boundaries. A significant proportion of these are located along the southern margin of the site. Tree species range from immature to mature specimens and comprise a mixture of planted specimens and trees which may have arisen naturally. Species present predominantly include oak Quercus robur, but ash Fraxinus excelsior, field maple Acer campestre, goat willow Salix caprea, and crack willow Salix x fragilis are also found. Associated groundflora includes hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., ivy Hedera helix, wood avens Geum urbanum, giant fescue Festuca gigantea, false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, wood dock Rumex sanguineum, lords and ladies Arum maculatum, field rose Rosa arvensis, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, and nettle Urtica dioica. Bluebells Hyacinthoides sp. are also present indicating that the site possibly contains some relict ancient woodland or old boundary features. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland Semi-improved neutral grassland is present within the site at two localities: at the north west corner amongst ruderal vegetation and scattered scrub, and in the south eastern-most field. At the north west corner location Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus dominates. Other grasses present include common bent Agrostis capillaris and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera. Associated forbs include meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, marsh thistle Cirsium palustre, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, smooth tare Vicia tetrasperma, field rose Rosa arvensis, common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, and great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, with young bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. In the south eastern field timothy Phleum pratense dominates, but Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera are also found. Associated forbs include common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica which patchily dominates a large expanse of the central area of the field. Other species within the field include greater bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, common bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, tufted vetch Vicia cracca and meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis. B4 Improved grassland This grassland community type is present only in the northeastern-most field. Here, common couch Elytrigia repens and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus are prominent in a sward dominated by perennial rye grass Lolium perenne and timothy Phleum pratense. Associated forbs include creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, red clover Trifolium pratense, and white clover Trifolium repens. C3.1 Tall ruderal Three areas of this community type are present within the site. That at the northwest corner has similar species composition as the north-central area enclosed by dense/continuous scrub. Species include field rose, Rosa arvensis dog rose Rosa canina, common fleabane Pulicaris dysenterica, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. At the north west, this community is dominated alternately by bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, and creeping thistle Cirsium arvensis. At the north central locality bindweed Calystegia sp dominates, blanketing most vegetation. G2 Standing water Along the boundary between the central largest arable field and the improved grassland field to its east there is a seasonally wet pond (dry at the time of surveying). Associated species are dominated by reedmace Typha latifolia, though other species present include yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus and hard rush Juncus inflexus. Species associated more with the banksides include common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, silverweed Potentilla anserina, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, oak Quercus robur, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., and stone parsley Sison amonum.

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G1 Running water At the north west, within the woodland strip that forms a boundary to the enclosed area of semi-improved grassland and ruderal vegetation, there holds the sole feature within the site of running water. No aquatic species are present, possibly due to the shade offered by the woodland. Species associated with the banksides however include pendulous sedge Carex pendula, soft shield fern Polystichum aculeatum, and nettle Urtica dioica. J1.1 Arable Wheat fields comprise the majority of the site by area. Associated forbs are however diverse, mainly occurring at field margins. Scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum has a tendency to dominate though in a patchy manner. Other species include knotgrass Polygonum aviculare agg., white clover Trifolium repens, round-leaved fluellin Kickxia spuria, sharp-leaved fluellen Kickxia elatine, pale persicaria Persicaria lapathifolia, dove’s-foot cranesbill Geranium molle, greater plantain Plantago major, sun spurge Euphorbia helioscopia, wild radish Raphanus raphanistrum, pineapple weed Matricaria discoidea, and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare. Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne is also present. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact This hedgerow community type features infrequently within the site, mainly along a section of the site’s northern boundary at its centre, but also as a hedgerow protruding into the central arable field from the site’s southern boundary where a dry ditch runs alongside. Generally blackthorn Prunus spinosa predominates. Other species include juvenile ash Fraxinus excelsior, oak Quercus robur, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, field maple Acer campestre, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg, dog rose Rosa canina and honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, over an understorey supporting species including soft rush Juncus effusus, hemlock water dropwort Oenenthe crocata, bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, and wood dock Rumex sanguineum. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees This hedgerow community type dominates within the site both as an interior field divider, and as a boundary of the site as a whole. Of the trees oak Quercus robur strongly dominates, some individuals mature. Of the hedge structural species, blackthorn Prunus spinosa dominates. Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna is also present, along with ash Fraxinus excelsior, field maple Acer campestre, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg, and elder Sambucus nigra. Other associated species include cleavers Galium aparine, black bryony Tamus communis, and bittersweet Solanum dulcamara. J2.3.2 Species-poor hedge with trees There is one section of hedgerow that conforms to this community type. It forms the division between the site’s two arable fields. Here hedge base species composition is similar to that listed under J2.1.1, though the hedge is dominated almost exclusively by blackthorn Prunus spinosa and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. J2.4 Fence A variety of fencing types are present. These are mainly barbed wire, although wooden fencing runs along the site’s northern boundary. J2.6 Dry ditch A dry ditch runs along the base of a hedgerow protruding in to the central arable field. Associated flora include those listed under J2.1.1 (native species-rich hedge, intact). As the ditch runs slightly further than the extent of the hedgerow, a number of additional species are found. These include nettle Urtica dioica, field maple Acer campestre, wild privit Ligustrum ovalifolium, lords and ladies Arum maculatum, black bryony Tamus communis, and cleavers Galium aparine. Oak Quercus robur overhangs from the south end of the ditch. J4 Hardstanding and bare ground A tarmac road runs at the south of the eastern improved field. It is well maintained, hence associated flora is limited.

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Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

The site features species rich hedgerow. Notable site habitats If this habitat are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

The presence of uncommon species in the arable fields Rare and scarce plants suggests plant survey may be advisable cannot be ruled out.

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce Rare and scarce invertebrates invertebrates.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging Breeding/Wintering birds habitats including a large tract of pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

Dormouse The hedgerow habitats have potential to support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

None of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, Bats (roosting potential) detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out.

592 241/1510 Land at Shepham Lane

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European Very High European Neutral Probable importance Sites of national importance High National Neutral Probable Moderate Sites of local importance Medium County Probable Adverse Habitats Lower Parish Minor Adverse Probable Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants Unknown Unknown Invertebrates N/A N/A Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including N/A N/A water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

593 241/1510 Land at Shepham Lane

Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October X Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round X Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • The pond should be retained. • Retention of areas of scrub and trees, and linear features such as hedgerows wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

594 241/1510 Land at Shepham Lane

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Retention and enhancement of the pond on site through de-silting and removal of overhanging woody vegetation. • Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

595 Locations of features indicative only

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Figure 241/1310/E01 1:3000@A3

September 2016

596 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is located in a semi-rural/ agricultural area on the west side of the A27 near Polegate. It is bounded by the A27 on the east side and a railway line on the south. Land on the north and west boundaries is in agricultural use but the land on the east and south sides of the site is urbanised. The site itself comprises fields divided by hedgerows and trees of varying width and maturity. A lorry park and storage yards are located on part of one of the fields, and are accessed from the A27; and a building is located on one of the northern fields accessed from a track running along the northern boundary. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 2km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 2km Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance

Distance from site Site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.)

Folkington Reservoir is a covered reservoir the bank of which support a rich chalk grassland flora with abundant Folkington Reservoir orchids. The site is the only known 1.4km S SSSI locality in the county to support hairy mallow Althaea hirsuta, a species listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. An area of species-rich chalk grassland Wilmington Down SSSI 2km S on steep slopes at the eastern end of the South Downs.

597 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Sites of local importance

Distance from site Site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Abbots and Wilmington Woods is recognised Ancient Woodland consisting of broadleaf semi-natural woodland and remnant conifer CW92 plantation with large woodland rides Abbots & Wilmington 925m NW and glades. There are also areas of Wood & Milton Hide LWS acidic grassland, heath, scrub, marsh,

lake and ponds. The site is a diverse and rich mosaic of habitats supporting several locally and nationally important plant, invertebrate and bird species. Semi-natural woodland with a rich ground flora, including many ancient woodland indicator species, such as CW74 bluebell, wood anemone, early purple Diplocks Wood LWS 1.3km S orchid and sanicle. History of coppicing (hazel, hornbeam, sweet chestnut) with standards (ash, oak) not considered to be veteran trees. Species-rich unimproved grassland with small areas of scrub and a CW21 diversity of plant species suggestive of 1.8km W Monkyn Pin LWS changeable soils. Also supports a good diversity of invertebrates. Species-rich grazed grasslands CW33 supporting a number of notable plant Cranedown & Middle species, including round-headed 1.8km SW Brow LWS rampion, bastard toadflax, autumn lady’s tresses, common spotted orchid and pyramidal orchid. Ten named Ancient woodlands lie Ancient woodland 1km (nearest point) Various within the search radius. Coastal and floodplain Extensive areas of this habitat lies to grazing marsh Priority 1km (nearest point) Various the east of the site beyond the A27. Habitat A number of small scattered woodlands Deciduous woodland On site lie within the search area including Priority Habitat stands on site. Good quality semi- One area of semi-improved grassland improved grassland 1.8km W lies 1.8km west of the site boundary. Priority Habitat Lowland Heathland A small area of lowland heath is shown Adjacent W Priority Habitat as lying adjacent to the site. Lowland meadows associated with Lowland Meadows 1.4km S Folkington Reservoir SSSI lie to the Priority Habitat south of the site. Lowland Calcareous Lowland Calcareous Grassland Grassland Priority 2km S associated with Wilmington Down lie to Habitat the south of the site.

598 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Traditional orchards Two small areas of this habitat are 600m NE Priority Habitat present within the search area.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt) - Birds (barn owl, turtle dove, lapwing, peregrine, corn bunting, cetti’s warbler) - Invertebrates (white letter hairstreak, wall, white admiral, grizzled skipper, small heath and pearl- bordered fritillary butterfly; moth species, including cinnabar, blood-vein, oak lutestring, argent and sable) - Mammals (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat, noctule, Brandt’s bat, whiskered bat, serotine, water vole, dormouse, hedgehog) - Bony fish (European eel) - Plants (Spiked rampion, rough marsh-mallow, burnt orchid, box)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were available for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however be discounted on this basis.

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the site boundaries:

- Plants; cherry laurel, rhododendron, winter heliotrope, red valerian, New Zealand pygmyweed, Japanese knotweed, montbretia, hybrid bluebell, fringed water lily, wall cotoneaster, variegated yellow archangel - Mammals; American mink

Setting and green infrastructure

The setting is semi-rural/ agricultural with a moderately cohesive green infrastructure network comprising ditches, hedgerows and mature trees which connect to the deciduous woodland to the north and so may offer important connectivity for wildlife. Limited development has taken place on the east side of the side. Surrounding landuses are agricultural to the west and north with the A27 and railway line separating the site area from adjacent urban developments. There are in excess of 15 ponds within the search area. These include several on-site ponds. A number of the ponds lie to the south and east of the railway line/A27.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown or grazed meadow and grazing marsh, with some arable land. The majority of the hedges appear to be regularly managed. The areas of woodland and scrub in the east of the site appear unmanaged.

599 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Habitat Description

Figure 255/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland The site includes areas of semi-mature woodland along its northern and eastern boundary, which supports a range of tree species with mature oak Quercus robur generally dominating. Other tree species include poplar Populus spp., ash Fraxinus excelsior, hazel Corylus avellana and field maple Acer campestre over an understorey of blackthorn Prunus spinosa, redcurrant Ribes rubrum, privit Ligustrum vulgare, elder Sambucus nigra and spindle Euonymus europaeus. The understorey is dominated largely by nettle Urtica dioica, although species diversity across the wooded areas as a whole is high and includes bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., bracken Pteridum aquilinum, herb robert Geranium robertianum, wood dock Rumex sanguineum, primrose Primula vulgaris, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, wood avens Geum urbanum, enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana, hedge woundwort Stachys sylvestris,Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, stinking iris Iris foetidissima and lords and ladies Arum maculatum, together with the ferns male fern Dryopteris filix-mas and harts tongue Asplenium scolopendrium, and in more open areas, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, hoary willowherb Epilobium parviflorum, common bent Agrostis stolonifera, creeping bent Agrostis capillaris and selfheal Prunella vulgaris. A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub There are several areas of this community type within the site, the most significant of which is located to the east of the site, adjacent to the A27. The scrub density varies from continuous to dense but scattered stands. Grey willow Salix caprea is locally dominant but generally, the scrub is dominated by bramble Rubus fruticosus. A stand of purple plum Prunus cerasifera ‘pissardii’ was found next to the farm barn in the northern SI field. The groundlayer vegetation is particularly complex with much open habitat including species similar to those listed under C3.1, though additional species include bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. (likely hybrid), greater birdsfoot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, square stalked willowherb Epilobium tetragonum, and marsh thistle Cirsium palustre and some ruderals. A2.2 Scattered scrub Areas of scattered scrub are present in the north western-most field, to the south at the site’s boundary parallel to the railway line, as well as amongst the buildings in the east of the site. Species present include hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, juvenile oak Quercus robur, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., grey willow Salix caprea, gorse Ulex europaeus, and buddleia Buddleja davidii which is a predominant feature of the central area near the buildings. A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees A number of scattered trees are present within the site, being mainly on unhedged site boundaries and within the area of dense scrub, which features a number of mature oaks Quercus robur. Boundary trees comprise a mixture of planted specimens and trees which may have arisen naturally. Large, mature oaks are the most common species. Other species include ash Fraxinus excelsior, and holly Ilex aquifolium. A3.2 Scattered coniferous trees There is one area of conifer trees, obviously planted to form a boundary line to one side of the central buildings. These consist of leyland cypress Cupressus × leylandii. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland This grassland type comprises the majority of the vegetation on site. Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus typically dominates. Other grasses present include creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, common bent Agrostis capillaris, cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and timothy Phleum pratense.

600 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Associated forbs include white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, common bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius and creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans. Bird’s-foot trefoil is the dominant forb in the south western-most field, which has been left to grow long. The fields to the east of this along the site’s southern boundary include a noteworthy abundance of soft rush Juncus effusus. The north eastern-most field is mown and has a patchy dominance of common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, whilst the central field contains numerous clumps of tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa, and also great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea, and smooth tare Vicia tetrasperma. Oak Quercus robur seedlings occur quite frequently in the sward. Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., occurs patchily throughout this habitat. B4 Improved grassland Along the margins of the two western arable fields run strips of this community type. Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera is dominant. Other grasses include timothy Phleum pratense, and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus. Associated forbs include broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, and common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica. C3.1 Tall ruderal There are a number of areas within the site dominated by this community type. Adjacent to the barn in the northern field nettle Urtica dioica is dominant. Other species present include bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, hogweed Heracleum spondylium, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, teasel Dipsacus fullonum, great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, hemp agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria and bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides. Along the site’s southern boundary two patches of ruderal vegetation are present and again are composed of similar species to that near the barn. The tall ruderal ‘islands’ within the central SI field contain almost exclusively creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, with only occasional ragwort Senecio jacobaea and broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius. G1 Standing water There are four ponds in total located within the site. That in the northeastern-most SI field is obscured from view by dense tree and understorey vegetation cover. The situation is similar for the ponds located in the east of the site, within and bordering the large scrubland area. The pond close to the buildings, however, is more accessible, and is covered entirely by duckweed Lemna sp; and surrounded by dense thicket of bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and blackthorn Prunus spinosa, and trees and shrubs including grey willow Salix cinerea and oak Quercus robur. These trees and shrubs constitute the main species surrounding the other less accessible ponds on site. G2 Running water Numerous boundary hedgerows and some sections of woodland feature running water. In more exposed areas, bankside vegetation obscures the water itself, and includes great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, soft rush Juncus effusus, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., nettle Urtica dioica, wood dock Rumex sanguineum, and hogweed Heracleum spondylium. At the southwest corner the watercourse is shaded by the woodland canopy. Here a different species mix is present along the banksides, including hart’s tongue Asplenium scolopendrium, soft shield fern Polystichum setiferum, broad buckler fern Dryopteris dilatata and false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum. Where adjacent to pasture the banks tend to be grass dominated supporting species present in B2.2. J1.1 Arable Two fields to the west of the site are used for growing wheat. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact There are a number of hedgerow sections within the site that conform to this habitat type. Blackthorn Prunus spinosa dominates. Other species include field maple Acer campestre, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., oak

601 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Quercus robur, ash Fraxinus excelsior, cherry plum Prunus cerasifera, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and elder Sambucus nigra, along with ivy Hedera helix. Cleavers Galium aparine, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, nettle Urtica dioica, and hogweed Heracleum spondylium are present along the hedge bases. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees The majority of site boundaries comprise intact hedgerows dominated by mature standard oaks Quercus robur but also ash Fraxinus excelsior. Woody vegetation otherwise is as described under J2.1.1 above. The hedge bases contain a range of ruderal species, similar to those listed under J2.1.1. J2.4 Fence A variety of fencing types are present along the internal and external site boundaries. J2.6 Dry ditch There are two small sections of dry ditch within the site, both of which run through woodland to the north. Here, greater stitchwort Stellaria holostea, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., wood avens Geum urbanum, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, and male fern Dryopteris filix-mas are present on the ditch verges. Bluebell Hyacinthoides non- scripta is also present at both localities, suggesting that the woodland area containing the dry ditch habitat may be a remnant of ancient woodland. There is a further dry ditch section along part of the eastern boundary just outside the site. The banks here are generally grassy and are dominated by cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata. Associated species include creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, nettle Urtica dioica, wood dock Rumex sanguineum, soft rush Juncus effusus, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., teasel Dipsacus fullonum, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and perennial rye grass Lolium perenne. J3.6 Buildings There are a number of buildings on the site, all of which are modern and of an industrial nature and most of which are in the centre-east of the site. J4 Hardstanding and bare ground The sites hardstanding is located at the centre of the site amongst the building mentioned above.

Target Notes

1.1.1 1 Field containing scatter of ruderal species in close mosaic with non-ruderal habitats

Area with mosaic of ruderal species and improved grassland areas associated with complex of buildings in 1.1.2 2 east of site, and hardstanding

Structurally diverse habitat featuring non-ruderal grasses and forbs, scattered shrubs and mature and semi- 1.1.3 3 mature trees in association with areas of denser scrub

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite) No veteran trees were noted, but presence within the older Veteran trees wooded boundaries is not unlikely.

602 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

The site features species rich hedgerow and woodland habitats, including some areas of older woodland. Notable site habitats If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

The presence of uncommon plant species in the woodland and Rare and scarce plants meadow habitats cannot be ruled out.

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce Rare and scarce invertebrates invertebrates.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging Breeding/Wintering birds habitats including a large tract of woodland and pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to Dormouse support dormouse.

Several of the watercourses have potential to be used by these Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter species.

Some of the site trees may have structural features which are suitable for bats, however, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out. The buildings on site are unlikely to be used by a significant Bats (roosting potential) population of roosting bats as single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation. However, the local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and so the existence of an on-site roost cannot be ruled out.

603 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Sites of national importance High National Neutral Probable Moderate Sites of local importance Medium County Probable Adverse Moderate Habitats Lower District Probable Adverse Veteran trees Unknown Unknown Plants Unknown Unknown Invertebrates N/A N/A Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including Unknown Unknown water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

604 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October ✓ Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓ Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including scrub and woodland at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • The ponds should be retained. • Retention of areas of woodland, scrub and trees, and linear features such as hedgerows, ditches and watercourses wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

605 255/1510 Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Retention and enhancement of the ponds on site through de-silting and removal of overhanging woody vegetation. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • Enhancements to the retained woodland habitat, including thinning out non-native deciduous tree species, replacement planting with native species and extending woodland habitats with new planting. • Enhance ditches and watercourses by removal of some of the overhanging woody vegetation and careful reprofiling. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead- wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

606 Locations of features indicative only

2 . 255/1510 L16416 Hailsham Area Action Plan Polegate and Willingdon 255/1510_Land at and adjoining Honey Farm

Phase 1 Habitat Survey Figure 255/1510/E01 1:4500@A3 September 2016

607 257/1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is located in a rural/ agricultural area on the west side of the A27/ A22 roundabout near Polegate and appears to be part of a larger farm. The site itself comprises arable fields bounded by hedgerows of varying width and maturity and surrounded by open mixed farmland. The closest development is commercial road servicing buildings including a Holiday Inn and fuel station about one-quarter mile to the north-east. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 2km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 2km Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations. Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.)

Folkington Reservoir is a covered reservoir the bank of which support a rich chalk grassland flora with abundant orchids. The site is the only Folkington Reservoir 1.4km S known locality in the county to support hairy SSSI mallow Althaea hirsuta, a species listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

An area of species-rich chalk grassland on steep Wilmington Down SSSI 2km S slopes at the eastern end of the South Downs.

Sites of local importance Distance from Site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest site (approx.) CW92 Abbots and Wilmington Woods is Abbots & Wilmington 925m NW recognised Ancient Woodland consisting Wood & Milton Hide LWS of broadleaf semi-natural woodland and

608 257/1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

remnant conifer plantation with large woodland rides and glades. There are also areas of acidic grassland, heath, scrub, marsh, lake and ponds. The site is a diverse and rich mosaic of habitats supporting several locally and nationally important plant, invertebrate and bird species Semi-natural woodland with a rich ground flora, including many ancient woodland CW74 indicator species, such as bluebell, wood Diplocks Wood LWS 1.3km S anemone, early purple orchid and sanicle. History of coppicing (hazel, hornbeam, sweet chestnut) with standards (ash, oak) not considered to be veteran trees. Species-rich unimproved grassland with small areas of scrub and a diversity of CW21 plant species suggestive of changeable 1.8km W Monkyn Pin LWS soils. Also supports a good diversity of invertebrates. Species-rich grazed grasslands supporting CW33 a number of notable plant species, Cranedown & Middle 1.8km SW including round-headed rampion, bastard Brow LWS toadflax, autumn lady’s tresses, common

spotted orchid and pyramidal orchid. Nine named Ancient woodlands lie within Ancient woodland 1km (nearest point) Various the search radius. Coastal and floodplain Extensive areas of this habitat lies to the grazing marsh Priority 1km (nearest point) Various east of the site beyond the A27. Habitat A number of small scattered woodlands lie Deciduous woodland Adjacent Various within the search area including one stand Priority Habitat adjacent to site. Good quality semi- One area of semi-improved grassland lies improved grassland 1.8km W 1.8km west of the site boundary. Priority Habitat Lowland Heathland A small area of lowland heath is shown as Adjacent N Priority Habitat lying adjacent to the site. Lowland meadows associated with Lowland Meadows 1.4km S Folkington Reservoir SSSI lie to the south Priority Habitat of the site. Lowland Calcareous Lowland Calcareous Grassland associated Grassland Priority 2km S with Wilmington Down lie to the south of Habitat the site. Traditional orchards Two small areas of this habitat are present 600m NE Priority Habitat within the search area.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt) - Birds (barn owl, turtle dove, lapwing, peregrine, corn bunting, cetti’s warbler)

609 257/1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

- Invertebrates (white letter hairstreak, wall, white admiral, grizzled skipper, small heath and pearl- bordered fritillary butterfly; moth species, including cinnabar, blood-vein, oak lutestring, argent and sable) - Mammals (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat, noctule, Brandt’s bat, whiskered bat, serotine, water vole, dormouse, hedgehog) - Bony fish (European eel) - Plants (Spiked rampion, rough marsh-mallow, burnt orchid, box)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations.

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were returned for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however be discounted on this basis.

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search area:

- Plants; cherry laurel, rhododendron, winter heliotrope, red valerian, New Zealand pygmyweed, Japanese knotweed, montbretia, hybrid bluebell, fringed water lily, wall cotoneaster, variegated yellow archangel - Mammals; American mink

Setting and green infrastructure

The setting is rural/ agricultural with a moderate green infrastructure network comprising boundary hedgerows and mature trees on the north boundary, although the allocated site boundary does not always precisely follow field boundaries. Whootton Manor (Grade II* Listed) and gardens are located about 0.2 km east of this site. Surrounding landuses are predominantly mixed farmland with commercial development to the east. Drains and ditches are present on site and at the west and south boundaries. There are an estimated 8 ponds within the search area. There are no on-site ponds.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

Much of the site is under arable management. The grassed areas of the site are mown meadow. The narrow wooded corridor along the northern boundary appears unmanaged.

Habitat Description

Figure 257/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland A narrow belt of woodland is present beyond the fence that marks the field boundary to the north, which supports a range of species including oak Quercus robur, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and elder Sambucus nigra. The understorey vegetation includes wood brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, herb robert Geranium robertianum, nettle Urtica dioica and ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, but bramble predominates. Gorse Ulex europeaus and field rose Rosa arvensis are present along the field boundary.

610 257/1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees A number of scattered trees are present within the site, these being on unhedged site boundaries. These arrange from semi-mature to mature specimens. Oak Quercus robur is the dominant species. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland The grassland areas around the arable field margin in the northern part of the site comprise this habitat. Species present include common bent Agrostis capillaris, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, crested dog’s tail Cynosurus cristatus, timothy Phleum pratense, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and meadow barley Hordeum secalinum. Associated forbs include creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, white clover Trifolium repens, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, ragwort Senecio jacobaea and creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens. Nettle Urtica dioica and wood dock Rumex sanguineum are present close to the wooded and hedged boundaries. An exposed wasp nest was noted, possibly excavated by a badger. C1.1 Bracken - continuous Areas dominated by dense bracken Pteridium aquilinum are present along the northern boundary. G2 Running water Ruderal species are prominent near the watercourse which follows the northern site boundary, inlcuding creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, nettle Urtica dioica and common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica. J1.1 Arable The majority of the site comprised a large arable field. Associated arable weeds were few, but included horsetail Equisetum arvense and fat hen Chenopodium album along field margins. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact These are of similar composition to J2.1.1 below. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees The east and west site field boundaries comprise intact hedgerows dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna with mature and semi-mature trees, such as ash Fraxinus excelsior, oak and goat willow present throughout. Other species recorded within the hedgerows include field maple Acer campestre, elder Sambucus nigra, blackthorn Prunus spinosa and ivy Hedera helix. The hedge bases contain a range of ruderal vegetation, such as common nettle Urtica dioica, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens and cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and dog rose Rosa canina. Sections to the west of the site are poorly kept. It should be noted that the site boundaries do not precisely follow these field boundaries. J2.4 Fence Some field boundaries are marked by post and wire fencing. J2.6 Dry ditch There is a dry ditch along the eastern field boundary (outside site boundary) and western site boundary. The banks are generally grassy and are dominated by cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata. Associated species include creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, nettle Urtica dioica, wood dock Rumex sanguineum, soft rush Juncus effusus, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., teasel Dipsacus fullonum, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and perennial rye grass Lolium perenne.

611 257/1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

Parts of the site boundary feature species rich hedgerow habitat. Notable site habitats If these hedges are likely to be impacted by development proposals then survey would be advisable.

The presence of uncommon plant species along the field Rare and scarce plants boundaries is unlikely.

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce Rare and scarce invertebrates invertebrates.

Some site habitats such as hedgerow, woodland, grassland, are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in Amphibians including great crested newts the local area. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and presence on site is possible.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Skylark may nest in the arable field. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging habitats Breeding/Wintering birds including large tract of woodland and pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to Dormouse support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

Terrestrial mammals including badger Possible badger signs were noted during the Phase 1 survey. The habitats in the local area are very suitable for this species.

Some of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. Detailed bat Bats (roosting potential) inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out.

612 257/1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Sites of national importance High National Neutral Probable Moderate Sites of local importance Medium County Probable Adverse Moderate Habitats Lower District Probable Adverse Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants N/A N/A Invertebrates N/A N/A Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including N/A N/A water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Recommended further survey Survey type Season for survey Survey required? Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September X Hedgerow survey May to October ✓ Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) X Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X Great crested newt survey March to June ✓ Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February X Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October X

613 257/1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round X Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

Outline mitigation

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

614 257/1510 Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (hedgerow, woodland etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhance ditches and watercourses by removal of some of the overhanging woody vegetation and careful reprofiling. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

615

Locations of features indicative only

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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! ! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! L16416 Hailsham Area Action Plan AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! ! Polegate and Willingdon

! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Land Adjacent to Cophall Farm

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Phase 1 Habitat Survey

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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Figure 257/1510/E01 1:2000@A3 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA September 2016 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

616 271/1510 Land South of Aberdale Road

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is situated on the edge of open countryside to the south of Polegate, bordering pasture to the south and east, and urban habitats to the north. The site itself comprises an area of pasture, unmanaged grassland and scrub habitats and various structures, both extant and demolished, associated with a former sewage treatment works. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 1km Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance None

Sites of local importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) 1km (nearest Two named Ancient woodlands lie within the Ancient woodland Various point) search radius. Coastal and floodplain 1km (nearest Extensive areas of this habitat lies to the east grazing marsh Priority Various point) of the site beyond the A27. Habitat A number of small scattered woodlands lie Deciduous woodland Adjacent Various within the search area including one stand Priority Habitat adjacent to site.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt) - Birds (barn owl, turtle dove, lapwing, cetti’s warbler, snipe, yellow wagtail) - Invertebrates (butterfly; wall, white admiral, small heath, moth species; cinnabar)

617 271/1510 Land South of Aberdale Road

- Mammals (Trimmer’s mining bee, variable damselfly, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Natterer’s bat, noctule, Brandt’s bat, serotine, hedgehog) - Plants (Galingale, rye brome)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations.

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were returned for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however be discounted on this basis.

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the site boundaries:

- Plants; rhododendron, winter heliotrope, montbretia, hybrid bluebell, fringed water lily, wall cotoneaster

Setting and green infrastructure

The sites lies in a strongly rural landscape albeit one immediately adjacent to the urban edge of Polegate with a strong local green infrastructure network comprising in-site woodland, ditches, a railway line and some hedged fields. The surrounding land use is a mixture of pasture and urban habitats. A minor watercourse arises to the west of the site and flows eastwards along the site’s southern boundary towards West Langley Level. There are an estimated 5 ponds within the search area.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The open grassed areas of the site are rough-grazed by horses, with a low stocking density so that areas of scattered scrub have developed. Much of the site, however, comprises unmanaged grassland with invading scrub; and unmanaged dense scrub and woodland. Vehicle movements keep trackways open.

Habitat Description

Figure 271/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland An area of this woodland type protrudes approximately a quarter-way into the site from the northern boundary, and also forms the majority of the site’s northern boundary. Tree species present include sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and ash Fraxinus excelsior, with buddleia Buddleja davidii, field maple Acer campestre and grey willow Salix cinerea, with no obvious dominance of any particular species. Blackthorn Prunus spinosa also occurs and is prominent along the woodland margins. The groundstorey is dominated by bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Other species include ivy Hedera helix, wood avens Geum urbanum, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, bindweed Calystegia sp., and lords and ladies Arum maculatum. A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub This community type covers a large proportion of the site’s interior, particularly centrally, and along the southern boundaries. Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. is consistently dominant. Other species include abundant blackthorn Prunus spinosa, elder Sambucus nigra, dog rose Rosa canina and gorse Ulex europaeus. The

618 271/1510 Land South of Aberdale Road

understorey is rather ruderal in nature and includes nettle Urtica dioica and great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum hedge woundwort Stachys sylvestris along with a grassland component as B2.2 below. A2.2 Scattered scrub Scattered scrub is present throughout the site, having a patchy occurrence primarily within grassland areas. Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. is dominant and blackthorn Prunus spinosa, young sycamore Acer pseuoplatanus and willow Salix sp. are also present, along with tall forbs of the B2.2 grassland. Buddleia Buddleja davidii is present close to tracks and buildings. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland This grassland community type constitutes the vast majority of grassland area within the site. The enclosed area associated with the former sewage works buildings and structures is grazed to a similar intensity, and has a similar species mix to other areas within the site. Species diversity is high and no particular grass is obviously dominant. Species present include false oat grass Arrehenatherum elatius, common bent Agrostis capillaris, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, timothy Phleum pratensis, and meadow barley Hordeum secalinum. Red fescue Festuca rubra also occurs. Associated forbs include ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, autumn hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis, cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata, ragwort Senecio vulgaris, clustered dock Rumex conglomeratus, common knapweed Centaurea nigra, hogweed Heracleum spondylium, yarrow Achillea millefolium, red clover Trifolium pratense, white clover Trifolium repens, agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria, common bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, selfheal Prunella vulgaris, melilot Melilotus sp., tufted vetch Vicia cracca and meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis. The garden escapes French cranesbill Geranium endressii and purple toadflax Linaria purpurea are scattered about the grassland areas. In more disturbed locations, spear-leaved orache Atriplex prostrata, greater plantain Plantago major, scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum, prickly sowthistle Soncus asper, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, knotgrass Polygonum aviculare agg. and pale persecaria Persicaria lapathifolia are also present. B4 Improved grassland There is a small section of improved grassland in the west of the site. Grasses present include perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne, false oat grass Arrenatherum elatius, and cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata, with no particular species having obvious dominance. Associated forbs include ragwort Senecio vulgaris, dandelion Taraxacum agg., curled dock Rumex crispus, white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense and daisy Bellis perennis. Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans and bristly oxtongue, Helminthotheca echioides are present in disturbed areas and particularly at the margins of the grassland, including along an adjacent concrete trackway. Common bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus has an occasional presence along the track. G2 Running water A section of watercourse features at the southern boundary of the site. No aquatic plants could be identified due to the density of the overhanging bankside vegetation which comprises great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., hogweed Heracleum spondylium, dog rose Rosa canina, and nettle Urtica dioica. J1.3 Ephemeral/short perennial There are several areas of this community type within the site, most of which occurs towards the centre of the site and in association with hardstanding and structures. Species present include fat hen Chenopodium album, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, prickly sowthistle Sonchus asper, smooth sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus, dandelion Taraxacum agg., ragwort Senecio jacobaea, petty spurge Euphorbia peplus, and smooth hawksbeard Crepis capillaris. The circular areas of hardstanding associated with the former sewage works feature a different species mix to this however, perhaps due the hardstanding substrate, the presence of a considerable quantity of horse dung, and mounds of building-related spoil. Species present include broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, knotgrass

619 271/1510 Land South of Aberdale Road

Polygonum aviculare, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, yarrow Achillea millefolium, spear-leaved goosefoot Atriplex prostrata, nettle Urtica dioica, and ragwort Senecio jacobaea. Damp spots within this habitat also feature common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, gypsywort Lycopus europeaus, bittersweet Solanum dulcamara, and water pepper Persicaria hydropiper. Along trackways, species present include greater plantain, ribwort plantain, common fleabane, ragwort, creeping cinquefoil, great willowherb, prickly sowthistle, nettle, and wall rocket Diplotaxis sp. J2.2.2 Species-poor defunct hedge The site’s eastern boundary is dominated by blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna is also present. Common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica is patchily abundant along the hedge base. J2.3.2 Species-poor hedge with trees The western half of the site’s northern boundary features oak trees. Structurally the hedge is dominated by blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Other species include dogwood Cornus sanguinea, wild privet Ligustrum vulgare, and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg, with ivy Hedera helix. The hedgebase flora includes cleavers Galium aparine and ground ivy Glechoma hederacea. J2.4 Fence Barbed wire and chain-link fencing types are present within the site. J3.6 Buildings There is a small building associated with the former sewage works situated toward the south west corner of the site. J4 Hardstanding and bare ground Hardstanding features mainly as a concrete trackway west/east from the site’s entrance, and, at the west, an adjacent area of infrastructure (walkways) associated with the former sewage works. Dense/continuous scrub significantly encroaches the longer, more southern section of the trackway.

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

The site features species rich grassland. Notable site habitats If this habitat is likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

The presence of uncommon plant species in the grassland Rare and scarce plants areas cannot be ruled out.

The site is considered to have some potential to support rare Rare and scarce invertebrates or scarce invertebrates given the diverse grassland, scrub mosaic and broken ground/brownfield features.

Amphibians including great crested newts Some site habitats e.g. hedgerow, woodland, grassland, are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the

620 271/1510 Land South of Aberdale Road

local area. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow, scrub and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site building where access is possible. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging Breeding/Wintering birds habitats including a large tract of pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to Dormouse support dormouse.

The presence of these species along the watercourse cannot Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter be ruled out.

None of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out. The building on site is unlikely to be used by a significant Bats (roosting potential) population of roosting bats as single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation. However, the local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and so the existence of a roost cannot be ruled out.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance

621 271/1510 Land South of Aberdale Road

Sites of national importance N/A N/A Moderate Sites of local importance Medium County Probable Adverse Moderate Habitats Lower District Probable Adverse Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants Unknown Unknown Invertebrates Unknown Unknown Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including Unknown Unknown water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Recommended further survey Survey type Season for survey Survey required? Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September ✓ Hedgerow survey May to October ✓ Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓ Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓ Great crested newt survey March to June ✓ Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February X Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October ✓ Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓ Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

622 271/1510 Land South of Aberdale Road

• All site boundary features including scrub and woodland at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • Retention of linear features including the watercourse. • Retention of areas of scrub and trees, and wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

623 271/1510 Land South of Aberdale Road

• In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

624 Locations of features indicative only

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L16416 Hailsham Area Action Plan D Polegate and Willingdon DD Land South of Aberdale Road DD DD DD DD D D Phase 1 Habitat Survey D D D Figure 271/1510/E01 1:1500@A3

September 2016

625 457/1510 Little Shepham, Shepham Lane

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is situated in a semi-rural area between the urban edge of Polegate and the A27, with the extensive marshland of Pevensey Levels beyond. The surrounding landuses include pasture, arable, urban habitats, and the road. The site itself consists of a residential property with associated out-buildings and hardstanding in its north-east corner, approached by a gravel driveway. There are extensive gardens with amenity grassland and scattered broadleaved trees to the east and two paddocks used for grazing horses in the west. Hedgerows and mature trees surround the site. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 500m Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance None

Sites of local importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Coastal and floodplain Extensive areas of this habitat lies to the grazing marsh Priority 280m NE north of the site beyond the A27. Habitat A number of small scattered woodlands lie Deciduous woodland On site beyond the search radius although only on Priority Habitat site within it.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt)

626 457/1510 Little Shepham, Shepham Lane

- Birds (barn owl, little ringed plover, turtle dove, lapwing, peregrine, Cetti’s warbler) - Invertebrates (wall, small heath butterflies; cinnabar moth; variable damselfly) - Mammals (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat, noctule, serotine, hedgehog) - Plants (Field fleawort, narrow-leaved everlasting pea)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were available for the site. The presence of non-native species cannot however be discounted on this basis.

Setting and green infrastructure

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown or grazed meadow. The majority of the hedges appear to be regularly managed.

Habitat Description

Figure 457/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland The northern, eastern and southern site boundaries supported many mature trees with a continuous canopy therefor they have been allocated to this habitat type. The dominant species was oak Quercus robur although there was a significant proportion of hornbeam Carpinus betulus, holly Ilex aquifolium and leylandii X Cupressocyparis leylandii. The ground flora reflected the shade provided by this feature being dominated by ivy Hedera helix with some false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, wood avens Geum urbanum, herb robert Geranium robertianum, and primrose Primula vulgaris. A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees The eastern part of the site was managed as extensive gardens and included mature broadleaved trees planted for their amenity value, particularly along the driveway approaching the house. The trees along the driveway were predominantly small-leaved lime Tilia cordata. Other species which had also been planted included oak Quercus robur, beech Fagus sylvatica, and downy birch Betula pubescens. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland The southernmost of the two paddocks contained an area of this habitat type. The grassland was dominated by Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and common bent Agrostis capillaris, with some red fescue Festuca rubra. Forbs included self heal Prunella vulgaris, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, white clover Trifolium repens, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, and ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata.

627 457/1510 Little Shepham, Shepham Lane

J1.2 Amenity grassland The eastern and northern part of the site was managed as extensive gardens with amenity grassland being the dominant habitat type. The amenity grassland was species poor and was intensively managed, being very closely mown. The dominant grasses were red fescue Festuca rubra, and perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne. The herbs were typical of closely mown grassland and included daisy Bellis perennis, self heal Prunella vulgaris, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, white clover Trifolium repens, and dove’s-foot crane’s-bill Geranium molle. J1.4 Introduced shrub A number of introduced ornamental shrubs are present in the area close to the house. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees The eastern site boundary was of this habitat type. The dominant shrub species were hawthorn Crateagus monogyna, and blackthorn Prunus spinosa with wild privet Ligustrum vulgare also a significant component. Additionally, Holly Ilex aquifolium and dog rose Rosa canina were present. There were frequent mature oak Quercus robur trees along the length of the hedge. The ground flora was insignificant being species poor grassland closely mown up to the base of the hedge. Black Bryony Tamus communis was noted within the hedge. J2.3.1 Species-poor hedge, intact The gardens around the house were surrounded by a carefully clipped hedge exclusively of beech Fagus sylvatica. J2.4 Fence The two paddocks in the western third of site were surrounded by post and wire fencing. J3.6 Buildings There were a number of buildings on the site including the house with two garages to the rear and a small animal shelter in the northern paddock. J4 Hardstanding and bare ground A gravel driveway led up an area of hardstanding to the rear of the house, which was surrounded by a patio. The northern of the two paddocks was largely bare ground to intensive animal grazing.

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

The site features species rich hedgerow and woodland habitats. Notable site habitats If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

The presence of uncommon plant species is considered Rare and scarce plants unlikely.

628 457/1510 Little Shepham, Shepham Lane

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce Rare and scarce invertebrates invertebrates.

Some site habitats (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) are suitable for this group and there is a pond in the local area. Amphibians including great crested newts The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging Breeding/Wintering birds habitats including a large tract of pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to Dormouse support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

None of the site trees appear of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and presence cannot be ruled out.

Bats (roosting potential) With the exception of the dwelling, the buildings on site are unlikely to be used by a significant population of roosting bats as single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation. The local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and so the existence of an on-site roost is possible.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

629 457/1510 Little Shepham, Shepham Lane

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Sites of national importance N/A N/A Moderate Sites of local importance Medium County Probable Adverse Moderate Habitats Lower Parish Probable Adverse Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants N/A N/A Invertebrates N/A N/A Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including N/A N/A water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

630 457/1510 Little Shepham, Shepham Lane

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including woodland at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • Retention of areas of scrub and trees, and linear features such as hedgerows wherever possible throughout the site.

Outline mitigation

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

631 457/1510 Little Shepham, Shepham Lane

• Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • Enhancements to the retained woodland habitat, including thinning out non-native deciduous tree species, d replacement planting with native species and extension to create a larger area of this habitat. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

632 Locations of features indicative only

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L16416 Hailsham Area Action Plan

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! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ! ! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! ! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Phase 1 Habitat Survey ! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! AAAAAAA ! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Figure 457/1510/E01 1:1000@A3 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA September 2016

633 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is situated in a rural area between Polegate and Willingdon, bordering pasture, urban habitats, and a railway line. The site itself comprises pasture, including some floodplain marshland and small areas of scrub and woodland. A pumping station and various other small buildings and minor structures are present on site. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 2km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 2km Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance

Distance from site Key habitat/ features Site Direction (approx.) of interest

An area of species-rich chalk Willingdon Down grassland on steep slopes at 1.3km SW SSSI the eastern end of the South Downs.

Sites of local importance

Distance from site Key habitat/ features Site Direction (approx.) of interest Species -rich grazed grasslands supporting a number of notable plant CW33 species, including round- Cranedown & Middle 1.8km SW headed rampion, bastard Brow LWS toadflax, autumn lady’s

tresses, common spotted orchid and pyramidal orchid.

634 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

Semi-natural woodland with a rich ground flora, including many ancient woodland indicator species, such as bluebell, wood CW74 anemone, early purple Diplocks Wood LWS 1.2km W orchid and sanicle.

History of coppicing (hazel, hornbeam, sweet chestnut) with standards (ash, oak) not considered to be veteran trees. This site comprises grounds belonging to three residential properties supporting a variety of habitats within an urban area, including a filled in former decoy pond with associated ash and E96 sycamore woodland and a 1.8km S The Coppice stream. The site supports a diverse ground flora, including ferns (hart’s-tongue, soft shield fern), ancient woodland indicator species (wood sedge, giant fescue), and marginal wetland plants, such as brooklime. This roundabout and the surrounding road banks support a large population of orchids (common E98 spotted orchid, pyramidal Willingdon 1.8km S orchid, bee orchid) and a Roundabout LWS diversity of chalk grassland plants, including yellow rattle, lady’s bedstraw, and purging flax. Two areas of mature oak and ash woodland with a diversity of other native species occurring less frequently, and supporting at least eleven and ten E117 ancient woodland indicator Hampden Park and 1.8km S species, respectively. Ham Shaw The sites are notable for supporting a remarkable diversity of epiphytic lichens, including species associated with ancient woodlands. Ten named Ancient Woodlands or identified Ancient woodland 1.3km (nearest) SW stands lie within the search area

635 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

Areas of calcareous Lowland calcareous grassland lie to the south grassland Priority 1.3kms SW west of site associated with Habitat Willingdon Down SSSI Areas of lowland meadow Lowland Meadows lie to the south west of site 1.3kms SW Priority Habitat associated with Willingdon Down SSSI This habitat type is found Coastal and floodplain close to the site and grazing marsh Priority On site extensively within the Habitat surrounding landscape, including Pevensey Levels. A large number of deciduous woodlands lie Deciduous woodland On site within the search radius Priority Habitat including within the site itself.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (slow worm, grass snake, adder, great crested newt) - Birds (barn owl, bittern, red kite, long-eared owl, peregrine, black redstart, stone curlew) - Invertebrates (white letter hairstreak, wall, white admiral, grizzled skipper, small heath butterfly; moth species including cinnabar, argent and sable, mullein wave, and forester) - Mammals (dormouse, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, nathusius’s pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Natterer’s bat, noctule, Brandt’s bat, whiskered bat, serotine, water vole, hedgehog) - Bony fish (European eel) - Plants (Round-headed rampion, box, corn parsley, burnt orchid, frog orchid, maiden pink)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations

Ecological baseline: non-native species

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants; cherry laurel, rhododendron, winter heliotrope, red valerian, New Zealand pygmyweed, Japanese knotweed, montbretia, hybrid bluebell, wall cotoneaster, variegated yellow archangel, three- cornered garlic - Invertebrate; Horse Chestnut leaf miner, harlequin ladybird - Mammals; American mink

Setting and green infrastructure

The sites lies in a strongly rural landscape albeit one immediately adjacent to the urban edge of Willingdon with a reasonably strong green infrastructure network comprising in-site woodland, marsh ditches, a railway line and some hedged fields. The surrounding land use is a mixture of pasture, including grazing marsh, and urban habitats. A minor watercourse arises to the southwest of the site and flows northeast to ultimately join Mill Ditch and Langley Sewer.

636 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

There are an estimated 6 ponds within the search area. These include one small on-site pond. The remaining ponds lie to the north of the railway line.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are mown or grazed meadow and grazing marsh. The majority of the hedges appear to be regularly managed. The area of woodland and scrub and associated grassland in the south of the site appears unmanaged although vehicle movements keep trackways open.

Habitat Description

Figure 540/3370/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland The site includes an area of semi-mature woodland, which is dominated by oak Quercus robur, ash Fraxinus excelsior and crack willow Salix x fragilis and supports a range of shrub species including hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, wild privit Ligustrum vulgare, holly Ilex aquifolium,. The understorey vegetation is dominated by nettle Urtica dioica. Other species include ivy Hedera helix, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, wood avens Geum urbanum, dog violet Viola sp., sweet violet Viola odorata, herb robert Geranium robertianum, wood dock Rumex sanguineum, woody nightshade Solanum dulcamara, enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana, stinking iris Iris foetidissima, soft shield fern Polystichum aculeatum, hart’s tongue Asplenium scolopendrium, male fern Dryopteris filix-mas, and false fox sedge Carex otrubae in areas of damp ground. A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub Areas of dense/continuous scrub are present along field boundaries and in association with the area of woodland. Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and blackthorn Prunus spinosa dominate these areas along with some elder Sambucus nigra. The ground flora includes nettle Urtica dioica, bindweed Calystegia sp, wood dock Rumex sanguineum, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, sweet violet Viola odorata, enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana and male fern Dryopteris filix-mas. A2.2 Scattered scrub Small areas of scattered scrub are present in the southern part of the site. Species present include blackthorn Prunus spinosa and buddleia Buddleja davidii. A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees A number of scattered trees are present within the site, these being mainly on unhedged site boundaries. They range from immature to mature specimens and comprise a mixture of planted specimens and trees which may have arisen naturally. Species present include oak Quercus robur, ash Fraxinus excelsior and willows Salix spp. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland The grassland areas of the ‘upland’ part of the site, away from the watercourse and ditches comprise this habitat. These fields are grazed by horses.

637 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

Species present include perennial rye grass Lolium perenne, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, timothy Phleum pratense, false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius and meadow barley Hordeum secalinum. Tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa and hard rush Juncus inflexus occur patchily on low-lying damper ground. Red bartsia Odontites verna is particularly abundant in the most easterly of the semi-improved grassland fields; otherwise the diverse associated forbs include spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, wild carrot Daucus carota, white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense, common knapweed Centaurea nigra agg., creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, autumn hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis, ragwort Senecio jacobaea, daisy Bellis perennis, common bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, horsetail Equisetum sp., smooth hawkbeard Crepis capillaris, black medick Medicago lupulina, cat’s ear Hypochaeris radicata, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata and meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis. Bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, horsetail Equisetum sp., greater plantain Plantago major, scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum and creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans are present in more disturbed areas where the turf is broken. On damp ground, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, silverweed Potentilla anserina, marsh cudweed Gnaphalium uliginosum and greater bird’s foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus are present. The semi-improved grassland field next to the railway track contains many ruderal species scattered throughout the sward. B4 Improved grassland Improved fields are dominated by Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and perennial rye grass Lolium perenne. Other species include meadow barley Hordeum secalinum, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense, and dandelion Taraxacum agg. Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, cut-leaved cranesbill Geranium dissectum and knot grass Polygonum aviculare agg. are present where the turf has been broken. B5 Marshy grassland A portion of the site is closely grazed marshy grassland with dense tussocks of hard rush Juncus inflexus and soft rush Juncus effusus where conditions are wetter towards the ditch in the adjacent field. Other species recorded include silverweed Potentilla anserina, white clover Trifolium repens, red clover Trifolium pratense, water figwort Scrophularia auriculata, hairy sedge Carex hirta, common bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, amphibious bistort Persicaria amphibia, meadow buttercup Ranunculus repens, and strawberry clover Trifolium fragiferum. Hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata is present along boundaries. C3.1 Tall ruderal Several patches of ruderal vegetation are present within the grassland areas. Most are too small to map. Species include bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., an abundance of creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, nettle Urtica dioica, teasel Dipsacus fullonum, bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, and burdock Arctium sp. C3.2 Tall non-ruderal Non-ruderal areas of tall vegetation feature species such as common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica and greater willow herb Epilobium hirsutum. G1 Standing water A small pond is present within the site. This pond was dry at the time of survey. Species associated with the pond include bittersweet Solanum dulcamara and greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum in abundance. Other species include gypsywort Lycopus europaeus, compact rush Juncus conglomeratus, hard rush Juncus inflexus soft rush Juncus effusus, hemlock water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata, nettle Urtica dioica, clustered dock Rumex

638 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

conglomeratus and pendulous sedge Carex pendula. Associated shrub and tree species include grey willow Salix cinerea and crack willow Salix x fragilis. G2 Running water A watercourse and several associated ditches are present on the site. Species associated with this habitat include meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, giant fescue Festuca gigantea, bindweed Calystegia sp. nettle Urtica diocia, greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., creeping thistle Cirsium arvense,, water figwo Scrophularia auriculata, horsetail Equisetum sp., St. John’s wort Hypericum sp., water mint Mentha aquatica, watercress Nasturtium officinale agg., hemp agrimony, Eupatrium cannabinum, and false fox sedge Carex otrubae. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge, intact Hedges are dominated by blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Other species include elder Sambucus nigra, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, wild privit Ligustrum vulgare and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg, with greater willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, greater bird’s foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, and bindweed Calystegia sp. also present along hedge bases. J2.2.2 Species-poor defunct hedge An length of defunct hedge is comprised of only hawthorn Crataegus monogyna.

J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees The east and west site boundaries comprise intact hedgerows dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna with mature and semi-mature trees, such as ash Fraxinus excelsior, oak Quercus robur and poplar Populus sp. present throughout. Other species recorded within the hedgerows include blackthorn Prunus spinosa, bramble, Rubus fruticosus agg., dog rose Rosa canina, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum and ivy Hedera helix. The hedge bases contain a range of ruderal vegetation, such as common nettle Urtica dioica, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense and cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris. J2.3.1 Species-poor hedge, intact Some introduced ‘garden’ species are found in hedge sections alongside the development. These are not mapped due to the small scale on which they occur. J2.4 Fence A variety of fencing types are present along the southern and eastern site boundaries bordering the urban edge of Willingdon. J2.6 Dry ditch Species within the dry ditch are similar to those within the improved grassland section. Additional species include meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, fool’s watercress Apium nodiflorum and hard rush Juncus inflexus. J3.6 Buildings There are a number of buildings on the site. J4 Hardstanding and bare ground Hardstanding is limited to a concrete access track and small expanses around the buildings on site.

639 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

Target Notes

1 Area supporting mosaic of non-ruderal vegetation, semi-improved grassland and scrub.

2 Area supporting mosaic of ruderal vegetation, semi-improved grassland and marsh grassland.

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

The site features species rich hedgerow woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Notable site habitats If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

Several uncommon species were found during the Phase 1 Rare and scarce plants survey.

The site is considered to have potential to support rare or Rare and scarce invertebrates scarce invertebrates.

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, woodland, grassland, scrub, wetland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Waders may use the wet grassland and marsh. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible. Breeding/Wintering birds The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging habitats including a large tract of pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is considered to have some potential to support significant populations of wintering birds.

The woodland, scrub and hedgerow habitats have potential to Dormouse support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter The ditches and watercourse may support these species.

640 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

Several of the site trees appear of sufficient size, age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken. The buildings on site are unlikely to be used by a significant Bats (roosting potential) population of roosting bats as single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation. However, the local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and so the existence of an on-site roost cannot be ruled out.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and Bats (foraging and commuting) may also be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Moderate Sites of national importance High National Probable Adverse Moderate Sites of local importance Lower District Probable Adverse Moderate Habitats Lower District Probable Adverse Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants Unknown Unknown Invertebrates Unknown Unknown Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including Unknown Unknown water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

641 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

Recommendations for further survey

Recommended further survey Survey type Season for survey Survey required? Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September ✓ Hedgerow survey May to October ✓ Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓ Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) ✓ Great crested newt survey March to June ✓ Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February ✓ Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October ✓ Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓ Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including scrub and woodland at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • The pond should be retained. • Retention of areas of scrub and trees, and linear features such as hedgerows wherever possible throughout the site. • The ditches and watercourse should be retained.

Outline mitigation

642 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense planting as well as more open areas. • Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird nesting season of March to July inclusive. • Herras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed for the duration of the development. • Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g. security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust. • Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation. • Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped. • Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan (LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures should regular monitoring record a decline in habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Retention and enhancement of the pond on site through de-silting and removal of overhanging woody vegetation. • Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • Enhancements to the retained woodland habitat, including thinning out any non-native deciduous tree species, replacement planting with native species and extension to link the woodland with site boundary features. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhance ditches and watercourses by removal of some of the overhanging woody vegetation and careful reprofiling. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats.

643 540/3370 Land at Broderickland & Hamlands Farm

• Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

644 Locations of features indicative only

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645 772/1510 Land at Rear of Dittons Farm

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

This site is situated in a semi-urban infill area under general active development. It is bordered by roads on 2 sides (the A22 on the east and Dittons Road on the north), the A27 is close to the north boundary. A dismantled railway forms the south boundary. There are buildings (agricultural or commercial) on land adjacent and to the west. The site itself comprises a grassed field divided by a hedgerow that includes some mature trees. The local soils are seasonally wet, slightly acid but base rich loams and clays.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 500m Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m Ponds and waterbodies: 500m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations.

Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance None

Sites of local importance

Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Two named Ancient Woodland sites lie within Ancient woodland 420m N and W the search area This habitat type is found to the north of the Coastal and floodplain search area, beyond the A27, extensively grazing marsh Priority 370m N within the surrounding landscape, including Habitat Pevensey Levels. Deciduous woodland 100m (nearest Three stands of deciduous woodland lie E Priority Habitat point) within the search radius.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records comprised a small number covering a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Amphibians and reptiles (grass snake, great crested newt) - Birds (grey heron) - Invertebrates (wall, white admiral, small heath butterfly)

646 772/1510 Land at Rear of Dittons Farm

- Mammals (pipistrelle sp., hedgehog) - Bony fish (European eel) - Plants/Fungi (cornflower, rooting bolete)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations

Ecological baseline: non-native species

No non-native species records were returned for the site or search area. The presence of non-native species cannot however be discounted on this basis.

Parrot’s feather was recorded on site during the Phase 1 survey.

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies within a predominantly urban landscape although some open land mixed farm land remains to the south of the site, an area of marshland is located approximately 0.5 km south of the site. Some mature trees and hedgerow are the main features of the site itself. Connectivity with other habitats and sites of ecological interest is limited at this location. There are an estimated 6 ponds within the search area. These include one small on-site pond and a seasonal pond.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The grassed areas of the site are grazed meadow which appears to be occasionally grazed. The majority of the hedges appear in good condition but have not been recently managed. Habitat Description

Figure 772/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A1.1.1 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland The site included two small areas of this habitat immediately to the east of the farmhouse of Dittons Farm, extending up to and surrounding a small pond, with a further area along the access road. The trees were a mixture of mature ash Fraxinus excelsior, oak Quercus robur and horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum. The ground flora was unexceptional and included common grasses and ruderal species also found in the pasture, including cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata, nettle Urtica dioica and docks Rumex sp. A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees A number of scattered broadleaved trees were found on the site situated on hedged boundaries and on the semi-improved grassland. The larger of the two fields situated to the west notably contained a quantity of planted semi-mature broadleaved trees. The species consisted of ash Fraxinus excelsior, poplar Populus sp. and ornamental cherries Prunus sp. In the hedgerows oaks Quercus robur and grey willow Salix cinerea were noted. B2.2 Semi-improved neutral grassland The majority of the site consisted of this habitat type and, with the exception of mown areas along the site access, was closely grazed by horses. The dominant grasses over most of the area were Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, common bent Agrostis capillaris, and perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne. The sward also contained timothy Phleum pratense and cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata. Frequently encountered herbs included self heal Prunella vulgaris, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, and white clover Trifolium repens. The grassland contained smaller quantities of rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus,

647 772/1510 Land at Rear of Dittons Farm

common bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, red clover Trifolium pratense, yarrow Achillea millefolium, and common agrimony Agrimonia eupatorium. There was a strong ruderal element throughout, probably due to disturbance by the grazing horses, including scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum, marsh cudweed Gnaphalium uliginosum, many-seeded goosefoot Chenopodium polyspermum, and docks Rumex sp. C3.1 Tall ruderal The semi-improved grassland contained a number of larger patches dominated by tall ruderal species especially creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, common ragwort Senecio jacobea, and dock Rumex sp. Further ruderal vegetation is present to the rear of the scrapyard G1 Standing water A small pond is present within the site to the east of the farmhouse. It was shaded by overhanging trees but received some light as it was close to the woodland edge. The pond was dominated by the invasive alien species parrot’s-feather Myriophyllum aquaticum and duckweed Lemna sp. The margins supported yellow iris Iris pseudacorus. A further water body by the southern boundary was found to be a dry depression of bare ground at the time of survey. J2.1.1 Native species-rich hedge with trees The two fields were separated by an example of this habitat type, which also formed the southern boundary of the eastern field. The hedges were unmanaged and some shrubs had attained the size of a tree. The most abundant species was grey willow Salix cinerea followed by blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Also present were oak Quercus robur, wild plum Prunus domestica, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, ash Fraxinus excelsior, dog rose Rosa canina, ivy Hedera helix and elder Sambucus nigra. The ground flora was unexceptional consisting largely of common grassland and ruderal species. Black bryony Tamus communis and wood dock Rumex sanguineus were recorded from this habitat. J3.6 Buildings A couple of small derelict agricultural buildings were found in the area of small paddocks in the north-east corner of the larger field including a redundant green-house. J4 Hardstanding and bare ground A small paddock containing mostly bare ground was found against the northern boundary of the larger field. Access roads and a scrapyard to the northwest of the site also comprise this habitat.

Protected species

The site is considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

The site features species rich hedgerow and grassland. Notable site habitats If these habitats are likely to be impacted by development proposals then habitat surveys would be advisable.

The presence of uncommon plant species in the grassland Rare and scarce plants habitats cannot be ruled out.

The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce Rare and scarce invertebrates invertebrates.

Some site habitats e.g. hedgerow, woodland, grassland, are suitable for this group and there are a number of ponds in the Amphibians including great crested newts local area, including on site. The presence of amphibians, including great crested newt cannot be ruled out.

648 772/1510 Land at Rear of Dittons Farm

The following habitats are suitable for this species group Reptiles (hedgerow, woodland, grassland) and presence on site is likely.

The hedgerow and woodland habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Nesting birds may also use the site buildings where access to structures is possible. The proximity to high quality bird nesting and foraging Breeding/Wintering birds habitats including a large tract of woodland and pasture means that the presence of less common species cannot be ruled out. The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

The woodland and hedgerow habitats have potential to Dormouse support dormouse.

Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter There are no habitats on site suitable for these species.

Some of the site trees are of sufficient size, or age, or have structural features which are suitable for bats. However, detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken. The buildings on site are unlikely to be used by a significant Bats (roosting potential) population of roosting bats as single-skin structures tend not to offer sufficient insulation. However, the local landscape features a number of habitats which are highly suited to bat foraging use and detailed bat inspections have not been undertaken and so the existence of an on-site roost cannot be ruled out.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and Bats (foraging and commuting) may also be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

649 772/1510 Land at Rear of Dittons Farm

Plants N/A N/A Invertebrates N/A N/A Amphibians including great Unknown Unknown crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including N/A N/A water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Recommended further survey Survey type Season for survey Survey required? Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September ✓ Hedgerow survey May to October ✓ Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) X Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X Great crested newt survey March to June ✓ Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February X Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October X Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round ✓ Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features including scrub and woodland at the periphery of the site should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • The pond should be retained. • Retention of areas of woodland, trees, and linear features such as hedgerows wherever possible throughout the site.

650 772/1510 Land at Rear of Dittons Farm

Outline mitigation

Potential enhancements

A number of enhancement measures could be employed in order to increase the value of the site to wildlife, including the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Retention and enhancement of the ponds on site through removal of non-native plants (it may be that this can only be achieved through infilling and re-excavation at a nearby location), de-silting and removal of overhanging woody vegetation. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • Enhancements to the retained woodland habitat, including extending the area, thinning out non-native deciduous tree species, and replacement planting with native species. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.). • Supplementary planting in gaps in tree and hedgelines will improve connectivity with the surrounding area. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc.

651 772/1510 Land at Rear of Dittons Farm

• Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

652 Locations of features indicative only

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L16416 Hailsham Area Action Plan

Polegate and Willingdon

Land at Rear of Ditton Way

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Figure 772/1510/E01

1:1250@A3

September 2016

653 835/1510 Land at Polly Arch, Lynholm, Road

Ecological Assessment

Site overview

The site is located to the east of Polegate and lies between a railway line and urban development. It comprises an area of scrub. The local soils are slowly permeable, seasonally wet, slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils.

Ecological baseline: search radii from site boundary

Sites of European and national importance: 1km Sites of local importance and protected and/or notable species: 500m Ponds and waterbodies: 250m

Ecological baseline: designated sites

A number of designated sites have been recorded from within the search radius; refer to Figure 6.4 designated sites mapping for more details of locations. Sites of European importance None

Sites of national importance None

Sites of local importance Distance Site from site Direction Key habitat/ features of interest (approx.) Four deciduous woodlands lie within 500m of Deciduous woodland 10m W the site, with the nearest being 10m to the Priority Habitat west.

Ecological baseline: protected species

Records covered a broad range of species, including some of the following:

- Plants (field fleawort, narrow-leaved everlasting pea) - Amphibians and reptiles (slow worm) - Birds (barn owl, Cetti’s warbler, grey heron, swallow) - Invertebrates (variable damselfly) - Mammals (common pipistrelle, pipistrelle sp., hedgehog)

Refer to Figure 6.5 protected species mapping for more details of locations.

654 835/1510 Land at Polly Arch, Lynholm, Road

Ecological baseline: non-native species

The following non-native species have previously been recorded from within the search radius:

- Plants (rhododendron, hybrid bluebell, wall cotoneaster, winter heliotrope, montbretia)

Setting and green infrastructure

The site lies immediately adjacent to the urban edge of Polegate. There are no ponds within 250m of the site, however a minor watercourse flows along the southern boundary to join the Mill Ditch, the closest of which runs along the southern boundary of the site. This and the wooded corridor along the railway line to the south afford the site a high degree of connectivity with the wider landscape, despite the urban-edge setting. There are no ponds on site.

Local wildlife corridors and green infrastructure connectivity are mapped at Figure 6.3A. ‘Blue’ infrastructure connectivity and ponds are mapped at Figure 6.3B.

Management and habitat condition

The site appears unmanaged.

Habitat Description

Figure 835/1510/E01 shows the results of the Phase I survey and the habitats present. Each of these is described below.

A2.1 Dense/continuous scrub Dense/continuous scrub covers the majority of the site. Where it occurs along the northern boundary the habitat is dominated by bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Other species present include juvenile ash Fraxinus excelsior, mature blackthorn Prunus spinosa and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, grey willow Salix cinerea, traveller’s joy Clematis vitalba, elder Sambucus nigra and oak Quercus robur. The understorey features dense nettle Urtica dioica along the northern boundary adjacent to housing; elsewhere perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne and false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, with white dead-nettle Lamium album, large bindweed Calystegia silvatica cleavers Galium aparine, hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica, wood avens Geum urbanum, hart’s tongue Asplenium scolopendrium, and cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris. A2.2 Scattered scrub Scattered scrub occurs at one location on the eastern margin and includes buddleia Buddleja davidii. A3.1 Scattered broadleaved trees Along the western half of the southern boundary, scattered trees occur, including crack willow Salix x fragilis,. C3.1 Tall ruderal The eastern part of the site features a community of ruderal species along the margin of the scrub, adjacent to an area of cleared growing which is just beyond the site boundary. Bristly oxtongue Helminthotheca echioides dominated. Other species present include common ragwort Senecio jacobaea, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, foxglove Digitalis purpurea, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, mugwort Artemisia vulgaris, and teasel Dipsacus fullonum.

655 835/1510 Land at Polly Arch, Lynholm, Road

Protected species

The site is known to support, or considered to have potential to support the following protected species and features:

Present/potentially present Species/Features (suitable habitats onsite)

Veteran trees There are no veteran trees on site.

Notable site habitats The site has no notable habitats.

Rare and scarce plants The site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce plants.

A small number of invertebrate species were returned with the data search, however given the nature of the habitats present, Rare and scarce invertebrates the site is considered unlikely to support rare or scarce invertebrates.

There are no records of great crested newt within 1km of the site. Although site habitats are suitable for this group, it is Amphibians including great crested newts considered that great crested newt is likely absent from the site.

Records of slow worm exist within 500m of the site. Reptiles The following habitats are suitable for this species group: scrub; and presence on site is likely.

The scrub habitats are likely to support nesting birds. Breeding/Wintering birds The site is not considered likely to support significant populations of wintering birds

There are no records of dormouse being present in the local Dormouse area. However, the scrub habitats have some potential to support dormouse.

The watercourse is off-site. It is unlikely to have potential to Aquatic mammals including water vole and otter support otter, however the presence of water vole cannot be ruled out.

A number of the trees on site are of sufficient size, or age, or Bats (roosting potential) have structural features which are suitable for roosting bats.

The site is likely to offer bat foraging opportunity and may also Bats (foraging and commuting) be used by bats moving between wooded areas within the local landscape.

656 835/1510 Land at Polly Arch, Lynholm, Road

Indicative Ecological Appraisal

Level of Unmitigated Confidence Mitigated Feature Scale value impact level impact Sites of European N/A N/A importance Sites of national importance N/A N/A Sites of local importance N/A N/A Moderate Habitats Lower Parish Probable Minor Adverse Adverse Veteran trees N/A N/A Plants N/A N/A Invertebrates N/A N/A Amphibians including great N/A N/A crested newts Reptiles Unknown Unknown Breeding birds Unknown Unknown Dormice Unknown Unknown Aquatic mammals including Unknown Unknown water voles and otters Terrestrial mammals Unknown Unknown including badgers Bats Unknown Unknown

Recommendations for further survey

Recommended further survey Survey type Season for survey Survey required? Phase III NVC habitat survey May to September X Hedgerow survey May to October X Rare plant survey April to September (depending upon species) X Invertebrate survey April to September (depending upon species) X Great crested newt survey March to June X Reptile survey April to June and September to October ✓ Breeding bird survey April to June ✓ Wintering bird survey December to February X Dormouse survey April to November ✓ Badger survey Year round (Spring/Autumn are optimal) ✓ Water vole survey April to October ✓ Otter survey Year round (Spring is optimal) X Bat inspection survey (trees) Year round (Winter is optimal) ✓ Bat inspection survey (buildings) Year round X Bat activity survey April to October ✓ Bat emergence/re-entry survey May to August NK

657 835/1510 Land at Polly Arch, Lynholm, Road

Impact avoidance

Should development at this site proceed, consideration should be given to the following impact avoidance measures:

• All site boundary features should be protected in the built scheme. • All mature trees should be retained in-situ. • Retention of linear features such as the vegetated stream corridor.

Outline mitigation

• Ensure a minimum 10m working offset from retained habitats. • To mitigate for loss of woody vegetation, semi-natural planting should include berry bearing native trees and shrubs to enhance food availability for wildlife. The proposed planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense scrub as well as more open areas. • Ornamental planting should constitute at least 50% by area of native species or species of known value to wildlife, such as fruiting/berrying species and species known to provide a good nectar source. All ornamental planting should be structurally diverse with tree, shrub and ground layers with areas of dense planting as well as more open areas. • Vegetation removal required for the construction phase should take place outside of the breeding bird season to prevent disturbance to birds nesting on site within retained hedgerows and trees. Harm to active birds’ nests during site clearance would be avoided by this work taking place outside the bird nesting season of March to July inclusive. • Heras or similar secure fencing should be deployed to ensure that retained habitats remain undisturbed for the duration of the development. • Retained habitats should not be illuminated either deliberately or via light spill. If external lighting, e.g. security lighting, is required, it should be reduced to a minimum, and designed in accordance with guidelines from the Bat Conservation Trust. • Trenches should be filled in prior to the end of the working day, or a plank left leaning up from the base of the trench to the surface so animals falling in can exit the excavation. • Pipework should be closed off at the end of each working day to avoid animals becoming trapped. • Long term management of habitats should be detailed in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan (LHMP), including newly created as well as retained habitats to ensure the long-term viability of such habitats. Any LHMP should include remedial measures and regular monitoring to record a decline in habitat quality or quantity.

Potential enhancements

A number of improvements could be implemented in order to enhance the site for wildlife, including some of the following:

• Contribution to ‘B-Lines’ project through seeding with native wildflower seed mix and use of native flowering trees and shrubs in planting scheme. • Retention and enhancement of the off-site watercourse through selective removal of overhanging woody vegetation. • Creation of a new wildlife pond in a secluded corner of the site. • Creation of permanent wildflower grassland and native scrub habitat on the site boundaries and within areas of public open space. • The boundary vegetation should be strengthened by further native planting.

658 835/1510 Land at Polly Arch, Lynholm, Road

• The boundary vegetation should be allowed to develop to a broader, taller form and strengthened by further planting, including berry bearing species to provide for bird foraging, and native species to attract insects. A structurally diverse range of plants should be used, including shrubs large enough to support nesting birds. • In-site structural native tree and shrub planting to provide cross-site corridors and a foraging resource for a variety of species. • Design site planting so as to link in to, or add to, surrounding habitat areas (woodland, hedgerow etc.). • Enhancement of any proposed SUDs features using native wetland plants, and trees, shrubs etc. • Implementation of good practice with regard to hedgerow maintenance, such as leaving one side of the hedgerow uncut, and the cutting of one side of hedgerow on alternate years, will benefit hedgerow species such as breeding birds, small mammals and bats. • Creation of wildlife habitat including grassland, woodland and scrub on land outside the development site boundary. • Erect bat boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bat species, on retained standard trees or buildings in unlit parts of the site. • Erect bird boxes (e.g. Schwegler) suitable for a range of bird species, on retained standard trees or buildings in undisturbed parts of the site. • Creation of habitat piles, using woody arisings (brash) from site clearance. These should be stacked in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to form piles measuring approximately 1m x 1m x 1m. • Retain logs from felled trees, and partly bury them in a quiet, sheltered corner of the site to provide dead-wood beetle habitat e.g. for stag beetle.

Summary

Likelihood of ecological interest: protected habitats and or species

High Medium Low Negligible

659 Locations of features indicative only

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L16418 Hailsham Area Action Plan Polgate and Willingdon Land at Polly Arch, Lynholm Road Additional Sites

Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Figure 835/1510/E01 1:500@A3

October 2016

660