A27 Arundel Bypass Barn Owl Baseline Survey

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report

06 August 2019 Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3

1 Introduction 1-1

1.1 Project Background 1-1 1.2 Ecological Background 1-2 1.3 Aims and Objectives 1-4

2 Methods 2-6

2.1 Study Area 2-6 2.2 Desk Study 2-6 2.3 Field Survey 2-7 2.4 Assumptions and Limitations 2-10

3 Results 3-12

3.1 Desk Study 3-12 3.2 Field Survey 3-12

4 Discussion and Recommendations 4-15

4.1 Discussion 4-15 4.2 Further Survey Recommendations 4-16

LIST OF TABLES Table 3-1 - Foraging habitat 3-13 Table 3-2 - Barn owl evidence recorded 3-14 Table 3-3 - Barn owl breeding and resting sites 3-14

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Executive Summary

WSP was commissioned by Highways England to undertake studies of barn owl to inform A27 Arundel Bypass Scheme Project Control Framework Stage 2. A desk study was undertaken to identify habitats suitable for this species within the area of the Scheme options. Desk study records identified multiple records of barn owl from the past 10 years within 1.5 kilometres of the Scheme options. Inspection of aerial photography identified 71 habitat features including 21 buildings potentially suitable for use by this species. Barn owl Stage 1 and 2 surveys were undertaken in 2017. Stage 3 verification surveys were carried out in 2018. Stage 1 surveys assessed habitat suitability, indicating that 80% of the Field Survey Area contained potentially suitable foraging and nesting or roosting habitat for barn owls. Stage 2 surveys identified 44 nesting and roosting sites, 27 of which were potential nesting sites, five active roosting sites and the remaining 12 TRS. Adult barn owls were observed at nine of these locations. Within the Field Survey Area, 231 medium to small, non-continuous patches of grassland were recorded as favourable foraging habitat. The presence of specific nesting or roosting sites could not be confirmed on 19 of these patches of land as access was not permitted. However, suitable foraging habitat was identified by observations made from nearby public rights of way. Further surveys are recommended of land parcels that could not be accessed. Stage 3 field surveys identified 10 observed breeding sites in the Field Survey Area, with an additional six sites reported in close proximity. 29 other sites within the survey area were recorded as Potential Nesting Sites.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

1 Introduction

1.1 Project Background

1.1.1.1 The scope of the A27 Arundel Bypass Scheme as described in the Road Investment Strategy1 is: “The replacement of the existing single carriageway road with a dual carriageway bypass, linking together the two existing dual carriageway sections of the road”. 1.1.1.2 This corresponds to the six kilometre section of the A27 from the A284 Crossbush junction (east of Arundel) to the west of Yapton Lane (west of Arundel). The A27 currently goes through the South Downs National Park and the town of Arundel passing over the River Arun and crossing the railway line. 1.1.1.3 The Scheme options taken forward to the Public Consultation were Option 1, Option 3 and Option 5A. These are briefly described individually below. ▪ Option 1 consists of new dual carriageway from Crossbush junction south of the current A27 to the south-west of Arundel railway station, joining the A27 east of Ford Road. With a new bridge over the River Arun alongside the existing bridge. From Ford Road roundabout, which will be signalised, the existing A27 would be widened to dual carriageway. ▪ Option 3 is an off-line route from the existing A27 alignment. Option 3 would consist of a new dual carriageway corridor along its entire length. The proposed alignment will then be joined to the existing A27 via an extension of the existing infrastructure at Crossbush Junction. The alignment that runs westwards across the floodplain south of Tortington Priory and requires two new overbridges, firstly over the Arun Valley Railway Line and secondly over the River Arun. Its alignment diverges north through the Binsted Woods Complex LWS, Tortington Common and South Downs National Park, re-joining the existing A27 at Havenwood Park. It requires four new underbridges at Old Scotland Lane, Binsted Lane, Tortington Lane and at Ford Road.

1 Road Investment Strategy: for the 2015/2016 – 2019/2020 Road Period, Department for Transport, March 2015

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

▪ Option 5A is a new dual carriageway from Crossbush junction south of the current A27. The alignment crosses the Arun Valley Railway, continuing west across the floodplain, over Ford Road, running south of Tortington Priory Scheduled Monument before going north through the Binsted Woods Complex Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and the South Downs National Park, re-joining the existing A27 at a new junction near Yapton Lane. 1.1.1.4 When referred to the combined footprint of the Scheme (all options), the term ‘Scheme options’ is used in this report. When discussing the footprint of any single option, it is referred to be its number i.e. Option 1, Option 3 or Option 5A. 1.1.1.5 In October 2018, Highways England announced that a further, non-statutory public consultation would be undertaken on the Scheme (the Further Consultation) and that the Scheme would return to PCF Stage 2 (Option Selection). Through the additional studies and surveys, Highways England came across new and important information. Highways England wishes to ensure that forthcoming decision on the preferred route is made taking this new information into account and that consultees are given a fair opportunity to comment on the options on the basis of the information available. The further PCF Stage 2 work (Option Selection) (2018/2019) work included the identification of a suite of potential new Scheme options. 1.1.1.6 The process for identifying and short-listing the new set of Scheme options for consideration in PCF Stage 2, is set out in Chapter 3 of the Environmental Assessment Report. Ecological field survey data is not available for the western sections of Options 4/5AV1 and 5BV1. This is because these sections were previously too far west of the study area to necessitate a survey. Additional survey work targeting these areas is ongoing in 2019 and will be reported on in winter 2019. The information collected for Options 1, Option 3 and Option 5A in 2017 and 2018 will be used to inform an assessment of the six Scheme options and Scheme option selection.

1.2 Ecological Background

1.2.1.1 The proposed A27 Arundel Bypass Scheme lies to the west and south of Arundel town in West Sussex. Here, the landscape includes a mixture of natural, semi-natural and man-made habitats. 1.2.1.2 Suitable foraging habitat for barn owl (Tyto alba) is present throughout the Scheme options footprint, including boundary hedgerows and ditches, vegetated field margins, open woodland edges, rough and unmanaged grassland.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

1.2.1.3 Barn owls are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly: ▪ disturb them while they’re nesting, building a nest, in or near a nest that contains their young; and ▪ disturb their dependent young. 1.2.1.4 A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal2, comprising a desk study and extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, was undertaken by WSP in January 2016 (and updated in February 2019) to inform the Project Control Framework Stage 1 report for the A27 Arundel Bypass Scheme. Additionally, an ecological survey of the Mid-Arun Valley was undertaken by Wildlife Splash, commissioned by the Mid-Arun Valley Environmental Survey (MAVES) in October 20163, supplemented by additional ecological information in March 2017. MAVES also commissioned Wildlife Splash to produce an ecological impact report in October 20174. 1.2.1.5 Past MAVES surveys and reports that refer to barn owl with regards to the Scheme have been received and reviewed by WSP, and have assisted in the process of further informing the A27 Arundel Bypass Scheme. 1.2.1.6 WSP contracted the Wildlife Conservation Partnership to complete an Investigative Field Survey in 2017 and 20185 to support Project Control Framework Stage 2. 1.2.1.7 This document consolidates the findings of these studies. Comprehensive survey data for barn owl is required to inform Project Control Framework Stage 2. 1.2.2 Impacts of Road Mortality on Birds

1.2.2.1 With the exception of some birds that are considered to be nationally scarce and of conservation concern,0 the effect of road construction on most bird species is likely to be relatively limited. Construction can result in localised but temporary damage to nesting and foraging areas, however, during operation, mortality is not likely to be of sufficient magnitude to affect bird populations.

2 Highway’s England (2017) A27 Arundel Bypass Preliminary Ecological Appraisal 3 Thompson, J. (March, 2017). An ecological survey of the Mid Arun Valley. Wildlife Splash on behalf of the Mid-Arun Environmental Survey. 4 Thompson, J. (October, 2017). The Mid Arun Valley 2015 – 2017 A27 Arundel bypass Road Options 1, 3 and 5A Ecological Impact Report (using current data). Wildlife Splash on behalf of the Mid-Arun Environmental Survey. 5 Shawyer, C.R. (2017). Barn Owl Stage 2 Investigative Field Survey, A27 Bypass- Arundel. Wildlife Conservation Partnership for WSP. Hertfordshire.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

1.2.2.2 Barn owls are particularly vulnerable to collision with vehicles. Their low wing- loading and fragility of flight reduces their ability to avoid fast moving traffic and this, combined with their habit of flying at low level whilst crossing roads and commuting along grass verges, makes them especially vulnerable6. Whilst they are known to fly at a height of three – six metres above the ground when commuting, they will usually fly at a height below three metres when foraging. The combination of suitable foraging habitats along roadsides and this low flight height can result in high mortality rates caused by collisions with vehicles. 1.2.2.3 An investigation undertaken for Highways Agency (now Highways England) found that even taking into account the relative scarcity of barn owls, this species is at greater risk of road mortality than any other British wild bird. It is, for example, nine times more likely to be killed than the kestrel, a common bird of prey associated with Britain’s road network7. 1.2.3 Casualty Rates

1.2.3.1 Barn owls have difficulty in avoiding collision with traffic moving faster than 50mph and thus the greatest levels of mortality occur on major roads where traffic typically moves at such speed. In Britain casualty rates have been recorded at between 0.84 and 1.13 per mile per annum. These rates relate to the speed and volume of traffic as well as the population density of barn owl in the area concerned8.

1.3 Aims and Objectives

1.3.1.1 A barn owl survey was undertaken to provide baseline survey information to inform Project Control Framework Stage 2. The aim of the survey was to determine the presence or absence of barn owl within the proposed Scheme options footprint, and assess the importance of habitats present in the Scheme options footprint for this species. 1.3.1.2 The objectives of the study were to conduct; ▪ A detailed desk study to determine if barn owl have previously been found in the Desk Study Area; ▪ Field surveys to establish the presence of breeding or roosting barn owl within the Field Study Area; and ▪ Determine the importance and connectivity of the habitat for foraging barn owl.

6 Shawyer, C.R. (1987). The Barn Owl in the British Isles its Past, Present and Future. Hawk Trust, London. 7 Shawyer, C.R. and Dixon, N. (1999). Impact of Roads on Barn Owl Populations. Highways Agency, London. 8 Shawyer, C.R. and Segar, J. (2013). Area 6 Barn Owl Study. Atkins for Highways Agency, Bristol.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

1.3.1.3 The A27 Arundel scheme crosses linear features of the landscape, such as grassy banks of watercourses, field margins and woodland edges, which may be used by barn owls for foraging and dispersal. Severance of such features, can lead to areas where barn owls are unlikely to be present, despite the presence of suitable foraging habitats and nesting sites. 1.3.1.4 The results of this survey, and subsequent recommendations, are included within this report. 1.3.1.5 The contents of this report represent interim baseline survey findings collected at Project Control Framework Stage 2 (option selection). Highways England intends to collect further survey information for Project Control Framework Stage 3 (preliminary design) and it is intended that baseline data presented in this report will be updated when the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Scheme is published.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation 2 Methods

2.1 Study Area

2.1.1.1 The following study areas were used for desk study and field survey work: ▪ Desk Study Area – this comprised two zones: 1) an area that is two kilometres from the outer boundary of the Scheme options within which biological records were obtained; and 2) a 10-kilometre land corridor, five kilometres to either side of the Scheme options within which 10 kilometre grid squares occupied by barn owls were recorded, so as to estimate the distribution of barn owl populations within the wider landscape. ▪ Field Survey Area – a zone extending 1.5 kilometres from the outer boundary of the Scheme options within which field surveys were carried out. This zone has been taken in accordance to best practice set out in Shawyer 19909.

2.2 Desk Study

2.2.1.1 A desk study was undertaken in November 2017 and updated in October 2018 to review existing baseline information available in the public domain, and held by relevant third parties, about barn owl in the landscape surrounding the Scheme options. Data was requested from the following sources: ▪ The Barn Owl Trust was contacted for information on species records, and five records were returned; ▪ Sussex Biodiversity Records Centre (SxBRC) was contacted to provide a data search report with biological records including habitats and species present within the Desk Study Area. These records were verified for records of barn owls occurring within the local area;

9 Shawyer, C.R. 1990 (revised 1996). The Barn Owl and its Habitat. Leaflet. The Hawk and Owl Trust. London.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

▪ The Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) returned approximately 700 confidential records of barn owls from 2007 to the present in 10 kilometre grid squares around the Scheme options. SOS’s database CoBRA (County Bird Recording Application) stores data in this fashion. The records were spatially displayed and filtered to select records which fell within fiver kilometres of the Scheme and within the two kilometre Desk Study Area. This data was used in the assessment of the local population of barn owls in the surrounding landscape; and ▪ The MAVES reports and documents have been consulted and their findings are incorporated into this report. 2.2.1.2 The SOS data from 10 kilometre grid squares enable the Scheme to be informed not only about its possible effect on the species at the local and regional levels, but also the presence of barn owl species recovery areas and barn owl recovery networks. These represent areas of Britain where concerted effort is being made to protect and conserve this bird species and as a result are important to consider in the planning process10. 2.2.1.3 The findings of the desk study are provided within Appendix A of this report.

2.3 Field Survey

2.3.1 Approach

2.3.1.1 Field surveys took a three-stage approach: ▪ Stage 1 – site walkover, to record features of the habitat which may support barn owls; ▪ Stage 2 – a detailed investigation of the features identified during Stage 1 to record potential nest sites (PNS), active roost sites (ARS), temporary rest sites (TRS), and potential foraging habitat (PFH); and ▪ Stage 3 – further detailed investigation during the barn owl breeding survey (specifically between June - July) to identify breeding activity. 2.3.1.2 These stages are described in more detail below.

10 Shawyer, C. R. (2011). Barn Owl Tyto alba Survey Methodology and Techniques for use in Ecological Assessment: Developing Best Practice in Survey and Reporting. IEEM, Winchester.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

2.3.2 Stage 1 - Site Identification

2.3.2.1 Aerial photography, Ordnance Survey maps and available Phase 1 Habitat Survey data were examined to identify suitable barn owl habitat (arable fields with grass margins, rough grassland, woodland edges, water meadows, and habitat corridors, as well as trees / buildings with potential roosting or nesting features), and features which could be used for roosting and nesting barn owls. Potential nesting and roosting features included barns / farm buildings, bale stacks and old churches. In addition, where knowledge was available about mature trees with cavities that could be used by barn owls these were identified and catalogued, as such trees are used by nesting and roosting barn owls11. Similarly, known nest box locations were also identified and catalogued. 2.3.2.2 Land containing potentially suitable barn owl habitat was mapped, and noted for field survey during Stage 2. 2.3.3 Stage 2 - Investigative Field Survey

2.3.3.1 Stage 2 survey was undertaken by the Wildlife Conservation Partnership (WCP), covering habitats identified during Stage 1 as potentially suitable to support barn owl. Surveys were undertaken between 18 September 2017 and 29 September 2017 by a licensed barn owl surveyor from WCP assisted by experienced WSP ecologists. 2.3.3.2 Field surveys identified PNS, ARS, TRS and potentially suitable foraging habitat (PFH). The locations of these features were mapped, and descriptions of them recorded. Surveys were subject to access restrictions. Where landowner permission was available, land selected at Stage 1 was surveyed in order to establish the presence and extent of barn owl habitats. Where landowner permission was not available, only the presence of suitable habitat could be confirmed; survey of areas with restricted access was limited to visual inspection from public rights of way (footpaths, roadsides etc) or adjacent accessible land using binoculars.

11 Toms, M.P., Crick, H.Q.P. and Shawyer, C.R. (2001). The status of breeding Barn Owls Tyto alba in the United Kingdom 1995–97. Bird Study. Volume 48 (1), p.23-37.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

2.3.3.3 Mature trees located in open fields, hedgerows and woodland edges, that might support barn owls were inspected. Other trees in suitable habitat which were considered to be of sufficient age and girth to contain a cavity, along with trees that showed signs of damage or decay from wind or lightning strike were also examined. Tree holes of a sufficient size to allow access to a barn owl (minimum 70 millimetres diameter hole), were inspected (Photograph D1). Where holes were less accessible, a pole-mounted endoscope was used to determine if the cavities were of a sufficient form and size for them to be confirmed as a PNS (see Shawyer, 2011 for assessment criteria). Agricultural buildings, bale stacks and other structures were investigated in a similar way. Mature trees with the highest suitability for use by nesting barn owls were found to be predominantly mature oak (Quercus sp.) and ash (Fraxinus sp.). 2.3.3.4 Structures were inspected closely from the ground to assess if there were suitable cavities which might allow a barn owl to enter, and where possible, were inspected for evidence of an internal chamber of sufficient size for a barn owl to roost or nest (photographs shown in Appendix D). The locations of the buildings and structures with cavities large enough for barn owls to enter were recorded in accordance with guidance produced by the Barn Owl Trust12. 2.3.3.5 Cavities within trees and structures were accessed using a ladder and inspected for evidence of barn owls with the aid of a torch, mirror and endoscope. This inspection enabled the surveyor to determine whether the cavity was large enough to accommodate an adult barn owl, and included a search for barn owl field signs that might indicate its current or past use as a nest or roost site. Field signs noted included splashing (droppings), pellets, and moulted feathers. Searches were made for evidence of breeding including the presence of barn owl eggs, egg shells, chicks, chick down and nest material (Photograph D2 and D3). 2.3.3.6 Patches of potential barn owl foraging habitat (PFH), primarily rough- grassland, were also assessed at this time according to their ability to support populations of small mammals, in particular, field vole (Microtus agrestis) on which barn owl feed. Grassland was recorded as Type 1 or Type 2 barn owl habitat: Type 1 habitat was considered to be ideal foraging habitat, characterised by tall tussocky grass with a thick (70-100 millimetres) litter- layer within which small mammals and reptiles could burrow (Photograph D4); Type 2 habitat is suboptimal for foraging but is still suitable to support feeding barn owls.

12 Barn Owl Trust, (2012). Barn Owl Conservation Handbook, Pelagic Publishing, Exeter.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

2.3.4 Stage 3 - Further Detailed Field Survey

2.3.4.1 Stage 3 surveys were undertaken for Option 5A only. The surveys were carried out between July 2018 and September 2018. Features identified during Stage 2 were revisited during the main breeding season to investigate whether they were in current use by barn owl. This was confirmed by the presence of the species, and/or fresh field signs (for example recent nest debris, pellets, feathers or other signs of use). The findings of the Stage 3 survey are tabulated in Appendix B. 2.3.4.2 Stage 3 allows for the identification of areas of habitat used by barn owl that are likely to be lost or isolated as a result of the design of the Proposed Scheme option. 2.3.5 Dates of Survey and Personnel

2.3.5.1 Surveys were carried out by experienced surveyors from the Wildlife Conservation Partnership holding an approved Natural England CL29 Class licence. The Stage 2 surveys were completed over a period of 2 weeks, assisted by ecologists from WSP. The surveys were carried out on 18 September 2017 - 22 September 2017, continuing on 25 September 2017 - 28 September 2017. Similarly, Stage 3 surveys were completed by the same personnel between June 2018 and early September 2018. Survey timing was affected by the weather which caused barn owl to have a late breeding season13. Survey dates were also influenced by land owner access permissions.

2.4 Assumptions and Limitations

2.4.1.1 Where access was not permitted, potentially suitable habitat was surveyed with the aid of binoculars from public rights of way or adjacent land parcels. This method was only suitable to ascertain potential foraging habitat (PFH) and not the presence of nesting / roosting features, and only where line of sight was possible. Access restriction had a greater and potentially significant impact on recording nesting / roosting sites, rather than the potential foraging habitat which could be viewed by binocular 2.4.1.2 Potential Nesting Sites (PNS) which could not be surveyed due to safety concerns during the Stage 3 surveys remained recorded as PNS as presence/absence could not be confirmed. A thorough inspection for fresh field signs, and considerations of connectivity, was undertaken in these instances to reduce the potentially significant impact of this limitation.

13 Usually March – August (inclusive), however eggs can be present any month of the year, food availability is more relevant to their success, as stated in Barn Owl Trust (2012). Barn Owl Conservation Handbook, Pelagic Publishing, Exeter.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

2.4.1.3 Inbuilt nest boxes recorded but not accessed (due to access limitation) were recorded as Observed Breeding Sites (OBS) when breeding was confirmed by the landowner and/or neighbour. As all inbuilt nest boxes were observed by neighbours as active breeding sites, we do not expect this limitation to be of significant impact. 2.4.1.4 Large densely wooded areas are not considered suitable breeding habitats for this species, hence woodland north-west of the Proposed Scheme, at Dane’s Wood, Rough Copse and Goblestubb’s Copse were discounted after they were visually confirmed to be unsuitable habitat for foraging barn owl. Individual trees in this dense woodland were not inspected. This limitation is not expected to have had a significant impact on our results as upon questioning, no barn owl sightings were reported by residents or owners.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation 3 Results

3.1 Desk Study

3.1.1 Records

3.1.1.1 SxBRC identified 39 records from 2007-2015 within the two kilometre Desk Study Area. These records included active and abandoned nests. The numbers of eggs and young were recorded at each nest (see Appendix B). The highest counts recorded were of six live young and five eggs. Not all eggs and young are likely to survive to become successful breeding adults. 3.1.1.2 MAVES reported the presence of sightings and nest boxes erected in the Binsted Woods Complex LWS, including one within a newly converted barn. Their records included 14 barn owl sightings, from 2016 and 2017. These sightings were located around Marsh Farm in Binsted and near Tortington Church. 3.1.1.3 The Barn Owl Trust returned five records from the past 10 years, dating between February 2013 and January 2017. All records are of confirmed sightings of barn owls, including one nesting and one roosting event in trees. Records are tabulated in Appendix B. 3.1.1.4 The Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) records its data in 10 kilometre grid squares. A total of 702 barn owl records were returned from SOS for land within 10 kilometres of the Scheme between 2007 and 2017. Of these, 108 records were within five kilometres of the Scheme options, and 29 within two kilometres of the Desk Study Area. The records include sightings, road deaths, recently used nest boxes, fledges, and roosting sites. This data is shown in Appendix B. 3.1.1.5 The spatial distribution of these records is shown in Figure 1 (Appendix C).

3.2 Field Survey

3.2.1 Stage 1 - Site Identification

3.2.1.1 Land containing potentially suitable barn owl habitat (foraging areas, roosting and nesting features) in the Field Survey Area is shown in Appendix C. 3.2.1.2 Stage 1 studies showed that approximately 80% of the Field Survey Area provided suitable barn owl habitat. Areas of unsuitable land comprised urban and built-up areas and the centres of dense woodlands. 3.2.1.3 The suitability of the total area surveyed is shown in Table 3-1 below.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Table 3-1 - Foraging habitat Suitable Land Area (ha) Suitable Type 1 109 Suitable Type 2 225 Unsuitable 2,459 Total 2,793 3.2.1.4 Grassland was identified as Type 1 or 2, within the patches of land that had been identified as PFH. Within the accessible land parcels, 231 small, and at times isolated, patches of favourable foraging grassland were recorded. 3.2.1.5 These were recorded and polygons mapped of land which contained features which indicate that the barn owl prey species were likely to be present. The preferable Type 1 grassland made up 93 individual patches, while 138 patches made up the Type 2 habitat. As seen in the Table 3-1 these patches of Type 1 grassland made up 109ha, and 225ha of Type 2 grassland. The total percentage of Type 1 and Type 2 foraging habitat for barn owls within the total Field Survey Area is 12.0%, this is considerably less than what was initially calculated from the Stage 1 survey using the aerial photography. 3.2.1.6 Nineteen patches of land, where access was not granted, were visually identified as containing suitable foraging habitat. These areas were included in the calculations. The foraging habitat results are visually displayed in Figure 2 (Appendix C). Suitable foraging barn owl habitat is split into the two suitability types, displayed in green and yellow. 3.2.2 Stage 2 - Investigative Field Survey

3.2.2.1 The presence of barn owls was confirmed within the Field Survey Area. Stage 2 survey results presented provide the findings for theScheme options. The results for Stage 2 were: 27 PNS, five ARS and 12 TRS recorded. Barn owls were observed at nine of these locations. Table 3-2 shows these features and their proximity to the three Scheme options. Confidential survey data is included in Appendix B.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Table 3-2 - Barn owl evidence recorded Scheme Potential Active Temporary Option Nesting Site Roosting Site Resting Site (PNS) (ARS) (TRS) Option 1 12 2 1 Option 3 18 2 3 Option 5A 19 2 10 3.2.2.2 At the time of survey, WCP considered that the current abundance of Type 1 and Type 2 grassland habitat and PNS available to barn owls is sufficient to accommodate three to four breeding pairs of barn owls. 3.2.3 Stage 3 - Nest Verification Survey

3.2.3.1 Verification surveys in the Field Survey Area were carried out during the main breeding season in 2018 (March to August inclusive) to confirm the location of the nesting sites (OBS – Observed Breeding Site). The following results were produced for the Scheme option 5A only as requested by the client.

Table 3-3 - Barn owl breeding and resting sites Site Total Within 100m of Within 500m of type Number Scheme Footprint Scheme Footprint ARS 4 2 2 OBS 10 3 5 PNS 29 8 18 TRS 6 0 3 3.2.3.2 On completion of Stage 3, four types of sites were recorded; Active Roosting Sites (ARS), Observed Breeding sites (OBS), Potential Nesting Sites (PNS) and Temporary Resting Sites (TRS). Several sites identified as PNS in Stage 2 could not be discounted, due to the surveyors being unable to access the cavity safely to confirm the presence of barn owl field signs. The suitability of some cavities suggests that they may provide suitable breeding sites in the future. The difference between a roosting and a resting site lies in the presence or lack of a cavity which would provide sufficient protection. A perch or vantage point used between foraging periods may be considered as a resting site. 3.2.3.3 Results of these Stage 3 surveys suggest that numerous sites fall in close proximity to the Scheme options. Additionally, there are no physical features, such as a tall woodland or urban area, which could function as a protection barrier separating the Scheme from the nests. The results from the field survey can be seen in the figures section in Appendix C.

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation 4 Discussion and Recommendations

4.1 Discussion

4.1.1.1 Field signs and sightings of barn owl have been recorded in the open farmland south of Binsted Woods Complex LWS, in the Arun floodplain and north of the current A27 road by WSP, MAVES and SxBRC amongst other record centres. The results of the field surveys confirm that barn owls are present and breeding across the Field Survey Area. 4.1.1.2 Foraging habitat, as well as resting and nesting sites, have been recorded within and adjacent to the Scheme options. Two of the nine breeding sites were recorded adjacent to the Scheme options, these are located south of Binsted Woods Complex LWS and in the Arun floodplain, east of the River Arun. Two PNS, Type 1 and Type 2 foraging habitat located between Binsted Woods Complex LWS edge and the north boundary of the Scheme options would be isolated by the Scheme and likely inaccessible to foraging barn owls. 4.1.1.3 Isolation and removal of nest sites and foraging habitat would be detrimental to breeding barn owls and should be avoided where possible. 4.1.2 Vulnerability

4.1.2.1 A decline of barn owl numbers was noted from the early 19th century, and is thought to have been due to a loss of available nest sites and loss of rough grasslands through land use changes. Reports suggest declines of up to 70% in the UK since the 1930s. However, the current conservation status of barn owl according to the BTO(British Trust for Ornithology), was downgraded from Amber to Green at the end of 2014 because of more recent recoveries in population numbers. 4.1.2.2 Studies have shown that breeding adults make up over one-third of all barn owl road casualties. This suggests that effects of major roads on local breeding populations are likely to be more significant than if only juvenile owls were affected14. 4.1.2.3 Road construction can cause the direct loss and fragmentation of barn owl habitat resulting in indirect impacts such as the disruption or severance to established home ranges. However, the most significant impact comes after a new road becomes operational, affecting barn owls inhabiting the area up to one to 1.5 kilometres from the road.

14 Shawyer, C.R. (2017 in press). Sustainability of a regional barn owl population following major road construction. Bird Study

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Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

4.1.2.4 This distance represents the average extent of the barn owl home range during the breeding season15. As a consequence, barn owls living within this distance of new roads commonly fall victim to road traffic. Following the death of these owls, recruitment of young barn owls which attempt to settle and breed in the newly vacant areas is insufficient to offset the high levels of road mortality. As a result, nest sites which have been repeatedly used by generations of owls are rarely re-used, and therefore left abandoned16. 4.1.2.5 New or improved road scheme generally adversely impact barn owls which breed within one to 1.5 kilometres, however a smaller number of adults, commonly adult females, found up to three kilometres, can also fall victim to road mortality. This often occurs in winter when prey is scarce and range extension is necessary at this time of the year.

4.2 Further Survey Recommendations

4.2.1.1 It is recommended that further Stage 3 Inspection surveys are undertaken where incidental PNS (recorded during other surveys) fall in proximity to the Scheme options. 4.2.1.2 Survey information should inform Scheme option decisions and thereafter, an appropriate mitigation plans conforming to current best practice once the preferred route option has been selected. The mitigation plan would take into consideration both the temporary and long-term effects of the Scheme. Temporary mitigation measures would include requirements necessary prior to land clearance and construction, so as to avoid: ▪ disturbance of breeding barn owls; ▪ ecological constraint to the works; and ▪ infringement of wildlife law. 4.2.1.3 Long-term measures are likely to be necessary to offset impacts on barn owls once the road is operational.

15 Barn Owl Trust, (2012). Barn Owl Conservation Handbook, Pelagic Publishing, Exeter. 16 Shawyer, C.R. (1998). Barn Owl. Arlequin Press, Chelmsford.

Page 1-16 August 2019

Appendix A: Desk Study Data

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Table A1 – The Barn Owl Trust Records ID Record type Grid County Last seen Time Sighting Type Activity Site Description Ref. date Period Description

1265 Sighting TQ0208 West 23/02/2013 06:00 Barn Owl just Whilst Sussex seen once walking

1706 Sighting TQ0306 West 29/10/2013 3 mins Barn Owl more In a layby Sussex than once a watching month buzzards 3396 Nest + TQ0007 West 04/06/2014 early Nest + Roost Tree hole / The hollow is approx. 75 cm high by 40 Roost Sussex April tree hollow cm wide - the female adult tends to roost 2014 deep up into the hollow - the babies are onwards perched towards the back of the hollow but right opposite the opening.

7168 Sighting TQ2627 West 08/11/2015 21:00 Barn Owl less Whilst Sussex than once a driving month

9752 Sighting TQ2528 West 17/01/2017 07:30 Barn Owl just Whilst Sussex seen once cycling

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Table A-2 – Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre – barn owl records RecOccKey Location RecDate Abundance GridRef Notes THU0000200025764 Warningcamp nr 15/05/2007 1 Present TQ00I Arundel THU00002000252W6 Arundel Swanbourne 03/07/2007 1 Present TQ0107 Lake THU000020001UHGF Arundel WWT P. Scott 08/01/2008 1 Present TQ022079 Large Lagoon THU000020003MPUL Arun Valley - Ford 11/03/2008 1 Present TQ0004 hunting across uncultivated field by railway at Station Ford after bad storm; land quite waterlogged THU0000200038DY3 Yapton 07/07/2008 1 Present SU90R (Confirmed breeding - nest with young) THU0000200037OTK Offham Arun Valley 05/08/2008 1 Present TQ00J (Confirmed breeding - nest with young) THU000020001TUWH Warningcamp nr 03/10/2008 1 Present TQ 027084 Arundel THU0000200021BHY Slindon Woods 17/01/2009 1 Present SU9507 Road Casualty nearby THU0000200021R8A Poling CP, Poling nr 12/05/2009 1 Present TQ0404 New Place Farm Arundel THU00002000381QI Yapton 25/06/2009 3 Present SU90R (Confirmed breeding - nest with young) THU00002000381QJ Offham Arun Valley 26/06/2009 3 Present TQ00J + 7(NY) on 26/06; (Max 7- 26/06) (Confirmed breeding - nest with young) THU00002000381QK Offham Arun Valley 26/06/2009 7 Present TQ00J month max (Confirmed breeding - nest with young) THU00002000381RC Offham Arun Valley 13/07/2009 2 Present TQ00J (Confirmed breeding - nest with young) THU0000200025YTK Toddington nr 28/01/2010 1 Present TQ042042 roosting in nest box on tree Littlehmptn

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

RecOccKey Location RecDate Abundance GridRef Notes THU00002000262RH Littlehampton Courtwick 09/06/2010 1 Present TQ016038 Perched on electricity post looking for prey 21:30 to 21:55; besides concrete road from Courtwick to Brook Barn Farm THU000020003MQAI Arun Valley - Ford 09/10/2010 1 Present TQ0004 Station THU000020002P5CD Arun Valley - Ford 18/04/2011 1 Present TQ0004 Escapee with broken tether and cuffs on legs Station blue ring; next to rway line at Ford for over 2 months (Barrie Watson aware) THU000020002P5CM Wick Hutchinsons Farm 06/05/2011 1 Present TQ015048 Per the farmer; Tim Hutchings; who farms Brook Barn Farm THU000020002NGLS Littlehampton Courtwick 03/06/2011 1 Present TQ015037 Quatering field one and a half minutes after TQ015038 FF sighting. (Possibly breeding - observed in suitable habitat) THU000020002NGLR Littlehampton Courtwick 03/06/2011 1 Present TQ015038 With vole or similar in talons from oat field and flew north towards - boxes at TQ015039 and in TQ0104 further north THU000020002NGLT Wick Hutchinsons Farm 03/06/2011 1 Present TQ016040 2 sightings over twenty minutes; quartering field to east and north east of Brook Barn Farm THU0000200038NVW Warningcamp nr 13/06/2011 1 Present TQ00I (Possibly breeding - observed in suitable Arundel habitat) THU000020002NGM2 Littlehampton Courtwick 13/06/2011 1 Present TQ0103 20:00 by Paul Nightingale catching vole in oat field returning to nest box. Box in Tree. THU000020002NGM3 Littlehampton Courtwick 13/06/2011 1 Present TQ017037 21:00 oatfields, flying south along eastern edge of road from Courtwick to Brook Barn Farm. THU000020002NGM8 Littlehampton Courtwick 19/06/2011 1 Present TQ017039 21:00 caught/carry vole field to tree with nest box TQ017039. Reported by Tim Hutchings August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

RecOccKey Location RecDate Abundance GridRef Notes THU000020002NGM9 Littlehampton Courtwick 19/06/2011 1 Present TQ018038 21:50 hunting oat fields to south east of towards Kigfisher Drive and Linnet Close. Reported by Tim Hutchings THU000020002NGME Poling CP, Poling nr 23/06/2011 1 Present TQ0404 North Littlehampton - south side of Black Arundel Ditch. Seen at 06:45; in box; flew off west along Black Ditch - hunting. THU000020002NGMJ Littlehampton Courtwick 27/06/2011 1 Present TQ018038 Hunting oat fields. THU000020002NGMN Littlehampton Courtwick 28/06/2011 1 Present TQ017038 Hunting across eastern oat-fields of Courtwick development site (Possibly breeding - observed in suitable habitat) THU000020002NGMK Poling CP, Poling nr 28/06/2011 2 Present TQ0404 North Littlehampton - south side of Black Arundel Ditch. With B Wartson and C White; who inspected the box. Pair inside with three old eggs. Female ringed. THU000020002NGMO Littlehampton Courtwick 29/06/2011 2 Present TQ016038 Reported to Amy Nightingale by Viv Haskins (neighbour) (Possibly breeding - observed in suitable habitat) THU000020002NGMQ Littlehampton Courtwick 30/06/2011 1 Present TQ015039 Box with BO Nest. Adult photod by Amy Nightingale; heard young when it arrived with prey. THU000020002OADI Wick Brook Barn Farm 29/12/2011 1 Present TQ014039 Reported by farm owner Tim Hutchings. THU000020002QW8C Burpham CP, Burpham 14/01/2012 1 Present TQ0308 THU000020002QWC7 Offham Arun Valley 14/07/2012 1 Present TQ0208 THU000020002QWAT Burpham CP, Burpham 11/12/2012 1 Present TQ0308 Hunting at edge of village THU00002000307YX Burpham 25/01/2013 1 Present TQ0308 THU0000200030S8M ArunWWT Wetlands 02/02/2013 1 Present TQ022081 (Migrant) Discovery Centre August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

RecOccKey Location RecDate Abundance GridRef Notes THU0000200030GI0 Burpham 11/02/2013 1 Present TQ0308 hunting in snow daylight THU00002000314ZN ArunWWT Wetlands 20/02/2013 1 Present TQ022081 (Migrant) Discovery Centre THU00002000307MT Warningcamp nr 26/02/2013 2 Present TQ0307 Hunting early morning Arundel THU000020003122G Arundel WWT. 28/02/2013 1 Present TQ0208 THU0000200030T6U ArunWWT Wetlands 03/03/2013 1 Present TQ0208 Same recorder as 25/03/13 record; Discovery Centre THU00002000319GD ArunWWT Wetlands 25/03/2013 1 Present TQ0208 Same recorder as 03/03/13 record; Discovery Centre THU000020003HBZ2 Arundel Tortington 26/03/2013 1 Present TQ022081 (Migrant) THU000020003HBZ2 Arundel Tortington 06/06/2013 1 Present TQ022081 Observed at 22:00hrs. (Fly-over only) THU000020003S3D3 ArunWWT Wetlands 10/10/2014 1 Present TQ00C Tim Hutchings; farmer Brook Barn Farm; Discovery Centre confirmed in October presence of BO on his farm and still present during the breeding season. THU000020003S3D4 ArunWWT Wetlands 13/05/2015 1 Present TQ022081 Going to Nest Box. (Probably breeding - Discovery Centre visiting probable nest site) THU000020003RPA0 Arundel WWT. 17/05/2015 1 Present TQ022081 Leaving Nest Box at 21:00hrs. (Fly-over only) THU000020003RPA9 ArunWWT Wetlands 16/06/2015 1 Present TQ0208 (21:00-22:30) Discovery Centre THU000020003P4N1 Binsted 22/06/2015 1 Present TQ022081 Roosting at visible end of Box. THU000020003RUUQ Arundel WWT. 15/07/2015 1 Present SU9893606470 Flying over grassland between areas of woodland. THU000020003S3E2 ArunWWT Wetlands 16/07/2015 1 Present TQ0208 (19:30-21:00) Discovery Centre August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

RecOccKey Location RecDate Abundance GridRef Notes THU000020003S3E6 ArunWWT Wetlands 30/10/2015 1 Present TQ022081 Leaving nest box (Fly-over only) Discovery Centre THU000020003S3E7 ArunWWT Wetlands 01/11/2015 1 Present TQ022081 On Barn Owl Perch. Discovery Centre THU000020003RTAE ArunWWT Wetlands 03/11/2015 1 Present TQ022081 Discovery Centre THU000020003RTAI Arundel WWT Antarctic 22/11/2015 1 Present TQ022081 At 17:40hrs out of Box. Hide/Scrape THU000020003P8B5 Binsted Rife 24/11/2015 1 Present TQ023082 At 16:35hrs. (Fly-over only) THU000020003RTAT ArunWWT Wetlands 12/12/2015 1 Present SU982056 Flying along Binsted Rife - a narrow valley Discovery Centre with a mosaic of damp grassland, rush pasture, swamp and fen. THU000020003RTAX Arundel WWT. 15/12/2015 1 Present TQ022081 THU000020003RTAW ArunWWT Visitor 19/12/2015 1 Present TQ00J (07:35-15:39) Around 08:00 Barn Owl flew Cnt/Entrance Lakes from Wetland Discovery; hassled by Black- headed Gulls. THU0000200043JKD Arundel WWT, 19/12/2015 1 Present TQ020080 Overflying (Fly-over only) ArunWWT Wetlands Discovery Centre THU0000200043JKQ Arundel WWT, 01/01/2016 1 Present TQ022081 ArunWWT Wetlands Discovery Centre THU0000200043JKY Burpham CP, Burpham 15/01/2016 1 Present TQ022081 THU00002000439J6 Offham Arun Valley 19/01/2016 1 Present TQ00J (13:50-16:09) THU00002000439JD Offham Arun Valley 30/01/2016 3 Present TQ0208 (07:15-07:45) 3-4 individuals. Seen on opposite river bank, then crossed river and into WWT. August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

RecOccKey Location RecDate Abundance GridRef Notes THU00002000439JB Offham Arun Valley 03/02/2016 1 Present TQ0208 (17:10-18:05) THU0000200043JLA Offham Arun Valley 03/02/2016 2 Present TQ0208 (06:40-07:40) THU0000200043JLI Arundel Watermeadows 14/02/2016 1 Present TQ0208 (06:40-07:55) THU0000200043JLL Offham Arun Valley 19/02/2016 1 Present TQ00I (16:00-17:00) THU0000200043JLU Offham Arun Valley 21/02/2016 1 Present TQ0208 (06:20-08:05) THU00002000439IO Arun Valley (Arundel- 28/02/2016 1 Present TQ0208 (06:05-07:54) Lhampton) THU000020003ZU13 Binsted Woods Complex 13/03/2016 1 Present TQ00C (15:30-17:30) LWS, Binsted THU000020003ZUDO Binsted Woods Complex 24/07/2016 1 Present SU9858605839 LWS, Binsted THU000020003ZUP6 Binsted Woods Complex 08/08/2016 1 Present SU9876305775 LWS, Binsted THU000020003ZU1M Near Tortington 30/09/2016 1 Present SU9816306348 THU0000200043KPR Arundel WWT, Arundel 07/11/2016 1 Present TQ0021505037 WWT. THU000020003ZU1K Near Tortington 20/12/2016 1 Present TQ00J (07:50-16:09) THU0000200048YMZ Binsted Woods Complex 11/03/2017 1 Present TQ0014205795 LWS, Binsted THU0000200048WXX Binsted Woods Complex 21/05/2017 1 Present SU992053 Barn Owl returning to nest box in a building in LWS, Binsted Binsted with a rodent in its mouth. THU0000200048VSR Binsted Woods Complex 19/06/2017 1 Present SU99110587 Dropping into grassland at woodland edge LWS, Binsted THU0000200048RR6 Arundel Riverbank 03/07/2017 1 Present SU98800524 Seen in-flight Arundel WWT. 08/08/2017 1 Present TQ025076

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Table A-3 - Sussex Ornithological Society CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS CoBRA Site Name Species Date Num Breeding Grid Notes Finder Finder Number Name ber Status Ref Name Initials 1234782 Burpham Barn 26/06/ 3 NY TQ04 Peppering High Barn 3young in nest Watson AB Owl 2009 2100 box in barn 1234783 Burpham Barn 26/06/ 4 NY TQ03 Peppering Farm 4young in nest box in Watson AB Owl 2009 7094 barn 1234784 Arundel Barn 26/06/ 6 NY TQ03 Splash Fm tree box 3young Watson AB Watermeadows Owl 2009 7083 1234785 Amberley Barn 26/06/ 1 NY TQ01 Downs Fm Brooks tree box 6young Watson AB Owl 2009 9126 1234786 Amberley Barn 26/06/ 3 NY TQ03 Downs Farm barn box 3young Watson AB Owl 2009 6122 1234778 Offham Arun Barn 13/07/ 2 NY TQ02 owl box in barn 2young Watson AB Valley Owl 2009 7088 1234779 North Stoke Arun Barn 13/07/ 4 NY TQ02 4young in tree nest box Watson AB Valley Owl 2009 0105 1234781 North Stoke Arun Barn 13/07/ 1 NY TQ02 1 chick in nest box in barn Watson AB Valley Owl 2009 7111 1234802 Slindon Gumber Barn 14/07/ 1 NY SU96 Warren Barn box 1young only Watson AB Farm Owl 2009 4111 1364914 Colworth near Barn 08/07/ 3 NY SU91 Woodend barn box 3 young Watson AB Bognor Owl 2010 4030

1364756 Amberley Barn 19/07/ UN TQ01 Downs Fm Brooks tree box Used nest Watson AB Owl 2010 9126 Fledged and gone 1364910 Amberley Barn 19/07/ 3 NY TQ03 Downs Farm barn box Three young Watson AB Owl 2010 6122

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

CoBRA Site Name Species Date Num Breeding Grid Notes Finder Finder Number Name ber Status Ref Name Initials 1364908 Burpham Barn 29/07/ 3 NY TQ04 Peppering High Barn nest box Three Watson AB Owl 2010 2100 young 1364909 Burpham Barn 29/07/ 3 NY TQ03 Peppering Farm barn box Three young Watson AB Owl 2010 7094 1494945 Colworth near Barn 23/06/ 5 NY SU91 Woodend Barn box 5 young Watson AB Bognor Owl 2011 4030 1494916 Toddington nr Barn 28/06/ 2 H TQ04 tree box 2 Ads roosting only non- Watson AB Littlehmptn Owl 2011 2042 breeders 1494918 Burpham Barn 29/06/ 4 NY TQ04 Peppering High Barn box 4 young Watson AB Owl 2011 2100 1494919 Burpham Barn 29/06/ 3 NY TQ03 Peppering Farm box 1Ad 3 young Watson AB Owl 2011 7094 1494920 Arundel Barn 29/06/ 2 NY TQ03 Splash Farm tree box 2 young Watson AB Watermeadows Owl 2011 7083 1494917 North Stoke Arun Barn 03/07/ 4 NY TQ02 tree box 4 young Watson AB Valley Owl 2011 0105 1494921 Amberley Barn 03/07/ 5 NY TQ01 Downs Fm brooks tree box 5 young Watson AB Owl 2011 9126 1494939 Slindon Gumber Barn 10/07/ 6 NY SU96 Warren Barn box 6 young Watson AB Farm Owl 2011 4111 1869073 Offham Arun Barn 27/06/ 2 X TQ02 Barn box 2Ads roosting only Watson AB Valley Owl 2012 7088 1869075 Burpham Barn 27/06/ 1 NE TQ03 Peppering Farm box AdF 5eggs Failed Watson AB Owl 2012 7094 at hatching Cause unknown 1869076 Arundel Barn 27/06/ 3 NY TQ04 Splash Farm barn box 3young Watson AB Watermeadows Owl 2012 0085 August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

CoBRA Site Name Species Date Num Breeding Grid Notes Finder Finder Number Name ber Status Ref Name Initials 1869157 Wick Hutchinsons Barn 27/06/ 0 UN TQ01 New tree box Fledged and gone Watson AB Farm Owl 2012 5039 1869077 Amberley Barn 30/06/ 3 NY TQ01 Downs Farm tree box 3young Watson AB Owl 2012 9126 1869078 Amberley Barn 30/06/ 1 NY TQ03 Downs Farm barn box AdF 4young Watson AB Owl 2012 6122 Failed cause unknown 1869098 Slindon Gumber Barn 05/07/ 2 NY SU96 Warren Barn box 2young Watson AB Farm Owl 2012 4111 1869104 Colworth near Barn 11/07/ 1 NY SU91 Woodend Barn box 1young Watson AB Bognor Owl 2012 4030 1869072 Poling Manor Barn 15/07/ 3 FL TQ04 Barn box Owner reports 3 fledged Watson AB Farm Owl 2012 7046 1869074 Burpham Barn 21/07/ 4 NY TQ04 Peppering High Barn box 4 young Watson AB Owl 2012 2100 2210358 Colworth near Barn 17/07/ 2 U SU91 Woodend Barn Pair roosting in box. No Watson AB Bognor Owl 2013 4030 eggs or young. 2210388 Slindon Gumber Barn 25/07/ 1 U SU96 Warren Barn nest box. AdM roosting. Watson AB Farm Owl 2013 4111 No eggs or young. 2210385 Arundel Barn 26/07/ 1 U TQ03 Splash Farm tree box. AdF roosting Watson AB Watermeadows Owl 2013 7083 only. No eggs or young. 2283738 Colworth near Barn 16/06/ 3 NY SU91 Woodend Barn nest box. 3 young. Twitche C Bognor Owl 2014 4030 n 2283709 Burpham Barn 23/06/ 3 NY TQ03 Peppering Farm barn box. 3 young Twitche C Owl 2014 7094 n 2283724 Slindon nr Arundel Barn 26/06/ 4 NY SU96 Warren Barn nest box. 4 young. Twitche C Owl 2014 4111 n August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

CoBRA Site Name Species Date Num Breeding Grid Notes Finder Finder Number Name ber Status Ref Name Initials 2611812 Burpham Barn 23/06/ 1 H TQ05 Burpham High Barn grain store. AdF Watson AB Owl 2015 1099 roosting. C White 2611819 Colworth near Barn 23/06/ 1 H SU91 Woodend Barn box. Adult roosting only. Twitche C Bognor Owl 2015 4030 n 2611854 Burpham Barn 23/06/ 1 NY TQ03 Peppering Farm barn box. Single chick Twitche C Owl 2015 7094 in box. n 2611869 Angmering Pk Barn 23/06/ 4 NY TQ03 Splash Farm tree box. 4 young. Twitche C Wepham Woods Owl 2015 7083 n 2611851 North Stoke Arun Barn 25/06/ 3 NY TQ02 North Stoke tree box. 3 young. Twitche C Valley Owl 2015 0105 n 2611863 Slindon nr Arundel Barn 25/06/ 3 NY SU95 Box in Porstmouth Water bldg. 3 young. Twitche C Owl 2015 2091 First use of box. n 2611871 Slindon Gumber Barn 25/06/ 3 NY SU96 Warren Barn box. 3 young. Twitche C Farm Owl 2015 4111 n

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Table A-4 – MAVES barn owl records Grid reference Location Additional notes Date Recorder SU 98586 Binsted in-flight 24.07.1 Mike Tristram 05839 6 SU 98763 Binsted in shed 08.08.1 Steve Browning 05775 6 SU 98163 Binsted Church Farm, old milking parlour 30.09.1 Ian Powell 06348 6 TQ 00215 Near Tortington Church In-flight 7.11.16 Ian Powell 05037 TQ 00142 Near Tortington In-flight 11.03.1 JP 05795 7 SU 992053 Binsted Returning to nest box with rodent 21.05.1 Darren Mills 7 SU 99114 Binsted Binsted Park - dropping into 19.06.1 SE 05874 grassland 7 SU 98803 Binsted Field near Marsh Farm 03.07.1 JP 05241 7 SU990051 Binsted Flying down lane 18.03.1 Lyn Southgate 8 SU 98139 Binsted Lane In flight 05.04.1 JP 06809 8 SU 982060 Binsted Church 25.06.1 James de 8 Bournevialle SU 988063 Binsted Woods Complex LWS- Spinning Wheel Flying out of woodland 28.06.1 JP Copse 8 SU 985062 Binsted Waymarker, Muddy Lane 28.07.1 James de 8 Bournevialle August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

SU 987054 Binsted Quartering 03.08.1 Lyn Southgate 8

August 2019

Appendix B: Field Survey Data

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Table B-1 – Field Survey findings

Obs_No Occupancy Description S2_Date S2_Result S3_Date S3_Result Lead Surveyor Comments Easting Northing BO-01 None Other 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Hunting perch, fence post on corner of woodland pit, 499188 108153 splashing. BO-02 Medium Common Ash 01/09/17 PNS 25/06/18 PNS P Cannings Three cavities, suitable, old pellets no recent signs 499205 108125 BO-03 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 25/06/18 PNS P Cannings 3 cavities, 2 old pellets, no recent signs or signs of 499227 107684 nesting BO-04 Confirmed Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 25/06/18 OBS P Cannings Moulted feathers, old barn owl egg (failed) fresh 500244 107352 pellets BO-05 Confirmed Agricultural 01/09/17 PNS 25/06/18 OBS P Cannings Barn owl present in haystack, many pellets and 500467 107497 building splashing. BO-06 None Agricultural 01/09/17 ARS - - P Cannings Open stables occupied, farm workers report 499341 108304 building regularly disturbing a bird from inside the stables. No suitable nesting sites within barn and no obvious signs of usage, but does provide resting / vantage area adjacent to good foraging habitat. BO-07 Low Common Ash 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Large cavity in main trunk, approx. 15m above 496489 107066 ground, signs of probable jackdaw nest in hole. BO-08 Low Common Ash 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Large hole visible, formed from a 'lost' branch, 5 m 496594 107293 above ground, no signs around hole or below tree. BO-09 None Other 01/09/17 TRS 29/06/18 - P Cannings Abandoned draw bar trailer in corner of field, signs 500658 105591 of perch hunting by barn owl, splashing and pellets on flat surfaces. BO-10 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 29/06/18 PNS P Cannings No signs, four separate cavities 500164 105844 BO-11 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 29/06/18 - P Cannings No suitable cavities found. 500165 105884 BO-12 Confirmed Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 28/06/18 OBS P Cannings 20 plus fresh pellets and splashing, bred in 2017, 500505 105260 but Mandarin duck nest in hole BO-13 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 29/06/18 PNS P Cannings Four entry points, suitable cavity, splashing no other 500994 106253 signs BO-14 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 29/06/18 - P Cannings No cavities suitable 500980 106224 BO-15 Medium Sycamore 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 PNS P Cannings Jackdaw nest no signs barn owl 502523 106213 BO-16 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 - P Cannings Cavity not suitable 502446 106223 BO-17 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 - P Cannings Tree collapsing in on itself, cavities not suitable 502490 106236 August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Obs_No Occupancy Description S2_Date S2_Result S3_Date S3_Result Lead Surveyor Comments Easting Northing BO-18 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 OBS P Cannings Nest site, three barn owl chicks 502179 105884

BO-19 Low Common Ash 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 PNS P Cannings Kestrel nest (4 old eggs), many barn owl pellets 502116 105774 BO-20 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 PNS P Cannings Hollow suitable no signs 502132 106045 BO-21 Low Common Ash 01/09/17 ARS - - P Cannings 200mm opening into main trunk at approx 2 m 502141 106050 height, whole trunk hollow, splashing inside main trunk, no signs of suitable nesting ledge and trunk cavity also open / accessible at ground level. BO-22 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 - P Cannings Cavity not deep enough 502204 106090 BO-23 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 PNS P Cannings Old pellets, no other signs 502037 105867 BO-24 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 PNS P Cannings Jackdaw nest in 2018, no signs but suitable 502027 105867 BO-25 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 - P Cannings Cavity not deep enough 502299 106314 BO-26 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 - P Cannings Cavity too open not suitable 502436 105777 BO-27 High Agricultural 01/09/17 PNS 03/07/18 - P Cannings No box or nest site in building 502432 105678 building BO-28 None Dead tree 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Splashing below prominent dead tree, hunting / 499989 106134 resting perch? BO-29 Low Common Ash 01/09/17 PNS 29/06/18 PNS P Cannings Filled with Jackdaw nest, no signs barn owl 499991 105745 BO-30 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 29/06/18 - P Cannings No cavities suitable 500349 106243 BO-31 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 29/06/18 PNS P Cannings No signs of use, cavity suitable 499579 106159 BO-32 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 28/06/18 PNS P Cannings Unused, cobwebs across entry 499570 104711 BO-33 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 28/06/18 - P Cannings On inspection cavity not suitable 498959 105124 BO-34 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 28/06/18 - P Cannings On inspection cavity not suitable 498751 105331 BO-35 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 ARS - - P Cannings Heavy splashing around tree, but no apparent cavity 498242 105733 - regular hunting perch? BO-36 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 ARS - - P Cannings Heavy splashing around tree, but no apparent cavity 498302 105672 - regular hunting perch? BO-37 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 25/06/18 PNS P Cannings Suitable no signs 499212 105881 BO-38 Confirmed Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 28/06/18 OBS P Cannings Fresh pellets, splashing and body feathers/fluff, 498192 106611 strong smell of amonia

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Obs_No Occupancy Description S2_Date S2_Result S3_Date S3_Result Lead Surveyor Comments Easting Northing

BO-39 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Ivy covered mature oak, no obvious cavities but 498472 106230 heavy splashing and signs of repeat roosting / resting. BO-40 Low Field maple 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Adult male found roosting, day roost only, no 498467 106521 suitable cavities for breeding. BO-41 Low Common Ash 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Field edge mature Ash, prominent perch, and heavy 498554 106582 splashing, no obvious cavities, but clear regular hunting / resting perch. BO-42 Low Common Ash 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Field edge mature Ash, prominent perch, and heavy 498719 106631 splashing, no obvious cavities, but clear regular hunting / resting perch. BO-43 Low Common Ash 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Field edge mature Ash, prominent perch, and heavy 498733 106500 splashing, no obvious cavities, but clear regular hunting / resting perch. BO-44 Low Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 TRS - - P Cannings Field edge mature Ash, prominent perch, and heavy 498680 106667 splashing, no obvious cavities, but clear regular hunting / resting perch. BO-45 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 25/06/18 PNS P Cannings Cavity small, no signs 499109 106368 BO-46 Confirmed Other 01/09/17 PNS 02/07/18 OBS P Cannings Bramble Barn, neighbours report adults and young 499215 105372 seen in 2018 BO-47 Medium Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 ARS 28/06/18 - P Cannings No suitable cavities found 499694 105064 BO-48 High Pedunculate oak 01/09/17 PNS 28/06/18 PNS P Cannings Cavity marginal, splashing but no other signs 499688 105132 BO-49 High Box in 29/06/18 PNS 15/08/18 OBS P Cannings Box in barn, fresh pellets and shredded layer, 498935 104911 Agricultural moulted feathers building BO-50 High Roof of Farm 15/08/18 PNS 15/08/18 OBS P Cannings Young birds seen by site owner 498897 104875 House BO-51 Low Pedunculate oak 02/07/18 PNS 02/07/18 PNS P Cannings Suitable cavity no signs 502157 106083 BO-52 High Pedunculate oak 02/07/18 PNS 02/07/18 OBS P Cannings Cavity in tree, 5 old barn owl eggs from 2017? 502109 105867 BO-53 High Pedunculate oak 02/07/18 PNS 02/07/18 PNS P Cannings Male roosting in hole, nest in adjacent tree 502177 105894 BO-54 Low Pedunculate oak 02/07/18 ARS 02/07/18 ARS P Cannings Female roosting in hole, nest in adjacent tree 502182 105874 BO-55 High Box on tree 03/09/18 PNS 03/09/18 OBS P Cannings Via NT/BOCN chicks ringed in 2018 496470 109125

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Obs_No Occupancy Description S2_Date S2_Result S3_Date S3_Result Lead Surveyor Comments Easting Northing BO-56 High Other 03/09/18 PNS 03/09/18 OBS P Cannings Via NT/BOCN chicks ringed in 2018 496455 111092 BO-57 High Barn owl box 03/09/18 PNS 03/09/18 OBS P Cannings Via WWT chicks ringed in 2018 502277 108208 BO-58 High Barn owl box 03/09/18 PNS 03/09/18 OBS P Cannings Via WWT chicks ringed in 2018 502250 108174 BO-59 Medium Pedunculate oak 31/08/18 TRS 31/08/18 TRS G Brassine Shallow cavity in large oak next to pond 503027 105155 BO-60 Medium Common Ash 30/08/18 PNS 30/08/18 PNS G Brassine No signs. large cavity used as squirrel drey at time 502991 105263 of survey BO-61 Medium Agricultural 31/08/18 TRS 31/08/18 TRS G Brassine Very old pellet found. 503046 105415 building BO-62 Medium Built in box in 31/08/18 PNS 31/08/18 PNS G Brassine No signs 503042 105427 Farm Building BO-63 Medium Box in barn 30/08/18 PNS 30/08/18 PNS G Brassine No signs. Backing of box had been left open. 503310 106154 BO-64 Low Agricultural 03/09/18 TRS 03/09/18 TRS G Brassine old pellets found 496829 105428 building BO-65 Medium Farm shed 30/08/18 TRS 30/08/18 TRS G.Brassine Feathers and 2 pellets found. 503460 106191 BO-66 Low Boix in Common 28/08/18 PNS 28/08/18 PNS G Brassine No signs. Used by stock dove. 503488 107226 Ash BO-67 High Box in 29/08/18 OBS 29/08/18 OBS G Brassine Previous breeding. 10 cm of nesting material. Not 503735 106360 Pedunculate currently used. Oak BO-68 Low Pedunculate 29/08/18 PNS 29/08/18 PNS G Brassine Suitable cavity. Goes in deep. 503882 106336 Oak BO-69 Medium Box in 09/10/18 PNS 29/08/18 PNS G Brassine Suitable box. Currently used by jackdaw. 500544 106411 Pedunculate Oak BO-70 Medium Pedunculate 09/10/18 PNS 29/08/18 PNS G Brassine Large cavity in branch rot. 500661 106188 Oak BO-71 Medium Pedunculate 09/10/18 PNS 29/08/18 PNS G Brassine Large cavity in branch rot. Pellet found below cavity. 500666 106256 Oak BO-72 Medium Pedunculate oak 03/09/18 PNS 03/09/18 PNS P Cannings Cavity in tree, no signs of usage 502648 106425 BO-73 High Box in works 03/09/18 PNS 03/09/18 OBS P Cannings Via NT/BOCN chicks ringed in 2018 495397 109166 building

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Obs_No Occupancy Description S2_Date S2_Result S3_Date S3_Result Lead Surveyor Comments Easting Northing BO-74 Low Box in 28/06/18 PNS 28/06/18 PNS P Cannings Box in low ivy covered barn, fresh pellets but no 498179 106396 agricultural nesting building BO-75 High Box on dwelling 02/07/18 PNS 02/07/18 OBS P Cannings Not personally inspected, no access, breeding 500668 105966 house wall reported through owner and MAVES BO-76 Low Dead tree 09/10/18 TRS 29/08/18 TRS P Cannings Large cavity 502202 105765 BO-77 Medium Pedunculate oak 27/02/19 PNS - - G Brassine Large cavity south facing. Found during PRA 497888 105839 surveys BO-78 Medium Pedunculate oak 27/02/19 PNS - - G Brassine Large cavity south facing. Old pellet remains found 498517 105716 at bottom of tree. Found during bat PRA surveys.

August 2019

Appendix C: Figures © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100030649. You are permitted to use this data solely to enable you to respond to, or interact with, the organisation that provided you with the data. You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form. © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100030649. You are permitted to use this data solely to enable you to respond to, or interact with, the organisation that provided you with the data. You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

25/03/19

Appendix D: Photographs

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Photograph D-1 - Roosting site in Pedunculate oak trunk

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Photograph D-2 - Hollow in oak trunk containing abandoned eggs and nesting material.

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Photograph D-3 - Field signs - Splashing and pellets on farm equipment in open barn.

August 2019

Appendix 8-4: Barn Owl Baseline Survey Report A27 Arundel Bypass – PCF Stage 2 Further Consultation

Photograph D-4 - Small mammal tunnelling in grass litter layer.

August 2019