EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

Land at Maes Bleddyn, Rachub

CADARN CONSULTING ENGINEERS

Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House, Ramshaw County Durham AES-LTD DL14 0NG

www.aes-ltd.com [email protected] 01388 835084

AES-LTD

Field Investigations and Data Where field investigations have been carried out these have been restricted to a level of detail required to achieving the stated objectives of the work. Where any data supplied by the client or from other sources have been used it has been assumed that the information is correct. No responsibility can be accepted by AES-LTD for inaccuracies in the data supplied by any other party.

Copyright © Applied Ecological Services Ltd (AES-LTD 2019). All rights reserved. This document has been provided for your reference by Applied Ecological Services Ltd. No material from this document may be otherwise copied, altered, republished, transmitted or distributed in any way without permission.

Third Party Disclaimer Any disclosure of this report to a third party is subject to this disclaimer. The report was prepared by AES–LTD at the instruction of, and for use by, our client named on the front of the report. It does not in any way constitute advice to any third party who is able to access it by any means. No other warranty, expressed or implied is made as to the professional advice included in this report.

Report Reference & History: Document 1, version 1.

Issue Status Prepared / Approved Date

Draft 1 Caroline Hillier & Elliot Stockill 24th May 2019

Client Issue Gary Tudor 31st May 2019

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CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 4

2.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ...... 5

3.0 SURVEY AND SITE ASSESSMENT METHODS ...... 6

4.0 RELEVANT LEGISLATION & POLICY ...... 10

5.0 RESULTS ...... 18

6.0 SITE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION……………………………………………………………………………………28

7.0 SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 34

DRAWING 1: STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY SITES

DRAWING 2: PROTECTED & PRIORITY SPECIES RECORDS

DRAWING 3: PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY PLAN

APPENDIX1: PHOTOGRAPHS

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AES-LTD 1.0 INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

1.1 Applied Ecological Services Ltd. was commissioned to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey including a protected species risk assessment at Maes Bleddyn, Rachub, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3EG on behalf of Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG). The purpose of the survey was to map and identify habitats and species that are present within the site boundary (see Figure 1 and Appendix 2). The aim of the survey was to provide baseline data of the site and highlight areas for further investigation that may provide a constraint to development. This report presents an assessment of these potential ecological constraints to redevelopment based on the results of the survey, along with recommendations for further, more detailed surveys to be undertaken, as appropriate.

1.2 The site at Maes Bleddyn is located to the west of Rachub and to the north of Llwyn Bleddyn Road. Beyond the southern boundary is extensive arable grassland, predominantly agricultural, also extending to the west for 0.83km before reaching the A5 (Bangor Road). Just beyond the A5 is the wooded valley of the Afon Ogwen, a tributary stream of which flows from approximately south east to north west along the western edge of the survey area. The Afon y Llan, with areas of wooded valley is situated 0.5km to the north of the site. The survey area is within a rural area on the edge of residential and farm properties.

1.3 The survey area comprises improved pasture, marshy grassland, scattered and dense scrub and scattered trees and is bounded by stone walls.

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AES-LTD 2.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

SITE LOCATION 2.1 The survey area covers approximately 1.2ha (3.0acres). The site is located at grid reference SH 61994 68029 (approximate central point). The survey area is referred to as the site or the survey area within the report.

Figure 1: Site Location

2.2 The detailed development proposals are not known at present, but it is understood to involve the provision of 30 affordable homes, associated infrastructure and soft landscaping.

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AES-LTD 3.0 SURVEY AND SITE ASSESSMENT METHODS

DESK STUDY 3.1 In order to compile existing baseline information, relevant ecological information was requested from the following organisation which for the purposes of this report, included:

• Gwasanaeth Gwybodaeth Amgylcheddol Gogledd Cymru - North Wales Environmental Information Service (Cofnod).

3.2 A 2km radius was searched for sites of International nature conservation importance, such as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), statutory sites of national, regional and local importance, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), and non-statutory designated sites such as Wildlife Sites (WS) and also for records of protected and notable species.

3.3 Further inspection, using colour 1:25,000 OS base maps (www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk) and aerial photographs from Google Earth (www.maps.google.co.uk), was also undertaken in order to provide additional context and identify any features of potential importance for nature conservation in the wider area.

FIELD SURVEY HABITATS / FLORA 3.4 The site was surveyed on the 7th May, 2019 by Dr Caroline Hillier MCIEEM and an assistant. Caroline is senior ecologist at Applied Ecological Services Ltd. (AES-LTD) and an experienced field surveyor and holds a Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru (Natural Resources Wales) bat survey licence (Licence No. 773933:OTH:CSAB:2016) and Natural England Survey licences for both bats (2015-155181-CLS-CLS) and great crested newt (2015-16700-CLS-CLS). The habitat survey was undertaken using standard Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology (JNCC, 2010)1 to identify specific habitats of ecological interest. Target notes were used to record features of interest or specific habitats and species identified during the survey. Whilst a species list should not be regarded as exhaustive, sufficient information was gained during the survey to enable classification and assessment of major habitat types.

1 JNCC, (2010), Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit

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AES-LTD 3.5 Habitats and / or features suitable or potentially suitable for supporting protected or notable species were also assessed and recorded.

3.6 Checks for notifiable plant species, such as Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica were also made during the survey.

PROTECTED SPECIES WALKOVER

3.7 A walkover survey was carried out during the survey to assess the potential of the site and immediate surrounds to support protected species..

3.8 Signs of use of the site by protected and notable species were searched for, potential habitats and ecological interest features were investigated. This included a ground level roost assessment of all suitable features within and immediately adjacent to the site. An ecological appraisal enables the classification of features within the site for their suitability for roosting, commuting and foraging bats. Table 1 below is a table taken from Collins (2016) 2 detailing what makes features on site more, or less suitable for bats.

2 Collins, J. (ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3 rd edn). The Bat Conservation Trust, London. ISBN-13 978-1-872745-96-1. 7 Applied Ecological Services Limited

AES-LTD Table 1: Guidelines for assessing the potential suitability of proposed development sites for bats, based on the presence of habitat features within the landscape, to be applied using professional judgement (Collins, 2016) Suitability Description roosting habitats Commuting and foraging habitat Negligible habitat features on site Negligible habitat features on site likely Negligible likely to be used by commuting or to be used by roosting bats. foraging bats. A structure with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by individual bats opportunistically. Habitat that could be used by small However, these potential roost sites do numbers of commuting bats such as a not provide enough space, shelter, gappy hedgerow or unvegetated protection, appropriate conditions and stream, but isolated, i.e. not very well or suitable surrounding habitat to be connected to the surrounding Low used on a regular basis or by a large landscape by other habitat. number of bats (i.e. unlikely to be Suitable but isolated habitat that suitable for maternity or hibernation). could be used by small numbers of A tree of sufficient size and age to foraging bats such as a lone tree (not contain potential roost features (PRF) in parkland situation) or a patch of but with none seen from the ground or scrub. features seen only with limited roosting potential. A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that could be used Continuous habitat connected to the by bats due to their size, shelter, wider landscape that could be used by protection, conditions and surrounding bats for commuting such as lines of habitat but are unlikely to support a trees and scrub or linked back Moderate roost of high conservation status (with gardens. respect to roost type only – the Habitat that is connected to the wider assessments in this table are made landscape that could be used by bats irrespective of species conservation for foraging such as trees, scrub, status, which is established after grassland or water. presence is confirmed). Continuous, high-quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by commuting bats such as A structure or tree with one or more river valleys, streams, hedgerows, potential roost sites that are obviously lines of trees and woodland edge. suitable for use by larger number of High-quality habitat that is well High bats on a more regular basis and connected to the wider landscape that potentially for longer periods of time is likely to be used regularly by due to their size, shelter, protection, foraging bats such as broadleaf conditions and surrounding habitat woodland, tree-lined watercourses and grazed parkland. Site is close to and connected to known roosts.

3.9 A high potential building would typically be an older building situated close to high quality bat foraging habitats such as woodland, water features or substantial hedgerows. Buildings falling within this class will usually offer a variety of roosting opportunities suitable for use by a range of bat species. Conversely a low potential building will typically be well sealed and of 8 Applied Ecological Services Limited

AES-LTD modern construction, offering no or few clear access points or roosting opportunities. The risk of a building housing a bat roost is further reduced if located within an area of poor quality habitat such as hard standing or amenity grassland.

3.10 The surrounding habitat was assessed for its suitability as bat foraging or commuting habitat in the area surrounding the site.

SURVEY LIMITATIONS 3.11 The habitat survey reported here was undertaken early in the field season for surveying grasslands. However, given the limited number of habitat types located in the site the survey timing was appropriate and allowed for habitat types to be readily identified.

SITE ASSESSMENT 3.12 In order to determine the value of the habitats and species found through the surveys detailed above, the baseline and survey results were assessed against the criteria in Table 2.

Table 2: Hierarchy of Receptors

Designation International (Europe); National (UK); Regional (North Wales); County (Gwynedd); Local (up to approximately 2km from the Proposed Site); Less than local or value in the Proposed Site only

3.13 Receptors of less than local value are referred to as being of ‘less than local’ value. Effects are only assessed for receptors of sufficient value that impacts upon them could be significant in terms of either legislation or policy, i.e. in this case, those considered to be of local, or greater, ecological value.

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AES-LTD 4.0 RELEVANT LEGISLATION & POLICY

LEGISLATION

HABITAT REGULATIONS 4.1 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 transpose Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna (Habitats Directive) into UK law, making it an offence to deliberately capture, kill or disturb3 wild animals listed under Schedule 2) of the Regulations (such as all bat species and great crested newts). It is also an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal (even if the animal is not present at the time).

4.2 The following plants occurring in Wales are European Protected Species (EPS), and are listed on Schedule 5 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010:

 Fen Orchid, Liparis loeselii  Floating Water-plantain, Luronium natans  Killarney Fern, Trichomanes speciosum  Shore Dock, Rumex rupestris

4.3 Under the Habitats Regulations, it is an offence if you deliberately pick, collect, cut, uproot or destroy a wild plant of a European protected species. There are other offences relating to possession, transport and sale.

WILDLIFE & COUNTRYSIDE ACT

4.4 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) 2000 and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 (In both Wales & England), consolidates and amends existing national legislation to implement the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), making it an offence to:  Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild animal listed under Schedule 5 to the Act; intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct any place used for shelter or protection by any wild animal listed under Schedule 5 to the Act; intentionally or

3 Disturbance, as defined by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, includes in particular any action which impairs the ability of animals to survive, breed, rear their young, hibernate or migrate (where relevant); or which affects significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species. 10 Applied Ecological Services Limited

AES-LTD recklessly disturb certain Schedule 5 animal species while they occupy a place used for shelter or protection; and

 Pick or uproot any wild plant listed under Schedule 8 of the Act. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are designated under this Act.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL COMMUNITIES (NERC) ACT (2006) 4.5 The Biodiversity Duty as set out in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act came into force on 1st Oct 2006. This states that ‘any public body or statutory undertaker in England and Wales must have regard to the purpose of conservation of biological diversity in the exercise of their function and that decisions of public bodies work with the grain of nature and not against it’ (Part 3, Paragraph 60). The Act also includes a range of measures to strengthen the protection of wildlife and habitats.

4.6 Section 40(1) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 ("the NERC Act") places a duty on every public authority, in exercising its functions, to “have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity”. The Duty affects all public authorities. Local authorities are a key target group, but the Duty also affects a wide range of public bodies including fire, and police, health and transport authorities etc.

4.7 Section 42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) required the National Assembly for Wales in consultation with The Countryside Council for Wales (now along with Forestry Commission Wales and Environment Agency Wales part of the single environment body Natural Resources Wales) to publish, review, revise and act on lists of organisms of principal importance in Wales. This list is known as the Section 42 (S42) list of species and habitats of principal importance in Wales.

ENVIRONMENT (WALES) ACT (2016) 4.8 Previously Section 42 of the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act (NERC) (2006) listed species of principal importance for conservation of biological diversity in Wales.

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AES-LTD 4.9 Part 1 of the Environment Act sets out Wales' approach to planning and managing natural resources at a national and local level with a general purpose linked to statutory 'principles of sustainable management of natural resources' defined within the Act.

Section 6 - Biodiversity and resilience of ecosystems duty 4.10 Section 6 of the Act places a duty on public authorities to ‘seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity’ so far as it is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions. In so doing, public authorities must also seek to ‘promote the resilience of ecosystems’. The duty replaces the section 40 duty in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act 2006), in relation to Wales, and applies to those authorities that fell within the previous duty. Public authorities will be required to report on the actions they are taking to improve biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience.

Section 7 - Biodiversity lists and duty to take steps to maintain and enhance biodiversity 4.11 This section replaces the duty in section 42 of the NERC Act 2006. The Welsh Ministers will publish, review and revise lists of living organisms and types of habitat in Wales, which they consider are of key significance to sustain and improve biodiversity in relation to Wales.

4.12 The Welsh Ministers must also take all reasonable steps to maintain and enhance the living organisms and types of habitat included in any list published under this section and encourage others to take such steps. Part 1 of the Act, including Sections 6 and 7, came into force on May 21, 2016.

4.13 The Environment Act enhances the current NERC Act duty to require all public authorities, when carrying out their functions in Wales, to seek to “maintain and enhance biodiversity” where it is within the proper exercise of their functions. In doing so, public authorities must also seek to “promote the resilience of ecosystems”. As under the NERC Act the new duty will apply to a range of public authorities such as the Welsh Ministers, local authorities, public bodies and statutory undertakers. This ensures that biodiversity is an integral part of the decisions that public authorities take in relation to Wales. It also links biodiversity with the long-term health and functioning of our ecosystems, therefore helping to align the biodiversity duty with the framework for sustainable natural resource management provided in the Act. Building on lessons from the voluntary reporting system that has

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AES-LTD emerged through the NERC Act, the new duty requires public authorities to report on the actions they have taken to improve biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience.

POLICY NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY STATEMENT 4.14 The policy statement supports the Environment (Wales) Act, which places a duty on Welsh ministers to prepare, publish and implement a statutory National Natural Resource Policy (NNRP). This will set out our priorities in relation to the management of natural resources.

4.15 This policy statement is a precursor to the statutory NNRP, illustrating potential priorities and opportunities for our natural resources. It will be used to engage our partners to develop and inform the first statutory policy which will be published in Spring 2017.

PLANNING POLICY WALES (2016) 4.16 Planning Policy Wales (PPW) sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh Government. It is supplemented by a series of Technical Advice Notes (Tans). Procedural advice is given in circulars and policy clarification letters. It Translates the commitment of the Welsh Government to sustainable development into the planning system so it can play an appropriate role in moving towards sustainability.

4.17 The Wales Spatial Plan People, Places, Futures sets a Strategic Framework to guide future development and policy interventions. It integrates the spatial aspects of national strategies for social inclusion and economic development, health, transport and environment, translating the Welsh Government’s sustainable development duty into practice.

4.18 PPW, the TANs, circulars and policy clarification letters comprise national planning policy. National planning policy and the Wales Spatial Plan should be taken into account in the preparation of development plans. They may be material to decisions on individual planning applications and will be taken into account by the Welsh Ministers and Planning Inspectors in the determination of called-in planning applications and appeals.

BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLANS / BIODIVERSITY 2020 4.19 The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) (Anon, 1995) was organised to fulfil the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, to which the UK is a signatory. A list of national 13 Applied Ecological Services Limited

AES-LTD priority species and habitats has been produced with all listed species/habitats having specific action plans defining the measures required to ensure their conservation. Regional and local BAPs have also been organised to develop plans for species/habitats of nature conservation importance at regional and local levels.

4.20 The ‘UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework’, published in July 2012, succeeds the UK BAP and ‘Conserving Biodiversity – the UK Approach’, and is the result of a change in strategic thinking following the publication of the CBD’s ‘Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020’ and its 20 ‘Aichi Biodiversity Targets’, at Nagoya, Japan in October 2010, and the launch of the new EU Biodiversity Strategy (EUBS) in May 2011. The Framework demonstrates how the work of the four countries and the UK contributes to achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and identifies the activities required to complement the country biodiversity strategies in achieving the targets. The UKBAP is no longer an active strategy, and has been replaced by biodiversity strategies in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. While the UKBAP is no longer an active policy, species listed on the UKBAP have been incorporated into the new biodiversity strategies for each country. In Wales under Section 7 of the Environment Wales Act (2016) UK BAP species and habitats were recognised as of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity. Section 7 requires the production of biodiversity lists and a duty for public bodies to take steps to maintain and enhance biodiversity when carrying out their function. This is commonly referred to as the ‘biodiversity duty‘. The Wales Biodiversity Partnership (WBP) have produced biodiversity checklists for local authority and public authority staff in Wales. The checklists will assist public and local authorities to take account of biodiversity in their operational activities and will help organisations to remain legal under the NERC Act (2006) Biodiversity Duty, Habitats Regulations and other biodiversity related legislation. In addition, the implementation of the checklists and guidance will help build towards the biodiversity outcomes contained in the Environment Strategy for Wales.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS 4.21 Every local planning authority in Wales must prepare a Local Development Plan (LDP) for its area. The LDP will be the development plan for each county, county borough council and each National Park superseding the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) or any other development plan. These LDPs are used by Planning Authorities to inform planning decisions.

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AES-LTD WILDLIFE LEGISLATION 4.22 In addition to the above, a range of legislation is in place to ensure that habitats and species of conservation importance are protected from harm, either directly or indirectly. A summary of this legislation is given in Table 3.

Table 3: Overview of Key Legislation Legislation Relevance The Conservation of This transposes the EC Habitats Directive 1992 (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Habitats and Species Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna) and the EC Birds Regulations 2010 Directive 1979 (Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the protection of wild birds) into UK law.

Annexes I and II of the Habitats Directive list (respectively) habitats and species for which member states are required to establish and monitor SACs. The EC Birds Directive provides a similar network of sites (SPAs) for all rare or vulnerable species listed in Annex I and all regularly occurring migratory species, with particular focus on wetlands of international importance. Together with SACs, SPAs form a network of pan-European protected areas known as ‘Natura 2000’ sites.

The Habitats Regulations also make it an offence (subject to exceptions) to deliberately capture, kill, disturb, or trade in the animals listed in Schedule 2, or pick, collect, cut, uproot, destroy, or trade in the plants listed in Schedule 4. The Convention on the The Bern Convention aims to ensure conservation and protection of all wild plant Conservation of European and animal species and their natural habitats (listed in Appendices I and II of the Wildlife and Natural Convention), to increase cooperation between contracting parties, and to afford Habitats (Bern special protection to the most vulnerable or threatened species (including Convention 1979) migratory species). The Wildlife and The WCA is the primary UK mechanism for statutory site designation (Sites of Countryside Act (WCA) Special Scientific Interest, SSSIs) and the protection of individual species listed 1981 (as amended) under Schedules 1, 2, 5 and 8 of the Act, each subject to varying levels of protection The Countryside This legislation strengthens the provision of the 1981 WCA (as amended), both in and Rights of respect of statutory sites such as SSSIs and protected species. It also places a Way Act 2000 statutory obligation on Local Authorities and other public bodies to further conservation of biodiversity in the exercise of their functions, thus providing a statutory basis to the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) process, which began in 1994. Hedgerow The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 are intended to protect important countryside Regulations 1997 hedges from destruction or damage in England and Wales. Natural Environment The ‘NERC’ Act makes provision in respect of biodiversity, pesticides harmful to and Rural Communities wildlife, protection of birds and invasive non-native species. Section 40 of the act Act 2006 also introduced a new duty on public bodies to have regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity in the exercise of their functions. Environment (Wales) Act The Environment Act enhances the current NERC Act duty to require all public (2016) authorities, when carrying out their functions in Wales, to seek to “maintain and enhance biodiversity” where it is within the proper exercise of their functions

4.23 Due to its location the site has the potential to provide habitat for a number of species protected by the various pieces of legislation summarised in Table 3. A summary of the key legislation is given in Table 4.

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AES-LTD Table 4: Key Legislation for protected species Species Key legal protection Bats (all species) All European species of bat are listed on Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive as being in need of “strict protection”. This is implemented in Britain under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. All British bats are included on Schedule 5 of the WCA (1981) and the whole of Section 9 of The Act applies to European bat species. In summary, the above legislation collectively prohibits the following:  Deliberately or recklessly capturing, injuring, taking or killing of a bat;  Deliberately or recklessly harassing a bat;  Intentionally or recklessly disturbing of a bat in its place of rest (roost), or which is used for protection or rearing young;  Deliberately or recklessly damaging, destroying or obstructing access to any resting place or breeding area used by bats;  Deliberately or recklessly disturbing a bat in any way which is likely to significantly affect the local populations of the species, either through affecting their distribution or abundance, or affect any individuals ability to survive, reproduce or rear young;  Possession or advertisement/sale/exchange of a bat (dead or alive) or any part of a bat. In Wales, licences are issued by Natural Resources Wales for any actions that may compromise the protection of a European protected species, including bats, under the Habitats Regulations 2010. This includes all developments, regardless of whether or not they require planning permission. Bats are also protected by the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 and selected species are listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and the local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). Otter Otter are protected under European and British law and receive the same level of protection as bats (see above.) The species is listed under Annex II and IV of the Habitats Directive, which is implemented in Britain under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Otter are also protected under Schedules 5 and 6 of the WCA 1981, The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 and are listed as a priority species in Appendix II of the Bern Convention. The species is also listed on the UK and Local BAPs. Water vole Water vole is protected under Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981 (as amended). This makes it an offence to:  Intentionally kill, injure of take water voles;  Possess or control the species;  Damage or destroy any place used by water vole for shelter or protection;  Disturb water vole while they occupy such places of shelter;  Sell, possess or transport water vole for the purpose of sale; and  Advertise the buying or selling of water vole. The species is also protected under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 and listed on the UK and Local BAPs. Birds The majority of bird species, with the exception of some species listed on Schedule 2, are protected under the WCA 1981 (as amended). This makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly:  Kill, injure or take any wild bird;  Take, damage or destroy any nest which is in use or being built; and  Take, damage or destroy the eggs of any such bird.

Additional protection against disturbance whilst at the nest is also afforded to any bird species, whether an adult bird or their dependant young, which is listed on Schedule 1 of the Act. Council Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds (the ‘Birds

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AES-LTD Directive’) provides for the conservation and management of all wild bird species naturally occurring in the European Union, their nests, eggs and habitats. The Birds Directive bans activities that directly threaten birds (e.g. deliberate killing and destruction of nests and young), regulates hunting of selected species, bans non-selective and large scale killing of birds, and promotes research for bird conservation and management. Article 4(4) of the Birds Directive requires that member states “should strive to avoid pollution or deterioration of habitats.” The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012 provide a fuller transposition of the Birds Directive into English law. Regulation 8 introduces a new Regulation 9A to the Habitats Regulations for duties of appropriate authorities in relation to wild bird habitat. Regulation 9A(3) addresses the transposition of Article 2 of the Birds Directive, while Regulation 9A(8), requiring competent authorities to “use all reasonable endeavours” to “avoid any pollution or deterioration of habitats of wild birds.” Certain species are also listed as being of priority conservation importance on the UK and Local BAPs. Badger Badger are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which makes it an offence to:  Knowingly kill, capture, injure or disturb any individual;  Intentionally damage or destroy a badger sett, or any part thereof;  Obstruct access to an area which is used for breeding, resting or shelter; and  Disturb a badger while it is using any place used for breeding, resting or shelter. The species is also protected by the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996.

Reptiles All common reptile species (common lizard, slow-worm, grass snake and adder) are partially protected under Sections 9(1) and 9(5) of Schedule of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This legislation protects these animals from:  intentional killing and injury;  selling, offering for sale, possessing or transporting for the purpose of sale or publishing advertisements to buy or sell a protected species. The more threatened species of reptile, smooth snake and sand lizard are fully protected under Schedule 5 (Section 9) and under schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, which designate them ‘European protected species’. It is an offence to capture, possess, disturb, kill, injure, or trade in individuals of these species. In addition, it is an offence to damage or destroy the places they use for breeding or resting.

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AES-LTD

5.0 RESULTS

DESKTOP ASSESSMENT

5.2 Cofnod returned information regarding sites of nature conservation, both statutory and non- statutory, and protected and priority species on 13th May 2019. The desktop assessment indicates that there are three statutory sites and 30 non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest within 2km of the survey area.

DESIGNATED SITES

5.3 There are three statutory designated sites of nature conservation interest within the 2km search area (Table 5). These sites comprise Eryri/ Snowdonia SPA, Caeau Tyddyn Dicwm and Eryri SSSI's of European and UK conservation interest respectively.

Table 5: Statutory designated sites Distance & Designation Site Name & Description Area (ha) Grid Ref. Direction from site Special area of Eryri/ Snowdonia. Annex I habitats that are a 19732.98 SH695658 0.583km E conservation primary reason for selection of this site include (SAC) inland water bodies, Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands, tall herb fringe communities, areas of Siliceous scree, Siliceous and calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation. Annex 1 Habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site include species-rich Nardus grasslands on silicious substrates in mountain areas, Blanket bogs, Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion, Petrifying springs with tufa formation, Alkaline fens, Alpine pioneer formations of Caricion bicoloris-atrofuscae and an old sessile oak, Quercus petraea woods with Holly (Ilex sp.) and fern species (Blechnum sp.). Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site including; Slender green feather-moss Drepanocladus Hamatocaulis vernicosus and Floating water-plantain Luronium natans. Site of special Caeau Tyddyn Dicwm. Selected for its biological 2.7 SH 606689 1.5 km NNW scientific interest as a habitat example with a group of interest (SSSI) freely draining small fields. The site is one of the few remaining examples of traditionally managed, enclosed pastures and hayfields in Arfon which has not been agriculturally improved by ploughing and reseeding in recent times. This meadow supports a notable amount of greater butterfly-orchid Platanthera

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AES-LTD Distance & Designation Site Name & Description Area (ha) Grid Ref. Direction from site Chlorantha which occurs in large numbers. Other prominent species include common spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza Fuchsii and northern marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza Purpurella. Site of special Eryri The site is of special interest for its upland 20343.5 SH 668 606 0.583km E scientific habitats including lichen and bryophyte heath, interest (SSSI) montane heath, dry heath, wet heath, blanket bog, flush and spring, calcareous grassland, tall herb and fern ledges, vegetated scree and broadleaved woodland communities and for its inland rock exposures with crevice vegetation and low nutrient lakes. special interest including Snowdon lily Lloydia serotina, floating water- plantain Luronium natans, tufted saxifrage Saxifraga cespitosa, Killarney fern Trichomanes speciosum, oblong woodsia Woodsia ilvensis and alpine woodsia W. alpina, along with assemblages of rock, cliff ledge and crevice plants, montane grassland plants, aquatic and marginal plants and large assemblages of bryophytes and lichens. Further species of interest; chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and other moorland and grassland birds. Other animal species of interest include salmon Salmo salar, the rainbow leaf beetle Chrysolina cerealis and an upland invertebrate assemblage.

5.3 Special Areas of Conservation are sites of European conservation importance, protected under Article 3 of the European Union Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC; the ‘Habitats Directive’), implemented in Welsh law through the 2010 Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations. They have been established in order to conserve habitat types and species considered to be most in need of conservation at a European level, identified on Annexes I and II of the Habitats Directive.

5.4 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are designated under Section 28 of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) for their ecological or geological interest.

5.5 Of the non-statutory sites there are 30 local wildlife sites (LWS) within the 2km search area see Table 6.

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AES-LTD Table 6: Non-Statutory designated sites Designation Site name & Description Area (ha) Grid ref. Distance & Direction from site Local Wildlife Beside Afon Ogwen. Consisting of 4.4 SH616671 0.78km SSW Sites (LWS) broadleaved woodland. Local Wildlife Felin Cochwillan to Talybont. Areas of 21.4 SH604693 1.52km NW Sites (LWS) coniferous and broadleaved woodland. Local Wildlife Marianywinllan. Consisting of a mixture of 10.3 SH617700 1.7km N Sites (LWS) coniferous and broadleaved woodland.

Local Wildlife Bryn Twrw. Semi-improved neutral 18.2 SH600684 1.72km W Sites (LWS) grassland with areas of coniferous woodland and broadleaved woodland. Local Wildlife Tregarth Chapel. An area of fen and 2.5 SH600678 1.78km W Sites (LWS) bracken, with broadleaved woodland across the eastern half. Local Wildlife Tregarth. Largely mixed broadleaved and 8.7 SH605680 1.22km W Sites (LWS) coniferous woodland, with an area of semi-improved neutral grassland . Local Wildlife Pen-y-groes. Qualifying Habitat: Purple 3.5 SH606678 1.16km W Sites (LWS) moor-grass, rush pasture, upland oakwood, lowland mixed deciduous woodland, acidic grassland. Local Wildlife Pen y Castell. Qualifying habitat: wet 4.6 SH605675 1.37km W Sites (LWS) woodland, lowland meadow, lowland acid grassland, rush pasture, lowland acid fen Local Wildlife Craig y Pandy. Qualifying habitat: lowland 2.5 SH601676 1.77km W Sites (LWS) meadow. With qualifying Species including slow worm Anguis fragilis, toad Bufo bufo, hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus, frogs Rana temporaria. Local Wildlife Parc y Dob. Consisting of broadleaved 8.1 SH602675 1.5km W Sites (LWS) woodland. Local Wildlife Hen-durnpike. Largley broadleaved 6.1 SH609673 1.05km SW Sites (LWS) woodland with a small area of acid grassland. Local Wildlife Chwarel Goch. Semi-improved neutral 5.4 SH606671 1.43km SW Sites (LWS) grassland with coniferous woodland. Local Wildlife Sling. Acid and neutral grassland with 12.1 SH603671 1.52km SW Sites (LWS) broadleaved woodland and acid flush. Local Wildlife Waen y Pandy. Acid and neutral grassland 18.5 SH598674 2km W Sites (LWS) with a section of broadleaved woodland Local Wildlife Corbri. Qualifying Habitat: Lowland 14.9 SH618686 0.162km N Sites (LWS) meadows, mixed deciduous woodland, wet woodland, purple moor grass, rush pasture. Local Wildlife Parc y Moch. Consisting of broadleaved 8.1 SH612680 0.56km W Sites (LWS) woodland. Local Wildlife Above Bron Ogwen. Consisting of 18.1 SH610681 0.787km W Sites (LWS) broadleaved woodland. Local Wildlife Ffridd Fawr. Consisting of acid grassland 34.9 SH610666 1.15km SW Sites (LWS) Local Wildlife Henbarc. Qualifying Habitat: Lowland 18.9 SH627625 0.547km SE Sites (LWS) heathland, upland oakwood, lowland acid grassland

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AES-LTD Designation Site name & Description Area (ha) Grid ref. Distance & Direction from site Local Wildlife Bontuchaf. Qualifying Habitat: Purple 14.2 SH631670 1.23km SE Sites (LWS) moor grass and rush pasture, upland oakwood, lowland acid grassland Local Wildlife Afon Ogwen (Lower). Running Water. 3.4 SH622665 1.13km S Sites (LWS) Local Wildlife Bryn Derwen. Qualifying Habitat: Rush 15.5 SH619666 1.14km S Sites (LWS) pasture, river corridor, lowland acid grassland Local Wildlife Coed Bryn Meurig. Consisting of 23.7 Sh622662 1.42km SSE Sites (LWS) broadleaved woodland. Local Wildlife Afon Galedffrwd. Running water. 1.3 SH61659 1.84km SSW Sites (LWS) Local Wildlife Galedffrwd. Consisting of broadleaved 11.8 SH609658 1.78km SSW Sites (LWS) woodland. Local Wildlife East Henbarc. Acid grassland and 10.1 SH628677 0.66km E Sites (LWS) quarry/spoil Local Wildlife Tai'n-y-coed. Acid grassland 5.9 SH611685 0.733km NW Sites (LWS) Local Wildlife Tanysgafell. Consisting of broadleaved 3 SH615667 1.27km SSW Sites (LWS) woodland. Local Wildlife Bryniau Eithinog. Consisting of 11.7 SH605663 1.86km SW Sites (LWS) broadleaved woodland. Local Wildlife Penrhyn Slate Quarry (North). 17.8 SH620659 1.84km S Sites (LWS) Quarry/Spoil with coniferous woodland.

5.6 LWS are locally important for the conservation of wildlife and are identified and selected for the significant habitats and species that they contain.

5.7 Other non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest include the 43 ancient woodland sites within the 2km search area. This includes 20 ancient semi-natural woodlands, 18 restored ancient woodland sites and five plantations on ancient woodland sites.

5.8 Locations of statutory and non-statutory designated site are illustrated on Drawing 1.

ECOLOGICAL RECORDS

PROTECTED SPECIES

5.9 Grŵp Ystlumod Gwynedd (Gwynedd Bat Group) states that the species found in their area include the following:  Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus  Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus 21 Applied Ecological Services Limited

AES-LTD  Brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus These are the UK’s most common bat species and most recorded within the area.  Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii  Noctule Nyctalus noctula – Our largest bat, it mainly roosts in tree hollows.  Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri  Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii  Lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros – Although a rare species, with a core population in North West Wales it was the fourth most recorded bat species.

5.10 Cofnod provided 950 species records spanning from 2009 to present within 2km of the site. These records were filtered to include only records of species with European / UK legal protection, Section 42 (NERC), UK BAP priority species, local BAP priority species and notable species. The location of protected species records in relation to the site is illustrated on Drawing 2. None of the records related to the site.

Birds 5.11 657 records comprising 47 bird species were returned with a 2km radius of the site. These records include seven birds protected under schedule 1 part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), including: red kite Milvus milvus, barn owl Tyto alba, peregrine Falco peregrinus, redwing Turdus iliacus, chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, kingfisher Alcedo atthis, osprey Pandion haliaetus.

5.12 The nearest record of a bird protected under schedule 1 part was of a barn owl 0.52km to the south west of the site.

Mammals Bats 5.13 Cofnod returned 33 bat records within a 2km radius of the site. None of these records were bat roosts. The remaining records are of bats in flight recorded by surveyors or bats that had been rescued and include the following species: unknown bats, Brandt’s, brown long- eared, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, Daubenton’s, lesser horseshoe, Myotis sp. Natterer’s and noctule.

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AES-LTD Badger 5.14 There are three records of badger Meles meles with the 2km search area. The nearest record is of a badger observed dead on the road 0.5km to the west with another live sighting nearby.

Otter 5.15 There are three records of otter Lutra lutra within the 2km search area. The nearest record is a record of otter spraint 0.8km to the north west of the site.

Reptiles 5.16 There are two records of common lizard Zootoca vivipara and five records of slow worm Anguis fragilis within 2km of the site. The closest record of a slow worm is 0.8km north east with the remaining slow worm and common lizard records all within a clustered group 1.8km south west.

Flowering plants 5.17 Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta are recorded at two locations within 2km of the site, these are within local woodlands 0.7km to the north west and 1.5km to the south. Greater butterfly- orchids Platanthera chlorantha have been observed in a field near Tyddyn Dicwm 1.5km west.

PRIORITY SPECIES

Birds 5.18 There are 253 records of priority bird species and those listed as RSPB Welsh Birds Amber List or Red List (not based on IUCN criteria) within the 2km search area, comprising 41 species, including: lesser redpoll Acanthis cabaret, long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus, skylark Alauda arvensis, meadow pipit Anthus pratensis, tree pipit Anthus trivialis, hooded crow Corvus cornix, cuckoo Cuculus canorus, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, linnet Linaria cannabina, yellow wagtail Motacilla flava, spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata, redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus, wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, green woodpecker Picus viridis, goldcrest Regulus regulus, whitethroat Sylvia communis, song thrush Turdus philomelos, ring ouzel Turdus torquatus, mallard Anas platyrhynchos, swift Apus apus, dipper Cinclus cinclus, house martin Delichon urbicum, swallow Hirundo rustica, herring gull Larus argentatus, lesser black-backed gull

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AES-LTD Larus fuscus, wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe, house sparrow Passer domesticus, coal tit Periparus ater, willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula, woodcock Scolopax rusticola, starling Sturnus vulgaris, garden warbler Sylvia borin.

Terrestrial/freshwater invertebrates 5.19 Cofnod provided 10 records of terrestrial invertebrates within the last 10 years all of which are local BAP priority species. The closest record is of golden-ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii 0.935km to the south west. The remaining records include cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae 1.815km south east, wall Lasiommata megera 1.394km South west, small pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria selene 1.255km north, small heath Coenonympha pamphilus 1.598km east and southern hawker Aeshna cyanea 1.6km south.

Brown hare 5.20 There are 19 records of brown hare Lepus europaeus within the 2km search area, all of the records are over 1km from the site.

Hedgehog 5.21 There are 23 records of hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus within the 2km search area in the last ten years, the nearest of which was at Maes Bleddyn 0.09km to the south of the site.

Water shrew 5.22 There is one record of water shrew Neomys fodiens 1.22km to the south east of the site at Cilfodan Bethesda.

Polecat 5.23 There is one contemporary record of polecat Mustela putorius 1.7km to the south west of the site near Maesgeirchen, Pen Y Bwlch.

Plants 5.24 Cofnod provided 126 records of ferns, flowering plants, fungi and mosses within the 2km search area. None of the records related to the survey area. 5.25 There are five flowering plant species listed on a combination of the following: Global Red List, British Red Data Book, Nationally rare and scarce, Welsh Vascular Plant Red Data List within 2km of the site, plants include: western gorse Ulex gallii, greater butterfly-orchid 24 Applied Ecological Services Limited

AES-LTD Platanthera chlorantha, sweet-briar Rosa rubiginosa, plicate sweet-grass Glyceria notata.

INVASIVE NON-NATIVE SPECIES 5.26 There is one record of the Schedule 9 species American mink Neovison vision, this was recorded 1.1km to the north.

5.27 Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica is recorded 0.98km to the south west, montbretia Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiflora is recorded to the north of Craig y Pandy 1.9km to the south west of the site. Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera situated along Bangor Road 0.85km north and example of Himalayan Cotoneaster Cotoneaster simonsii and Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa were recorded 1.92km south.

GENERAL SITE DESCRIPTION - HABITATS 5.28 The site comprises a field of improved pasture grazed by cattle and an area of marshy grassland adjacent to a small stream which is a tributary of the Afon y Llan. The site is bounded to the south by a drystone wall and post and wire fence, to the west by a dilapidated drystone wall and to the east by a stone wall. There are also areas of dense scrub and trees and scattered trees and scrub.

STONE WALLS 5.29 Species associated with the drystone wall to the south of the site (T1) included locally abundant ivy Hedera helix and bramble Rubus fruiticosus agg. with occasional herb Robert Geranium robertianum and ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata and rare navelwort Umbilicus rupestris. Species associated with the narrow road verge included abundant fat- hen Chenopodium album and red fescue Festuca rubra with locally abundant Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, springy turf-moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Danish scurvy-grass Cochlearia danica, with locally frequent stinging nettle Urtica dioica and silverweed Argentina anserina. Other species included occasional bracken Pteridium aquilinum, elder Sambucus nigra, hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg., ribwort plantain, and rare blackthorn Prunus spinosa, great lettuce Lactuca virosa and dog- rosa Rosa canina agg.

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AES-LTD 5.30 The drystone wall to the west (T2) was dominated by dense stands of bramble scrub.

IMPROVED PASTURE 5.31 The improved pasture has areas of more diverse semi-improved grassland within it; for example, on the shaded bank to the north of the drystone wall at the south of the site are a number of shade tolerant plants including frequent wood-sorrel Oxalis acetosella and rare bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta. Other species on the bank included locally abundant springy turf-moss, abundant lesser celandine Ficaria verna, frequent sheep’s-sorrel Rumex acetosella and sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, occasional field wood-rush Luzula campestris and occasional marsh thistle Cirsium palustre. The remainder of the semi- improved pasture was characterised by locally abundant sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina with frequent sweet vernal-grass, annual meadow-grass Poa annua, Yorkshire fog, red fescue, perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne, crested dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus and occasional cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata. Herbaceous species include locally frequent white clover Trifolium repens, frequent ribwort plantain, common cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata, with occasional meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, common eyebright Euphrasia officinalis, lesser celandine, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, yarrow Achillea millefolium, field wood- rush, common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, common chickweed Stellaria media with rare bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare.

MARSHY GRASSLAND 5.32 To the east of the site is an area of marshy grassland (T4) bordered by dense scrub with occasional trees. The marshy grassland comprises abundant soft rush Juncus effuses with locally abundant ivy-leaved crowfoot Ranunculus hederaceus, pointed spear-moss Calliergonella cuspidata and common water starwort Callitriche stagnalis with locally frequent sweet vernal-grass, greater bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, annual meadow- grass and meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria. Frequently recorded species include wavy bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, meadow buttercup, Yorkshire fog, floating sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans, common eyebright, ribwort plantain and common mouse-ear. Occasionally recorded species include cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, celery-leaved buttercup Ranunculus scleratus, marsh thistle, lesser celandine, hemlock water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata, lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula, marsh marigold Caltha palustris and bracken.

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AES-LTD DENSE SCRUB 5.33 Dense scrub (T5) comprised dominant bramble with frequent bluebell and occasional sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus with rare hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, holly Ilex aquifolium, dog-rose, with occasional regenerating ash Fraxinus excelsior, rare ash and rare regenerating sycamore.

STREAM 5.34 The stream corridor (T6) was characterised by abundant hemlock water-dropwort with locally frequent floating sweet-grass, frequent brooklime Veronica beccabunga, stinging nettles, wavy bitter-cress and occasional rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, monkeyflower Mimulus guttatus and common water starwort and rare cuckoo-flower. The stream corridor was narrow ~0.2m wide and 0.1m in depth with shallow banks that were undercut. The water was shaded by dense vegetation along much of its length, but some open areas were present and these areas included locally abundant blanketweed, for example, Spirogyra spp.

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AES-LTD 6.0 SITE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

PROTECTED AND PRIORITY SPECIES PLANTS/HABITATS 6.1 No species listed on Schedule 9 or those considered to be INNS were recorded during the habitat survey either. Protected and priority species of plant recorded within the survey area included bluebell, protected under Schedule 8 from picking only.

6.2 There are two potential UK BAP, S7 priority habitats and/or Natur Gwynedd Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats within the survey area.  Rivers (UK BAP, S7 & Gwynedd BAP)  Lowland wetlands (UK BAP, S7 & Gwynedd BAP)

6.3 The rivers habitat type includes a very wide range of types, encompassing all natural and near-natural running waters in the UK (i.e. with features and processes that resemble those in ‘natural’ systems). These range from torrential mountain streams to meandering lowland rivers.

6.4 River water bodies will qualify as BAP priority habitat either because they are considered to be near-natural, or because they fulfil one or more specific criteria relating to BAP priority species or to particular habitat types. BAP actions and targets will be part of local biodiversity strategies. Where a stretch of river is near-natural, the aim will be to maintain this quality and, where possible, to increase the naturalness of other parts of the river system. There are various ways of defining what is meant by ‘near-natural’ but, to increase consistency, only the relatively few river water bodies defined as being at ‘high status’ under the WFD are included in this category. Where a river qualifies on grounds other than naturalness, improvements in habitat quality may also form part of the objectives for maintaining the interest of its BAP features. As a significant proportion of the running water resource in the UK is likely to qualify, achievable priorities will need to be set for action, to improve the extent, habitat connectivity or quality of BAP priority rivers. The stream on site would be considered a BAP priority habitat when assessed against the qualifying criteria. The list of qualifying criteria is as follows.

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AES-LTD  Riverine water bodies of high hydromorphological/ecological status. The Environment Agency, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency have developed criteria and rules to identify such water bodies (http://www.wfduk.org/resources%20/river-morphology-high-status-features-and-criteria).  Headwaters. To qualify as a priority habitat for ‘Rivers’ under the criterion of ‘headwaters’ a stream must be: o a watercourse within 2.5km of its furthest source as marked with a blue line on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps at a scale of 1:50,000. Note that each tributary of a river will have its own headwater, so there will be more than one (sometimes many more) per catchment. Headwaters which have been significantly altered from their natural state are however not included.  Occurrence of the EC Habitat Directive Annex I habitat (H3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation). The definition will include (but not be confined to) all river SACs designated for the feature.  Chalk Rivers as given in the existing BAP definition.  Active shingle rivers. Data for this can come from River Habitat Surveys (Environment Agency 2003) or indicator species of invertebrate (see criterion 7).  A/SSSIs (Areas/Sites of Special Scientific Interest) designated for river species, riverine features or fluvial geomorphology.  Species including: o Annex II Habitats Directive species o BAP priority species o Invertebrate species which are strongly indicative of river shingle o See the list of qualifying species, Annex 1. To qualify, an ECS or WFD water body needs to have either:  records of any one species from criterion levels A (BAP priority species strongly dependent on river habitat quality) or C (non-BAP priority species, indicative of shingle rivers), or  from criterion level B (widespread BAP priority species which are less dependent on river habitat quality alone), records of six or more species. This threshold has been selected by looking at available records for all criteria and identifying a level which returns a manageable proportion of the rivers network. o Where the English, Northern Irish, Scottish or Welsh country biodiversity groups have signed off their own lists of BAP priority species, including species which are

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AES-LTD not in the UK list, then rivers can qualify for these species using criteria agreed at country level.

6.5 The Natur Gwynedd Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats description for lowland wetlands covers five UK priority habitats: reedbed, fen, lowland raised bog, blanket bog and coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, which together cover the full range of lowland terrestrial wetland habitat types found in Wales. Lowland fens included within this plan are wide ranging and are defined as peat or mineral-based terrestrial wetlands which receive water and nutrients from surface and/or groundwater sources as well as rainfall. Not only are “rich” and “poor” fen communities included, but also most NVC swamp communities. Reedbeds (swamps dominated by reed Phragmites australis) and open water habitats (covered by lakes, ponds and ditches HAP) occur at one end of the succession spectrum , while lowland raised bogs and wet woodland (covered by a separate Action Plan) occur at the other. Blanket bog included in this plan refers to all lowland areas (below the general limit of agricultural enclosure or below 300m in altitude) of blanket peat bearing semi- natural vegetation on peat where this plays an important role in the protection of adjacent bog. Where marshy grassland occurs on deep peat (0.5m depth or more) it is included within this Action Plan rather than that for Rhos pasture.

6.6 Grazing marsh systems differ from the other four priority habitats in that they represent essentially cultural landscapes intensively managed for grazing and shaped by history of human control over drainage and sedimentation, with coastal examples having typically being derived from saltmarsh of freshwater swamp habitats. Fens and reedbeds may occur within the context of coastal or floodplain grazing marshes, as indeed may wet woodlands and Rhos pasture. The primary habitat element of grazing marshes is unimproved and improved grasslands, together with component ditch systems. The site would be considered grazing marsh and would be a BAP priority habitat.

BATS 6.7 There are 33 bat records within 2km of the site, none of which are roost records. There are no mature trees with bat roosting potential identified within the site, but the site would provide good quality foraging habitat for local bats, especially along the stream corridor. Species such as horseshoe bats are also known to forage over pasture foraging for dung

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AES-LTD beetles. Foraging and commuting bats are therefore considered a potential ecological constraint for the development.

BIRDS/NESTING BIRDS 6.8 No birds protected under Schedule 1 part 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) as amended, were recorded within the survey area during the extended phase 1 habitat survey. The desktop study indicated that the nearest record of a bird protected under schedule 1 part was of a barn owl 0.52km to the south west of the site. Kingfisher are associated with rivers and streams, therefore the stream within the site has the potential to provide some limited foraging habitat for kingfisher. The remaining species within 2km included chough, which are associated with moorland and some coastal habitats, peregrine, osprey and redwing. The site does not provide habitat particularly suited to these species, they are likely to only use it for occasional foraging. The improved pasture has some potential to be used by ground nesting birds such as skylark and small passerines are likely to forage and nest within the trees, scrubs and dense scrub. Nesting birds are therefore an ecological constraint to the development.

BADGER 6.9 There was no field sign indicative of the presence of badger, for example setts, scratches, latrines and snuffle holes. Badgers are not considered an ecological constraint for the development.

REPTILES 6.10 Slow worms were recorded 0.8km north east, with a larger population 1.8km south west, including a single common lizard record. The habitats within the survey area provide some potential habitat for reptiles; Most of the site is improved pasture but there are areas of tussocky grass within the marshy grassland and drystone walls and rocky outcrops suitable for common lizard to bask on. Records appear to be grouped toward more suitable grassland to the south-west which may provide more suitable foraging and basking opportunities. Reptiles should therefore be given further consideration to ensure that individuals are not negatively impacted upon as a result of the proposed development.

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AES-LTD TERRESTRIAL/FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATES 6.11 Cofnod provided 10 records of invertebrates comprising seven species that are local BAP priority species. The closest record is of golden-ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii 0.935km to the south west. The remaining records include cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae 1.815km south east, wall Lasiommata megera 1.394km south west, small pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria selene 1.255km north, small heath Coenonympha pamphilus 1.598km east and southern hawker Aeshna cyanea 1.6km south. The stream will support freshwater invertebrates and the grassland contains common foodplants that will support some of the widespread and more common BAP terrestrial invertebrates. For example, wall butterflies are widely distributed but rarely found in large numbers. They like to bask in bare areas so rocky areas and drystone walls will provide basking areas and their foodplants comprise various grasses including: tor-grass Brachypodium pinnatum, false brome B. sylvaticum, cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata, bents Agrostis spp., wavy hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa and Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus. Terrestrial invertebrates and freshwater invertebrates are not considered an ecological constraint for the development.

OTHER MAMMALS 6.12 Brown hare, polecat, water shrew and hedgehog are recorded within 2km of the site. There are 19 records of brown hare, all of which are over 1km from site. The preferred habitat of brown hare is a mosaic of farmland and woodland habitats. The site will provide some sub- optimal habitat for brown hare in conjunction with habitats outwith the site, but the site is unlikely to be an important resource for brown hare and they are not considered an ecological constraint.

6.13 There is one contemporary record of polecat 1.7km to the south west of the site. The polecat is a solitary animal and is known to occupy a variety of habitats, from farmland to woodlands to coastal sand dunes, and it typically dens in rabbit burrows, log piles, hay stacks and farm buildings. Polecats feed on small, birds, amphibians and reptiles. The garden and car park within the survey area would provide a very limited resource for polecat with prey species such as small mammals and birds likely to be present only in low numbers. Polecat is not considered an ecological constraint for the development.

6.14 Water shrew are semi-aquatic mammals and are most commonly found in habitats close to water, including the banks of streams, rivers, ponds, drainage ditches, reed-beds and fens. 32 Applied Ecological Services Limited

AES-LTD They are particularly numerous at water-cress beds. Occasionally they are found far from water in rough grasslands, scrub, woodlands and hedgerows, usually as young are dispersing. They have low populations densities compared with most small mammals. Their main food source is freshwater shrimps, water skaters and caddis larvae which they obtain by diving and hunting underwater. Occasionally frogs, newts and small fish are eaten. They also feed on many terrestrial invertebrates such as earthworms, snails and beetles. The land at Maes Bleddyn therefore provides suitable habitat, although the site is distant (1.22km) from known records. Water shrew should be considered in the development proposals.

6.15 There are 23 records of hedgehog within the 2km search area, the nearest of which was at Maes Bleddyn just 90m to the south of the site within a residential area. Hedgehogs are found across the UK and can live in a variety of habitats including woodland, farmland, parks and gardens, including residential gardens. The site is likely to provide some foraging habitat for hedgehogs but the drystone wall could be a potential barrier to movement onto the site. Hedgehogs are experiencing a dramatic decline in numbers and are should be considered in the development proposals with regards to habitat enhancement.

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AES-LTD 7.0 SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY 7.1 The survey area comprises improved pasture, marshy grassland, scattered and dense scrub and scattered trees and is bounded by stone walls. The survey area covers approximately 1.2ha (3.0acres and is located at grid reference SH 61994 68029 (approximate central point).

7.2 There are no statutory sites within the survey area. The desktop assessment indicated that there are three statutory sites and 30 non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest within 2km of the survey area. The nearest statutory site of nature conservation interest is Eryri/Snowdonia SAC and SSSI located 0.58km to the east of to the site which is designated for its upland habitats including lichen and bryophyte heath, montane heath, dry heath, wet heath, blanket bog, flush and spring, calcareous grassland, tall herb and fern ledges, vegetated scree and broadleaved woodland communities and for its inland rock exposures with crevice vegetation and low nutrient lakes and the flora and fauna within these habitats. The remaining SSSI’s named Caeau Tyddyn Dicwm is 1.5km from the site and designated for its unimproved grassland meadows. No significant negative impact is expected on the statutory sites of nature conservation interest due to this small-scale housing development. There is no feasible mechanism by which such a small scheme could have a significant negative impact on the surrounding statutory sites.

7.3 Of the non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest the nearest site is Cobri LWS which lies 0.16km to the north of the site and comprises lowland meadows, mixed deciduous woodland, wet woodland, purple moor-grass and rush pasture.

7.4 Other non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest include the 43 ancient woodland sites within the 2km search area. This includes 20 ancient semi-natural woodlands, 18 restored ancient woodland sites and five plantations on ancient woodland sites. No significant impact is anticipated on the Local Wildlife Sites or ancient woodland sites as a result of the small-scale housing development.

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AES-LTD 7.5 There are two UK BAP, S7 priority habitats and/or Natur Gwynedd Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats within the survey area.  Rivers (UK BAP, S7 & Gwynedd BAP), and  Lowland wetlands (UK BAP, S7 & Gwynedd BAP)

7.6 Fauna which are either protected or priority species that could occur within the site include:  Foraging and commuting bats;  Birds/nesting birds;  Water shrew, and  Hedgehog

RECOMMENDATIONS 7.7 It is recommended that three bat activity surveys are carried out to inform the planning application. Surveys should be undertaken June, July & August.

7.8 It is recommended that vegetation clearance be undertaken outside of the bird breeding season. This includes the improved pasture, dense and scattered scrub or trees. The bird breeding season can extend from March until August (inclusive), weather and species depending, but generally birds have completed breeding by the end of July. Where vegetation clearance works cannot be undertaken outside the bird breeding season, all such areas would be subject to a thorough walkover survey by a suitably qualified ecologist prior to any clearance or disturbance work being undertaken.

7.9 Trees will be retained where possible.

7.10 Site clearance and construction has the potential to cause damage to trees adjacent to the development footprint that are being retained. Adhering to the guidelines in British Standard BS 5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction is recommended in situations such as this, in particular implementing measures to prevent root damage, for example, protective measures to prevent heavy plant vehicles etc. from entering the root protection area. This usually involves identifying the root protection area and erecting a protective barrier around the trees/hedgerow to be retained.

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AES-LTD 7.11 To avoid negatively impacting on the tributary stream it is recommended that a buffer zone of at least 10m is applied between the stream and the development footprint.

7.12 It is recommended that the landscape scheme incorporates the more species-rich grassland currently located in the site, to the north of the southern stone wall, so that it can be managed as an area of meadow. It is also recommended that native species of local provenance that include flowers and fruits that flower early, mid- and late-season to provide food and a nectar source for insects, birds and small mammals over a long period.

7.13 It is recommended that a method statement is produced to outline measures to protect reptiles during the site clearance and construction phase. This will also involve undertaking checking surveys in habitats likely to support reptiles, these include drystone walls, rocky outcrops and scrub interfaces prior to removal. It is recommended that the peripheral drystone walls are retained and restored where possible to retain basking habitat for species such as common lizard.

7.14 To enhance habitats within the site it is recommended that a ‘hedgehog highway’ is created within the new development. For example, if the site is re-developed to provide residential dwellings and gardens are fenced it would be appropriate to leave a 15cm x 15cm gap at the bottom of the fence to allow hedgehogs to forage across the gardens. This idea can be implemented in a variety of fencing materials by retaining a suitable sized gap with no sharp edges that could injure hedgehogs. It would also be prudent to provide ‘hedgehog’ housing these can be purchased commercially as ‘hedgehog domes’ or preferentially made from timber, brash and soil material obtained from the site works. The provision and specification can be discussed with the ecologist.

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AES-LTD 7.15 An excellent way to enhance habitat for bats is to introduce new roosting habitat into a new build. The Habibat bat box (http://www.habibat.co.uk/) is recommended by the Bat Conservation Trust for enhancing homes for bats. Manufactured to suit any existing brick or stonework finish. Unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing, Habibats can be joined side by side to increase the roost space. This box is made to order and faced in brick to match your building. Facing products include brick, granite, slate, tile timber, stone, masonry and terracotta or they can be bespoke if provided with a specific facing material. If the site is re-developed to provide residential dwellings it is recommended that one habibat bat box is incorporated into either a south or west facing aspect of one of the properties at a height of between 3 – 5m avoiding placement above windows or doors.

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AES-LTD APPENDIX 1 PHOTOGRAPHS

Photograph 1 Drystone wall (T1).

Photograph 2 Drystone wall (T2) and improved pasture (T3).

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Photograph 3 Improved pasture (T3).

Photograph 4 Marshy grassland (T4) and areas of dense scrub (T5).

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Photograph 5 Marshy grassland (T4).

Photograph 6 Stream (T6).

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