Proposed Demolition and Remediation of Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire

Ecological Assessment

A report to:

Nottinghamshire County Council County Hall West Bridgeford Nottingham NG2 7QP

By:

EMEC Ecology The Old Ragged School Brook Street Nottingham NG1 1EA

Tel: 0115 964 4828 Fax: 0115 964 4829 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.emec-ecology.co.uk

February 2015

DRAFT REPORT Proposed Demolition of Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire Ecological Assessment

CONTENTS

Chapter Page No.

Executive Summary 3

1. Introduction 6 2. Site Description 6 3. Methodology 7 3.1 Desk Study 7 3.2 Ecological Survey 7 3.3 Ecological Evaluation Criteria 8 3.4 Mitigation Measures 8 4. Results 9 4.1 Desk Study 9 4.2 Ecological Walk-over Survey 14 5. Evaluation 19 5.1 Designated Nature Conservation Sites 19 5.2 Habitats 19 5.3 Protected/notable Species 20 5.4 Summary of Main Potential Ecological Issues 21 6. Mitigation Recommendations 22 7. Compensation and Enhancement Recommendations 25 7.1 Habitats 25 8. Further Survey Recommendations 25 8.1 Nesting Birds 25

References 26

Appendix 1: Figures 27 Figure 1: Site Location Plan 27 Figure 2: Survey Area, Survey Features and Target Notes 28 Appendix 2: Protected Species Survey Reports 29 A. Bat Survey 29 B. Bird Survey 44 C. Invertebrate Survey 52 D. Reptile Survey 65 Appendix 3: Protected Species Legislation/ National Conservation Status 70 Appendix 4: Botanical Species List 74

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Proposed Works

The proposed works involve the demolition and remediation of the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre site. The works are due to take place during summer 2016. Detailed site proposals are not available at this stage.

Method of Study

EMEC Ecology’s brief was to carry out ecological surveys to identify potential ecological issues associated with the proposed works and make recommendations for general mitigation, compensation and further surveys, as appropriate.

To meet the requirements of the brief, a desk study, ecological walk-over survey and specific bat, bird, reptile and invertebrate surveys of the site and the immediate surroundings were carried out. The desk study involved consulting various organisations to provide previous species records and information on designated sites of nature conservation importance from the site and vicinity.

Results

Sherwood Forest is currently under consideration for SPA status due to its substantial populations of nightjar and woodlark. The Visitor Centre lies within the Birklands and Bilhaugh SAC and SSSI, and also within Sherwood Forest NNR. The entire Visitor Centre site is also located within Sherwood Forest LWS.

The semi-natural broad-leaved woodland surrounding the Visitor Centre forms the primary habitat associated with the SAC designation. The area surveyed included numerous veteran oak trees (including trees immediately adjacent to the Visitor Centre buildings), mature trees and semi-mature trees, forming a mixed age class. The site was noted to support important invertebrate assemblages and habitat for nesting and foraging birds. The open areas also provided suitable habitat for reptiles (common lizard were recorded). Many veteran and mature trees supported features considered suitable for summer roosting bats and one tree was identified which had the potential to support hibernating bats.

Conclusions

The main potential impact of the proposed works would be the potential loss of veteran trees. However, there are currently no plans to remove any trees during the demolition and remediation works and it is considered that, providing recommendations are followed, there will in fact be a positive impact on the ecological value of the area upon completion.

Recommendations

Please refer to Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the report for more detailed recommendations.

Mitigation Recommendations  No works should occur outside the existing extent of the hardstanding / building footprints.  Works should start in autumn as leaf fall is occurring and trees are approaching winter dormancy.

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 The building demolition works should be undertaken first, with all access carried out using existing roads / paths. Following the completion of demolition works and removal of the resultant material, works could then commence to remove areas of hardstanding.  The demolition of the buildings should be undertaken in a manner that will not result in rubble being deposited beyond the extent of the existing building footprint. All materials resulting from the demolition of the buildings should not be left to stand an site and should be removed immediately.  All trees and shrubs should remain unaffected by the proposed works. All deadwood (standing or lying) should remain undisturbed.  No storage of materials, equipment and plant should take place under the ‘drip-zone’ of mature trees.  Best practice should be followed to ensure individual mature trees are not adversely affected. It is likely that Heras type fencing will be required to protect the veteran trees and areas of woodland and to ensure there is no transgression of vehicles.  During the demolition and remediation works machinery should avoid driving over any grassland areas.  The invasive plants Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam should not be disturbed / caused to spread during the works. Ideally, a programme of eradication should be undertaken.  It is recommended that the ponds be retained.  If any common amphibians are found during the proposed works, they should be removed carefully by hand to areas away from the works.  As a precaution, general good working practices with respect to badgers should be adhered to  No impacts should occur to the mature trees during the demolition works. If it becomes necessary to remove a specific tree a detailed inspection of that tree will be required.  All building demolition works and removal of areas of hardstanding should be undertaken outside the bird breeding season (March to September, inclusive). As woodlark (a Schedule 1 species) nest on disturbed ground, it is recommended that works proceed as quickly as possible, once the hardstanding has been removed.  Ideally all deadwood in the trees should be left in place to decay.  The underground electrical cable tunnel close to the ranger’s office in the main Visitor Centre compound, where the cave spiders occur, should be retained if possible.

Compensation and Enhancement Recommendations  It is recommended that the footprint of the Visitor Centre and the immediately adjacent area is restored to wood pasture, with a variety of native broad-leaved trees and shrubs. This will increase the structural diversity and allow for a variety of bird nesting sites and an abundance of invertebrate prey.  The footprint of the car parks and the childrens play area should be restored to acid grassland and heath mosaic. Ideally, the acid grassland and heath habitats should be restored through translocation or green hay collection from close-by.  The occurrence of bee orchids adjacent to the picnic area suggests that there is a mixture of soil types in the area. Therefore an area of neutral grassland should also be retained.  It is also recommended that some areas be managed as open clearings within the woodland habitat. Open ground can be managed to provide specific requirements for ground-feeding birds and pollen/nectar sources for invertebrates.  It is also recommended that to increase the breeding potential of the area more bird boxes are placed into the woodland area at differing points to allow different bird species to thrive.

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Further Survey Recommendations  If it is necessary to carry out any vegetation removal during the bird breeding season, then a survey must be carried out by a qualified ecologist prior to works going ahead to ensure that no active nests will be affected. If active nests were found then work would have to be delayed until all chicks had fledged.

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1. INTRODUCTION

This report has been prepared by EMEC Ecology for Nottinghamshire County Council. It provides the details of a desk study and an ecological assessment of the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre site.

The proposed works involve the demolition and remediation of the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre site. The works are due to take place during summer 2016. Detailed site proposals are not available at this stage.

The site is located north of the village of Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, in Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve (NNR). The location of the site is shown at Figure 1, Appendix 1. The approximate central grid reference of the site is SK 626 677.

EMEC Ecology’s brief was to carry out an extended Phase-1 habitat survey and protected species surveys of the site. To meet the requirements of the brief, a desk study and an ecological walk-over survey of the site were carried out by suitably qualified ecologists. In addition, bat, bird, reptile and invertebrate surveys, including a specific survey for nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) were carried out in order to assess the status of protected and notable species on site.

2. SITE DESCRIPTION

The survey area is situated in a rural environment, to the north of the village of Edwinstowe (Appendix 1; Figure 1).

The Visitor Centre is located within Sherwood Forest NNR, part of the Birklands and Bilhaugh Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and is surrounded by broad-leaved trees on all sides. It is comprised of a collection of buildings (including shops, restaurants and exhibition centres), hardstanding (such as paths and car parks), situated within a forest clearing.

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3. METHODOLOGY

3.1 Desk Study

This involved consultation to obtain any existing records of protected and/or notable species and designated nature conservation sites e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) from the site to a distance of approximately 2km (this will be referred to as the ‘study area’). The following organisations were contacted:

 Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre.  Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (County Mammal Recorder).  Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (Magic web site for statutory nature conservation sites).

Bird records were obtained from a previous study carried out in 2006 (ECUS 2006). Invertebrate records for the survey area were obtained from a previous study (Entotax 2006) and records for the wider area were obtained from a variety of sources (see Appendix 2; Protected Species Surveys: Invertebrate Report for further details).

3.2 Ecological Survey

3.2.1 Ecological Walk-over Survey An ecological walk-over survey of the site was conducted and notes were made on the Phase-1 habitat types present (JNCC 2010) and their suitability for protected species. Target notes were used to record any habitats or features of particular interest and any sightings, signs or evidence of protected or notable faunal species or any potential habitat for such species, as detailed below:

 The suitability of habitats for badgers (Meles meles) was recorded and any evidence of badgers including setts, dung pits, badger paths, hairs, bedding, footprints and scratching trees was noted.  The suitability of habitats was assessed for amphibians (including great crested newt Triturus cristatus) and reptiles.  The suitability of habitats was assessed for nesting birds.

3.2.2 Additional Surveys Separate surveys were carried out for bats, birds, reptiles and invertebrates including specific nightjar surveys. See Protected Species Reports in Appendix 2 for detailed methodologies.

3.2.3 Survey Details EMEC Ecology carried out the ecological walk-over survey in June 2014. See Protected Species Reports in Appendix 2 for details of separate surveys.

3.2.4 Survey Limitations Surveying in June is ideal as it is during the plant growing season (i.e. April to September) when many plant species are flowering and are easily identifiable. Also, faunal species are active at this time of year. Limitations regarding the species-specific surveys are included within the reports in Appendix 2.

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3.3 Ecological Evaluation Criteria

Ecological evaluation was undertaken using a combination of evaluation criteria for both habitats and species although the general framework follows that provided by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM 2006). Key categories are as follows:

 International value (internationally designated sites or sites supporting populations of internationally important species);  National value (nationally designated sites (e.g. SSSI) or sites supporting viable populations of nationally important species);  Regional value (sites exceeding county-level designations but not meeting SSSI criteria or supporting viable populations of species on the regional Biodiversity Action Plan, BAP);  County value (county sites (e.g. Local Wildlife Site) and other sites which meet the published ecological selection criteria for county designation, a viable area of habitat identified on the county BAP);  District value (sites/features that are scarce within the District and appreciably enrich the District’s habitat resource);  Parish value (areas of habitat considered to appreciably enrich the habitat resource within the context of a parish or neighbourhood);  Sub-parish value (common, low grade habitats).

Additional criteria employed were from the following:

 Schedules and Annexes of UK and European wildlife legislation (e.g. Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2010;  International conventions on wildlife (e.g. Bern Convention, Bonn convention);  Habitats and Species of Principal Biological Importance listed on Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006);  UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP 2007);  County Biodiversity Action Plan (Nottinghamshire BAG 1998);  Taxa-specific conservation lists (e.g. Birds of Conservation Concern, Eaton et al., 2009).

3.4 Mitigation Measures

Wherever possible, mitigation measures have been proposed for adverse ecological effects.

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4. RESULTS

4.1 Desk Study1

4.1.1 Designated Nature Conservation Sites a) Statutory Sites The Visitor Centre lies within the Birklands and Bilhaugh SAC and also within Sherwood Forest NNR. Further details are provided in Table 4.1 below.

Table 4.1: Closest Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites to the Survey Area

Site Location and Approx. Distance Reason for Selection from Survey Area Birklands and Centred on SK 630 686 An old acidophilous oak woodland with Bilhaugh SAC and Visitor Centre occurs within the SAC English oak on sandy plains, for which this is SSSI and SSSI. The development site only one of four known outstanding includes part of the SSSI along the localities in the UK. Includes tracts of acid north western edge of the survey area. grasslands and heath. Sherwood Forest Centred on SK 615 680 An extensive remnant of the historic NNR Visitor Centre within the NNR. Sherwood Forest including excellent examples of the characteristic woodland and heathland communities – of profound and diverse zoological interest with, in particular, a nationally important invertebrate fauna. b) Non-statutory Sites The survey area occurs within Sherwood Forest Local Wildlife Site (LWS). There are no other LWS within 1km of the survey area. c) Other Designations Sherwood Forest is under consideration for Special Protection Area (SPA) status under the EU Birds Directive.

4.1.2 Protected/notable Faunal Species There are previous records of common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) within the close vicinity of the Visitor Centre. They were observed in ‘good numbers’ at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre (SK 622 684) between 1985 and 1993. There is also a record of a noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) roost within the survey area, at SK 626 675, in a tree located near the road verge.

There are no other previous records of protected or notable species from within the survey area; however, there are records of badgers, bats, water voles (Arvicola amphibius), reptiles and common amphibian species from within the study area (see Table 4.2 overleaf). Protected species legislation details are provided in Appendix 3.

Previous records of notable invertebrate species can be found in Appendix 2; Protected Species Surveys: Invertebrate Report.

1 A copy of the full desk study data is available upon request.

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Table 4.2: Protected / Notable Faunal Species within the Study Area

Species Approx. Distance from Survey Area Legislation / Conservation Status Amphibians Common toad Several records exist. The closest recent record is Protected from sale under Bufo bufo from 2009, which occurs for 1km grid square SK UK legislation. UK BAP 6269, which places the record at least 1.1km north Priority Species. SoCC in of the survey area. Nottinghamshire. Common frog Several records exist. The closest recent record is Protected from sale under Rana temporaria from 2010, which occurs 1.2km north west of the UK legislation. SoCC in survey area. Nottinghamshire. Smooth newt Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, Protected from sale under Lissotriton vulgaris which occurs 1.4km to the north west of the survey UK legislation. SoCC in area. Nottinghamshire. Reptiles Common Lizard Numerous records exist; the closest is from 2010, Protected under UK Zootoca vivipara which occurs within the survey area. legislation against deliberate or reckless killing and injuring and sale. UK BAP Priority Species. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Grass snake A single record exists from 1994, which occurs Protected under UK Natrix natrix 1.2km to the south of the survey area. legislation against deliberate or reckless killing and injuring and sale. UK BAP Priority Species. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Slow worm A single record exists from 2007, which occurs Protected under UK Anguis fragilis 1.4km north west of the survey area. legislation against deliberate or reckless killing and injuring and sale. UK BAP Priority Species. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Mammals Pipistrelle bat Numerous records exist. The closest record is from Animal and roost fully Pipistrellus 2002, which occurs 300m south west of the survey protected under UK and pipistrellus area. European legislation. County BAP Priority Species. Common Two records exist. The closest record is from 2010, Animal and roost fully pipistrelle which occurs within the survey area. protected under UK and Pipistrellus European legislation. pipistrellus UK BAP and County BAP Priority Species. Soprano pipistrelle A few records exist. The closest record is from Animal and roost fully bat 2010, which occurs within the survey area. protected under UK and Pipistrellus pygmaeus European legislation. UK BAP and County BAP Priority Species. Brown long-eared The closest recent record is from 2012, which Animal and roost fully bat occurs within the survey area. This is known to be a protected under UK and Plecotus auritus roost site. European legislation. UK BAP and County BAP Priority Species.

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Species Approx. Distance from Survey Area Legislation / Conservation Status Noctule bat Numerous records exist. The closest record is from Animal and roost fully Nyctalus noctula 2010, which occurs within the survey area. protected under UK and European legislation. UK BAP and County BAP Priority Species. Leisler’s bat Numerous records exist. The closest record is from Animal and roost fully Nyctalus leisleri 2010, which occurs within the survey area. protected under UK and European legislation. County BAP Priority Species. Daubenton’s bat A few records exist. The closest record is from Animal and roost fully Myotis daubentonii 2008, which occurs 1.3km east of the survey area. protected under UK and European legislation. County BAP Priority Species. Natterer’s bat A few records exist. The closest record is from Animal and roost fully Myotis nattereri 2008, which occurs 1.3km east of the survey area. protected under UK and European legislation. County BAP Priority Species. Whiskered / A few records exist. The closest recent record is Animal and roost fully Brandt’s bat from 2009, which occurs 2.2km east of the survey protected under UK and Myotis mystacinus / area. European legislation. M. brandtii County BAP Priority Species. Water vole Several records exist. The closest record is from UK BAP Priority Species. Arvicola amphibius 2002, which occurs 300m south of the survey area. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Brown hare Several records exist; the closest record is from UK BAP Priority Species. Lepus europaeus 2004, which occurs 680m west of the survey area. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Badger A record exists from 2008, which occurs 1.2km Protected under UK Meles meles from the survey area. legislation from wilful killing, injury, taking, or cruel treatment. It is also illegal to intentionally or recklessly interfere with a badger sett. Hedgehog A single record exists from 2013, which occurs UK BAP Priority Species. Erinaceus europaeus 1.9km east of the survey area. SoCC in Nottinghamshire. Birds Crossbill Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, Protected under UK Loxia curvirostra which occurs within the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Cuckoo Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, Red-listed Species of Cuculus canorus which occurs within the survey area. Conservation Concern (SoCC) (see Appendix 2 for criteria). UK BAP Priority Species. Lesser redpoll Numerous records exist; the closest is from 2012, Red-listed SoCC. UK Carduelis cabaret which occurs within the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Lesser spotted Numerous records exist; the closest is from 2012, Red-listed SoCC. UK woodpecker which occurs within the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Dendrocopos minor Linnet Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, Red-listed SoCC. UK Carduelis cannabina which occurs within the survey area. BAP Priority Species.

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Species Approx. Distance from Survey Area Legislation / Conservation Status Marsh tit Numerous records exist; the closest is from 2012, Protected under UK Poecile palustris which occurs within the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). BAP Priority Species. Redwing Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, Protected under UK Turdus iliacus which occurs within the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Red-listed SoCC. Spotted flycatcher Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, Red-listed SoCC. UK Muscicapa striata which occurs within the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Tree pipit Numerous records exist; the closest is from 2012, Red-listed SoCC. UK Anthus trivialis which occurs within the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Willow tit A few records exist; the closest is from 2010, which Red-listed SoCC. UK Poecile montanus occurs within the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Wood lark Numerous records exist; the closest record is from Protected under UK Lullula arborea 2012, which occurs within the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). UK BAP Priority Species. Hen harrier A few records exist; the closest is from 2009, which Protected under UK Circus cyaneus occurs 200m to the west of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Red-listed SoCC. Wood warbler A single record exists from 2008, which occurs Red-listed SoCC. UK Phylloscopus 200m to the west of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. sibilatrix Fieldfare Several records exist. A record from 2009 occurs Protected under UK Turdus pilaris for the 1km grid square SK 6367, which places the legislation (WCA Sch1). record at least 250m east the survey area. Red-listed SoCC. Goshawk Several records exist; the closest is from 2009, Protected under UK Accipiter gentilis which occurs 250m to the east of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Grey partridge A few records exist. A record from 2009 occurs for Red-listed SoCC. UK Perdix perdix the 1km grid square SK 6367, which places the BAP Priority Species. record at least 250m east of the survey area. Hobby A few records exist; the closest is from 2008, which Protected under UK Falco Subbuteo occurs 250m to the east of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Peregrine falcon A single record exists from 2008 occurs for the 1km Protected under UK Falco peregrinus grid square SK 6367, which places the record at legislation (WCA Sch1). least 250m east of the survey area. Brambling Several records exist; the closest is from 2009, Protected under UK Fringilla which occurs 450m to the south of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). montifringilla Corn bunting A few records exist; the closest is from 2008, which Red-listed SoCC. UK Emberiza calandra occurs 450m to the south of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. European honey- A single record exists from 2009, which occurs Protected under UK buzzard 450m to the south of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Pernis apivorus Whooper swan A few records exist; the closest is from 2009, which Protected under UK Cygnus Cygnus occurs 450m to the south of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Nightjar A few records exist; the closest is from 2012, which Red-listed SoCC. UK Caprimulgus occurs 1.5km to the west of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. europaeus Nottinghamshire BAP Species. Grasshopper A single record exists from 2011 for the 1km grid Red-listed SoCC. UK warbler square SK 6066, which places the record at least BAP Priority Species. Locustella naevia 1.5km west of the survey area. Bullfinch Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, UK BAP Priority Species. Pyrrhula pyrrhula which occurs 1.7km to the east of the survey area.

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Species Approx. Distance from Survey Area Legislation / Conservation Status Starling A few records exist; the closest is from 2009, which Red-listed SoCC. UK Sturnus vulgaris occurs 1.7km north west of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Dunnock Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, UK BAP Priority Species. Prunella modularis which occurs 1.7km to the east of the survey area. Herring gull A few records exist; the closest is from 2009, which Red-listed SoCC. UK Larus argentatus occurs 1.7km to the east of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Lapwing A single record exists from 2008, which occurs Red-listed SoCC. UK Vanellus vanellus 1.7km north west of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Reed bunting A few records exist; the closest is from 2009, which UK BAP Priority Species. Emberiza schoeniclus occurs 1.7km north west of the survey area. Ring ouzel A single record exists from 2009, which occurs Red-listed SoCC. UK Turdus torquatus 1.7km north west of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Tree sparrow A single record exists from 2009, which occurs Red-listed SoCC. UK Passer montanus 1.7km north west of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Yellow wagtail A single record exists from 2010, which occurs Red-listed SoCC. UK Motacilla flava 1.7km to the north west of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Yellowhammer Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, Red-listed SoCC. UK Emberiza citrinella which occurs 1.7km to the east of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Hawfinch Numerous records exist; the closest is from 2010, Red-listed SoCC. UK Coccothraustes which occurs 2km north east of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. coccothraustes House sparrow A single record exists from 2008, which occurs 2km Red-listed SoCC. UK Passer domesticus north east of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Marsh harrier A single record exists from 2009, which occurs 2km Protected under UK Circus aeruginosus north east of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Bewick’s swan A single record exists from 2012, which occurs Listed under Schedule 1 Cygnus columbianus 2.8km to the south east of the survey area. of the WCA 1981 (as amended), which makes it an offence to disturb a bird while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird. UK BAP Priority Species. Firecrest A few records exist; the closest is from 2010, which Protected under UK Regulus ignicapilla occurs 2.8km south east of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Kingfisher A few records exist; the closest is from 2012, which Protected under UK Alcedo atthis occurs 2.8km south east of the survey area. legislation (WCA Sch1). Song thrush Several records exist; the closest is from 2012, Red-listed SoCC. UK Turdus philomelos which occurs 2.8km south east of the survey area. BAP Priority Species. Invertebrates Dark brocade Several records exist. The closest record is from UK BAP and County (moth) 2008, which occurs 1.3km south west of the survey BAP Priority Species. Mniotype adusta area. Common hawker Several records exist. The closest record is from County BAP Priority (dragonfly) 2000, which occurs 1.4km north west of the survey Species. Aeshna juncea area. Black darter A single record exists from 1999, which occurs County BAP Priority (dragonfly) 1.4km north west of the survey area. Species. Sympetrum danae

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4.2 Ecological Walk-over Survey

4.2.1 Habitat Types The following Phase-1 habitat types were recorded (on and immediately adjacent to the survey area):

 Amenity grassland  Bracken  Building  Dense scrub  Hardstanding  Poor semi-improved grassland  Scattered broadleaved tree  Scattered coniferous tree  Semi-natural broadleaved woodland  Standing water  Tall ruderal

Habitat and target note descriptions are provided below. Nomenclature follows that of Stace (1997). In the text species are referred to using their English names. The species list in Appendix 4 provides their scientific names.

4.2.2 Habitat Descriptions a) General The survey area comprised the Visitor Centre buildings and associated car parks, paths and roads and a picnic area located within broad-leaved woodland. A small strip of woodland to the east of Swinecote Road was also included in the survey area. b) Amenity grassland Two areas of amenity grassland occurred within the survey area; around the Visitor Centre car parks and around the picnic area.

The grassland around the car parking areas occurred on banks between parking areas, around paths and alongside roads. Scattered planted trees occurred throughout the area. Frequent perennial rye-grass occurred within the regularly mown areas, with cock’s-foot and false oat-grass occurring in the less frequently managed areas. Dandelion, creeping buttercup and common daisy occurred occasionally throughout the area. Close to the road the grassland also supported ground elder and common cat’s-ear.

The amenity grassland around the picnic area included frequent perennial rye-grass; however it also supported species more indicative of acidic grassland. Species included frequent common bent and occasional sheep’s sorrel. Scattered trees occurred occasionally. Areas of less frequently mown, and more species diverse areas, occurred around the edge of the amenity grassland. c) Bracken Areas of bracken occurred frequently along woodland edges and also formed a significant component of the woodland ground flora around the Visitor Centre and car parking areas and within the woodland to the east of Swinecote Road. The bracken also supported scattered hawthorn scrub and birch saplings.

14 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Proposed Demolition of Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire Ecological Assessment d) Buildings Six buildings exist at the Visitors Centre. These were all single storey structures with either flat or pitched conical shaped roofs with bitumastic felt membrane cover. See Appendix 2; Protected Species Survey: Bat Survey Report for full details. e) Dense scrub Dense gorse scrub occurred along the roadside (Swinecote Road) to the east of the picnic area. Elder and hazel were also present occasionally within the scrub. f) Hardstanding Swinecote Road running close to the eastern boundary of the survey area was of tarmac construction. Roads and car parking areas around the Visitor Centre and picnic areas were also of tarmac. Paths around the Visitor Centre were of gravel.

A car park at the Visitor Centre

g) Poor semi-improved grassland Species-poor grassland occurred around the picnic area. In general this grassland supported species indicating some acidic characteristics, with common bent being abundant and Yorkshire-fog also frequent. Broad-leaved herbs included occasional sheep’s sorrel, white clover and ribwort plantain.

A small area close to the access road (gate closed) into the picnic area off Swinecote Road, supported neutral grassland. Although noted to be species-poor the area did support very occasional common birds-foot-trefoil and four bee orchid spikes (target note 1).

15 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Proposed Demolition of Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire Ecological Assessment h) Scattered broad-leaved tree Scattered trees occurred around the Visitor Centre, car parks and picnic area. The trees around the car park were predominantly semi-mature pedunculate oak trees with silver birch. In places the tarmac of the car park had been laid around mature oak trees. The trees within the oak pasture woodland were mature pedunculate oak and silver birch. The rest of the survey area was comprised of mainly pedunculate oak, with occasional beech, sweet chestnut and sycamore west of the play area. i) Scattered coniferous trees Several mature Scot’s pines occurred around the picnic area. j) Semi-natural broadleaved woodland Broad-leaved woodland surrounded the Visitor Centre, the car parks, the picnic area and the children’s play area. The woodland areas were dominated by pedunculate oak and silver birch, with occasional beech. The understorey was dominated by common nettle, bracken and bramble.

k) Standing water Two small ponds were located behind the Visitor Centre buildings (target note 8). Both ponds contained reed sweet-grass, greater spearwort, floating sweet-grass and water mint. l) Tall ruderal A small area of tall ruderal vegetation, dominated by common nettle occurred adjacent to an area of amenity grassland next to the Visitor Centre car park.

4.2.3 Target Notes The locations of target notes are shown on Figure 2 in Appendix 1.

1) Four bee orchid spikes within the small area of semi-improved grassland, close to the picnic area. 2) Five Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) plants were identified, four were approximately 20cm tall, the fifth was 80cm tall. 3) Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was found within the woodland behind the Visitors Centre buildings. 4) An area of wood pasture to the east of the Visitors Centre buildings. Dominated by veteran oak trees with very limited understory and a ground flora dominated by creeping soft-grass. 5) Open area used for ‘wood crafts’. Dominated by silver birch trees with no veteran or mature oak trees.

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6) Areas of veteran oak trees with bracken dominating the ground flora. 7) A large fallen veteran oak tree creatin habitat for saproxylic invertebrates. 8) Two small ponds located behind the Visitor Centre buildings.

4.2.4 Faunal Species a) Amphibians The two small ponds immediately behind the Visitor Centre buildings (target note 8) were considered to provide suitable breeding habitat for amphibians. Although the ponds were limited in size, they both supported marginal aquatic vegetation and although not confirmed, no fish were observed during the survey. Smooth newt eggs were found on the vegetation in the ponds but no great crested newt eggs were found. Frog tadpoles were also found in large quantities.

The woodland, scrub, grassland and bracken areas within the survey area all provided suitable foraging habitat for amphibians and the areas of lying deadwood provided suitable sheltering and hibernacula opportunities. b) Badger No evidence of badger was found within the survey area. The woodland and scrub habitats provided potential sett building opportunities and the woodland and grassland areas provided potential foraging habitat. c) Bats All buildings were in good repair. No potential access points for bats to enter the buildings were identified. No bat evidence was recorded. Many trees were identified as providing features suitable for roosting bats, ranging from trees with limited potential to those with potential to support maternity colonies. One tree was identified which was considered to have the potential to support hibernating bats due to deep cracks and cavities.

No bats were seen entering or emerging from any of the buildings or trees within the survey area. During the bat activity surveys, soprano pipistrelles, common pipistrelles and noctule bats were all recorded transiting and foraging within the survey area. Soprano pipistrelles were seen swarming around trees 19, 20 and 31, although it was not possible to determine which tree/s they were roosting in. For further details see Appendix 2; Protected Species Surveys: Bat Survey Report. d) Birds Thirty-two species of bird were recorded within the survey area. Of these, twenty-seven species were considered to be breeding, including three red-listed SoCC (marsh tit, song thrush and cuckoo). Six amber-listed SoCC were considered to be breeding (dunnock, mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus), stock dove (Columba oenas), whitethroat (Sylvia communis), willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) and bullfinch).

No nightjar were recorded during either of the nightjar transects and the survey area was not considered to provide any nesting opportunities for nightjar, however a nightjar was recorded churring in the distance to the west of the survey area during a bat transect. Woodlark were recorded roding during the breeding bird transects but the survey area was not considered to provide any nesting opportunities for woodlark. For further details see Appendix 2; Protected Species Surveys: Bird Survey Report.

17 Prepared by EMEC Ecology Tel: 0115 964 4828 Proposed Demolition of Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire Ecological Assessment e) Reptiles During the reptile survey, common lizards were recorded across the whole survey area. The maximum recorded during any one visit was seven individuals. The majority of the individuals were recorded south of the car park, in the woodland edge, the bracken and gorse around the play area. For further details see Appendix 2; Protected Species Surveys: Reptile Survey Report. f) Invertebrates Recent records from within 2km of the survey area list eighty species of invertebrates with a nationally local or higher conservation status. Within the survey area 121 invertebrate species were recorded with a total of 24 saproxylic species (deadwood specialists). Nine species had a conservation status of nationally scarce and six of these were saproxylic. In addition, a colony of cave spiders (Meta bourneti) are known to occur in an electrical cable tunnel adjacent to the ranger’s office in the main Visitor Centre compound (Pers. comm. Visitor Centre staff), one of only two known populations in Nottinghamshire. For further details see Appendix 2; Protected Species Surveys: Invertebrate Survey Report.

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5. EVALUATION

5.1 Designated Nature Conservation Sites a) Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites The Visitor Centre (including the buildings, car parking areas and picnic area) occurs within the Birklands and Bilhaugh SAC and SSSI, and also within the Sherwood Forest NNR. These designations will need to be taken into account with regards to the proposed works. b) Non-Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites The entire survey area is located within Sherwood Forest LWS. LWS is a non-statutory designation used to identify high quality wildlife sites at a county level. It does not consign any legal restrictions; however, it is a material consideration in the planning process. This designation will need to be taken into account with regards to the proposed works.

5.2 Habitats

The evaluation of the habitats on the site is based on the guidelines from CIEEM (IEEM 2006) and is summarised in Table 5.1 below. As indicated the site comprises of habitats ranging from high (‘International’) to low (‘Sub-parish’) value (IEEM 2006).

Table 5.1: Ecological Evaluation of the Habitats at the Visitor Centre

Habitat Reason for Valuation International Value Semi-natural broad- Located within the boundary of the SAC, and forming the primary leaved woodland, habitat associated with the SAC designation. The area surveyed scattered broadleaved included numerous veteran oak trees (including trees immediately trees (mature and veteran adjacent to Visitor Centre buildings), mature trees and semi-mature trees) trees, forming a mixed age class (although some areas were noted to support only veteran trees). The habitat was noted to support important invertebrate assemblages and habitat for nesting and foraging birds. The open areas also provided suitable habitat for reptiles (common lizard were recorded). The mature and veteran trees also supported features suitable for roosting bats. County Value Bracken, poor semi- Although located within the boundary of the SAC, SSSI and NNR, improved grassland, these habitats are considered to be of slightly lower ecological scattered broadleaved value, primarily due to their location adjacent to car parking and and coniferous trees, amenity areas. Although species-poor, these habitats provide dense scrub foraging habitat for a range of faunal species, including invertebrates, reptiles and bats. Parish Value Amenity grassland, tall Although species-poor the amenity grassland areas around the ruderal and scattered picnic area were noted to support flora characteristic of acidic broadleaved trees conditions. Sub-Parish Value Building Man-made habitat that is unlikely to offer potential for protected/notable species. No potential roosting sites for bats were noted within the buildings.

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Habitat Reason for Valuation Hardstanding Man-made habitat that is unlikely to provide opportunities for protected/notable faunal species. The tarmac areas may provide potential basking areas for reptiles.

5.3 Protected/notable Species2 a) Floral Species None of the species recorded during the survey are specifically protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended) or considered rare nationally or locally (e.g. Preston et al. 2002). Also, none are listed as Priority Species on the national BAP (UK BAP 2007) or county BAP (Nottinghamshire BAG 1998).

Two non-native and invasive species were recorded within the survey area, Japanese knotweed (see target note 2) and Himalayan balsam (see target note 3). These species are listed on Schedule 9 of the WCA 1981 (as amended) which makes it an offence to plant or otherwise cause them to grow in the wild. It will be necessary to consider these plants during the works (see Section 6.1.1). b) Faunal Species i) Amphibians Two small ponds were identified behind the ranger’s compound, which were considered to provide suitable breeding habitat for amphibians. However, the rangers are not aware of any great crested newts within the survey area, despite extensive local knowledge. Therefore, it is considered that further survey work with regard to great crested newts is not necessary.

Many of the habitats recorded, such as woodland, scrub, hedgerows and tall ruderal vegetation provided potential foraging and sheltering habitat for amphibians.

If any common amphibians are found during the proposed works, they should be removed carefully by hand to areas away from the works, such as under hedgerows not to be affected by the works (see Section 6.1.2 a). ii) Badger Although no evidence of badger was found within the survey area, the woodland and scrub habitats provide potential habitat for badger sett digging and the woodland and grassland provide potential foraging habitat. There is only one record of badger from within the study area (road death). Therefore, no further survey work or specific mitigation for badgers is considered necessary; however good working practices should be adhered to during the works (see Section 6.1.2 b). iii) Bats Many trees were identified as providing features suitable for roosting bats, ranging from trees with limited potential to those with potential to support maternity colonies or hibernation roosts. It is therefore considered that the trees within the survey area provide an important resource for bats in the locality.

2 Protected species legislation is provided in Appendix 3.

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During the evening bat transects, soprano and common pipistrelles and noctule bats were recorded foraging over the survey area. Soprano pipistrelles were also recorded swarming around trees 19, 20 and 31. Although it was not possible to determine exactly which tree/s the bats were roosting in it should be considered that the specific trees identified and other mature trees in close proximity are highly likely to be used by roosting bats. These trees must not be impacted (see Section 6.1.2 c). iv) Birds Several species of conservation concern were recorded within the survey area e.g. marsh tit, song thrush, cuckoo and green woodpecker. Therefore, the habitats present in the survey area are considered to provide an important resource for bird diversity. The removal of the car parks at the Visitor Centre has the potential to create favoured nesting habitat for woodlark (disturbed, bare ground) which is a Schedule 1 bird. It is therefore suggested that a timed working method be adhered to (see Section 6.1.2 d). v) Reptiles Although common lizards were recorded at the Visitor Centre, it is considered that, as long as works are restricted to areas of hardstanding there will be little or no impact on the lizard population. The car parks and footpaths around the Visitor Centre currently result in a relatively fragmented habitat. Therefore, on completion of the works there will be a potentially positive impact on the ecological value of the area for reptiles. If a wider area is to be impacted, mitigation measures may be required. vi) Invertebrates Nine nationally scarce invertebrates were recorded, particularly around the ancient oak pasture in the north east corner of the survey area. This, coupled with the recent records of eighty nationally import species within 2km of the survey area, many of which are likely to be found within the survey area, highlights the importance of the survey area for its invertebrate communities. If all of the trees and standing and fallen deadwood remain unaffected by the demolition and remediation, particularly mature oaks, then there should be no negative effects on the invertebrate population within the survey area. If these habitats are to be impacted, mitigation measures may be required.

5.4 Summary of Main Potential Ecological Issues

 The main potential impact of the proposed works (i.e. demolition of the Visitor Centre) is considered to be potential disturbance and damage to veteran and mature trees and potential loss of deadwood. This may impact upon bat roosting and invertebrate habitat.

 On completion of the works (i.e. demolition of the Visitor Centre and restoration of the car parking and picnic area) there will potentially be a positive impact on the ecological value of the area.

 Potential impacts to nesting birds if works carried out during the bird breeding season (March to September inclusive).

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6. MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Until finalised development plans have been provided, detailed mitigation measures cannot be provided. However, general recommendations are provided below.

It is understood that the Visitor Centre is due to be demolished during summer 2016. It is recommended that the works be carried out during the late autumn (after September at the earliest) as leaf fall is occurring and trees are approaching winter dormancy. This timing will also avoid the bat activity season and the bird breeding season.

6.1.1 Habitats No works should occur outside the existing extent of the hardstanding / building footprints with all vehicle and pedestrian access confined to existing roads, paths and areas of hardstanding.

Works should start in autumn as leaf fall is occurring and trees are approaching winter dormancy.

The building demolition works should be undertaken first, with all access carried out using existing roads / paths. Following the completion of demolition works and removal of the resultant material, works could then commence to remove areas of hardstanding. Works should start at the furthest location, with vehicles and pedestrians travelling to and from the areas of works via the existing paths.

The demolition of the buildings should be undertaken in a manner that will not result in rubble being deposited beyond the extent of the existing building footprint (i.e. rubble should not be allowed to fall or be discarded on to adjacent areas of habitat). All materials resulting from the demolition of the buildings should not be left to stand an site and should be removed immediately. This will avoid inhabitation by common lizards, amphibians and, depending on the time of year, woodlark.

All trees and shrubs should remain unaffected by the proposed works. All deadwood (standing or lying) should remain undisturbed.

Temporary storage of plant or machinery should be on hardstanding (i.e. existing car park areas) or located off site to avoid unnecessary disturbance to habitats. No storage of materials, equipment and plant should take place under the ‘drip-zone’ of mature trees (i.e. under their canopy). Best practice should be followed (i.e. BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Construction) to ensure individual mature trees are not adversely affected. Where veteran trees occur in the close vicinity of the demolition works (or adjacent to the access route to the buildings to be demolished) a working method will be required to ensure no transgression of machinery or personnel will impact the trees.

It is likely that Heras type fencing will be required to protect the veteran trees and areas of woodland and to ensure there is no transgression of vehicles.

The location incicated by target note 1 on Figure 2, Appendix 1, was identified as having four bee orchid spikes. This area occurs immediately adjacent to the hardstanding by the picnic area. During the demolition and remediation works machinery should avoid driving over any grassland areas.

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The invasive plants Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam should not be disturbed / caused to spread during the works (see locations indicated by target notes 2 and 3 on Figure 2, Appendix 1). Ideally, a programme of eradication should be undertaken.

6.1.2 Faunal Species a) Amphibians It is recommended that the ponds be retained to maintain the resident population of smooth newts and common frogs.

If any common amphibians are found during the proposed works, they should be removed carefully by hand to areas away from the works, such as under hedgerows not to be affected by the works. b) Badgers As a precaution, general good working practices should be adhered to, including if any trenches dug during works activities are left open over night, they should be left with a sloping end or ramp to allow any badgers or other animal that may fall in to escape. Also, any pipes over 200mm in diameter should be capped off at night to prevent animals entering. c) Bats In summary, no impacts should occur to the mature trees during the demolition works. If it becomes necessary to remove a specific tree a detailed inspection of that tree will be required. This will include a daytime inspection using a safe at height working platform such as a ‘cherry picker’. Once these surveys have been completed a thorough assessment can be made of the tree and the requirement for further mitigation and possible Natural England licence application. See Appendix 2; Protected Species Surveys: Bat Survey Report, for ‘method for working near trees’. d) Birds Although the proposed works should not involve the removal of any areas of trees or scrub, due to the close proximity of potential bird nesting habitat immediately adjacent, it is recommended that all building demolition works and removal of areas of hardstanding be undertaken outside the bird breeding season (March to September, inclusive). As woodlark (a Schedule 1 species) nest on disturbed ground, it is recommended that works proceed as quickly as possible, once the hardstanding has been removed, i.e. any works which may result in disturbed ground should take place outside of the bird breeding season, and any disturbed ground should not be left for long periods. Further details of the recommended timing of works can be provided when more information about the planned work schedule is received. e) Invertebrates Ideally all deadwood in the trees should be left in place to decay; however, this is affected by issues of public safety. Surgery should be kept to a minimum. Dead, fallen trunks and major branches should not be cut up or removed during the demolition work except where absolutely necessary for safety concerns. Decaying wood on the ground should not be moved; as far as is feasible any deadwood should be retained in place and kept intact. If is necessary to remove any living or dead wood it is recommended it is left placed in a suitable location within Sherwood Forest NNR so that it can be made use of by invertebrates. If it is not possible to retain material on site it should be removed

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promptly to prevent colonisation by saproxylic invertebrates that will be lost when it is removed.

The underground electrical cable tunnel close to the ranger’s office in the main Visitor Centre compound, where the cave spiders occur, should be retained if possible. Following demolition of the Visitor Centre buildings, ideally the covered pit containing the colony of cave spiders would be covered and retained. The electrical fittings should be removed by hand and the tunnel covered in a manner which excludes rainfall and as much light as possible. A small hole should be retained at one side to allow prey animals to enter and spiders to exit the area naturally. f) Reptiles If the recommendations stated in the habitat recommendations above (Section 6.1.1) are followed (i.e works and storage of machinery should be restricted to areas of hardstanding), there should be no adverse impacts on the common lizard population around the Visitor Centre.

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7. COMPENSATION AND ENHANCEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Habitats

The below habitat compensation and enhancement recommendations will create habitats for a variety of faunal species such as birds (including nightjar and woodlark), bats, reptiles and invertebrates.

 It is recommended that the footprint of the Visitor Centre and the immediately adjacent area is restored to wood pasture, with a variety of native broad-leaved trees and shrubs. This will increase the structural diversity and allow for a variety of bird nesting sites and an abundance of invertebrate prey.

 The footprint of the car parks and the childrens play area should be restored to acid grassland and heath mosaic. Ideally, the acid grassland and heath habitats should be restored through translocation or green hay collection from close-by.

 The occurrence of bee orchids adjacent to the picnic area suggests that there is a mixture of soil types in the area. Therefore an area of neutral grassland should also be retained.

 It is also recommended that some areas be managed as open clearings within the woodland habitat. Open ground can be managed to provide specific requirements for ground-feeding birds and pollen/nectar sources for invertebrates.

 It is also recommended that to increase the breeding potential of the area more bird boxes are placed into the woodland area at differing points to allow different bird species to thrive (see Appendix 2; Protected Species Surveys: Bird Survey Report for more details).

8. FURTHER SURVEY RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Nesting Birds

If it is necessary to carry out any vegetation removal, including tall ruderal vegetation, shrubs, trees or hedgerows during the bird breeding season, then a survey must be carried out by a qualified ecologist prior to works going ahead to ensure that no active nests will be affected. If active nests are found then work would have to be delayed until all chicks had fledged.

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REFERENCES

Ausden, M. and Kemp, M. 2005 Creating acid grassland by adding sulphur, bracken (Pteridium) litter and heather (Calluna) cuttings at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk, England. Conservation Evidence 2: pp 21-23.

Eaton, M.A., Brown, A.F., Noble D.G., Musgrove, A.J., Hearn, R., Aebischer, N.J., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, A. and Gregory, R.D. 2009 Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds 102: pp 296–341.

ECUS 2006 Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre: Ecological Survey. A report under contract to Nottinghamshire County Council.

EMEC Ecology 2010 Proposed Relocation of Sherwood Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire: Ecological Assessment. A report under contract to Nottinghamshire County Council.

Entotax 2006 Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre Invertebrate Field Survey Report. Entotax Consultants UK. Report as part of Environmental Assessment on behalf of Environment Consultancy University of Sheffield (ECUS) for Nottinghamshire County Council.

Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) 2006 Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment. IEEM.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) 2010 Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: a technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough.

Nottinghamshire BAG 1998 Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire County Council.

Preston, C.D., Pearman, D.A. and Dines, T.D. 2002 New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. University Press, Oxford.

Stace, C. 1997 New Flora of the British Isles. University Press, Cambridge.

WEBSITES:

MAGIC Site Check Report Available: www.magic.gov.uk

UK Biodiversity Action Plan http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5717

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APPENDIX 1: FIGURES

Figure 1: Site Location Plan

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Figure 2: Survey Area, Survey Features and Target Notes

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APPENDIX 2: PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY REPORTS A. BAT SURVEY (Page 1)

A.1 Introduction

EMEC Ecology was commissioned to survey the Visitors Centre and the surrounding trees for bats and make an assessment for bat roosting opportunities with respect to the proposed demolition of the buildings.

These surveys follow on from in depth bat surveys of Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Forest Visitors Centre carried out by Nottingham City Council (20093), ECUS (20064) and EMEC Ecology (20105). These surveys provided detailed transect assessments of Sherwood Forest and the Visitors Centre and so a detailed knowledge of bat species that occur within the locality is known.

A.2 Site Description

A.2.1 General

Sherwood Forest Visitors Centre is situated to the west of Swinecote Road within Sherwood Forest NNR. The Visitors Centre comprises a number of small buildings forming the Visitors Centre Exhibition, Café, Rangers Office, Shop and Toilets. It is surrounded by mature trees on all sides with a public car park facility to the south.

A.2.2 Buildings

There are a total of six buildings within the Visitors Centre, five of which are of matching construction type whilst the sixth is a portacabin style structure. The Visitors Centre buildings are all single-storey structures with flat and pitched conical shaped roofs with bitumastic felt membrane covers. The membrane is styled to look like tiles. The roofs have an overhanging boxed eave detail that sits flush with the render.

3 Nottingham City Council 2009 Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve Edwinstowe, Full Bat Survey Report and Preliminary Management Recommendations. Surveys carried out by FPCR on behalf of Nottingham City Council. 4 ECUS 2006 Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre Ecological Survey. A report under contract to Nottinghamshire County Council. 5 EMEC Ecology 2010 Proposed Relocation of Sherwood Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire: Ecological Assessment. A report under contract to Nottinghamshire County Council.

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Bat Survey (Page 2)

Around the Rangers Office and the Café there is a large overhang protruding from the building. These are wooden frame structures with flat roofs.

The roof void within the conical shaped roof above the kitchen of the Café building was surveyed. The interior of the roof is lined with plyboard between the rafters and has a complex network of joists. The roof contains a boiler system and extractor fan tubes. As a result of this it is very warm within the roof.

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Bat Survey (Page 3)

The portacabin building used as part of the activity centre has been painted to match the remaining Visitors Centre buildings. It has a flat roof with wooden barge boards and uPVC windows and doors that are flush with the wall panels.

A.2.3 Trees

The survey took into account all trees within the application boundary for the site and a 25m buffer all the way around this. The woodland is dominated by English oak and silver birch.

The oak trees within the site are all large veteran specimens, typically 1.5m Diameter at Breast Height (DBH). These trees are generally old and in the mid to late stages of senescence with numerous areas of dead, peeling bark and missing branches. Some semi- mature trees do occur within the car park area and to the south of Birklands and Bilhaugh SSSI.

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Bat Survey (Page 4)

The remaining woodland area is dominated by mature silver birch. Again these trees are old but by the nature of their bark there are only a small number of trees with cracks or rot holes in their trunks.

A.3 Survey Methodology

A.3.1 Daytime Bat Survey

The buildings and trees were surveyed for the following signs of bats: droppings, feeding remains, scratch marks, urine stains and actual sightings, as well as potential access points and roost sites such as holes, cracks and crevices. Survey was completed using high powered torches, ladders and binoculars. Survey was completed on the 16th May 2014.

A bat hibernation survey was undertaken on the 19th January 2015, using ladders, binoculars and endoscopes.

A.3.2 Bat Activity Surveys: Evening Emergence, Dawn Swarming Surveys and Bat Transects

EMEC Ecology carried out two evening emergence surveys of the buildings and of the area around the play area. Six bat transects and three dawn swarming surveys were carried out using the same transect routes. During all surveys EM3+ bat detectors with GPS were used to hear and record bats.

A.3.3 Survey Personnel

Surveys were carried out by Chris Turner BSc ACIEEM (Licence number CS002714), Sarah Love MSc MCIEEM (Licence number CLS02619), Steve Ralph MSc MCIEEM, Will Sheppard BSc GradCIEEM, Natasha Stevenson BSc (Hons), Chris Dutton M.Biol.Sci (Hons) and Jenny Carter.

A.3.4 Survey Limitations

It was not possible to carry out internal inspections of the majority of the buildings. The Visitors Centre is open seven days a week and as such access was not possible as this would have required closure of the buildings to facilitate the survey safely. Furthermore, there are only two loft hatches known to exist within all of the buildings at the Visitors Centre and only one of these was investigated due to the presence of the general public within the buildings.

The majority of trees were assessed from ground level only. This was due to the nature of the trees and their old age and resulting poor health. Where possible, trees that had potential to support roosting or hibernating bats were inspected with an endoscope.

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Bat Survey (Page 5)

A.4 Survey Results

A.4.1 Daytime Inspection

A.4.1.1 Buildings The buildings, although old, were in excellent repair. The roofs were all intact and the soffits sat flush to the render. No evidence of bats was found on any of the buildings or within the surveyed loft space.

A.4.1.2 Trees Throughout the site many of the trees were identified as providing features suitable to roosting bats. These are identified in Table A.4.1 overleaf and on Figure A.4.1 (Page 42). Trees are classified into three levels in the table and Figure A.4.1 as follows:

Good: Trees with numerous features suited to roosting bats including cracks in bark and cavities within the trees. These trees could potentially be used by bats all year round by both large communities as well as individual bats.

Moderate: Trees with numerous features suited to roosting bats although may not provide hibernation sites. Features identified could suit solitary bats as well as maternity colonies.

Limited: Trees with only a small number of features suited to bats, typically areas of peeling bark or small rot holes in the trunk. Generally suited to solitary bats for use in the summer months.

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Bat Survey (Page 6)

Table A.4.1: Trees Suited to Roosting Bats

Tree Species Remarks Assessment Number 1 Oak Large crack in bark and with an open cavity Moderate 2 Dead tree Large stump with cracks in wood and some Limited hollows 3 Oak Cracks in bark with numerous woodpecker and Good rot holes. A bat box is also fixed to this tree 4 Oak Hole at base of high branch (approx. 10m high) Good 5 Oak Some cracks in bark in the higher branches Moderate 6 Oak Some cracks in bark in the higher branches Limited 7 Oak Some cracks in bark in the higher branches Limited 8 Oak Some cracks in bark and hole in the lower reaches of the trunk. Most of bark cracks are surface level Moderate only 9 Dead tree Large stump with several small holes into the Good wood 10 Oak Knarled bark with hole half way up the trunk Good which appears to go back deep into the tree 11 Oak Old tree with holes in the top and knarled bark Good 12 Oak Crack in trunk near the top of the tree with several Moderate rot holes in trunk 13 Oak Missing crown with cracks in bark and a single rot Moderate hole 14 Oak Some folds in bark higher in the tree Good 15 Oak Cracks in the main trunk with some holes also Moderate present 16 Oak Pollard tree open at top but with some crevices in Moderate bark 17 Oak Areas of peeling bark and cracks higher in trunk Good 18 Oak Small holes high in the trunk Limited 19 Oak Areas of peeling bark Moderate 20 Oak Large cavity within trunk, although open at top Moderate there are some crevices areas within 21 Oak Rot holes half way up the trunk Moderate 22 Oak Rot holes and cracks in bark Moderate 23 Oak Rot holes and areas of peeling bark Moderate 24 Oak Areas of peeling bark Limited 25 Oak Hole in main trunk with some smaller holes also Good present 26 Oak Series of small rot holes Good 27 Oak Tree on the edge of the car park with a Moderate woodpecker hole 28 Silver birch Some small 2inch deep rot holes Limited 29 Oak Small rot holes within main trunk Limited 30 Oak Crack in main trunk providing crevice as well as Good rot holes approximately 6 inches deep 31 Oak Small rot holes and areas of peeling bark Good 32 Oak Twin stemmed with rot holes in trunks at 3, 5 and Moderate 7 metres, cracked/snapped boughs

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Tree Species Remarks Assessment Number 33 Oak Two large horizontal boughs with a rot hole at 3 Good metres 34 Oak Rot holes at 1 metre in branch collars, soprano pipistrelle bat seen 15cm into hole on the 19th Good January 2015 35 Oak Crevices in cracked/snapped boughs Good 36 Oak Crevices in cracked/snapped boughs Good 37 Oak Veteran, trunk has a large hollow in the centre. Deeply fissured bark and cracks in trunk and Good boughs 38 Oak Horizontal cracked/snapped bough Limited 39 Oak Deeply cracked bark, centre of trunk with large Good vertical hollow. 40 Oak Rot holes at 5, 7 and 12 metres, cracks in braches Good where they have snapped off 41 Oak Some horizontal cracked/snapped boughs. Moderate 42 Oak Crown of tree snapped off tearing bark away from the whole length of the trunk presenting cracks Moderate and crevices

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A.4.2 Bat Activity Surveys

A.4.2.1 Overview of Bat Activty Surveys Over the course of the bat activity surveys common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and noctule bats were recorded transiting and foraging over the survey area. Generally, only one or two bats were seen at any one time. However, during the fourth and fifth evening bat transects and the second and third dawn swarming surveys, between six and fifteen soprano pipistrelle bats were seen foraging or swarming around Tree 31. Additionally on the third dawn survey two soprano pipistrelles were seen swarming around Trees 19 and 20. A summary of the locations where the majority of the bat activity was can be seen in Figure A.4.2 (Page 43).

A.4.2.2 Evening Emergence Surveys The emergence surveys focussed on the buildings and the trees around the play area. No bats were recorded emerging on either of the surveys. a) Emergence Survey 1 – 5th June 2014 No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during the survey. Sunset was at 21:24 and the first bat was recorded at 21:39. Soprano pipistrelles and noctules were recorded foraging over the play area and soprano and common pipstrelles were recorded foraging and transiting the survey area around the Visitors Centre buildings. Weather conditions for the survey were warm (12oC at sunset) and dry with limited cloud cover (20%) and a light breeze. b) Emergence Survey 2 – 22nd July 2014 No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during the survey. Sunset was at 21:14 and the first bat was recorded at 21:29. Noctule bats were recorded foraging and transiting about the play area and a small number of soprano and common pipistrelle bats were recorded foraging and transiting over the Visitors Centre buildings. Weather conditions for the survey were warm (16oC at sunset) and dry with limited cloud cover (10%) and a light wind.

A.4.2.3 Evening Bat Transects No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during any of the evening bat transects.

Two circular routes were devised to cover the whole survey area during the evening bat transects. Along the transect route ten locations were selected as listening points where the surveyors stopped for three minutes each time and then slowly walked to the next location. Over the course of the six transects, the starting locations for the transect routes were varied so that the listening points were surveyed at different times after sunset.

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Bat Survey (Page 9) a) Evening Bat Transect 1 – 5th June 2014 No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during the transect. The first transect started an hour after sunset at 22:24, following on from the first emergence survey. The first bat was recorded at 22:26. Soprano and common pipistrelles and occasionally noctules continued to forage over the buildings and play area. A common and a soprano pipistrelle were also found to be using the line of street lights for foraging. Weather conditions for the survey were mild (10oC) and dry with moderate cloud cover (40%) and a light wind. b) Evening Bat Transect 2 – 11th June 2014 No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during the transect. Sunset was at 21:29 and the first bat was recorded at 21:43. Soprano pipstrelle bats were recorded foraging along the footpath adjacent to the buildings leading to the Major Oak and around trees 19 and 20. A common pipstrelle was recorded foraging over the car park and a noctule was recorded transiting over the trees between the car park and play area. Weather conditions for the survey were warm (15oC) and dry with moderate cloud cover (30%) and a light wind. c) Evening Bat Transect 3 – 22nd July 2014 No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during the transect. The third transect started an hour after sunset at 22:14, following on from the second emergence survey. Two noctule passes were recorded over the buildings at 22:21 and 22:26; no other bats were recorded during the transect. Weather conditions were warm (13oC) after a warm dry day, cloud cover was minimal (10%) with a light wind. d) Evening Bat Transect 4 – 9th September 2014 No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during the transect. Sunset was at 19:35 and the first bat was recorded at 19:42. Seven soprano pipistrelles were recorded foraging around tree 31 shortly after sunset. Soprano and common pipistrelles and noctule bats were occasionally recorded transiting the survey area and foraging over the play area and along the line of street lights next to the Vistors Centre buildings. Weather conditons were warm (15oC) and dry, with minimal cloud cover (5%) and a light wind. e) Evening Bat Transect 5 – 15th September 2014 No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during the transect. Sunset was at 19:20 and the first bat was recorded at 19:27. During the transect, a common pipistrelle was recorded foraging over the play area and approximately six soprano pipistrelles were observed foraging around tree 31. Weather conditions were warm (14oC) and dry with moderate cloud cover (30%) and a gentle wind.

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Bat Survey (Page 10) f) Evening Bat Transect 6 – 29th September 2014 No bats were recorded emerging from any buildings or trees during the transect. Sunset was at 18:47 and the first bat was recorded at 18:48. Two noctules were recorded foraging over the play area. Common and soprano pipistrelles were occasionally recorded over the car park during the survey. Weather conditions were warm (16oC) with moderate cloud cover (50%) and a gentle wind. A period of light rain occurred during the survey for approx. 15 minutes.

A.4.2.4 Dawn Swarming Surveys The three dawn swarming surveys were conducted walking the same route used in the evening bat transects. However, deviation from the route did occur while investigating bats that were seen foraging or swarming near to trees. a) Dawn Swarming Survey 1 – 19th August 2014 No bats were recorded entering any buildings or trees during the survey. The survey began at 4:42 with sunrise at 5:52. The first bat was recorded at 4:59 and the last at 5:13. Four noctule passes and one soprano pipistrelle were recorded transiting the car park during the survey. Weather conditions were mild (9oC), dry and cloudy (80% cloud cover) with a light wind. b) Dawn Swarming Survey 2 – 29th August 2014 No bats were recorded entering any buildings or trees during the survey. The survey began at 4:54 with sunrise at 6:09. The first bat was recorded at 5:22 and the last at 6:25. Approximately fifteen soprano pipistrelle bats were recorded swarming around tree 31 from 5:30 until 6:25, however none of the bats were seen entering tree 31 or any of the surrounding trees. A single common pipistrelle was seen foraging over the car park. Weather conditions were warm (12oC), dry and cloudy (70% cloud cover) with a gentle wind. c) Dawn Swarming Survey 3 – 26th September 2014 No bats were recorded entering any buildings or trees during the survey. The survey began at 5:48 with sunrise at 6:57. The first bat was recorded at 5:41 and the last at 6:57. Approximately ten soprano pipistrelles were recorded swarming around tree 31 and two soprano pipistrelles around trees 19 and 20. However none of the bats were seen entering tree 31 or any of the surrounding trees. Weather conditions were warm (15oC), dry and cloudy (60% cloud cover) with a mild breeze.

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A.5 Evaluation & Mitigation Recommendations

A.5.1 Buildings

The buildings are generally in good repair and as a factor of their construction type were considered to offer very limited potential to support roosting bats. The roofs were intact with no cracks present and the soffits and windows all sit flush with the rendering. No evidence was found on the exteriors of any of the buildings or within the roof void of the café building. It is not considered necessary to apply for a Natural England European Protected Species (EPS) Licence (Bats) for the demolition of these buildings.

A.5.2 Trees

A.5.2.1 Daytime Bat Survey Throughout the survey area there are numerous trees with potential to support summer roosting bats. These range from trees with only limited potential for bats to those likely to support solitary bats or small colonies during the summer months. Other trees have been identified as having potential to support larger maternity colonies.

It is understood from surveys completed by Nottingham City Council (2009) and through discussion with Sherwood Forest Rangers that there are numerous maternity tree roosts within the wider Sherwood Forest site.

A.5.2.2 Bat Hibernation Survey As the hibernation survey was undertaken when the trees were not in leaf, it was possible to see more holes, cracks and crevices that were otherwise obscured by the foliage. Most of the trees with the potential to support roosting bats had been identified during the daytime bat survey, however, some of these trees have a higher potential than previously thought. Additional trees were also identified as having roosting/hibernation potential. When Tree 34 (Fig. A.4.1) was investigated with an endoscope a soprano pipistrelle was found within a rot hole one metre from the ground. The two pictures below were taken with the endoscope inside the rot hole showing areas of smooth, shiny wood, characteristic of a bat roost. When seen the bat moved around the corner on the right hand side of picture Tree 34 B.

Tree 34 A Tree 34 B

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A.5.2.3 Bat Activity Surveys During the course of the bat activity surveys around the Sherwood Forest Visitors Centre, car park and play area, no bats were seen entering or emerging from any of the buildings or trees. However, swarming activity was observed by soprano pipistrelles around Trees 19, 20 and 31. It is highly likely that the bats recorded swarming around these trees were roosting in these specified trees or in close proximity to them. The soprano pipistrelles were not seen entering or emerging from any trees, due to the density of the trees and their foliage. The light levels underneath the conopy were quite low and it was not possible to see any bats silhouetted against the sky. These areas should therefore be treated as bat roosts and should remain unaffected by the demolition and remediation works.

Tree roosts are often sporadic and entire maternity colonies can sometimes be traced moving from tree to tree on a nightly basis. As a result of this behaviour, the findings of evening emergence surveys cannot be relied upon for any more than 24 hours. This is particularly important when considering that the trees at Sherwood Forest are in close proximity to one another and so a bat may return to roost in a general area but not necessarily return to the tree it had roosted in the preceding day.

It is considered that the proposed demolition and remediation works will not affect any roosting bat species as none of the trees within the survey area are due to be removed as part of the works. If this were to change and it is necessary to remove specific trees, further consultation will be needed and may require an inspection of the tree/s using an endoscope from a safe at height working platform such as a ‘cherry picker’. Once carried out, recommendations for the necessity of further mitigation and a possible Natural England licence application can be made.

A.5.2.4 Method for Working near Trees No trees should be directly affected by the demolition of the Visitors Centre and car park. A detailed arboricultural survey should be completed to discuss how best to achieve removal of the buildings without disturbing the roots of neighbouring trees.

A working method will be required to ensure there are no transgressions and that the machinery used and building demolition do not damage any of the trees.  Heras fencing should be erected to prevent machinery straying close to the trees. A buffer zone around each tree should be maintained although this will be tree- specific dependant upon the proximity to the buildings.  No lighting should be used at night within the site working area. Lighting facing onto trees will deter bats from entering or leaving a roost site.  As a precaution at least twelve Schwegler 1FF bat boxes (in four groups of three per tree) should be erected in trees outside the working area. EMEC Ecology and the Sherwood Forest Rangers Service should discuss the siting of the bat boxes in relation to other objectives at the site. If no suitable trees can be agreed upon it may be possible to erect the boxes on telegraph poles which could be installed as a temporary measure within the car park area close to the woodland edge. Once site works are completed the boxes could be removed if necessary, following inspection by an ecologist, but should ideally be retained as an enhancement. Bat boxes should be erected prior to any demolition works.

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 Demolition should ideally commence during the spring/summer months when bats are mobile and can easily move roost sites, should any indirect disturbances occur such as noise and vibrations caused by the machinery and demolition works.  Demolition during winter will be possible but should be avoided around any of the trees which are considered to have potential to support hibernating bats (Fig. A.4.1). Disturbance to hibernating bats can result in increased mortality due to energy expenditure and reduced foraging success as bats will move roost following a disturbance.  If a tree is accidently damaged during demolition, site works must stop immediately and EMEC Ecology contacted on 0115 964 4828. An inspection of the tree can then be completed and any bats found may be removed by a licensed ecologist and translocated to a bat box erected on site.  All site operatives should be made aware of the potential disturbance of bats in the trees. If a bat is seen or suspected to be inhabiting a tree or a building works must stop and EMEC Ecology contacted on 0115 964 4828.

The above method is designed to prevent direct disturbance to any tree and potential bat residents. This cannot however prevent indirect disturbance such as noise or atmospheric dust. It is not considered however that a Natural England licence will be required for these works as the impacts will be short-term only. No long-term impacts are predicted as no trees are to be affected by the works. The bat boxes provided and the many trees in close proximity to the demolition site will provide adequate roosting opportunities for the bat population at Sherwood Forest during the demolition. Overall the loss of the buildings from the site and restoration to natural woodland ground flora will have a positive gain for the bat population within the direct vicinity as this will undoubtedly improve the foraging resource.

In the event that any of the mature oak trees or trees numbered in Figure A.4.1 are to be pruned or removed, immediately prior to the tree surgery a suitably qualified ecologist should be present to inspect the trees for bats. If any bats are found the tree must remain intact. If no bats are found then the ecologist should remain to supervise, in case any bats are found during the tree surgery, at which time they should be moved to one of the bat boxes installed outside the area of works.

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Figure A.4.1: Site Plan and Tree Locations

Confirmed soprano pipistrelle roost

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Figure A.4.2: Evening Activity Survey

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B. BIRD SURVEY (Page 1)

B.1 Introduction

B.1.1 Survey Brief

The breeding bird survey identifies the scope of the bird community within and immediately adjacent to the survey area and provides an estimate of the number of species breeding. EMEC Ecology’s brief was to undertake a breeding bird survey; including nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) transects, and provide recommendations for appropriate mitigation and compensation measures.

To meet the requirements of the brief, a breeding bird survey was undertaken by a suitably qualified ornithologist over five visits as well as a nightjar survey over two transect visits. The surveys had the specific objectives of:

i) Identifying and evaluating the existing avifauna of conservation significance. ii) Assessing the value of the site for breeding birds. iii) Recommending mitigation and enhancement measures.

B.1.2 Conservation Status

Bird Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) are included on the red list and amber List (Eaten et al. 20096). Red-listed birds are of ‘high’ conservation concern. The red list includes species which have seen rapid (50% or greater) decline in their UK breeding population or their UK breeding range over the last 25 years, are globally threatened or have shown historical population declines in the UK between 1800 and 1995. These declines are commonly associated with changes in agricultural practices. Amber-listed birds are of ‘medium’ conservation concern. The amber list includes species which are rare breeders in the UK or which have shown moderate (25% to 49%) declines (in population and breeding range) in the UK over the last 25 years. The green list includes bird species where there have been no identified threats to the population status and therefore they are not considered to be SCC.

Some SCC are Priority Species within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and individual county BAPs and are also listed as Species of Principal Importance for the Conservation of Biodiversity under Section 41 (S41 List) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Section 40 of the NERC Act also requires public bodies to recognise the importance of the conservation of biodiversity.

6 Eaton, M.A., Brown, A.F., Noble, D.G., Musgrove, A.J., Hearn, R., Aebischer, N.J., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, A. and Gregory, R.D. 2009 Birds of Conservation Concern 3: The Populations Status of Birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle Man. British Birds 102, pp296-341

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B.2 Methodology

B.2.1 Breeding Bird Survey

Standard Common Bird Census (CBC) methodology (Gilbert et al. 19987; Bibby et al. 20008) was followed in which the observer walked a route taking them to within 50m of every point of the survey area, and the identity and activity of all birds were noted. The types of observations included birdsong, alarm calls, courtship, aggressive displays, carrying nest material, food carrying, family groups and feeding young. Birds flying over the survey area were also noted as well as birds on the survey area boundary.

Five survey visits were carried out between late March and early June to ensure early and late breeders were surveyed. Surveys were carried out early morning when bird activity is high.

B.2.2 Nightjar Survey

A suitably qualified ornithologist carried out transects within the hour around dusk. The transects were designed to cover every pocket of land within the survey area. The presence and/or activity of nightjars were noted. The types of observations included churring male nightjar, wing clapping and actual sightings of nightjar. Two survey visits were carried out between May and June inclusive.

B.2.3 Survey Dates & Weather Conditions

Survey Visit no. Date / Time Sunrise / Set Weather Conditions Breeding Birds 1 / 5 23/03/14 05:58 / 18:23 Wind: 1, Cloud: 50%, Precip: 0 07:30 – 09:00 Temp: 9oC 2 / 5 04/04/14 06:29 / 19:44 Wind: 0, Cloud: 100%, Precip: 0 09:00 – 10:30 Temp: 9oC 3 / 5 22/04/14 05:48 / 20:17 Wind: 0, Cloud: 100%, Precip: 1 08:30 – 10:00 Temp: 10oC 4 / 5 16/05/14 05:02 / 20:58 Wind: 0, Cloud: 0%, Precip: 0 08:30 – 10:00 Temp: 17oC 5 / 5 06/06/14 04:39 / 21:26 Wind: 0, Cloud: 0%, Precip: 0 09:00 – 10:30 Temp: 17oC Nightjar 1 / 2 20/05/14 04:56 / 21:05 Wind: 0, Cloud: 80%, Precip: 0 21:00 – 22:00 Temp: 14oC 2 / 2 18/06/14 04:36 / 21:34 Wind: 0, Cloud: 0%, Precip: 0 22:00 – 23:00 Temp: 18oC

7 Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D.W. and Evans, J. 1998 Birds Monitoring Methods: RSPB. 8 Bibby, C.J., Burgess, N.D. and Hill, D.A. 2000 Birds Census Techniques. Academic Press Limited, London, UK.

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B.2.4 Limitations

From a limited number of visits it is always possible that some bird species will be missed. However, since breeding birds are ‘tied’ to their nest sites for a number of weeks over the breeding season, the regular sightings of particular species showing breeding behaviour in certain areas is considered to provide a reliable estimate of breeding bird status on the survey site.

B.3 Results

B.3.1 Breeding Birds

A total of thirty two species were recorded within the survey area and its vicinity, of which twenty seven were considered to be breeding and a further three were considered to be possible breeders. No Schedule 1 birds were recorded during the survey, however three red-listed SCC were considered to be breeding (marsh tit, song thrush and cuckoo) while lesser-spotted woodpecker was considered a possible breeder as it was recorded on one survey visit within potential breeding habitat. These species are also listed on the UK and Local BAP as Priority Species. A full species list and territory maps for the red-listed species are provided in Table B.5.1 and Figure B.5.1 at the rear of this appendix report respectively. Latin names are given in Table B.5.1 and therefore are not included within the text of the report.

A total of eight amber-listed SCC were recorded within the survey area including six which were considered to be breeding (dunnock, mistle thrush, stock dove, whitethroat, willow warbler and bullfinch), one considered a possible (green woodpecker) while mallard was a non-breeder as no evidence of nesting was recorded.

B.3.2 Nightjar Survey

No nightjar were recorded during either of the nightjar transects despite ideal weather conditions and survey timings. A nightjar was however recorded churring in the distance to the west of the survey area approximately thirty five minutes after sunset during a bat transect on the 5th June 2014 and towards the end of the transect (approximately one hour after sunset) a nightjar was observed passing through the survey area close to the picnic area.

Roding woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) were recorded during the transects with a maximum count of three males during the second transect. In addition, a tawny owl (Strix aluco) was recorded during the first transect visit.

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B.3.3 Habitat Assessment for Nightjar and Woodlark

Nightjars typically breed in heathland, wood pasture, woodland edges and clearings while woodlark are found in habitat with a mosaic of longer grassland providing nesting habitat and shorter grassland / bare ground which provides foraging areas. The majority of the survey area was made up of ancient woodland and hardstanding which was not considered to provide to provide nesting opportunities for either species. Wood pasture was present north of the Visitor Centre, however this was generally a longer sward encroached by scrub with the shorter areas used for forest activities and an open-air theatre, and therefore not suitable nesting habitat for either species. Despite this, the woodland and wood pasture was considered to provide excellent foraging opportunities for nightjar.

B.4 Evaluation

B.4.1 Species Composition

The majority of the species recorded were common woodland species typical of lowland deciduous woodland however, four red-listed SCC were recorded as described in the results. Lesser spotted woodpecker and cuckoo were particularly notable species however all the red-listed SCC are attributed this status because of their recent breeding population decline (Eaten et al. 2009). These birds are also listed on the UK BAP.

Nightjar is also a red-listed SCC on the UK BAP and although nightjar was recorded passing through the site during a bat transect, this species was not considered to be breeding within the survey area. The habitat was not considered to provide nesting opportunities and the lack of churring and activity noted during the nightjar transects and bat transects support this conclusion. There are numerous records of churring male nightjar within Budby Forest, the closest of which is approximately 1.5km west of the survey area at Centre Tree. The site provides excellent foraging habitat for nightjar and nightjar have been shown to travel up to 8km from their nest site to forage during a telemetry study on nightjar (EMEC Ecology 20139). Therefore it is considered the bird observed was most likely to be from Budby Forest and was foraging through the survey area.

B.4.2 Habitat Association

The mosaic of mature woodland and open glades (north of the Visitors Centre) as well as an intermediate stage of scrub between the two is considered to provide nesting and foraging opportunities for a diverse range of species. The greater number of bird territories and general activity within the northern section of the survey area supports this.

9 EMEC Ecology 2013 Rainworth Nightjar Survey. A report under contract to RWE Npower Renewables Limited.

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Song thrush can be found in a range of habitats however they are generally associated with a well-developed shrub and restricted to young stock, woodland edge or scrubby birch woodland. Similarly marsh tit favours continuous, moist broadleaved woodland with a well-structured under storey. Lesser-spotted woodpecker is reliant on rotten wood for nest cavity excavation and therefore the large veteran trees within the survey area provide excellent nesting opportunities for this species. Cuckoo are found in a range of habitats however ultimately they are dependent on the availability of a host species as females lay their eggs in nests of small passerines. Of the passerine species recorded within the survey area, dunnock and robin were considered the most likely host species within this habitat.

B.4.3 Numbers of Breeding Species

According to Fuller (198010) the value of a site for breeding birds may be assessed on a scale of importance ranging from Local Importance to National Importance by counting the numbers of breeding species. Fuller originally proposed that 25 to 49 species should be allocated a level of ‘Local Importance’. However, there have since been declines in bird species generally, therefore according to IEEM Guidelines (2006), this adaptation of Fuller’s scale is normally used.

 Up to 24 breeding species = Local Importance  25 – 49 breeding species = District Importance  50 – 69 breeding species = County Importance  70 – 84 breeding species = Regional Importance  85+ breeding species = National Importance

For the survey area and its vicinity, twenty nine species of breeding birds were found (including tawny owl and woodcock noted on the evening surveys) which means this area is of ‘District Importance’.

B.5 Potential Impacts & Recommendations

B.5.1 Working Impacts

Although the buildings and hardstanding areas were not considered to provide notable nesting habitat for bird species, their removal will require a significant working footprint and therefore nesting habitat within the vicinity of these areas may be impacted. Therefore it is recommended the works are carried out outside the bird breeding season which runs from mid-March to September inclusive. Should works be required during this period any trees or scrub proposed for removal should be surveyed immediately prior to works by a suitably qualified ecologist to check whether any nests are present. If a nest is found, works would have to be delayed until all young have fledged the nest.

10 Fuller, R.J. 1980 A Method for Assessing the Ornithological Interest of Sites for Conservation.Biological Conservation 17: 229-239

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The removal of the buildings and hardstanding has the potential to create favoured nesting habitat for woodlark (disturbed, bare ground) which is a Schedule-1 listed species. In addition, there are previous records of woodlark for the area including within the survey area itself and therefore if suitable nesting habitat is created it is likely a breeding pair may be found within the survey area.

Therefore any works which may result in bare ground (such as the removal of hardstanding) should take place outside of the bird breeding season and works should proceed as quickly as possible in this area following its creation. Once the works have been completed in this area, the habitat should be fenced off with temporary fencing or chevron tape and no transgression within this fenced off area should be permitted during the bird breeding season.

B.5.2 Future Management

It is recommended that once the buildings and hardstanding areas have been removed, a mosaic of habitat should be maintained within the survey area to ensure the diverse species composition is maintained. Therefore it is recommended the glade to the north of the Visitor Centre is managed as a meadow with a buffer strip of scrub between the grassland and woodland. This grassland should be managed irregularly to allow a course, tussocky grassland to develop as this allows a great invertebrate diversity and provides cover for ground-dwelling birds.

In addition it is recommended some of the bare ground created from the works is left and the woodland allowed to regenerate naturally. However two or three compartments of bare ground should be maintained on rotation to ensure breeding habitat for woodlark is available in future years. This maintenance will involve clearing vegetation within the compartments bi-annually. EMEC Ecology is able to provide a more detailed management plan if required.

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Table B.5.1: Species List for the Survey Area

Common name Latin name Breeding Breeding Pairs Conservation status Status Max / Min Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Non-breeder 0 / 0 Amber SCC Stock dove Columba oenas Breeding 3 / 2 Amber SCC Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Breeding N / A Green List Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Breeding 1 / 1 Red SCC, UK BAP Green woodpecker Picus viridis Possible 1 / 0 Amber SCC Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major Breeding 2 / 1 Green List Lesser spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos minor Possible 1 / 0 Red SCC, UK BAP Dunnock Prunella modularis Breeding 7 / 7 Amber SCC, UK BAP Robin Erithacus rubecula Breeding 16 / 14 Green List Song thrush Turdus philomelos Breeding 3 / 3 Red SCC, UK BAP Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus Breeding 2 / 2 Amber SCC Blackbird Turdus merula Breeding 12 / 11 Green List Garden warbler Sylvia borin Breeding 3 / 2 Green List Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Breeding 5 / 4 Green List Whitethroat Sylvia communis Breeding 1 / 1 Amber SCC Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Breeding 3 / 3 Amber SCC Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Breeding 5 / 4 Green List Goldcrest Regulus regulus Breeding 1 / 1 Green List Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Breeding 19 / 17 Green List Great tit Parus major Breeding 11 / 10 Green List Coal tit Periparus ater Breeding 3 / 3 Green List Blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus Breeding 10 / 10 Green List Marsh tit Poecile palustris Breeding 3 / 2 Red SCC, UK BAP Nuthatch Sitta europaea Breeding 5 / 5 Green List Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Breeding 7 / 6 Green List Magpie Pica pica Possible 1 / 0 Green List Jay Garrulus glandarius Breeding 1 / 1 Green List Jackdaw Corvus monedula Breeding Colony Green List Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Breeding 11 / 10 Green List Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Breeding 5 / 5 Green List Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Breeding 1 / 1 Amber SCC, UK BAP

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Figure B.5.1: Red-listed Species Territory Maps

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C. INVERTEBRATE SURVEY (Page 1)

C.1 Introduction

EMEC Ecology was commissioned to undertake an invertebrate survey and evaluation as part of the environmental assessment of the proposed demolition of the Visitor Centre.

The purpose of this survey was to assess the value of the area for invertebrate conservation and to indicate any likely impacts of the demolition work on the invertebrate fauna of the area. The objectives of the work were thus:

 To assess the existing records of invertebrates from the site and nearby areas for species of importance to conservation present or likely to be present.  To carry out an invertebrate survey of the Visitor Centre and to identify and assess any species recorded for conservation importance at a national and regional level.  To assess the likely impacts of the proposed work on the invertebrate fauna of the area.  To provide recommendations for mitigating any detrimental impacts identified.

C.2 Methodology

The assessment of the site was based on a desk study of historical invertebrate records and an invertebrate survey of the Visitor Centre site.

C.2.1 Desk Study This involved consultation to obtain any existing records of protected and/or notable species from the site, or neighbouring sites to a distance of approximately 2km. For invertebrates the following organisations were contacted:

 Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre.  The Visitor Centre staff provided us with a number of previously commissioned survey reports of the site itself and the local area.

C.2.2 Invertebrate Survey All areas of the site were initially assessed by a walk-over search; obvious species were recorded and some larger flying species were pursued and netted by hand. After this, three principal methods of sampling were employed: sweeping, beating and hand searching. These surveying methods are biased towards the collection of beetle species (particularly saproxylic species) and therefore coleopterans comprise the majority of species listed. Sampling was carried out at random; in locations considered appropriate and as individual invertebrates were seen. Specimens were identified in the field where possible, but some specimens were collected, preserved and identified off-site.

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Hand searching The principal method used for investigating ground-dwelling invertebrates. Areas likely to support saproxylic (deadwood) invertebrates were focused upon including deadwood, soil and the vegetation understory. This also included prising apart logs and deadwood. Invertebrates were collected using a pooter or by hand.

Sweeping Sweeping is the use of a stout, wide, hand-held net, held open and swung through the air or vegetation. It is a very effective method of sampling flying insects and invertebrates on and among plant foliage, including very active and sedentary species. Provided the net is kept moving it can be repeatedly swung back and forth through vegetation whilst walking along a hedgerow or transect without loss of captive animals.

Beating Beating is a method used to sample the foliage of shrubs and the lower canopy of trees. Repeatedly striking the branches with a 1m net handle or wooden rod dislodges invertebrates, which are collected on a beating tray (a specially manufactured large white sheet held open by a collapsible frame) and then collected by hand and pooter. The branches are not struck hard enough to damage the trees or dislodge leaves and up to ten strikes are enough to collect the majority of invertebrates in a section of canopy.

Identification A small number of specimens were identified in the field, either without capture, (e.g. butterflies) or captured and subsequently released, but the majority of material was removed from the site and identified in the lab. Catches were mostly killed on site by exposure to ethyl acetate vapour. Specimens were identified to species level by an experienced entomologist using an appropriate dichotomous taxonomic key wherever possible. A few specimens could not be identified to this level due to incomplete development (they were larvae or nymphs) or the non-existence of an appropriate key.

C.2.3 Survey Area The invertebrate survey was carried out in all areas within the survey area. Surveys were undertaken throughout June and July in sunny conditions.

C.2.4 Limitations No limited survey such as this can provide a complete picture of the invertebrate fauna of an area of this size. The small size, secretive habits and great diversity of many invertebrate taxa impose several limitations on any attempt to survey an area for invertebrate species richness.

This survey should therefore not be considered a definitive listing of the invertebrate fauna of the area surveyed, but a useful snapshot of the fauna collected in June and July. There were also no invasive collecting methods used, therefore invertebrate species living in the centre of the tree amongst the redrot (a fungal disease affecting the heartwood of the tree) may not have been included.

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Most invertebrate species can only be identified with certainty as emergent adults and thus ideally survey work is carried out at a time of year coinciding with this phase of the life cycle. A majority of British terrestrial invertebrates reach this stage between May and July (though this may vary with differing weather conditions), thus the survey work coincided with this period. However the adult stage of many species will occur outside the timeframe of this survey. The results of any general walk-over survey of a site, over a limited time period, will be to an extent biased in favour of diurnal invertebrates on the ground or low vegetation. More active and larger species are always more likely to be detected, though surveyors were aware of this and care was taken to try to reduce this bias.

The survey brief was for an overview of the invertebrate fauna of the site with a focus on saproxylic invertebarates. Given the limited time available for survey and identification, and the stipulation that only non-invasive survey techniques were used the survey methods discussed above were employed.

Other methods not used include the use of a vacuum sampler, pitfall, water or malaise traps, or pheromone traps. No nocturnal survey work or trapping was carried out and it was not possible to sample the tree canopy above 2m. Although almost all areas of the site were visited, detailed sampling was necessarily restricted to a smaller subset of trees, transects and search locations within the area and the time allotted.

C.3 Results

C.3.1 Desk Study

C.3.1.1 Previous Surveys of the Visitor Centre Two previous invertebrate surveys have been carried out on the site. One was carried out by Entotax Consultants UK as part of an environmental assessment by Environment Consultancy University of Sheffield (ECUS) in 2006. This survey recorded 141 species of terrestrial invertebrate, with five species from five families having a status of nationally local (Entotax 2006). These are shown in Table C.3.1, overleaf. The second survey was carried out by EMEC Ecology in 2010 (EMEC Ecology 2010), this survey recorded 134 invertebrate species, with one species of national conservation concern being recoded and two species of local conservation concern recorded. These are shown in Table C.3.2 overleaf. For a full Breakdown of National status categories, see Appendix 3.

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Table C.3.1: Invertebrate Species of Nationally Local or Higher Conservation Status Recorded from the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in 2006 (Entotax 2006)

Species Order Family Status Atheta harwoodi (Williams, 1930) Coleoptera Staphylinidae Local (beetles) Tytthapsis sedecimpunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) Coleoptera Coccinellidae Local Aphthona euphorbiae (Schrank, 1781) Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Local Microplontus rugulosus (Herbst, 1795) Coleoptera Curculionidae Local Oligolophus hansenii (Kraepelin, 1896) Opiliones Phalangiidae Local (harvestmen)

Table C.3.2. Invertebrate species of Nationally Local or Higher Conservation Status Recorded from the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in 2010 (EMEC Ecology 2010)

Species Order Family Status Pterostichus oblongopunctatus Nationally Coleoptera Carabidae (Fabricius, 1787) Scarce (Nb) Nationally Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) Coleoptera Coccinellidae Local Nationally Oligolophus hanseni (Kraepelin, 1896) Opiliones Phalangiidae Local

C.3.1.2 Previous Surveys of the Wider Sherwood Forest Area. A number of invertebrate studies and surveys have been carried out on the wider Sherwood Forest area (Sherwood Forest Country Park), including areas of woodland adjacent to the present survey location and a number of species of conservation importance have been reported from within 2km of the site.

Table C.3.3 overleaf, lists those species of nationally local or higher status reported (in records available to EMEC Ecology) from the area within the last five years. This list is not intended to be comprehensive, but as a summary of recent reports and is useful in highlighting the diversity of species of conservation interest in the area.

A comprehensive review of historic rare invertebrate records in the Sherwood Forest area is included in Alexander’s report to Natural England published online in Alexander 2011.

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Table C.3.3. Modern Records of Invertebrate Species of Nationally Local or Higher Conservation Status Recorded in Previous Studies of the Sherwood Forest Area

Species Order National Status Reference* Agathidium confusum Coleoptera RDB1 4 Cryptocephalus coryli Coleoptera RDB1 1, 2 Teredus cylindricus Coleoptera RDB1 4 Zora silvestris Araneae RDB2 2 Pryonychus melanarius Coleoptera RDB2 2, 4 Mastigusa macrophthalma Araneae RDB3 2 Ampedus cardinalis Coleoptera RDB3 4 Corticeus unicolor Coleoptera RDB3 1, 4 Scraptia testacea Coleoptera RDB3 2 Pediacus dermestoides Coleoptera RDB DD 4 Longitarsus parvulus Coleoptera Na 2, 3 Tritoma bipustulata Coleoptera Na 2 Philodromus praedatus Araneae Nb 2 Aderus oculatus Coleoptera Nb 2 Agrilus biguttatus Coleoptera Nb 4 Agrilus laticornis Coleoptera Nb 2 Ampedus pomorum Coleoptera Nb 1 Ampedus quercicola Coleoptera Nb 1, 3 Anaglyptus mysticus Coleoptera Nb 2 Anapsis thoracica Coleoptera Nb 4 Anobium inexspectatum Coleoptera Nb 2 Choleva glauca Coleoptera Nb 2 Chrysolina oricalcia Coleoptera Nb 1 Conopalpus testaceus Coleoptera Nb 1, 2 Ctesias serra Coleoptera Nb 2 Eladona agricola Coleoptera Nb 2, 4 Euglenes oculatus Coleoptera Nb 4 Hallomenus binotatus Coleoptera Nb 2, 4 Hyecoetus dermestoides Coleoptera Nb 2 Latridis consimilis Coleoptera Nb 2 Oligota apicata Coleoptera Nb 2 Orchesia minor Coleoptera Nb 4 Oxypoda spectabilis Coleoptera Nb 2 Phloiophilus edwardsii Coleoptera Nb 4 Phloiotrya vaudoueri Coleoptera Nb 1, 4 Platydracus fulvipes Coleoptera Nb 2 Plegaderus dissectus Coleoptera Nb 2 Pryonichus ater Coleoptera Nb 1, 2 Pryopterus nigroruber Coleoptera Nb 1 Pseudocistela ceramboides Coleoptera Nb 4 Pterostichus oblongopunctatus Coleoptera Nb 1, 2, 3 Quedius xanthopus Coleoptera Nb 2 Sphindus dubius Coleoptera Nb 2 Triphyllus bicolor Coleoptera Nb 4 Enargia paleacea Lepidoptera Nb 5 Hypomecis roboraria Lepidoptera Nb 5 Malacolimax tenellus Mollusca Nb 4

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Species Order National Status Reference* Lamprochernes savignyi Pseudoscorpio Nb 2 nida Habrocerus capillaricornis Coleoptera Local 3 Anisodactylus binotatus Coleoptera Local 3 Aphthona euphorbiae Coleoptera Local 3 Carabus nemoralis Coleoptera Local 3 Cychrus caraboides Coleoptera Local 3 Leistus fulvibarbis Coleoptera Local 3 Leptura quadrifasciata Coleoptera Local 1 Notiophilus palustris Coleoptera Local 3 Notiophilus rufipes Coleoptera Local 3 Ocypoda procerula Coleoptera Local 3 Phloecocharis subtilissima Coleoptera Local 3 Poecilus cupreus Coleoptera Local 3 Scaphidium quadrimaculatum Coleoptera Local 3 Stenogastus rhombeus Coleoptera Local 1 Strophosoma capitatum Coleoptera Local 3 Tachinus laticollis Coleoptera Local 3 Formica lemani Hymenoptera Local 3 Acronita aceris Lepidoptera Local 5 Cyclophora punctaria Lepidoptera Local 5 Deilephila porcellus Lepidoptera Local 5 Diacrisia sannio Lepidoptera Local 5 Eilema complana Lepidoptera Local 5 Eilema depressa Lepidoptera Local 5 Eupithecia virgaureata Lepidoptera Local 5 Hepialus fusconebulosa Lepidoptera Local 5 Hepialus hecta Lepidoptera Local 5 Lacanobia contigua Lepidoptera Local 5 Lymantria monarcha Lepidoptera Local 5 Parastichus suspecta Lepidoptera Local 5 Plagodis dolabraria Lepidoptera Local 5 Rivula sericealis Lepidoptera Local 5 Xanthorhoe quadrifasciata Lepidoptera Local 5

*References: 1. Alexander, K.N.A. 2011 Invertebrate assemblage condition at Birklands West & Ollerton Corner SSSI, Nottinghamshire. A report for Natural England Nottinghamshire Team. 2. Entotax 2006 Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre Invertebrate Field Survey Report. Entotax Consultants UK. Report as part of Environmental Assessment on behalf of Environment Consultancy University of Sheffield (ECUS) for Nottinghamshire County Council. 3. Entotax 2007 Invertebrate Survey Report: Birklands and Billhaugh SAC, April 2007. Report on behalf of Environment Consultancy University of Sheffield (ECUS) for Nottinghamshire County Council. 4. Pendleton, T. and Pendleton, D. 2008a Sherwood Forest Bracken Control Coleoptera Survey 2008. TDP Invertebrate Surveys. Report to Nottinghamshire County Council 5. Pendleton, T and Pendleton, D. 2008b Sherwood Forest Lepidoptera 2008. TDP Invertebrate Surveys. Report to Nottinghamshire County Council.

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C.3.1.3 Occurrence in Survey Area Most of these records are from the Sherwood Forest NNR, a 200ha area of ancient woodland, of which the woodland around the Visitor Centre and along the western edge of the survey area forms a small part. Given that these species were recorded from within 2km of the site, within the last five years, it is very likely that some species of conservation importance will occur within the survey area.

C.3.1.4 Other Records The Visitor Centre staff have access to species lists of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera recorded in Sherwood Forest NNR since Victorian times. These lists draw upon the surveys commissioned of the area detailed above, Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre records and others going back to ‘The invertebrate Fauna of Nottinghamshire’ from 1916 (Carr 1916).

A colony of cave spiders is known to exist beneath a manhole cover near the Visitor Centre buildings, one of probably two known populations in Nottinghamshire.

Trevor and Dilys Pendleton maintain an excellent website containing records and information on the invertebrate fauna of the Sherwood area (www.eakringbirds.com), which was also utilised for the purposes of this study.

C.3.2 Invertebrate Survey Results

C.3.2.1 Overview In total, 121 invertebrate species were recorded during the present survey. A full list of all the species recorded is given in Appendix C.1. Of the species recorded, nine have a conservation status of nationally scarce. The species with local or higher status are shown in Table C.3.4 overleaf.

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Table C.3.4. Species Recorded that have a Nationally Notable Conservation Status

Species Status Description Prionychus melanarius RDB2 Larvae develop in wood mould and fras in the hollows under loose bark on ancient oak trees. Corticeus unicolor RDB3 Develops in freshly dead birch wood and is thought to be predatory on the larvae of other wood-boring species. Agrilus biguttatus Na Oak jewel beetle – larvae live under thick bark of dying or dead oak trees. Associated with ancient wood pasture. Eledona agricola Nb Heavily associated with the fungus, chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphurous), mostly found in old wood pasture. Anaglyptus mysticus Nb Larvae live in the boles and branches of dry or freshly dead hardwoods, adults are attracted to hawthorn blossom. Pterostichus Nb A relatively large (10-12mm) black ground beetle, with oblongopunctatus distinctive elytral punctures. Relatively common around Sherwood Forest. Chrysolina oricalcia Nb Large black chrysomelid beetle that feeds on cow parsley. Lasiorhynchites cavifrons Nb Medium sized metallic blue weevil.

C.3.2.2 Important Habitats The greatest invertebrate species richness, and the greatest number of notable saproxylic species was found around the small number of ancient oak trees surrounding the Visitor Centre. Similarly fruiting fungus and recently dead birch trees around the car park also supported a number of saproxylic invertebrate species.

C.4 Evaluation

The ancient semi-natural oak woodland of the Sherwood Forest area has long been recognised as one of the most important sites for saproxylic invertebrates, in particular Sherwood boasts an impressive list of saproxylic coleoptera which are well studied. Sherwood Forest is of national and European invertebrate conservation importance (Alexander 2011). Modern and historic records around Sherwood Forest highlight the importance of the area for rare invertebrate taxa.

The Visitor Centre survey area represents only a tiny fraction of Sherwood Forest, and within the survey area only a very small amount of ancient oak and birch woodland exists in comparison to the much wider area. This area and these ancient oaks are still very important habitat for invertebrates, and during survey work have been shown to support several species of nationally notable saproxylic beetle. These species were found during only a small number of surveys and it is considered highly likely that these trees and this area support a much more diverse community of saproxylic invertebrates than the survey results show.

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Many of the ancient trees around the Visitor Centre are situated in open aspects having large boughs and/or trunks that sit in direct sunlight. These conditions are very important for species that need sun-warmed trunks to breed or those species that breed in the canopy amongst dead branches. It has been suggested that these habitats of late have become increasingly rare in the Sherwood Forest area, which may have resulted in the loss of some species that require these conditions (Alexander 2011). Dead standing birch wood is also an important habitat type for saproxylic invertebrates and is common around the Visitor Centre. This provides habitat for several rare species of invertebrate such as Corticeus unicolor. It is therefore important that these habitats remain untouched and undisturbed during demolition works.

Furthermore, a number of rare saproxylic species were recorded within the survey area (Table C.3.4). These species are often characteristic of ancient oak pastue woodland and require habitats provided by veteran oaks to complete their lifecycles. Therefore, it is considered likely that many of the ancient oak trees and deadwood areas around the Visitor Centre have the potential to support many of the rare invertebrates found historically throughout Sherwood Forest.

The verges around the car park provide grassy areas which support flowering plants that are important for nectar feeding invertebrates that are both deadwood specialists and those that are not. Stands of cow parsley in the centre of the car park support the notable chrysomelid beetle Chrysolina oricalcia. Although this species of beetle is known to be common in the forest, ideally these patches of cow parsley should be retained to ensure the persistence of the species in these areas.

Although not searched for in the survey it is considered likely that the colony of cave spiders living under a manhole cover in the centre of the Visitor Centre is still present and special care should be taken not to remove the structure in which these spiders live.

5. Mitigation Recommendations

There is habitat capable of supporting important invertebrate species of conservation importance in several areas of the site, principally in the ancient oaks around the Visitor Centre. Recommendations for mitigating any damage to invertebrate habitat during development and/or demolition of existing buildings are detailed below.

Decaying wood on the ground should not be moved; as far as is feasible any deadwood should be retained in place and kept intact, ideally in partial shade. If it is not possible to retain material on site it should be removed promptly to prevent colonisation by saproxylic invertebrates that will be lost when it is removed.

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There is some growth of young sycamore in the woodland understory and this should be removed and prevented from regworht in the future.

 During any development or demolition work it is important to prevent or minimise any damage to the mature trees on site.  Standing and fallen deadwood should be retained in situ.  Flowering plants should ideally be retained such as cow parsley and hogweed on site to increase nectar available to flying insects.  The manhole cover should be kept within the Visitor Centre area to preserve the colony of cave spiders.

Provided these conditions are met, the removal of the existing buildings and reversion to woodland or wood pasture of this area is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on invertebrate diversity and will likely present an opportunity for gains if well managed.

C.6 References

Alexander, K.N.A. 2011 Invertebrate assemblage condition at Birklands West & Ollerton Corner SSSI, Nottinghamshire. A report for Natural England Nottinghamshire Team.

Carr, J.W. 1916 The Invertebrate Fauna of Nottinghamshire. J & H Bell, Nottingham.

Entotax 2007 Invertebrate Survey Report: Birklands and Billhaugh SAC, April 2007. Report behalf of Environment Consultancy University of Sheffield (ECUS) for Nottinghamshire County Council.

Entotax 2006 Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre Invertebrate Field Survey Report. Entotax Consultants UK. Report as part of Environmental Assessment on behalf of Environment Consultancy University of Sheffield (ECUS) for Nottinghamshire County Council.

Pendleton, T. and Pendleton, D. 2008a Sherwood Forest Bracken Control Coleoptera Survey 2008. TDP Invertebrate Surveys. Report to Nottinghamshire County Council.

Pendleton, T and Pendleton, D. 2008b Sherwood Forest Lepidoptera 2008. TDP Invertebrate Surveys. Report to Nottinghamshire County Council.

Websites

UK Biodiversity Action Plan http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5717

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Appendix C.1: Full Species List

Full list of invertebrate species recorded at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in 2014

Order Family Species Status Saproxylic Isopoda Glomeridae Glomeris marginata (woodlice) Oniscidae Oniscus asellus Porcellionidae Porcellio scaber Trichoniscidae Androniscus dentiger Orthoptera Acrididae Chorthippus parallelus (Grasshoppers & Chorthippus brunneus Crickets) Tettigoniidae Meconema thalassinum Dermaptera Forficulidae Forficula auricularia (Earwigs) Mecoptera Panorpidae Panorpa communis (Scorpionflies) Neuroptera Chrysopidae Chrysopa sp. (Lacewings) Hemiptera (Bugs) Miridae Capsus ater Leptopterna dolabrata Pentatomidae Palomena prasina Acanthosomatidae Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale Aphrophoridae Aphrophora alni Cercopidae Cercopis vulnerata Delphacidae Ditropis pteridis Coleoptera Carabidae Nebria salina (Beetles) Leistus ferrugineus Notiophilus biguttatus Loricera pilicornis Pterostichus madidus Pterostichus oblongopunctatus Nb Paradromius linearis Silphidae Silpha atrata Staphylinidae Quedius fumatus Platydracus stercorarius Scarabaeidae Aphodius depressus Aphodius rufipes Aphodius ater Aphodius rufus Melolontha melolontha Serica brunnea Phyllopertha horticola Buprestidae Agrilus biguttatus Na Yes Coleoptera Elateridae Prosternon tessellatum (Beetles) Denticollis linearis Yes Athous haemorrhoidalis Nb Dalopius marginatus Ampedus balteatus Yes Cantharidae Cantharis dicipiens Cantharis livida Cantharis nigra

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Order Family Species Status Saproxylic Dermestidae Anthrenus fuscus Ptinidae Ptinidae sp. Malachiidae Malachius bipustulatus Nitidulidae Cychramus luteus Pocadius adustus Monotomidae Rhizophagus dispar Yes Rhizophagus ferrugineous Yes Monotoma picipes Erotylidae Triplax russica Yes Byturidae Byturus ochraceus Coccinellidae Chilocorus renipustulatus Myrrha octodecimguttata Propylea quattuordecimpunctata Halyzia sedecimguttata Coccinella septempunctata Adalia bipunctata Harmonia axyridis Tenebrionidae Lagria hurta Eledona agricola Nb Yes Corticeus unicolor RDB3 Yes Prionychus melanarius RDB2 Yes Isomira murina Oedemeridae Oedemera lurida Pyrochroidae Pyrochroa coccinea Yes Scraptiidae Anaspis frontalis Yes Cerambycidae Grammoptera ruficornis Yes Leptura quadrifasciata Yes Rutpela maculata Yes Ananglyptus mysticus Nb Yes Leiopus nebulosus Nb Yes Chrysomelidae Chrysolina oricalcia Nb Rhynchitidae Lasiorhynchites cavifrons Nb Attelelabidae Attelabus nitens Curculionidae Curculio nucum Anthonomus pedicularius Coleoptera Curculionidae Tychius picirostris (Beetles) Nedyus quadrimaculatus Neliocarus nebulosus Neliocarus sus Strophosoma melanogrammum Otiorhynchus singularis Hylobius abietus Yes Scolytus intricatus Yes Diptera (Flies) Syrphidae Cheilosia albitarsis Cheilosia illustrata Chrysotoxum bicinctum Chrysotoxum festivum Episyrphus balteatus Eristalis pertinax Eristalis tenax Myathropa florea Yes Rhingia campestris Syrphus ribesii

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Order Family Species Status Saproxylic Volucella bombylans Volucella pellucens Xylota sylvarum Yes Asilidae Neoitamus cyanurus Stratiomyidae Chloromyia formosa Hymenoptera Wood wasp Xiphydria camelus Yes (Bees, Wasps and (Xiphydriidae) Ants) Chrysididae Chrysis ignita Formicidae Formica fusca Lasius niger Vespidae Vespo crabro Yes Vespula germanica Vespula vulgaris Apidae Apis mellifera Yes Bombus hortorum Bombus hypnorum Bombus pascuorum Megachilidae Megachile willughbiella Araneae Tetragnathidae Tetragnatha extensa Araneidae Cyclosa conica Gibbaranea gibbosa Nuctenea umbratica Yes Salticidae Heliophanus flavipes Salticus cingulatus Opiliones Phalangiidae Phalangium opilio Opiliones Nemastomatidae Nemastomatidae sp.

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D. REPTILE SURVEY (Page 1)

D.1 Introduction

EMEC Ecology was commissioned to carry out a reptile survey around the Visitor Centre.

D.2 Survey Methodology

D.2.1 Reptile Survey

The site was surveyed for reptiles using direct observation as it was considered that any articifial refuges had the potential be interfered with by frequent visitors to the survey area (Gent and Gibson 2003).

The optimal time for undertaking reptile surveys is during April and May or September, when seven visits are recommended to confirm presence or absence (Froglife 1999).

D.2.2 Survey Details

Survey visits were undertaken during suitable weather conditions and each visit lasted for a total of approximately two hours, which allowed for a thorough search of the site.

Date Time Weather Temp OC 14/04/2014 am Scattered clouds with a light breeze present. 13 Cloudy (~60%) with intervals of sunshine and a light 22/04/2014 am 12 breeze. 28/04/2014 am Partially cloudy (~30%) with a light wind present. 14 06/05/2014 pm Clear skies, with a light breeze. 16 12/05/2014 am Mostly cloudy conditionswith a light breeze present. 17 16/05/2014 pm Clear skies with 5% cloud cover and a light breeze. 23 02/06/2014 am Scattered clouds with a light breeze. 18

D.2.3 Survey Limitations

As artificial refugia were not used, the survey relied upon direct observations. As the site is open to the public throughout the week there are always people walking around the site. It is likely some basking reptiles were disturbed and therefore not seen whilst carrying out the survey.

The visits were undertaken at an optimal time of year (the first visit took place mid-April and the last at the beginning of June), and the conditions on the majority of the visits were ideal for reptile surveys. On some visits, the weather was unusually hot and sunny for May, which may have influenced the results slightly. Reptiles are harder to find in hot, sunny weather as there is little need for them to bask. However, the warmer days are when the most reptiles were recorded on the surveys.

The reptiles were generally not handled in order to limit damage and distress. It was therefore not possible to give a reliable estimate of age or sex.

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Reptile Survey (Page 2)

D.3 Survey Results

D.3.1 Habitat Assessment

Potential reptile habitat identified within the survey area was around the picnic area (areas of longer grassland and boundaries with scrub areas) and more open woodland areas surrounding the Visitor Centre.

D.3.2 Reptile Survey

Common lizards were found during three of the seven survey visits. No other reptile species were recorded during the survey. The maximum count of common lizards during any one survey visit was seven. The lizards were recorded across the whole survey area, most regularly found to the south of the site along the woodland edges, within the bracken and gorse around the play area. The locations where common lizards were found during the survey can be seen in Figure D.4.1.

Table D.4.1: Reptile Survey Results

Visit Date Results 1 14/04/14 None 2 22/04/14 None 3 28/04/14 Three common lizards were recorded within the bracken and gorse between the car park and play area. 4 06/05/14 Seven common lizards were recored. Four between the car park and play area, one north of the Visitor Centre and two within open woodland just south of the Visitor Centre. 5 12/05/14 None 6 16/05/14 None 7 02/06/14 Two common lizards recorded within bracken and gorse between the car park and play area.

Examples of common lizard found during the reptile survey

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Reptile Survey (Page 3)

D.4 Evaluation

D.4.1 Presence / Absence

Common lizards were recorded throughout the survey area. No other reptile species were recorded during the survey.

D.4.2 Population Estimate / Site Evaluation

Estimating the population size for reptiles is particularly difficult, due to their active and highly mobile nature.

At the Visitor Centre, a maximum count of seven common lizards would suggest a small population of the species (HGBI 1998). However, due to their mobile nature and surveying through direct observation only it is considered likely that there is a larger population of lizard in this area than that recorded during the survey.

D.4.3 Site Importance

The presence of common lizard on the site raises the significance in terms of its ecological value. Common lizard populations are highly localised within Nottinghamshire, and therefore the presence of a good population is considered to be of moderate to high (District) ecological value. Common lizard are listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan list of Priority Species (UK BAP 2007), which includes the species of high conservation value that are restricted in range or have suffered significant population declines in the past. They are also on the List of Species of Conservation Concern in Nottinghamshire (Notts BAG 1998) as it has a very localised distribution in the county, it is under threat from loss of habitat and has been declining in the county for some time.

D.4.4 Potential Impacts of the Proposed Works

Although a small population of common lizards was recorded at the Visitor Centre, it is considered that, as long as works are restricted to areas of hardstanding (as recommended in the main report), there will be little or no impact on the lizard population. Furthermore, on completion of the works i.e. demolition of the Current Visitor Centre and restoration of the car parking and picnic area, there will be a positive impact on the ecological value of the area for reptiles.

D.5 Recommendations

It is essential that areas confirmed as being favourable to lizards are retained and that continuity of suitable habitat is ensured as part of the proposed works.

If the car park and picnic areas are restored as recommended in the main report (to wood pasture and acid grassland respectively) then potential reptile habitat will increase and the site will be enhanced for reptiles.

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Reptile Survey (Page 4)

All contractors should be briefed as to the presence of common lizard and the working restrictions detailed in the main body of the report (Section 6.1) followed. This includes the storage of machinery and restriction of works to areas of hardstanding.

If at any point during the works reptiles are discovered, contractors should stop work immediately in that area and telephone EMEC Ecology on 0115 964 4828 for further advice.

If possible, any injured reptile should be gently placed in a secure ventilated box (i.e. cardboard box) by the contractor for the reptile’s protection whilst awaiting the arrival of a member of staff form EMEC Ecology.

D.6 References

Froglife 1999 Froglife Advice Sheet 10: Reptile Survey. Froglife, Halesworth.

Gent, T. and Gibson, S. 2003 The herpetofauna Workers Manual. Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

HGBI 1998 Evaluating Local Mitigation/Translocation Programmes. Herpetofauna Groups of Britain and Ireland.

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Reptile Survey (Page 5)

Figure D.4.1: Locations of common lizards

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APPENDIX 3: PROTECTED SPECIES LEGISLATION/ NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS

Plants All wild plants are protected against unauthorised removal or uprooting under Section 13 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended). Plants listed on Schedule 8 of the Act (e.g. triangular club rush and Deptford Pink) are afforded additional protection against picking, uprooting, destruction and sale.

Bluebell is protected by WCA 1981 (as amended), in respect of Section 13(2), which protects it from sale.

Japanese knotweed is an invasive species which is listed on Schedule 9 of the WCA 1981 (as amended), which makes it offence to plant or cause it to grow in the wild.

Amphibians (Common Species) Common amphibian species (i.e. common frog, common toad, smooth newt and palmate newt) are afforded partial legal protection under UK legislation, i.e. Schedule 5, Section 9 (5) of the WCA 1981 (as amended) and the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. This legislation prohibits:  Sale;  Transportation; and  Advertising for sale.

Badger Badger is a widespread and generally common species. However, they are legally protected under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which is based primarily on the need to protect badgers from baiting and deliberate harm or injury. Under this legislation it is illegal to:  Wilfully kill, injure, take, or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or attempt to do so;  Possess any dead badger or any part of, or anything derived from, a dead badger; and  Intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett by disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, damaging or destroying a sett, causing a dog to enter 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 All bat species are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the WCA 1981 (as amended), the CRoW Act 2000 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). Together, this legislation makes it illegal to:  Intentionally or deliberately take, kill or injure a bat;  Damage, destroy or obstruct access to bat roosts; and  Deliberately 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. If a development activity is likely to result in disturbance or killing of a bat, damage to its habitat or any of the other activities listed above, then a licence will usually be required from Natural England.

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Birds The bird breeding season generally lasts from early March to September for most species. All wild birds are protected under the WCA 1981 (as amended) and the 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; and  Possess or control any wild bird or egg unless obtained legally.

Birds listed under Schedule 1 of the WCA 1981 (as amended) are afforded additional protection, which makes it an offence to disturb a bird while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

The UK's bird species have been classified into three categories of conservation importance - red, amber and green (SoCC).

Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action. Amber is the next most critical group, followed by green.

Red list criteria  Global threatened species using IUCN criteria  Historical population decline in UK during 1800–1995, without substantial recent recovery  Severe (at least 50%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years, or longer- term period (the entire period used for assessments since the first BoCC review, starting in 1969).  Severe (at least 50%) decline in the UK non-breeding population size over 25 years or the longer-term period  Severe (at least 50%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years, or the longer- term period

Amber list criteria Species that meet any of the following criteria, but none of the red list criteria  Species with a conservation status in Europe (SPEC = Species of European Conservation Concern)  Historical population decline during 1800–1995, but recovering; population size has more than doubled over last 25 years  Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years, or the longer- term period  Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK non-breeding population over last 25 years, or the longer-term period  Moderate (25-49%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years, or the longer- term period  UK breeding population of less than 300 breeding pairs  Non-breeding population of less than 900 individuals  Localised; at least 50% of UK breeding or non-breeding population in 10 or fewer sites, but not applied to rare breeders or non-breeders  Internationally important; at least 20% of European breeding or non-breeding population in UK (NW European and East Atlantic Flyway populations used for non- breeding wildfowl and waders respectively)

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Green list  Species that occur regularly in the UK but do not qualify under any or the above criteria.

Great Crested Newt Great crested newts and their habitat are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the WCA 1981 (as amended), the CRoW Act 2000 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). This makes it is an offence to kill, injure or disturb great crested newts and to destroy any place used for rest or shelter by a newt. The great crested newt is also listed on Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive and Appendix II of the Bern Convention. If a development activity is likely to result in disturbance or killing of a great crested newt, damage to its habitat etc, then a licence will usually be required from Natural England.

Invertebrates The national conservation status codes for invertebrates are as follows:

Nationally Rare Species falling into the status categories defined in the British Red Data Books (RDB) (Bratton, 199111; Shirt, 198712). These are species internationally recognised by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  RDB 1 – Endangered  Species known from only a single locality since 1970,  species restricted to habitats which are especially vulnerable,  species which have shown a rapid or continuous decline in the past twenty years, and are now estimated to exist in five or fewer localities,  species believed extinct but which would need protection if re-discovered.  RDB 2 – Vulnerable  Species declining throughout their range,  species in vulnerable habitats,  species whose populations are low.  RDB 3 – Rare  Species which are estimated to occur in fifteen or fewer localities.  RDB K. - Unknown  Taxa suspected to fall within RDB categories but which are at present insufficiently known to enable placement.

Nationally Scarce Those falling within the Nationally Notable categories introduced by Ball 198613 (as amended).  Na  Species estimated to occur within the range of 16 to 30 10-kilometre squares of the National Grid System.  Nb  Species estimated to occur within the range of 31 to 100 10-kilometre squares of the National Grid System.

11 Bratton, J.H. 1991 British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. NCC 12 Shirt, D.B. (ed.) 1987 British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. NCC 13 Ball, S.G. 1986 Terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates with Red Data Book, Notable or habitat indicator status. Invertebrate Site Register internal report number 66. NCC

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Nationally Local  Species which, whilst fairly common, are evidently less widespread than truly common species, but also not qualifying as Nationally Notable having been recorded from over one hundred, but less than three hundred, ten-kilometre squares of the UK National Grid.

Reptiles There are six native species of reptiles in the UK, including slow-worm, common lizard, grass snake and adder, smooth snake and sand lizard, which are afforded varying degrees of protection under UK and European legislation.

Slow-worm, viviparous/common lizard, adder and grass snake are protected under Schedule 5, Section 9 (1 and 5) of the WCA 1981 (as amended) and the CRoW Act 2000 against deliberate or reckless killing and injuring and sale.

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APPENDIX 4: BOTANICAL SPECIES LIST

English Name Scientific Name Trees and Shrubs Beech Fagus sylvatica Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Elder Sambucus nigra Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Scot’s Pine Pinus sylvestris Silver Birch Betula pendula Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Yew Taxus baccata Herbs Annual Meadow-grass Poa annua Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera Black Medick Medicago lupulina Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bracken Pteridium aquilinum Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus Butterbur Petasites hybridus Cleavers Galium aparine Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus Common Cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata Common Chickweed Stellaria media Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa Common Hemp-nettle [agg.] Galeopsis tetrahit agg. Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare Common Nettle Urtica dioica Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa Common Vetch Vicia sativa Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Soft-grass Holcus mollis Crested Dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus Daisy Bellis perennis Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. Dove's-foot Crane's-bill Geranium molle a duckweed Lemna sp. False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys Gorse Ulex europaeus Greater Plantain Plantago major Greater Spearwort Ranunculus lingua

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English Name Scientific Name Ground-elder Aegopodium podagraria Herb-robert Geranium robertianum Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium Holly Ilex aquifolium Oxford Ragwort Senecio squalidus Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne Raspberry Rubus idaeus Red Campion Silene dioica Red Fescue Festuca rubra agg. Reed Sweet-grass Glyceria maxima Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Sheep's Sorrel [agg.] Rumex acetosella Smooth Meadow-grass Poa pratensis sens.lat. Wall Speedwell Veronica arvensis Water Avens Geum rivale Water Mint Mentha aquatica White Clover Trifolium repens White Dead-nettle Lamium album Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus

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QUALITY ASSURANCE

TITLE: Proposed Demolition and Remediation of Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Nottinghamshire

SUBMITTED TO: Nottinghamshire County Council

ISSUE AND REVISION RECORD:

Report Reference: WS/14/3976/01

Revision Number: 2

Description: Draft Report

Date: 02/02/15

AUTHOR

DATA PROTECTION Name: Will Sheppard BSc GradCIEEM Signed:

INTERNAL REVIEWERS DATA PROTECTION

Name: Sarah Love MSc MCIEEM AIEMA Signed:

DATA PROTECTION

Name: Steve Ralph MSc MCIEEM Signed

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