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South Wiltshire Core Strategy Final HRA Report July

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Wiltshire Council HRA Report South Wiltshire Proposed Submission Core Strategy Appendix 3: N2K sites within South Wiltshire APPENDIX 3: NATURA 2000 SITES WITHIN SOUTH WILTSHIRE Site Name: Chilmark Quarries SAC Description This complex of abandoned stone mines provides suitable hibernation conditions for a range of bat species and has a long history of usage by Greater Horseshoe Bats Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. It is regularly used by Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus as a hibernation site as well as an important assemblage of other bat species, including Bechstein’s bat Myotis bechsteinii, for which this site has also been selected, indicating that conditions at this site are particularly favourable for the survival of these bat species. Qualifying features Annex II species – primary reason for site selection: Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) Bechstein’s bat (Myotis bechsteinii) Annex II species – present as a qualifying feature, not a primary reason for selection of this site: Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) (Source: www.jncc.gov.uk) Conservation objectives To maintain the designated interest features in favourable condition. Component SSSIs and SSSI Name: Chilmark Quarries SSSI condition Favourable Unfavourable Unfavourable no Unfavourable Destroyed, part recovering change declining destroyed 0% 1.02% 98.98% 0% 0% Factors which maintain site • Roosts are sensitive to disturbance (internal as well as the entrances) which would need to be limited to acceptable levels. The integrity instillation of grilles at the entrance to the caves allows bat ingress/egress whilst reducing the human impact on the site. Activities of any kind within the site should be largely avoided during the general period of September – April each year to minimise the risk of disturbance to bats during the sensitive period of hibernation. Building or engineering works taking place within or around the area should be avoided, as should the use of vehicles or machinery that would be likely to produce noise, fumes or heat near roosting sites or access points that may disturb hibernating bats. • Maintenance of cool, stable temperatures (between 6 and 10oC). • Cave conditions should remain dark away from the entrances and ventilation stable. HRA Appx 3 - N2K sites inside South Wiltshire.doc 1/17 NICHOLAS PEARSON ASSOCIATES July 2009 Wiltshire Council HRA Report South Wiltshire Proposed Submission Core Strategy Appendix 3: N2K sites within South Wiltshire Site Name: Chilmark Quarries SAC • Appropriate management of vegetation at roost entrances is required and there should be no artificial light shining on entrance or associated flight paths. The presence of tress can cause shading and damage by tree root growth can cause problems to structure. However vegetated cover around the entrance is desirable. • Bats require connectivity of habitat features for commuting and foraging. Active management of the habitats used by bats for these activities may be required. • The importance of linear habitat features off site for bat flight lines should be recognised. • Geological stability. May require inspection by geologist or mining engineer. (Source: A statement of English Nature’s views about the management of Chilmark Quarries Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 2005) Vulnerabilities In recent decades the underground bat hibernacula have remained well protected from development and disturbance. The long-term safeguard of the hibernacula entails preventing the collapse of the underground voids and restricting unauthorised access. There is a costed ten-year management plan for Chilmark Quarries SSSI; however, disposal from the Ministry of Defence estate is currently in progress. The entrances at Fonthill Grottoes SSSI have been grilled under a management agreement, and access to the Grottoes is permitted under consultation with Natural England. (Chilmark Quarries Natura 2000 Data Form, 2006) HRA Appx 3 - N2K sites inside South Wiltshire.doc 2/17 NICHOLAS PEARSON ASSOCIATES July 2009 Wiltshire Council HRA Report South Wiltshire Proposed Submission Core Strategy Appendix 3: N2K sites within South Wiltshire Site Name: Great Yews SAC Description Great Yews represents yew Taxus baccata woods in the south-west of the habitat’s range. Although it is the smallest example of the habitat within the SAC series, it is important for the presence of about 300 old trees. It probably originated as yew wood following beech Fagus sylvatica or ash Fraxinus excelsior. It has some regeneration and so has the full structural and functional range expected of yew stands. Qualifying features Annex I habitat – primary reason for site selection: Taxus baccata yew woods of the British Isles (Source: www.jncc.gov.uk) Conservation objectives To maintain the designated interest feature in favourable condition. Component SSSIs and SSSI Name: Great Yews SSSI condition Favourable Unfavourable Unfavourable no Unfavourable Destroyed, part recovering change declining destroyed 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% Factors which maintain site Appropriate woodland management is required to maintain natural processes, a diverse woodland structure (re-growth), coppice and dead integrity trees), natural tree regeneration or stump re-growth, a diverse age structure, control invasive species e.g. Rhododendron ponticum or Himalayan balsam and support characteristic species (woodland flora). (Source: A statement of English Nature’s views about the management of Great Yews Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 2004)) Vulnerabilities The woodland is currently considered to be in good condition. Little active management is carried out except small-scale recreational activity which at current levels does not have a significant impact on the interests. This management has been agreed on with the landowner through a site management statement. In the long-term, regeneration of the yew should be monitored and if necessary positive management carried out, which would require support through woodland grant schemes or management agreement. (Source: Great Yews Natura 2000 Data Form, 2006) • Deer browsing, if excessive can limit the capacity for natural regeneration via seedlings and saplings. • Lack of diversity of stand structure – many stands are in older age classes and because of the dense, dry and shady under-storey conditions below such stands, there is a lack of regeneration and little ground vegetation. HRA Appx 3 - N2K sites inside South Wiltshire.doc 3/17 NICHOLAS PEARSON ASSOCIATES July 2009 Wiltshire Council HRA Report South Wiltshire Proposed Submission Core Strategy Appendix 3: N2K sites within South Wiltshire Site Name: Great Yews SAC • Air pollution - based on an assessment of the exceedence of relevant critical loads, air pollution is considered to be a potentially significant pressure to the structure and function of this habitat. However, it may well be the case that nitrogen loading is encouraging nitrophile species, such as bramble, to develop. (Source: Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 2007. Second Report by the UK under Article 17 on the implementation of the Habitats Directive from January 2001 to December 2006. Peterborough: JNCC) HRA Appx 3 - N2K sites inside South Wiltshire.doc 4/17 NICHOLAS PEARSON ASSOCIATES July 2009 Wiltshire Council HRA Report South Wiltshire Proposed Submission Core Strategy Appendix 3: N2K sites within South Wiltshire Site Name: Prescombe Down SAC Description Prescombe Down is one of three sites selected in the central part of the range for Early Gentian Gentianella anglica. It holds very significant populations of hundreds of thousands of plants in high-quality chalk grassland that has been sympathetically managed for many years. Prescombe Down is also designated for its large population of Marsh Fritillary butterflies. Qualifying features Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site: • Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site: • Early Gentian Gentianella anglica Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection 1 • Marsh Fritillary butterfly Euphydryas (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) aurinia Conservation objectives To maintain the designated interest in favourable condition. Component SSSIs and condition SSSI Name: Prescombe Down Favourable Unfavourable Unfavourable no Unfavourable Destroyed, part recovering change declining destroyed 71.52% 28.48% 0% 0% 0% Factors which maintain site Grassland integrity • Sward structure and composition provide a valuable indication of habitat quality. Cutting or grazing may be used to maintain these habitats, including control of scrub encroachment. • The presence of negative indicator species may indicate problems such as eutrophication, scrub invasion (insufficient control) or over or under grazing. • The application of pesticides, including herbicides, or any fertilizer would be damaging and should be avoided. Marsh fritillary butterfly HRA Appx 3 - N2K sites inside South Wiltshire.doc 5/17 NICHOLAS PEARSON ASSOCIATES July 2009 Wiltshire Council HRA Report South Wiltshire Proposed Submission Core Strategy Appendix 3: N2K sites within South Wiltshire Site Name: Prescombe Down SAC • Management of the site must maintain a mosaic of grassland and scrub habitats. The sward composition and structure needs to be maintained in a suitable condition. Particularly
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