ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL AND PHASE 1 & 2 BAT SURVEYS STUBWOOD FARM SAILSBURY ROAD WEST BERKSHIRE RG17 0RD
JULY 2015 UPDATED MARCH 2016
ON BEHALF OF
FOWLER ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING LIMITED
The Old Squash Court, Rempstone Hall, Rempstone, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5JQ www.ecological-services.co.uk
Tel: 01929 477115 Mobile: 07469956750 E-mail: [email protected]
Authorisation
Name Date Signature Report prepared by: Amy Parsons 28/07/2015
Report checked and Jenny Sutch 21/07/2015 authorised by:
Report checked and Sophie Smith 28/07/2015 authorised by:
Report updated by: Amy Parsons 25/02/2016
Report checked and Jenny Sutch 30.03.2016 authorised by:
Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
CONTENTS
SUMMARY ...... 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2.0 LEGISLATION AND POLICY ...... 3 2.1 Legislation ...... 3 2.2 Policy ...... 5 3.0 METHODOLOGY...... 6 3.1 Desk study ...... 6 3.2 Field study ...... 6 3.2.1 Vegetation ...... 6 3.2.2 Protected Species Assessment ...... 6 4.0 RESULTS ...... 9 4.1 Desk study ...... 9 4.1.1 Statutory and non-statutory designated sites ...... 9 4.1.2 Protected species search ...... 11 4.2 Field study ...... 12 4.2.1 Vegetation ...... 12 4.2.2 Protected species ...... 15 5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 25 5.1 Bats...... 25 5.1.1 Summary of survey results ...... 25 5.1.2 Implications of survey findings and recommendations for further action ...... 25 5.1.3 Licence Application ...... 26 5.2 Great crested newts ...... 27 5.3 Reptiles...... 28 5.4 Dormice ...... 28 5.5 Nesting birds ...... 29 5.5.1 Summary of survey findings ...... 29 5.5.2 Implications of survey findings and recommendations for further action ...... 29 5.6 Barn owls ...... 29 5.6.1 Summary of survey results ...... 30 5.6.2 Implications of survey findings and recommendations for further action ...... 30 5.7 Ecological enhancements ...... 30 6.0 REFERENCES...... 33 APPENDIX I: Plans for demolition and renovation works and proposed new builds layout...... 34 APPENDIX II: Phase 1 habitat map ...... 35 APPENDIX III: Photographs of habitats on site ...... 39 APPENDIX IV: Locations of buildings on site ...... 43 APPENDIX V: Location of evidence - bats ...... 45 APPENDIX VI: Phase 2 bat survey results ...... 46 APPENDIX VII: HSI results ...... 62 APPENDIX VIII: Enhanced roost design ...... 63 APPENDIX IX: Bat access provisions ...... 64 APPENDIX X: Bat access provision locations...... 65 APPENDIX XI: Location of evidence – barn owls ...... 67
Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX XII: Reptile hibernacula design...... 69
Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
SUMMARY
1. Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd were commissioned by Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited to undertake an ecological appraisal and Phase 1 and 2 bat surveys at Stubwood Farm, Salisbury Road, West Berkshire, Wiltshire RG17 0RD (Grid ref: SU 3288 6511). 2. The surveys were conducted to support a planning application for demolition works on the site and the erection of new cottages and residential dwellings with refurbishment of a series of retained buildings and plans have been provided in Appendix I. 3. A targeted phase 1 bat survey was undertaken and entails a detailed inspection of both internal and external features of the building looking for signs of bats. 4. The phase 1 bat survey revealed dropping evidence of brown long-eared bats within the farmhouse, with dropping counts totalling over 400. The dairy were classed as having high bat roost potential, and storage barn was medium, whilst the livestock barn was classed as low potential. All other buildings on site had negligible potential. As evidence of bats was recorded during the survey, the residential farmhouse is considered to be a confirmed bat roost and further phase 2 surveys were undertaken. 5. Two dusk emergence and one pre-dawn re-entry survey were conducted on the farmhouse and the dairy, two dusk emergence surveys were conducted on the storage barn and one dusk emergence was conducted on the livestock barn. One unidentified bat, most likely a pipistrelle bat, was recorded re-entering the dairy building during the pre- dawn re-entry survey on the 2nd July 2015. The surveys indicate that the dairy supports a non-breeding occasionally used summer roost for a small number of pipistrelle bats. 6. A mitigation strategy for pipistrelle and brown-long eared bat species has been provided and will include enhancement of the pre-existing brown long-eared bat roost within the farmhouse, with permanent and temporary bat roosting facilities for pipistrelle bats and a pre-works check and supervision of certain activities by a licensed bat worker. 7. A European Protected Species Licence will be required to facilitate the works once full planning consent has been granted. 8. Evidence of barn owl was recorded in one of the barns during the initial walkover survey. Approximately 30 intact pellets, 10 barn owl feathers, four egg casings and white wash was present in the void area of the cattle barn. 9. A mitigation strategy for barn owls is provided and will include temporary and permanent roosting facilities to replace nesting sites, a pre-works check and supervision of certain activities by an ecologist. 10. Nesting birds were present within four of the outbuildings. A mitigation strategy has been presented to negate the risk of disturbing nesting birds.
1 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 1.0 INTRODUCTION
Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Limited were commissioned by Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited to conduct an Ecological Appraisal at Stubwood Farm, Salisbury Road, West Berkshire, Wiltshire RG17 0RD (Grid reference: SU 3288 6511). The surveys were conducted to support a planning application for demolition works on the site and the erection of new cottages and residential dwellings with refurbishment of a series of other buildings. Maps for demolition and renovation works and a proposed new build layout are provided in Appendix I.
An Ecological Appraisal is essentially a multi-disciplinary walk-over survey and was conducted with the objective of identifying any ecological constraints associated with the proposals such as the site’s potential to support any legally protected species or habitats of high nature conservation value. A phase 1 bat survey was incorporated into the site visit, with all buildings and trees on site assessed where possible for their potential to support roosting bats.
Section 2 of the report provides some background information on legislative requirements and relevant policy. Section 3 details the methodologies adopted for the ecological surveys that were conducted and Section 4 provides an account of the survey results. Section 5 provides information on the relevance of the results to the proposed development and makes recommendations for measures to mitigate and compensate for the effects on a particular habitat or species.
2 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 2.0 LEGISLATION AND POLICY 2.1 Legislation
The following legislation may be of relevance to the proposed works. Full details of statutory obligations with respect to biodiversity and the planning system can be found in DCLG Circular 06/2005.
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010: This transposes the EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) into domestic law. The Regulations provide protection for a number of species including: o All species of bat; o Dormouse; o Otter; and o Great crested newt.
This legislation makes it an offence to deliberately capture, kill or injure individuals of these species listed on Schedule 2 and damage or destroy their breeding site or place of shelter. It is also illegal to deliberately disturb these species in such a way as to be likely to significantly affect: (i) the ability of any significant group of the species to survive, breed or rear or nurture their young; or (ii) the local distribution or abundance of the species1;
This legal protection means that where development has the potential to impact on bats, or other European protected species, the results of a protected species survey must be submitted with a planning application.2
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are also protected under this legislation. These are a network of sites designated for supporting habitats or species of high nature conservation importance in the European context. Any activity that has a detrimental effect on these European sites is made an offence under the Regulations. Where a development is likely to have a significant impact on a European site, the Regulations require a rigorous assessment of the impacts, known as an Appropriate Assessment.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and amendments): Protected fauna and flora are listed under Schedules 1, 5 & 8 of the Act. Species likely to be of relevance include: o All species of bat. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb any bat whilst it is occupying a roost or to intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost;
1 Note that the amendment to the Habitats Regulations in August 2007 and January 2009 has resulted in an increase in the threshold of illegal levels of disturbance to European Protected Species (EPS). An offence is only committed if the deliberate disturbance would result in significant impacts to the EPS population. However, it should be noted that activities that cause low levels of disturbance to these species continue to constitute an offence under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (see below).
3 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD o All species of British reptile (in particular grass snake, common lizard, adder and slow-worm). It is illegal to kill or injure these species; and o Great crested newt. It is illegal to obstruct access to any structure or place which great crested newts use for shelter or protection or to disturb any great crested newt while it is using such a place.
This Act also makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or to take, damage or destroy their eggs and nests (whilst in use or being built). In addition, it is an offence to disturb any nesting bird listed on Schedule 1 or their young.
Schedule 9 of the Act lists those species for which it is an offence to plant or cause their spread. Species listed under Schedule 9 that are most likely to be encountered are Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These are a network of sites identified as being of national nature conservation importance and hence afforded legal protection.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000: This Act strengthens nature conservation and wildlife protection through a number of mechanisms. It places a duty on Government Ministers and Departments to conserve biological diversity, provides police with stronger powers relating to wildlife crimes, and improves protection and management of SSSIs.
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992: This Act makes it an offence to wilfully take, injure or kill a badger (Meles meles); cruelly mistreat a badger; interfere with badger setts, sell or possess a live badger; mark or ring a badger. A licence is required for work affecting badgers and their setts.
Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996: This Act provides protection for all wild animals from intentional acts of cruelty.
Hedgerow Regulations 1997: These Regulations establish a set of criteria for assessing the importance of hedgerows. Where a hedgerow is deemed to be ‘important’ its removal is prohibited without consent from the local Planning Authority.
4 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 2.2 Policy
The following policy is of relevance to the proposed works:
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): This sets out the Government’s vision for biodiversity in England with the broad aim that planning, construction, development and regeneration should maintain and enhance, restore or add to biodiversity and geological conservation interests. NPPF includes sections on legally protected species and sites (see Section 2.1).
Local Sites (including Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCIs), Local Nature Reserves (LNR), and Biological Notification Sites (BNSs)/County Wildlife Sites (CWSs)): These are a network of sites designated for their nature conservation importance in a local context. Although they are not afforded legal protection they contribute towards local and national biodiversity. Development likely to harm a Sites of Nature Conservation (SNCI), or Local Nature Reserve (LNR) will not be permitted unless the local planning authority is satisfied that the harm to the nature conservation value of the site is outweighed by other material considerations. Where such development is permitted, the local planning authority will use conditions and/or planning obligations to minimise the damage and to provide compensatory and site management measures where appropriate.
Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs): BAPs set out policy for protecting and restoring priority species and habitats as part of the UK’s response as signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity. BAPs operate at both a national and local level with priority species and habitats identified at a national level and a series of Local BAPs that identify ecological features of particular importance to a particular area of the country. The requirement to consider and contribute towards BAP targets was strengthened through the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Habitat and Species Action Plans that are likely to be of relevance include:
o Slow worm (UK BAP). o Soprano pipistrelle bat (UK BAP). o Brown long-eared bat (UK BAP) o Hedgerow (UK BAP).
5 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 3.0 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Desk study
Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) provided protected species records within a 1 km radius of the site in the last 10 years and details on non-statutory designated sites. The Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website was used to provide any information on statutory designated sites within 5 km of the proposed development.
3.2 Field study 3.2.1 Vegetation
The standard Phase 1 habitat survey methodology (JNCC, 2010) was adopted whereby habitats are mapped using colour codes (see Appendix II). A detailed walkover survey was undertaken on the 21st May 2015 by Louisa Jones and Amy Parsons, directly searching for legally protected and invasive species of plant and categorising any habitats of ecological value that were encountered. A general description of the vegetation was also noted, listing species encountered and scoring their abundance using the DAFOR scale:
D Dominant; A Abundant; F Frequent; O Occasional; R Rare; L Local (used as a prefix to any of the above).
3.2.2 Protected Species Assessment
Habitats and features were assessed for their potential to support protected species (see Section 2). In many cases determining the presence, distribution and population size of protected species will require additional, specialist surveys.
Badgers
A direct search was undertaken for signs of badger. Signs of badger may include setts, dung pits, latrines, paths or hairs on fences and vegetation. Any setts encountered were classified according to the number of entrances and the extent of their use.
Bats
Buildings
Bats roost in a wide variety of sites within buildings, with many species roosting in cracks and crevices, within rubble stone walls, under slates and within timber beam joints where they are difficult to see. Bats often access roosts at key areas such as the gable end, soffits, bargeboards, ridge tiles, between double lintels, around window frames, through open joints in the stonework or broken slates or through open doors / entrances to a building.
6 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
The presence of roosting bats can be spotted through signs such as accumulations of moth or butterfly wings or bat droppings, the presence of bats or bat remains and the presence of urine or grease staining, particularly around potential entrance and exit points.
The absence of droppings / evidence cannot be treated as conclusive evidence that bats are not present, and therefore an assessment was made of the potential of the buildings on-site to support bats based on the scale described below in Table 1: Table 1 - Criteria for assessing bat roosting potential of buildings and trees Confirmed Roost Evidence of bat occupation found High Roosting With significant roosting potential, either because they contain a large Potential number of suitable features or those features present appear optimal Medium Roosting Features with moderate roosting potential, with roosting features Potential appearing less suitable Low or Negligible Buildings with few, if any, features suitable for roosting Roosting Potential
Trees
Bats often roost in trees. Features such as old woodpecker holes, splits, cavities and rot holes, loose or flaking bark and ivy creepers will be exploited by bats to roost. Any trees present on site were therefore assessed for their potential to support roosting bats by searching for such features. The presence of roosting bats can be spotted through signs such as accumulations of moth or butterfly wings, staining, bat droppings, or bats themselves. The absence of these cannot, however, be treated as conclusive evidence that bats are not present, and therefore an assessment was made of the potential of the trees to support bats based on the scale presented below in Table 2, adapted from the Good Practice Guidelines (Collins, 2016): Table 2 - Criteria for assessing bat roosting potential of trees High Roosting Trees with multiple, highly suitable features capable of supporting larger Potential roosts or with evidence of bat occupation found Moderate Roosting Trees with definite bat potential, supporting fewer suitable features than Potential high roosting potential trees or with potential for use by single bats Low or Negligible Trees with no obvious potential, although the tree is of a size and age that Roosting Potential elevated surveys may result in cracks or crevices being found or the tree supports some features which may have limited potential to support bats or trees with no potential to support bats
Barn owls
A direct search for evidence of barn owl (Tyto alba) within buildings on the site was conducted. Signs may include droppings, pellets, feathers and suitable nest sites.
Droppings are most likely to be found under perch sites and appear as large white splashes on a hard surface or smaller white patches on old hay or straw.
Pellets are the regurgitated indigestible parts of the barn owl’s prey. An accumulation of these can often be found around the preferred roosting sites of barn owls. Many birds produce
7 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD these pellets, but the barn owls are particularly distinctive, being black and glossy when fresh, containing fur and small mammal bones and are often up to two inches long.
Barn owl feathers are variable but generally they are white grading to a pale, golden colour.
Dormice
The habitat on site was assessed for the potential to support dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius), which are found in habitats such as woodlands, scrub and hedgerows with good connectivity and suitable food plants. Satellite images were used to assess the connectivity of any suitable habitat present on the site to other areas of woodland and hedgerow networks.
Great crested newts
Suitable breeding ponds are essential to support populations of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) although they actually only spend a relatively short period of the year in the ponds during the spring for breeding. The remainder of the year is spent in suitable ‘foraging’ habitat such as tall grassland and woodland. During the winter the great crested newt hibernates, often amongst the roots of trees and scrub or in places such as piles of rubble, amongst foundations of buildings or under fallen trees and logs.
Great crested newts are known to forage up to at least five hundred metres from their breeding sites and suitable habitats that fall within two hundred and fifty metres must be considered even in situations where the breeding site itself will not be affected. Any ponds within a two hundred and fifty metre radius will therefore be identified during this survey and habitats within and immediately adjacent to the site were assessed in terms of their suitability as foraging habitat. Further specialist surveys will be recommended where appropriate.
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)
A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment was carried out to determine the suitability of the ponds to support great crested newts. The assessment uses criteria and values as provided by Oldham et al. (2000, 2008). HSI cannot be used to predict the presence of great crested newts.
Nesting birds
During the walkover survey habitats and buildings on site were assessed for their potential to support nesting birds, which are found in habitats such as woodlands, scrub and hedgerows.
Reptiles
Reptiles are widespread in habitats that provide both cover, in the form of scrub or tall vegetation, and basking areas such as areas of hard standing or short grassland communities. Piles of debris or rubble also provide excellent cover and hibernation sites for reptiles. Further specialist surveys will be recommended where appropriate.
8 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 4.0 RESULTS
4.1 Desk study 4.1.1 Statutory and non-statutory designated sites Records were requested from Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) along with data obtained from the internet resource MAGIC, which are presented below.
Table 3 below lists statutory sites designated for nature conservation located within 5 km and non-statutory sites designated within a 1 km radius of the site.
Table 3: Statutory designated sites within a 5 km radius and non-statutory sites within a 1 km radius of land at Stubwood Farm
Site name Conservation Distance Size Habitat description status from site (Ha) Kennet & SAC3, SSSI4 3.7 km 114.77 The site supports one of the most extensive Lambourn North known populations of Desmoulin’s whorl snail Floodplain East (Vertigo moulinsiana) in the UK and is one of two sites representing the species in the south- western part of its range in the important chalk stream habitat. Inkpen SSSI 2.1 km 3.11 Inkpen Crocus Fields overlie Bagshot Beds, Crocus East and the soils consist of poorly-drained, Fields seasonally-waterlogged loams and clays. More than ten species of plant indicative of ancient meadows with a long history of freedom from improvement and disturbance have been recorded, including bitter vetch Lathyrus montanus, meadow saxifrage Saxifraga granulata and thousands of the very rare Red Data Book plant spring crocus Crocus vernus, an alien species which is known to have been present at this site since 1800. Freeman’s SSSI 3.1 km 26.07 The site comprises unimproved meadows, Marsh North marsh and reedbed situated just west of West Hungerford. Part of the site is registered common land and has been traditionally managed by grazing for many years. There is a great diversity of habitats including willow carr, scrub, woodland and open water which supports rich plant and animal communities. Freeman's Marsh is an important site for breeding, wintering and passage birds.
3 SAC: Special Area of Conservation 4 SSSI: Site of Special Scientific Interest
9 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Site name Conservation Distance Size Habitat description status from site (Ha) Ham Hill SSSI 3.3 km 1.57 Ham Hill is a small chalk grassland site South supporting a diverse assemblage of plants and a wide variety of associated butterflies. Orchids are well represented; species present include frog orchid Coeloglossum viride and species of nationally restricted distribution such as burnt orchid Orchis ustulata and musk orchid Herminium monorchis, the latter of which occurs in large numbers. Many chalk-associated bryophytes are found including the liverwort Leiocolea turbinata and mosses such as, Ctenidium molluscum Dicranella varia, and Entodon concinnus, a rare moss of chalk grassland. Inkpen and SSSI 3.3km 86.84 Inkpen and Walbury Hills comprise the largest Walbury South area of unimproved chalk downland in Hills East Berkshire, traditionally managed by grazing. The site also contains some of the best examples of ancient ash-wych elm woods in the county. Other habitats include ungrazed rough grassland, scrub and mature mixed hedgerows. The area is important for insects and supports a wide range of breeding, wintering and migrating birds. Catmore SSSI 4.1 km 25.03 Old coppice-with-standards woodland, situated and North mainly on clayey Reading Beds soils, and Winterly East supporting a rich flora. The wood consists Copses predominantly of hazel coppice under a canopy of oak standards. Shrubs include alder buckthorn Frangula alnus, guelder rose Viburnum opulus and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Chilton SSSI 4.4 km 55.3 An extensive system of wet neutral meadows, Foliat North watercourses, tall fen vegetation and scrub. Meadows The site supports a diverse flora and a variety of birds, the meadows being one of the most important areas in the county for breeding waders. The site supports a variety of breeding warblers including whitethroat, grasshopper warbler, sedge warbler and nightingale. Inkpen SSSI 4.8 km 12.76 An area of damp heathland, dominated by a Common North mixture of grasses, notably purple moor grass East Molinia caerulea and heathers Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea and E. tetralix with common gorse Ulex europaeus and dwarf gorse U. minor. The site is noted for its colony of the pale heath violet Viola lactea for which this is the only remaining locality in Berkshire.
10 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Site name Conservation Distance Size Habitat description status from site (Ha) River SSSI 4.8 km 111.55 The flora of the River Kennet is species-rich Kennet North and diverse, having the highest average East number of species per site surveyed of any other lowland river in Britain. The Kennet supports good populations of kingfisher Alcedo atthis, grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea, mute swan Cygnus olor and little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, as well as sedge Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and reed warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos and redshank Tringa tetanus frequently use this river on passage. The Kennet has a varied and mixed fishery including healthy, self-sustaining populations of wild brown trout Salmo trutta, grayling Thymallus thymallus, perch Perca fluviatilis, chub Leuciscus cephalus and dace Leuciscus leuciscus. Westcott LWS5 0.66 km 9.28 Ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland Copse North with come conifer planting. East Kiln Copse LWS 0.18 km 2.87 Open oak wood with some coppice; bracken South dominates in the groundflora. Wood straddles East county border with Berkshire.
The proposed development is not anticipated to have any direct impacts on these sites. The Inkpen Crocus Fields SSSI lies within 3km of the site however, the proposed works are not considered to have any impacts due to the small scale of the development and surrounding buffer of woodland and arable fields and therefore no further action is required.
4.1.2 Protected species search
Table 4 below presents records obtained from WSBRC for protected and notable species within 1 km of Stubwood Farm.
Table 4: Protected and notable species within a 1 km radius of Stubwood Farm
Common Name Scientific Name Status Location Birds Red kite Milvus milvus UK BAP6,Schedule 1 1 record within 2 km dated WCA7 2006.
WSBRC did not return any data for bat species within 1 km but there are historical records of water vole (Arvicola amphibius) and hazel dormouse within a 1 km radius of the site. Recommendations have been made in Section 5.2. and 5.4., respectively.
5 LWS: Local Wildlife Site 6 UK BAP: UK Biodiversity Action Plan species 7 WCA: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
11 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 4.2 Field study 4.2.1 Vegetation
The accompanying Phase 1 habitat map provided as Appendix II depicts the habitats and buildings encountered during the survey and highlights areas of particular interest with target notes. Photographs of habitats on site have been provided in Appendix III.
Hardstanding (Target note 1)
Approximately one third of the site comprises areas of hardstanding, including the entrance into the farm and surrounding the outbuildings. The hardstanding is colonised by species including cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata), greater plantain (Plantago major), daisy (Bellis perennis), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and common nettle (Urtica dioica).
This habitat is of negligible ecological value and no further recommendations have been made.
Amenity grassland (Target note 2)
Areas of amenity grassland are present on site and surrounding the residential property forming the garden of the house. This grassland is a well maintained short sward grassland. Species within the amenity grassland includes frequent perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne), annual meadow-grass (Poa annua), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) and daisy with locally abundant trefoil (Trifolium spp.), and occasional dandelion (Taraxacum agg.) and greater plantain.
This area is of negligible botanical value and no further recommendations have been made.
Semi-improved grassland (Target note 3)
An area of semi-improved grassland is present to the northeast of the site. Species within the semi-improved grassland include frequent Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus) and meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), locally abundant hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) with occasional yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and self-heal (Prunella vulgaris). A full species list is provided in Table 5 below:
Table 5: Species present within the semi-improved grassland
Common name Latin name Abundance Status Grasses, sedges & rushes Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis F Common in meadows on neutral to alkaline soils. Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata F Common & widespread. Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus F Common & widespread. Herbaceous plants Yarrow Achillea millefolium O Common & widespread.
12 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Common name Latin name Abundance Status Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris F Common on roadsides, hedgebanks, & woodland borders. Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium LA Common & widespread. Cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata O Common & widespread. Greater plantain Plantago major O Common & widespread. Self-heal Prunella vulgaris O Common & widespread. Meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris F Common & widespread. Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens LA Common & widespread. Common sorrel Rumex acetosa LF Common in grasslands & open woodlands. Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius F Common & widespread. Lesser stitchwort Stellaria graminea F Common on acid grasslands, heathlands, and open woodlands. Trefoil sp. Trifolium sp. F Common & widespread. Common vetch Vicia sativa F Common & widespread.
The semi-improved grassland habitat may provide sheltering and foraging habitat for reptiles and great crested newts. Recommendations have been made in Section 5.3
Deciduous woodland (Target note 4)
An area of deciduous woodland is present to the south of the site and is adjacent to the pond. In the canopy layer species present include frequent hazel (Corylus avellana), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur). The understorey layer contains frequent blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and occasional bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.). Ground flora includes frequent broad-leaved dock, primrose (Primula vulgaris) and white dead-nettle (Lamium album) with occasional violet (Viola sp.). A comprehensive species list is provided in Table 6 below: Table 6: Species present within the deciduous woodland Common name Latin name Abundance Status Herbaceous plants Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris LF Common on roadsides, hedgebanks & woodland borders. Fumitory Fumaria officinalis O Common on arable, especially chalk & sand. Cleavers Galium aparine O Common & widespread. Wood avens Geum urbanum O Common on less acid soils. Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea LA Common & widespread except on the poorest soils. Hogweed Heracleum O Common & widespread. sphondylium Non-native bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. LA Common & widespread. White dead-nettle Lamium album F Common & widespread. Silverweed Potentilla anserina LA Common & widespread. Primrose Primula vulgaris F Common & widespread. Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria F Common on damp, loamy, or clay soils. Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. O Common & widespread.
13 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Common name Latin name Abundance Status Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius F Common & widespread. Heath speedwell Veronica officinalis O Common & widespread. Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys F Common in woodlands, hedgebanks & grassland. Common vetch Vicia sativa O Common & widespread. Violet sp. Viola sp. O Common & widespread. Trees and shrubs Hazel Corylus avellana F Common & widespread, on less acid soils. Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna F Common & widespread. Ash Fraxinus excelsior F Common on moister, base-rich soils. Grey poplar Poplus.x canescens F Common in damp woodlands. Blackthorn Prunus spinosa F Common & widespread. Oak Quercus robur F Common & widespread, except on very poor soils.
Species present are common and widespread. The woodland may provide habitat for nesting birds, bats and dormice. Further recommendations have been made in Sections 5.5, 5.1 and 5.4, respectively.
Ornamental (Target note 5)
Areas of ornamental planting are present within the site boundary surrounding the gardens of the farmhouse. Species present include frequent snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), field forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis), ground-ivy (Glechoma robertianum) and pansy (Viola tricolor) with occasional herb robert, primrose and occasional common male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), rare buddleia (Buddleja davidii), geranium (Geraniaceae spp.), mock orange (Philadelphus spp.) and fir (Abies spp.)
This habitat is of negligible ecological value and no further recommendations have been made.
Pond (Target note 6)
A pond of approximately 498 metres squared is present to the southwest of the site and is surrounded by deciduous woodland. The pond is heavily shaded by trees, with emergent vegetation and waterfowl present.
Species present are common and widespread but further recommendations for management and great crested newts have been made in Section 5.7 and 5.2, respectively.
Tall ruderal (Target note 7)
An area of tall ruderal vegetation is present to the south east of the site near the old cattle barn. Species present include abundant sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) with locally dominant common nettle (Urtica dioica), field forget-me-not, white dead-nettle, with locally
14 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD abundant cleavers (Galium aparine), occasional bramble, hart’s tongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium) and hogweed.
The tall ruderal vegetation may provide potential habitat for nesting birds. Further recommendations have been made in Section 5.5.
Hedgerows (Target note 8)
An ‘L-shaped’ hedgerow is present to the northwest and southwest of the farmhouse and extends along the northeast side of the semi-improved grassland. The hedgerow contains frequent Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) and frequent hawthorn.
The hedgerows on the site are species poor and are not considered to qualify as UKBAP hedgerows or under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. The hedgerows present provide potential habitat for nesting birds and foraging habitat for birds. Further recommendations have been made in Section 5.5.
Scattered trees (Target note 9)
Numerous scattered trees are present to the southeast of the site and surrounding the residential farmhouse. Species present include locally frequent alder (Alnus glutinosa), hazel and pedunculate oak with locally occasional wild cherry (Prunus avium) and rare weeping willow (Salix babylonica).
The trees may provide habitat for nesting birds and bats. Further recommendations have been made in Sections 5.5 and 5.1, respectively.
4.2.2 Protected species
Badgers
No signs of badger activity were recorded during the survey, such as latrines, hair or footprints were noted. No setts were found to be present on site.
No further action is required.
Bats
Phase 1 bat survey - Buildings
The phase 1 bat survey was undertaken on the 21st May 2015 by Louisa Jones and Amy Parsons.
A total of 10 buildings are present on site and the locations have been provided in Appendix IV. Stubwood Farm is set in a rural location, and is surrounded by arable fields and some areas of woodland. The main road is located to the north-west of the site.
15 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD Farmhouse
The building is a two storey modern brick building. The roof is pitched and constructed from concrete interlocking tiles and ridge tiles. A series of clay hung tiles are present on the second floor on the western end of the southern elevation. The window frames and doors are of wooden construction. The soffit boxes, fascia and bargeboards are uPVC. Half dormer single glazed wooden framed windows are present on the northern and southern elevations. Two external chimney breasts are present on the western and eastern gable ends. The building measures approximately 17 metres in length, 8 metres in width and 7 metres in height. The roof void has two areas.
Internal void 1
Void 1 is approximately 1.5 metres in height, 5 metres in width and 8 metres in length. Bituminous felt lining is present with fibreglass insulation that is in relatively poor condition. There is no ridge beam but a multi panel truss design is present throughout the void. There are no wooden floorboards present and no boarding. One water tank is present at the centre of the eastern end of the void. A bird’s nest was found at the eastern end of the northern elevation.
Internal void 2
Void 2 is approximately 3 metres in height, 6 metres in width and 6 metres in length. No felt lining and no insulation is present. Wooden sarking is present throughout. There is no ridge beam but a queen truss is present. There are no wooden floorboards and no boarding.
The dairy
The outbuilding is a one-storey brick building. The roof is pitched and constructed from lined slate tiles and ridge tiles with lined clay tiles present on the southern gable end. The windows frames and doors are of wooden construction. Ventilation hoods are present along the western elevation. Wooden framed single-glazed windows are present on all elevations with open access windows on the western and eastern elevations. One wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) nest and one blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) nest are present towards the northern end of the western elevation. The building measures approximately 27 metres in length, 6 metres in width and 8 metres in height.
16 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD One open roof void with two ends is present at the southern end of the building and one sealed void with a plasterboard ceiling is present at the northern end.
Open roof void:
The open roof void measures approximately 9 metres in length, 8 metres in height and 6 metres in width. No felt lining and no insulation is present. Sarking is not present. There are no wooden floorboards but wooden boarding is present at the southern end. A steel ridge beam is present. Three swallow (Hirundo rustica) nests are present at the southern end of the void on the bottom chords of the truss.
Sealed void:
The sealed void measures approximately 8 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 6 metres in width. The void was inaccessible during the survey and so further internal inspections were not undertaken.
Livestock Barn
The outbuilding is a one and two-storey brick building. The roof is pitched and constructed from corrugated asbestos sheeting and concrete ridge tiles. The window frames and doors are of wooden construction. Wooden bargeboards are present on the eastern and western gable ends. Wooden cladding is present on the second floor of the western gable end. The building measures approximately 13 metres in length, 7 metres in width and 7 metres in height. The building has one internal roof void. The roof void is approximately 4 metres in height to the apex, 7 metres in width and 13 metres in length. A king truss design is present throughout with a steel ridge beam. The floor is unsound and so access to the western end of the void was limited. No sarking is present but wooden floorboards are present throughout.
Old Cattle Barn
The outbuilding is constructed from a steel frame with cinderblocks and prefabricated wooden gable ends. The roof is pitched and constructed from corrugated asbestos sheeting with concrete ridge tiles and a steel ridge beam. Perspex windows are present on both sides of the pitched roof. All four elevations are open sided.
17 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD A cinderblock wall partition is present in the centre of the barn and is approximately 3 metres high. The building is approximately 32 metres in length, 20 metres in width and 9 metres in height. One small roof void is present at the southwest corner of the building. Approximately 30 intact barn owl pellets, 10 barn owl feathers and 4 egg casings were found in the void with white wash present throughout.
Small Barn
The outbuilding is constructed from a steel frame with cinderblocks and prefabricated wooden gable ends. The roof is pitched and constructed from corrugated asbestos sheeting with concrete ridge tiles. No ridge beam is present. There are no roof voids present. All four elevations are open sided. The building is approximately 10 metres in height, 16 metres in width and 28 metres in length.
Storage Outbuilding 1
The outbuilding is constructed from a steel frame and wooden rafters with cinderblock foundations and corrugated asbestos elevations. The roof is pitched and constructed from corrugated asbestos sheeting. No ridge tiles are present. Perspex windows are present on the southern side of the pitched roof. Two active jackdaw (Corvus monedula) nests on steel rafters are present on the eastern gable end. There are no roof voids present. The building is approximately 10 metres in height, 14 metres in width and 22 metres in length.
Storage Outbuilding 2
The outbuilding is constructed from a steel frame and wooden rafters with a cinderblock foundation and corrugated asbestos elevations. The roof is pitched and constructed from corrugated asbestos sheeting. There is no ridge beam but concrete ridge tiles are present. Perspex windows are present on the southern side of the pitched roof. One active jackdaw (Corvus monedula) nest is present on the steel collar beam near the apex at the western gable end. There are no roof voids present. The building is approximately 10 metres in height to the apex, 20 metres in width and 27 metres in length.
18 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD Storage Barn
The outbuilding is a brick one-storey building with cavity walls. The roof is pitched and hipped and is constructed from lined clay tiles and ridge tiles. Moss is present on the clay tiles on all elevations of the roof. The building is approximately 7 metres in height to the apex, 7 metres in width and 13 metres in length. One roof void with two ends is present and comprises a queen support truss design and is open sided on the northern elevation. No wooden sarking is present. Bituminous felt lining is present at the western gable end.
Workhouse
The outbuilding is a one-storey cinderblock building. The roof is flat and comprises corrugated asbestos sheeting with no ridgeline. uPVC soffits and wooden bargeboards are present. No roof void is present. The building is approximately 4 metres in height, 5 metres in width and 19 metres in length.
Silos
Two circular steel grain silos are present to the southeast of the site adjacent to a pond and woodland. No roof void is present. The silos measures approximately 4 metres in width and 9 metres in height.
Survey results
Internal survey: evidence of bats
Evidence of brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus) bats was recorded in the form of droppings and feeding remains in the residential farmhouse as illustrated in Appendix V. A summary is provided in table 7 below:
Table 7: Evidence of bats within buildings at Stubwood Farm
Building Evidence Farmhouse More than 400 brown long-eared bat droppings were found scattered throughout the entirety of internal void 1 with a higher density of droppings below the ridge. The droppings were of varying age with some of the droppings considered to be up to five years old. Approximately 20-30 brown long-eared bat droppings were found in a dense pile below the western gable end of internal void 2. The droppings were considered to be up to five years old.
19 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Building Evidence The dairy Approximately 30 scattered butterfly wings were present on the northern side of the open void. Approximately 30-40 scattered butterfly wings were present among cobwebs throughout the area. The livestock barn Approximately 20 scattered butterfly wings were present on the floor and among cobwebs at the eastern end of the void. Old cattle barn Approximately 10-15 scattered butterfly wings were present on the floorboards and among cobwebs. Small barn No evidence of bats was recorded during the survey. Storage outbuilding 1 No evidence of bats was recorded during the survey. Storage outbuilding 2 No evidence of bats was recorded during the survey. Storage barn Approximately 10-20 butterfly wings were found on the western side of the open void below bituminous felt lining. Silos No evidence of bats was recorded during the survey.
DNA analysis
Droppings were sent to EcoWarwicker for analysis, which confirmed brown long-eared droppings to be present within the residential farmhouse in voids 1 and 2.
External survey: evidence of bats
Despite a thorough and detailed external survey of the property, no evidence of bats was encountered. Several features were, however, deemed to provide suitable access points for bats.
Potential for bats
Several roosting opportunities and access points were available for bats within the buildings and these are described in Table 8 below. The farmhouse was identified as a confirmed bat roost for brown long-eared bats, the dairy was identified as holding high potential, the storage barn was identified as holding medium potential and the livestock barn was assessed as holding low potential for roosting bats. All of the other buildings held negligible potential to support roosting bats due to the lack of potential roosting provisions and access points.
20 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Table 8: Potential for bats
Location Potential access points for bats Potential roosting Overall suitability opportunities for bats Farmhouse Underneath clay hung Along internal Due to the presence of tiles on western ridge and truss droppings it is possible elevation. beams. to confirm the Behind multiple lifted Behind presence of brown concrete roof tiles on bituminous felt long-eared bats using southern elevation. lining. the site. Behind lifted lead Underneath flashing on dormer hung clay tiles windows and along on southern eaves. elevation. The dairy Underneath clay tiles on Behind lifted Due to external and southern hipped gable clay roof tiles. internal features and end. Potential for evidence of bats the Between missing mortar roosting within building has high on clay ridge tiles the sealed roof potential for roosting towards southern end void at the bats. Through open windows northern end of and doors. the building. Storage barn Access under Underneath Bituminous felt lining broken/missing clay roof lifted clay roof was present and may tiles at eastern end of the tiles. potentially conceal any southern elevation. Behind evidence and has Between missing mortar bituminous felt therefore been assessed on the ridgeline of the lining at the as holding medium western hipped gable western gable potential for roosting end. end. bats. Open fronted access on Along the northern elevation. wooden ridge beam. Livestock Open access along the Along ridge As it was not possible barn entire ridgeline and along beam and to access the entirety of open access eaves. along truss the void and due to the Through a small gap at beams. presence of butterfly the apex on the barge wings the building has boards on the eastern low potential as a bat gable end. roost. Through open windows and doors. Old cattle Open access on all four None. Due to the lack of barn elevations. suitable roosting Access along entire provisions the building ridgeline. was assessed as holding negligible potential for supporting roosting bats.
21 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Location Potential access points for bats Potential roosting Overall suitability opportunities for bats Small barn Open access on all None. Due to the lack of elevations. suitable roosting Access along the entire provisions the building ridgeline. was assessed as holding negligible potential for supporting roosting bats. Storage Open access on eastern None. Due to the lack of outbuilding 1 and western elevations. suitable roosting provisions the building was assessed as holding negligible potential for supporting roosting bats. Storage Open access on eastern None. Due to the lack of outbuilding 2 and western elevations. suitable roosting provisions the building was assessed as holding negligible potential for supporting roosting bats. Silos No access points were None. Due to the lack of identified. suitable roosting provisions the building was assessed as holding negligible potential for supporting roosting bats.
Due to the presence of a bat roost phase 2 bat surveys were undertaken and a mitigation strategy has been presented in section 5.1.
Phase 2 bat surveys
The phase 2 bat dusk emergence surveys were conducted on the 22nd June 2015 and 29th June 2015 and the dawn re-entry survey was undertaken on the 2nd July 2015. A summary of the survey results is provided below and full results are available in Appendix VI.
Dusk 22nd June 2015
Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) bats were recorded between 21:09 and 22:19 foraging around the western gable end of the livestock barn and above the hardstanding to the northeast of the livestock barn. Common pipistrelle bats were recorded between 21:47-22:04 commuting from south to north along the western and eastern elevations of the dairy. Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) and common pipistrelle bats were recorded between 22:10-22:55 foraging around the dairy. One Leisler’s (Nyctalus leisleri) bat was recorded at 22:20 in the northwest of the site.
22 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD One bat of the myotis species (Myotis spp.) was recorded at 22:34 in the north of the site.
Dusk 29th June 2015
Common pipistrelle bats were recorded from 22:19-22:32 commuting from south to north along the western elevation of the farmhouse. Soprano pipistrelle and common pipistrelle bats were recorded commuting along the northern elevation of the farmhouse. Soprano pipistrelle and common pipistrelle bats were recorded from 22:20-22:24 commuting along the main driveway leading into the farm.
Dawn 2nd July 2015
Two whiskered (Myotis mystacinus) bats were recorded at 03:02 and 04:10 commuting in the southeast of the site. One common pipistrelle bat were recorded at 03:56 foraging along the northern elevation. One unidentified bat, most likely a pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus spp.), was recorded seen but not heard at 04:00 re-entering the dairy along the ridgeline towards the southern end of the building.
As evidence of bats has been recorded during the phase 1 and 2 surveys a full mitigation strategy has been recommended in section 5.1. and a European Protected Species licence (EPSL) is required prior to undertaking proposed works.
Trees
A phase 1 tree survey was not undertaken during the walkover survey due to the large number of trees on site. Proposed plans should seek to retain trees with bat potential however, where this is not possible further survey work will be required to confirm the presence or absence of bat roosts.
Great crested newts
The woodland, semi-improved grassland and hedgerows on site provide suitable terrestrial habitat for great crested newts. One pond is present to the southeast of the site and a HSI was undertaken during the site visit. In summary, the water quality of the pond is poor and is approximately 80% shaded by trees with waterfowl present. A HSI score of 0.44 was calculated, indicating that the suitability of the pond for supporting newts is below average. The full HSI can be found in Appendix VII. The protected species search did not return any records of great crested newts within a 1 km radius however, there is one pond within 250 metres of the site and a ditch (Target note 10) is present within the semi-improved grassland. The ditch was dry following a period of heavy rainfall and colonized by grasses, and therefore is not considered suitable for great crested newts. There is a busy road at the northwest of the site but due to good habitat connectivity and the presence of ponds within the vicinity of the site it is possible that great crested newts are present on site.
23 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD It is considered possible that great crested newts are present on site. Further recommendations have been made in section 5.2.
Reptiles
The woodland, semi-improved grassland and hedgerows may provide potential habitat for reptiles, particularly slow worms (Anguis fragilis). In addition, log piles located to the southeast of the site (target note 12) provide a location for hibernating reptiles and would act as an area of shelter. Areas of woodland and semi-improved grassland would be lost as part of the development. The protected species search did not return any records of reptiles within the vicinity of the site although the habitats on site may currently be inhabited by populations of reptiles.
Due to the presence of suitable habitat for reptiles on the site a ‘worst case scenario’ and ‘strim and push’ mitigation strategy has been provided. Further action is recommended in section 5.3.
Dormice
The hedgerows on site were not deemed suitable for dormice due to the absence of woody species such as hawthorn and fruiting species such as bramble. However, the deciduous woodland is considered to provide suitable habitat for dormice with the presence of hazel, blackthorn, hawthorn and bramble which are all favoured by dormice. The site is also well connected to surrounding woodland habitat to the southeast of the site. A small farm track divides the woodland within and surrounding the site, although this is not considered a significant barrier to dormouse movement due to the small width of the track. Additionally, there are historical records of dormice within 1 km and they therefore may be present on the site.
Due to the presence of suitable habitat it is possible that dormice are present on site. Further recommendations have been made in section 5.4.
Nesting birds
During the walkover survey suitable habitat for nesting birds was identified throughout the site and includes an area of deciduous woodland to the far southeast and scattered trees to the south of the site. One wren’s nest, one blue tit’s nest, three swallow’s nests and three jackdaw’s nests were found within the buildings on site.
A mitigation strategy has been recommended in section 5.5.
Barn owls
Evidence of barn owl was recorded in the small roof void area of the old cattle barn and includes approximately 30 intact pellets, four egg casings, approximately 10 barn owl feathers and white wash over the floorboards. The evidence indicates the building is being used as a nesting site for barn owls.
A mitigation strategy has been recommended in section 5.6.
24 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Bats
5.1.1 Summary of survey results
The following conclusions can be drawn:
The phase 1 external and internal inspections on the buildings on site confirmed that brown long-eared bats utilise the roof void within the farmhouse as a roost. These surveys indicate that the farmhouse supports an occasionally used non-breeding summer roost for brown long-eared bats. Phase 2 surveys were undertaken and confirm that the dairy currently supports one species of roosting bat, most likely of the pipistrelle species. Although copious droppings within void 1 and some droppings in void 2 were located in the farmhouse, phase 2 bat surveys did not reveal bats emerging or re-entering this building. This building is still regarded as a bat roost however, due to the amount of droppings observed and the recent age of the droppings.
5.1.2 Implications of survey findings and recommendations for further action
Mitigation strategy
Proposed works involve removal of the garage extension adjoining the farmhouse on the eastern elevation, the renovation of the dairy, storage barn and livestock barn and the demolition of the old cattle barn, small barn and storage outbuildings 1 and 2. These works will involve the alteration of the roof of the dairy and this will modify the existing bat roost present within. Void 2 of the farmhouse will also be removed as part of proposed works. The following measures will be observed to minimise disturbance to resident bats.
Permanent roost enhancement
The pre-existing brown long-eared bat roost within void 1 of the farmhouse will be enhanced with rough timber battens attached either side of a 3 metre stretch of ridge beam (see Appendix VIII). Additionally, incorporation of two hooded bat tiles on the southern elevations will allow improved access into the void as described in Appendix IX and the locations of which are illustrated in Appendix X. Sections of the roof of the dairy which are being retained require numerous repairs due to missing tiles and general damage. Two 1FR bat tubes will be installed into the new walls of the building to provide roosting for pipistrelle species.
Temporary roosting facilities
A minimum of three Schwegler bat boxes of varying designs including 1FF, 1FN and 2F will need to be erected on mature trees bordering the southeast of the site prior to works commencing. The locations of these can be found in Appendix X.
Timing of works
25 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Survey evidence indicated that the farmhouse supports a small number of brown long- eared bats and the dairy supports low numbers of pipistrelle bats. Timing restrictions are therefore not required, although it is imperative that the pre-works survey and supervision of the removal of any tiles is conducted under the supervision of a licensed batworker following a pre-works survey. Where works take place during the winter, roofing materials must only be removed when night time temperatures are in excess of 8°C for four consecutive nights.
Pre-work surveys
The pre-works survey of the farmhouse and dairy will be undertaken by a licensed bat worker to check for presence of bats. If bats are found during the survey, a licensed bat worker wearing gloves will capture the bat(s) by hand or using a hand net and a cloth bag and relocate the bat(s) to one of the temporary bat boxes. Once the area is clear of bats then ‘soft’ dismantling works will proceed.
The clay tiles will be dismantled by hand, whilst checking for roosting bats, under the supervision of a licensed bat worker, until it is no longer suitable for roosting bats. The tiles will be removed by hand gently in a vertical rather than horizontal sliding motion. If any bats are encountered during dismantling of the roof, works will be halted until the bat(s) vacate the buildings or a licensed bat handler removes the bat(s) using gloves and a cloth bag. Once the area is clear of bats then works will proceed. The bats will be relocated to one of the temporary bat boxes. Injured bats will be taken immediately into care (as directed by the Batworker’s Manual, s.7.3, pp. 64-66; 3rd ed.2004).
If a bat is discovered at other, unsupervised times, work will cease immediately and the licensed ecologist will be called for advice. This advice will include leaving the bat to disperse of its own accord, or wait for the licensed handler to appear and move the bat. Builders and contractors are explicitly forbidden from handling bats.
5.1.3 Licence Application
Once full planning permission has been granted, a European Protected Species Licence from Natural England will be required. It should be noted that Natural England take at least 6 weeks to determine Licence Applications and a Licence will only be granted once full planning permission has been received.
Licences will only be issued where the application is considered to meet the requirements of the following three tests:
1. The development is in the interests of public health and safety or is required for other imperative reasons of overriding public interest.
2. There is no satisfactory alternative to the development.
26 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 3. The development will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the bat populations concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range.
The Mitigation Strategy devised in sight of the proposed development plans will need to meet the requirements as outlined above. Recent case law (R (on the application of Simon Woolley) v Cheshire East Borough Council, June 2009) has established that planning authorities now need to consider all three tests before planning permission affecting bats can be granted.
Imperative reasons of overriding public interest
The existing farm layout does not meet the needs of the existing owner who is coming into retirement. The proposals include the construction of 3 two bed properties, 2 three bed properties and 4 four bed properties which will provide additional housing and living space required for future buyers.
No satisfactory alternative
The client does not own an alternative site. The construction is required to provide additional accommodation as the current buildings on site do not meet the requirements of the public. The proposed works have been judged as the most satisfactory method for improving the welfare facilities of the site, whilst maintaining the intrinsic character of the site and the preservation of the bat population on site.
The ‘do nothing approach’ was rejected as the current layout does not meet the requirements of the client as additional housing is required to provide future homeowners with living accommodation.
The development will not be detrimental to the maintenance of bat populations concerned
The disturbance to the current bat roost in the farmhouse will be only temporary during the development works. During this phase, temporary bat roosts will be provided via three Schwegler bat boxes erected in mature trees nearby. Once work is complete, the roof void of the farmhouse will be enhanced, better accommodating long-eared bats with wooden battens along the ridge beam; will be better sealed from drafts and thus more suitable as a summer roost, and will have current access maintained and improved via designated access features. The new bat roost will be a marked enhancement on the old, which, given its current state, is likely to degrade over time should work not be undertaken. Additional roosting facilities will be provided with the inclusion of 1FR bat tubes.
5.2 Great crested newts
Whilst no records of great crested newts were received for the area, the terrestrial habitat of the site is suitable and there is one poor quality pond on site with another pond within 250 metres of the site. At the time of writing the current proposals do not include any works to the pond in the southeast of the site or the woodland habitat. The majority of the development will occur on habitat not considered suitable for great rested newts i.e. hard standing and short cut amenity grassland. Therefore even if present it is felt the risk of encountering a newt during the works is minimal. However, should any future proposed works affect the
27 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD pond or deciduous woodland then the ponds will require further survey to ascertain if great crested newts are present.
If these surveys indicate that great crested newts are present then a European Protected Species licence will need to be obtained from Natural England with a mitigation strategy for any loss of suitable habitat.
5.3 Reptiles
The semi-improved grassland, deciduous woodland and hedgerows on site may provide potential habitat for reptiles, particularly slow worms. Areas of semi-improved grassland will be lost as part of the development. These areas may currently be inhabited by populations of reptiles. A worst case scenario and ‘strim and push’ mitigation plan is included below:
To encourage reptiles on the site to move away from the works area naturally the habitat within the works area will be made unsuitable by strimming under the careful supervision of a suitably experienced reptile handler. This will be carried out in temperatures above 10°C when reptiles are more mobile. The strimming will be carried out in a two strim cycle with the first cut to 15cm and the second to ground level. This cut will take place in one direction towards the suitable habitat on the eastern boundary in order to give any reptiles a chance to leave the area. Slow worms will sometimes freeze instead of moving off and these animals should be carefully moved to the suitable habitat remaining on site before works can proceed again. All arisings from the strimming and clearance will be immediately removed from the works area to prevent any reptiles sheltering within it. The habitat within the works area will then be maintained at a short sward height to discourage reptiles from entering the works area. Any log piles that need to be removed should be dismantled carefully during weather greater than 10°C during the time when reptiles are active, March to October, to avoid disturbing any hibernating reptiles. Materials and any arisings, such as rubble from demolition, will be kept off the ground through the use of skips or pallets. This will negate any risk of reptiles sheltering within stock piled materials or arisings from demolition. An area of the site will be enhanced for reptiles and sown with a wildflower grassland mix. A reptile hibernacula will be created in this area, and a design has been included in Appendix XII. In addition there will be a large reduction in the area of hardstanding on site resulting in additional foraging habitat for reptiles being created. The centre of the site will be reinstated to grazing land, whilst areas of amenity grassland will be created forming gardens.
5.4 Dormice
The current proposals involve the removal of the hedgerows to the northeast site boundary but due to the lack of connectivity it is considered highly unlikely that dormice are present and therefore no impacts are to be anticipated on dormice. However, the deciduous woodland
28 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD on site contains species favoured by common dormice. At the time of writing the current proposals do not involve the removal of the deciduous woodland. Therefore, if any future proposals involve the removal of sections of woodland then targeted dormouse surveys will be required, where nest tubes are placed and checked at least on five occasions between the months of May and October. In the event that dormice are present, a mitigation strategy and licence from Natural England will be required to facilitate work.
Enhancement
Habitat will be created on site by the planting of native hedgerows within the landscape design. Where possible, if there are any new areas of woodland within the development these will connect with the existing woodland to create connectivity with the wider landscape. Species within the hedgerow planting will include hazel, dog rose (Rosa canina), elder (Sambucus nigra), hawthorn, blackthorn, honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), bramble and guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus).
5.5 Nesting birds
5.5.1 Summary of survey findings
During the walkover survey several active nests were identified within the outbuildings on site.
5.5.2 Implications of survey findings and recommendations for further action
The woodland, scattered trees and tall ruderal vegetation around the site provide foraging and nesting habitat both for common and widespread species of bird such as blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) and wren as well as birds listed as amber on the BoCC (Birds of Conservation Concern) list such as dunnock (Prunella modularis), and Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species such as song thrush (Turdus philomelos). The following precautions will negate risk of harming, injuring or contributing to the demise of these species:
Under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) it is an offence to deliberately destroy bird nests whilst either in use or being built. It is therefore suggested that works should be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season which is considered to run between the months of March and September. Where this is not possible a suitably qualified ecologist will check potential nesting habitat immediately prior to clearance. Where nesting birds are encountered clearance must be postponed until the nestlings have fledged. In addition, swallows (Hirundo rustica) are listed on the amber list of Birds of Conservation Concern (British Trust for Ornithology, 2007). As such, it is good practice to provide replacement nesting habitat for swallows. The provision of artificial swallow nests within the lean-to structures which are being retained; can be obtained from companies such as the RSPB or Alana Ecology.
5.6 Barn owls
29 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 5.6.1 Summary of survey results
Evidence of barn owls was recorded within the south-western void area of the old cattle barn. Nesting barn owls are therefore likely to be affected by the proposed demolition works and therefore a mitigation strategy has been proposed below.
5.6.2 Implications of survey findings and recommendations for further action
Mitigation strategy
The scope of this mitigation strategy includes replacement nesting opportunities and pre- works checks of the old cattle barn.
As the demolition of the barn will result in the loss of a nesting site, mitigation against this lost should be incorporated into the design of the proposed works. A nesting opportunity should be provided for barn owls and may take the form of a nest box incorporated into the roof voids of one of the replacement residential buildings. An appropriate entrance point would be required to allow barn owls to access the nest box. Alternatively, a nest box can be erected on a pole at a minimum 4 metres above ground level. Both replacement roost designs would require an entrance point that faces southwards on to the nearby open grassland and will require a clear flight path to the entrance. Demolition works to the old cattle barn will be timed to avoid the peak nesting season which is considered to run between March and September. A temporary barn owl nesting box will be erected 30 days prior to undertaking proposed works as illustrated in Appendix XI. A pre-works check of the old cattle barn will be undertaken by a suitable qualified ecologist to check for the presence of nesting owls. If nesting owls are observed works to the building including works within five metres of the barn, will be postponed until all chicks have fledged.
5.7 Ecological enhancements
A few suggestions for incorporation within the design of the development have been made below:
Provision of bat boxes and nest boxes for bird species such as dunnock, house martin (Delichon urbica) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus) on the walls of the buildings or trees. Bat boxes and tubes, and bird boxes can be purchased from websites such as NHBS http://www.nhbs.com and Jacobi Jayne www.jacobijayne.co.uk, and their provision on site would enhance the habitat for the local bat and bird population.
Use of native shrubs and trees for landscaping schemes provides foraging habitat for a range of bird species and for dormice. Suitable species include hazel, dog-rose, elder, blackthorn, hawthorn and field maple (Acer campestre).
30 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD Flowering grassland seed mixes from a supplier of seeds of local provenance can be used to seed the new lawn within the design of the development (such as Emorsgate EL1). Such grassland provides better nectar sources for invertebrates and hence is of greater value for foraging birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Hedgerow planting
New hedgerows will be planted across the site as outlined in Appendix I and this will increased the habitat connectivity across the site and provide more foraging and nesting opportunities for birds and small mammals. The new hedgerows will also provide important commuting and foraging routes for the local bat population.
Hedgerows comprising native species of UK origin will be planted. These will provide nesting habitat for a range of birds including blackbird (Turdus merula) and dunnock, as well as feeding habitat for starling and song thrush; (UK BAP species).
The hedgerows will be planted between November and March. Species that are to be planted include hazel, spindle (Euonymus europaeus) and guelder-rose.
Hedgerow species will be planted as whips. All species will be sourced from British- grown stock. Bare root specimens will be kept moist either by using a damp cloth or placing the roots in a bucket of water during planting.
All plants need to be well heeled in after planting and watered in during dry weather. The planted hedgerow will be protected from rodent damage with the use of spiral tree guards. Spiral tree guards will be removed after 4 years.
Whips will be slot planted and will be placed in two staggered rows at a density of six plants per linear feature, with approximately 335mm between plants in the same row, and 335mm between rows (see Diagram 1 below).
Diagram 1: Planting Pattern
Weed control is essential for establishment of the hedgerow and will be applied for the first 3 years.
Any plants that die during the first 3 years will be replaced.
31 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD Pond retention and restoration
The pond located at the east of the site will be retained as part of the new development.
The pond will be expanded and will include enhancements as a wildlife pond to provide habitat for local amphibians and invertebrate populations. The pond should be kept free of fish and planted with native British plant species such as water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) and yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus).
The pond will be enhanced by clearing a buffer strip of deciduous woodland surrounding the southeast side of the pond and will be cleared outside of the nesting bird season between the months of September and March. This will allow more light to access the pond and will encourage the growth of emergent vegetation which will increase the value of the pond for wildlife, such as great crested newts.
Provision of agricultural land
The barns in the centre of the site will be removed as shown in Appendix I. The area of hardstanding surrounding these barns will be removed and the area will be reinstated to agricultural land. The removal of the hardstanding, along with the planting of native species-rich hedgerows, will reduce the overall areas of hardstanding on site and therefore increase the ecological value of the site.
32 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 6.0 REFERENCES
Department for Communities and Local Government (2005). Circular 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System.
Department for Communities and Local Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework
Hundt L (2012) Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines, 2nd edition, Bat Conservation Trust.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase I Habitat Survey. JNCC.
Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) Website at www.magic.gov.uk
Mitchell-Jones, A. J. (2004), Bat Mitigation Guidelines, English Nature.
Mitchell-Jones A.J. & McLeish A.P. (2004) The Bat Workers’ Manual (3rd Edition) Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Oldham, R.S., Brady, L.D., Sewell, D.L. & Baker J.M.R. (2008). ARG UK Advice Note 4: Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index. Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the United Kingdom.
Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) (2015), Data search.
33 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX I: Plans for demolition and renovation works and proposed new builds layout
34 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX II: Phase 1 habitat map
35 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Key to Phase 1 habitat map
SI Semi-improved grassland
A Amenity grassland
Bare ground
Hardstanding
Deciduous woodland
Building
Tall ruderal
Pond
Hedge
Survey boundary
Ornamental
Fence
Tree
T1 Target note
36 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Target notes accompanying Phase 1 habitat map
Target Note Description T1 Hardstanding forms the driveways and paths as well as underneath buildings on site. T2 Areas of amenity grassland are present to the south and north of the site. Species within the amenity grassland includes frequent perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne), annual meadow grass (Poa annua), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) and daisy (Bellis perennis) with locally abundant trefoil (Trifolium spp.), and occasional dandelion (Taraxacum agg.) and greater plantain (Plantago major). T3 Semi-improved grassland with frequent cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata), meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus), cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius), meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris), trefoil spp. (Trifolium sp.), lesser stitchwort (Stellaria graminea) and common vetch (Vicia sativa) with locally abundant hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and creeping buttercup, locally frequent common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and occasional yarrow (Achillea millefolium), cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata), greater plantain (Plantago major) and self heal (Prunella vulgaris). T4 An area of deciduous woodland is present at the southwest and northeast of the site. Species in the canopy layer include frequent hazel (Corylus avellana), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) English oak (Quercus robur) and grey poplar (Poplus.x canescens). The understorey layer contains frequent blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and occasional bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.). Ground flora includes frequent broad-leaved dock, lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria), primrose (Primula vulgaris), germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), white dead nettle (Lamium album) with locally abundant non-native bluebell (Hyacinthoides sp.), ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and silverweed (Potentilla anserina), locally frequent cow parsley and occasional violet (Viola sp.), fumitory (Fumaria officinalis), cleavers (Galium aparine), wood avens (Geum urbanum), hogweed, heath speedwell (Veronica officinalis), and common vetch (Vicia sativa). T5 Areas of ornamental planting are present within the site boundary surrounding the gardens of the farmhouse. Species present include frequent snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), field forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis), ground-ivy (Glechoma robertianum) and pansy (Viola tricolor) with occasional herb robert, primrose and occasional common male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), rare buddleia (Buddleja davidii), geranium (Geraniaceae spp.), mock orange (Philadelphus spp.) and fir (Abies spp.) T6 A pond of approximately 498m2 is present to the southwest of the site. The water is of poor quality and waterfowl is present. The pond is surrounded by an area of deciduous woodland and is approximately 80% shaded by trees. T7 An area of tall ruderal vegetation is present and includes abundant sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), locally dominant forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), common nettle (Urtica dioica), white dead nettle and locally abundant cleavers, occasional bramble, hogweed and hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium). T8 An ‘L-shaped’ hedgerow is present to the northwest and southwest of the
37 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD Target Note Description farmhouse and extends along the northeast side of the semi-improved grassland. The hedgerow contains frequent Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) and frequent hawthorn. T9 Scattered trees are present to the southwest of the site and in the residential garden. Species present include locally frequent alder (Alnus glutinosa), hazel and pedunculate oak with locally occasional wild cherry (Prunus avium) and rare weeping willow (Salix babylonica). T10 A dry ditch is present amongst an area of semi-improved grassland. T11 A rubble pile is present and provides potential hibernacula for basking reptiles. T12 A log pile is present to the south of the old storage barn in the west of the site and could provide potential hibernacula for reptiles.
38 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX III: Photographs of habitats on site
T2: Amenity grassland garden to the north of the residential farmhouse.
T2: Amenity grassland with view from the east showing hedgerow habitat surrounding the gardens.
39 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
T2: Amenity grassland and view from the west showing rare weeping willow (Salix babylonica).
T3: Distant view of semi-improved grassland with reptile potential located to the north of the residential farmhouse.
40 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
T3: Semi-improved grassland located towards the north of the residential farmhouse.
T4: Deciduous woodland located to the far southeast of the site.
41 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
T9: Scattered trees with amenity grassland located to the southeast of the site.
42 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX IV: Locations of buildings on site
43 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD Key to accompany locations of buildings on site map
Number Building name 1 Farmhouse 2 Dairy 3 Livestock barn 4 Old cattle barn 5 Small barn 6 Outbuilding 1 7 Outbuilding 2 8 Storage barn 9 Workhouse 10 Silos
44 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX V: Location of evidence - bats
Residential farmhouse Void 1 Water tank
Key
1 pint long-eared droppings
½ pint long-eared droppings
2/3 pint long-eared droppings
Scattered brown long-eared droppings
45 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX VI: Phase 2 bat survey results
Dusk survey 22/06/2015
Livestock barn
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P livestock Duffey, M Palmer, S barn Fletcher, K Ford, E (Building Whiteside, L Kimber, L 3), MFA Embury TEMP AT 15°C SUNSET: 21:27 START TIME: 20:57 START: TEMP AT 13°C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Warm and sunny
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 22:08 Common Heard not seen, foraging. 1 pipistrelle Foraging around southwest gable end and in 22:09 Common 1 the courtyard to the northeast of the livestock pipistrelle barn. Foraging around southwest gable end and in 22:10-22:15 Common 2 the courtyard to the northeast of the livestock pipistrelle barn. Foraging around the southwest gable end and 22:17-22:19 Common 1 in the courtyard to the northeast of the pipistrelle livestock barn. 22:31 Common Heard not seen in the southwest of the site. 1 pipistrelle 22:45 Common Heard not seen in the southwest of the site. 1 pipistrelle
46 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P Duffey, livestock M Palmer, S Fletcher, K Ford, barn E Whiteside, L Kimber, L (building Embury 30), MFA TEMP AT 15 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 13 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Sunny, mild
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 21:49 Pipistrelle 1 Commuting south to north towards woodland, species seen not heard. 21:52 Soprano 1 Heard not seen, foraging in the northwest of the pipistrelle site. 21:58 Pipistrelle 1 Heard not seen, foraging in the northwest of the species site. 22:07 Soprano 1 Foraging over north east side of the livestock pipistrelle barn. 22:10 Soprano 1 Heard not seen, foraging in the northwest of the pipistrelle site. 22:12 Soprano 2 Heard not seen, foraging in the northwest of the pipistrelle site. 22:13 Soprano 2 Foraging over the livestock barn. pipistrelle 22:18 Soprano 2 Foraging over the livestock barn. pipistrelle 22:21 Soprano 1 Foraging over the livestock barn. pipistrelle 22:46 Soprano 1 Heard not seen foraging in the northwest of the pipistrelle site. 22:55 Soprano 1 Heard not seen foraging in the northwest of the pipistrelle site.
47 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Farmhouse
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P farmhouse Duffey, M Palmer, S (Building Fletcher, K Ford, E 1), MFA Whiteside, L Kimber, L Embury TEMP AT 15 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START TIME: 20:57 START: TEMP AT 13 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER:
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 22:09 Common 1 Heard not seen at southeast corner of pipistrelle farmhouse. 22:22 Soprano 1 Heard not seen at southeast corner of pipistrelle farmhouse. 22:27 Soprano 1 Heard not seen at southeast corner of pipistrelle farmhouse. 22:30 Common 1 Heard not seen at southeast corner of pipistrelle farmhouse. 22:36 Soprano 1 Heard not seen at southeast corner of pipistrelle farmhouse. 22:41 Common 1 Heard not seen at southeast corner of pipistrelle farmhouse. 22:53 Common 1 Heard not seen at southeast corner of pipistrelle farmhouse.
48 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P farmhouse Duffey, M Palmer, S (Building 1), Fletcher, K Ford, E MFA Whiteside, L Kimber, L Embury TEMP AT 15 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START TIME: 20:57 START: TEMP AT 13 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Warm and sunny
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 21:47 Common 1 Commuted south to north over the centre of pipistrelle the dairy towards woodland. 21:50 Common 1 Commuted south to north over the dairy, then pipistrelle commuted east along northern side of the livestock barn. 21:55 Common 1 Commuted south west to north east across pipistrelle garden, then commuted east along northern side of the livestock barn. 22:04 Common 1 Commuted west along northern side of the pipistrelle livestock barn then commuted north east towards the woodland. 22:08 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northwest of the site. pipistrelle 22:09-22:13 Soprano 2 Foraging over the dairy. pipistrelle 22:13-22:20 Common 1 Foraging over the dairy. pipistrelle 22:20 Leisler’s bat 1 Heard not seen in the northwest of the site. 22:44 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northwest of the site. pipistrelle
49 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P Duffey, farmhouse M Palmer, S Fletcher, K Ford, (building 1), E Whiteside, L Kimber, L MFA Embury TEMP AT 15 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 13 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Mild, clear
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 22:12 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southwest of the site. pipistrelle 22:19 Common 1 Commuting east to west over the field to the pipistrelle west of the house. 22:24 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southwest of the site. pipistrelle
The dairy
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P Duffey, dairy M Palmer, S Fletcher, K Ford, (Building E Whiteside, L Kimber, L 2), MFA Embury TEMP AT 15 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 13 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Clear, mild
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 21:51 Common 1 Commuting from north west corner of building to pipistrelle the north east of the site. 21:56 Common 1 Commuting from north west corner of building to pipistrelle the north east of the site. 22:10 Common 1 Foraging around west side of the garden. pipistrelle 22:14 Common 1 Commuting from north to south along western pipistrelle edge of the garden. 22:23 Common 1 Heard not seen in the north of the site. pipistrelle 22:24 Common 1 Heard not seen in the north of the site.
50 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
pipistrelle 22:34 Myotis spp. 1 Heard not seen in the north of the site. 22:35 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the north of the site. pipistrelle 22:42 Common 1 Heard not seen in the north of the site. pipistrelle
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P dairy Duffey, M Palmer, S (building 2), Fletcher, K Ford, E MFA Whiteside, L Kimber, L Embury TEMP AT 15 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 13 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Mild, clear
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 21:44 Common 1 Commuting south to north over the dairy pipistrelle 22:07 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:20 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:24 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:25 Unidentified 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. bat 22:27 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:30 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:38 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:50 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle
Storage barn
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P Duffey, storage barn M Palmer, S Fletcher, K (building 8), Ford, E Whiteside, L MFA Kimber, L Embury TEMP AT 15 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57
51 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
START: TIME: TEMP AT 13 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Warm and sunny
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 21:51 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 21:59 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:01 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:05 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:08 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:14 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:16 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:23 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:29 Unidentified 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. bat 22:32 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:34 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:42 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:44 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:47 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:49 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:52 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:56 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:59 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 22/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, A Joyce, P Duffey, storage barn M Palmer, S Fletcher, K Ford,
52 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
(building 8), E Whiteside, L Kimber, L MFA Embury TEMP AT 15 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 13 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:00 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Sunny, warm EDIROL NO: - EDIROL - ADDITIONAL Became overcast TIME: INFO: during survey
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 22:10 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the south of the site. pipistrelle 22:15 Soprano 1 Commuting west to east over the driveway. pipistrelle 22:23 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the south of the site. pipistrelle 22:28 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the south of the site. pipistrelle 22:34 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the south of the site. pipistrelle
Dusk survey 29/06/2015
The dairy
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 29/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, P Duffey, C dairy Sutch, M Palmer, L (building 2), Embury, E Whiteside, L MFA Kimber TEMP AT 20 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 1/8 END TIME: 23:27 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 1/12 RAINFALL: 0 WEATHER: Sunny/mild
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. Common 1 Commuted from east to west. 21.57 pipistrelle Myotis spp. 1 Commuted from south to north, (foraging). 22.01 Common 1 Foraging around the dairy building. 22.04 pipistrelle Soprano 1 Foraging around vegetable patch
53 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
22.11 pipistrelle Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. 22.22 pipistrelle 22.26 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22.36 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. 22.38 pipistrelle Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. 22.59 pipistrelle
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: A Coggins, DATE: 29/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the P Duffey, C dairy Sutch, M (building Palmer, L 2), MFA Embury, E Whiteside, L Kimber TEMP AT 20°C SUNSET: 21:27 START TIME: 20:57 START: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:15 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Warm and dry
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 22:31 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:33 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:42 Soprano 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 23:00 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle
The farmhouse
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 29.06.15 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, P Duffey, C Sutch, M farmhouse Palmer, L Embury, E (building 1), Whiteside, L Kimber MFA TEMP AT 20°C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16°C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:15
54 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Warm, dry, sunny EM3/4 TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ BATS direction/ foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 21:57 Common 1 Flew north east to south west over field. pipistrelle 22:26 Common 1 Flew east to west down lane. pipistrelle 22:57 Common 1 Heard not seen. pipistrelle
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: A Coggins, P DATE: 29.06.15 LOCATION: Farm, the Duffey, C farmhouse Sutch, M (building 1), Palmer, L MFA Embury, E Whiteside, L Kimber TEMP AT 20°C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16°C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:15 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Warm, dry, sunny
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ BATS direction/ foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. Common 1 Commuting from east to west across 21.57 pipistrelle northern elevation of house and round corner to south 22.00 Common 1 Foraging around rear garden then flew off pipistrelle to north Soprano 1 Commuting from north west corner of 22.07 pipistrelle house, heading down the centre of garden and off to the north 22.18 Common 1 Flew from around north west corner of pipistrelle house along northern elevation and back again Common 1 Foraging rear garden and hedgerow on 22.24/25 pipistrelle western boundary, then off to the south
55 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 22.31 Common 1 Flew from around north west corner of pipistrelle house, then around willow tree and off to the east 22.36 Common 1 Commuting from north to south across rear pipistrelle garden then off to north west. (Feed buzz) 22.55 Common 1 Brief pass heard not seen pipistrelle
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: A Coggins, P DATE: 29.06.15 LOCATION: Farm, the Duffey, C Sutch, farmhouse M Palmer, L (building 1), Embury, E MFA Whiteside, L Kimber TEMP AT 20°C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16°C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:15 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Warm, dry, sunny
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF BATS ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. Common 1 Commuting from south to north 22:19 pipistrelle overhead, via west side of house. 22:20 Common 1 Commuting from south to north, pipistrelle circled round garden at south of house then flew back from south. Common 2 Commuting from south-east to 22:25 pipistrelle north via west side of house. Common 1 Commuting from east to west 22:26 pipistrelle over road at south of house. 22:32 Common 1 Commuting from south-east to pipistrelle north overhead, via west side of house. 22:37 Common 1 Heard not seen at south-east of pipistrelle house. Common 1 Heard not seen at south-east of 22:40 pipistrelle house. 22:48 Soprano 1 Heard not seen at south-east of pipistrelle house.
56 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD 22:57 Common 1 Commuting from north-west to pipistrelle south-east overhead. Common 1 Heard not seen at south-east of 23:04 pipistrelle house.
The storage barn
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: A Coggins, DATE: 29/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the P Duffey, C storage Sutch, M barn Palmer, L (building 8), Embury, E MFA Whiteside, L Kimber TEMP AT 20 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 0/8 END TIME: 23:15 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 0 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Warm and dry
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 22:12 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:15 Common 1 Foraging in courtyard northeast of the storage pipistrelle barn. 22:24 Common 2 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:27 Common 1 Foraging in courtyard northeast of the storage pipistrelle barn. 22:31 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:36 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:37 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:41 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:43 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:46 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 22:56 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle
57 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: DATE: 29/06/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the A Coggins, P Duffey, C storage Sutch, M Palmer, L barn Embury, E Whiteside, L (Building 8), Kimber MFA TEMP AT 20 °C SUNSET: 21:27 START 20:57 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 1/8 END TIME: 23:27 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 1/12 RAINFALL: 0 WEATHER: Sunny/mild EDIROL NO: Magenta EDIROL N/A ADDITIONAL The storage TIME: INFO: barn, South west corner
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ BATS direction/ foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. Soprano 1 Commuting, heard not seen in the southwest 22.15 pipistrelle of the site. 22.20 Soprano 2 Commuted southeast to northwest along and driveway. Common pipistrelle 22.24 Common 1 Foraging up and down the driveway. pipistrelle 22.27 Common 1 Commuting, heard not seen in the southwest pipistrelle of the site. Common 1 Brief call, heard not seen in the southwest of 22.37 pipistrelle the site. Common 1 Brief call, heard not seen in the southwest of 22.40 pipistrelle the site. 22.57 Common 1 Commuted, heard not seen in the southwest pipistrelle of the site. Common 1 Brief call, heard not seen in the southwest of 23.05 pipistrelle the site.
Dawn survey 02/07/2015
The farmhouse
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: L Kimber, A DATE: 02/07/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the Parsons, C farmhouse Sutch, B (Building 1), Grasby, K MFA Ford
58 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
TEMP AT 17 °C SUNRISE: 04:54 START 02:54 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 3/8 END TIME: 04:54 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 1 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Cool and dry
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ BATS direction/ foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 03:02 Whiskered 1 Commuting, heard not seen in the southeast bat of the site. 03:04 Soprano 1 Foraging, heard not seen in the southeast of pipistrelle the site. 03:08 Soprano 1 Commuting, heard not seen in the southeast pipistrelle of the site. 03:42 Soprano 1 Commuting, heard not seen in the southeast pipistrelle of the site.
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: L Kimber, A DATE: 02/07/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the Parsons, C farmhouse Sutch, B (Building Grasby, K Ford 1), MFA TEMP AT 17 °C SUNRISE: 04:54 START TIME: 02:54 START: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 3/8 END TIME: 04:54 END: COVER (oktas): WIND 1 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Cool and dry (bft):
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ direction/ BATS foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 03:04 Common 1 Heard not seen in the north of the site. pipistrelle 03:18 Common 1 Flew towards western gable end then pipistrelle commuted east. 03:38 Common 1 Heard not seen in the north of the site. pipistrelle 03:45 Common 1 Heard not seen – distant call in the north of the pipistrelle site. 03:56 Common 1 Foraging along northern elevation and pipistrelle commuted around western gable end towards southern elevation.
59 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: L Kimber, A DATE: 02/07/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the Parsons, C farmhouse Sutch, B (Building 1), Grasby, K MFA Ford TEMP AT 17 °C SUNRISE: 04:54 START 02:54 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 3/8 END TIME: 04:54 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 1 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Cool and dry
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ BATS direction/ foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 03:05 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southwest of the site. pipistrelle
The dairy
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: L Kimber, A DATE: 02/07/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the Parsons, C dairy Sutch, B (Building 2), Grasby, K MFA Ford TEMP AT 17 °C SUNRISE: 04:54 START 02:54 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 3/8 END TIME: 04:54 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 1 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Cool and dry
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ BATS direction/ foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 03:02 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 03:11 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 03:19 Common 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site. pipistrelle 03:24 Myotis spp. 1 Heard not seen in the southeast of the site.
60 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
BAT DETECTOR / EMERGENCE & ACTIVITY SURVEY SURVEY Stubwood SURVEYORS: L Kimber, A DATE: 02/07/2015 LOCATION: Farm, the Parsons, C dairy Sutch, B (Building 2), Grasby, K MFA Ford TEMP AT 17 °C SUNRISE: 04:54 START 02:54 START: TIME: TEMP AT 16 °C CLOUD 3/8 END TIME: 04:54 END: COVER (oktas): WIND (bft): 1 RAINFALL: Nil WEATHER: Cool and dry
TIME SPECIES NUMBER OF ACTIVITY (behaviour/ commuting/ BATS direction/ foraging/ feeding/ feeding buzzes/ roost/ etc. 03:10 Common 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. pipistrelle 03:18 Pipistrelle 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. spp. 03:42 Soprano 1 Commuting, heard not seen in the south pipistrelle east of the site. 04:00 Unidentified 1 Flew south from trees towards the dairy, bat then entered gap in ridge, seen not heard. 04:04 Common 1 Foraging between the dairy and livestock pipistrelle barn then commuted north towards trees. 04:10 Whiskered 1 Heard not seen in the northeast of the site. bat
61 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX VII: HSI results
Habitat Suitability Index SI value SI1. Map location A/B/C A 1.00 SI2. Surface area area (m2) = 498 1.00 SI3. Dessication rate never/rarely/sometimes/frequently never 0.90 SI4. Water quality good/moderate/poor/bad poor 0.33 SI5. Shade % of margin shaded 1m from bank 80 0.60 SI6. Waterfowl absent/major/minor major 0.01 SI7. Fish population absent/possible/minor/major possible 0.67 SI8. Pond density number of ponds within 1km 6 1.00 SI9. Terrestrial habitat good/moderate/poor/isolated moderate 0.67 SI10. Macrophyte cover % 0 0.31
HSI = 0.44
62 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
APPENDIX VIII: Diagrams of roosting provisions
1FR bat tube
Ridge beam enhancement
63 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD APPENDIX IX: Bat access provisions
Hooded ventilation tile
64 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD APPENDIX X: Bat access provision locations Residential farmhouse northern elevation Hooded bat ventilation tile access location
The dairy south west elevation Position of a 1FR bat tube
The dairy south east elevation
Position of a 1FR bat tube
65 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD Locations of temporary bat roosting facilities
Locations of Schwegler 1FF, 1FN and 2F bat boxes
66 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD APPENDIX XI: Location of evidence – barn owls Old cattle barn N N Key
30 intact barn owl pellets
4 barn owl egg casings
7 barn owl feathers
3 barn owl feathers
Potential perching places
White wash
Small open void area
67 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD
Locations of temporary barn owl nesting facilities
Location of barn owl nesting box facing outwards to field designed with a landing perch
68 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016 Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited Ecological Appraisal and Phase 1 & 2 bat surveys, Stubwood Farm, Wiltshire RG17 0RD APPENDIX XII: Reptile hibernacula design
69 Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services Ltd March 2016