Oak Farm Barn South Walsham
A Biodiversity and European Protected Species Report
by Aurum Ecology
Site Address: Oak Farm, Acle Road, South Walsham, NR13 6DD Approximate Grid Ref: TG 371 132 Client: Mr David Murrell AE Job No: AE1585 Local Planning Authority: Broadland District Council Planning Application No: 2016/0893 Survey Date: 24 May 2016 Report Date: 30 June 2016
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Experience and Constraints
Aurum Ecology has produced this independent report with professional diligence and skill for the named client using current best practice methods, and our very considerable wildlife experience accrued over the past forty years.
This report is confidential to the client under the full terms and conditions of the contract and responsibility for release of the report, in part or whole, to third parties by the client does not imply any legal responsibility for the contents to any such third parties who may see or be given copies of the report. The report is copyright of Aurum Ecology Ltd and remains their property until such time as our account is settled in full.
Our experience of working, since its inception, with the requirements of the UK and European wildlife legislation now extends to over forty-five years. The 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended by subsequent legislation), the Habitats Regulations 2010 and the more recent biodiversity requirements, require appropriate surveys for protected species at a pre-development stage. It is important to have an experienced consultant who is prepared to work for, and with, the client.
The director has held a Natural England bat licence for 34 years with 50 years of experience in studying and working with mammals in East Anglia. In terms of experience, Aurum Ecology has looked at almost 600 barns and rural outbuildings for conversion during the period 1980 - 2016, and over 1000 East Anglian breeding bat roost sites have been examined, on behalf of Natural England, over a fifteen year period, while experience of wintering bats includes up to 100 bat hibernation sites checked per winter over a 50 year period, and mitigation carried out on 30 sites with advice on many others. The Aurum Ecology core staff and associates has almost 500 man-years of wildlife experience with a full range of wildlife-related topics exceeding anything that any other East Anglian consultancy can come even close to!
To gain an accurate picture of the species present, it is necessary to undertake observations over a suitable period of time, under weather conditions convivial to the species likely to be encountered. Recent bat survey guidelines (BCT, 2012) recommend relatively high levels of survey effort for bat roost assessment, but also state on page 6 that "The guidance should be interpreted and adapted on a case-by-case basis, according to the expert judgement of those involved. There is no substitute for knowledge and experience in survey planning, methodology and interpretation of findings, and these guidelines are intended to support these...".
We report no constraints due to weather or time of year with this survey.
Aurum Ecology
3 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
CONTENTS
Page No.
1 THE CONSULTANCY 5
2 OBJECTIVES 6
3 SUMMARY 7
4 APPROACH AND METHODS 9
5 OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS 13
6 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS 25
7 THE LAW 27
8 MITIGATION 29
9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 31
10 REFERENCES 32
APPENDIX 1 - A Listing of the BAP and Protected Species wildlife
APPENDIX 2 - Summary of UK Bats and their Annual Life Cycle
APPENDIX 3 – NE Rules on Protected Species and Licensing
APPENDIX 4 - NE Flow Charts (18 April 2012) - Planning Decision Tree and Dealing with Protected Species in the Planning Process
APPENDIX 5 – Planning Mitigation and Compensation – Key Principles
APPENDIX 6 - Plant Species for Habitat Enhancement
APPENDIX 7 - Database Species Records for Nine 1 km Squares Surrounding Oak Farm, South Walsham
4 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
1 THE CONSULTANCY
1.1 Aurum Ecology is the trading name of Aurum Ecology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales under Company Registration Number 6847848. The Registered Address is The Barn Cottage, Wheelers Lane, Seething, Norfolk, NR15 1EJ, and the directors are John and Susan Goldsmith.
The consultancy was formed in 2004 and offers independent, expert ecological, wildlife and environmental advice, specialising in work on small mammals, amphibians and reptiles, undertaking a wide range of tasks connected with the biology and ecology of the Western European species.
Aurum Ecology surveys are undertaken in a manner that is entirely consistent with all Natural England and special interest body recommendations (eg Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust etc).
1.2 John Goldsmith is a vertebrate zoologist with over 45 years’ experience in the field, and was employed by the Norfolk Museums Service from 1967 to 2000 in the Natural History Department at Norwich Castle Museum. From 2000 until 2004 he was the Manager of the Norfolk Biological Records Centre for Norfolk County Council.
John is considered an expert on East Anglian and UK mammals, especially bats, as well as reptiles and amphibians, birds and fish.
1.3 Susan Goldsmith worked in local government for twelve years before setting up her own secretarial services and consultancy business in 1988. She has been a naturalist for over 35 years, being interested in botany and molluscs, while working alongside John and assisting in fieldwork, research, co-writing and publishing articles with John.
John and Susan developed the “Norfolk Bat Brick” in 1985, a hibernation aid for bat species. Approximately 6,000 have been installed in a variety of sites throughout the UK and it has also been used where mitigation has been necessary for both large and small-scale developments, including the Channel Tunnel and the refurbishment of several National Trust properties.
1.4 Insurance - Aurum Ecology carries insurance and a copy of the schedule can be supplied on request: Professional Liability £1million; General Liability £5million.
1.5 VAT - Aurum Ecology is registered for VAT under number 861 2973 09.
5 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
2 OBJECTIVES
2.1 To carefully survey the site under appropriate conditions and produce a readable report that offers the client, architect, agent, builders and others an independent view of the ecology of the site and inform the local planning authority to enable them to carry out and fulfil their statutory obligations under current planning and European wildlife legislation.
2.2 To identify any European Protected Species and Biodiversity habitats present within the site and/or immediately adjacent, relevant to Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 on species and habitats of ‘principle importance’ to UK biodiversity.
2.3 To assess the likely ecological impact of the proposed development on any protected species and habitats present.
2.4 To assess any potential impacts on biodiversity if the site was redeveloped, and offer suitable and proportional mitigation suggestions.
2.5 To advise the client or their agent on any other ecological aspects germane to the site examined.
The access road to Oak Farm.
6 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
3 SUMMARY
3.1 Aurum Ecology was instructed to conduct a Biodiversity and European Protected Species (EPS) survey at Oak Farm Barn, as it is proposed to apply for planning permission to redevelop the site. The survey was conducted on 24 May 2016, by an experienced ecologist and covered all aspects of detecting all the European Protected Species likely to be found in that part of Norfolk.
3.2 Early Summer is an excellent time of year to conduct EPS surveys, though EPS usage is detectable through historical evidence and a careful site survey at other times of the year, if carried out by experienced staff.
3.3 The indications from examination of the site are that there is evidence that some protected species, specifically bats, have used parts of the buildings during after-dark fly-through behaviour, but not for roosting there. In addition, evidence suggests that the site is most unlikely to be used by bats for hibernation due to the construction materials.
3.4 In our opinion, summer usage of the buildings by bats can be gauged as “very low” with evidence suggesting that the open-fronted buildings are an occasional fly-through location, perhaps during inclement weather, for a small number of Common Pipistrelle bats.
3.5 Our assessment of the site is that, although not used by bats for breeding in the summer or hibernation in the winter, it would be reasonable to accept some common species fly and feed around the site in the summer.
3.6 There is no evidence of use by Barn Owls or other Schedule 1 bird species, but a Stock Dove was nesting and probably a pair of Swallows, so any preparatory or demolition work at the site should be carried out after the spring and summer breeding period finishes.
3.7 There was no evidence to suggest the presence of any other European Protected Species frequently found in the Norfolk countryside, such as Water Voles, Badgers or Great Crested Newts, so no Natural England licence will be necessary in order to proceed with any development, neither would any planning restrictions be expected to be applied by the LPA in relation to any wildlife species conditions.
3.8 We further suggest that, following pre-application discussion, the site follows a path on the Natural England flow-chart, Box 1 (see Appendix 4), which leads to it falling into the guidance boxes of (xiv)(xii)(xxi)(xxv), meaning surveys for 7 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
bats, reptiles, breeding birds, badger and plant surveys were considered appropriate, including a Phase 1 survey. These were undertaken and are presented in this report.
3.9 Our survey and report has subsequently shown that the site follows a path on the Natural England flow-chart, Box 2 (see Appendix 4) of (i)(iii)(iv)(viii) (xiii), with the LPA to decide if the survey is considered adequate, which means the application can proceed.
3.10 Our concluding assessment of the site is that it does not fall within the Natural England requirements for a licence for any protected species in order to redevelop the site.
3.11 Suggested small-scale mitigation recommended is described under Mitigation.
3.12 As there is evidence of former use by some nesting birds, any preparatory or demolition work at the site should be carried out after the spring and summer bird breeding period starts or, if the project has to start during the summer, that a careful check is carried out prior to work commencing and any areas with active nests are avoided until the baby birds have departed from the nest.
3.13 We advise that any foundations or trenches associated with the proposed development that are left open overnight should be checked each morning and any animals, such as Hedgehogs, that may have tumbled in should be removed to a place of safety.
3.14 A single-visit survey should not be regarded as a comprehensive detailed site study, but more a careful examination of the site, using our extensive knowledge and experience of wildlife built up in East Anglia over a forty-five year period, in order to inform the planning process.
3.15 No liability can be assumed for species found or seen outside our survey period, or for any changes that may occur subsequent to that visit.
3.16 It is always possible for animals to arrive on a site after an inspection and assessment, especially if a period of months has elapsed since the examination, so a careful watch should be kept for any creatures found during the course of building work and appropriate advice sought immediately, if anything is found.
3.17 The work was carried out under Natural England registration numbers 2015- 9165-CLS-CLS with surveys undertaken under Natural England class survey licences WML-CL08 and WML-CL18.
8 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
4 APPROACH AND METHODS
4.1 The ecological and protected species survey approach we adopt is a fairly standard one, although modified to suit particular species or locations.
4.2 National Guidelines from Natural England state that surveys for planning permission are expected to address the following: What biodiversity is currently present? This is the range of wildlife on a site. The assessment has to go beyond a ‘protected species’ survey, and include details of habitats. How is the development going to affect what is present, before, during and after the works or development phase? What wildlife mitigation can be put in place, before, during and after the works phase? What wildlife potential is there at the site, including suggestions for enhancing biodiversity within the development?
4.3 In accordance with the Natural England Biodiversity Checklist, our survey included identifying the presence/absence (depending on season), or suitability of habitat for, the following: Protected Species o Bats o Barn Owls and other Schedule 1 bird species o Breeding Birds o Badgers o Dormice o Great Crested Newts o Reptiles o Other protected species: Otters, Water Voles, White-Clawed Crayfish (see Appendix 1). Other features of nature conservation interest o Habitats of principal importance o Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitats o Species of principal importance o Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species
4.4 Our reports follow the content of the flow charts issued by Natural England in April 2012 as standing advice on planning guidance.
4.5 Our approach is to undertake an examination of the general surrounding area on maps, together with observation of the topography of the area, in order to make
9 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
an assessment of the general area in habitat and wildlife terms and to place the site into a correct local context.
4.6 An examination of the records from the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service within approximately a two-kilometre radius was undertaken, along with an examination of other biological records available, in order to assess the overall ecological potential of the area surrounding Oak Farm, South Walsham (see Appendix 7). The desktop study also included a search for any statutorily notified sites, such as Natural England SSSIs, close by.
4.7 The field check involved a daylight visit by one experienced ecologist, the time taken being in relation to the size and complexity of the site, together with the target species considered likely to be encountered in the situation as judged from available habitats.
4.8 An initial Health and Safety assessment was made by the surveyor in order to identify any possible hazards on the site to include, but not restricted to, uneven ground, weak building structures and fittings, hazardous compounds, exposed live electrical wiring and harmful waste products.
4.9 The field survey included an examination of all the buildings, including vertical walls and crevices plus horizontal surfaces around and inside on site, together with the immediate surroundings, looking for live animals, tracks, trails, signs or droppings. Equipment used includes ladders, and torches, an endoscope for wall cracks, binoculars for examining anything that cannot be approached closely, and a hand lens. Where appropriate, Health and Safety equipment utilised includes hard hats, protective footwear, gloves, high visibility garments and harnesses.
4.10 Other more specialist electronic equipment for recording wildlife is available to use on sites that are more complex, or to determine the precise positions and numbers of protected species using a site, if this proves necessary.
4.11 There were no water bodies on or adjacent to the site, so no aquatic sampling observations were appropriate.
4.12 If our inspection of the physical evidence reveals that any nocturnal species are judged, or suspected, to be present, an after-dark survey may be undertaken with suitable equipment. In this instance, as the evidence of protected species utilising the site in the summer was very slim, no further survey work was deemed necessary.
4.13 The recorded information was kept as hand-written and electronic notes plus digital photographs, and these form the basis of this report.
10 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
LOCATION MAP OF OAK FARM BARN - for guidance only:
Oak Farm is marked with a pink polygon.
SITE PLAN:
Site plan of Oak Farm Barn.
11 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
AERIAL VIEW OF THE AREA AROUND OAK FARM BARN:
Oak Farm is indicated by the red line almost centrally.
The eastern side of the barns showing their open-fronted design.
12 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
5 OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
5.1 Description of the Site
The site of Oak Farm Barn is at approximate grid reference TG 371 132 and set back from the Acle Road.
The barn is situated just to the north of Oak Farm and comprises over 1,000 square metres of covered area, six metres high to the apex surrounded by a concrete hard- standing. The building is “U” shaped, some ten years old and constructed of steel support stanchions with corrugated box-section, and pale green, plastic covered steel sheets, as illustrated below and showing the central courtyard.
5.2 Desktop Research
Outline research from maps and web sources was conducted in order to place Oak Farm Barn in the context of important habitats within two kilometres and to assess their importance in biodiversity terms within the area.
5.2.1 Internationally Important Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC) – strictly protected under the European Commission Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), and were implemented to protect the 220 habitats and approximately 1000 species listed in Annex I and II of the Directive.
13 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Special Protection Area (SPA) – a designation under the European Union directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, where Member States of the EU have a duty to safeguard the habitats of migratory birds and certain threatened birds. Ramsar - the Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainability of wetlands, developed and adopted by participating countries at a meeting at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
The Broads Ramsar site is 1 kilometre east.
5.2.2 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) An SSSI is a conservation designation denoting a protected area in the United Kingdom. Local planning authorities are required to have policies in place that protect SSSIs and they are also required to consult Natural England regarding planning applications which may affect an SSSI (that development might not be within, or even close to, the SSSI itself).
Upton Broad boundary one kilometre north-east.
5.2.3 Other Designations Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – an area of countryside with significant landscape value that has been specially designated by Natural England on behalf of the UK government, the primary purpose of which is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. National Nature Reserve (NNR) – a UK government conservation designation for a site of national significance for biological or earth science interest. Local Nature Reserve (LNR) – a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by principal local authorities. LNRs are of local, but not necessarily national, importance and are almost always owned by local authorities, although they are often managed by County Wildlife trusts or other local environmental bodies. County Wildlife Site (CWS) – designated by the County Wildlife Trusts and are essentially a sample of the best wildlife sites that are not statutorily notified; they receive protection through inclusion in the planning process and a system of grants. Roadside Nature Reserve (RNR) – the Norfolk Roadside Nature Reserve is a scheme which was set up in the mid-1990s by Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the aim of which is to protect the verges of Norfolk’s roadside that contain rare and scarce plant and insect species.
The following designated sites are in the area: There are two County Wildlife Sites within one kilometre south. 14 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
The red star shows the position of Oak Farm and demonstrates that there are no designated or protected areas adjacent to the site.
SUMMARY OF DESKTOP RESEARCH Designation Site In Details Included Vicinity AONB RAMSAR The Broads one kilometre east. SAC SPA SSSI Falls just outside the Upton Broad SSSI outer one kilometre SSSI Impact Risk Zone. LNR NNR CWS Two sites just to the south-east. RNR
5.2.4 It is our opinion that the development proposals will not impact on any of the above sites.
15 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
5.3 Daylight Survey Findings
The survey was conducted on 24 May 2016 when the weather was dry, bright and sunny.
A thorough examination was made of the site on foot and using ladders to gain access to the upper areas.
There were few plants present as the barn sits on a large concrete hardstanding area. There were cropped fields adjacent and areas of pasture as horse grazing, while existing houses were present to the north of the site.
A small number of pipistrelle droppings (<10 )were found scattered in the open-fronted buildings on stored caravan roofs. No bat droppings were found inside any other parts of the building, although there were some mouse droppings in a small area on the west side of the structure.
A pair of Swallows demonstrated behaviour consistent with territory or nesting, but no nest was found. A Woodpigeons’ nest was on one steel beam and a Blackbirds’ nest in the apex of the central open-fronted storage area, while a Stock Dove was on a nest with two eggs in the south-east corner of the stables. A Little Owl was in an Oak along the entrance road.
Occasional Grass Snakes were stated by the landowner to have been seen along the entrance drive and there were two areas of horse muck which may have been a draw for the species to lay their eggs in.
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Habitat Habitat Classification Description Grassland B4 Improved Grassland - meadows and pastures which have been so heavily grazed, drained or fertilised that many of the species expected to be present have been lost. Miscellaneous J1 Cultivated/Disturbed Land - arable (J1.1), amenity grassland (J1.2), ephemeral/short perennial (J1.3), introduced scrub (J1.4). J2 Boundaries - intact hedge (J2.1), defunct hedge (J2.2), hedgerow with trees (J2.3), species-rich hedges (J2.4), wall (J2.5), ditch (J2.6), boundary removed (J2.7), earth bank (J2.8). J3 Built-up Areas - caravan site (J3.4), sea wall (J3.5), buildings (J3.6). J4 Bare Ground.
16 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Habitat plan
The key to this map is on the previous page.
Habitat Diversity
The diversity of habitat on the barn site and in the surrounding area is “low”.
5.4 Evening Survey Findings
No survey was carried out due to a lack of any significant findings within the building indicating very low bat activity in the area.
5.5 Species
Bats
The barn was carefully searched for any signs of live bats and bat droppings, the position and quantity of which can determine both species and relative numbers. There were less than ten pipistrelle droppings found on surfaces in the open-fronted areas scattered in such a way as to suggest fly-through behaviour on a very occasional basis, rather than from any roosting behaviour. A single dropping on a caravan is shown below.
17 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
There are some large Oak trees along the entrance to the site (see picture at the bottom of page 10) which had some potential as bat roosts, but none of these will be impacted by the proposed re-development.
Although little evidence of bats was found on the site, bats from nearby roosts are clearly foraging in the area after dark. Any such foraging behaviour would be expected to continue after the completion of any building work and therefore it is considered that the proposal for the site will not have a detrimental effect on the local bat population.
Badger (Meles meles)
The area was investigated for evidence of badgers, extending 30 metres beyond the site boundary. Evidence would be in the form of setts, well-worn paths, footprints, guard hairs caught on wire or vegetation and latrines.
There were no latrines or digging by Badgers found at the site, or within 30 metres of its boundaries while the available habitat is unsuitable for the species and they are uncommon in this part of East Anglia.
Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius)
The available habitat is unsuitable for the species and it does not occur in Norfolk.
Otter (Lutra lutra)
Otters are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including estuaries, although in England they are confined to areas of freshwater, using small streams and ditches for travelling. The primary requirement for Otters is the presence of prey species: fish and amphibians. Holts usually comprise tunnels under tree roots. Faeces, or spraints, are deposited on particular features such as boulders, bridges or at the base of large trees. Being shy creatures, Otters are infrequently sighted and their presence is often confirmed by the identification of spraints or perhaps footprints in mud.
The available habitat is unsuitable for the species.
Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)
The burrows of Water Voles appear as holes in the banks of streams, rivers, ditches and ponds, usually within three metres of the water; normally they measure 4-8cm across and are often wider than they are high. These holes may be surrounded by grazed “lawns” of short grass.
There is no water course present, therefore the available habitat is unsuitable for the species. 18 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Barn Owls leave clearly identifiable droppings and pellets at any time of the year, but an absence of suitable surfaces or niches for nesting at the site and its adjacent position to an occupied house realistically rules the somewhat shy species out.
Breeding Birds
The survey took place in May, during the spring bird breeding season. 25 bird species were recognised on the site. There was a paucity of conducive bird nesting habitat on the site we would be surprised if more than eight common birds would be nesting on site and no Schedule 1 species.
The nest site of a Stock Dove is shown below.
19 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
The nest site of a Blackbird on a steel beam near a light fitting is shown above.
Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus)
Only a handful of amphibian records exist for the surrounding nine one-kilometre squares and these are just Smooth Newt and Common Toad. There were no extant ponds on the site, or immediately adjacent, so the available habitat is unsuitable for the species.
Reptiles
The site was inspected for landscape features that might support reptile populations, such as sheltered refuge features comprising logs, rockeries or compost heaps, open sunny areas for basking and short grassy areas for feeding.
There were two muck-heaps on the site that could be attractive to Grass Snakes for egg laying and the species has occasionally been observed along the entrance driveway; there are 14 previous records for the surrounding nine one-kilometre squares.
Debris around the site was turned over, but no reptiles or amphibians were found.
White-Clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes)
White-clawed Crayfish were once widespread in lakes and rivers with calcareous water, hiding under stones on the bottom or in the banks. Their numbers have plummeted due to the spread of the non-native Signal Crayfish and the disease they carry,
The available habitat is unsuitable for the species as there is no running water.
20 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Table 1: Birds – alphabetical species list of those recorded on or near the site
KEY: A = Flyover B=Breeding or habitat consistent with potential breeding
Common name Latin name BAP STATUS A B
Blackbird Turdus merula * * Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla * Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus * Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs * Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto * * Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis * Great Tit Parus major * Green Woodpecker Picus viridis * Greenfinch Chloris chloris * House Sparrow Passer domesticus BAP * Jackdaw Corvus monedula * Kestrel Falco tinnunculus * Little Owl Athene noctua * Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus * Pheasant Phasianus colchicus * Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba * * Robin Erithacus rubecula * * Rook Corvus frugilegus * Skylark Alauda arvensis BAP * Starling Sturnus vulgaris BAP * Stock Dove Columba oenas * * Swallow Hirundo rustica * * Swift Apus apus * Woodpigeon Columba palumbus * * Wren Troglodytes troglodytes * *
The UK's birds are in three categories of conservation importance - red, amber and green. Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action. Amber is the next most critical group, followed by green. Birds in the red and amber lists will be subject to at least one relevant factor listed below.
Red list criteria Globally threatened. Historical population decline in UK during 1800–1995. 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%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years longer period. 21 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Amber list criteria Species with unfavourable 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 in 25 years, or the longer- term period. Moderate (25-49%) contraction of UK breeding range in last 25 years, or the longer period. Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK non-breeding population in last 25 years, or longer period. Rare breeder; 1–300 breeding pairs in UK. Rare non-breeders; 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.
Green list Species that occur regularly in the UK but do not qualify under any or the above criteria.
Introduced This is not a conservation status category, but indicates a species that has escaped and bred in the wild or has been deliberately released into the wild at some point in the UK's history. As these species are not native to the UK, they have no specific conservation status here.
Mammals BAP Breeding Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Hare Lepus capensis Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Common Pipistrelle Pipstrellus pipistrellus Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus Mole Talpa europea
Reptiles and Amphibians BAP Breeding Grass Snake Natrix natrix *
22 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Invertebrates BAP Breeding Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly Aglais urticae Peacock Butterfly Inachis io
Plants/Trees BAP Annual Meadowgrass Poa annua Ash Fraxinus excelsior Black Horehound Ballota nigra Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Bramble Rubus fruticosus Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius Buddleia Buddleia davidii Burdock Arctium minus Charlock Sinapis arvensis Cleavers Galium aperine Cock’s-foot Grass Dactylis_glomerata Couch grass Elytrigia repens Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense Daisy Bellis perennis Dandelion Taraxacum officinale Elder Sambucus nigra Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Goat Sallow Salix caprea Greater Plantain Plantago major Groundsel Senecio vulgaris Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hazel Corylus avellana Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica Herb Robert Geranium robertianum Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium Holly Ilex aquifolium Ivy Hedera helix Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis Nettle Urtica dioica Oak Quercus robur Perforate St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum Ragwort Senecio jacobaea
23 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Red Campion Silene dioica Red Dead Nettle Lamium purpurea Red fescue Festuca rubra Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata Rye Grass Lolium perenne Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis Scentless Mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum Shepherds Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris Silverweed Potentilla anserine Spring Speedwell Veronica verna Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Weld Reseda luteola White Campion Silene alba White Clover Trifolium repens White Dead Nettle Lamium album Wild Rose Rosa canina Wood Forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica Yarrow Achillea millefolium Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus
Machinery stored inside the barn.
24 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
6 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
6.1 Our initial impression at the site was that the range of modern barn buildings in that setting appeared to be only favourable for a small range of wildlife species to inhabit.
6.2 No rare or protected plant species were discovered; neither were there any habitats of principle importance on the site examined.
6.3 Some seventeen species of bat breed in the United Kingdom, of which thirteen are recorded in Norfolk and Suffolk. All bats are protected by both European and UK law. An account of the general biology of UK bats is given at Appendix 2 as guidance for the reader, although bat activity on the site is judged as “low”.
6.4 A few bat droppings were found on parked caravans in the open-fronted buildings that suggest that bats have occasionally flown through them, perhaps on rainy or windy nights. Some of the mature Oak trees along the entrance driveway had holes and splits that could potentially have roosting bats, but none of those are impacted by the re-development proposals.
Bats are inquisitive and highly mobile animals. They constantly investigate their surroundings, evaluating good feeding areas and potential roosting opportunities. Bats may travel several kilometres to take advantage of resources such as suitable habitats in the way of woodland, woodland edge or sheltered pasture following linear landscape features such as hedgerows, stream and lanes, to reach favoured sites. New bat roosts will became established in favoured and accessible areas, examples being the rapid colonisation of artificial roost boxes placed in conifer forests or the occupation of new houses by nursery colonies of Pipistrelle Bats within a year or two of their completion.
Although no evidence of bats was found, it is probable that bats from nearby roosts will forage over the site after dark and that foraging behaviour would be expected to continue after the completion of the development of the site, and therefore it is considered that the proposals will not have a detrimental effect on the local bat population.
6.5 Based on our careful assessment, at the times of examination, there was no evidence of use of any of the buildings by Barn Owls as no pellets were located inside any part of the building. The current level of human usage of both the building itself and the immediate surroundings make it unsuitable for use by Barn Owls.
25 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
6.6 There are no extant water-bodies within the vicinity, so Great Crested Newts and Water Voles will not be present.
6.7 The possible presence of other protected species at the site was fully considered and surveyed for, but it was felt that the habitat is unsuitable for species such as Badgers or Otters.
6.8 We have no recommendations for further survey at other times of year as our survey was both comprehensive and conclusive.
6.9 Summary table of Species of Conservation Concern
Present? Comments Bats Pipistrelles presenting fly-through behaviour. Barn Owls Breeding Birds A very small range of species present with only Stock Dove, Blackbird and Swallow nesting. Badgers Dormice Great Crested Newts Reptiles Grass Snakes have been seen in the area by the land owner. Otter Water Voles White-Clawed Crayfish BAP Habitats
6.10 Our overall assessment of the ecological value of the site is “low”.
6.11 We further suggest that, following pre-application discussion, the site follows a path on the Natural England flow-chart, Box 1 (see Appendix 4), which leads to it falling into the guidance boxes of (xiv)(xii)(xxi)(xxv), meaning surveys for bats, reptiles, breeding birds, badger and plant surveys were considered appropriate, including a Phase 1 survey. These were undertaken and are presented in this report.
6.12 Our survey and report has subsequently shown that the site follows a path on the Natural England flow-chart, Box 2 (see Appendix 4) of (i)(iii)(iv)(viii) (xiii), with the LPA to decide if the survey is considered adequate, which means the application can proceed.
26 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
7 THE LAW
Since August 2007 the Habitats Regulations (1994), which represent the primary legal statute for wildlife protection in the UK have been revised. These are now referred to as "The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010)". The legislation states, in regulation 39(1) in relation to European Protected Species that a person commits an offence only if he/she:
(b) deliberately disturbs wild animals of any such (EPS) species in such a way as to likely to significantly to affect -
i) the ability of any significant group of animals of that species to survive, breed or rear or nurture their young; or
ii) the local distribution or abundance of that species
Please note, changes and additions are made to the original legislation every few years. We do not attempt to offer a comprehensive interpretation of the numerous legal complexities contained within the legal framework in our report.
The full current 2010 legislation, running to 96 pages can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/pdfs/uksi_20100490_en.pdf
The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 No. 2716 Part III Protection of Species is available at: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/2716/part/III/made.
Bats
All species of bat are protected under both English and European law. It is an offence to kill, injure, disturb or take bats, or to damage or destroy their places of shelter (roosts), whether the animals are present or not. Licences may be issued in respect of disturbance or re-locating a roost site in some cases.
Barn Owls
The Habitats Regulations (1994), as amended, states that a person commits an offence in the case of Barn Owl only if the species is disturbed in the breeding season, which applies equally to all those bird species listed under Schedule 1.
Breeding Birds
It is an offence to kill, injure or take any wild bird; take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built (even of "pest" species); take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird.
27 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Badgers
It is an offence to kill, injure or take a Badger, or to damage or interfere with a sett, without a licence. Badgers may not be sold or bought.
Dormice
Dormice are protected from being killed, injured, captured or disturbed and their resting and breeding places should not be damage or destroyed.
Amphibians, including Great Crested Newts
Great Crested Newts are protected under both English and European law. It is an offence to kill, injure, disturb or take Great Crested Newts or to damage or destroy their places of shelter, whether the animals are present or not.
The only other specially protected amphibian species that occurs in East Anglia are Pool Frog and Natterjack Toad, although Common Toad is listed as a Biodiversity Action Plan species.
Reptiles
The law does not permit the deliberate killing of any UK reptiles, so they need to be considered on development sites and mitigated for. Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard are specially protected in the UK, but do not occur in East Anglia.
Otters
Otters and their resting places are fully protected. It is an offence to capture, kill or injure them, or to disturb or destroy their resting and breeding places. Where fish stocks have been damaged a licence may be obtained to resolve problems.
Water Voles
Water Voles and their resting places were fully protected from April 2008. It is an offence to capture, injure or kill them or to disturb or destroy their resting places.
White-Clawed Crayfish
The White-Clawed Crayfish is listed under Annex II of the habitats directive and areas are designated as Special Areas of Conservation to protect the species; outside of this a licence is required to capture the species. It is listed as a priority species under the Biodiversity Action Plan and is a Species of Principal Importance under section 41 of the NERC Act 2006.
28 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
8 MITIGATION
8.1 Bats
A Natural England European Protected Species licence is not appropriate at the site as the very small-scale use here, by bats, does not fall within the parameters set by Natural England for a licence requirement (see Appendix 5). No protected species can be judged to be adversely affected by the proposal to redevelop the site.
There are no European Protected Species resident on the site, so wildlife mitigation is not strictly necessary, although we do suggest some biodiversity enhancements.
8.2 Birds
Our recommendation is that clearance work at the site should start outside the nesting season, late March through to early September, so any potential nest sites are not disturbed.
We would suggest three bird nesting boxes could usefully be added to the site to cater for hole nesting species such as Blue and Great Tits together with open-fronted boxes for Robins or Wrens and that shrubs should be included in any planting scheme to act as nesting sites for species such as thrushes and finches and to replace the bushes currently around the barn that may have to be removed for the re-development.
As there appears to be one pair of Swallows in residence, the re-development should contain at least one open-fronted cart-shed for the species to nest in, while we would also recommend that a large nest box (e.g. a Kestrel-type) suitable for a Stock Dove should be erected on the site.
8.3 Badgers
None are on, or adjacent to, the site, so no mitigation is required.
8.4 Hazel Dormice
None are on, or adjacent to, the site, so no mitigation is required.
8.5 Great Crested Newts
None are on, or adjacent to, the site, so no mitigation is required.
8.6 Reptiles
None are on, or adjacent to, the site, although we accept that occasional Grass Snakes may visit the site, but mitigation is not required in our opinion, in this instance. 29 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
8.7 Otters
None are on, or adjacent to, the site, so no mitigation is required.
8.8 Water Voles
None are on, or adjacent to, the site, so no mitigation is required.
8.9 White-Clawed Crayfish
None are on, or adjacent to, the site, so no mitigation is required.
8.10 Habitat Diversity and General Biodiversity
The habitat diversity at the site examined is very low compared to many areas we examine in East Anglia, but the locality potentially provides a good opportunity for increasing Biodiversity as part of the proposed development of the site. The site has few definable habitats so some planting will help Biodiversity and a list of good Biodiversity plant species is given in this report as Appendix 6.
Current development recommendations for “building in biodiversity” suggests that perhaps 5% of the land not required within a scheme for residential use and formal gardens might be developed into a wild flower meadow, which would be a very valuable feature at such a site. The current biodiversity guidance is for an area to be planted with a wild flower mix of species rich in pollen and nectar, including at least some native species, as an attractant to invertebrates especially species such as butterflies and bees.
A satisfactory result can be obtained by sowing native wildflower species, mixed with grass species, such as EM1 or EM2, which can be obtained from specialist suppliers such as Emorsgate Seeds, Limes Farm, Tilney All Saints, Norfolk.
8.11 Lighting
We always urge that any lighting in rural areas should be low wattage, "down-lighting" units, and controlled by PIR detectors or time-controllers for when needed to provide illumination for work or safe access, without detriment to nocturnal wildlife species.
8.12 Planning
We respectfully suggest that it would be inappropriate for the Local Planning Authority in this specific case to impose any conditions in relation to the planning application in respect of wildlife, other than those suggested in this report, as no negative impacts on the Biodiversity of the area can be reasonably predicted as a result of the proposal.
30 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
9.1 In compiling this report, and others, and reaching conclusions, experts and staff from Natural England, DEFRA/RDS, BTO, RSPB the Bat Conservation Trust and various bat scientists/conservationists have been consulted and their help is acknowledged.
9.2 We would like to acknowledge the assistance given to us by Keith Powley for site plans and the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service for the species records.
9.3 All pictures used in this report are copyright of Aurum Ecology, unless otherwise credited.
Some of the stored caravans within the barns.
31 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
10 REFERENCES
ALGE, (June 2007) Validation of Planning Applications - A template for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation in accordance with The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (England) Order 2007.
ARNOLD, HR (1995) Atlas of amphibians and reptiles in Britain. London: HMSO.
APPLETON, C. (2003) The effect of building work on bats: ten case studies. The National Trust. CD.
BAKER, JMR (1999) Abundance and survival rates of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) at a pond in central England: monitoring individuals. Herpetological Journal 9: 1-8.
BAKER, JMR and HALLIDAY, TR (1999) Amphibian colonisation of new ponds in an agricultural landscape. Herpetological Journal 9: 55-64.
BAKER, J., BEEBEE, T., BUCKLEY, J. GENT, T. and ORCAHRD, D. (2011), Amphibian Habitat Management Handbook, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation: Bournemouth
BEEBEE, TJC (1975) Changes in the status of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in the British Isles. British Journal of Herpetology 5: 481-490.
BEEBEE, TJC and GRIFFITHS, RA (2000) Amphibians and reptiles: A natural history of the British herpetofauna. The New Naturalist Series. London: HarperCollins.
BARN OWL TRUST (2012), Barn Owl Conservation Handbook, Pelagic Publishing: Exeter.
BAT CONSERVATION TRUST (2006). A review of the success of bat boxes in houses. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 160.
BRITISH STANDARD BS 42020:2013 Biodiversity - Code of Practice for planning and development.
COLLINS, J. (Ed.) (2016), Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edn.), The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
CORBET, G.B. and SOUTHERN, H.N. (eds) (1977) Handbook of British Mammals, Blackwell Scientific, Oxford.
COOKE, AS (1995) A comparison of survey methods for crested newts and night counts at a secure site, 1983-1993. Herpetological Journal 5: 221-228.
COOKE, AS (1997) Monitoring a breeding population of crested newts (Triturus cristatus) in a housing development. Herpetological Journal 5: 221-228.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS and ENGLISH NATURE (2000) European protected species: Guidance note.
EDGAR, P., FOSTER, J. and BAKER, J. (2010) Reptile Habitat Management Handbook, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation: Bournemouth
ENTWHISTLE, A.C., HARRIS, S., HUTSON, A.M., RACEY, P.A., WALSH, A., GIBSON, S.D., HEPBURN, I., AND JOHNSTON, J. (2001) Habitat Management for Bats – A guide for Land Managers, land owners and their advisors. JNCC, Peterborough. 48 pp. 32 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
FOSTER, J (1997) The ecology, conservation and management of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus). Advisory note no. 92. Edinburgh: Scottish Natural Heritage.
FROGLIFE (1999), Reptile survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snakes and lizard conservation, Froglife advice sheet 10.
FROGLIFE (2001) Advice Sheet 11: Surveying for (Great Crested) Newt Conservation. Froglife, Halesworth.
GENT, AH and BRAY, R (eds) (1994) Conservation and management of great crested newts: proceedings of a symposium held on 11 January 1994 at Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey. English Nature Science Series no. 20. Peterborough: English Nature.
GENT, AH and GIBSON, SD (eds) (1998) Herpetofauna Worker’s Manual. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
GREEN, C. et al. T.C.P.A (2004) “Biodiversity by Design” - Guide Town & Country Planning Association, Manchester.
HERPETOFAUNA GROUPS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND (1998) Evaluating local mitigation/translocation programmes: Maintaining Best Practice and lawful standards. HGBI advisory notes for Amphibian and Reptile Groups (ARGs). HGBI, c/o Froglife, Halesworth. Unpublished.
MITCHELL-JONES, A.J. (2004) Bat Mitigation Guidelines, English Nature. 74 pp.
NATURAL ENGLAND (2010) Great Crested Newt Method Statement WML-A14-2 (Risk Assessment Calculator).
STEBBINGS R.E. (1974) Artificial roosts for bats. J. Devon Nat. Conserv. 6, 114-119
STEBBINGS R.E. (1988) The Conservation of European Bats. Helm, London. 246 pp.
STEBBINGS R.E. and WALSH, S.T. (1991) Bat Boxes. The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
PARSONS, K. (2007) Draft UK Bat Survey Guidelines, BCT. 94 pp
TUTTLE, M.D. and HENSLEY, D.L. (1993) The Bat House Builder’s Handbook. Bat Conservation International.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, HMSO, 1981 (plus subsequent amendments).
The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994: SI No.2716, HMSO, 1994
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, HMSO, 1992.
Species Conservation Handbook, ENGLISH NATURE, 1994. Includes updated summary of legislation by English Nature, Peterborough.
STRACHAN, R, MOORHOUSE, T. and GELLING, M., (2011) Water Vole Conservation Handbook Third Edition, University of Oxford: Abingdon
WILKINSON, P. 2005 (Ed.) The Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Guidance for Norfolk. The Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership.
33 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Appendix 1
LIST OF THE EAST ANGLIAN BAP AND PROTECTED SPECIES
34 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
An Alphabetical Common Name List Of The Main Protected Species Found In East Anglia That “PPS9” Refers To:
BIRDS MAMMALS
Avocet Badger Barn owl Bats (all species) Bearded tit Otter Bittern Red squirrel Black redstart Water vole Black-tailed godwit Cetti’s warbler REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Crossbill Firecrest Adder Garganey Common lizard Golden oriole Grass snake Goshawk Natterjack toad Hobby Great crested newt Honey buzzard Slow worm Kingfisher Little ringed plover INVERTEBRATES Little tern Marsh harrier Fen raft spider Montague’s harrier Lagoon sand shrimp Quail Large copper butterfly Red kite Norfolk Hawker dragonfly Roseate tern Starlet sea anemone Stone curlew Swallowtail Woodlark White-clawed crayfish
This is not an exhaustive list of all protected wildlife species. Species can fall into several categories of protection and may be covered by a number of separate pieces of legislation.
A full list of all the 946 UK BAP and protected species, and are now known by Natural England as "Habitats and Species of Principal Importance in England" designated under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
The full current list of protected species and habitats can be seen on our website at: http://www.aurum-ecology.co.uk/nerc.htm.
Aurum Ecology June 2016
35 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Appendix 2
SUMMARY OF UK BATS AND THEIR ANNUAL LIFE CYCLE
36 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Summary of UK Bats and their Annual Life Cycle
Bats are the only mammals to have developed powered flight. There are almost 1000 species worldwide, with 17 in the UK, the number of species diminishing in a south to north cline. These all feed on nocturnal, mainly flying, insects and other invertebrates.
Since the middle of the 20th century all UK bats have undergone a serious decline in numbers. The reasons for this are not entirely understood but it is generally thought to be associated with a reduction in insect prey, a decline of suitable habitat, direct or indirect poisoning by toxic chemicals, and loss of suitable hibernation and summer roost locations, both in trees and buildings.
British bats live in a wide range of holes, cracks and crevices in trees, buildings, caves, tunnels, bridges and other man-made structures. Some species may live 25 or more years and show very strong site fidelity.
In the summer females of the same species are colonial, forming gatherings in warm sites to produce a single baby. These maternity groups may be numbered in single figures or may, very occasionally, total one thousand or more, and be present from April through to September, though chiefly June to August. Males roost singly or in small groups during the summer and mate polygamously in the autumn.
During the winter, when insects become scarce, bats hibernate and drop their body temperature close to that of their chosen hibernation site, which will generally be below 10 degrees but above freezing. Many species hibernate in underground tunnels and caves but tree holes and unheated buildings are also used. During hibernation, being sensitive to changes of temperature and humidity, repeated unnatural arousal from their hibernating state can threaten their winter survival as a result of using up supplies of their special brown hibernation fat.
The continued survival of a bat colony relies on there being a range of roosting sites and feeding areas within a kilometre or two, depending on species, but these sites and roosts also need to be linked by vegetated habitat such as hedges, rivers or woodland, along which these bats can safely commute between sites.
It is uncommon for two or more species to share the same building for summer roosting, but several species may be found together in the same site while hibernating.
The annual cycle for bats in the UK is summarised in the following table, the main bat survey season marked in orange.
37 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
MONTH BAT ACTIVITY January Hibernation for all UK species - different sites for different species. February Hibernation - in the coldest years there is little awakening or movements. March Cold-adapted species (e.g. Natterer’s) begin to move from or between winter roosting sites. April Most species are now moving nightly, although dependent on after-dark temperatures; some females inspecting maternity sites. May All species now fully active; some maternity sites occupied by small prospecting female groups. June Maternity sites occupied, some sites change unexpectedly, and young are born. July Maternity sites occupied; single young born; males typically separate and live alone all summer, although Brown Long-eared and Daubenton may have separate male colonies. August Juveniles begin flying and leaving colonies; females begin mating; swarming groups may visit potential hibernation and mating sites. September Breeding roosts vacated by most species; mating roosts established. October First species, such as Daubenton, hibernating; mating still underway. November Most species hibernating, but continue to feed and mate spasmodically. December All species now hibernating, species such as Natterer’s move underground, but that is weather dependent.
There are now 18 species of bat regularly found in the UK and these are listed on the following page. Those thirteen species marked with an asterisk have recorded within the past 50 years from Norfolk and Suffolk. Only Brown long-eared Bat, Common Pipistrelle and Soprano Pipistrelle are frequent and widespread species.
38 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Common Name Latin Name Present in East Anglia
Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros * Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus * Serotine Eptesicus serotinus * Bechstein's Bat Myotis bechsteini Brandt's Bat Myotis brandti * Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentoni * Alcathoe's Bat Myotis alcathoe Mouse-eared Bat Myotis myotis Whiskered Bat Myotis mystacinus * Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri * Leisler's Bat Nyctalus leisleri * Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula * Nathusius's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii * Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus * Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus * Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus * Grey Long-eared Bat Plecotus austriacus
39 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Appendix 3
THE NE RULES ON PROTECTED SPECIES AND LICENSING
40 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
THE NATURAL ENGLAND RULES ON PROTECTED SPECIES AND LICENSING
When and why might a wildlife licence be needed?
Developers, builders, architects and anyone involved in any work that may impinge upon any European Protected Species are advised to seek the advice and guidance of a professional, experienced ecologist. The current wildlife legislation can be viewed at either the Natural England website, or the full legislation is available from http://www.legislation.gov.uk.
Lists of the current UK species considered to be of conservation concern and known as "species of principal importance" and the "habitats of principal importance" can be seen on our website: http://www.aurum-ecology.co.uk/nerc.htm
The Natural England view is that:
A licence will needed if the consultant ecologist, on the basis of survey information and specialist knowledge of the species concerned, considers that, on balance, the proposed activity is reasonably likely to result in an offence under Regulation 39; or if the consultant ecologist, on the basis of survey information and specialist knowledge of the species concerned, considers that, on balance, the proposed activity is unlikely to result in an offence under regulation 39, then no licence is required.
Natural England always urge that reasonable precautions should be taken to minimise any effects on all European Protected Species and other species of "conservation concern" should they be found during the course of the activity. If any of these species are found then work should cease immediately and appropriate advice taken.
Who applies for a licence if one is needed?
A consultant ecologist would normally make any licence application. The application will need to be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of Natural England that the relevant skills and knowledge of the species concerned have been applied in line with current best practice guidelines.
Advisory leaflets are available from the Natural England website at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/regulation/wildlife/advice/advisoryleaflets.aspx
Application forms are available from the Natural England website at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/regulation/wildlife/licences/default.aspx
Site Visits and Compliance Checks
Natural England will monitor compliance with all licences issued and may request a site visit by one of the Department's Wildlife Advisers to assess site conditions.
41 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Appendix 4
NATURAL ENGLAND FLOW CHARTS
Planning Decision Tree - April 2012 Dealing With Protected Species in the Planning Process
42 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Box 1
Box 2
43 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Appendix 5
PLANNING MITIGATION AND COMPENSATION – KEY PRINCIPLES
44 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Adapted from “Planning mitigation and compensation – Bats - Key principles” by Dr. Tony Mitchell-Jones, English Nature. January 2004.
Conservation Roost Mitigation/compensation significance requirement Status (Depending on impacts) 1 Maternity sites of rarest Oppose interference with species. existing roosts or seek improved roost provisions. 2 Sites meeting SSSI guidelines. Timing restraints. No destruction of former roost site until replacement completed and significant usage demonstrated. Monitor for as long as possible. 3 Significant hibernation sites for Timing constraints. Like-for-like rarest species or all species replacement as a minimum. No destruction of former roost site assemblages. until replacement completed 4 Maternity sites of rarer species. and usage demonstrated. Monitoring for at least 2 years. 5 Maternity roosts of common Timing restraints. More or less species. like-for-like replacement. Bats not to be left without a roost 6 Hibernation sites for small and must be given time to find numbers of common species. the replacement. Monitoring for 7 Hibernation sites for small 2 years. numbers of rarer species. 8 Small numbers of rarer Provision of new roost facilities species. Not a maternity site. where possible. Need not be like-for like, but should be 9 Feeding perches of annex II suitable, based on species species. requirements. Minimal timing restraints or monitoring requirements. 10 Small numbers of common Flexibility over provision of bat species. Not a maternity site. boxes, access to new buildings etc. No conditions about timing 11 Individual bats of common or monitoring. species. 12 Feeding locations of rarer species. Licence not required. Feeding locations of common * 13 species.
* Indicates the situation for bats at the site
45 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Appendix 6
PLANT SPECIES FOR HABITAT ENHANCEMENT
46 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
NATIVE PLANT SPECIES SUITABLE FOR PLANTING ALONG SITE BOUNDARIES
Shrubs Trees Crab Apple Malus sylvestris Ash Fraxinus excelsior Dogwood Cornus Common Oak Quercus robus Field Maple Acer campestre Sessile Oak Quercus petraea Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus Downy Birch Betula pubescens Hawthorn Crataegus sp. Silver Birch Betula pendula Hazel Corylus avellana Wayfaring Tree Viburnum lantana Holly Ilex aquifolium Wild Cherry Prunus avium Privet Ligustrum vulgare Blackthorn Prunus spinosa
PLANTS PROVIDING NECTAR SOURCES FOR BUTTERFLIES AND INVERTEBRATES
SPRING FLOWERING Common Name Latin Name Purple Rock Cress Aubretia sp. Bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta Cuckoo Flower Cardamine pratensis Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata Honesty Lunaria sp. Honeysuckle Lonicera sp. Pansy Viola sp. Primrose Primula vulgaris Sweet Rocket Hesperis matronalis Sweet William Dianthus barbatus Wallflower Cheiranthus Violet Viola sp. LATE SUMMER/AUTUMN Common Name Latin Name Common Name Latin Name Butterfly Bush Buddleia davidii Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum Candytuft Iberis sp. Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis Chives Allium Ivy Hedera helix schoenoprasum Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum sp. Lavender Lavandula sp. Common Bird’s Foot Lotus corniculatus Lilac Syringa vulgaris Trefoil Cornflower Centaurea cyanus Marjoram Origanum sp. Escallonia Escallonia sp. Michaelmas Daisy Aster sp. Evening Primrose Oenothera sp. Mint Mentha sp. Forget-me-not Myosotis sp. Phlox Phlox sp. French Marigold Tagetes patula Purple Loostrife Lythrum sp. Globe Thistle Echinops sp. Scabious Knautia arvensis Hebe Hebe sp. Tobacco Plant Nicotiana sp.
47 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Appendix 7
DATABASE LISTING OF WILDLIFE SPECIES HISTORICALLY RECORDED IN THE NINE ONE-KILOMETRE SQUARES SURROUNDING THE SITE
TG3614; TG3714; TG3814; TG3613; TG3713; TG3813; TG3612; TG3712; TG3812.
48 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Database of Records from the 9 km Squares Surrounding Oak Farm Barn, South Walsham
SPECIES LATIN NAME DATE 1 Km sq, PARISH STATUS
Araneus marmoreus Araneus marmoreus 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Araneus quadratus Araneus quadratus 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Asciodema obsoleta Asciodema obsoleta 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella 20/06/1989 TG3713 South Walsham
Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella 03/07/1989 TG3713 South Walsham
Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Blood-Vein Timandra comae 31/05/1990 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Blood-Vein Timandra comae Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Blood-Vein Timandra comae 09/05/2011 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Blood-Vein Timandra comae 24/05/2010 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans 20/06/1989 TG3713 South Walsham
Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans 03/07/1989 TG3713 South Walsham
Bracken Bug Monalocoris filicis 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria 26/04/2010 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria 15/05/2010 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria 19/04/2010 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Brown Hare Lepus europaeus 04/10/2004 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Brown-spot Pinion Agrochola litura Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Buff Ermine (4 records) Spilosoma luteum 31/05/1990 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Centre-barred Sallow Atethmia centrago Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Clouded Yellow Colias croceus 29/08/1996 TG3713 South Walsham
Clubiona comta Clubiona comta 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Common Flower Bug Anthocoris nemorum 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Common Green Capsid Lygocoris pabulinus 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham Common Green Grasshopper Omocestus viridulus 15/08/2008 TG3713 South Walsham
Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 10/03/2003 TG3713 South Walsham Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 16/03/1990 TG3713 South Walsham Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 10/03/2003 TG3713 South Walsham Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 07/07/2009 TG3713 South Walsham Dark Brocade Blepharita adusta 31/05/1990 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentonii 07/07/2009 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Dicyphus constrictus Dicyphus constrictus 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Dot Moth Melanchra persicariae Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Double Dart Graphiphora augur Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Dusky Thorn Ennomos fuscantaria Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP
49 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Dusky Thorn Ennomos fuscantaria 08/08/2011 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Ear Moth Amphipoea oculea Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Enoplognatha ovata Enoplognatha ovata 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Ero cambridgei Ero cambridgei 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 21/04/2003 TG3713 South Walsham European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 28/02/2005 TG3713 South Walsham Garden Orb-Web Spider Araneus diadematus 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Garden Tiger Arctia caja Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Ghost Moth Hepialus humuli Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Gonatium rubellum Gonatium rubellum 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Green-brindled Crescent Allophyes oxyacanthae 17/10/2011 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Green-veined White Pieris napi 1988 TG3713 South Walsham Pieris napi subsp. Green-Veined White britannica 02/07/1995 TG3713 South Walsham
Grey Dagger Acronicta psi 31/05/1990 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis August 1996 TG3713 South Walsham Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis 24/07/2006 TG3713 South Walsham
Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus June 1996 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Helophora insignis Helophora insignis 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Hobby Falco subbuteo 29/07/1996 TG3713 South Walsham
Indian Balsam Impatiens glandulifera 01/07/2011 TG3713 South Walsham Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Lackey Malacosoma neustria Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus 02/07/1995 TG3713 South Walsham Large Wainscot (3 records) Rhizedra lutosa 02/10/2011 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Chorthippus Lesser Marsh Grasshopper albomarginatus 15/08/2008 TG3713 South Walsham
Linyphia triangularis Linyphia triangularis 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Loricula elegantula Loricula elegantula 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham Maniola jurtina subsp. Meadow Brown splendida 02/07/1995 TG3713 South Walsham
Metellina merianae Metellina merianae 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Metellina segmentata Metellina segmentata 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta 23/08/1996 TG3713 South Walsham
Mistletoe Viscum album 2002 TG3713 South Walsham
Mistletoe Viscum album 24/06/2005 TG3713 South Walsham
Mottled Rustic Caradrina morpheus Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Mouse Moth Amphipyra tragopoginis Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula June 1996 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Norfolk Hawker Anaciaeschna isoceles 03/07/1989 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Nursery-Web Spider Pisaura mirabilis 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria 24/05/2010 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Oak Hook-tip Watsonalla binaria 09/05/2011 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP
50 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
Orthotylus adenocarpi Orthotylus adenocarpi 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Pachygnatha clercki Pachygnatha clercki 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Pachygnatha degeeri Pachygnatha degeeri 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Paidiscura pallens Paidiscura pallens 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Phylloneta sisyphia Phylloneta sisyphia 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Pirata hygrophilus Pirata hygrophilus 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Plagiognathus arbustorum Plagiognathus arbustorum 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Psallus varians Psallus varians 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus 02/07/1995 TG3713 South Walsham
Rosy Rustic Hydraecia micacea Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Rustic Hoplodrina blanda Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Sallow Xanthia icteritia Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Sallow Xanthia icteritia 02/10/2011 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Scolopostethus thomsoni Scolopostethus thomsoni 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Short-winged Cone-head Conocephalus dorsalis 15/08/2008 TG3713 South Walsham
Small Square-spot Diarsia rubi 31/05/1990 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Small Square-spot Diarsia rubi Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae 02/07/1995 TG3713 South Walsham
Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris 21/06/1987 TG3713 South Walsham
Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus 16/05/2011 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Speckled Bush-cricket Leptophyes punctatissima 15/08/2008 TG3713 South Walsham
Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 03/09/1996 TG3713 South Walsham
Spinach Eulithis mellinata Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Stenodema laevigata Stenodema laevigata 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Stoat Mustela erminea 21/06/2003 TG3713 South Walsham
Stoat Mustela erminea 27/04/1989 TG3713 South Walsham
Swift (27 records) Apus apus 2010 TG3713 South Walsham
Tenuiphantes flavipes Tenuiphantes flavipes 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Tenuiphantes zimmermanni Tenuiphantes zimmermanni 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Tetragnatha montana Tetragnatha montana 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Theridion mystaceum Theridion mystaceum 25/08/1991 TG3713 South Walsham
Timothy Grassbug Stenotus binotatus 11/07/1986 TG3713 South Walsham
Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum 03/07/1989 TG3713 South Walsham
Water Vole Arvicola amphibius 03/09/2003 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Weasel Mustela nivalis 17/07/1995 TG3713 South Walsham
White Admiral Limenitis camilla 23/07/1995 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP White Admiral Limenitis camilla 29/06/2003 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda 31/05/1990 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda Unknown TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda 24/05/2010 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda 01/08/2011 TG3713 South Walsham UKBAP Wryneck Jynx torquilla Sept 1996 TG3713 South Walsham
51 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
It is considered good practice while undertaking EPS surveys to conduct a desktop survey of previous historical wildlife records within about 2 kilometres of the site being examined. The results for Oak Farm, South Walsham are presented above.
Lines in bold on the table indicate specially protected (European Protected Species) or Biodiversity Action Plan species. The database of over half a million records is not consistent in terms of geographic coverage of the county or over the various species groups.
Records are presented in alphabetical common name order and are a range of vertebrate, invertebrate and plant species. There were 7,384 species records recorded from the block of nine 1 km squares examined. 523 previous records have been made from the one-kilometre square in which the site is situated and these are reproduced here with some condensing of records to save space on the paper version of the report. The whole database is supplied electronically to the landowner. The full set of data, comprising over seven thousand records, includes some areas of Broadland with their expected large range of species.
This historic database does not suggest that the Oak Farm area has any particularly rich biodiversity associated with it although there are 29 Biodiversity Action Plan moth species recorded, although these can fly in from a distance, so may not be resident within the one-kilometre square.
As this development is proposed on a pre-existing built site, we do not predict any impact on the biodiversity of the area near to Oak Farm.
- END -
52 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
List of the pictures on our report covers:
Front Cover
Male Great Crested Newt Grass Snake
Bittern
Barn Owl A south Norfolk listed Barn
Company name on an Oak timber beam with a Natterer's Bat roost entrance in a mortice joint with a spider - Pholcus phalangioides
Back Cover
Fen orchid Noctule Bat in flight
Our address and details Red Squirrel
Little Tern Starlet Sea Anemone
Company name on an Oak timber beam with a Natterer's Bat roost entrance in a mortice joint with a spider - Pholcus phalangioides
Copyright: Aurum Ecology and Kevin Simmonds
53 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited
OAK FARM BARN, ACLE ROAD, SOUTH WALSHAM A Biodiversity and Protected Species Report
54 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited