SWINDON DRIVING RANGE SWINDON DRIVING RANGE LIMITED

APPENDIX K

ECOLOGICAL BASELINE AND ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT SWINDON DRIVING RANGE DATED MARCH 2010

ALL/SW/SPS/1539/01/FIN April 2010 pl13647

Bat Roost 5Km, Sites, EPS & Schedule 1 Birds 2Km, S41 .& BAP 1Km of SO843, 917 for EST-Lincoln

5Km Bat Roost Search Area Waterway known to support the passage of otters County and District Boundaries

2Km EPS, Bird & Sites Search Area Waterway known to support water vole colonies SSSI 500m Consultation Zone 1Km BAP Records Search Area European Protected Species 500m FC Consultation zone for New Build ^_ Centre Point of Radius Search COMMONNAME All BAP Habitats Sites of Special Scientific Interest *#B Bat (All species) PRIHABTXT Lowland heathland Grade 1 SBIs *#O European Otter Lowland meadows Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) *#P Floating Water-plantain Biodiversity Alert Sites Lowland mixed deciduous woodland *#N Great Crested Newt All ancient woodlands Undetermined grassland *#D Hazel Dormouse STATUS Undetermined woodland T Natterjack Toad ASNW *# Upland mixed ashwoods Other Protected Species PAWS Upland oakwoods 1Km Accuracy Natural England Heathland Inventory Sites )" Wet woodland 100m Accuracy Natural England Grassland Inventory Sites .! Local Nature Reserves A 10m Accuracy )" Section 74 & SBAP Species This product includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright and / or database right 2009. All rights reserved. Licence Number 100019422. Date: 10/08/2009 1:50,000 Staffordshire Ecological Record: SBI Inventory Page 1 of 3

Staffordshire Ecological Record SBI Report

88/39/86 Site Name: Highgate Common (inc golf course) Locality Type: Lowland heathland {P} Grid Ref.: SO838896 GB Vice-County: Staffordshire Civil Parish: Enville (South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England) Keywords Keyword Details Date Original Recorder Code 4664 no date Conservation Status Status Details Date Common land 1986 Country Park 1986 Biotopes (Habitats) Code Habitat Area A111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural A112 Woodland: broadleaved, plantation A122 Woodland: coniferous, plantation C11 Tall herb and fern: Bracken, continuous D52 Heathland: dry heath/acid grassland mosaic, lowland F21 Marginal/inundation: marginal G1 Open water: standing water Dimensions Dimension Value/units altitude 69-110m area 94.25ha Contacts Role Date Contact field surveyor 1986 Chittock, Mr David Site Description Source: Chittock, Mr David, 1986 Summary: Generally the area to the North of White Horse Lane slopes away to the North and that to the South of the lane slopes away to the South, with a small dry valley running from North to South across the main area of open heathland. On the whole the site has light, well draining sandy soils, but there is slight waterlogging in a few low areas and on some slopes.

The vegetation consists of an extensive area of dry heathland/acidic grassland mosaic with invasive bracken and secondary woodland. The southern part of the Common is now a golf course. The largest area of open heathland survives just to the south of White Horse Lane. The vegetation is comprised of degenerate Calluna - 60% cover, but much-often half is dead or dying - and Deschampsia flexuosa - 40% cover which is invading the canopy as the old Calluna dies off. Erica cinerea is also present with Erica tetralix and Molinia caerulea on some damp slopes; Vaccinium myrtillus occurs very occasionally. Also on this area there are small patches of acidic grassland dominated by Agrostis capillaris and Festuca ovina (possibly where intense visitor pressure has destroyed the Calluna) - and grass/heath mosaic consisting of Erica cinerea 35% cover with D. flexuosa. Bracken and Birch trees are invading at the edges and there is a patch of Rosebay Willowherb (Chamanaerion augustifolium)

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adjacent to the southern car park. This area is very well used by visitors; there are numerous paths and patches of bare ground. There is evidence of localised rabbit grazing.

Heath/grassland mosaic survives on the rough areas of the golf course - the Calluna here appears to be more healthy and in the building/mature stage - some mowing here may help in regeneration.

North of White Horse Lane only a few very small fragments of heathland survive - again with degenerate Calluna and D. flexuosa - although there is some regeneration of Calluna on a small area towards the northern tip of the site. A small area of wet heathland exists in a waterlogged area adjacent to a pond with E. tetralix 35% and Molinia 65%. However, most of the open areas are now dominated by bracken; about half of this part of the Common is 2? Birch woodland with some Oak. Trees and bracken are invading the remaining heathy fragments.

Small fragments of heathland survive amongst 2? woodland to the East of the Forestry Commission nursery - all are being invaded by bracken and trees.

Several ponds exist across the Common - in the centre of the main heath areas; 1 freshly dug to the north of White Horse Lane; 2 on the Golf Course. These provide important habitat for dragonflies.

PROBLEMS

Poor state of Calluna on main area of heath - and lack of young plants to replace it (possibly a result of trampling?).

Trees/bracken invading. Surviving heath fragments on the rest of the site. Source: Description Summary: It was noted that the area had the appearance one would expect from an area well used by the public, with wide sandy paths and a particularly worn parking area around SO 838 895. The area consists of sandy soil carrying a typical acid flora and there has been extensive planting of birch during the last 40 years (up to 67). Bracken, heather and cross-leaved heath cover extensive areas. No detailed list was made and it was noted that moonwort and other limestone! plants recorded in the past may well now have disappeared. The only calcareous influence it was felt, would have come from road foundations. An extensive and varied habitat area. The southern part has been taken over as a golf course and most of its botanical interest is limited to the rough areas between the fairways where the remnant heathy flora remains including $Erica cinerea$. Several areas of birch woodland have also been retained for shelter. Within the area of the golf course are 2 pools, the smaller (west) pool (SO 841 888) has been retained and its banks remain quite varied considering their regular cutting. The larger, more easterly pool, Fouchers Pool (SO 846 887) is reported to dry out frequently and that the planted trees have been found flooded out on at least one occasion. However, at the time of survey the old pool area was planted with poplars and the ground flora co-dominated by nettle, willowherb and Himalayan balsam. A green woodpecker was seen feeding on the fairway nearby. Much of the non-golf course part of the common to the north has large bracken dominated areas and plantations of pure conifers together with the self-seeded birch and mixed moorland. Photograph title: A portion of the common showing the $Calluna$/$Erica cinerea$ heathland typical of much of this area. Bracken can be seen dominating parts of the slopes in front of the belt of coniferous plantation on the skyline. Unfortunately these tree planted areas are gradually eroding the valuable open heathland habitat. Photograph title: A pond on Highgate Common showing emergent vegetation, predominantly rushes, with water lilies growing far side. The surrounding area with quite extensive tracts of heather can be seen, with birch and conifer plantation in the background. Aquatic sampling of the pool photographed in 1982. The pool is likely to be more diverse than this sample showed, and a sample taken later on in the year would be beneficial. Bibliography described Chittock, D. & Martin, J.P. (1989) A Survey of the Lowland Heathlands of Staffordshire and the West Midlands County, NCC(West Midlands Region), SCC unknown Wilde, N.A.J., Hibbert, C. & Capper, G. (1967) Summary Report, South Staffs Naturalists Trust Conservation Sub-committee. Subsites 89/30/81 Highgate Common, woodland pool 88/39/77 Highgate Common, open pool

Species List

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Rock Names and Rock Unit Terms based on the Rock Classification and Rock Unit Lexicon © BGS, 2002 Mineral Terms based on the Hey Classification of Mineral, 2nd Edition © NHM, 1993 Administrative Areas based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Biotope Classification based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Chronostratigraphy and Taxonomy based on the systems compiled by the authors © G.C.Slawson, 2002

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Staffordshire Ecological Record SBI Report

89/30/81 Site Name: Highgate Common, woodland pool Parent Site: Highgate Common (inc golf course) (88/39/86) Locality Type: Standing open water and canals {B} Grid Ref.: SO838901 GB Vice-County: Staffordshire Civil Parish: Enville (South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England) Keywords Keyword Details Date Original Recorder Code 10085 no date Biotopes (Habitats) Code Habitat Area G102 Open water: standing, ponds etc <0.5ha

Species List

Rock Names and Rock Unit Terms based on the Rock Classification and Rock Unit Lexicon © BGS, 2002 Mineral Terms based on the Hey Classification of Mineral, 2nd Edition © NHM, 1993 Administrative Areas based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Biotope Classification based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Chronostratigraphy and Taxonomy based on the systems compiled by the authors © G.C.Slawson, 2002

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Staffordshire Ecological Record SBI Report

88/39/77 Site Name: Highgate Common, open pool Parent Site: Highgate Common (inc golf course) (88/39/86) Locality Type: Standing open water and canals {B} Grid Ref.: SO837897 GB Vice-County: Staffordshire Civil Parish: Enville (South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England) Keywords Keyword Details Date Original Recorder Code 10045 no date Biotopes (Habitats) Code Habitat Area G102 Open water: standing, ponds etc <0.5ha 0.06

Species List

Rock Names and Rock Unit Terms based on the Rock Classification and Rock Unit Lexicon © BGS, 2002 Mineral Terms based on the Hey Classification of Mineral, 2nd Edition © NHM, 1993 Administrative Areas based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Biotope Classification based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Chronostratigraphy and Taxonomy based on the systems compiled by the authors © G.C.Slawson, 2002

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Staffordshire Ecological Record SBI Report

89/51/69 Site Name: Heath Mill and Smestow Mill, Smestow Brook Locality Type: Fen, marsh and swamp {B} Grid Ref.: SO856919 Civil Parish: Wombourne (South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England) GB Vice-County: Staffordshire Civil Parish: Trysull and Seisdon (South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England) Civil Parish: Swindon (South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England) Keywords Keyword Details Date Original Recorder Code 381 no date Biotopes (Habitats) Code Habitat Area A111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural 8.00 C31 Tall herb and fern: other, tall ruderal 5.00 M27 Filipendula ulmaria-Angelica sylvestris mire 0.50 MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland 1.00 MG7 Lolium perenne leys and related grasslands 1.00 Dimensions Dimension Value/units altitude 65-70m area 3.5ha (6ha in 1979) Contacts Role Date Contact field surveyor 1996 McKay, Miss E.F. (Liz) landowner 1996 Pearson, Mr R.J. record compiler 1988 Slawson, Mr G.Craig field surveyor 1980 Ashton, Mr John field surveyor 1979 Hayes, Mr Colin J. landowner (in part) 1979 Severn Trent Water landowner (in part) 1979 Waltho, contact no date Wolverson, Mr Ray landowner no date South Staffordshire District Council landowner no date Lowry, landowner no date Griffin, Mr D. landowner no date Oakley, Mr D. landowner no date Guest, Site Description Source: McKay, Miss E.F. (Liz), 1996

Summary: The site runs along the west side of an industrial estate in Wombourne and adjacent to the Staffs Worcs Canal in the south.

Commencing at the southern end, the site consists of a ruderal habitat comprising nettles and brambles which then grades further north to a crack willow withy bed on somewhat enriched substrates with nettles. The canal towpath is amenity grassland only. A kingfisher was seen on this

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stretch.

Moving north, the site leaves the canal and follows the Smestow Brook. The withy bed becomes alder carr with himalayan balsam dominating. The most interesting part of this stretch is the alder carr south of Smestow Mill which contains pendulous sedge (unconfirmed - not flowering) and has not been completely taken over by balsam. Just immediately south of the mill itself the ruderal habitat contains hairy sedge, perforate St John's-wort and greater birdsfoot trefoil and appears quite good for butterflies. North of the mill the ruderal habitat contains nettles, false oat-grass and cow parsley. On the east side of this is a wooded border of crack willow, alder, sycamore and elm.

North of the sewage works there is no access to the canal until the northern-most tip which again is ruderal with crack willow and nettle. A narrow fringe of oak wood borders the eastern side.

According to Mr Pearson at Smestow Mill, the Smestow has been deepened in recent years causing a consequent drop in the water table of this land. This would explain the deterioration in the site since 1979 where an unusually diverse undisturbed marshy area was described. Despite searching this could be be found. Mr Hartill at Smestow House on the other (east) bank of the Smestow used to own land on the west of the Smestow. He described the Severn Trent south of sewage works land as being marshy meadow 20 years ago until the deepening of the Smestow (top soil tipped on surrounding land) and drying out of the land was attempted by digging a central trench.

Mr Hartill's land (Chapel Lane opposite Severn Trent land) is just a poor semi-improved field grazed by a single horse. It contains a little St John's-wort but is otherwise devoid of interest. A small area of crack willow with himalayan balsam was evident at the southern end. South of this is another field grazed by horses, again poor semi-improved. To the west of this is a small wood dominated by sycamore, oak and rowan with bramble and nettle ground flora. Source: Hayes, Mr Colin J., 1979 Summary: An unusually diverse undisturbed marshy area with scattered sallow and alder scrub. It is unusual for this part of Staffordshire and for some of the species it contains. e.g. Scirpus sylvaticus, Dactylorhiza ?praetermissa? and Rhinanthus minor.

Taken from photo titles: The tall herb vegetation dominates the neglected portion of Smestow Brook. The greatest diversity occurs around a damper area with some open water whose position is shown by scrubby alders. Industrial development is adjacent to the site. Bibliography unknown Whild Associates (1997) Staffordshire Grasslands Survey. Report for English Nature, West Midlands Team.; English Nature, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury described McKay, E. & Teearu, T. (South Staffs) (1996) The SBI Resurvey of South Staffordshire District 1996; Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Sandon, Staffordshire described SNCT (County Survey) (1984) The Phase 1 Survey of Staffordshire - 1978-1984; Staffordshire Nature Conservation Trust, Sandon, Staffs.

Species List

Rock Names and Rock Unit Terms based on the Rock Classification and Rock Unit Lexicon © BGS, 2002 Mineral Terms based on the Hey Classification of Mineral, 2nd Edition © NHM, 1993 Administrative Areas based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Biotope Classification based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Chronostratigraphy and Taxonomy based on the systems compiled by the authors © G.C.Slawson, 2002

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Staffordshire Ecological Record SBI Report

89/53/52 Site Name: Woodford Grange and Smestow Barn (south- west of) Locality Type: Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland {B} Grid Ref.: SO855932 GB Vice-County: Staffordshire Civil Parish: Trysull and Seisdon (South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England) Keywords Keyword Details Date Original Recorder Code 236 no date Biodiversity Alert Site 1996 Biotopes (Habitats) Code Habitat Area A111 Woodland: broadleaved, semi-natural 6.80 A22 Scrub: scattered 0.22 B1 Grassland: acid 0.40 B2 Grassland: neutral 0.50 B6 Grassland: poor semi-improved 0.69 C31 Tall herb and fern: other, tall ruderal 1.06 G1 Open water: standing water 0.13 J4 Bare ground 0.59 Dimensions Dimension Value/units area 10.4ha Contacts Role Date Contact field surveyor 1996 McKay, Miss E.F. (Liz) landowner no date Bannister, Mr P.G. manager no date Croyden, Mr Charles landowner no date Thompson, Mr H. landowner no date Hanson Properties Ltd landowner no date Baker, Mr C.M. contact no date Sturgeon, P.J. landowner no date Baker, Mr R.M. Site Description Source: McKay, Miss E.F. (Liz), 1996 Summary: This site follows the Smestow Brook between Trysull and Wombourne and consists of woodland with some ruderal grassland and scrub areas. As with other sites along the Smestow it has deteriorated with the deepening of the Smestow.

The marshy ground along the Smestow itself is now dominated by himalayan balsam. The wood is mostly crack willow dominated.

The areas of most interest are away from the brook itself. The pond, although still dominated by himalayan balsam, has some amphibious bistort, greater pond sedge and water mint. Adjacent to this

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the semi-improved neutral grassland contains hairy sedge and field scabious. Otherwise the most interesting area is that to the north of ARC Cement, an abandoned quarry now used for dumping concrete pipes {now a site in its own right - 89/53/30}. This area of scattered scrub and acid grassland contains blue fleabane, common storksbill, small flowered cranesbill, common centaury and southern marsh orchid (only one plant found). Soils are sandy apart from areas where concrete has been dumped ie where the orchids are. Bibliography described McKay, E. & Teearu, T. (South Staffs) (1996) The SBI Resurvey of South Staffordshire District 1996; Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Sandon, Staffordshire

Species List

Rock Names and Rock Unit Terms based on the Rock Classification and Rock Unit Lexicon © BGS, 2002 Mineral Terms based on the Hey Classification of Mineral, 2nd Edition © NHM, 1993 Administrative Areas based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Biotope Classification based on the National Biodiversity Network Dictionary © NBN, 1999-2002 Chronostratigraphy and Taxonomy based on the systems compiled by the authors © G.C.Slawson, 2002

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