Ecological Deliverability Report

Land at Horseworld, Whitchurch, Bristol

Horseworld

October 2011

Report status Action Date Authorised Draft For comment 5.10.11 MJ Final For issue 14.10.11 MJ

Environmental Assessment & Design Ltd 3 Colleton Crescent Exeter EX2 4DG Tel: 01392 260420 Fax: 01392 434603 Email: [email protected] www.eadconsult.co.uk

Contents

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Approach 1

2 Biodiversity baseline 3 2.1 Designated sites of nature conservation value 3 2.2 Previous records of protected/notable species 4 2.3 Site survey 6

3 Conclusion and recommendations 9 3.1 Potential ecological constraints 9 3.2 Recommended further surveys and consultation 9

4 References 11

Figures Figure 1: Site location Figure 2: Phase 1 Habitat plan and Target notes Figure 3: Designated sites of nature conservation value

Appendices Appendix 1: Designated sites of nature conservation value Appendix 2: Species legislation and conservation status Appendix 3: Species list

1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction EAD was commissioned by Horseworld Ltd to undertake an ecological deliverability study of land identified for residential development at Whitchurch, Bristol, (approximate NGR ST620672; refer to Figure 1). The study is documented in this report and includes the following: • Preliminary ecological baseline of the site; • Potential ecological constraints to the development of the site; • Assessment of the site in terms of suitability for development; and • Further ecological work necessary for a planning submission.

All work has been undertaken in accordance with the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s (IEEM) Code of Practice.

1.2 Approach A preliminary understanding of the ecological baseline of the development site (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’) was derived through desk study and site survey.

1.2.1 Desk study Biodiversity information was requested for a study area of 2km radius around the site from Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC). Information requested included the location and details of the following: • Designated sites of nature conservation value (non-statutory); • Previous records of protected and/or notable species, including UK and Bath and North East Somerset (BNES) Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Species. The study area was extended to 4km for bats.

Information was also obtained from the following websites: • www.magic.gov.uk – Information on statutory protected sites up to 5km from the site; • www.naturalengland.co.uk – Information on protected sites, Natural Area profiles and BAP Priority Habitats; and • www.nbn.org.uk – Protected species distribution.

The UK and BNES BAPs were also reviewed, as was the Bath and North East Somerset Local Plan (adopted 2007).

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1.2.2 Site survey An Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey of the site was undertaken on 6 September 2011 following IEA guidelines (1995) and JNCC methodology (1993). This identified the habitat types on the site and the presence/potential presence of protected and notable 1 species. The results of the survey were detailed on a Phase 1 Habitat plan; refer to Figure 2. Target notes were used to identify specific features of ecological interest. The survey area was divided into two parts; the smaller parcel of land around the existing visitor centre, and the larger area to the east around Keynes Farm.

1 Notable species are those which hold a specific conservation status e.g. Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species, IUCN Red Data Species. Some notable species may also be legally protected.

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2 Biodiversity baseline

2.1 Designated sites of nature conservation value The proposed development site does not lie within or adjacent to any designated site of nature conservation value; refer to Table 1, Appendix 1 and Figure 3. The closest statutory designated site (Stockwood Open Space Local Nature Reserve) occurs approximately 900m to the north of the site. 14 non-statutory designated Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) occur within 2km of the site.

Table 1: Nature conservation designated sites within the study area Site name Nature Reason for designation Approximate Conservation distance and Designation direction from site Cleave Wood SSSI Broad-leaved woodland with Bath 4km NE asparagus Bickley Wood SSSI Geological interest 4km NE Bamfield and SNCI Former unimproved neutral grassland, 1.5km W Briery Leaze Road with scattered scrub and hedges. Knowle Golf SNCI Unimproved & semi-improved 1.4km N Course calcareous grassland. Broadleaved woodland. Hedgerows. Wet ditches, stream, pond. Stockwood Open SNCI, LNR and Old farm meadows, hedgerows, 400m N; LNR Space Avon Wildlife Trust broadleaved & coniferous woodland, boundary is 900m Nature Reserve scrub, marshland, ponds, a stream, a N reedbed and a restored tip. Sturminster Road SNCI Woodland, scrub, tall ruderal 450m NW vegetation, grassland & stream, with associated marginal vegetation. Charlton Bottom SNCI Running water (streams), with 250m E and Queen associated marginal habitats, semi- Charlton natural broadleaved woodland and Watercourse scrub. Hursley Hill road SNCI Unimproved neutral grassland road 900m S verge verge. Land at SNCI Neutral grassland. 250m E Whitchurch Maes Knoll SNCI Semi-natural and planted broadleaved 1.6km SW woodland, scrub, semi-improved neutral grassland and geological interest. Publow Brook and SNCI Running water (stream), standing water 1.3km S adjacent land (lake) with associated marginal habitats, planted mixed woodland and semi-improved neutral grassland. Stockwood Golf SNCI Unimproved calcareous grassland. 950m NE Course Stockwood Vale SNCI Semi-natural broadleaved woodland 1.4km NE

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Table 1: Nature conservation designated sites within the study area Site name Nature Reason for designation Approximate Conservation distance and Designation direction from site woods and scrub. Sturminster Road SNCI Unimproved neutral and calcareous 300m NW grassland, semi-natural broadleaved woodland, scrub and running water (stream) with associated marginal habitats. West Keynsham SNCI Unimproved and semi-improved neutral 1.4km NE field grassland, marshy grassland, hedges and scrub. Wooscombe SNCI Unimproved neutral and calcareous 1.1km S complex grassland, semi-improved neutral grassland, planted broadleaved woodland, scrub and running water (stream) with associated marginal habitats.

2.2 Previous records of protected/notable species Numerous protected/notable species have been recorded within 2km of the site. Previous records are summarised below and a full list is available on request; they are not included in this report due to the extensive number of records. The legislation and conservation status that applies to the species listed is provided in Appendix 2.

Plants UK and Bristol & North Somerset BAP species recorded within the study area include: • Bath asparagus (BNESBAP). • Few-flowered fumitory (BNESBAP). • Basil thyme (UKBAP). • Deadly nightshade (BNESBAP). • Fragrant orchid (BNESBAP). • Grape hyacinth (UKBAP). • Narrow-leaved birdsfoot trefoil (BNESBAP). • Red hemp-nettle (UK & BNESBAP). • Rigid hornwort (BNESBAP). • Small-leaved lime (BNESBAP). • Stinking hellebore (BNESBAP). There are also records of the invasive and non-native plant species Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam; refer to Appendix 2.

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Invertebrates The following UK BAP invertebrates have been recorded in the study area: • Red-tailed Carder Bee (UK & BNESBAP). • Scarce chaser (BNESBAP). • White-legged damselfly (BNESBAP). • Long-winged conehead (BNESBAP). • Cinnabar (UKBAP). • Dingy skipper (BNESBAP). • Grizzled skipper (UK & BNESBAP). • Green hairstreak (BNESBAP). • Small heath (UKBAP). • Wall (UKBAP). • Small blue (UKBAP). • White admiral (UKBAP). • Little whirlpool ramshorn snail (UKBAP).

There are also numerous UK and BNESBAP moth records from within the study area.

Amphibians There are multiple records of great crested newt from the study area. One of these is a 2002 record from the south-west corner of the visitor centre site. Great crested newt is legally protected and is a UK and BNES BAP species. Common frog, common toad, palmate and smooth newt have all been recorded from within the study area. These species receive partial legal protection, common toad is a UK and BNES BAP species and common frog is a BNES BAP species.

Reptiles Slow-worm and grass snake have been recorded within the study area. These are legally protected and UK BAP species, grass snake is also a BNES BAP species.

Birds There are numerous bird records from within the study area. All wild birds are legally protected and many are also UK and BNES BAP species and/or are ‘Red’ or ‘Amber’ Species of Conservation Concern. Species identified include barn owl, cuckoo, dunnock, house sparrow, linnet, skylark, spotted flycatcher, yellowhammer and bullfinch.

Mammals There are numerous badger records within the study area; badger is a legally protected species. There are also records of brown hare and hedgehog, both of which are UK and BNES BAP species.

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Brown long-eared, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Daubenton’s, whiskered, noctule, Leisler’s, Natterer’s, serotine, and lesser horseshoe bats have also previously been recorded in the extended (4km) study area. All bats are legally protected and some are UK and BNES BAP species.

2.3 Site survey 2.3.1 Habitats within site boundary The location of the habitats within the site is shown on Figure 2, which should be read together with the accompanying Target Notes (TNs) and photographs. Habitat descriptions are provided below; plant species are referred to using their English names. Appendix 3 lists the species including their scientific names; nomenclature follows Stace (2010).

Improved and poor semi-improved grassland The majority of the site comprised horse-grazed pasture of improved or poor semi- improved grassland. The areas adjoining the visitor centre are the least diverse and are generally tightly grazed; these have been classified as improved. Elsewhere on the site some areas are slightly more diverse, but species poor. Typical species include perennial rye grass, Yorkshire fog, cock’s-foot, ribwort plantain, creeping cinquefoil, broadleaved dock, red clover and germander speedwell.

Hedgerows and scrub Hedgerows occur predominantly on the external boundaries of the site, as many of the internal boundaries are fenced. The botanical diversity of the hedges is variable; some are relatively species-rich (e.g. TN20), with typical species including Hawthorn, blackthorn, elm, bramble, dogwood and field maple, in places mature broadleaved trees are present. Elsewhere some hedges are species-poor or defunct; one section has been planted with Leyland cypress (TN13). Hedgerows are a UK BAP Priority Habitat and some of the hedgerows on the site were potentially ‘Important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (as amended).

Buildings There are a number of buildings within the site. The existing visitor centre is centred around a complex of Listed farm buildings, believed to be of 18 th Century origin (TN3). There are also a number of other modern buildings of varying construction, including the main visitor centre and café and a number of barns / stables. At the Keynes Farm site there is a large complex of barns / stables (e.g. TN21), together with mid 20 th Century Delmar Hall (TN23) and a bungalow (TN15). There are also several small stables across the site (e.g. TN10).

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Hardstanding There are extensive areas of hardstanding within the site, particularly around the visitor centre, which includes a car park and path network, and around agricultural buildings at Keynes Farm.

Ponds At least two ponds are present within the site (TNs 8 and 12); a third may be present in an area of dense scrub at the southern end of the visitor centre site (TN9) and a fourth lies in a garden just outside the boundary of the Keynes Farm site (TN24).

Tall ruderal This habitat occurs along field margins within the site and is typically dominated by common nettle, with other species including hogweed, broadleaved dock, and creeping thistle.

Surrounding habitats Surrounding areas are predominantly improved or poor semi-improved grassland. There are also residential and light industrial areas including gardens and a lorry park.

2.3.2 Protected and Notable Species Plants No notable plant species were recorded and the presence of such species was considered unlikely. Himalayan balsam, a non-native invasive species, was recorded in the Keynes Farm site (TNs 12 and 13). This species is controlled under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended; refer to Appendix 2).

Invertebrates Hedgerows, grassland, ruderal and freshwater habitats within the site are likely to support a range of invertebrate species. The presence of significant populations of rare or notable invertebrates is considered unlikely, although brown hairstreak, a UK BAP species, may occur where blackthorn is present in hedgerows. The presence of other notable invertebrate species was considered unlikely.

Amphibians Three ponds have been identified within the site that have the potential to support breeding amphibian populations. One of these, at the southwest corner of the visitor centre site (TN1), is thought to be the location of the great crested newt record identified by the desk study. This species may breed within the site or in ponds that may be present in the adjoining areas. The ponds may also be used by more common amphibian species such as common toad, common frog and palmate and smooth newts. Hedgerows, scrub, grassland and tall ruderal could provide terrestrial foraging habitat for amphibians; hedgerows could also provide hibernating habitat.

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Reptiles The site provided suitable habitat for slow-worm and grass snake. Areas of tall grassland provided potential basking and foraging habitat, and hedgerows and tall ruderal provided potential sheltering and hibernation habitat.

Birds The site provided suitable nesting and foraging habitat (e.g. hedgerows, scattered trees, poor semi-improved grassland and scrub) for a range of bird species, potentially including UK BAP species such as song thrush, skylark (BNES BAP) and bullfinch. Stables and agricultural buildings are being used by nesting swallows and may be used by other species, such as house sparrow.

Mammals Badger Grassland, hedgerows and tall ruderal habitats provided foraging habitat for badger. No badger setts were identified during the Extended Phase 1 survey, although a detailed search of all suitable areas was not undertaken. However, a dead badger was found within an area of scrub / hedgerow at the Keynes Farm site, confirming the presence of this species in the area.

Bats The listed buildings at the main visitor centre site provided potential roosting habitat for bats. Other modern buildings in the site generally have only low potential, although use could not be discounted. Hedgerows, scrub and tree lines provided suitable hunting and movement corridors for bats.

Hazel Dormouse Hedgerows and scrub provided suitable habitat for hazel dormouse. This is a legally protected species, which is also a UK and BNES BAP Priority Species.

Otter It is considered unlikely that otters will use the site on a regular basis. However, they may occasionally hunt in ditches and ponds within the site. Otter is legally protected and a UK BAP Priority Species.

Other species The site also provided suitable habitat for hedgehog and brown hare.

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3 Conclusion and recommendations

3.1 Potential ecological constraints There are no over-riding ecological constraints to the development of the site. No statutory or non-statutory sites of nature conservation value would be affected by the development. The key ecological issues relate to the potential presence of ‘Important’ hedgerows and the potential presence of the following protected and notable species: • Great crested newt and other amphibians. • Reptiles such as slow-worm and grass snake. • Breeding birds. • Badger. • Bats, including potential roost sites in buildings and trees. • Hazel dormouse.

Further survey would be undertaken to determine the presence of these species (refer to Section 3.2) to inform the development layout and any requirement for protected species development licences. Potential adverse impacts on these species, should they occur, could be mitigated through careful design of the layout and/or species- related mitigation measures e.g. timing of vegetation removal; zoning and fencing of areas during construction; movement of species outside of the areas of development. It is considered that development could be undertaken in accordance with relevant biodiversity planning policy in the Bath and North East Somerset Local Plan (adopted 2007); policies NE8 to NE12. It is anticipated that some Local Plan policies will be replaced by the Core Strategy of the Local Development Framework, which is expected to be adopted in mid to late 2012. Development could also accord with relevant policies of this document, as evidenced by Policy CP6 (4) of the draft Core Strategy.

3.2 Recommended further surveys and consultation 3.2.1 Further surveys Table 2 provides the scope and timetable for the proposed further ecological surveys.

Table 2: Timetable for recommended further surveys

Recommended survey Survey period Hedgerow survey according to the Single survey visit between May – September. Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (as amended) Great crested newt survey of ponds within Four to six surveys between late March to early site (and adjacent ponds if third party June. access can be obtained).

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Table 2: Timetable for recommended further surveys

Recommended survey Survey period Reptile survey Six survey visits between during May and June. Surveys may be undertaken outside of this time but would require greater survey effort in accordance with recent Natural England guidance. Breeding bird survey Three survey visits between April and June. Hazel dormouse survey Nesting tube survey between April and November; precise survey window determined by survey start date. Feeding sign survey in September/October. . Badger survey (including 30m outside of the Single survey visit undertaken at any time. site boundary wherever possible) Bat roost surveys of buildings and trees Internal inspection of buildings at any time. Further surveys (emergence and re-entry), dependent on results of inspections, to be undertaken between May and July. Need for tree surveys will be dependent on development proposals; timings as for buildings. Bat activity surveys and static bat detectors Three activity surveys undertaken at any stage between May and September.

The above survey information would provide a complete ecological baseline for the site, against which the ecological impacts of the proposed development would be assessed. An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) would be produced to support a planning application for the site, which would be carried out according to IEEM Guidelines (2006).

3.2.2 Consultation The proposed scope of the surveys and assessment would be agreed initially with Bath and North East Somerset Council, Avon Wildlife Trust and Natural England. Depending on the results of the surveys, further consultation would be undertaken with these parties to discuss any species-specific mitigation strategies.

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4 References

English Nature, 2004. Species Conservation Handbook . English Nature, Peterborough. English Nature, 2006. The dormouse conservation handbook . English Nature, Peterborough. Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, 2006. Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment . IEEM. Institute of Environmental Assessment. 1995. Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment , E & F Spon, London. JNCC 1993. Handbook for Phase-1 Habitat Survey: a technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough. Natural England, 2011. Reptile mitigation guidelines . Natural England, Peterborough. RSPB, 2002. The Population Status of Birds in the UK: Birds of Conservation Concern: 2002-2007. RSPB, Sandy . Stace C.A., 2010. New Flora of the British Isles . Cambridge University Press. UK Biodiversity Group, 1995. UK Biodiversity Action Plan. UK Biodiversity Group.

Websites

www.bathnes.gov.uk (Bath and North East Somerset Council) www.jncc.gov.uk ( Joint Nature Conservation Committee ) www.magic.gov.uk (MAGIC) www.naturalengland.org (Natural England) www.nbn.org.uk ( National Biodiversity Network) www.rspb.org.uk ( Royal Society for Protection of Birds ) www.ukbap.org.uk ( UK Biodiversity Action Plan) www.wildthingsbap.org.uk (Bath & North East Somerset BAP)

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Figure 1: Site location Plan

Figure 2: Phase 1 habitat plan, target notes and photographs

Target notes 1 Small pond; surrounded by tall ruderal. Dense coverage of aquatic vegetation, dominated by duckweed and shaded by grey willows on banks.

2 Complex of mainly modern open barns. Low bat potential. Nesting swallows.

3 Complex of old buildings, mainly traditional stone built with clay tiles. Moderate-high bat potential. Also used by nesting swallows.

4 Garden area with amenity grassland and ornamental planting

5 & 6 Modern breeze block and steel buildings. Low bat potential. Probable nesting swallow.

7 Car park, mainly gravel and tarmac with islands of amenity grassland and young ornamental/native planting, including apple, field maple, silver birch, Norway maple. All trees with low bat roost potential.

8 Small pond at base of hedge. Heavily shaded by overhanging willow and tall ruderal. Floating sweet grass present.

9 Fenced area of impenetrable dense scrub. May contain a pond.

10 Timber stable building with corrugated metal roof. Low bat roost potential. Suitable for breeding swallow.

11 3 mature horse chestnuts with cracks and peeling bark. Moderate bat potential.

12 Garden pond, 10x4m with white water-lily, pendulous sedge and small area of Himalayan balsam at one end. Contains large ornamental carp.

13 Mature Leylandii hedge (<20m) with some elder, bramble and nettle under. Small area of Himalayan balsam at E end.

14 Orchard with c.12 apple trees.

One old plum stump with rotten centre, but no obvious signs of bat use.

15 1950s / 60s bungalow. Tiled roof and gable ends. Generally well maintained, low-moderate bat potential.

Prefabricated garage with no bat potential.

16 Single storey stable blocks .Concrete and timber construction with corrugated metal roof. Low bat roost potential.

17 Stable block and barn. Concrete construction with corrugated metal roof. Low bat roost potential.

Western end

Eastern end

18 Office building. Corrugated metal construction. Low bat roost potential.

19 Boundary – scrubby hedgerow with bramble, hawthorn, English elm, elder, ivy and nettle. Large mature ivy-covered oak on boundary with moderate bat potential. Slightly smaller sycamore set back from boundary with low-moderate bat potential.

20 Moderately diverse unmanaged hedge <8m. Hawthorn, blackthorn, elm, bramble, dogwood, field maple.

21 Stable block. Concrete and timber construction with corrugated metal roof. Low bat roost potential.

22 Open fronted barn used for vehicle storage. Corrugated metal construction. Low bat roost potential.

23 Delmar Hall – 1950s brick built with tiled roof. Soffits and fascias recently maintained with no obvious access points. Low bat potential. Surrounded by amenity / poor SI grassland with planted semi-mature broadleaved trees; including cherry, birch and sycamore.

24 Fenced off section of ditch; probably dry most of the time but with a small amount of water following heavy rain. Becoming wetter towards N end, feeding into a small pond with stone wall sides and yellow water-lily (not accessible).

Row of large coppiced alder at N end of ditch, <15m, and old pollarded willow, moderate bat potential. At S end 5 mature oak including 1 veteran tree with significant rotten centre – high bat potential, others moderate (heavy ivy cover). Dead badger at base of veteran oak.

5 Barn of corrugated metal construction with low bat roost potential.

26 Modern barn / stable. Blockwork / steel construction, low bat potential.

27 Hedge alongside track with mature sycamore at W end (moderate bat potential) and some ivy- covered pollarded poplar sp. with moderate potential.

28 ‘Sand school’ area

29 Area of bare earth and tall ruderal weeds with piles of rubble and sheet metal; likely to provide reptile habitat.

Figure 3: Designated sites of nature conservation value

Appendix 1: Designated sites of nature conservation value (refer also to Figure 3)

SNCI (Bristol) BRERC SNCI Site name Site Description Species Habitat identity no. BC7 Bamfield and Briery Bamfield and Briery Leaze Road is a Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria), Once unimproved neutral Leaze Road triangular site in south Bristol, bounded by Meadowsweet (Filipendular ulmaria) grassland, with scattered scrub roads to the east and west, and enclosed and hedges, it still retains some of by housing to the south. this character. There are also damper regions to the east. BC40 Knowle Golf Course Situated in SE Bristol. Centred around Burnet Saxifrage, Fairy Flax, Unimproved & semi-improved Flowers Hill, with its moderate to steep Strawberry Clover, Pyramidal calcareous grassland. slopes. It is bordered by housing to the Orchid, English Elm, Ash, English Broadleaved woodland. south-west and north, by playing fields to Oak, Field Maple, Spindle, Wood Hedgerows. Wet ditches, stream, the north-west and east and by Melick, Populations of amphibians, pond. 3 areas of woodland (2 Stockwood Open Space SNCI to the marsh & aquatic plants. Short-fruited semi-natural broadleaved). Part of south. Willow-herb, Hairy Brome, stinking Brislington Brook forms W edge & Iris, Sweet Violet. has well-developed bankside vegetation. BC78 Stockwood Open Space Stockwood Open Space, in south-east Kidney Vetch, Yellow-wort, S Marsh Old farm meadows, hedgerows, Bristol, is a large area comprising a Orchid, Pepper-saxifrage, Smooth broadleaved & coniferous mosaic habitatats. Tare, Grass Vetchling, Bath woodland, scrub, marshland, Asparagus, Twayblade, Hard Shield ponds, a stream, a reedbed and a Fern, Breeding warblers, Bats, restored tip. Smooth & GC Newt, Glow-worms, Dragonflies, Silver-washed & DG Frit, Small Blue BC67 Sturminster Road Sturminster Road is an extensive north- Pale Flax, Short-fruited Wilow-herb, Woodland, scrub, tall ruderal south linear site, centred around a Stincking Iris, Bee Orchid, Field vegetation, grassland & stream, disused railway in south-east Bristol. Penny-cress, Strawberry Clover, with associated marginal Marsh Yellow-cress. vegetation. Rough grassland adjacent to path (on old track bed). Amenity grassland + patch of woodland along stream section. BN293 Charlton Bottom and Running water (streams), with associated unknown Queen Charlton marginal habitats, semi-natural Watercourse broadleaved woodland and scrub BN71 Hursley Hill road verge Unimproved neutral grassland Species rich verge with: pyramidal orchid (abudant), bee orchid, dyers greenweed, greenhairstreak, yellowwort, fairy flax, common milkwort, basil, wild onion,

SNCI (Bristol) BRERC SNCI Site name Site Description Species Habitat identity no. Dianthus barbatus, Lupinus CF Polyphyllos Hybridii, adder etc. BN75 Land at Whitchurch Neutral grassland. Lesser water parsnip, Spiny restharrow, Field scabious, Black knapweed, Common spike rush, Common centurary, Lady's bedstraw, Quaking grass, Fairy flax, Hoary plantain, Woolly thistle. BN21 Maes Knoll Semi-natural and planted broadleaved Unknown, but northern part of site woodland, scrub, semi-improved neutral is grassland with calcicoles such grassland and geological interest as wild thyme, salad burnet etc and pepper saxifrage. BN70 Publow Brook and Running water (stream), standing water Birds include dipper and spotted Not known for all sections. adjacent land (lake) with associated marginal habitats, flycatcher. Diverse damp grassland. Species include: corky fruited planted mixed woodland and semi- Bracken. water dropwort, narrow leaved improved neutral grassland everlasting pea, Trailing St John's Wort, quaking grass, common spotted orchid, marsh bedstraw, ragged robin, sawwort, dyers greenweed, western gorse etc. BN163 Stockwood Golf Course Unimproved calcareous grassland Not fully known, but species recorded include salad burnet, glaucous sedge, fairy flax, horay plantain. BN162 Stockwood Open Space Unimproved calcareous and neutral Mosaic of semi-natural habitat grassland, semi-natural broadleaved containing kidney vetch, woodland, scrub, running water (stream), yellowwort, southern marsh orchid, standing water (pond), with associated smooth tare, gress vetchling, bath marginal habitats asparagus, twayblade, hard sheild fern. Unknown for B&NES section. BN77 Stockwood Vale woods Semi-natural broadleaved woodland and Long covert: elm and bramble. Wood Varied woodland including scrub covert: part oak/field bluebell, bath asparagus, maple/hornbeam & varied ground goldilocks buttercup. flora. Mutton Court: sycamore, horse chestnut, ash & hornbeam. Middle covert: recently cleared Further covert:. Hedges

SNCI (Bristol) BRERC SNCI Site name Site Description Species Habitat identity no. BN161 Sturminster Road Unimproved neutral and calcareous Diverse semi-natural habitats with grassland, semi-natural broadleaved notable species present: short- woodland, scrub and running water fruited willowherb, stinking iris, (stream) with associated marginal nationally notable moth habitats (Pelovhrista caecimaculana), pale flax, strawberry clover, field penny- cress, marsh yellow-cress. Unknown reason for B&NES area. BN76 West Keynsham field Unimproved and semi-improved neutral Marshy field with abundant sedges Marshy grassland: sedges and grassland, marshy grassland, hedges and and good range of herbs. Other field rushes, and a good range of herbs: scrub best on slope: devils bit scabious, ragged robin, fleabane, marsh burnet saxifrage, cowslip, lady's ragwort etc. bedstraw, glaucous sedge. BN187 Wooscombe complex Unimproved neutral and calcareous Wood club rush, badger. The grassland, semi-improved neutral cement works and other land to grassland, planted broadleaved north contain many notable plants, woodland, scrub and running water and a diversity of butterflies and (stream) with associated marginal birds. habitats

Appendix 2: Species legislation and conservation status

Invertebrates A number of UK invertebrates are protected by international and national legislation, including the EC Habitats Directive (1992) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In addition, numerous species are Priority Species under the UK BAP.

Plants All wild plants are protected against unauthorised removal or uprooting under Section 13 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Plants listed on Schedule 8 of the Act (e.g. stinking goosefoot, red helleborine, monkey orchid) are afforded additional protection against picking, uprooting, destruction and sale. Bluebell ( Hyacinthoides non-scripta ) is protected against sale only. Further species are also protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010.

Notable plant species include those that are listed as: • Nationally vulnerable – A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A-E for Vulnerable, and is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild (Cheffings C M & Farrell L (Eds) (2005) Species Status No. 7 – The Vascular Red Data List for Britain , JNCC (online) • Nationally scarce – species recorded in 16-100 hectads in Great Britain • Nationally rare – species occurring in 15 or fewer hectads in Great Britain

Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) prohibits the planting of certain invasive plant species in the wild, or otherwise causing them to grow there. Prohibited plants are listed on Part 2 of Schedule 9 and include Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

Amphibians There are seven native amphibian species present in Britain. These are afforded varying degrees of protection under national and European legislation. Great crested newts and their habitat are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010. Together, this legislation makes it illegal to: • Deliberately or intentionally capture, kill or injure a great crested newt. • Damage or destroy any place used for shelter or protection, including resting or breeding places; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to such a place. • Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb great crested newts.

Great crested newt and common toad are Priority Species under the UK BAP.

Reptiles Slow-worm, viviparous/common lizard, adder and grass snake are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) against intentional killing and injuring. These species are also UK BAP Priority Species.

Birds The bird breeding season generally lasts from March to early September for most species. All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and the Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. This legislation makes it illegal, both intentionally and recklessly, to: • kill, injure or take any wild bird; • take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or in use; • take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird

Furthermore, birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are protected against intentional or reckless disturbance whilst nest building and when at or near a nest containing eggs or young. Dependent young of Schedule 1 species are also protected against disturbance.

In addition to this legal protection, the leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations in the UK have reviewed the population status of the birds regularly found here and produced a list of birds of conservation concern. Of the 246 species assessed, 52 were placed on the Red List of high conservation concern, 126 on the Amber List of medium conservation concern and 68 on the Green List of low conservation concern: • Red list species are those that are Globally Threatened according to IUCN criteria; those whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery. • Amber list species are those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe; those whose population or range has declined moderately in recent years; and those with internationally important or localised populations.

Badgers Badger ( Meles meles ) is a widespread and common species. However, they are legally protected under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, due to animal welfare concerns. Under this legislation it is illegal to:

• Wilfully kill, injure, take, or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or attempt to do so • Intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett by disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, damaging or destroying a sett, or obstructing access to it.

A badger sett is defined in the legislation as “ any structure or place, which displays signs indicating current use by a badger ”.

Bats There are 17 species of bats found in the UK. The UK conservation status of these species is summarised in the table below:

Common name Scientific name UK conservation UK BAP status Priority Greater horseshoe Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Endangered Yes Lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros Endangered Yes Daubenton’s Myotis daubentonii Not threatened No Brandt’s Myotis brandtii Endangered No Whiskered Myotis mystacinus Endangered No Natterer’s Myotis nattereri Not threatened No Bechstein’s Myotis bechsteinii Rare Yes Greater mouse-eared Myotis myotis Status unknown No Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Not threatened No Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus Not threatened Yes Nathusius’s pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii Rare No Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Vulnerable No Noctule Nyctalus noctula Vulnerable Yes Leisler’s Nyctalus leisleri Vulnerable No Barbastelle Barbastellabarabastellus Rare Yes Brown long-eared Plectorus auritus Not threatened Yes Grey long-eared Plectorus austriacus Rare No

All bat species are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010. Together, this legislation makes it illegal to: • Deliberately or intentionally capture, kill or injure a bat. • Damage or destroy a bat roost; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to bat roosts. • Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb bats.

A bat roost is defined in the legislation as “ any structure or place which a bat uses for shelter or protection ”. Roosts are protected whether or not bats are present at the time.

Otter Otters ( Lutra lutra ) are fully protected under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010. Together, this legislation makes it illegal to: • Deliberately or intentionally take, kill or injure an otter

• Damage or destroy any structure or place used for shelter or protection by an otter; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to such a place. • Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb an otter whilst it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection Otter is listed as a Priority Species on the UK BAP.

Common/Hazel dormouse The common dormouse is fully protected under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species 2010. Together, this legislation makes it illegal to: • Deliberately or intentionally take, kill or injure a dormouse. • Damage or destroy any structure or place used for shelter or protection by a dormouse; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to such a place. • Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb a dormouse whilst it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection The dormouse is a Priority Species under the UK BAP.

Appendix 3: Species list

Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Trees and shrubs Acer campestre Field maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut Corylus avellana Hazel Cupressocyparis leylandii Leyland cypress Fagus sylvatica Beech Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ilex aquifolium Holly Malus sp. Apple sp. Populus sp. Hybrid poplar sp. Quercus sp. Oak species Salix cinerea Grey willow Sorbus aucuparia European rowan Ulmus sp. Elm species Shrubs Cornus sanguinea Common dogwood Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Lonicera pericyclamen Honeysuckle Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa arvensis Field rose Rosa canina Dog-rose Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble/Blackberry Sambucus nigra Elder Herbs Achillea millefolium Yarrow Aegopodium podagraria Ground elder Anthriscus sylvestris Cow parsley Arctium lappa Greater burdock Arum maculatum Wild arum Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed Cerastium fontanum Common mouse-ear Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Dipsacus sylvestris Wild teasel Epilobium hirsutum Great willowherb Equisetum arvense Common horsetail Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Galium aparine Cleavers Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved cranes-bill Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert Hedera helix Ivy Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Hypochaeris radicata Cat’s-ear Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye daisy Lonicera periclymenum Common honeysuckle Lotus corniculatus Bird’s-foot trefoil Myosotis arvensis Forget-me-not Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain

Scientific Name Common Name Plantago major Greater plantain Potentilla anserina Silverweed Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Pulicaria dysenterica Common fleabane Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Rumex obtusifolius Broadleaved dock Silene dioica Red Campion Sonchus asper Prickly sow thistle Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort Tamus communis Black bryony Taraxacum sp. Dandelion Trifolium pratense Red clover Trifolium repens White clover Urtica dioica Common nettle Veronica chamaedrys Germander speedwell Vicia cracca Tufted vetch Grasses, sedges and rushes

Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent Alopecurus pratensis Meadow foxtail Arrhenatherum elatius False oat-grass Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot Festuca rubra Red fescue Glyceria fluitans Floating sweetgrass Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog Elytrigia repens Common couch Poa trivialis Rough meadow-grass Lolium perenne Perennial rye-grass