DOCSLIB.ORG

(Greatmoor Railway Sidings Etc.) Order Environmental Statement

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
(Greatmoor Railway Sidings Etc.) Order Environmental Statement (Greatmoor Sidings Order Railway Etc.) | Environmental Statement Environmental The High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) (Greatmoor Railway Sidings Etc.) Order Environmental Statement Main Environmental Statement Volume 2: Main Environmental Statement August 2016 CS573_5.2 The High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) (Greatmoor Railway Sidings Etc.) Order Environmental Statement Volume 2: Main Environmental Statement August 2016 CS573_5.2 High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has been tasked by the Department for Transport (DfT) with managing the delivery of a new national high speed rail network. It is a non-departmental public body wholly owned by the DfT. High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB Telephone: 020 7944 4908 General email enquiries: [email protected] Website: www.gov.uk/hs2 A report prepared for High Speed Two (HS2) Limited: High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has actively considered the needs of blind and partially sighted people in accessing this document. The text will be made available in full on the HS2 website. The text may be freely downloaded and translated by individuals or organisations for conversion into other accessible formats. If you have other needs in this regard please contact High Speed Two (HS2) Limited. © High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, 2016, except where otherwise stated. Copyright in the typographical arrangement rests with High Speed Two (HS2) Limited. This information is licensed under the Open Government Licence v2.0. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ version/2 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or e-mail: [email protected]. Where we have identified any third-party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Printed in Great Britain on paper containing at least 75% recycled fibre. Volume 02 Main Environmental Statement Contents Glossary 5 1 Introduction 7 1.1 Overview 7 1.2 Scoping report 12 1.3 Scoping opinion 13 1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment / Purpose of this report 15 1.5 Structure of the ES 15 1.6 The EIA team 16 2 The Proposed Scheme 17 2.1 Site Description 17 2.2 Surrounding environment 18 2.3 Need for the Proposed Scheme and scheme history 21 2.4 Description of the Proposed Scheme 23 2.5 Incorporated design measures 28 2.6 Community consultation and engagement 28 2.7 Construction strategy 29 3 Consideration of alternatives and options 38 4 EIA methodology 42 4.1 Overview 42 4.2 Scope of the EIA 42 4.3 General approach to TWAO EIA 42 4.4 Environmental baseline 43 4.5 Identification of likely significant environmental effects 44 4.6 Climate change 45 4.7 Mitigation 46 4.8 Cumulative effects 46 4.9 Significant residual effects 50 4.10 Assumptions 50 5 Agriculture, forestry and soils 51 5.1 Introduction 51 5.2 Assessment methodology 51 5.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 52 5.4 Environmental baseline 53 5.5 Effects arising during construction 56 1 Volume 02 Main Environmental Statement 5.6 Effects arising from operation 59 6 Air quality 60 6.1 Introduction 60 6.2 Assessment methodology 60 6.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 63 6.4 Environmental baseline 64 6.5 Effects arising during construction 65 6.6 Effects arising from operation 67 7 Community 69 7.1 Introduction 69 7.2 Assessment methodology 69 7.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 70 7.4 Environmental baseline 70 7.5 Effects arising from construction 70 7.6 Effects arising from operation 71 8 Cultural heritage 72 8.1 Introduction 72 8.2 Assessment methodology 72 8.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 73 8.4 Environmental baseline 75 8.5 Effects arising during construction 79 8.6 Effects arising from operation 80 9 Ecology 82 9.1 Introduction 82 9.2 Assessment methodology 82 9.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 84 9.4 Environmental baseline 84 9.5 Effects arising during construction 93 9.6 Effects arising from operation 97 10 Land quality 102 10.1 Introduction 102 10.2 Assessment methodology 103 10.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 103 10.4 Environmental baseline 104 10.5 Effects arising during construction 107 10.6 Effects arising from operation 112 11 Landscape and visual 114 11.1 Introduction 114 11.2 Assessment methodology 114 11.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 115 11.4 Environmental baseline 115 11.5 Effects arising from construction 119 11.6 Effects arising from operation 125 12 Sound, noise and vibration 132 12.1 Introduction 132 12.2 Assessment methodology 132 12.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 135 12.4 Environmental baseline 135 2 Volume 02 Main Environmental Statement 12.5 Effects arising during construction 138 12.6 Effects arising during operation 141 13 Traffic and transport 145 13.1 Introduction 145 13.2 Assessment methodology 145 13.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 146 13.4 Environmental baseline 146 13.5 Effects arising during construction 148 14 Water resources and flood risk 154 14.1 Introduction 154 14.2 Assessment methodology 155 14.3 Legislation and planning policy framework 156 14.4 Environmental baseline 157 14.5 Effects arising during construction 164 14.6 Effects arising from operation 166 15 Summary of likely residual significant effects 167 15.1 Introduction 167 15.2 Agriculture, forestry and soils 167 15.3 Air quality 167 15.4 Community 167 15.5 Cultural heritage 168 15.6 Ecology 168 15.7 Land quality 168 15.8 Landscape and Visual assessment 168 15.9 Sound , noise and vibration 169 15.10 Traffic and transport 170 15.11 Water resources and flood risk 170 List of figures Figure 1: Application boundary 11 Figure 2: Area context plan 20 Figure 3: Comparison plans for the existing and proposed sidings locations 22 Figure 4: Mitigation plan 26 Figure 5: Mitigation hierarchy 46 List of tables Table 1: Summary of the outcome of the scoping report 12 Table 2: Scoping opinion from Department for Transport and response 13 Table 3: Indicative construction programme phasing diagram 36 Table 4: Assessment of alternative site options 39 Table 5: Committed developments 48 Table 6: Summary of habitat areas (hectares) lost as a result of the Proposed Scheme and areas already lost by HS2 Phase One scheme 92 Table 7: Summary of Sensitive Receptors 106 Table 8: Summary of baseline CSM for sites which may pose a contaminative risk for the Proposed Scheme 108 3 Volume 02 Main Environmental Statement Table 9: Summary of temporary (construction) effects 110 Table 10: Summary of permanent (post-construction) effects 111 Table 11: Existing baseline sound levels – Construction assessment 137 Table 12: Established baseline noise levels – Operational assessment 137 Table 13: Assessment of construction noise at residential receptors 139 Table 14: Assessment of construction traffic noise levels 140 Table 15: Calculated Operational ambient noise levels 143 Table 16: Peak vehicle trip generation for construction-site 149 Table 17: Surface water features potentially affected by the Proposed Scheme 158 Table 18: Summary of geology and hydrogeology in the study area 160 4 Volume 02 Main Environmental Statement Glossary AADT annual average daily traffic ALC Agricultural Land Classification AOD Above Ordnance Datum AP Additional Provision APIS UK Air Pollution Information System AQMA Air Quality Management Area AVDC Aylesbury Vale District Council ATC Automatic Traffic Count BAP Biodiversity Action Plan BBOWT Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust BCC Buckinghamshire County Council BGS British Geological Survey BMV agricultural land best and most versatile agricultural land BNS Biological Notification Site BPM Best Practicable Means CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management CoCP Code of Construction Practice CoPA Control of Pollution Act CSM Conceptual Site Model Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges EA Environment Agency EfW Energy from Waste EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPA Environmental Protection Act ES Environmental Statement ETM ERM, Temple, Mott MacDonald EU European Union EWR2 East West Rail Phase 2 FCC FCC Waste Services (UK) Ltd. FCD Field Capacity Day GLVIA Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment HGV Heavy Goods Vehicles HS2 High Speed Two (London-West Midlands) IAQM Institute of Air Quality Management IEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment IPC Integrated Pollution Control IPPC Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control IRZ Impact Risk Zones LCA landscape character area LGS Local Geological Sites LOAEL Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level LWS Local Wildlife Site MCC Manual Classified Count NERC Natural Environment and Rural Communities NO2 Nitrogen dioxide 5 Volume 02 Main Environmental Statement NPPF National Planning Policy Framework NTS Non-Technical Summary OS Ordnance Survey PRoW Public Right of Way PPG Planning Policy Guidance PWS Public Water Supply SES Supplementary Environmental Statement SMR Scoping and Methodology Report SOAEL significant observed adverse effect level SPZ Source Protection Zone SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest SuDS sustainable drainage systems Thames RBD Thames River Basin District Thames RBMP Thames River Basin Management Plan TEMPRO Trip End Model Presentation Program TIN Technical Information Note TWAO Transport and Works Act Order uFMfSW updated Flood Map for Surface Water WC Wetness Class WFD Water Framework Directive ZTV Zone of Theoretical Visibility 6 Volume 02 Main Environmental Statement 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview 1.1.1 FCC Waste Services (UK) Ltd. (FCC) operates the Calvert landfill site and Greatmoor Energy from Waste (EfW) facility, which are located to the south of the village of Calvert, west of the Aylesbury Link railway line and the proposed Phase One alignment of High Speed Two (HS2) (London-West Midlands). As part of its current operation, FCC brings in material to the Calvert landfill and Greatmoor EfW facility by rail which is off loaded at existing railway sidings currently located at Calvert on the west side of the Aylesbury Link railway line.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Wildberkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire
    Winter 2020 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire Wild & Oxfordshire FARMING FOR WILDLIFE The truly green revolution poised to speed nature’s recovery WHAT’S IN A NAME? The magical relationship between language and nature WINTER WILDLIFE Heroic hedges Discover the wildlife that thrives in our hedgerows Farming and wildlife HAMBLIN/2020VISION MARK Welcome 10 They are compatible! Your wild winter Ready for nature’s recovery The best of the season’s wildlife and The pandemic continues, but with talk of a ‘green where to enjoy it on your local patch recovery’ there could yet be a silver lining that puts people and the environment first. These are unprecedented times and with the RIC MELLIS RIC Agriculture and Environment Bills currently making their way back through Parliament, nature’s recovery now rests in the hands 3 Wintertime wonders of politicians. We have been fighting hard alongside other Wildlife Trusts Wildlife wows this winter to ensure that the bold promises made on securing a future for wildlife come to fruition. We continue to lobby for the best possible outcome. Thank you The Agriculture Bill could transform our countryside. BBOWT will We achieve more by working facilitate this truly green revolution at the local level, offering the as one. Your membership helps expertise and vision for a landscape rich in wildlife, for all to enjoy. In fact, fund vital conservation and we’ve already started and this autumn launched our new Land Advice campaign work that protects vulnerable birds. Discover what Service to help farmers and landowners manage their land in a more else we are achieving together nature-minded way.
    [Show full text]
  • LCT 07 Wooded Rolling Lowlands 1 May 08.Pdf
    Aylesbury Vale District Council & Buckinghamshire County Council Aylesbury Vale Landscape Character Assessment LCT 7 Wooded Rolling Lowlands Constituent LCAs LCA 7.1 Poundon – Charndon Settled Hills LCA 7.2 Calvert Clay Pits LCA 7.3 Claydon Bowl LCA 7.4 Kingswood Wooded Farmland LCA 7.5 Bernwood Forest View within Bernwood Forest (LCA 7.5) showing rolling landform, strong hedgerow pattern and woodland. B0404200/LAND/01 Aylesbury Vale District Council & Buckinghamshire County Council Aylesbury Vale Landscape Character Assessment LCT 7 Wooded Rolling Lowlands Key Characteristics Distinctive Features • Rolling and undulating ground • Registered historic parks and gardens • Drains to lower ground on all sides • Disused military airfield at Worminghall • Elevation range 60M to 130M AOD • Views often enclosed by woodland • Mixed land use predominantly grassland in • Views across Marsh Gibbon Vale and up to Brill most areas Hill Medium sized fields • • Decoy pond at Boarstall • Generally strong hedgerow pattern • Small areas of wet poorly drained soil associated • Large blocks of ancient woodland with marshy vegetation. • High density of woodland cover • Views to the Chilterns escarpment from the south • Hedgerow trees notably mature oak of the area • Low density of settlement • Ridge and furrow • Associations with medieval hunting forest of Bernwood • Narrow meandering lanes • Remote and tranquil away from M40 • Lakes at Calvert • Moated sites General Description Accords generally with CA 108 Upper Thames Clay Vales identified by the Character of England Map and with LCT RCA identified by the National Landscape Typology. The Wooded Rolling Lowlands is located along the western side of Aylesbury Vale and extends from south of the Twyford valley over the district boundary into Oxfordshire.
    [Show full text]
  • Statutory Contaminated Land Strategy
    Aylesbury Vale District Council : Contaminated Land Strategy : July 2001 Aylesbury Vale District Council Statutory Contaminated Land Strategy Required under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 78B Rachel Christie Head of Environmental Health Services PO Box 459 Aylesbury HP20 1YW Fax (01296) 585674 DX 4130 Aylesbury www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk Visitors please call at 66 High Street Aylesbury 1 Aylesbury Vale District Council : Contaminated Land Strategy : July 2001 Contents Page Introduction & Overview i.1 Background to the legislation 4 i.2 Explanation of terms 5 i.3 National objectives of the new regime 6 i.4 Local objectives 7 i.5 About this strategy 8 i.6 Roles and responsibilities 9 i.7 Outline of the statutory procedure 9 i.8 Situations where this regime does not apply 11 i.9 Land under the ownership of the enforcing authority 13 i.10 The need for team working 13 i.11 Financial and manpower implications 14 The Strategy Part 1 - Description of the Aylesbury Vale Council area and how its 15 particular characteristics impact on the inspection strategy Part 2 - Identification of potentially contaminated sites and their 23 prioritisation according to risk Part 3 - Obtaining further information on pollutant linkages and 27 the risk assessment process Part 4 - The written record of determination and formal notification 31 Part 5 - Liability and enforcement 33 Part 6 - Data handling and access to information 36 Part 7 - Quality control, performance indicators and arrangements 38 for review Part 8 - Projected costs
    [Show full text]
  • Butterfly Conservation Event Can Be Seen by Clicking Here
    Upper Thames Branch Moth Sightings Archive - January to June 2007 On Friday 29th June Dave Wilton carried out his transect in Finemere Wood and in the evening ran his overnight moth trap in his Westcott garden: "Moths seen in Finemere Wood were Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet (3), Clouded Border (2), Marbled White Spot (1) and Silver Y (1). My garden Robinson trap produced my first reasonable catch for a week or two, with more than 400 moths from about 80 species ending up in the trap. Best of the bunch were Lappet and Scarce Silver-lines, with Scarce Footman, Clay, Smoky Wainscot, Olive, Pleuroptya ruralis/Mother of Pearl and Phycitodes binaevella also new for my garden year list. The following evening a Blackneck came to our kitchen window light." Phycitodes binaevella Scarce Silver-lines Blackneck Photo © Dave Wilton Photo © Dave Wilton Photo © Dave Wilton ~ Thursday 28th June 2007 ~ Dave Wilton sent this moth report on 27th June: "On 26th June I was foolish enough to run my actinic trap at Westcott even though the temperature fell to 8 degrees Celsius overnight. The result was a pitiful catch of 64 moths from 17 species. Compare that to the same day last year when I got 800 moths in the Robinson! The poor weather of the past few days seems to have had a drastic effect on catches all across the country although last night did produce one new species for me, the Short-cloaked Moth. Looking on the bright side, thanks to Peter Hall and his microscope I do now have a few additions to the UTB list from back in April: Dichrorampha acuminatana, Elachista canapennella, Dipleurina lacustrata, Eudonia truncicolella and Parornix anglicella were all trapped in my garden, Rhopobota stagnana (B&F 1161, formerly Griselda stagnana) was found in the disused railway cutting west of Westcott Airfield and Pammene argyrana was caught in Rushbeds Wood." Also, while doing a butterfly transect in Finemere Wood on 20th June, Dave kicked up a Crambus perlella from the grass.
    [Show full text]
  • Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust and Calvert Jubilee Nature
    Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society NEWSLETTER Autumn 2017 By becoming a member of your local Wildlife Trust today, you will not only be helping to look after havens for wildlife and protect rare species at risk from vanishing, but you will also be giving all local people, especially children, a chance to explore and connect with nature. As the threat to wildlife grows, we rely on our members’ support now more than ever to help with our vital conservation work. Join today and together we can ensure our precious local wildlife is protected for future generations to enjoy. We promise to spend your donations wisely with 77p in every £1 going directly towards our work to save our local wildlife. Contact: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, The Lodge, 1 Armstrong Road, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4XT. Tel 01865 788 300 or www.bbowt.org.uk High Speed Rail 2 and Calvert Jubilee Reserve High Speed 2 and East West Rail railways will affect Calvert Jubilee, because both projects will take land from the nature reserve. HS2 Ltd is currently (June 2017) carrying out investigative work on ground conditions in the north-eastern side of the reserve. Disruption from these investigation works will be limited and should not affect visitors’ enjoyment of the site at this stage. Calvert Jubilee This tranquil Buckinghamshire reserve is a delightful place to watch wintering wildfowl such as mallard, tufted duck and pochard. Its large 'lake' was created by clay extraction for the brick industry. Later, part of the site was a municipal rubbish tip. Steep banks were carefully sculpted to form shallows in front of two bird hides while the creation of three floating raft islands have enabled common terns and waterfowl to nest away from local foxes.
    [Show full text]
  • Criteria for the Selection of Local Wildlife Sites in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
    Criteria for the Selection of Local Wildlife Sites in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Version Date Authors Notes 4.0 January 2009 MHa, MCH, PB, MD, AMcV Edits and updates from wider consultation group 5.0 May 2009 MHa, MCH, PB, MD, AMcV, GDB, RM Additional edits and corrections 6.0 November 2009 Mha, GH, AF, GDB, RM Additional edits and corrections This document was prepared by Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre (BMERC) and Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) and commissioned by the Oxfordshire and Berkshire Local Authorities and by Buckinghamshire County Council Contents 1.0 Introduction..............................................................................................4 2.0 Selection Criteria for Local Wildlife Sites .....................................................6 3.0 Where does a Local Wildlife Site start and finish? Drawing the line............. 17 4.0 UKBAP Habitat descriptions ………………………………………………………………….19 4.1 Lowland Calcareous Grassland………………………………………………………… 20 4.2 Lowland Dry Acid Grassland................................................................ 23 4.3 Lowland Meadows.............................................................................. 26 4.4 Lowland heathland............................................................................. 29 4.5 Eutrophic Standing Water ................................................................... 32 4.6. Mesotrophic Lakes ............................................................................ 35 4.7
    [Show full text]
  • Butterfly Conservation Upper Thames Branch
    BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION UPPER THAMES BRANCH Grizzled Skipper Report 2018 The Grizzled Skipper is a very localised and declining butterfly in England. It occurs in discrete colonies in open, sunny but sheltered, unfertilised grassland, woodland rides and glades, and abandoned industrial sites, breeding where the vegetation is sparse and there are patches of bare ground. The best sites occur where there is a mosaic of short and long vegetation. The longer vegetation is for the adults to roost overnight, and the shorter turf is where the larvae feed on rosaceous plants. There is one generation per year, with adults usually being on the wing from the middle of April to the middle of June. Peak emergence is in mid-May. Photo by David Hastings The Grizzled Skipper is quite widely distributed in the Upper Thames region, with sightings reported from Ardley Quarry and Calvert Jubilee in the north, Greenham Common and Upton Nurvet in the south, and the Ivinghoe Beacon complex in the east. The Chilterns north and west of High Wycombe and the Aston Upthorpe/Lardon Chase/Hartslock region on the Berkshire Downs are currently the main sites in the region. It is also thinly but widely spread in the wooded complex between Calvert and Quainton in Buckinghamshire, and the various railway lines that permeate this area. The Grizzled Skipper flight period started late in 2018 (March and early April were cold), with the first reported sighting at Grangelands, Bucks, on 3rd May (there was a reported sighting at Ardley Quarry, Oxon, on April 6th, but this has not been verified).
    [Show full text]
  • BBOWT Conservation Report 2018 for Web 0.Pdf
    Berkshire Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire Conservation Report 2018 Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) BBOWT’s impact on the biodivesity of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Debbie Lewis, Ecology Manager, Feb 2019 Acknowledgements The survey data contained within this report have been diligently collected and processed by many hundreds of volunteers, staff and contractors for more than 15 years, and we would like to express our thanks for their time, effort and dedication in collecting all this invaluable information. We would also like to thank the many and varied volunteers who help the Trust carry out conservation management on nature reserves and in the wider countryside; without their help we would be unable to make such an amazing positive difference to local wildlife. The Conservation Report was written by the Biodiversity Team with significant input (especially the case studies) from a large number of other staff whose time and assistance was crucial in being able to deliver the report. Finally but definitely not least, we would also like to thank all the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust members, donors and grant giving bodies whose financial support makes our work possible. Special thanks go to: Colin Williams and Andy Coulson-Phillips for their work on the case studies, and to Andy Fairbairn for data processing. Other contributors include Haidrun Breith, Sam Cartwright, Simon Claybourne, Lisa Lane, Martyn Lane, Julia Lofthouse, Marcus Militello, Hilary Phillips, Kate Prudden, Neil Rowntree, Roger Stace, Giles Strother, Mark Vallance, Jude Verdon, Nicky Warden and Pim Young Cover image by David Mole 1 Contents Executive summary ……………………………………………. 3 1. Introduction…………………………………………………… 6 2.
    [Show full text]
  • OXFORD to CAMBRIDGE EXPRESSWAY Consultation by HIGHWAYS ENGLAND
    OXFORD TO CAMBRIDGE EXPRESSWAY Consultation by HIGHWAYS ENGLAND Response from The Wildlife Trusts (England) April 2018 Contact: Dr Sue Young Head of Land Use Planning and Ecological Networks Email: [email protected] Tel: 01636 677711 The Wildlife Trusts The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT Registered Charity No. 207238 1 1. Background The Wildlife Trusts are a movement of more than 800,000 members, 40,000 volunteers, 2,000 staff and 600 trustees, from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who share a set of common beliefs. The Wildlife Trusts believe that: People are part of nature; everything we value ultimately comes from it - everything we do has an impact on it. The natural world is valuable in its own right, and is also the foundation of our wellbeing and prosperity; we depend on it and it depends on us. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy, wildlife-rich natural world. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of wildlife in their daily lives. Our charitable purpose is to bring people closer to nature, and to make our land and seas rich in wildlife. We want to work with others to bring about Living Landscapes, Living Seas and a society where nature matters. Collectively as independent charities, the 47 Wildlife Trusts look after 98,500 hectares of land for nature conservation and public benefit. We operate more than 100 visitor and education centres and host more than 10 million visits each year to our 2300 nature reserves. We contribute actively to the health and wellbeing of many local communities and check tens of thousands of planning applications each year to evaluate their impact on the natural environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring Summer News
    THE CHILTERNS NEWSLETTER Wildlife Trust news, views and event information from the Chilterns Group, College Lake and around Buckinghamshire. Issue 99 Spring - Summer 2019 Threats and opportunities PLEASE SUPPORT THE BBOWT Being involved in wildlife conservation is no PLANT AND PRODUCE easy ride these days. Against the background of international horror stories of massive insect CHARITY MARKET losses, unbelievable levels of marine pollution and shocking disregard of climate change evidence, we have depressing threats in our own back yard. HS2 looks set to continue, despite GREAT MISSENDEN mounting doubts about the need for it and enormous overspend predictions. In addition Memorial Centre, Link Road, there are concerns that the East-West Rail project will fail on its ecological promises and Great Missenden HP16 9AE now the prospect of the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway bringing a further swathe of Sunday 19 May 10 - 12 noon destruction across North Bucks, Bernwood and the River Thame floodplain. In its wake the Government wants to see an ‘economic growth arc’ bringing a series of new towns and super- villages between Bicester and Milton Keynes. Thankfully, there are occasional shafts of •Excellent value plants sunlight in this gloom. BBOWT has won its •Tasty homemade produce appeal in the High Court to be able to launch a •Tea, coffee, cakes, Judicial Review of the decision over the route of the Expressway. The Trust could not fight for •Free entry, free parking (1hr) wildlife like this without your support. The Chilterns Group contributed funds towards the legal costs of the court appearance and will continue to do so.
    [Show full text]
  • Annex to RSPB Response to Highways England Date 11 April 2018 Oxford
    Annex to RSPB response to Highways England date 11 April 2018 Oxford to Cambridge Expressway – consultation on corridor options This annex expands on some of the key points covered in the accompanying letter (not necessarily in the same order, or covering all points), with additional detail and evidence as appropriate. Structure: A) The principle of the Expressway and climate change B) The Expressway, urban growth and Strategic Environmental Assessment C) An overview of the biodiversity resource in the corridor consultation area D) Cothill Fen SAC and Oxford Meadows SAC E) Otmoor RSPB reserve F) Breeding waders of the Upper Thames River Valleys (including the Otmoor basin, Ray Valley and Thame Valley) G) Key species: curlews, Bechstein’s bats and black hairstreak butterflies H) Comments on individual corridor options I) Endnotes and useful references A) The principle of the Expressway and climate change Climate change is the greatest single long-term threat to nature and people, with one in six species at risk of extinction by 2100 if the temperature changes modelled by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) come to pass i. In 2015 the RSPB published a report on the impacts that climate change is already having on wildlifeii . For example, the 70% decline in UK kittiwake populations since the 1980s has been linked to climate change. Over the course of this century, impacts will likely intensify and increase, particularly if action is not taken to limit climate change. To avert these risks – and to enjoy the economic benefits of a healthy, natural environment – will require a transition to a low-carbon economy that takes place in harmony with nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 9 Ecology
    TRANSPORT AND WORKS ACT 1992 Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 THE NETWORK RAIL (EAST WEST RAIL WESTERN SECTION PHASE 2) ORDER DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT CHAPTER 9: ECOLOGY 133735-PBR-REP-EEN- Document Reference 000009 Author Network Rail Date June 2017 Date of revision and revision June 2017 number 2.0 The Network Rail (East West Rail Western Section Phase 2) Order Draft Environmental Statement CONTENTS 9. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1 9.1 General .......................................................................................................... 2 9.2 Limitations and Assumptions ......................................................................... 3 9.3 Legislation, Policy and Guidance ................................................................... 3 9.4 Approach and Methodology ........................................................................... 6 9.5 Baseline ....................................................................................................... 23 9.6 Effects ....................................................................................................... 197 9.7 Mitigation ................................................................................................... 325 9.8 Residual Effects ......................................................................................... 376 9.9 Species Scientific Name Glossary ............................................................
    [Show full text]