Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly
Ecological Appraisal
For Caerphilly County Borough Council
February 2020
WYG 5th Floor, Longcross Court, 47 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0AD
Tel: 02920 829 200
Email: [email protected]
www.wyg.com creative minds safe hands Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
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Project: Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly Client: Caerphilly County Borough Council Job Number: A082625-18 File Origin: A082625-18 Caerphilly\REPORTS\Ecological Appraisal
Issue 1 February 2020 FINAL
Kirsty Rogers ACIEEM
Senior Ecologist Prepared by: Tim Rich MCIEEM Principal Ecologist
Michelle McGinn ACIEEM Checked By: Senior Ecologist Clare May CEnv CIEEM Verified By: Director
Rev: Date: Updated by: Verified by: Description of changes:
WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd. accept no responsibility or liability for the use which is made of this document other than by the Client for the purpose for which it was originally commissioned and prepared.
Caerphilly County Borough Council i February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Contents
Executive Summary ...... 1 Glossary ...... 3 1.0 Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Background ...... 4 1.2 Site Location ...... 4 1.3 Development Proposals ...... 4 1.4 Purpose of the Report ...... 4 2.0 Method ...... 6 2.1 Desk Study ...... 6 2.2 Field Surveys ...... 7 2.3 Limitations ...... 9 3.0 Baseline Conditions ...... 11 3.1 Designated Sites ...... 11 3.2 Habitats ...... 14 3.3 Protected & Notable Species ...... 16 3.4 Importance of Ecological Features...... 21 4.0 Relevant Planning Policy & Legislation ...... 23 4.1 National Planning Policy...... 23 4.2 Environment (Wales) Act ...... 24 4.3 Local Biodiversity Action Plan ...... 25 4.4 Local Plan ...... 27 4.5 Legislation ...... 28 5.0 Discussion ...... 29 5.1 Designated Sites ...... 29 5.2 Habitats ...... 30 5.3 Protected & Notable Species ...... 30 5.4 Enhancements ...... 34 6.0 Summary ...... 36 6.1 Designated Sites ...... 36 6.2 Habitats ...... 36 6.3 Protected & Notable Species ...... 36 7.0 References ...... 37
FIGURES Figure 1 – Site Location Plan Figure 2 – SINC & Ancient Woodland Location Plan Appendix A – Report Conditions Figure 3 – Phase 1 Habitat Plan Appendix B – Wildlife Legislation Figure 4 – Pond Plan Appendix C – Target Notes Figure 5 – Buildings Plan Appendix D – HSI Results
Caerphilly County Borough Council ii February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Executive Summary
Contents Summary
Site Location The site comprises twenty-three properties and two woodland parcels located immediately south of Hafodyrynys Road (A472), Crumlin, Caerphilly NP11 5BE. The site is centred at Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference ST 21703 98568, within the Caerphilly County Borough Council administrative authority.
Proposals The development proposal includes the demolition of all twenty-three properties, associated outbuildings and two woodland parcels, to facilitate the re-alignment of a public footpath in their place. Details regarding the scale of impact, construction/demolition method or final design are still under development and for the purposes of this assessment total site clearance/worst case scenario is assumed with retention of boundary features (i.e. un-named stream along southern site boundary). This report will be revised as and when further information becomes available.
Scope of this A preliminary ecological appraisal to identify potential ecological constraints Survey(s) to development.
Results Designated sites • The closest Natura 2000 site is located 5.1km west. • Ty’r Hen Forwyn SSSI is located 1.8km north east. • 37 locally adopted & candidate SINC’s within 2km. • Approximately 60% of the site is designated as restored ancient woodland site and several parcels of Ancient Woodland (various categories) within search radius. Habitats & protected species The site comprises buildings, broad-leaved plantation woodland, semi- natural broadleaved woodland, running water and other habitats (i.e. residential gardens). Running water and woodland habitats on site are likely to qualify as HPI. Habitats on site offer potential for the following species, GCN, reptiles, roosting bats, foraging & commuting bats, badgers, hazel dormouse and breeding birds. Invasive flora (Japanese knotweed) also identified on site in several locations on site.
Recommendations This section has been prepared based on total site clearance/worst case only and should be revised following confirmation of proposals and site-layout, and prior to submission. • Avoid impacts to River Ebbw SINC, River Ebbw South Section SINC and running water HPI through adherence with Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP5). • NVC survey of Ancient Woodland and consultation with NRW and LPA regarding loss of Ancient Woodland and Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland HPI. • eDNA surveys of ponds within 500m to determine presence/likely absence of GCN. • Presence/likely absence surveys for reptiles and hazel dormouse.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 1 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
• Internal bat roost assessments and emergence re-entry surveys of all buildings on site to determine presence/likely absence of roosting bats. • Hibernation survey of Plot 23 (20 Woodside Terrace) to determine presence/likely absence of hibernating bats. • Tree survey using a tree climber and endoscope of 10 (moderate suitability only) trees to determine presence/likely absence of roosting bats. • Activity survey of habitats on site to identify bat species on site and key foraging and commuting resources for local bat populations. • Pre-works check and precautionary working methods during construction to avoid impacts to badgers commuting through the site. • The requirement for specific breeding bird surveys of the woodland will be confirmed once the level of habitat loss is known. Clearance of vegetation outside of breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) and pre-works checks of Plot 23 (20 Woodside Terrace) within 48 hours of works. • Seek advice from a specialist invasive weeds contractor for treatment/removal of Japanese knotweed within proximity of flowing water. Walkover survey to identify other invasive species within flowering season.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 2 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Glossary
ACIEEM Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management Badger Act Protection of Badgers Act 1992 BCT Bat Conservation Trust BoCC Bird(s) of Conservation Concern BTO British Trust for Ornithology CCBC Caerphilly County Borough Council CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management CRoW Act Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 EcIA Ecological Impact Assessment ECoW Ecological Clerk of Works Env (Wales) Act Environment (Wales) Act EPSL European Protected Species Licence GCN Great Crested Newt Habitat Regulations Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 HAP Habitat Action Plan HPI Habitat(s) of Principal Importance HRA Habitats Regulations Assessment HSI Habitat Suitability Index JNCC Join Nature Conservation Committee LERC Local Ecological Record Centre LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan LNR Local Nature Reserve LPA Local Planning Authority LWS Local Wildlife Site Natura 2000 site A European site designated for its nature conservation value NRW Natural Resources Wales NERC Act Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 NNR National Nature Reserve PEA Preliminary Ecological Appraisal PPW Planning Policy Wales RIGS Regionally Important Geological Sites RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAC Special Area of Conservation SAP Species Action Plan SEWBReC South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre SINC Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation SNCO Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations SPA Special Protection Area SPG Supplementary Planning Guidance SPI Species of Principal Importance SSSI Site(s) of Special Scientific Interest TAN Technical Advice Note TPO Tree Preservation Orders W&CA Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
Caerphilly County Borough Council 3 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background
WYG was commissioned by Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) in December 2019 to undertake an Ecological Appraisal of the site known as Woodside Terrace, Hafodyrynys Road.
This report has been prepared by Kirsty Rogers MZoo ACIEEM and the conditions pertinent to it are provided in Appendix A.
1.2 Site Location
The site comprises twenty-three properties including associated gardens (including 1-20 Woodside Terrace, 1-2 Woodside Shops and Yr Alfa), woodland and an un-named stream located along the southern boundary. The site is located adjacent to the southern edge of Hafodyrynys Road (A472), Crumlin, Caerphilly NP11 5BE. The survey area, hereafter referred to as the ‘site’, is shown on Figure 1.
The site is centred at Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference ST 21703 98568 and is found within the Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) administrative authority. The wider area comprises woodland belts (both deciduous and pine plantation), residential housing estates and open grazing pasture located within the Ebbw Valley.
1.3 Development Proposals
The development proposal includes the demolition of all twenty-three properties, associated outbuildings and two woodland parcels, to facilitate the re-alignment of a public footpath in their place.
The proposal seeks to meet the legally binding limits for concentrations of air pollutants set by the European Union Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC). Currently the Hafodyrynys Road (A472) st exceeds the limit value for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and therefore on 31 July 2019 the Welsh Government issued a Direction to CCBC under Section 85 of the Environment Act 1995, specifying houses situated south of Hafodyrynys Road (A472) should be demolished and the associated footway should be re-aligned. Further, this should proceed immediately and without delay, with a deadline to complete by December 2021.
Details regarding the scale of impact, construction method or final design are currently still in development. However, the proposal will likely require significant ground works and re-profiling of the majority of the site. For the purposes of this assessment total site clearance/worst case scenario is assumed (i.e. loss of all woodland habitats) with the retention of boundary features (i.e. un-named stream along southern site boundary). This report will be revised as and when further information becomes available.
1.4 Purpose of the Report
The objective of this report is to complete:
Caerphilly County Borough Council 4 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
• A desk study to obtain existing information on statutory and non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest and relevant records of protected/notable species within the site and its zone of influence; • A preliminary ecological appraisal involving a walkover of the site to record habitat types and dominant vegetation, including any invasive species, and a reconnaissance survey for evidence of protected fauna or habitats capable of supporting such species; and • An assessment of the potential ecological receptors present on site, identify any constraints they pose to future development and also any recommendations for any further surveys, avoidance, mitigation or enhancement measures that are needed (as appropriate).
Note that scientific names are provided at the first mention of each species and common names (where appropriate) are then used throughout the rest of the report for ease of reading.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 5 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
2.0 Method 2.1 Desk Study
2.1.1 Previous Reports A search of the CCBC planning portal revealed no historic planning applications associated with the site. No other historic reports have been made available at the time of writing.
2.1.2 Local Ecological Records Centre Information was requested from the South East Wales Biodiversity Record Centre (SEWBReC) for information on any nature conservation designations and protected or notable species records within 2km of the site.
The data search covers: • Protected and Priority Species: EU and UK legally protected species: Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (Schedules 1, 5 & 8), Section 7 (Environment (Wales) Act, 2016) species, Badger Act 1992, and Bern Convention; • Other Species of Conservation Concern: Red Data Book and Nationally Scarce species (including Welsh Red & Amber Lists); • Locally Important Species: UK RSPB list, Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species, locally rare and scarce species (as identified by local experts); • Invasive & Non-Native Species: Invasive and non-native species in the UK; • Local Designations: Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)/Wildlife Site, Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Country Park, Wildlife Trust Reserve, Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS); and • Habitats: Ancient Woodland (Natural Resources Wales, NRW) boundaries.
The data search does not cover:
• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs); or • Conservation Areas designated for their special architectural and historic interest.
2.1.3 Local Species Recorders No additional information was requested from local species recorders at this stage in the assessment.
2.1.4 Online Resources A search for relevant information was also made on the following websites:
• MAGIC www.magic.gov.uk - DEFRA’s interactive, web-based database for statutory designations. The information sourced includes: o Statutory designations and citations including Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA), Ramsar, Site(s) of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR) within 10km of the site.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 6 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
2.2 Field Surveys
The following methods have been used to identify the ecological receptors present on or near the site, which are relevant to the proposed development.
2.2.1 Habitats An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken on the site on 11th December 2019 by WYG Principal Ecologist Dr Tim Rich BSc, PhD, MCIEEM. The weather conditions were cold, wet and windy.
The vegetation and broad habitat types within the site were noted during the survey in accordance with the categories specified for a Phase 1 Vegetation and Habitat Survey (JNCC 2010). Dominant plant species were recorded for each habitat present using nomenclature according to (Stace 2019). The site was also appraised for its suitability to support notable flora, with regard to the CIEEM Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (CIEEM 2017).
2.2.2 Protected & Notable Species A protected and notable species survey was undertaken on the site on the 11th and 13th December 2019 by WYG Senior Ecologist Kirsty Rogers MZoo ACIEEM and Consultant Ecologist Daniel Flew MSc Grad CIEEM. The weather conditions were dry, overcast and cold.
The site was inspected for evidence of, and its potential to support, protected or notable species, especially those listed under the Schedule 2 of the Habitat Regulations, Schedule 5 of the W&CA, the CRoW Act, those given extra protection under the Env (Wales) Act, and species included in the Caerphilly LBAP.
Great Crested Newt The site was appraised for its suitability to support great crested newt Triturus cristatus (GCN). The assessment was based on Guidance outlined in the Joint Nature Conservation Committees’ published Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual (Gent 2003) and the Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook (Langton 2001). Potential ponds within 500m were identified by aerial imagery. Land access was arranged by CCBC, and each pond was surveyed and when confirmed as a suitable waterbody a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) was completed (Oldham R.S. 2000).
Bats
Roosting bats – Buildings, structures & trees Any suitable buildings, structures or trees on site were assessed from the ground for their suitability to support breeding, resting and hibernating bats using survey methods based on the BCT Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (Collins 2016). The following system has therefore been used to categorise the bat roost suitability of any features found:
Table 1 Categories of ( (Collins 2016)
Suitability Typical Roosting Features Negligible Negligible habitat feature on site likely to be used by roosting bats. Low A structure with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by individual bats opportunistically. However, these potential roost sites do not provide enough
Caerphilly County Borough Council 7 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Suitability Typical Roosting Features space, shelter, protection, appropriate conditions and/or suitable surrounding habitat to be used on a regular basis or by larger numbers of bats (i.e. unlikely to be suitable for maternity or hibernation). A tree of sufficient size and age to contain potential roost features but with none seen from the ground or features seen with only very limited roosting potential. Moderate A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by bats due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions and surrounding habitat but unlikely to support a roost of high conservation status (with respect to roost type only – the assessments in this table are made irrespective of species conservation status, which is established after presence is confirmed). High A structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that are obviously suitable for use by larger numbers of bats on a more regular basis & potentially for longer periods of time due to their size, shelter, protection, conditions & surrounding habitat.
Foraging/commuting bats The BCT Guidelines use the following criteria to categorise the potential value of habitats and features for use by foraging and commuting bats and these have been used to characterise the value of this site:
Table 2 Categories of Habitat Suitability (Collins 2016)
Suitability Typical Foraging & Commuting Features Negligible Negligible habitat features on site likely to be used by commuting or foraging bats. Low Habitat that could be used by small numbers of commuting bats such as a gappy hedgerow or unvegetated stream, but isolated, i.e. not very well connected to the surrounding landscape by other habitat. Suitable, but isolated habitat that could be used by small numbers of foraging bats such as a lone tree (not in a parkland situation) or a patch of scrub. Moderate Continuous habitat connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for commuting such as lines of trees and scrub or linked back gardens. Habitat that is connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for foraging such as trees, scrub, grassland or water. High Continuous high-quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by commuting bats such as river valleys, streams, hedgerows, lines of trees and woodland edge. High-quality habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by foraging bats such as broadleaved woodland, tree-lined watercourses and grazed parkland. Site is close to and connected to known roosts.
Reptiles The site was appraised for its suitability to support reptiles. The assessment was based on guidance outlined in the Joint Nature Conservation Committees’ published Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual (Gent 2003).
Caerphilly County Borough Council 8 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Hazel Dormice The site was appraised for its suitability to support hazel dormice. The assessment was based on best practice guidance (Bright et al., 2006).
Other Species The site was also appraised for its suitability to support other protected or notable fauna including mammals, amphibians, birds and invertebrates with regard to CIEEM’s Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (CIEEM, 2017) and BS42020:2013 Biodiversity – Code of Practice for Planning and Development (BSI Group, 2013). Evidence of any current or historical presence of such species was recorded.
2.2.3 Invasive Species The site was searched for evidence of invasive plant species, such as Japanese knotweed Reynoutria japonica, Indian (Himalayan) balsam Impatiens glandulifera, giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum, wall cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis and rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum – see Appendix B for a full list.
2.3 Limitations
The survey was carried out in December 2019 which is outside the recommended timing for Phase 1 surveys. Whilst the habitats were readily recognisable the species present were only those visible at this time of year, so typical spring woodland plants were absent. Whilst surveyors were able to confidentially identify broad habitat types, therefore this is not considered a significant limitation for the purposes of this assessment, further survey of habitats in appropriate timings is recommended where it is considered necessary.
Also, due to the timings of the survey some species of flora (including invasive species) may not have been visible, therefore may have been missed. This is considered a limitation for the survey and additional survey in suitable timings is recommended.
Access to all properties and gardens on site was not possible at the time of survey, as the majority of properties are still within private ownership. Therefore, this assessment has been made from publicly accessible areas only. As such, this is considered a limitation to the survey effort. However, by agreement with the client as access to properties becomes available, a detailed assessment of each will be conducted in due course and the assessment results may change as a result.
To determine presence or likely absence of protected species usually requires multiple visits at suitable times of the year. As a result, this survey focuses on assessing the potential of the site to support species of note, which are considered to be of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity with reference to those given protection under UK or European wildlife legislation. This report cannot therefore be considered a comprehensive assessment of the ecological interest of the site. However, it
Caerphilly County Borough Council 9 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
does provide an assessment of the ecological interest present on the day the site was visited and highlights areas where further survey work may be recommended.
The details of this report will remain valid for a period of eighteen months from the date of the survey (i.e. 13th June 2021), after which the validity of this assessment should be reviewed to determine whether further updates are necessary (CIEEM, 2019). Note that the recommendations within this report should be reviewed (and reassessed if necessary) should there be any changes to the red line boundary or development proposals which this report was based on.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 10 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
3.0 Baseline Conditions 3.1 Designated Sites
The following internationally designated sites of ecological importance have been identified within 10km of the site.
Table 3 Internationally Designated Sites within 10km
Distance & Designation Site Name Summary of Features Direction SAC Aberbargoed 5.1km west Annex I habitat present as a qualifying Grasslands feature, but not a primary reason for selection is Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils. Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection include marsh fritillary butterfly Euphydryas aurinia.
The following nationally designated sites of ecological importance have been identified within 2km of the site.
Table 4 Nationally Designated Sites within 2km
Distance & Designation Site Name Summary of Features Direction SSSI Ty'r Hen Forwyn 1.8km north- Of special interest for its species-rich east neutral grassland and for the association of this habitat with others including acid grassland, scrub, bracken and well- developed hedgerows. The site is also of special interest for its large population of nationally scarce wood bitter-vetch Vicia orobus, an uncommon and declining grassland plant.
There are thirty-seven locally adopted and candidate designated SINC sites within the 2km search radius. Only sites within 1km of the site boundary and/or sites which are hydrologically connected to the site up to 2km have been included within the table below. The remaining sites are considered to be located a significant distance from the site, therefore no direct or indirect impacts on these sites are predicted as a result of the proposed development.
Table 5 Locally Designated Sites within 1km (or hydrologically connected within 2km)
Distance & Designation Site Name Summary of Features Direction SINC (adopted) Coed Goferau, 0.1km south Primary qualifying features: Crumlin • Semi-natural woodland with an assemblage of indicator species, and
Caerphilly County Borough Council 11 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Distance & Designation Site Name Summary of Features Direction • Replanted woodland retaining a range of woodland indicators. Secondary qualifying features: • Scrub, • Bracken, • Mature trees, and • Rock exposures. SINC (adopted) River Ebbw 0.2km west Primary qualifying features: • Waters with resident populations of sea/river/brook lamprey Lampetra/ Petromyzon sp. , sturgeon Acipenser sturio, allis/twaite shad Alosa sp., Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, grayling Thymallus thymallus, common goby Pomatoschistus microps, bullhead Cottus gobio, bleak Alburnus alburnus, smelt Osmerus eperlanus, brown trout or sea trout Salmo trutta, and • Watercourses used as regular migratory routes by anadromous species listed above. Secondary qualifying features: • Probable breeding otter Lutra lutra, plus areas for foraging, laying up and territorial use, • Relatively unpolluted main river with unmodified bed and banks, • Watercourses with exposed sediment/ erosion features (e.g. soft cliffs), and • Adjacent semi-natural wetland, grassland and woodland habitats as part of the wider river corridor. SINC (candidate) Sofrydd Quarry 0.2km west No citation available. SINC (adopted) Llanerch-Isaf 0.3km west Primary qualifying features: Woodland, • Heathland / acid grassland containing at Crumlin least 7 indicator species, • Semi-natural woodland with a range of woodland indicators, and • Bracken covered slope with abundant Bluebells. Secondary qualifying features: • Rock exposures, • Scrub, and • Stream. SINC (adopted) Swffryd Wood 0.3km north No citation available. SINC (adopted) Cwm Kendon, 0.3km west Primary qualifying features: Crumlin • Ancient woodland with an assemblage of semi-natural indicator species. Secondary qualifying features:
Caerphilly County Borough Council 12 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Distance & Designation Site Name Summary of Features Direction • Scrub, • Bracken, and • Rock exposures. SINC (adopted) Pontbren, 0.7km north Primary qualifying features: North of west • Semi-natural Beech/ Oak woodland, and Crumlin • Acid grassland / heath with at least 7 indicator species. Secondary qualifying features: • Bracken, • Scrub, • Rock exposure, • Pond/ flush, and • Grassland with ant hills. SINC (adopted) Coed Cil- 0.7km east Primary qualifying features: Lonydd, East of • Broad-leaved woodland with an Newbridge assemblage of semi-natural indicator species. Secondary qualifying features: • Bracken, • Stream, • Scrub, • Semi-improved acid grassland, and • Coniferous plantation. SINC (adopted) Craig Swffryd 0.8km north No citation available. SINC (adopted) Swyffryd Ganol 0.8km north No citation available. Pond SINC (adopted) Swffryd-fach 0.9km north No citation available. SINC (adopted) Ebbw River 0.9km north No citation available. South Tip Section SINC (adopted) Ty-Mawr 1km west Primary qualifying features: Wood, Rhiw • Semi-natural woodland with an assemblage of indicator species, and • Unimproved neutral grassland with at least 8 indicator species. Secondary qualifying features: • Flushes, and • Network of mature hedges. SINC (adopted) Ebbw River 1.8km north No citation available. South Section
Caerphilly County Borough Council 13 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
The following ancient woodland sites have been identified within 2km of the site (Figure 2).
Table 6 Ancient Woodland Sites
Percentage Nearest record: Feature of search Distance & Designation area* Direction Woodland (predominantly broadleaved) Restored Ancient 1.4% On site and is believed to have been continually Woodland Site wooded for over 400 years. These are broadleaved woodlands comprising mainly native tree and shrub species which are believed to have been in existence for over 400 Ancient Semi Natural 8.4% 0.2km south east years. The ground vegetation will Woodland reflect the naturalness of these woodlands and will frequently feature species which provide clear indication of long and continued woodland cover. These are sites which are believed to have been continuously wooded for Plantation on Ancient 5.3% 0.2km south over 400 years. They have been Woodland Site replanted with native or non-native species, most commonly with conifers. NRW Priority habitat areas are semi- NRW Priority Area natural types included on the lists 5.3% 0.2km south (Woodland - PAWS) established under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. Ancient Woodland Woodlands which may be ASNW, RAWS Site of Unknown 0.5% 1.1km east or PAWS. Category *Percentage of the 2km search radius covered by each habitat type, provided by SEWBReC.
3.2 Habitats
The following Habitats of Principal Importance (HPI) have been identified within 2km of the site. Data is provided by SEWBReC and NRW.
Table 7 Habitats of Principal Importance
Percentage of Nearest record: Distance & Habitat of Principal Importance. search area* Direction Deciduous Woodland 3.8% On site Unimproved Acid Grassland 3.7% 0.05km north Intact Hedge 1.6% On site Semi-improved Acid Grassland 0.6% On site Semi-improved Neutral Grassland 0.3% 1.1km south west Standing Water 0.1% On site Marshy Grassland <0.01% 1.25km west Dry Acid Heath <0.01% 0.01km north
Caerphilly County Borough Council 14 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Percentage of Nearest record: Distance & Habitat of Principal Importance. search area* Direction Blanket Bog <0.01% On site Acid/neutral Flush <0.01% 1.25km south west Wet Heath/acid grassland mosaic <0.01% 1.25km south west *Percentage of the 2km search radius covered by each habitat type, provided by SEWBReC.
The following habitats have been identified onsite through our assessment, with detailed Target Notes included in Appendix C and shown on Figure 3, as appropriate:
3.2.1 Broad-leaved Semi-natural Woodland The broad-leaved semi-natural woodland located to the east and west of the properties is on a south- facing slope between the un-named stream forming the southern site boundary and Hafodyrynys Road (A472) (northern site boundary). It has a canopy mainly dominated by sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, ash Fraxinus excelsior and alder Alnus glutinosa over ivy Hedera helix and bramble Rubus fruticosus, with a sparse shrub layer of holly Ilex aquifolium and hazel Corylus avellana (Figure 3; Target note 1). This woodland extends further through the valley with connectivity to Coed Goferau, Crumlin SINC off- site.
The woodland as a whole around of the properties is classified as Restored Ancient Woodland in the Ancient Woodland Inventory 2011 (Lle, 2020) (Table 6). Within this, one part of the woodland adjacent to Hafodyrynys Road to the east of the properties comprises secondary woodland over made ground which is part of embankment of the A472 and should not be classified as Ancient Woodland. Another flat area immediately east of the properties may also be on made ground and potentially not Ancient Woodland. However, the lower part (south of this) of these areas wood may be on original ground and thus are Ancient Woodland, though parts of this also have a pipeline through. Further studies of the status of the woodland are required to assess which areas are Ancient Woodland and which are not.
There is another small block of woodland at the west end of the houses with sycamore and oak Quercus robur over bramble which is partly incorporated into a garden (Figure 3; Target note 7).
The vegetation on the narrow verge of the Hafodyrynys Road adjacent, is similar in character to the woodland with ivy and some bramble (Figure 3; Target note 9) present.
3.2.2 Broad-leaved Plantation At the western end of the site there is an area of broad-leaved plantation woodland with mixed broad- leaved trees (beech Fagus sylvatica, oak, sycamore and ash) and a few Austrian pines Pinus nigra over bramble (Figure 3; Target note 6). This appears to have been planted when the A472 was aligned on its current route.
3.2.3 Running Water A small unnamed stream flows east to west down the valley forming the southern site boundary eventually ending at a debris grill and weir before entering a tunnel under the A472 (Figure 3; Target notes 2, 5).
Caerphilly County Borough Council 15 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
3.2.4 Buildings The buildings present within the site are a mix of two-storey terraces with one semi-detached house and detached houses adjacent to the road (Figure ). Some buildings also have basements and there are some sheds/outbuildings in the gardens. Further details on the buildings are given below under Bats.
3.2.5 Other Habitats To the north of the terrace properties (Plots 3 to 20 or 1-20 Woodside Road) are front gardens, these are very narrow, walled with hard standing and often with steps; there is little or no vegetation (Figure 3; Target note 8). The back gardens to the south of the properties are a mix of neglected gardens with bramble or weeds or are more managed with lawns and flower beds, decking and patios. Many are fenced from the un-named stream but the fences are in various states of repair (Figure 3; Target note 4).
There is a narrow pavement and multiple parking bays along the A472, with occasional weeds (Figure 3; Target note 8).
3.3 Protected & Notable Species
3.3.1 Great Crested Newts The desk study returned one record of breeding GCN (three males, one female and three eggs) within the search radius, located 1.6km south-east dated 2010.
There are no ponds present with the accessible areas of the site boundary. An unnamed stream flows along the southern site boundary which is turbulent, fast flowing and has no emergent vegetation making it poor breeding habitat for GCN.
Within the 500m of the site boundary, aerial imagery identified five ponds (Figure 4). The ponds are described below including distance and direction form the site boundary:
• Pond 1: 88m east (ST 22103 98621) within a residential garden; • Pond 2: 98m east (ST 22130 98636) within a residential garden; • Pond 3: 240m east (ST 22255 98666) located within a residential garden; • Pond 4: 347m north east (ST 22295 98807) located on private land (visually accessible from public footpath); and, • Pond 5: 440m south (ST 21932 98179) within grazing pasture (cattle).
Following a site visit Pond 3 (an area of wet flush on a slope likely caused by a spring, no standing water) and Pond 4 (an open stretch of a largely culverted stream, very fast flowing with waterfalls present) were deemed unsuitable for supporting GCN and are further discounted from this assessment.
A HSI assessment conducted on the remaining ponds resulted in the following scores:
• Pond 1: average (0.66); • Pond 2: good (0.78); and • Pond 5: below average (0.52) (refer to Appendix E for detailed results).
Caerphilly County Borough Council 16 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Terrestrial habitat on site is optimal for GCN, shaded and damp, the woodland on site provides shelter from extreme weather and foraging opportunities. Connectivity to off-site habitats is restricted to the north as Hafodyrynys Road provides a barrier to dispersal (however, not considered absolute). To the south, the unnamed stream presents a significant barrier to dispersal during the survey (i.e. winter months, significant quantity of fast flowing and turbulent water), however during drier months is potentially passable by GCN. Nevertheless, there is connectivity to surrounding woodland located east and west of the site which provides off-site habitats of similar quality.
3.3.2 Reptiles The desk study returned seven records for slow-worm Anguis fragilis, the closest being recorded 0.3km to the north of the site and the most recent dated 2016, and a single record of common lizard Zootoca vivipara recorded 1.7km north-west.
Habitats on site are considered largely sub-optimal for reptiles comprising mostly of woodland providing dense shading and limited basking sites. The residential gardens do provide some suitable habitat for slow-worm however, and log and wood piles adjacent to the stream (Figure 3; Target Note 17) present potential hibernaculum.
3.3.3 Bats The desk study returned 50 records of bats within a 2km radius of the site boundary. Bat roost records and general observation records within 2km of the site are summarised in Table 8 (note where multiple general records for a species has been provided, the nearest record to the site has been listed in the table).
Table 8 Bat Roost and Roost Locations (supplied by SEWBReC)
Species Date Distance & Direction No. of records
Roosts Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus 2008 0.2km north 1 Unclassified bat species Chiroptera sp. 2011 0.4km west 9 Common pipistrelle Pipistrelle pipistrellus 2012 0.4km north 3 Pipistrelle species Pipistrellus sp. 2003 0.8km north east 2 Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri 2003 1.5km north 2 Brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus 2003 1.5km north west 4 Lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus 2010 2.0km north 1 hipposideros Bat Records (General) Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentoniii 2008 0.45km west 3 Soprano pipistrelle 2008 0.45km west 8 Myotis sp. 2008 0.45km west 3 Common Pipistrelle 2008 0.45km west 19 Pipistrelle sp. 2002 0.6km west 7 Noctule Nycatlus notcula 2015 0.8km south west 9 Unclassified bat species 2003 0.87km west 4 Brown long-eared bat 2007 1.0km north west 2 Serotine Eptesicus serotinus 2012 1.5km south 2 Lesser horseshoe bat 2013 2.0km north 1
Caerphilly County Borough Council 17 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Roosting Bats
Buildings There are twenty-three properties within the site boundary with several associated outbuildings (Figure 3 & 5). An external assessment of potential bat roosting features was conducted where visibility allowed. A summary of the findings has been included here and detailed information can be found within a species specific report (WYG, 2019); see Figure 5 for location.
• Plot 23 (20 Woodside Road) has high suitability for roosting bats with hibernation potential. Suitable roosting features include: gaps around wooden boarding (on windows and doors), open windows, gaps around the cellar doors, large hole in roof, missing roof tiles, subsistence cracks and large gaps under the facia and barge boards. • Plots 5-22 (2-19 Woodside Road) has moderate/high suitability for roosting bats. Suitable roosting features include: Periodic warping of facia boarding along southern edge of terrace creating large gaps and damage to lead flashing around several chimneys. • Plot 4 (1 Woodside Road) has high suitability for roosting bats. Suitable roosting features include: fascia and barge boarding are damage creating several gaps beneath, loose tiles along the gable ends of the overhanding porch to the north of the property. • Plot 3 (2 Woodside Shops) has high suitability for roosting bats. Suitable roosting features include: broken/loose roofing tiles, missing ridge tiles, gaps under ridge tiles, gaps under fascia and barge boards. • Plot 2 (1 Woodside Shops) has moderate suitability. Suitable roosting features include: gaps under the facia and barge boards. • Plot 1 (Yr Adfa) has low suitability. Suitable roosting features are limited with no obvious external features (survey limited to northern aspect only).
There are several outbuildings present within residential gardens which were inaccessible during the survey (see Limitations). It should also be noted the proximity of high-quality foraging/ commuting habitats (ancient woodland and stream) immediately off site to the south increases the suitability of potential roosting features on site for use by roosting bats.
Trees Within the woodland on site 13 trees where identified to offer potential roosting features. The detailed findings are within Figure 3 and Appendix D, and summarised here.
• 10 trees have been identified as having moderate suitability for roosting bats, with features including peeling bark, missing limbs, rot sites and frost crack, and • Three trees have been identified as having low suitability for roosting bats, with features including peeling bark, compression fork and a knot hole.
Foraging and Commuting Bats The habitats on site provide a high suitability foraging and commuting resource (Collins 2016) with linear features, waterbodies/streams, continuous deciduous woodland present within or adjacent to the site and good connectivity to similar off site habitats.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 18 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
3.3.5 Hazel Dormouse The desk study returned no records of dormice within the search radius.
Woodland and scrub habitats on site provide optimal foraging and commuting resource for dormice and are well connected to similar quality off-site habitats.
3.3.6 Otter & Water Vole The desk study returned nine records of otter within the search area. The closest record was recorded 0.8km east of the site in 2002. The most recent record is from 2014 and was recorded 2km south of the site. The desk study returned no records for water vole Arvicola amphibius.
No incidental observations or evidence of otter or water vole activity was noted during the survey effort. A large weir (Target Note 2; Figure 3; Photograph 1) flowing into an underground culvert extending over 200m under the A472 and the A467 into the River Ebbw is located at the western edge of the site. The weir in particular consists of a significant vertical drop (estimated >6ft) with no wildlife passes available, due to the speed of the water, this feature is considered a significant barrier to dispersal and likely restricts access from suitable off-site source habitats (i.e. River Ebbw) for both species. Therefore, the site is considered to have negligible otter and water vole potential and neither species are not considered further.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 19 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Photograph 1: Weir
3.3.7 Birds The desk study returned records for several W&CA Schedule 1 species including; 80 records for barn owl Tyto alba the most recent being from 2008, 15 records for brambling Fringilla montifringilla the most recent dated 2016, seven records for goshawk Accipiter gentilis the most recent dated 2015, six records for peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus the most recent dated 2012, three records for common crossbill Loxia curvirostra the most recent dated 2015, a single record for hobby Falco subbutteo dated 2007 and a single record for honey buzzard Pernis apivorus dated 2008.
The desk study also returned records for numerous birds of conservation concern including; 380 house sparrow Passer domesticus records, 145 bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula records, four nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus records, three kestrel Falco tinnunculus records and a single marsh tit Poecile palustris record.
Incidental observations on site include long-tailed tits Aegithalos caudatus, robin Erithacus rubecula, blackbird Turdus merula, wood pigeon Columba palumbus and great tit Parus major.
The site is unlikely to support W&CA species such as large birds of prey (i.e. immature trees and frequent disturbance form neighbouring road), barn owls (i.e. well-lit from street lamps and no suitable tussocky grassland foraging habitat nearby) or crossbill (i.e. no coniferous woodland present). However, habitats on site are suitable for supporting common breeding bird species (i.e. woodland and abandoned properties). Plot 23 (20 Woodside Road) is in a significant state of disrepair with a large hole in the roof allowing access for birds and therefore, nesting opportunities.
3.3.8 Invertebrates The desk study returned records for 10 Lepidoptera Species of Principle Importance (SPI) including; 12 small heath Coenonympha pamphilus records, six dingy skipper Erynnis tages records, four cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae records, four high brown fritillary Argynnis adipe records, two broom moth
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Ceramica pisi records, two grayling Hipparchia semele records, two pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria Euphrosyne records, two wall Lasiomata megera records, one marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia record and one wood white Leptidea sinapis record.
Habitats on site are unsuitable for the Lepidoptera species listed above (i.e. no open grassland or woodland clearings) however standing and fallen dead wood within the wet woodland provides optimal habitats for a range of common invertebrate species including Coleoptera species.
3.3.9 Invasive species The Schedule 9 invasive species Japanese knotweed Reynoutria japonica is present in small clumps scattered along the un-named stream (Figure 3; Target notes 3, 5, 7). Surveyors also noted the plant further upstream within off-site land. No other invasive species were noted but may not have been visible at the time of year in which the survey was undertaken.
3.4 Importance of Ecological Features
In line with the CIEEM PEA Guidelines, and based on the above baseline information, each ecological feature recorded within the study area is considered to have the following importance, using the Methodology defined in Section 4 of the CIEEM EcIA Guidelines (CIEEM 2018):
Table 9 Importance of Ecological Features
Feature Importance Rationale
Aberbargoed Grasslands International A designated Natura 2000 site for grassland habitats SAC and presence of marsh fritillary, protected by European legislation. Ty'r Hen Forwyn SSSI National Species rich-neutral grassland, habitat matrix and presence of nationally scare bitter-vetch, protected by national legislation. Local Wildlife Sites County Thirty-seven locally designated SINC sites, important at a county scale. Ancient Woodland National Ancient Woodland is widely regarded as of national importance as it cannot be recreated. Woodland & broad-leaved National Potentially replanted ancient woodland site. Also plantation qualifies as HPI - Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland. Running water Local Likely to qualify as HPI – Rivers. Buildings & other habitats Negligible Habitat value improved by proximity to high quality neighbouring habitats - may support some notable species. GCN Unknown Suitable habitat on site, further survey recommended. Reptiles Unknown Suitable habitat on site, further survey recommended. Bats (roosting) Unknown Buildings and trees on site offer roosting potential (including hibernation), further survey recommended. Bats (foraging & Unknown High suitability, further survey recommended. commuting)
Caerphilly County Borough Council 21 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Feature Importance Rationale
Hazel dormouse Unknown Suitable habitat on site, further survey recommended. Otter and Water Vole Negligible Weir located on stream to west of site limits potential use. Breeding birds Local Breeding opportunities for common or low numbers of notable species (woodland and buildings). Suitable habitats common in local area. Invertebrates Negligible Habitats on site likely to support common species. Invasive species Legal Japanese knotweed is located at various points along the stream. If not contained it could spread further. Either: International (incl. European) / National / Regional / County / Local / Negligible Or: Unknown (i.e. further surveys/information needed)
The potential for the proposals to have adverse or beneficial impacts on these features, along with the need for any mitigation or enhancement measures are discussed in detail below.
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4.0 Relevant Planning Policy & Legislation 4.1 National Planning Policy
The national planning policy guidance is found principally in Planning Policy Wales Edition 10 (PPW) dated December 2018, issued by the Welsh Government. The document is supported by a series of Technical Advice Notes (TANs) with the most relevant for ecology being TAN 5: Nature Conservation and Planning 2009, which provides advice on how the land use planning system should contribute to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geological conservation. A summary of the main points relevant to the ecological assessment of the development is provided below.
Paragraph 6.4.2 states that local planning authorities, along with other public bodies, as part of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 have a duty to take reasonable steps, consistent with the proper exercise of their functions, to further the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and help maximise contributions to achieve well-being goals.
Paragraph 6.4.3 states that the planning system has a key role to play in helping to reverse the decline in biodiversity and increasing the resilience of ecosystems, at various scales, by ensuring appropriate mechanisms are in place to both protect against loss and to secure enhancement. Addressing the consequences of climate change should be a central part of any measures to conserve biodiversity and the resilience of ecosystems. Development plan strategies, policies and development proposals must consider the need to:
• support the conservation of biodiversity, in particular the conservation of wildlife and habitats; • ensure action in Wales contributes to meeting international responsibilities and obligations for biodiversity and habitats • ensure statutorily and non-statutorily designated sites are properly protected and managed; • safeguard protected and priority species and existing biodiversity assets from impacts which directly affect their nature conservation interests and compromise the resilience of ecological networks and the components which underpin them, such as water and soil, including peat; and • secure enhancement of and improvements to ecosystem resilience by improving diversity, condition, extent and connectivity of ecological networks
Paragraph 6.4.4 states that biodiversity and resilience considerations should be taken into account at an early stage in development planning. All reasonable steps must be taken to maintain and enhance biodiversity and promote the resilience of ecosystems which should be balanced with the wider economic and social needs of business and local communities.
Paragraph 6.4.5 states that planning authorities must seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity in the exercise of their functions, and that development should not cause any significant loss of habitats or populations of species, locally or nationally and must provide a net benefit for biodiversity. The diversity of, connections between, the scale, the condition and the adaptability of ecosystems must be taken into account.
Paragraphs 6.4.11, 6.4.14 and 6.4.22 state that planning authorities must have regard to the relative significance of international, national and local designations in considering the weight to be attached to nature conservation interests, and that the international and national responsibilities and obligations
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for conservation should be fully met. Statutorily designated sites must be protected from damage and deterioration, with their important features conserved and enhanced by appropriate management. Statutorily protected species protected under European or UK legislation, or under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 are material considerations if a development would result in disturbance or harm to the species or its habitat, and the range and population of the species should be sustained
Paragraph 6.4.21 states ‘Planning authorities must follow a step-wise approach to maintain and enhance biodiversity and build resilient ecological networks by ensuring that any adverse environmental effects are firstly avoided, then minimized, mitigated, and as a last resort compensated for; enhancement must be secured wherever possible’.
Paragraphs 6.4.24-26 also gives emphasis to the importance of trees, hedgerows and woodlands (especially ancient woodland) and states ‘Ancient woodland and semi-natural woodlands and individual ancient, veteran and heritage trees are irreplaceable natural resources, and have significant landscape, biodiversity and cultural value. Such trees and woodlands should be afforded protection from development which would result in their loss or deterioration unless there are significant and clearly defined public benefits; this protection should prevent potentially damaging operations and their unnecessary loss. In the case of a site recorded on the Ancient Woodland Inventory, authorities should consider the advice of NRW.’
Related to these Biodiversity and Ecological Network policies, Paragraph 6.2 gives weight to the protection and enhancement of multi-functional green infrastructure, which is important for sustainable management of natural resources. Green infrastructure should be incorporated into development through appropriate site selection and use of creative design.
Circular Letter CL-05-04 reaffirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to ensuring that designated sites and species of nature conservation importance are protected from damage and deterioration, with their important features conserved by appropriate management. The letter advised that under specific circumstances a pre-commencement condition should be attached to planning consents requiring the applicant to provide the LPA with a copy or their European Protected Species (EPS) Licence (once issued by NRW). The Circular Letter was withdrawn in March 2018 in an attempt to reduce the number of pre- commencement conditions, with LPA’s advised to instead use a replacement informative (to be attached to all relevant consent notices) to avoid unnecessary duplication controls of other legislation.
4.2 Environment (Wales) Act
As part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to reversing the decline in biodiversity in Wales and increasing the resilience of its ecosystems, the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 aims to build greater resilience into our ecosystems. Biodiversity and well-functioning ecosystems provide natural solutions that build resilience, which in turn help society create jobs, support livelihoods and human well-being, adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and contribute to sustainable development.
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 under Part 1 of the Act places an enhanced 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
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doing, public authorities must also seek to ‘promote the resilience of ecosystems’. This 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.
Section 7 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. 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. Certain public authorities will also be required to consider the section 7 list, in complying with the new biodiversity duty under section 6 of the Act. The list is important in assisting public bodies to identify potential issues that they may wish to address in meeting their well-being objectives, in addition to contributing to the well-being goal ‘a resilient Wales’ (Goal 2). The current Section 7 lists are interim lists which are exactly the same as the previous list under Section 42 of the NERC Act, and is under review in consultation with NRW.
Part 1 of the Act, including Sections 6 and 7, came into force on 21st May 2016.
4.3 Local Biodiversity Action Plan
Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) identify habitat and species conservation priorities at a local level (typically County by County) and are usually drawn up by a consortium of local Government organisations and conservation charities. Although they are no-longer managed at a national level many are still reviewed and updated at a local level.
The Caerphilly LBAP (Caerphilly Biodiveristy Partnership 2002) is the relevant document for this site and it contains the following Habitat & Species Action Plans:
Table 10 LBAP SAPs
Species Action Plans
Amphibians Reptiles • Amphibians (common frog Rana • Adder Vipera berus; temporaria, toad Bufo bufo, palmate • Grass snake Natrix natrix newt Lissotriton helveticus, smooth newt • Slow worm Anguis fragilis Lissotriton vulgaris); and • Common lizard Zootoca vivipara. • Great crested newt Triturus cristatus Birds Mammals • Barn owl Tyto alba; • Badger Meles meles; • Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula; • Bats (brown long-eared bat Plecotus • Buzzard Buteo buteo; auritus, Daubentons Myotis daubentonii, • Curlew Numenius arquata; greater horseshoe Rhinolophus • Goshawk Accipiter gentilis; ferrumequinum, lesser horseshoe • Green woodpecker Picus virdidis; Rhinolophus hipposideros, natterers • Grey partridge Perdix perdix; Myotis nattereri, noctule Nyctalus • House sparrow Passer domesticus; noctula, pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus; and whiskered/Brandt’s Myotis • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus; mystacinus/ brandti). • Linnet Linaria cannabina; • Brown hare Lepus europaeus; • Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius;
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Species Action Plans • Little owl Athene noctua; • European otter Lutra lutra; • Long-eared owl Asio otus; • Water vole Arvicola amphibious; and • Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus; • Yellow-necked mouse Apodemus • Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus; flavicollis. • Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus; Fish • Skylark Alauda arvensis; • Native wild fish (brook lamprey Lampetra • Song thrush Turdus philomelos; planeri, brown trout Salmo trutta, • Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata; bullhead Cottus gobio, common eel • Tree sparrow Passer montanus; Anguilla anguilla, salmon Salmo salar, • Wetland birds (dipper Cinclus cinclus, sea trout Salmo trutta, stone loach grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea & Barbatula barbatula and three-spined kingfisher Alcedo atthis); and stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus). • Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Butterflies & Moths Crustacea • Bordered gothic moth Sideridis reticulata; • White-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius • Buttoned snout moth Hypena rostralis; pallipes. • Double line moth Mythimna turca; Bees, Wasps & Ants • High brown fritillary Fabriciana adippe; • Red wood ant Formica rufa. • Marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia; • Other moths (various species); Beetles • Pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria Grasshoppers & Crickets Euphrosyne; and • Waved carpet moth Hydrelia sylvata. Dragonflies & Damselflies Vascular plants Spiders • Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta; Slugs & Snails • Common reed Phragmites australis; • Cornish moneywort Sibthorpia europaea; Fungi • Cowslip Primula veris; • Orchids (various species); and Lichen & Liverworts • Yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor.
Table 11 LBAP HAPs
Habitats Action Plans
Wetlands Deciduous Woodland • Rivers & streams, ponds, fen, reedbed, • Wet woodland, upland oak woodland, upland blanket bog, lowland raised bog, lakes & mixed ash woodland, lowland beech and yew reservoirs (standing and open waters), woodland, lowland woodland pasture and swamp and canal. parkland. Planted Coniferous Woodland Common Land Ffridd/Coedcae Heathland • Mixed upland fringe habitats • Lowland heath and upland heath. Species-rich Grasslands Wildlife Corridors • Lowland neutral grassland, lowland acid • Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows, grassland, lowland calcareous grassland and roadside verges, railway lines and cycleways. rhos pasture. Post Industrial Land Urban Habitats
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Habitats Action Plans • Naturally revegetated colliery spoil, • Domestic gardens, old buildings, unused landscaped colliery spoil, quarries and refuse urban/industrial land, allotments and public tips. parks.
It should be noted that the existence of a SAP or HAP does not always infer an elevated level importance for those features. These plans may be designed to encourage an increase in these habitats/species, rather than to protect a county-scarce feature (for example).
4.4 Local Plan
The following policies of CCBC Local Development Plan up to 2021 (Caerphilly County Borough Council 2010) are relevant, please refer to the original document for definitive information:
• CW4 Natural Heritage Protection o Development proposals that affect locally designate natural heritage features, will only be permitted: A. Where thy conserve and where appropriate enhance the distinctive or characteristic features of the Special Landscape Areas (SLA) or Visually Important Local Landscape (VILL). B. Within, or in close proximity to sites designated as SINC, LNR, RIGS, Green corridors or Local Priority Habitats and Species, where proposals either: i. Conserve and where appropriate enhance the ecological or geological importance of the designation, or ii. Are such that the need for the development outweighs the ecological importance of the site, and where harm is minimised by mitigation measures and offset as far as practicable by compensation measures designed to ensure that there is no reduction in the overall area or feature. • CW6 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerow Protection; o Development proposals on sites containing trees, woodlands and hedgerows, or which are bordered by one or more such trees or hedgerows, will only be permitted provided that: A. Where arboricultural surveys are required, they are submitted and approved, including any mitigation, compensation or management requirements, as part of the planning application. B. Root system will be retained and adequately protected for the duration of all development activity on site. C. Development proposals have made all reasonable effort to retain, protect and integrate trees, woodlands or hedgerows within the development site. D. Where trees, woodlands or hedgerows are removed, suitable replacements are provided where appropriate. • Additional information available which is also relevant includes SPG LDP4 – Trees and Development (Caerphilly County Borough Council 2017).
Caerphilly County Borough Council 27 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
4.5 Legislation
Full details of the UK legislation and offences which are relevant to the ecological receptors identified are included in Appendix B. However, based on the findings of our assessment, it is considered that the proposals will need to consider the following legal provisions:
• Loss of restored ancient woodland (irreplaceable resource) and HPI, • Disturbance or killing of an EPS (i.e. bats, GCN and hazel dormice), • Killing/injury of reptiles, • Disturbance of nesting wild birds, and • Cause of permit the spread of an invasive species into the wild.
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5.0 Discussion Details regarding the scale of impact, construction method or final design are currently still in development. However, the proposal will likely require significant ground works and re-profiling of the majority of the site. For the purposes of this assessment total site clearance/worst case scenario is assumed (i.e. loss of all woodland habitats) with the retention of boundary features (i.e. un-named stream along southern site boundary). This report will be revised as and when further information becomes available.
Further, due to the restricted access on site (section 2.3 Limitations), further surveys have been recommended where required. Please note, the results of further surveys may impact or change the recommendations made below, therefore these should not be taken as absolute.
5.1 Designated Sites
5.1.1 Natura 2000 Sites Aberbargoed Grasslands SAC is located 5.1km west of the site boundary. The SAC is located a significant distance from the proposal site, beyond two valleys and the town of Blackwood with no direct connectivity (including hydrological) between the sites. Further, no similar habitats occur within the proposal sites and it is considered unlikely the qualifying species for the SAC (i.e. Molinia sp. or marsh fritillary butterfly) occur within the site boundary. As the proposal consists of demolition of properties, there will be no increase in recreational impacts to the SAC. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts to the SAC are perceived.
5.1.2 Sites of Special Scientific Interest Ty'r Hen Forwyn SSSI is located 1.8km north east of the site. The SSSI is located a significant distance from the proposal site, atop of a neighbouring mountain. As above, there are no similar habitats, likely qualifying species or recreational impacts, therefore no direct or indirect impacts to the SSSI are perceived.
5.1.3 Local Wildlife Sites River Ebbw & River Ebbw South Section SINC’s are situated downstream of the proposal site and are hydrologically connected to the un-named stream flowing along the southern site boundary. Therefore, these SINC’s may suffer indirect impacts through habitat degradation following pollution and run-off during construction/demolition phases of the proposed development in the absence of mitigation.
Recommendations include avoidance measures through sensitive working practices and adherence to the Guidance for Pollution Prevention; Works and maintenance in or near water: GPP5 (NRW et al, 2018), during construction/demolition. As a finalised site design is not currently available it is not known what, if any works within the stream channel are required. Once a site layout is finalised, this impacts should be re-assessed to determine any further avoidance or mitigation measures, as required.
No direct impacts on the remaining SINC’s found within the search radius are predicted, due to the distance involved, no connectivity and lack of similar habitats on site.
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5.1.4 Ancient Woodland Approximately 60% of the site is designated as Restored Ancient Woodland (Figure 2). The proposed works will potentially result in the loss of all woodland habitat on site, however, where possible it is recommended that as much of the existing woodland should be retained, particularly at the lower levels of the valley adjacent to the un-named stream.
The ancient woodland registers are open to amendment however, and surveyors noted that parts of woodland bank appears to have been reprofiled at some time associated with the A472 therefore some woodland (particularly along the northern edge of the site) may no longer classify as “ancient woodland” and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey is required to confirm.
In line with Section 6.4.26 of PPW it is recommended further consultation is completed with the LPA and NRW to agree the scale of appropriate compensation for the loss of the woodland habitat on site which cannot be avoided or mitigated for, once the site layout is confirmed.
5.2 Habitats
5.2.1 Habitats of Principal Importance The broad-leaved semi-natural woodland and broadleaved plantation woodland likely qualifies as HPI habitat and will likely be lost to some degree during the proposed works. Further surveys and assessments are recommended as detailed in Section 5.1.4 above.
The running water/unnamed stream is likely to qualify as HPI and should be retained where possible. Indirect impacts through run-off during construction activities should be avoided through sensitive working practices and GPP5. Again, further avoidance and mitigation actions may be required following finalised site design and consultation with the LPA is recommended.
5.2.2 Habitats on Site None of the remaining habitats (i.e. buildings and other habitats) on site are considered to be protected or notable. Habitats are of limited value overall and are ubiquitous in the wider landscape. Therefore, no further assessment or mitigation is required in relation to these habitats on site.
5.3 Protected & Notable Species
Only those species which could be adversely impacted by the proposals are discussed in this section.
5.3.1 Great Crested Newts GCN are fully protected under Schedule 5 of the W&CA and Habitats Regulations, which protects both the newts and their habitats.
The desk study returned records for a breeding GCN population within the search radius. There are three waterbodies within 500m from the site that were found to be above a 0.5 HSI score indicating potential suitability for supporting breeding GCN (Pond 1, 2 & 5)). The site also offers optimal foraging and commuting habitat for GCN within their terrestrial life phases. Therefore, if GCN are present, the proposed scheme would potentially result in the killing/injury of GCN, loss of terrestrial habitat and potential fragmentation or isolation of GCN populations.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 30 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
In order to determine presence/likely absence of GCN on site and the need for further survey, it is recommended an eDNA survey of Ponds 1, 2 & 5 is completed. An eDNA sample can be taken as early as mid-April and will be collected in line with the specific method provided by the eDNA analysis company. The sampling procedure will also follow accepted protocol (Biggs J 2014).
Please note, a positive eDNA result would require further survey to inform the mitigation and compensation design, prior to the submission of a planning application. Full surveys are seasonally constrained from mid-March to mid-June and would require six visits to confidently determine population status. Following this, an EPSL application to NRW may also be required following a granted planning permission.
5.3.2 Reptiles Reptiles are protected from intentional or reckless killing or injury under the W&CA.
The desk study returned records for slow worm and common lizard within the search radius. The garden habitats on site offer optimal foraging, commuting and basking habitat for species such as slow worm. Large log piles to the rear of the gardens provide potential hibernacula for reptile species. However, connectivity to suitable off-site habitats is limited. Therefore, if reptiles are present, the proposed scheme would potentially result in killing/injury of reptile species.
A presence/likely absence survey for reptiles is recommended to identify if reptile species are on site. The survey will follow best practice guidance (Froglife 1999) and includes seven visits within the optimal survey window (April to June or September). The survey is facilitated by the placement of 10 mats/refugia per hectare, placed within suitable habitat (primarily within residential gardens), two weeks prior to the first survey visit.
Please note, there may be a requirement to extend the survey in order to complete a population assessment should reptiles be confirmed present on site. The scope of any additional survey will be agreed with the LPA following confirmed presence on site.
5.3.3 Bats All bats and their roosts receive full protection both under Habitat Regulations and the W&CA which makes it an offence to:
• Intentionally kill, injure or take a bat; • Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection by a bat; or • Disturb a bat while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.
The desk study returned records for several species of bat within the search radius. An external inspection of the properties on site highlighted a number provide suitability for roosting bats, with an abandoned property presenting potential hibernation opportunities. In addition there are thirteen trees on site which offer potential roosting features and the habitats on site provide high foraging and commuting potential (Collins 2016).
Therefore, the proposed scheme, if bats are present, in the absence of mitigation, would potentially result in the killing/injury of bats, loss of roosts, loss of hibernation sites, loss of high foraging and commuting resource, potential fragmentation and displacement effects.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 31 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Roosting Bats In order to determine presence/likely absence of bats on site and inform appropriate mitigation actions the following is recommended. All surveys will be conducted following best practice guidance (Collins 2016) and during suitable weather conditions.
• Bat Roost Assessment: to identify potential roosts or roosting features within the buildings on site, consisting of an internal inspection of all buildings (including lofts, cavities, cellars and outbuildings) when access is available. Surveys may be conducted at any point during the year, however the results can be useful when conducting further surveys on site; • Dusk Emergence/Dawn Re-entry Surveys: to identify potential roosts or roosting features within the buildings on site. Surveys will include up to three visits conducted over May to September (at least two visits completed before the end of August). The surveys should consist of at least one dusk and one dawn survey and will require eight surveyors to cover all the buildings on site (including access to the back gardens) facilitated by infra-red or thermal imaging cameras; • Hibernation Survey: to identify potential hibernation roosts or features within Plot 23 (20 Woodside Terrace). Surveys will require internal access to the building and cellar, and consist of two visits by surveyors (in mid-January and mid-February) and the deployment of static detectors for two weeks per month (from January to February1); and, • Tree Survey: to further inspect potential roosts or roosting features within the trees on site. Following the preliminary assessment completed during the Phase 1 Survey, identified trees will be climbed by suitably licenced bat workers and all potential features will be fully inspected, using endoscopes where required.
Please note, should a bat roost be found, a detailed mitigation/compensation approach will be required and an EPSL application to NRW may also be required following receipt of planning permission.
Foraging and Commuting Bats In order to identify the bat species utilising the habitats on site and key foraging and commuting features on site an activity survey is recommended. Following best practice guidance (Collins 2016) for moderate2 suitability habitats, monthly visits will be conducted from April to October in suitable weather conditions. Due to the difficult nature of the terrain surveys and health and safety concerns, surveys will comprise of two vantage points to cover the site (instead of walked transects), commencing at sunset and continuing for 2-3 hours after. Surveys will require two surveyors (for reasons of health and safety). In addition, automated bat detectors will also be placed on site for five consecutive nights each month to remotely monitor bat activity. Due to the deviation from standard methodology, consultation with the LPA is recommended to confirm this approach.
5.3.4 Hazel Dormouse Hazel dormouse are fully protected under the W&CA and Habitats Regulations.
1 Due to access restrictions, it was not possible to commence the survey in December as recommended. However, the loss of one month is unlikely to significantly impact the validity of the results. 2 based on the size of the site and combining data from emergence/re-entry surveys the survey effort for moderate suitability will be appropriate/proportionate to establish the level of bat use.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 32 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
The data search revealed no records for dormice within the search radius, however the site is within the known range of the species and the woodland habitats on site provides good quality foraging and commuting habitat for dormice, with habitat linkage to the wider area. Therefore, the proposed scheme, in the absence of mitigation, would potentially result in killing/injury of dormice, loss of suitable habitat, foraging and commuting resource, potential fragmentation and displacement effects, if present.
In order to determine presence/likely absence of dormice on site, the following is recommended:
• Nut search: the site and accessible adjacent woodlands will be searched for evidence of dormice in the form of gnawed hazelnuts broadly following the methodology as described in The Dormouse Conservation Handbook (Bright 2006). This will involve the checking of fruiting hazel for gnawed hazelnuts with the aim to collect a minimum of 100 hazel nuts that have been opened by small rodents (voles and mice, but avoiding caches made by these species and ignoring nuts opened by squirrels). Survey should be undertaken whilst hazel is fruiting in August/September; and, • Nest tube/box survey: will be undertaken following the methodology as described in The Dormouse Conservation Handbook (Bright 2006). Within the guidance it is recommended that a standard survey should use at least 50 nest tubes with an index of probability of detecting dormice presence in each month of the survey season, with a minimum search effort score of at least 20 required in order to confidently determine likely absence. Approximately 50 tubes and 5 dormouse boxes will be installed in March with surveys undertaken from April to November to reach sufficient survey effort.
Please note, should a dormice be found, a detailed mitigation/compensation approach will be required and an EPSL application to NRW may also be required following a granted planning permission.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 33 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
5.3.6 Breeding birds All bird’s eggs and active nests are protected from damage and destruction under the W&CA.
The desk study returned several records of bird species and the habitats on site offer suitable breeding habitat for common passerine species (including buildings). Therefore, the proposed works have potential to kill/injure breeding birds and damage/destroy active nests.
The requirement for specific breeding bird surveys of the woodland will be confirmed once the level of habitat loss is known.
In order to avoid impacts it is recommended that vegetation clearance is conducted outside of the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive and with consideration for other protected species, i.e. hazel dormouse and bats). Where habitats cannot be cleared outside of the breeding season a suitably qualified ECoW will inspect suitable habitats within 48hours of clearance/demolition works. If a nesting bird is identified, the ECoW will advise on suitable working methods and exclusion zones to restrict works on site. Measure recommended will depend on the nature of the works in that area and, as the species of bird identified to be nesting. Note that suitable working methods may result in delay(s) to undertaking site works within specific areas of site until the ECoW has advised that all the chicks have fledged.
Further, a pre-commencement check for breeding birds is recommended for the Plot 23 (20 Woodside Road) prior to demolition regardless of the time of year is recommended as many species utilising building features may breed year around.
5.3.7 Invasive species Japanese knotweed is listed on Sch. 9 of the W&CA making it illegal to plant or ‘cause to grow’ listed species in the wild.
Japanese knotweed was identified on site in several places along the un-named stream and has been noted upstream off-site. Therefore, the proposed works have potential to spread Japanese knotweed to adjacent land during construction/demolition.
It is recommended that controlled treatment or removal of Japanese knotweed is completed prior to the commencement of works. Advice should be sought from an invasive weed specialist on appropriate, site specific methods (particularly due to the proximity of flowing water). Removal and treatment may take several months, therefore it is recommended advice is sought at the earliest opportunity.
5.4 Enhancements
In line with the national planning policy, Environment (Wales) Act and relevant policies of the CCBC Local Development Plan, the site should be enhanced for biodiversity and the proposals should provide a net gain in biodiversity. However, as details regarding the scale of impact, construction/demolition method or final design are still under development site specific enhancement opportunities have not
Caerphilly County Borough Council 34 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
been suggested at this stage. This section should be updated following confirmation of the proposals and site design.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 35 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
6.0 Summary 6.1 Designated Sites
• Local Wildlife Sites: River Ebbw & River Ebbw South Section SINC’s has potential to be indirectly impacted through habitat degradation from pollution/run-off from site works; to minimise any potential impacts, works should be in accordance with PPG 5. Approach to be revised following confirmation of site layout. • Ancient Woodland: Approximately 60% of the site is designated as restored ancient woodland site; NVC survey required to assess status of woodland and consultation with NRW and LPA recommended to inform compensation measures.
6.2 Habitats
• HPI: Broadleaved woodland and stream both likely qualify as HPI, habitats should be retained where possible, NVC survey of woodland recommended and consultation with the LPA recommended to inform compensation measures.
6.3 Protected & Notable Species
• GCN: Suitable habitats on site and two ponds within 500m of average or above suitability for GCN. eDNA survey of the ponds recommended to inform further survey, if required. • Reptiles: Suitable foraging and breeding habitat is present on site, presence/likely absence survey recommended. • Bats (roosting): Properties on site offer low to high suitability for roosting bats during the summer months, an abandoned property (plot 23) offers hibernation potential and thirteen trees on site offer potential roosting features. Recommendations include internal bat roost assessment of all buildings, emergence/re-entry surveys of all buildings (May – August), hibernation survey of abandoned property (January – February) and a tree surveys of all trees offering potential roosting features. • Bats (foraging & commuting): Habitats on site offer high suitability foraging and commuting resource, activity surveys recommended. • Hazel dormouse: Suitable habitat on site, well connected to similar quality off site habitats. Presence/likely absence survey of suitable habitats on site (to include nut search and nest tube survey). • Badgers: may be present for foraging and commuting only; avoid impacts through a pre- commencement check and sensitive working practices during works. • Breeding birds: likely to be present on site (and within abandoned buildings); vegetation clearance outside of breeding bird season is recommended (May to August inclusive) and pre- commencement check of buildings recommended (regardless of timings). The requirement for specific breeding bird surveys will be confirmed once the level of habitat loss is known. • Invasive Flora: Japanese knotweed present on site, treatment or removal to be sought from a specialist invasive weed contractor. Walkover during May to August recommended to identify any other invasive flora species present.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 36 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
7.0 References • Biggs, J., Ewald, N., Valentini, A., Gaboriaud, C., Griffiths, R. A., Foster, J., Wilkinson, J., Arnett, A., Williams, P. & Dunn, F. (2014), Analytical and methodological development for improved surveillance of the Great Crested Newt. Appendix 5. Technical advice note for field and laboratory sampling of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) environmental DNA. Oxford: Freshwater Habitats Trust. • Bright, P.W., Morris, P.A. & Mitchell-Jones, A. (2006), Dormouse Conservation Handbook, 2nd Edition. Peterborough: English Nature. • BSI Group. (2013), BS42020:2013 Biodiversity - Code of Practice for Planning and Development. London: BSI Group. • Caerphilly Biodiversity Partnership, (2002), Biodiversity Action Plan for Caerphilly County Borough, [online] Available at https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/CaerphillyDocs/Planning/ Biodiversity-Action-Plan-Caerphilly-County-Borough.aspx, accessed on 5th January 2020. • Caerphilly County Borough Council. (2017). Supplementary Planning Guidance LDP 4: Trees and Development, [online] Available at https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/CaerphillyDocs/ • Planning/LDP4-Trees-and-Development.aspx, accessed on 5th January 2029. • Caerphilly County Borough Council. (2010). Local Development Plan: The Adopted LDP, [online] Available at https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/CaerphillyDocs/LDP/written- statement.aspx, accessed on 5th January 2020. • CIEEM. (2019). Advice Note: on the Lifespan of Ecological Reports & Surveys. Winchester: CIEEM. • CIEEM. (2018). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland - Terrestrial, Fresh-water, Coastal and Marine . Winchester: CIEEM. • CIEEM. (2017). Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, 2nd edition. Winchester: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. • Collins, J., (2016), Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edn.). London: The Bat Conservation Trust . • EA, SEPA & EHSNI, (2007), Pollution Prevention Guidelines: Works and maintenance in or near water PPG5. Bristol: EA. • Froglife, (1999), Reptile survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interprating surveys for snake and lizard conservation . Hales: Froglife. • Gent, T,. & Gibson, S., (2003), Herpetofauna Workers Manual. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee. • Harris, S., Cresswell, P. & Jefferies, D., (1989), Surveying for badgers. Occasional Publication of the Mammal Society No. 9. Bristol: Mammal Society . • JNCC, (2010), Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – a technique for environmental audit. Peterborough: JNCC. • Langton, T. E. S., Beckett, C. L. & Foster., J. P., (2001), Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook. Halesworth: Froglife. • Lle, (2020), Ancient Woodland Inventory 2011 [online] Available at https://lle.gov. wales/catalogue/item/AncientWoodlandInventory2011, accessed on 27th February 2020. • Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M., (2000), “Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus).” Herpetological Journal 10(4) 143- 155. • Stace, Clive., (2019), New Flora of the British Isles 4th Edition. C&M Floristics. • WYG, (2019), Hafodyrynys Road, Crumlin: Bat Survey Report, on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Project Number A082625-18.
Caerphilly County Borough Council 37 February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
FIGURES
Figure 1 – Site Location Plan Figure 2 – SINC & Ancient Woodland Location Plan Figure 3 – Phase 1 Habitat Plan Figure 4 – Pond Plan Figure 5 – Buildings Plan
Caerphilly County Borough Council 38 February 2020 A082625-18 0 Legend Other Credits: Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2019 right database and v3.0 Copyright Licence Crown © Government data OS Open the Contains under Credits: Other licensed information Agency. sector public Environment Ireland contains Northern © reproduced Data England Natural Government © Open 2019. right database and copyright Crown © Data Survey Ordnance Contains Maddie Errington Maddie Drawnby: 1:5,000 A3: Scale at Caerphilly County Borough Council Borough County Caerphilly Caerphilly Plan Location Site
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200 Initial map production Initial map Metres Figure Figure 1 No: Drawing Kirsty Rogers Approvedby: Notes A Revision:
G:\GIS Southampton\A082625-18_Caerphilly\MXD\Figure1_SiteLoc_20200206.mxd Rev Date Notes A 25/02/20 Initial map production
Coed Trinant, Ebbw River East of South Pentwyn SINC Section SINC Mynydd Llanhilleth Legend Common SINC Pentwyn Site boundary Fields, Ty'r y-wen Pentwyn SINC Farm SINC Cefn Crib Site boundary 2km buffer Bog SINC Ancient semi natural woodland
Ancient woodland site - restored Craig Swffryd-fach SINC Pant-Glas Swffryd Cefn y Ancient woodland site - plantation Meadow, Ebbw River SINC Crib SINC Pen-y-Fan Industrial Trinant SINC South Tip Estate Woodland, Cwm Farm Ancient woodland site - unknown Section SINC Mynydd Oakdale SINC Pond SINC category Llanhilleth Swyffryd Common SINC Ganol NRW Priority area (Woodland - PAWS) Llanerch-Isaf Pond SINC Pontbren, North Woodland, of Crumlin SINC Wildlife Site / SINC (Adopted) Crumlin SINC Wildlife Site / SINC (Candidate) Crumlin Old Sofrydd Farm Meadows, Quarry SINC Crumlin SINC Swffryd Craig Gwent Wood SINC Wood Ancient Woodland SINC Cwm Kendon, Crumlin SINC Ty-Mawr Wood, Rhiw SINC River Ebbw SINC
Remploy Factory Grounds, Oakdale SINC Coed Cil-Lonydd, East of Newbridge SINC
Coed Goferau, Pant-Ysgawen Crumlin SINC Fields, Mynydd Maen, East Treowen SINC of Newbridge SINC Cwm Dows Valley, East of Penmaen SINC 0 150 300 600 Metres F Gwydon Valley Pentwyn-Isaf Woodlands, Woodlands, Abercarn SINC Pentwynmawr SINC Coed Gawni, East of Newbridge SINC
Cwm Hafod-Fach Woodlands, North of Abercarn SINC SINC and Ancient Woodland Sites within 2km of Site Location Caerphilly Caerphilly County Borough Council
Scale at A3: Project No: Drawing No: Revision: Cwm Hafod-Fach 1:16,000 A082625-18 Figure 2 A Woodlands, North Drawn by: Drawn date: Approved by: of Abercarn SINC Maddie Errington 25/02/2020 Kirsty Rogers
Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown copyright and database right 2019. © Natural England © Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Open Government Data reproduced contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 Other Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community G:\GIS Southampton\A082625-18_Caerphilly\MXD\Figure2_SINCAncWoodland2km_20200225.mxd Rev Date Notes A 06/02/20 Initial map production
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Broadleaved woodland - semi-natural
Broadleaved woodland - plantation
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TN1 TN25 TN21 TN3 TN18
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Phase 1 Habitat Plan
Caerphilly Caerphilly County Borough Council
Scale at A3: Project No: Drawing No: Revision: 1:1,700 A082625-18 Figure 3 A
Drawn by: Drawn date: Approved by: Maddie Errington 06/02/2020 Kirsty Rogers
Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown copyright and database right 2019. © Natural England © Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Open Government Data reproduced contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 Other Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community G:\GIS Southampton\A082625-18_Caerphilly\MXD\Figure3_Phase1_20200206.mxd Rev Date Notes A 06/02/20 Initial map production
Legend
Site boundary
Site boundary 500m buffer
Pond location
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Pond Location Plan
Caerphilly Caerphilly County Borough Council
Scale at A3: Project No: Drawing No: Revision: 1:5,000 A082625-18 Figure 4 A
Drawn by: Drawn date: Approved by: Maddie Errington 06/02/2020 Kirsty Rogers
Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown copyright and database right 2019. © Natural England © Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Open Government Data reproduced contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 Other Credits: Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2019 G:\GIS Southampton\A082625-18_Caerphilly\MXD\Figure4_PondLoc_20200206.mxd Rev Date Notes A 06/02/20 Initial map production
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Bat Roost Suitability - Buildings
Caerphilly Caerphilly County Borough Council
Scale at A3: Project No: Drawing No: Revision: 1:1,700 A082625-18 Figure 5 A
Drawn by: Drawn date: Approved by: Maddie Errington 06/02/2020 Kirsty Rogers
Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown copyright and database right 2019. © Natural England © Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Open Government Data reproduced contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 Other Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community G:\GIS Southampton\A082625-18_Caerphilly\MXD\Figure5_BatRoostSuitability_20200206.mxd Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix A – Report Conditions
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
REPORT CONDITIONS
This Report has been prepared using reasonable skill and care for the sole benefit of Caerphilly County Borough Council (“the Client”) for the proposed uses stated in the report by [WYG Environment Planning Transport Limited] (“WYG”). WYG exclude all liability for any other uses and to any other party. The report must not be relied on or reproduced in whole or in part by any other party without the copyright holder’s permission.
No liability is accepted or warranty given for; unconfirmed data, third party documents and information supplied to WYG or for the performance, reliability, standing etc of any products, services, organisations or companies referred to in this report. WYG does not purport to provide specialist legal, tax or accounting advice.
The report refers, within the limitations stated, to the environment of the site in the context of the surrounding area at the time of the inspections'. Environmental conditions can vary and no warranty is given as to the possibility of changes in the environment of the site and surrounding area at differing times. No investigative method can eliminate the possibility of obtaining partially imprecise, incomplete or not fully representative information. Any monitoring or survey work undertaken as part of the commission will have been subject to limitations, including for example timescale, seasonal and weather-related conditions. Actual environmental conditions are typically more complex and variable than the investigative, predictive and modelling approaches indicate in practice, and the output of such approaches cannot be relied upon as a comprehensive or accurate indicator of future conditions. The “shelf life” of the Report will be determined by a number of factors including; its original purpose, the Client’s instructions, passage of time, advances in technology and techniques, changes in legislation etc. and therefore may require future re-assessment.
The whole of the report must be read as other sections of the report may contain information which puts into context the findings in any executive summary.
The performance of environmental protection measures and of buildings and other structures in relation to acoustics, vibration, noise mitigation and other environmental issues is influenced to a large extent by the degree to which the relevant environmental considerations are incorporated into the final design and specifications and the quality of workmanship and compliance with the specifications on site during construction. WYG accept no liability for issues with performance arising from such factors.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix B – Wildlife Legislation
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Bern Convention The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention) was adopted in Bern, Switzerland in 1979, and was ratified in 1982. Its aims are to protect wild plants and animals and their habitats listed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the Convention, and regulate the exploitation of species listed in Appendix 3. The regulation imposes legal obligations on participating countries to protect over 500 plant species and more than 1000 animals. To meet its obligations imposed by the Convention, the European Community adopted the EC Birds Directive (1979) and the EC Habitats Directive (1992 – see below). Since the Lisbon Treaty, in force since 1st December 2009, European legislation has been adopted by the European Union. Bonn Convention The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals or ‘Bonn Convention’ was adopted in Bonn, Germany in 1979 and came into force in 1985. Participating states agree to work together to preserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection to species listed in Appendix I of the Convention. It also establishes agreements for the conservation and management of migratory species listed in Appendix II. In the UK, the requirements of the convention are implemented via the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended), Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW). Habitats Directive The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Fora, or the ‘Habitats Directive’, is a European Union directive adopted in 1992 in response to the Bern Convention. Its aims are to protect approximately 220 habitats and 1,000 species listed in its several Annexes. In the UK, the Habitats Directive is transposed into national law via the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) in England and Wales, and via the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) in Northern Ireland. Birds Directive The EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (791409/EEC) or ‘Birds Directive’ was introduced to achieve favourable conservation status of all wild bird species across their distribution range. In this context, the most important provision is the identification and classification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for rare or vulnerable species listed in Annex 1 of the Directive, as well as for all regularly occurring migratory species, paying particular attention to the protection of wetlands of international importance. Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 Regulations place a duty on the Secretary of State to propose a list of sites which are important for either habitats or species (listed in Annexes I or II of the Habitats Directive respectively) to the European Commission. These sites, if ratified by the European Commission, are then designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) within six years. Public bodies must also help preserve, maintain and re-establish habitats for wild birds. The Regulations also make it an offence to deliberately capture, kill, disturb or trade in the animals listed in Schedule 2, or pick, uproot, destroy, or trade in the plants listed in Schedule 5 - see below: Schedule 2 – European Protected Species of Schedule 5 – European Protected Species Animals of Plants Horseshoe bats Rhinolophidae - all species Shore dock Rumex rupestris Common bats Vespertilionidae - all species Killarney fern Trichomanes speciosum Large Blue Butterfly Maculinea arion Early gentian Gentianella anglica Wild cat Felis sylvestris Lady’s-slipper Cypripedium calceolus Dolphins, porpoises and whales Cetacea – all sp. Creeping marsh-wort Apium repens Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Slender naiad Najas flexilis Pool frog Rana lessonae Fen orchid Liparis loeselii Sand lizard Lacerta agilis Floating-leaved water plantain Luronium natans
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Fisher’s estuarine moth Gortyna borelii lunata Yellow marsh saxifrage Saxifraga hirculus Great crested newt Triturus cristatus Otter Lutra lutra Lesser whirlpool ram’s-horn snail Anisus vorticulus Smooth snake Coronella austriaca Sturgeon Acipenser sturio Natterjack toad Epidalea calamita Marine turtles Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Lepidochelys kempii, Eretmochelys imbricata, Dermochelys coriacea Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) This is the principal mechanism for the legislative protection of wildlife in the UK. This legislation is the chief means by which the ‘Bern Convention’ and the Birds Directive are implemented in the UK. Since it was first introduced, the Act has been amended several times. The Act makes it an offence to (with exception to species listed in Schedule 2) intentionally: • kill, injure, or take any wild bird; • take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use; or • take or destroy an egg of any wild bird. Or to intentionally do the following to a wild bird listed in Schedule 1: • disturbs any wild bird while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or • disturbs dependent young of such a bird. In addition, the Act makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to: • intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild animal listed on Schedule 5; • interfere with places used for shelter or protection, or intentionally disturbing animals occupying such places; and • The Act also prohibits certain methods of killing, injuring, or taking wild animals. Finally, the Act also makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to: • intentionally pick, uproot or destroy any wild plant listed in Schedule 8, or any seed or spore attached to any such wild plant; • unless an authorised person, intentionally uproot any wild plant not included in Schedule 8; or • sell, offer or expose for sale, or possess (for the purposes of trade), any live or dead wild plant included in Schedule 8, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a plant. Following all amendments to the Act, Schedule 5 ‘Animals which are Protected’ contains a total of 154 species of animal, including several mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Schedule 8 ‘Plants which are Protected’ of the Act, contains 185 species, including higher plants, bryophytes and fungi and lichens. A comprehensive and up-to-date list of these species can be obtained from the JNCC website. Part 14 of the Act makes unlawful to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild any plant which is listed in Part II of Schedule 9. It is recommended that plant material of these species is disposed of as bio-hazardous waste, and these plants should not be used in planting schemes. Schedule 1 - Birds which are protected by special penalties Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Osprey Pandion haliaetus Bee-eater Merops apiaster Owl, Barn Tyto alba Bittern Botaurus stellaris Owl, Snowy Nyctea scandiaca Bittern, Little Ixobrychus minutus Peregrine Falco peregrinus Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Petrel, Leach’s Oceanodroma leucorhoa Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Phalarope, Red-necked Phalaropus lobatus Bunting, Cirl Emberiza cirlus Plover, Kentish Charadrius alexandrinus Bunting, Lapland Calcarius lapponicus Plover, Little Ringed Charadrius dubius Bunting, Snow Plectrophenax nivalis Quail, Common Coturnix coturnix
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Buzzard, Honey Pernis apivorus Redstart, Black Phoenicurus ochruros Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Redwing Turdus iliacus Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Rosefinch, Scarlet Carpodacus erythrinus Corncrake Crex crex Ruff Philomachus pugnax Crake, Spotted Porzana porzana Sandpiper, Green Tringa ochropus Crossbills (all species) Loxia Sandpiper, Purple Calidris maritima Curlew, Stone Burhinus oedicnemus Sandpiper, Wood Tringa glareola Divers (all species) Gavia Scaup Aythya marila Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Scoter, Common Melanitta nigra Duck, Long-tailed Clangula hyemalis Scoter, Velvet Melanitta fusca Eagle, Golden Aquila chrysaetos Serin Serinus serinus Eagle, White-tailed Haliaetus albicilla Shorelark Eremophila alpestris Falcon, Gyr Falco rusticolus Shrike, Red-backed Lanius collurio Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Stilt, Black-winged Himantopus himantopus Garganey Anas querquedula Stint, Temminck’s Calidris temminckii Godwit, Black-tailed Limosa limosa Swan, Bewick’s Cygnus bewickii Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Swan, Whooper Cygnus cygnus Grebe, Black-necked Podiceps nigricollis Tern, Black Chlidonias niger Grebe, Slavonian Podiceps auritus Tern, Little Sterna albifrons Greenshank Tringa nebularia Tern, Roseate Sterna dougallii Gull, Little Larus minutus Tit, Bearded Panurus biarmicus Gull, Mediterranean Larus melanocephalus Tit, Crested Parus cristatus Harriers (all species) Circus Tree-creeper, Short-toed Certhia brachydactyla Heron, Purple Ardea purpurea Warbler, Cetti’s Cettia cetti Hobby Falco subbuteo Warbler, Dartford Sylvia undata Hoopoe Upupa epops Warbler, Marsh Acrocephalus palustris Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Warbler, Savi’s Locustella luscinioides Kite, Red Milvus milvus Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Merlin Falco columbarius Woodlark Lullula arborea Oriole, Golden Oriolus oriolus Wryneck Jynx torquilla Animal (Vertebrate) Species Listed in Schedule 5 (full legal protection at all times) Horseshoe Bats (all Rhinolophidae Newt – Great Crested Triturus cristatus species) Typical Bats (all Vespertilionidae Snake – Smooth Coronella austriaca species) Dolphin – Bottle-nosed Tursiops truncatus (tursio) Toad, Natterjack Epidalea calamita Dolphin – Common Delphinus delphis Turtles – All Species Cheloniidae & Dermochelyidae Dormouse – Hazel Muscardinus avellanarius Basking Shark Cetorhinus maximus Pine Marten Martes martes Burbot Lota lota Porpoise – Harbour Phocaena phocaena Goby – Giant Gobius cobitis Otter – Eurasian Lutra lutra Goby – Couch’s Gobius couchii Squirrel – Red Sciurus vulgaris Seahorse – Short- Hippocampus snouted3 hippocampus Walrus Odobenus rosmarus Seahorse – Spiny Hippocampus guttulatus Water Vole Arvicola amphibia Sturgeon Acipenser sturio Whales – All Species Cetacea Vendace Coregonus albula
3 Both sea horse species are protected in England only.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Wildcat Felis sylvestris Whitefish Coregonus lavaretus Lizard – Sand Lacerta agilis Animal (Vertebrate) Species Protected under Section 9 (1) part: Killing and Injuring & Section 9 (5) Sale Adder Vipera berus Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Lizard – Viviparous Zootoca vivipara Snake – Grass Natrix helvetica (natrix) Animals (Vertebrate) Species Protected under Section 9 (5) Sale only Frog – common Rana temporaria Newt – Smooth Lissotriton vulgaris Newt – Palmate Lissotriton helvetica Toad – Common Bufo bufo Animals (Vertebrate) Species Protected under Section 9 (1) (4)(a): Killing, Injuring &Taking and Damage / Destruction of place of shelter / protection only Allis Shad Alosa alosa Shark – Angel Squatina squatina Twaite Shad Alosa fallax Butterflies & Moths – Full Protection under Schedule 54 at all times High brown fritillary Argynnis adippe Fisher’s Estuarine Moth Gortyna borelii Large Blue Maculinea arion Barberry Carpet Pareulype berberata Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalea Black-veined Moth Siona lineata Marsh Fritillary Eurodryas aurinia Sussex Emerald Thalera fimbrialis Swallowtail Papilio machaon britannicus Essex Emerald Thetidia smaragdaris Large Copper Lycaena dispar Fiery Clearwing Bembecia chrysidiformis Reddish-buff Moth Acosmetia caliginosa New-Forest Burnet Zygaena viciae Butterflies – Protected under Section 9 (5) Sale Only Purple Emperor Apatura iris Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus Northern Brown Argus Aricia artaxerxes Chalkhill Blue Lysandra coridon Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros Large Heath Coenonympha tullia Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Small Blue Cupido minimus Black Hairstreak Strymonidia pruni Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron White-letter Hairstreak Strymonidia w-album Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae Silver-spotted Skipper Hesperia comma Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon Wood White Leptidea sinapis
Other Invertebrates – Full Protection under Schedule 5 at all times Rainbow Leaf-beetle Chrysolina cerealis Tadpole Shrimp Triops cancriformis Spangled Diving-beetle Graphopterus zonatus Trembling Sea-mat Victorella pavida Lesser Silver Water- Hydrochara caraboides De Folin’s Lagoon Snail Caecum armoricum beetle Moccas Beetle Hypebaeus flavipes Sandbowl Snail Catinella arenaria Violet Click-beetle Limoniscus violaceus Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera Bembridge Beetle Parcymus aeneus Glutinous Snail Myxas glutinosa New Forest Cicada Cicadetta montana Lagoon Snail Paludinella littorina Wart-Biter Decticus verrucivorus Lagoon Sea Slug Tenellia adspersa Mole-Cricket Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa Northern Hatchet-shell Thyasira gouldi Field-Cricket Gryllus campestris Tentacled Lagoon-worm Alkmaria romijni Norfolk Hawker Aeshna isosceles Lagoon Sand-worm Armandia cirrhosa Dragonfly
4 Viper’s Bugloss Moth Hadena irregularis was removed from Schedule 5 in 1996 as it is believed to be extinct.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Southern Damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale Medicinal Leech Hirudo medicinalis Fen Raft Spider Dolomedes fimbriatus Marine Hydroid Clavopsella navis Ladybird Spider Eresus niger (cinaberinus) Ivell’s Sea Anemone Edwardsia ivelli Fairy Shrimp Chirocephalus diaphanus Starlet Sea Anemone Nematosella vectensis Lagoon Sand Shrimp Gammarus insensibilis Atlantic Stream (White- Austropotamobius clawed) Crayfish pallipes Other Invertebrates Protected under Section 9 (1) Possession & 9 (2) (5) Sale only Stag Beetle Lucanus cervus Roman Snail5 Helix pomatia Fan Mussel Atrina fragilis Pink Sea-fan Eunicella verrucosa Other Invertebrates Protected under Section 9 (4) (a) Damage / Destruction of Place of Shelter / Protection only Mire Pill Beetle Curimopsis nigrita Vascular Plant Species - Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times (previous Scientific name in brackets) Adder’s-tongue Least Ophioglossum lusitanicum Lily – Snowdon Lloydia serotina Alison- Small Alyssum alyssoides Marsh-mallow – Rough Allthaea hirsuta Broomrape – Bedstraw Orobanche caryophyllacea Milk-parsley – Cambridge Selinum carvifolium Broomrape – Oxtongue Orobanche loricata (picridis) Mudwort – Welsh Limosella aquatica Broomrape – Thistle Orobanche reticulata6 Naiad – Holly-leaved Najas marina Cabbage – Lundy Rhynchosynapis wrightii Orache – Stalked Halimione pedunculata Calamint – Wood Calamintha sylvatica Orchid – Early Spider Ophrys sphegodes Catchfly – Alpine Lychnis alpina Orchid – Ghost Epipogium aphyllum Centaury – Slender Centaurium tenuiflorum Orchid – Lapland Marsh Dactylorhiza lapponica Cinquefoil – Rock Potentilla rupestris Orchid – Late Spider Ophrys fuciflora Clary – Meadow Salvia pratensis Orchid – Lizard Himantoglossum hircinum Club-rush – Triangular Scirpus triquetrus Orchid – Military Orchis militaris Colt’s-foot – Purple Homogyne alpina Orchid – Monkey Orchis simia Cotoneaster – Wild Cotoneaster integerrimus Pear – Plymouth Pyrus cordata Cotton-grass – Slender Eriophorum gracile Pennycress – Perfoliate Thlaspi perfoliata Cow-wheat – Field Melampyrum arvense Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium Crocus – Sand Romulus columnae Pigmyweed Crassula aquatica Cudweed – Broad- Filago pyramidata Pine - Ground Ajuga chamaepitys leaved Cudweed – Jersey Gnaphalium luteo-album Pink – Cheddar Dianthus gratianopolitanus Cudweed – Red-tipped Filago lutescens Pink – Childing Petrorhagia nanteuillii Cut-grass Leersia oryzoides Ragwort – Fen Senecio paludosus Deptford Pink Dianthus armeria Ramping-fumitory – Fumaria martinii Martin’s Diapensia Diapensia lapponica Rampion – Spiked Phyteuma spicata Eryngo – Field Eryngium campestre Restharrow – Small Ononis reclinata Fern – Dickie’s-bladder Cystopteris dickieana Rock-cress – Alpine Arabis alpina Fleabane – Alpine Erigeron borealis Rock-cress – Bristol Arabis scabra Fleabane – Small Pulicaria vulgaris Sandwort – Norwegian Arenaria norvegica7 Galingale – Brown Cyperus fuscus Sandwort – Teesdale Minuartia stricta Gentian – Alpine Gentiana nivalis Saxifrage – Drooping Saxifraga cernua
5 England only 6 The Weeds Act 1959 does not apply to thistles Cirsium & Carduus species supporting this broomrape. 7 All subspecies occurring in the UK
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Gentian - Dune Gentianella uliginosa Saxifrage – Tufted Saxifraga cespitosa Gentian – Fringed Gentianella ciliata Solomon’s-seal – Whorled Polygonatum verticillatum Gentian - Spring Gentiana verna Sow-thistle – Alpine Cicerbita alpina Germander – Cut- Teucrium botrys Spearwort – Adder’s- Ranunculus leaved tongue ophioglossifolius Germander – Water Teucrium scordium Speedwell – Fingered Veronica triphyllos Gladiolus – Wild Gladiolus illyricus Speedwell – Spiked Veronica spicata8 Goosefoot – Stinking Chenopodium vulvaria Spike-rush – Dwarf Eleocharis parvula Grass-poly Lythrum hyssopifolia South-stack Fleawort Tephroseris integrifolia ssp. maritima Hare’s-ear – Sickle- Bupleurum falcatum Star-of-Bethlehem – Early Gagea bohemica leaved Hare’s-ear – Small Bupleurum baldense Starfruit Damasonium allisma Hawk’s-beard – Stinking Crepis foetida Strapwort Corrigiola littoralis Hawkweed – Northroe Hieracium northroense Violet – Fen Viola persicifolia Hawkweed – Shetland Hieracium zetlandicum Viper’s-grass Scorzonera humilis Hawkweed – Weak- Hieracium attenuatifolium Water-plantain – Ribbon- Alisma gramineum leaved leaved Heath – Blue Phyllodoce caerulea Wood-sedge – Starved Carex depauperata Helleborine – Red Cephalanthera rubra Woodsia – Alpine Woodsia alpina Horsetail – Branched Equisetum ramossisimum Woodsia – Oblong Woodsia ilvensis Hound’s-tongue – Cynoglossum germanicum Wormwood – Field Artemisia campestris Green Knawel – Perennial Scleranthus perennis9 Woundwort - Downy Stachys germanica Knot-grass – Sea Polygonum maritimum Woundwort – Limestone Stachys alpina Leek – Round-headed Allium sphaerocephalum Yellow-rattle – Greater Rhinanthus angustifolius Lettuce – Least Lactuca salina Vascular Plant Species – Partial Protection under Section 13 (2) Protection from commercial exploitation and sale Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scriptus Bryophytes – Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times Anamodon – Long- Anomodon langifolius Flamingo Moss Desmatodon cernuus leaved Blackwort Southbya nigrella Frostwort Gymnomitrion apiculatum Crystalwort – Lizard Riccia bifurca Glaucous Beard Moss Barbula glauca Earwort – Marsh Jamesoniella undulifolia Green Shield Moss Buxbaumia viridis Feathermoss – Polar Hygrohypnum polare Hair Silk Moss Plagiothecium piliferum Flapwort – Norfolk Leiocolea rutheana Knothole Moss Zygodon forsteri Grimmia – Blunt-leaved Grimmia unicolor Large Yellow Feather Scorpidium turgescens Moss Petalwort Petalophyllum ralfsii Millimetre Moss Micromitrium tenerum Lindenberg’s Leafy- Adelanthus lindenbergianus Multi-fruited River Moss Cryphaea lamyana Liverwort Feather-moss Slender Drepanocladus vernicosus Nowell’s Limestone Moss Zygodon gracilis Green Alpine Copper-Moss Mielichoferia meilicoferia Rigid Apple Moss Bartramia stricta Baltic Bog-Moss Sphagnum balticum Round-leaved feather Rhynchostegium Moss rotundifolium Blue Dew-Moss Saelania glaucescens Schleicher’s Thread Moss Bryum schleicheri
8 Both subspecies: spicata & hybrida 9 Includes both subspecies: perennis & prostratus
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Blunt-leaved bristle- Orthotrichum obtusifolium Triangular Pygmy Moss Acaulon triquetrum Moss Bright-Green Cave-Moss Cyclodictyon laetevirens Turpswort Geocalyx graveolens Cordate Beard Moss Barbula cordata Vaucher’s Feather Moss Hypnum vaucheri Cornish Path Moss Ditrichum cornubicum Western Rustwort Marsupella profunda Derbyshire Feather Thamnobryum angustifolium Moss Stoneworts – Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times Bearded Stonewort Chara canescens Foxtail Stonewort Lamprothamnium papullosum Lichens – Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times New Forest Beech Enterographa elaborata Forked Hair Lichen Bryoria furcellata Lichen Snow Caloplaca Caloplaca nivalis Golden Hair Lichen Teloschistes flavicans Tree Catapyrenium Catapyrenium psoromoides Orange-fruited Elm Caloplaca luteoalba Lichen Laurer’s Catillaria Catillaria laurei River Jelly Lichen Collema dichotomum Convoluted Cladonia Cladonia convoluta Starry Breck Lichen Buellia asterella Upright Mountain Cladonia stricta Caledonia Pannaria Pannaria ignobilis Cladonia Goblin Lights Catolechia wahlenbergii New Forest Parmelia Parmelia minarum Elm Gyalecta Gyalecta ulmi Oil Stain Parmentaria Parmentaria chilensis Tarn Lecanora Lecanora archariana Southern Grey Physcia Physcia tribacioides Copper Lecidea Lecidea inops Ragged Pseudo- Pseudocyphellaria cyphellaria lacerata Arctic Kidney Lichen Nephroma arcticum Rusty Alpine Psora Psora rubiformis Ciliate Strap Lichen Heterodermia leucomelos Rock Nail Calicium corynellum Coralloid Rosette Lichen Heterodermia propagulifera Serpentine Selanopsora Selanopsora liparina Ear-lobed Dog Lichen Peltigera lepidophora Sulphur Tresses Alectoria ochroleuca Lichens – Partial Protection under Section 13 (2) Commercial Exploitation and Sale Only Tree Lungwort Lobaria pulmonaria Fungi – Full Protection under Schedule 8 at all times Royal Bolete Boletus regius Oak Polypore Buglossosporus pulvinus Hedgehog Fungus Hericium erinaceum Sandy Stilt Ball Battaria phalloides Invasive plant species listed in Schedule 9 Australian swamp Crassula helmsii Japanese rose Rosa rugosa stonecrop or New Zealand pygmyweed Californian red seaweed Pikea californica Japanese seaweed Sargassum muticum Curly waterweed Lagarosiphon major Laver seaweeds (except Porphyra spp native species) Duck potato Sagittaria latifolia Parrot’s-feather Myriophyllum aquaticum Entire-leaved Cotoneaster integrifolius Perfoliate alexanders Smyrnium perfoliatum cotoneaster False Virginia creeper Parthenocissus inserta Pontic rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum Fanwort or Carolina Cabomba caroliniana Purple dewplant Disphyma crassifolium water-shield Few-flowered garlic Allium paradoxum Red algae Grateloupia luxurians Floating pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum × Rhododendron maximum Floating water primrose Ludwigia peploides Small-leaved cotoneaster Cotoneaster microphyllus Giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Three-cornered garlic Allium triquetrum
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Giant kelp Macrocystis spp. Variegated yellow Lamiastrum galeobdolon archangel subsp. argentatum Giant knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Giant rhubarb Gunnera tinctoria Wakame Undaria pinnatifida Giant salvinia Salvinia molesta Wall cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis Green seafingers Codium fragile Water fern Azolla filiculoides Himalayan cotoneaster Cotoneaster simonsii Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Hollyberry cotoneaster Cotoneaster bullatus Water lettuce Pistia stratiotes Hooked asparagus Asparagopsis armata Water primrose Ludwigia grandiflora seaweed Hottentot fig Carpobrotus edulis Water primrose Ludwigia uruguayensis Hybrid knotweed Fallopia japonica × Fallopia Waterweeds Elodea spp. sachalinensis Indian (Himalayan) Impatiens glandulifera Yellow azalea Rhododendron luteum balsam Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica Protection of Badgers Act 1992 The main legislation protecting badgers in England and Wales is the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 (the 1992 Act). Under the 1992 Act it is an offence to: wilfully kill, injure, take or attempt to kill, injure or take a badger; dig for a badger; interfere with a badger sett by, damaging a sett or any part thereof, destroying a sett, obstructing access to a sett, causing a dog to enter a sett or disturbing a badger while occupying a sett. The 1992 Act defines a badger sett as: “any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger” Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Section 41 (S41) of this Act requires the Secretary of State to publish a list (in consultation with Natural England) of Habitats and Species which are of Principal Importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. The S41 list is used to guide decision-makers such as public bodies including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal (e.g. planning) functions. The S41 list includes 65 Habitats of Principal Importance and 1,150 Species of Principal Importance. Hedgerow Regulations 1997 The Hedgerow Regulations were made under Section 97 of the Environment Act 1995 and came into force in 1997. They introduced new arrangements for local planning authorities in England and Wales to protect important hedgerows in the countryside, by controlling their removal through a system of notification. Important hedgerows are defined by complex assessment criteria, which draw on biodiversity features, historical context and the landscape value of the hedgerow.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Birds of Conservation Concern This is a review of the status of all birds occurring regularly in the United Kingdom. It is regularly updated and is prepared by leading bird conservation organisations, including the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The latest report was produced in 2015 (Eaton et al, 2015) and identified 67 red list species, 96 amber species, and 81 green species. The criteria are complex, but generally: • Red list species are those that have shown a decline of the breeding population, non- breeding population or breeding range of more than 50% in the last 25 years. • Amber list species are those that have shown a decline of the breeding population, non- breeding population or breeding range of between 25% and 50% in the last 25 years. Species that have a UK breeding population of less than 300 or a non-breeding population of less than 900 individuals are also included, together with those whose 50% of the population is localised in 10 sites or fewer and those whose 20% of the European population is found in the UK. • Green list species are all regularly occurring species that do not qualify under any of the red or amber criteria are green listed Global IUCN Red List The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Threatened Species was devised to provide a list of those species that are most at risk of becoming extinct globally. It provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information about threatened taxa around the globe. The system catalogues threatened species into groups of varying levels of threat, which are: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC), Data Deficient (DD), Not Evaluated (NE). Criteria for designation into each of the categories is complex, and consider several principles. Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP) identify habitat and species conservation priorities at a local level (typically at the County level), and are usually drawn up by a consortium of local Government organisations and conservation charities. Some LBAP’s may also include Habitat Action Plans (HAP) and/or Species Action Plans (SAP), which are used to guide and inform the local decision making process. Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 This Act offers protects a form of protection to all wild species of mammals, irrespective of other legislation, and focussed on animal welfare, rather than conservation. Unless covered by one of the exceptions, a person is guilty of an offence if he mutilates, kicks, beats, nails or otherwise impales, stabs, burns, stones, crushes, drowns, drags or asphyxiates any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering. It’s application is typically restricted to preventing deliberate harm to wildlife (in general) during construction works etc.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix C – Target Notes
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Target Description Photograph Note 1 ST2183398613
Broad-leaved semi-natural woodland on south-facing slope c. 20-30 m high above stream and below A472 Hafodyrynys Road.
Canopy mainly sycamore, ash and alder standards over ivy and bramble, with sparse shrub layer of holly and hazel.
Canopy to 20-30m, 100% cover: Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Dominant Alder Alnus glutinosa Frequent Ash Fraxinus excelsior Frequent Pedunculate oak Quercus robur Occasional Silver birch Betula pendula Rare Wych Elm Ulmus glabra Rare
Shrub layer to c. 2 m, 10% cover: Hazel Corylus avellana Frequent Holly Ilex aquifolium Frequent Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Occasional Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Occasional Ash Fraxinus excelsior Occasional Beech Fagus sylvatica Rare Pedunculate oak Quercus robur Rare Elder Sambucus nigra Rare
Ground layer c. 0.2 m, 50% cover: Common ivy Hedera helix Abundant Hart’s-tongue Asplenium scolopendrium Frequent Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Frequent Moss Frequent Herb-Robert Geranium robertianum Occasional Wood avens Geum urbanum Occasional Wood speedwell Veronica montana Occasional Wavy bittercress Cardamine flexuosa Rare Broad buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata Rare Male-fern Dryopteris filix-mas Rare Broad-leaved willowherb Epilobium montanum Rare Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus Rare Tutsan Hypericum androsaemum Rare Nipplewort Lapsana communis Rare Soft shield-fern Polystichum setiferum Rare Flowering currant Ribes sanguineum Rare Hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica Rare
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Dandelion Taraxacum agg. Rare Common nettle Urtica dioica Rare
Fenced at top from road. Lots of rubbish tipped from road.
Ash die-back and canker on ash noted, otherwise trees look good, with only a little small fallen timber.
Most of the upper slope appears made ground from the road building, but the bottom of the slope and western end may be original ground.
Numerous small road drains outfalls off A472, and appears to be one larger pipeline through woodland. West end near houses has power lines across.
Woodland on opposite side of stream looks older with larger trees.
2 ST2198398631
Fast-flowing stream with hard bottom, c. 1-2 m wide occasionally to 4 m with series of 0.1-0.2 m drops and many large stones.
Currently lots of water due to recent rain.
No aquatic vegetation; banks with liverworts, mosses and opposite-leaved golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
3 ST2188898613
Clumps of Japanese knotweed Reynoutria japonica along stream, c. eight clumps over 20 m.
4 ST2178198594
Gardens of houses, mix of neglected garden with bramble or weeds or more managed with lawns and flower beds, many with small sheds, walls and decking or patios on slopes.
Most fenced from river, but lots of miscellaneous material (logs, old toys, mop etc.) dumped on river side of fence.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
5 ST2159198534
Large debris grill at base of river with steep concrete sides, no fish or mammal pass. Grill recently cleared.
Large patch of Japanese knotweed on south side of river by grill.
6 ST2157398520
Broad-leaved plantation on small bank c. 10 m high between road and track. A few tree stakes still present. Access track to river grill on lower side, unfenced.
Canopy 12-15 m high, 100% cover Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Dominant Alder Alnus glutinosa Frequent Ash Fraxinus excelsior Frequent Beech Fagus sylvatica Frequent Pedunculate oak Quercus robur Occasional Hazel Corylus avellana Rare Holly Ilex aquifolium Rare Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Occasional Austrian pine Pinus nigra Occasional along top edge.
Ground layer c. 0.5 m, 80% cover Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Frequent Wood avens Geum urbanum Occasional Wood speedwell Veronica montana Occasional Male-fern Dryopteris filix-mas Rare Common nettle Urtica dioica Rare
7 ST2161698533
Small area of semi-natural broad-leaved woodland c. 30 m long incorporated into wooded garden immediately SW of lowest house.
Steep bank with large sycamore and pedunculate oak trees to 25 m tall at top over holly and bramble, one conifer at
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
base. Essentially similar to woodland above terrace see Target note 1.
Two clumps of Japanese knotweed on south bank of river below garden.
8 ST2164998562
Gardens on A472 side of terrace narrow, mostly with walls and steps.
Some scattered weeds present along pavement and parking bays:
Danish scurvy-grass Cochlearia danica Occasional Herb-Robert Geranium robertianum Occasional Dandelion Taraxacum agg. Occasional Red Valerian Centranthus ruber Occasional Ivy-leaved toadflax Cymbalaria muralis Occasional Smooth sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus Occasional Chickweed Stellaria media Occasional Willowherb Epilobium sp. Rare Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus Rare Perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne Rare Wall lettuce Mycelis muralis Rare Water bent Polypogon viridis Rare Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris Rare
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
9 ST2188398628
A472 verge fenced from wood, 0.5-3 m wide, mown, mainly ivy with scattered cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, wood avens, willowherb, creeping buttercup and hogweed.
10 Standing deadwood evidence of invertebrates.
11 Standing dead tree, westerly facing rot holes at base with cavity extending into stem – moderate potential, further survey required.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
12 Standing dead tree with peeling bark - low potential.
13 Large twin stemmed sycamore, missing limbs (north facing) potential rot holes and damage-moderate potential, further survey required.
14 Large sycamore, compression fork with signs of rot – low bat potential.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
15 Standing dead wood with peeling bark – low bat potential.
16 Large mature alder with a small north facing hole in base, thick ivy covering the remaining tree potentially concealing further evidence – moderate potential, further survey required.
17 Large log pile.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
18 Large sycamore multi-stemmed southerly facing missing limb/tear and peeling bark- moderate potential, further survey required.
19 Standing deadwood, northerly facing large rot site and cavity – moderate potential, further survey required.
20 Group of mature trees with missing limbs from management – moderate potential, further survey required.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
21 Multi-stem sycamore with northerly facing holes from fallen limbs – moderate potential, further survey required.
22 Beech tree with small knot hole – low bat potential.
23 Ash tree with large rot sites, northly facing. Surveyed with binoculars, doesn’t appear to be continuous – negligible bat potential.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
24 Sycamore with a large frost crack, westerly facing – moderate potential, further survey required.
25 Missing limb, potential rot site – moderate potential, further survey required.
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
Appendix D – HSI Results
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18 Hafodyrynys Road, Caerphilly: Ecological Appraisal
HSI Calculation and Score for Ponds within 500m
Geographic Area Water Shade Ponds Terrestrial Macrophytes Pond Ref. Permanence Fowl Fish Score Suitability location (m2) quality (%) per km2 Habitat (%)
Description B 120 Never dries Good 40 Minor Minor 2.2 Good 90 1 0.66 Average Score 0.5 0.2 0.9 1 1 0.67 0.33 0.9 1 0.9 Description B 250 Never dries Good 50 Minor Possible 2.2 Good 80 2 0.78 Good Score 0.5 0.5 0.9 1 1 0.67 0.67 0.9 1 1
Description Pond not present during survey – area appears to be a wet flush on a hillside leading to stream, unlikely to hold 3 - - Score water at any time during the season.
Description Appears as a waterbody on aerial imagery – survey identified this as a section of un-culverted stream, very fast 4 - - Score flowing with waterfalls present.
Description B 130 Dries annually Poor 20 Absent Absent 2.2 Moderate 20 Below 5 0.52 Score 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.33 1 1 1 0.9 0.67 0.5 average
Caerphilly County Borough Council February 2020 A082625-18
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