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7.6 A major contributor to the ecology baseline is Seán Meehan, a graduate member of the 7. Terrestrial Fauna CIEEM (GradCIEEM). Seán has an MSc in Biological Recording from the University of Birmingham and has worked as a Consultant Ecologist across Ireland for over four years. He Introduction is experienced in carrying out Phase 1 and 2 habitat surveys, National Vegetation Classification (NVC) and Fossitt habitat surveys, mammal (including bat), reptile and 7.1 Blackstaff Ecology Ltd was commissioned by RES to undertake a (non-avian) Ecological amphibian surveys. He coordinated the Irish Wildlife Trusts smooth newt survey of Ireland in Impact Assessment (EcIA) for the Proposed Wind Farm Development. The ecological surveys 2013 and has managed many projects and events for the Trust, including the National used to describe the baseline conditions on Site and to inform the EcIA were undertaken Common Lizard Survey in 2007. In 2014, Seán was appointed a director of the Trust. His during the 2014/15 survey seasons. experience also includes surveying and mapping of rare and endangered plant species in 7.2 The Proposed Wind Farm Development will involve construction of 11 wind turbines (overall Ireland and working on the EU funded LUCAS land cover scheme as an environmental height 149.9 m) and associated ancillary works. Full details can be found in Chapter 2: The surveyor in 2009. Seán is also an active member of the BSBI (Botanical Society of the British Proposed Project. Isles) and is especially interested in the recording of rare and threatened flora in both Ireland and Britain. 7.3 The chapter is supported by: • Appendix 7.1 – Bat Analysis Results; 7.7 Jenifer Andreu is an ecologist with Blackstaff Ecology Ltd who worked on both the badger • Appendix 7.2 – Fauna Surveys Report. and bat surveys for the proposed Corlacky Hill Wind Farm. Jenifer has an MSc in Environmental Science and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Figures 7.1 – 7.11 are referenced in the text where relevant. Environmental Management (ACIEEM). She has provided ecological advice to clients from the private sector for a range of projects across the UK , Jordan, Spain and Bulgaria. Statement of Authority This has included bat surveys for several wind farms in Spain and Bulgaria as well as a 7.4 The author of this chapter is Cormac Loughran, a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), and a number of strategic road schemes and high speed railways in the UK. Jenifer also has full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM). extensive experience in carrying out bird, bat and badger surveys (bat detectors, emergence Cormac has worked professionally as a Consultant Ecologist for over 11 years. He holds an and transect survey, vantage point, nest inspection and bait marking). MSc (Distinction) in Environmental Management from the University of Ulster, and has extensive experience in a broad range of flora & fauna surveys. He has undertaken and/or Legislation & Planning Policy coordinated a wide range of ecological surveys including bat surveys for over 20 renewable 7.8 The following legislation and planning policy is considered to be of relevance to the energy projects. Cormac is also an experienced field naturalist and prior to his consultancy Proposed Wind Farm Development. work, he worked as a warden/ranger for The National Trust on a number of important nature reserves between 1995 and 2004. These included Murlough National Nature Reserve International Treaties, Conventions & Directives (NNR) in County Down, where among other responsibilities Cormac had to undertake the Bonn Convention of the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (June 1979) annual larval webs surveys for Marsh Fritillary Butterfly. He also has habitat management experience across a broad range of habitats in including broadleaved woodland, wetland, 7.9 The Convention requires the protection of the endangered migratory species listed and dune grassland, wet & dry heathland and blanket bog. encourages separate international agreements covering particular species. An agreement covering the conservation of bats in Europe came into force in January 1994. It deals with 7.5 Cormac has also previously held a Natural England Disturbance Licence (20121610) for Bats the need to protect bats and their feeding and roosting areas. (all species, in all counties of England). Cormac has attended numerous courses and conferences, specifically relating to bats. These have included the Natural England approved Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats 'Bat Licence Training Course' run by Wildwood Ecology (Cardiff). Cormac has also attended (September 1979) the BCT (Bat Conservation Trust) approved course 'Bats and Trees', and has attended the last 7.10 The Convention carries obligations to conserve wild plants, birds and other animals, with three BCI (Bat Conservation Ireland) biannual conferences (2010 Kilkenny, 2012 Sligo & Cork particular emphasis on endangered and vulnerable species and their habitats. The 2014). He also attended the Nathusius' Pipistrelle Workshop in Enniskillen (2009). provisions of the Convention underlie the EC Habitats Directive as well as the UK’s wildlife legislation.
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UN Biodiversity Convention (The Rio Convention) (June 1992) Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended)
7.11 The Convention provides a framework for international action to protect species and 7.16 The Order provides for the establishment of National Nature Reserves (NNRs), Nature habitats. The UK’s overall goal under the Convention is to conserve and enhance biological Reserves (NRs) and Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs). It also provides for the designation and diversity within the UK and to contribute to the conservation of global biodiversity through formulation of proposals for National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty all appropriate mechanisms. (AONBs). Convention on Biological Diversity (93/626/EEC) (CBD) The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended)
7.12 The Convention requires contracting parties, in accordance with its particular conditions 7.17 The Order prohibits the intentional killing, taking or injuring of certain wild birds or wild and capabilities, to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation animals; or the intentional destruction, uprooting or picking of certain wild plants. It also and sustainable use of biological diversity or adapt for this purpose existing strategies, plans allows for the establishment of Wildlife Refuges (akin to Nature Reserves) for the special or programmes. It also requires contracting parties to integrate, as far as possible and as protection of certain species of rare plants or animals. appropriate, the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into relevant The Environmental Liability (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) sectorial and cross sectorial plans, programmes and policies. 2009 EC Council Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats of Wild Fauna and Flora 7.18 The Regulations implement Directive 2004/35/EC and require those carrying out certain (92/43/EEC) (The Habitats Directive) activities to prevent, limit and remediate significant environmental damage to protected 7.13 The overall objective of the Directive is to contribute towards ensuring the maintenance of species, natural habitats, ASSIs, surface water, ground water and land. Operators of biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. activities such as discharges to water sources and water impounding are liable for any Measures taken to achieve this shall be designed to maintain or restore, at favourable significant environmental damage, regardless of whether or not they intended to cause the conservation status, biodiversity whilst taking account of economic, social, cultural damage or were negligent. requirements and regional and local characteristics. It gives effect to site and species Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 protection measures through establishment of the Natura 2000 network, including the designation of SACs and SPAs. It also established a list of species (other than birds) whose 7.19 The Act makes provision about biodiversity; amends the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order habitats must be protected to secure their survival. These priority species and natural 1985 and Part 4 of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002; abolishes game licences habitats are subject to a higher level of protection. The Directive also requires appropriate and game dealers' licences; prohibits hare coursing events and amends the Game assessment of any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the Preservation Act (Northern Ireland) 1928. management of a Natura 2000 site, but likely to have significant effects upon a Natura 2000 Northern Ireland Planning Policy site, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects. Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035: Building a Better Future Domestic Legislation 7.20 The Strategy takes account of European and national policies which would have an influence Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) on the future development of Northern Ireland. The Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) 7.14 The Regulations give effect to requirements relating to the designation of protected sites Order 1999 requires Northern Ireland Departments to have regard to the Regional under the Birds Directive and Habitats Directive. The Regulations provide for the protection Development Strategy in exercising any functions in relation to development. There are two and management of European Sites and place obligations on all competent authorities to types of Strategic Guidance: Regional Guidance (RG) and Spatial Framework Guidance (SFG). have regard to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. The Regulations also provide for RG applies to everywhere in the region and is presented under the three sustainable the protection of species of European importance. development themes of Economy, Society and Environment. Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 7.21 In particular RG 9 - RG 12 (Environment) have been adjusted to meet obligations under the Habitats Regulations. Of particular relevance to the Development is RG 11: Conserve, 7.15 The Order provides for the designation, management and protection of Areas of Special protect and, where possible, enhance our built heritage and our natural environment. This Scientific Interest (ASSIs). ASSIs may be designated for important geology and land forms as Strategy Guidance refers to the need to; well as for wildlife and habitats. The legislation repeals Part VI of the Nature Conservation and Amenity (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
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• Sustain and enhance biodiversity in line with the objective of the Northern Ireland Planning Policy Statement 18 ‘Renewable Energy’ Biodiversity Strategy to halt the loss of indigenous species and habitats. By protecting 7.25 Planning Policy Statement 18 (PPS18) ‘Renewable Energy’3 was published in August 2009 existing, or creating new, ecological or wildlife corridors particularly in our cities and with the objective of facilitating the siting of renewable energy generating projects in towns we can provide valuable help to arrest the decline in biodiversity. appropriate locations within built or natural environments, ensuring that environmental, • Identify, establish, protect and manage ecological networks. Ecological networks, landscape, visual and amenity impacts of such projects are addressed. In relation to natural including the protection of priority species, are needed to maintain environmental heritage, renewable energy projects must not result in unacceptable adverse impacts on processes and help to conserve and enhance biodiversity. A well-established ecological biodiversity or nature conservation. Wind energy projects must take into account the network, including designated sites, should provide the habitats needed for ecosystems cumulative impacts from wind turbines in the locality – both existing consented turbines, and species populations to survive in an increasingly human dominated landscape. Such and those at the planning stage. PPS18 also clarifies that development on active peatland is networks could also be of amenity value if linked to the green infrastructure provided by not permitted unless there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest. walking and cycle routes to heritage and other recreational interest. PPS 21 Sustainable Development in the Countryside Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (SPPS) 7.26 PPS 21 aims to, “Manage development in the countryside in a manner consistent with 7.22 The Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (SPPS)1 was published in 2015 achieving the strategic objectives of the Regional Development Strategy for Northern and consolidates 20 separate policy documents into a single publication and sets out Ireland 2025.” Objectives include to “Conserve the landscape and natural resources of the planning policy for a wide range of planning matters. The SPPS is linked to the restructuring rural area and to protect it from excessive, inappropriate or obtrusive development and of local government in Northern Ireland, whereby councils will have responsibility for a from the actual or potential effects of pollution,” and to “Promote high standards in the number of planning functions including local plan-making, development management and design, siting and landscaping of development in the countryside.” planning enforcement. The policy provisions of Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 2 ‘Natural Heritage’ and PPS18 ‘Renewable Energy’, which apply to the Proposed Wind Farm Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy Development, are retained under the SPPS and are discussed below. 7.27 A new strategy has just been published by the DoE entitled, Valuing Nature – A Biodiversity Planning Policy Statement 2 ‘Natural Heritage’ Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020 (01 July 2015). This document describes 20 targets arising from the 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which was held in Noyoga, 7.23 Planning Policy Statement 2 (PPS2)2 ‘Natural Heritage’ supersedes PPS2 Planning and Nature Japan during October 2010. A key decision at the Convention was the adoption of a new ten- Conservation (1997). Within the context of the precautionary principal the objectives of year strategic plan to guide international and national effort to save biodiversity. The PPS2 are to further improve abundance, diversity and distinctiveness of the region’s natural strategic plan, or the Aichi Target, adopted by the meeting is the overarching, heritage through conservation, enhancement and restoration of existing habitats. The policy internationally agreed, framework on biodiversity. The 20 Aichi Targets form the basis for also assists in meeting international, national and local responsibilities. Development must the Implementation Plan for the NI Biodiversity Strategy. The CBD fully adopted the be sustainable and take into account the role of biodiversity in contributing to rural and ecosystem services approach that stresses the need to look at maintaining the functionality urban regeneration. The policy also requires efforts to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to of ecosystems as key to protecting biodiversity and delivering benefits for humanity. climate change. Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 7.24 Under Article 3 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 the Department has a duty to implement a policy for securing the orderly and consistent development of land and for the 7.28 The Strategy sets out the Government agenda for ensuring that sustainable practice planning of that development’. This Planning Policy Statement aims to further assist becomes an integral part of development policy in Northern Ireland. The following six compliance with international, national and local commitments in conservation, protection principles of the strategy continue to echo those developed from the previous strategy, and and enhancement of natural heritage within Northern Ireland. are as follows; • Living within Environmental Limits; • Ensuring a Strong, Healthy, Just and Equal Society; • Achieving a Sustainable Economy; 1 Department of the Environment (2015) Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland – Planning for Sustainable Development. Available at http://www.planningni.gov.uk/spps [accessed 30/10/2015]. 2 3 Department of Environment (2013) Planning Policy Statement 2: Natural Heritage. Available at Department of Environment (2009) planning Policy Statement 18: Renewable Energy. Available at: http://www.planningni.gov.uk/index/policy/planning_statements/pps2.htm [accessed 30/10/15]. http://www.planningni.gov.uk/index/policy/planning_statements/planning_policy_statement_18_renewable_energy-2.htm [accessed 30/10/15]. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 3
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• Promoting Good Governance; Scope of Assessment • Using Sound Science Responsibly; • Promoting Opportunity and Innovation. Ecological Impact Assessment
7.29 The strategic objective most relevant to this development is: Ensuring reliable, affordable 7.34 The assessment is based mainly on a study area surrounding the Proposed Wind Farm and sustainable energy provision and reducing our carbon footprint. Development and associated infrastructure. Surveys for bats were extended to 200 m Guidance on Species/Habitats of Conservation Concern outside the Preliminary Site Boundary, as required by NIEA guidance. Sites designated for their nature conservation features within a radius of 15 km of the site boundary (Figure 7.1) Red Data Book were also considered in order to assess potential remote effects on valuable ecological site- based receptors. 7.30 Vascular plant species that are rare and/or threatened on an all-Ireland or European scale have been identified as Red Data Book (RDB) species (Curtis & McGough, 1988). 7.35 The aim of EcIA is therefore to describe and assess potential significant effects upon ecological receptors within the application site and zone of ecological influence within the Northern Ireland Species of Conservation Concern wider environment as applicable. This is achieved by informed decision making in 7.31 NIEA has produced a list of Northern Ireland Priority Species (NIPS) and Species of accordance with published methodologies and after having collected a range of primary Conservation Concern (SOCC), which includes Biodiversity Action Plan species, not all of survey data across the site of proposed development. Identification and evaluation of likely which are Red Data Book species. Rarity is also a criterion for inclusion in the list. NIEA is significance of effects associated with the Proposed Wind Farm Development during also in the process of identifying vascular plant species that are of conservation concern as construction, operation and decommissioning phases is followed by the recommending of the NI response to the adoption by the UK of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation appropriate mitigation measures to avoid and/or reduce the predicted adverse effects of (Palmer, 1994). The proposed list will be comprehensive and include species that are near- the proposed development on the recorded ecological receptors identified as part of the threatened as well as those protected by the Wildlife Order or listed as NIPS and SOCC. This baseline survey. process of evaluation of the current list of species of conservation concern is on-going. 7.36 The baseline survey, characterisation of the environment and the likely significance of Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on flora, ornithology, aquatic ecology, 7.32 Local Authorities have been able to employ Biodiversity Officers, with financial aid from fisheries are reported upon in Chapter 6: Habitats, Chapter 8: Ornithology and Chapter 9: NIEA, since 2004. Their duties include raising awareness of biodiversity issues within local Fisheries. areas, and the development of LBAPs as a means of conserving and enhancing biodiversity at Consultation a local scale. 7.37 Consultation was undertaken with the statutory and non-statutory organisations listed below Guidance on Identification of Active Peat regarding the proposed scope of the EcIA; the location of any statutory and non-statutory 7.33 NIEA has produced guidance on the identification of active peat; The Natural Heritage, designated nature conservation sites that have the potential to be impacted by the Development Management Team Advice Note states that you are more likely to be on active Proposed Wind Farm Development; identification of potential ecological receptors; the peatland if the site contains any of these indicators: existence of any ecological records within 2 km of the Preliminary Site Boundary; and the • Sphagnum is present ; existence of bat records within 15 km of the site. • If the surface is spongy underfoot ; • Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR); • Deep peat is present (>0.5 m) ; • National Biodiversity Network (NBN); • Intact peat is present or the hydrology is still intact ; • NIEA – Natural Environment Division; • E. vaginatum/ angustifolium is present in significant quantities with some Sphagnum; • Northern Ireland Bat Group (NIBG). • The typical range of blanket bog and raised bog species is present as indicated within 7.38 CEDaR, NIBG and NBN provided biological records. NIEA provided a written response. Table the interpretation manual; and 7.1 summarises pertinent points of relevance to this chapter that were raised in this • There is a hummock and pool topography. response. Table 7.1: NIEA Consultation Response
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Consultee Summary of response EIA should cover both habitats and species of flora and fauna, especially protected species, and that it should cover both the site and its surroundings, in all seasons. The developer will NIEA NIEA would emphasise the following: be required to consider the potential impact of the scheme on designated sites. Where Natural . The ES should describe both habitats and species of flora and fauna present. It Environment should cover both the proposed site and the surrounding area. It should include there is a potential for impacts on a European protected site (SPA, SAC) the developer will Division any designated sites and protected species which may be affected. be responsible for informing a HRA as mandated by Article 6 of EC Directive 92/43/EEC on . The ES should include a description of the likely significant effects, both positive the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ("the Habitats Directive"). and negative, at all stages of the development to include direct, indirect, Table 7.1 provides a summary of the consultation responses received from the NIEA. secondary and cumulative effects in the short, medium and long term. A description of the forecasting methods used to predict these effects should also 7.40 The consultation and desk study identified those ecological receptors most likely to be be included. impacted by the proposed wind farm. Ecological receptors identified included; Northern . A description of proposed measures to prevent, reduce or offset any significant adverse effects on the environment (i.e. Avoidance, Mitigation, Compensation, Ireland or European priority habitat, protected species, argent & sable moth Rheumaptera and Enhancement) must be included. hastata (whose food plant is bog myrtle Myrica gale and is therefore a species associated . An indication of any difficulties encountered during the EIA process, limitations of with peatland habitats) and marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia. The ecological surveys and surveys and any uncertainties in the data must be included. EcIA therefore concentrate on the potential effects of the Proposed Wind Farm . The different chapters of the ES should be inter-related and the ecology chapter should be cross referenced where appropriate. Development on these ecological receptors. . Flora and Fauna . The ecological baseline of the site must be characterised. Following from this, the Assessment Methodology extent and nature of any further survey work that may be required should be identified. Surveys must cover flora and fauna present in all seasons. Baseline Characterisation of the Study Area . If the Phase 1 Habitat Survey identifies a frequency of devil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensis within the site we may require further survey work to determine the 7.41 The study methodology includes both desktop and field survey methods in order to assess presence of marsh fritillary butterfly Euphydryas aurinia. the potential impact on the local ecological and nature conservation interest. Features of . Surveys should highlight any Northern Ireland or European priority habitats and species which may be present on the site or surrounding area. This may include conservation interest and importance were recorded and their locations were one of the key the argent and sable moth Rheumaptera hastata, whose food plant is bog myrtle criteria that affect the wind farm layout. The location of the wind farm infrastructure Myrica gale and is therefore a species associated with peatland habitats. avoids habitats and species of conservation interest where possible, and where this was not . Baseline surveys conducted over a short period may not identify long term trends possible, mitigation and/or enhancement measures have been incorporated into the design and reference should be made to previous records. . Protected species surveys should be carried out to NIEA, Natural Environment to balance any detrimental impact. Division specifications. Note that these maybe updated in the light of new 7.42 Habitats were surveyed across the whole Preliminary Site Boundary, hereafter referred to as knowledge at any time. Therefore it is advised to check the NIEA website for the most up to date specifications immediately prior to commencement of surveys. ‘the Site’, while signs of mobile species were assessed outside the Site to determine their . Full survey reports should be included in the appendix of the ES. All maps and point of origin. The study area was thus extended to take account of the potential for diagrams should be of an appropriate scale for interpretation. species to use the vicinity of the proposed development as part of wider territories or . NIEA reserve the right to determine whether the survey information submitted is foraging areas. Watercourses within the Site, and some tributaries outside the Site, were adequate or when additional information is required. Bat Survey Requirements surveyed for signs of otter. Specific study areas for each species are as follows; Bats are a European Protected Species under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) i. Bats (450 m around proposed turbine locations); Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended). Due to recent research highlighting the potential impacts to bats from wind turbines and the high legal protection afforded to ii. Otter & badger (Site +25 m buffer); bats, NIEA require bat surveys to be carried out on all proposed windfarm sites with the potential to host bats, which includes upland sites. Bat surveys should be conducted to iii. Common lizard & smooth next (Site); NIEA, Natural Environment Division bat survey specifications for windfarms (http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/land-home/plan/surveys.htm). Where caves are present iv. Marsh fritillary/argent & sable (Site); in the nearby area, a detailed assessment of swarming will also be required. 7.43 Sites designated at international, national and local level for their conservation value within 7.39 NIEA requires the identification of the ecological baseline of the area that will be affected a potential impact zone were considered. The nearest designated sites to the study area by the scheme and the identification of areas which are likely to be of high conservation were identified, in order to assess the potential for remote effects of the scheme on valued value or particularly vulnerable to impact from the proposed scheme. NIEA requires that the habitats and species outside the immediate area. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 5
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7.44 The Terrestrial Fauna section of the EIA takes into account information gathered from the surveying for observations of bats or the remains of dead bats. Indirect methods involved following sources: identification of faecal pellets, urine, oil stains and feeding remains, which indicate • Consultations, with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders evidence of bat activity. It should be noted however that an internal inspection of the • Desk study, including review of published/unpublished sources/literature building was impossible due to the poor structural condition. • A walkover survey of the entire study area and any other areas likely to be affected Manual Bat Activity Surveys • Specialist surveys, as detailed in paragraph 5.45 below 7.48 Bat surveys were undertaken in accordance with NIEA survey specification for wind farms4 as • Assessment of the data acquired requested by NIEA in their EcIA scoping response. Manual bat activity surveys were • Consideration of ecological interests in the scheme design and identification of undertaken once per month between April/May and September 2014. Further transect mitigation to be incorporated into the design surveys took place between July and September 2015 in order to cover an additional land • Impact assessment parcel which was added to the Preliminary Site Boundary at that time. • Proposed additional mitigation measures to address any likely significant adverse impacts 7.49 A total of eight dusk surveys and three dawn surveys were completed (see Figures 7.2 – 7.10). The location of sample points was determined by suitable habitat features for bats, 7.45 The data collection methodology adopted involves both a desktop search and field survey. access, health and safety considerations and turbine locations. Ground conditions (in The relevant statutory and non-statutory bodies were contacted to obtain ecological data places) consisted of uneven ground conditions, post & wire stock fencing and drainage for the study area. CEDaR was approached for records of species of conservation concern in ditches and/or raised banks making some parts of the Site difficult to traverse during the study area. Detailed surveys were undertaken to establish the baseline conditions for nocturnal manual transects. Each pre-defined sample point (or listening stop) was surveyed the various habitats and for the species groups that are likely to occur in the area of the for three minutes in order to record the level of bat activity near a specific feature within proposed scheme. The purpose of an ecological survey is to identify 'valued ecological the Site. Bat activity that occurred between sample points was also recorded. receptors', those species and habitats that are valued in some way for their ecological function, their contribution to biodiversity or are protected by specific legislation. The 7.50 Bat activity surveys were undertaken when weather conditions were forecast to consist of following specialist surveys were undertaken: temperatures >8°C with little or no wind or precipitation when bat activity is known to • Bat (Chiroptera spp) survey increase. Meteorological information including temperature, wind speed, cloud cover and • Otter (Lutra lutra) survey precipitation were recorded for each survey session. • Badger (Meles meles) survey 7.51 An EM3 bat detector (GPS enabled), or a Batlogger M were used to record bat echolocation • Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) survey calls for later sound analysis using sound analysis software (AnalookW (v4.1) or BatExplorer • Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) habitat survey (v1.10). For each bat observed, the location was automatically recorded using an (internal • Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) habitat survey or attached) Global Position System module (accurate to within ±3 m). The number of bats, • Argent & Sable (Rheumaptera hastata) habitat survey bat species, bat behaviour and the direction of flight of each bat was also recorded where visibility permitted. Mammal Surveys 7.52 In order to assist analysis of data collected during manual bat activity surveys, bat Bat Surveys echolocation calls were converted into a Bat Activity Index (BAI) providing an indicator of Pre-Survey Visits the overall bat activity at the Site. It should be noted that a bat activity index does not represent the number of bats present at a site but an indication of their abundance and/or 7.46 A site visit was undertaken to walk the Site during daylight hours in April 2014, to identify activity only. Bat activity levels can therefore be compared between sites, between the potential value of habitats and landscape features (buildings, built structures, individual different parts of a site or between seasons (Hayes et al 20095), to reveal differences in bat trees and watercourse etc.) potentially used by bats in accordance with the BCT Bat activity in areas or at different times. The bat activity index is calculated as the number of Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines (2012). Ordnance Survey mapping and aerial photographs bat passes (or other measure of presence) per unit time (e.g. per hour). were used to identify potential features prior to the site visit. 7.47 An external inspection survey of the single abandoned building within the Site was also undertaken to determine the presence of bats or likely presence of bats. Both direct and 4 http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/windfarm_november_2011.pdf indirect methods were used to search for evidence of bats. Direct methods involved 5 Hayes J P, H K Ober & R E Sherwin (2009). Surveying and Monitoring of Bats. In Ecological and Behavioural Methods for the Study of Bats 2nd Edition Edited by T H Kunz & S Parsons. The John Hopkins University Press Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 6 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna
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Automated Bat Activity Surveys setts, sett entrances and the direction of sett tunnels was recorded and mapped where present. A mammal survey report is included in Appendix 7.3. 7.53 Automated passive monitoring was undertaken between the 23rd April and the 26th September 2014 (see Figure 7.1: Static Detector Locations). Further monitoring work took Herpetological Surveys place between the 23rd July and 4th September 2015. Smooth Newt Survey 7.54 A number of broadband ultrasonic bat detectors (SM2BAT+, SMZC and Anabat Express) were 7.59 An assessment of the potential for smooth newt to be present on the Site was undertaken. placed to record for a minimum of five days at numerous locations across the Site each Any suitable waterbodies/drainage channels which were identified during both the Phase 1 month, including proposed turbine locations and adjacent habitat features. Each static and NVC Phase 2 habitat surveys of the Site were subject to a newt habitat suitability detector was programmed to automatically operate during set time periods in order to assessment. OSNI aerial photographs were also reviewed, as were bespoke images of the record bat activity between dusk and dawn each night. Site which were taken from a height of 120 m above the ground and which have 5 cm 7.55 Detectors were placed with the microphone directed at a 90o angle towards the area to be resolution per pixel. monitored (e.g. the proposed turbine location or the adjacent habitat feature (i.e. Common Lizard Survey hedgerow or stream). Whenever possible microphones were placed on a fence post or pole. This helps to prevent recording extraneous noises and places the microphone closer to or 7.60 A common lizard survey was undertaken in accordance with the NIEA survey specification within the flight path of the bats; this tends to provide higher quality recordings. (NIEA 20118) in order to establish the presence of common lizard within the Site. An initial Site visit was undertaken in May 2014 to identify suitable basking habitat and to design a 7.56 AnalookW and Kaleidoscope Pro UK was used to undertake analysis of data collected during walked transect. Surveys also included the use of artificial refugia (NIEA licence No: automated passive monitoring. Bat activity was measured using the number of files LRS/4/14), these consisted of 30 X (500 x 500 mm) rubber backed carpet tiles. containing a bat call or bat call sequence irrespective of length, for a complete night of recording. Passive monitoring enables determination of species composition and temporal 7.61 In addition to the NIEA methodology, consideration was also given to the Draft survey activity patterns between different times of year and different times of night at a fixed protocols for the British herpetofauna. The latter document references (Sewell et al. 20129) point location. Bat activity indices (for all survey types) are provided in the survey results, who demonstrated that four to five survey visits (depending on species) is usually sufficient included in Appendix 7.1. to detect 95% of occupied sites, for the commoner British reptile species, providing a combination artificial refugia are used in addition to walked transect searches. The Otter Survey document also recommends that artificial refugia should be laid for a few weeks before 7.57 An otter survey was undertaken in accordance with the NIEA survey specification (NIEA surveys begin. The same study suggested that at least 30 refugia should be laid for 20136) in order to establish the presence of otter holts and/or foraging areas within the presence/absence purposes, and that this number applied regardless of the size of site as Site. Surveys took place for the presence of otter holts and otter activity; field signs long as the artificial refugia were appropriately positioned. included footprints, spraints, anal jelly, paths along river banks, flattened vegetation, holts 7.62 Transects were walked slowly scanning the ground 3-4 m in front for the presence of basking and ‘couches’ and feeding remains. The location of otter holts and holt entrances were lizards in suitable habitat. Surveys were undertaken across four visits between April and recorded and mapped, where present. Areas of potentially suitable otter habitat were September 2014. All surveys were undertaken when weather conditions were forecast to noted; a Fauna Surveys Report is included in Appendix 7.2. consist of temperatures >9oC (and <18oC) with sunshine and little or no wind or Badger Survey precipitation. Surveys were also undertaken early in the day, whenever possible on a day when the preceding night was cool, with little cloud cover. This is when lizards are in 7.58 A badger survey was undertaken in accordance with the NIEA survey specification (NIEA greater need of the thermal benefits of basking on artificial refugia and are therefore more 20137) in order to establish the presence of badger setts and/or foraging areas within the easily observed. Site and the surrounding area (within 25 m of the Preliminary Site Boundary). Badger surveys took place on the 8th July, 16th September and 13th November 2015, during which the study area was searched for the presence of badger setts and badger activity including paths, snuffle holes, latrines, badger hair and bedding material. The location of badger
8 6 Northern Ireland Environment Agency (2011) Common Lizard Survey – Specific Requirements,
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Lepidoptera Surveys the main ecological constraints that should be avoided or that could affect the design of the scheme or delay progress. Marsh Fritillary Survey Sensitivity Criteria 7.63 A devil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensis survey was undertaken as part of both the JNCC Phase 1 & NVC Phase 2 habitat surveys (2014 & 2015) in accordance NIEA recommendations 7.71 Potential significant impacts are assessed according to the ecological value of a site, which (arising out of their consultation response) to establish the presence/abundance within the is derived from the criteria outlined below. The sensitivity (importance) of a receiving Site of devil’s-bit scabious, which is main food plant of the marsh fritillary butterfly.. habitat is defined by its position in a hierarchy of site importance and conservation value. 7.64 Adults fly by day usually in warm, fine weather from late May to early July. Marsh fritillary This hierarchy extends, highest to lowest, from International, National, Regional, Local, to butterfly is best surveyed by looking for adults on sunny days. The location of devil’s-bit negligible importance. This range of values is expressed in the protection afforded a site by scabious (and frequency) was assessed to establish the extent of suitable habitat for the international and national legislation, and in planning policy at a more local level (Table butterfly. A brief survey report is included at Appendix 7.2. 7.2). Argent & Sable Survey 7.72 The biodiversity value of a site, is measured by such factors as: • animal or plant species, subspecies or varieties that are rare or uncommon, either 7.65 A bog myrtle Myrica gale survey was undertaken as part of the Phase 1 habitat survey internationally, nationally or more locally; (during both 2013 & 2014) in accordance NIEA recommendations (arising out of their • endemic species or locally distinct sub-populations of a species; consultation response) to establish the presence/abundance within the Site of bog myrtle, • ecosystems and their component parts, which provide the habitats required by the which is main food plant of the argent & sable moth. above species, populations and/or assemblages; 7.66 Adults fly by day usually in warm, fine weather from late May to early July. Argent & Sable • habitat diversity, connectivity and/or synergistic associations (e.g. networks of hedges is best surveyed by looking for adults on sunny days, however, searches for occupied and areas of species-poor pasture that might provide important feeding habitat for rare spinnings in late summer can be a worthy alternative and have the advantage of not being species); weather dependent. • notably large populations of animals or concentrations of animals considered uncommon 7.67 The location of bog myrtle (and frequency) was assessed to establish the extent of suitable or threatened in a wider context; habitat for the moth. A survey report is included at Appendix 7.2. • plant communities (and their associated animals) that are considered to be typical of valued natural/semi-natural vegetation types, including examples of naturally species- Ecological Impact Assessment poor communities; 7.68 The assessment of the impact of a scheme on a species or habitat must take into account • species on the edge of their range, particularly where their distribution is changing as a the conservation value of the species or habitat. This assessment of the potential impact of result of global trends and climate change; the Proposed Wind Farm Development on the conservation interest of the construction area • species-rich assemblages of plants or animals; and and associated access routes adopts the Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the • typical faunal assemblages that are characteristic of homogenous habitats. 10 UK (CIEEM 2006) . 7.73 The secondary value of a site can be as part of a corridor or a series of stepping stones that 7.69 The objective of the EIA process, in relation to the natural environment, is to undertake facilitate the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species, or as a buffer zone sufficient assessment to identify and quantify any significant impacts on the natural that protects a valued site from adverse or beneficial environmental impacts. environment likely to arise from turbine construction, operation and eventual Magnitude of Effect decommissioning. Following identification of the final infrastructure layout, the baseline ecological (or biodiversity) conditions in the Site are described, based on information 7.74 This relates to the magnitude of the impacts on the features during the construction, provided by consultees, background sources of information and the results of dedicated operation and decommissioning phases. The magnitude of ecological impacts is assessed by surveys carried out for the scheme. considering the change in the ecology of a site that will arise as a result of the direct and indirect effects of a particular development on that ecology. Factors to be taken into 7.70 As a means of achieving this objective, ecological constraints on development of the scheme account when considering the magnitude of an impact are outlined in Table 7.3. The at international, national, regional and local levels are identified and assessed. This includes criteria for determining the magnitude of impact are listed in Table 7.4. Both direct and
10 indirect impacts, and the duration of these impacts are examined. Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management (CIEEM) (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (Version 7 July 2006), Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement Significance Criteria Site Importance Site Description (medium conservation selection criteria. 7.75 This relates to the significance of impacts on species and habitats of conservation value) . Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLNCIs) are importance, based on their presence as determined by survey. Factors to be considered recognised by Planning Service and are intended to complement the when assessing the ecological significance of impacts are outlined in Table 7.5. Taking the network of nationally and regionally important sites. SLNCIs receive special consideration in relation to local planning issues. factors in Table 7.5 into account the significance of an impact may be broadly categorised . Sites supporting viable areas or populations of priority habitats/species according to Table 7.6. identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan or smaller areas of such habitat that contribute to the maintenance of such habitat networks and Table 7.2: Criteria for Assessing Ecological Sensitivity/Importance at a Geographic Scale /or species populations. . Sites maintaining habitats or species identified in Regional Biodiversity Site Importance Site Description Action Plans on the basis of national rarity or local distribution. . World Heritage Sites identified under the Convention for the Protection . Other sites of significant biodiversity importance (e.g. sites relevant to of World Cultural & Natural Heritage, 1972. Local Biodiversity Action Plans). . Biosphere Reserves identified under the UNESCO Man & Biosphere Other sites with local . Sites not in the above categories but with some biodiversity interest. Programme. conservation interest Examples of lands of lower ecological value include; intensive . Wetlands of International Importance designated as Ramsar Sites under agricultural lands and coniferous forestry. the terms of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (lower conservation Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention) formulated at value) Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. Negligible conservation . Sites with little or no local biodiversity interest. . Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated in accordance with the 1979 value European Communities Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC): the Birds Directive. This Directive requires member states Table 7.3: Factors to be considered when assessing magnitude of ecological impacts Internationally important to take measures to protect birds, particularly rare or endangered sites (very high species as listed in Annex I of the Directive, and regularly occurring Parameter Description conservation value) migratory birds. . Special Areas of Conservation (SACs and cSACs) designated in accordance Extent The area over which an impact occurs. with the 1992 European Commission Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (1992): the Habitats Directive. This Directive requires member states to Duration The period required for a feature to recover or be replaced following an impact. Duration establish a network of sites that will make a significant contribution to of an activity may have a shorter duration than the impact of the activity. conserving habitat types and species identified in Annexes I and II. Reversibility A permanent impact is one from which recovery is unlikely within a reasonable timescale. . Other sites maintaining habitats and/or species listed under the Birds A temporary impact is reversible either through natural recovery or as a result of and/or Habitats Directives (see above). mitigation. . Sites hosting significant populations of species annexed under the Bonn Timing and In some cases, an impact may only occur if it occurs during a critical season or part of a Convention. frequency species’ life-cycle, and may be avoided by careful scheduling of work activities. Frequency of an activity may also affect the magnitude of its impact by reinforcement of . Sites hosting significant populations annexed under the Bern Convention. the impact. . Biogenetic Reserves (UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme). Table 7.4: Criteria for Assessing Magnitude of Ecological Impact . Areas of Special Scientific Interest are the principal national designation for sites of nature conservation interest. They are notified under Section Significance Description 28 of the Environment (NI) Order 2002 and are chosen by virtue of any of their flora, fauna, geological, or physiographic features to represent the Major adverse The proposal (either on its own or in-combination with other proposals) may adversely best national and regional example of natural habitat, physical affect the site, in terms of coherence of its ecological structure and function, that landscape features or sites of importance for rare or protected species. Nationally important sites enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or the population levels of . National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs) are species of interest. (high conservation value) designated under the Environment Order. Moderate The site’s integrity will not be adversely affected, but the effect on the site is likely to be . Sites maintaining UK Red Data Book species that are listed as being adverse significant in terms of its ecological objectives. If it cannot be clearly illustrated that the either of unfavourable conservation status in Europe, of uncertain proposal will not have an adverse effect on integrity, then the impact should be assessed conservation status or of global conservation concern. Sites maintaining as a major adverse. species listed in Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of The Wildlife (NI) Order 1985, as Minor adverse Neither of the above applies, but some minor adverse impact is evident. (In the case of amended. Natura 2000 sites a further appropriate assessment may be necessary if detailed plans are Regionally important sites . Sites that reach criteria for Local Nature Reserve but do not meet ASSI not yet available). Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 9 Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement Significance Description 7.76 Cumulative impacts may also arise. Other projects that have been included in the cumulative impact assessment are: Negligible Very minor alteration to one or more characteristics, features or elements. • Wind farm projects which have received planning consent; and Neutral No observable impact in either direction. • Other development projects with valid planning permissions, and for which formal EIA is Table 7.5: Factors to be considered when assessing ecological significance of impacts a requirement or for which non-statutory EIA has been undertaken. Other projects should be included as appropriate, subject to consultation with DOE Planning and other Factor Defining criteria statutory bodies. The cumulative impacts of different projects are assessed against the Site integrity . Extent to which site/ecosystem processes will be removed or changed. significance criteria outlined in Table 7.7. . Effect on the nature, extent, structure and function of component habitats. Table 7.7: Criteria for Assessing the Significance of Cumulative Effects . Effect on the average population size and viability of component species, size and viability of component species. Significance Effects Conservation . Habitats: conservation status is determined by the sum of the influences acting on status the habitat and its typical species that may affect its long-term distribution, Severe Effects that the decision-maker must take into account as the receptor/resource is structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of its typical species irretrievably compromised. within a given geographical area. Major Effects that may become key decision-making issue. . Species conservation status is determined by the sum of influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long-term distribution and abundance of Moderate Effects that are unlikely to become issues on whether the project design should be its populations within a given geographical area. selected, but where future work may be needed to improve on current performance. . Conservation status may be evaluated for any defined study area at any defined Minor Effects that are locally significant. level of ecological value. The extent of the area used in the assessment will relate to the geographical level at which the feature is considered important. Not Significant Effects that are beyond the current forecasting ability or are within the ability of the resource to absorb such change. Probability of . Known or likely trends and variations in population size/habitat extent. expected . Likely level of ecological resilience. outcome Baseline Conditions Table 7.6: Significance of impacts Consultation & Desk Study Results Significance Description 7.77 A copy of relevant consultee responses are summarised in Table 7.1. The results of the Beneficial The proposal has a positive impact on the conservation status of habitats or species within desk study detail designated nature conservation sites and/or ecological records of a given geographical area. protected species or species of natural heritage importance within 5 km of the Preliminary Very large The proposal (either on its own or with other proposals) is likely to adversely affect the Site Boundary. adverse integrity of a European or nationally designated site, in terms of coherence of its ecological structure and function, across its whole area, that enables it to sustain the Designated Nature Conservation Sites population levels of species of interest, or is likely to adversely affect the numbers, distribution or viability of a species or population of conservation concern. A major Internationally Designated Nature Conservation Sites change in a site or feature of local importance may also enter this category. Large adverse The integrity of a European or nationally designated site will not be adversely affected, 7.78 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is located adjacent to the Carn–Glenshane Pass SAC, but the effect on the site is likely to be significant in terms of its ecological objectives. a statutory designated site of international importance. This SAC, covering an area of If, in the light of full information, it cannot be clearly illustrated that the proposal will 1930 ha is designated for the presence of intact blanket bog, an Annex 1 habitat type. The not have an adverse effect on integrity, then the impact should be assessed as very large adverse. River Roe and Tributaries ASSI/SAC is located approx. 2.6 km west of the Site but is not Moderate The proposal may adversely affect the integrity of a locally important conservation site, hydrologically connected. The Site is hydrologically linked to the Bann Estuary SAC, via the adverse or may have some adverse effect on the numbers, distribution or viability of a species or Knockoneill and Clady rivers which join the Lower River Bann at Portglenone. An unnamed population of conservation concern. tributary of the Agivey River also rises along the western boundary of the Site and is a Slight adverse None of the above applies, but some minor negative impact is evident. (In the case of Natura 2000 sites a further appropriate assessment may be necessary if detailed plans are second hydrological link to the Bann Estuary SAC. The primary designation for the Bann not yet available). Estuary SAC is the presence of fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation ‘grey dunes’, Neutral No observable impact in either direction. a priority habitat. Other qualifying features present include the Annex 1 listed habitats; Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-puccinellietalia maritimae), embryonic shifting dunes and shifting dunes along the shore with Ammophila arenaria ‘white dunes’. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 10 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement Nationally & Locally Designated Nature Conservation Sites Amphibians 7.79 The Site is situated within the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The 7.85 The desk study revealed no historical records of smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris from nearest nationally designated site is the adjacent Carn-Glenshane Pass ASSI (contiguous with within the Site or within 2 km. the Carn–Glenshane SAC) that is designated for the presence of intact blanket bog and Lepidoptera important peatland features such as pool and hummock topography and eroding peat haggs. Notable species recorded at this ASSI include red grouse Lagopus lagopus scotia and 7.86 The nearest extant marsh fritillary site to Corlacky lies on the North Tyrone/Derry border in dioecious sedge Carex dioica. A map illustrating the location of the ASSI can be found in excess of 30 km south-west. Colonies formerly existed in the coastal sand dunes of Figure 6.1. Magilligan and Ballycarry but these became extinct over 20 years ago and there are still no confirmed colonies in County Derry. 7.80 The Site is also situated within the Carntogher Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI). SLNCIs are designated for their habitats, species and/or earth science. In addition 7.87 There are no records of argent and sable from County Derry since 1875 (CEDaR) and despite to making a contribution to natural heritage on a local level, they are also important from a searches in parts of the county by volunteers the nearest known site is in West Tyrone national and European perspective. The Carntogher SLNCI covers an area of 374 ha and is (Killeter area). designated for its blanket bog and heath habitats. A number of other SLNCI sites occur 7.88 Consultation with CEDaR revealed a historical record for Small heath Coenonympha within 5 km of the Site: Drumlamph Wood, Ballynamona Bog, Tullykeeran, Crocker, pamphilus from Carntogher Mountain, grid reference C804061. Granaghan, Annaghavoggy, Craignahaltora, Benbradagh Bog, Carrowmeenagh Bog, Brockaboy, Dunnavenny Bridge Bog and Glenmullin Bog. Species Baseline 7.81 The Site is also situated within the Glenshane Slopes Landscape Character Area (LCA), a site Bat Survey characterised by the presence of a diverse array of peatland types and rare species-rich Pre-Survey Assessment for Bats meadows occurring on its eastern side. 7.89 A site visit was undertaken to consider the potential value of habitats and landscape Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) features within 200 m of the Site (i.e. the study area). The value of each habitat and Species Action Plan species landscape feature was recorded as ‘low’, ‘medium’ or ‘high’ according to its quality and its potential use by bats for roosting, foraging or commuting in accordance with BCT (2012) 7.82 A number of non-avian species for which NIEA has published Species Action Plans (SAPs) guidelines. occur or may occur in the study area. SAP species that are known to occur or may occur at the Site include Irish hare, all bat species (the subject of an all-Ireland SAP) and otter. 7.90 The landscape surrounding the Site consists of a number of features that have potential to Occurrence of and significance of impact on these species are discussed below. provide habitat for bats, notably open moorland of ‘low’ value; coniferous plantation shelterbelts; and a number of watercourses, issuing from moorland of ‘medium’ value for Existing Ecological Records (NIPS) foraging and commuting. Bats 7.91 The overall foraging potential of the study area is considered ‘low’ in accordance with BCT 7.83 Records were obtained from the Northern Ireland Bat Group (NIBG) prior to the design of the (2012) as it comprises mostly blanket bog, heath and marshy grassland. However, the Site is bat surveys during early April 2014. A total of 24 records within 10 km of the Site were also connected to the wider landscape by (medium value) linear features that could be used provided by the NIBG. As is typical for such records they are dominated by pipistrellus by commuting bats (the Knockoneill River). Habitats and landscape features that may be species and are clustered in proximity to human habitation. None of the records were used by bats are illustrated in Figure 6.2 – Phase 2 Habitat Survey Map. located within 5 km of the Site and there were no records of Leisler’s bats or Nathusius 7.92 The overall potential value of the Site as a whole was considered to be of ‘low’ value taking pipistrelle. into consideration the landscape of the general area, the habitats and landscape features Mammals identified on the Site and the potential use of the Site by bats for roosting, foraging and/or commuting. However, under the precautionary principle (as bats are European protected 7.84 The desktop study revealed three records for otter Lutra lutra; from Knockoneill Bridge, species) the survey effort which was conducted was for a ‘medium’ value site. Green water at Knockoneill Bridge and Eden Bridge, Altcree Burn. There is also a record for Irish hare Lepus timidus subsp. hibernicus from Crockanroe. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 11 Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement Manual Bat Activity Surveys the initial assessment of Corlacky Hill as a ‘low’ value site for bats under the BCT guidelines. 7.93 The bat activity surveys aimed to determine the level of bat activity within the Site. The results provide information on species composition and qualitative information on temporal 7.97 The bat species recorded during activity surveys included Pipistrelle spp., common and spatial bat activity patterns, such as the location of key foraging areas and commuting pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius pipistrelle, Myotis spp., Leisler’s bat and brown routes. The full results of bat activity surveys can be found in Appendix 7.1 - Bat Analysis long-eared bat. A summary of the bat activity survey results can be found in Table 7.13 Results, while the transect route and associated listening stops are illustrated on Figures below. A visual representation of the spatial variation in bat activity for each survey can be 7.2 – 7.10. found on Figures 7.2 – 7.10 (monthly) Bat Transect Results. Table 7.9: Dates, Times and Weather Conditions of Manual Bat Survey Transects (& dusk 7.98 Overall bat activity recorded during manual bat surveys was dominated by P. pipistrellus emergence/dawn re-entry survey) (Corlacky). comprising 75.81% of overall activity, followed by N. leisleri with 17.65%. When taken together, P. pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus constitute 78.43% of all bat activity recorded o Date o Sunset o Sunrise o Start / Finish Weather Conditions within the Site. Four P. nathusii were recorded during the manual surveys, while Leisler’s Temp Wind (mph) Cloud bat activity was highest in April and August, with significantly lower during other months. Activity was recorded in all habitat types. Myotis bats appeared to have a close affinity to 28th April 2014 2052 2038 - 2308 11oC 2-3 100% linear features and were very rarely encountered travelling across open areas. 14th May 2014 2117 2102 - 2332 12oC 1-2 60% 7.99 When translated into a Bat Activity Index (BAI) the results from the manual activity surveys 27th & 28TH June 2157 2142 – 0012 12oC 1-2 50% 2014 were; P. Pipistrellus (3.05); P. pygmaeus (0.11); Myotis spp (0.05) and Leisler’s bat (0.71). o 0459 0259 – 0529 13 C 1-2 100% All figures are numbers of bat passes per hour. th o 9 August 2014 2106 2051 - 2321 22 C 0-1 Clear Automated Passive Monitoring 1st & 2nd 2015 2000 - 2230 14oC 0-1 100% September 2014 7.100 Automated passive monitoring was undertaken at the Site across the entire 2014 bat survey o 0634 0434 - 0704 10 C 1-2 100% season; with additional monitoring conducted between July and September 2015. Monitoring 29th September 2105 2035 – 2335 14oC 1-2 90% took place at a range of habitat features and proposed turbine locations (see Figure 7.1 – 2014 Static Detector Locations). 21st July 2015 2140 2125 - 2355 10oC 1-2 30% Table 7.12: Automated Monitoring carried out during 2014 & 2015 19th & 20th August 2045 2030 - 2300 11oC 1-2 100% 2015 o 0613 0413 – 0643 9 C 1-2 100% Location Start date End date Nights Hours 16th September 1939 1924 – 2154 9oC 2-3 100% 23-Apr-14 28-Apr-14 5 40 SD1 2015 01-May-14 06-May-14 5 40 23-Apr-14 28-Apr-14 5 40 SD2 7.94 A total of 38 hours of recording time was saved across the fifteen manual bat activity 01-May-14 06-May-14 5 40 surveys. During this time an estimated number of 153 bat passes were recorded across the 23-Apr-14 28-Apr-14 5 40 survey season. A total of 12 dusk surveys were completed, with three dawn surveys. See SD3 01-May-14 06-May-14 5 40 Appendix 7.1 Bat Analysis Results for details regarding the estimated number of bats encountered during the manual transect surveys. 23-Apr-14 28-Apr-14 5 40 01-May-14 06-May-14 5 40 7.95 Temporal patterns of bat activity most likely reflect changing weather conditions across the SD4 26-Jun-14 01-Jul-14 5 40 survey season. Bat activity was lowest in April and May and highest during August and September. All surveys were completed during settled periods of weather, which would 01-Jul-14 06-Jul-14 5 40 23-Apr-14 28-Apr-14 5 40 yield more representative results. SD5 01-May-14 06-May-14 5 40 7.96 The results of bat activity surveys confirmed commuting (primarily at dusk) and foraging activity within the Site. The results yielded low numbers of bats which would corroborate SD6 26-Jun-14 01-Jul-14 5 40 Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 12 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement 01-Jul 14 06-Jul 14 5 40 Nathusius pipistrelle, Leisler’s bat, Myotis species. (Daubenton’s bat, Natterer’s bat and 26-Jun-14 01-Jul-14 5 40 Whiskered bat are the most difficult species to identify and are therefore collectively SD7 referred to as Myotis bats (Russ 199911 & Russ 201212)), as well as a single record of an brown 01-Jul 14 06-Jul 14 5 40 long-eared bat. 26-Jun-14 01-Jul-14 5 40 SD8 7.102 Table 7.13 shows Bat Activity Indices for the static surveys, broken down by location (see 01-Jul 14 06-Jul 14 5 40 Figure 7.1 – Static Detector Locations). These indices are based on the total number of ZC 26-Jun-14 01-Jul-14 5 40 SD10 files of each particular species, divided by the total number of survey hours for that 01-Jul 14 06-Jul 14 5 40 particular location. Most bat activity was recorded along the edge of shelterbelts or along SD11 08-Jun-15 13-Jun-15 5 40 watercourses, which is unsurprising given the lack of other linear features on the Site. 08-Jun-15 13-Jun-15 5 40 SD12 7.103 The overall trend in data for common pipistrelle is that the species accounts for 70.63% of 19-Jun-15 24-Jun-15 5 40 SD14 all activity recorded during the automated monitoring sessions. Soprano pipistrelle 02-Jun-15 07-Jun-15 5 40 accounted for 14.33% of bat passes; taken together the pipistrelle species assemblage SD15 19-Jun-15 24-Jun-15 5 40 (excluding Nathusius’) accounted for 84.96% of all activity. This activity is also strongly 18-Aug-15 23-Aug-15 5 40 correlated with habitat features, such as along conifer plantation shelterbelts and along 02-Jun-15 07-Jun-15 5 40 watercourses. SD16 18-Aug-15 23-Aug-15 5 40 Table 7.13: Results of the Automated Monitoring Sessions 23-Jul-15 28-Jul-15 5 40 SD17 25-Aug-15 30-Aug-15 5 40 30-Aug-15 04-Sep-15 5 40 Year Index Index lecotus Month Nights Passes leisleri auritus nathusii P Nyctalus 23-Jul-15 28-Jul-15 5 40 pygmaeus Myotisspp Pipistrellus Pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus SD18 Activity Bat 25-Aug-15 30-Aug-15 5 40 April 2014 25 4 0.02 4 0 0 0 0 0 30-Aug-15 04-Sep-15 5 40 May 2014 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SD19 15-Aug-14 20-Aug-14 5 40 June 2014 25 3 0.01 3 0 0 0 0 0 SD20 18-Aug-15 23-Aug-15 5 40 June 2015 30 45 0.19 39 0 6 0 0 0 SD21 20-Aug-14 25-Aug-14 5 40 July 2014 25 33 0.16 33 0 0 0 0 0 SD22 20-Aug-14 25-Aug-14 5 40 July 2015 10 4 0.05 0 0 4 0 0 0 25-Aug-14 30-Aug-14 5 40 SD23 August 2014 25 52 0.26 20 11 14 6 1 0 02-Sep-14 07-Sep-14 5 40 August 2015 25 45 0.22 22 18 1 1 3 0 SD25 27-Aug-14 01-Sep-14 5 40 September 2014 25 79 0.39 63 11 1 1 2 1 SD26 01-Sep-14 06-Sep-14 5 40 September 2015 10 21 0.26 18 1 0 0 2 0 SD27 22-Sep-14 27-Sep-14 5 40 Totals 225 286 202 41 26 8 8 1 22-Sep-14 27-Sep-14 5 40 SD28 SD29 22-Sep-14 27-Sep-14 5 40 7.104 Automated surveys also confirmed that Leisler’s bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle and Myotis spp. Totals 225 1800 are present in the area. Leisler’s bat accounted for 9.09% of recorded bat passes. Only a 7.101 Across the two seasons, automated monitoring was carried out for 225 nights (estimated total hours = 1800 hours (based on an average of eight hours recording per night (although night length varies across the survey season)). Bat species recorded during automated 11 Russ, J. (1999) The Bats of Britain and Ireland, Echolocation Calls, Sound Analysis and Species Identification, Alana Ecology Ltd, Shropshire. passive monitoring included; common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, pipistrelle spp., 12 Russ, J. (2012) British Bat Calls, A Guide to Species Identification, Pelagic Publishing, Exeter. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 13 Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement single bat pass was attributed to brown long-eared bat (0.035% of activity). This call was Other Mammals recorded from the north-western Preliminary Site Boundary of Corlacky, along a deep ditch. Otter Survey 7.105 Myotis bats accounted for 2.8% of bat passes recorded during the automated monitoring 7.112 The presence of otter within the Site was not confirmed during the course of otter surveys. sessions. The majority of these are likely to be of Daubenton’s bats, however the presence A survey report is included at Appendix 7.2. There were no otter holts, foraging areas or of whiskered/natterer’s bats within the overall number of bat passes is also probable. field signs recorded. The watercourses within the Site are small upland streams, which are 7.106 Nathusius’ pipistrelle also accounted for 2.8% of bat passes, the majority of these were devoid of any significant riparian vegetation. However, there remains the potential for this during August and September and to the north of the Site. The Nathusius’s pipistrelle passes species to use the tributaries within the Site, as a commuting corridor, between the Roe and were usually detected on the same night (1 or 2 calls) and are presumed to be a migrants or Bann catchments, due to the position of the Site between these two river systems. more likely young bats dispersing to new territory, exploring their surroundings or searching Badger Survey for mates. 7.113 The presence of badger was not confirmed within the Site, with limited evidence of trails, 7.107 This behaviour is often typical of bat surveys for wind farm developments during late footprints and snuffle holes. However a single (possible) inactive badger sett was located August/September; with increased with bat activity the result of bats presumably searching during the course of surveys. A survey report is included at Appendix 7.2. A map out mates (social calls recorded occasionally), wandering young bats and occasional illustrating the location of the badger sightings and field signs can be found in Figure 7.11: migrants. This behaviour can be attributed to most species and is not exclusive to Nathusius’ Fauna Survey Results. pipistrelles. Roost Survey Results Herpetological Survey Results 7.108 No buildings are present within 200 m of the developable area13 (450 m total buffer Smooth Newt Survey distance), therefore no roost surveys were required. No bridges, caves or other structures 7.114 The presence of smooth newt was not confirmed within the Site during the course of the likely to be of use to roosting bats were identified during surveys. Also, No high BRP (bat ecology surveys. A brief survey report is included in Appendix 7.2. No suitable roost potential) trees were located within the 450 m survey envelope surrounding the waterbodies were identified within the Site during the surveys for this species during May proposed turbine locations. 2014. An additional land parcel was added to the Site during 2015 (surrounding T1 & T2). Overall Summary of Bat Activity Survey Results Further habitat assessments did not identify any suitable habitat for smooth newt within the additional land parcel. A large pond is located outside the Site to the east of T2, however 7.109 Across the 2014/15 survey seasons, 42.5 hours of manual bat surveying was undertaken and this is over 400 m from the nearest infrastructure (site track). This species has therefore 1800 hours of automated recording was undertaken. This survey effort yields a considerable been removed from any further assessment. amount of data, and such data lends itself to revealing consistent trends in activity across the season. Common Lizard 7.110 The results of activity surveys confirmed commuting and foraging activity within and around 7.115 The presence of common lizard was confirmed within the Site during the course of the the Site. Bat activity was found mostly along the habitat features, with lower levels of ecology surveys. A map illustrating the locations of the records of this species can be found activity across more open areas. This confirms that within the Site there was commuting and in Figure 7.11. In total seven common lizards were recorded basking (or underneath) a foraging activity and that overall bat numbers were low. The majority of commuting and number of the artificial refugia which were placed across the Site prior to the foraging was confined the edge habitats i.e. coniferous plantation shelterbelts and stream commencement of surveys. Five were recorded during dedicated lizard surveys and a further corridors. two were recorded using refugia during the course of habitat surveys and during the retrieval of automated static bat detectors. 7.111 Further details can be found in Appendix 7.1: Bat Analysis Results and the results are also illustrated on Figure 7.1: Automated Monitoring Locations and 7.1 - 7.10: Bat Transect Results (Apr - Sep). 13 The developable area is taken as 100 m plus the rotor radius (150 m has been assumed for this assessment). Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 14 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement Table 7.14: Results of the Lizard Transect Surveys (& Refugia Searches) 7.122 On the basis of the desk study and field surveys it is considered unlikely that Argent & Sable occurs at the Site, therefore this species has been removed from any further assessment. Date Weather Conditions Temp Transect Refugia Search Search 23/05/2014 Cool, 60% sun with a light N wind. 12.5oC 0 0 Assessment of Impacts Excellent survey conditions General 27/08/2014 Temp, dry, clear and calm 16.5oC 0 5 7.123 Having defined the ecological baseline characteristics of the study area, it is necessary to describe the potential resultant scheme-related changes to the baseline and to assess the 08/09/2014 Dry, some cloud and sunny spells 15oC 0 0 14 impact on valued ecological resources (CIEEM 2006) . The process of identifying impacts refers to aspects of ecological structure and function on which a resource feature depends. 22/09/2014 Dry with sunny spells, cool breeze 13.5oC 0 0 Examples of aspects of ecological structure and function to consider when predicting impacts include (CIEEM 2006): 7.116 The results of the lizard surveys, together with details of dates, times, meteorological • Available resources (Territory: hunting/foraging grounds; shelter and roost sites; conditions and photographs can be found in Appendix 7.2. breeding sites; corridors for migration and dispersal; stop-over sites); Lepidoptera Survey Results • Stochastic processes (Flooding, drought, wind blow and storm damage, disease, Marsh Fritillary Survey eutrophication, erosion, deposition and other geomorphological processes, fire and climate change); 7.117 The presence of devil’s-bit scabious was confirmed within the Site. A survey report is • Ecological processes (Population dynamics: population cycles; survival rates and included at Appendix 7.2. The habitat map at Figure 6.2 illustrates the areas where the strategies; reproduction rates and strategies; competition; predation; seasonal marsh fritillary Larval Host Plant is abundant. These are also the areas which were surveyed behaviour; dispersal and genetic exchange; elimination of wastes. Vegetation dynamics: as part of the larval web survey. No adult marsh fritillary butterflies were recorded. colonisation; succession; competition; and nutrient-cycling); 7.118 The presence of marsh fritillary larval webs was not confirmed on any of these plants. This • Human influences (Animal husbandry, cutting, burning, mowing, draining, irrigation, butterfly exists in a series of linked metapopulations, forming numerous temporary sub- culling, hunting, excavations, maintenance dredging, earth shaping, ploughing, seeding, populations, which frequently die out and recolonise. Where unable to do this, populations planting, cropping, fertilising, pollution and contamination, use of pesticides and do not seem to be able to persist in habitat fragments. herbicides, introduction of exotics, weeds and genetically modified organisms and disturbance from public access and recreation, pets and transport); 7.119 In addition to this marsh fritillary is typically found in Ireland in either dry calcicolous • Ecological relationships (Food webs, predator-prey relationships, herbivore-plant grassland or damp neutral or acidophilous grassland and mires. A common factor in many relationships, herbivore-carnivore relationships, adaptation and dynamism); occupied sites is the presence of low-intensity cattle grazing which creates the preferred • Ecosystem properties (Fragility and stability, carrying capacity and limiting factors, sward for the butterfly. The intensive sheep grazing across much of the Site has created productivity, community dynamics; connectivity; source/sink; numbers in a population very poor sward conditions which are highly unlikely to favour marsh fritillary; therefore this or meta-population, minimum viable populations; sex and age ratios; patchiness and species has been removed from any further assessment. degree of fragmentation); Argent & Sable Survey • Ecological role or function (decomposer, primary producer, herbivore, parasite, 7.120 The presence of bog myrtle was confirmed within the Site; however these were limited in predator, keystone species); extent and distribution. The bog myrtle was also even aged and probably relatively recent 7.124 Impacts on ecosystem structure and function are assessed by reference to the following regrowth following flailing and burning which are frequent across the Site. parameters: 7.121 A survey report is included at Appendix 7.2. The habitat map in Figure 6.2 illustrates the • Positive or negative impacts, with international, national and local policies increasingly areas where the Argent & Sable larval host plant was recorded. The Site provides extremely pressing for projects to deliver positive biodiversity outcomes diffuse and limited suitable habitat for this species; and all suitable habitat has been avoided during the emplacement of infrastructure. 14 Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management (CIEEM) (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (Version 7 July 2006), Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement • Magnitude, or size of an impact, which in the case of habitat may be coincident with 7.127 The significance of the potential effects of the proposed scheme on valued ecological extent receptors during the construction phase has been assessed and outlined in the following • Extent over which an impact is felt sections. • Duration of time over which the impact is expected to last prior to recovery or replacement of the resource or feature • Reversibility, or whether an impact is permanent or temporary Bats • Timing and frequency of an activity, which may have different impacts depending on, 7.128 Construction activities have the potential to remove foraging habitat or reduce its value, for example, the season during which it is carried out. and to disrupt flightlines. Studies in Britain indicate that most bat activity is in close 7.125 EIA legislation requires the enumeration of significant negative or positive impacts of an proximity to habitat features. Activity declines with distance from features such as treelines activity on ecological features. An ecologically significant impact is here defined as an and woodland edge and is generally not significant at distances greater than 50 m (Natural 15 impact on the integrity of a defined site or ecosystem and/or the conservation status of England 2014 ). This decline occurs both when bats are commuting and when foraging, habitats or species within a given geographical area (CIEEM 2006). The significance of an although the decline is greater when animals are commuting. The potential impact of loss of impact depends on the importance of a particular receptor as defined in Table 7.2 and on feeding habitats may vary seasonally, with greater impact during the summer, and lower the magnitude of the impact on that receptor as defined in Table 7.3. Receptor impacts impact during migration. may be averaged against each other in order to assess the significance of the impact of the 7.129 Low numbers of bats were recorded foraging over the Site at Corlacky, while the main bat scheme on the site’s natural environment as a whole, but in some cases a single receptor, foraging and commuting routes have all been avoided during the emplacement of for example an internationally important species or habitat, may be of sufficiently critical infrastructure. A number of river crossing will be required during construction, and importance that the magnitude of impact on that single receptor defines the significance of therefore this may cause some limited disruption to foraging areas. However, most bat the impact on the site. The following narrative assesses the significance of the impact of the activity will likely continue as the main areas of better foraging along the ravines will Proposed Wind Farm Development. remain untouched during construction activities and key commuting routes will therefore be Construction Phase unaffected. 7.126 Activities that may be associated with construction of the Proposed Wind Farm Development 7.130 The other main potential impact on bat populations that may arise due to construction is and that may generate impacts on the natural environment in the vicinity of the proposed the loss of roost sites. However, no roosts were identified on the Site during survey, and the scheme include: nearest potential roosting location is 570 m away from the nearest turbine. Therefore this impact will not arise at the Proposed Wind Farm Development. The magnitude of • Disturbance of designation features/sites; construction activities on bats is likely to be neutral, and the significance of the impacts will • Disturbance to protected species; be neutral. • Construction of hard surfaces for access roads, turbine bases and construction platforms; Otter • Construction on new ground, leading to habitat and population constriction and/or 7.131 Impacts of construction works on otters includes damage to holts, disturbance at holts, fragmentation; disruption of dispersion and foraging routes and displacement of foraging or breeding • Storage of materials and plant, and construction of site compounds; animals. Disturbance of otters is possible during the construction phase, but the shy species • Environmental incidents and accidents (e.g. spillages, noise and emissions; is likely to avoid areas of intense human activity, particularly when this involves significant • Excavation works; noise. Potential indirect impacts include adverse effects on fish prey species. The species is • Removal and redistribution of topsoil and subsoil; largely crepuscular in its habits, and it is likely that much of its activity will take place • Provision of temporary access routes; outside normal working hours. However, the reaction of individual otters to disturbance is • Disruption or modification of drainage; unpredictable, with some inquisitive animals drawn to investigate work sites, whilst others • Vegetation clearance; and avoid them. The likely sporadic nature of any use by otters of the Site, indicates that there • Implementation of landscape design and habitat management. is unlikely to be any significant impact on the species as a result of construction activities. Magnitude of impacts is likely to be negligible to neutral and of neutral significance. 15 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN051 Third edition February 2014, Bats and onshore wind turbines Interim guidance. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 16 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement Badger Bats 7.132 Potential conflicts with badgers (arising from construction) include damage to setts, 7.137 The main potential impacts on bats during the operational phase arise from collision with disturbance at setts, removal of foraging areas and displacement of foraging or breeding rotors and from ‘barotrauma’, the often fatal injuries that occur as a result of bats flying animals. Construction works may present additional hazards to badgers, with a potential for through air of rapidly changing atmospheric pressure in the immediate vicinity of a moving entrapment within excavations, accidental injuries on construction plant or materials, blade. The turbines have been located away from the habitat features that many species of diversion from traditional trails by plant and construction compounds and exposure to oils bat use as flightlines or as a focus for foraging. and other toxic materials. There are no badger setts located within the Site and thus 7.138 There is potential for loss of foraging area because bats may avoid a turbine site. potential disturbance is unlikely to occur. Therefore there is negligible risk of displacement Alternatively, there is some evidence that bats may be attracted to turbines (Kunz et al as a result of works activities. Badgers have crepuscular and nocturnal foraging habits, and 200716), possibly because insects may congregate in these locations as a response to the it is unlikely that daytime construction activities will disturb or reduce the foraging range of heat radiating from the structures (Ahlén 200317). This effect is most likely to occur in calm the local social group. Construction of access tracks and of turbine and crane bases will conditions, or at low wind speeds, when collision risk for bats is likely to be at its highest. reduce the area available for foraging. Although badger trails indicate that local badgers do traverse the peaty slopes of the Site, (which is likely to be sub-optimal foraging habitat due 7.139 A further possible operational impact is that ultrasound emissions from turbines may to the more limited earthworm resource in this area), the animals are most likely on route interfere with bats’ echolocation capabilities. The literature addressing this effect is sparse 18 to more favoured foraging areas. It is possible that they use the peatland habitats and it is likely that impacts on Irish bat species is limited (European Commission 2010 ). seasonally, for example when bilberry fruits are ripe. The magnitude of impact on badgers Table 7.15 outlines the bats likely to be at risk from wind turbines. during the construction phase is likely to be negligible to neutral, and significance of 7.140 Seasonal variation in impacts of operational turbines on bats in Ireland is at present not fully impacts is likely to be neutral. understood. Movement of bats over long distances within a limited time period may produce Common Lizard a concentration of animals that are available for collision. Studies have shown that there is a peak in mortality in late summer and autumn during dispersal and migration, and that 7.133 Construction of infrastructure will remove habitat for this species and cause disturbance migrating species are most susceptible (Rodrigues et al 200819). However, it is not known to leading to displacement of animals over a limited area of the Site. It also has the potential what extent Irish bats migrate, which species, if any, are involved, whether migration is on to impact all the habitat feature/requirements that lizards need within suitable habitat; a broad or narrow front, and whether there are discernible migration routes. It has been this includes areas for basking, foraging, diurnal shelter and hibernation. The recorded use suggested that collisions during migration may be exacerbated because echolocation is not of the Site by this species indicates that these impacts have the potential to be of moderate used in order to save energy (Keeley et al 200120). Late summer and autumn is also the adverse magnitude and of moderate adverse significance. period during which there may be increased activity associated with finding mates, and Operational Phase differentiating between migration and mating-related causality of mortality at turbines is problematic (Cryan and Barclay 200921). Recent research into Leisler’s bat in Ireland 7.134 Characteristics of wind farms that may generate impacts on the natural environment in the (Boston, 200822) showed that this species does not migrate long distances between summer vicinity of the proposed scheme include: ranges and hibernation sites. Leisler’s have been shown to hibernate within Ireland and do • Occupation of former semi-natural habitats by turbines and associated infrastructure; not appear to migrate in numbers on a broad front. This is likely to significantly reduce the • Occupation of a swept volume of air space by turbine rotors; collision risk for this species in the Irish context. However in the absence of definitive data • Vehicular use of access routes; and for all species, it is not possible to assess the likelihood, and hence the significance, of • Improved access to remote sites. collision risk during putative migration periods. Table 7.16 outlines the risk of collision 7.135 Many of the impacts on biological receptors noted for the construction phase are also fatalities affecting bat populations identified from the Site. relevant during the operational phase. However, effective land take is reduced following the construction phase, as temporary site compounds and vehicle and plant running surfaces 16 Kunz, T.K., Arnett, E.B., Erickson, W.P., Alexander, A.R.H., Johnson, G.D., Larkin, R.P., Strickland, M.D., Thresher, R.W. & Tuttle, M.D. (2007) Ecological impacts of wind energy development on bats: questions, research, needs and hypotheses. – Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 5: 315-324.R. are returned to their former vegetation cover, and disturbance pressures arising from 17 Ahlén, I. (2003) Wind turbines and bats – a pilot study. – Report to the Swedish National Energy Administration, Dnr 5210P- 2002-00473, P-nr P20272-1.R. 18 European Commission (2010) Guidance on wind energy development in accordance with the EU nature legislation. European Commission, Brussels. human presence along the route are reduced. 19 Rodrigues, L., Bach, L., Duborg-Savage, M-J., Goodwin, J. & Harbusch, C. (2008) Guidelines for consideration of bats in wind farm projects. – EUROBATS Conservation Series No. 3, UNEP/EUROBATS Secretariat, Bonn. 20 Keeley, B., Uogretz, S. & Strickland, D. (2001) Bat ecology and wind turbine considerations. –pp135-141 in Schwartz, S.S. (2001, ed) Proceeding of the National Avian-Wind Power Planning Meeting IV, Carmel, CA, May 16-17, 2000. 7.136 Impacts on valued ecological receptors are outlined below. 21 Cryan, P.M. and Barclay, R.M.R. (2009) Causes of bat fatalities at wind turbines: hypotheses and predictions. Journal of Mammalogy, 90(6):1330–1340. 22 Boston (2008) Molecular ecology and conservation genetics of the Leisler's bat (Nyctalus leisleri) in Ireland. Unpublished Ph.D Thesis. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 17 Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement edge. The infrastructure layout has taken account of bat activity along these features and Table 7.15: Bats likely to be at risk from wind turbines (Natural England 201423) turbines have been sited to avoid these areas. Otter Low Medium High 7.145 The level of potential disturbance to otters is less during wind farm operation as compared Myotis spp. Soprano Pipistrelle Leisler’s Bat with the construction phase, as the site reverts to minimal human presence. There is likely Brown Long-eared Bat Common Pipistrelle Nathusius’ Pipistrelle to be neutral impact magnitude and significance during the operational phase. Badger Table 7.16: The risk of collision fatalities affecting bat populations (Natural England 2014) 7.146 The use of access tracks will be mainly limited to single-vehicle journeys for maintenance Species Relative Population Size and Risk of Collision Population Threat and there will be minimal collision risk to badgers. There will be no additional impacts on Status badgers as a result of the operation of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. There is likely Myotis spp. Common / Fairly Common / Low Low to be neutral impact on magnitude and significance during the operational phase. Locally Distributed Common Lizard Leisler’s Bat Scarce (relatively common in NI) High High 7.147 The use of access tracks will be mainly limited to single-vehicle journeys for maintenance, Pipistrelle spp. Common Medium Low and there will be minimal traffic risk to lizards. The additional likely impacts on this species Soprano Pipistrelle Common Medium Low as a result of the operation of the Proposed Wind Farm Development will include species specific habitat management and enhancement measures. Overall the successful Common Pipistrelle Common Medium Low implementation of these measures during the operational lifetime of the wind farm is likely Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Rare High High to be of minor positive magnitude and of beneficial significance. Brown long-eared bat Common Low Low Decommissioning Phase 7.141 In the absence of mitigation, bats flying along edge habitats would be potentially in close 7.148 Impacts associated with decommissioning a wind farm bear many similarities to those arising proximity to the rotor swept areas during foraging and commuting activity. This could during construction. Many of the work processes are similar and plant and vehicle potentially result in bat fatalities. Therefore, under the precautionary principle (and movements are likely to be at a similar scale. It is assumed that decommissioning will without mitigation) this project has the potential to have a moderate adverse impact require the removal of all above ground structures; the removal of all underground magnitude, of large adverse significance during the operational phase. As a result, detailed structures to one metre below ground level; and reinstatement of disturbed areas. mitigation by design has been developed and agreed. Species of Conservation Concern 7.142 All turbines have been positioned to maintain a 31.2 m buffer (50 m stand-off distance from 7.149 Impacts on bats, badgers, otters and common lizard during decommissioning are likely to be the tip of the turbine blade to the top of the adjacent habitat feature). This is based on a of a similar scale and nature to those that occurred during construction and are unlikely to (blade length of 50 m, hub height of 100 m and maximum feature height of 5 m). As be significant. described in Chapter 2: Proposed Development and assessed in Chapter 6: Peatland and Habitats, a small amount of conifer felling at T11 is needed to facilitate this separation. Table 7.17: Significant Effects upon Valued Ecological Receptors (Prior to Mitigation) This will be maintained for the 25 year lifetime of the wind farm project. Impact Nature of Effect Magnitude Significance 7.143 With mitigation, and based on currently available data on Irish bat species, the impact Construction magnitude can be reduced to neutral significance during the operational phase of the Bats Disturbance of European Protected Species Neutral Neutral Proposed Wind Farm Development. during construction activities Otter Temporary disturbance from construction Negligible to Neutral 7.144 The results of bat activity surveys confirmed that the majority of commuting and foraging works unlikely Neutral was along linear features such as watercourses and in proximity to shelterbelt plantation Badger Temporary disturbance from construction Negligible to Neutral works probable Neutral Common Lizard Temporary disturbance from construction Moderate Moderate 23 Natural England Technical Information Note TIN051 Third edition 11 March 2014, Bats and onshore wind turbines Interim guidance. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 18 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement works and loss of habitat Adverse • No turbine rotors are within 50 m from the edge flightlines such as streams and shelterbelts), which is the minimum stand-off distance from blade tip to the nearest Operational habitat feature likely to be used by bats, (Natural England 2014). Bats Potential collision of European Protected Moderate adverse Large Adverse • Consideration will be given to the provenance of fill materials for roads, in terms of the Species with turbine blades (or barotrauma) during the operational phase similarity of their physicochemical properties (particularly pH) to the present substrate. Otter Operational Effects unlikely Neutral Neutral • The contractor will prepare a CDMS prior to construction activities to provide a method statement for working practices that will include measures, among others, to prevent Badger Operational Effects unlikely Neutral Neutral adverse impacts on rivers and other watercourses. Please also refer to the SUDS design Common Lizard Loss of habitat for the operational lifetime of Minor Minor Adverse Statement in Appendix 10. the wind farm Decommissioning • A “no access” buffer will be implemented along sensitive watercourses to prevent damage to banks and to prevent disturbance of riparian habitats, apart from the narrow Bats Disturbance of European Protected Species Neutral Neutral during decommissioning activities unlikely corridor required during construction. Otter Temporary disturbance from Negligible to Neutral • Access of all machinery and personnel will be limited to the working area corridor. decommissioning works unlikely Neutral • Site compounds and stores have been sited away from any features of conservation Badger Temporary disturbance from Negligible to Neutral interest, including watercourses. Any of these features in close proximity to the works decommissioning works possible Neutral or to compounds will be fenced to prevent damage by plant or stored materials. Common Lizard Temporary disturbance from Minor Slight Adverse decommissioning works probable • Dust suppression filters and appropriate wetting of running and work surfaces will be used to prevent masking of vegetation outside construction corridors, where appropriate. • Appropriate speed limits will be imposed to reduce the potential for dust production. Design Evolution & Mitigation • Excavations left unattended overnight should be ramped in at least one location to allow mammals to avoid becoming trapped. 7.150 The purpose of what is broadly classed as mitigation is to maintain the conservation value of • It is also recommended that, to minimise the risk of suspended sediment entrainment in a development site as far as is possible, and to exploit opportunities to enhance the site’s surface water run-off, the site drainage system should be installed during periods of low conservation value wherever possible. This can be achieved by (IEEM 2006): rainfall and therefore low run-off rates. • avoiding negative ecological impacts - especially those that could be significant; 7.153 Of particular importance for the maintenance of habitats and associated fauna is the • reducing negative impacts that cannot be avoided; and institution of good management practices that prevent the discharge of silt and pollutants • compensating for any remaining significant negative ecological impacts. into the local drainage system. Containment measures will include: 7.151 The aims of mitigation can be best achieved by choosing locations that allow sites or • Where works near or in watercourses are unavoidable, working practices will include features of conservation value to be avoided; Chapter 3: Design Evolution & Alternatives standard methods designed to minimise sedimentation and pollution, and measures will provides a full description of the design evolution process which includes details on be put in place before the works begin to ensure containment of any released avoidance measures. sediments. These may include silt containment booms or straw bales, as appropriate. 7.152 Avoidance and impact reduction techniques relate to reducing the footprint of the Land stripping will be done in stages to minimise the potential for concentrated, long- development and any ancillary works as far as is practicable. Measures required to address lasting pulses of silt to discharge into watercourses. All filtration systems will be ecological concerns described in this ES during the construction phase will be incorporated monitored frequently, and they will be replaced before they become ineffective. within a Construction & Decommissioning Method Statement (CDMS), which will be • Material storage compounds have been located remote from any watercourse. Surface submitted to and agreed with the Department at the pre-construction stage. Avoidance and water run-off high in suspended solids should be contained and treated prior to impact reduction measures include: discharge to any watercourse. All storage tanks should be bunded and should be sited remotely from any watercourse. Works should incorporate the relevant Pollution Prevention Guidelines. Additionally a Pollution Incident Response Plan should be put in place as part of the CDMS. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 19 Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement • Water should be pumped from turbine bases during construction either to areas of However, given the location of the records, it is also likely that much of the Site is sub- ground capable of absorbing the water or to settlement ponds prior to discharge. Any optimal habitat for this species. This is likely a consequence of over-grazing and drainage. discharged water must be free of cementitious products. 7.161 All clearance works will be undertaken in August and September, when common lizards are • All tracks and drains should be maintained and monitored to ensure that surface water likely to be fully active, whilst also avoiding the bird breeding season for snipe. Clearance of flow is directed as designed, and that ponding and blockages are prevented. stones, tree stumps, logs, brash, rocks or piles of similar debris will be undertaken carefully 7.154 Further details about the proposed SuDS are included in Appendix 10. and by hand. 7.155 Avoiding or mitigating impacts arising from construction-initiated alterations of drainage 7.162 Clearance of tall vegetation will be undertaken using a strimmer or brush cutter with all patterns and infiltration regimes is of importance for preventing damage to both aquatic cuttings raked and removed the same day. Cutting will only be undertaken in a phased way and terrestrial habitats. It must be appreciated that hydrological characteristics of peatland which will either include: and the habitats that they support are inextricably linked, and that changes in hydrological • Cutting vegetation to a height of no less than 30mm, clearing no more than one third of regime will lead to changes in these habitats. The few remaining areas of blanket bog have the site in anyone day or; been avoided by sensitive siting during the design process. The Site hydrological regime is • Cutting vegetation over three consecutive days to a height of no less than 150mm at the considered in detail in Chapter 10: Geology & the Water Environment and measures outlined first cut, 75mm at the second cut and 30mm at the third cut; there will be carried out in order to maintain the limited areas of conservation interest on 7.163 Following removal of tall vegetation using the methods outlined above, the remaining the Site. vegetation will be maintained at a height of 30mm through regular mowing or strimming to 7.156 Sympathetic management of the wind farm habitats during the operational phase will discourage common lizards from returning. Ground clearance of any remaining low provide the greatest opportunity for enhancing the conservation value of the Site, and vegetation (if required) and any ground works will only be undertaken following the works should be regarded as compensatory mitigation for the permanent land take required for described above. the new turbines and infrastructure. 7.164 As an additional precaution the ECoW will be present from the commencement of 7.157 In particular, the landowner will incorporate compensation and enhancement for lizard into clearance/construction with a watching brief to ensure that no common lizards remain the habitat management plan for the Site. This will included the removal of grazing for the within the construction corridor and remain in situ until the area is cleared to ensure no first three years post construction from the four habitat management areas shown in Figure species or habitat conflicts emerge affecting damage to the local lizard population. 6.4 (and reduced stocking density thereafter); as well as the emplacement of 100 artificial 7.165 If any common lizards are found during excavation works, all works within the affected area refugia within these areas. will cease until the ECoW has safely removed them (under licence) from the construction Species Specific Mitigation corridor. Bats 7.166 Should it prove necessary during site supervision (i.e. lizards are observed returning to the construction corridor); a protective lizard barrier fence will be installed along both sides of 7.158 In addition to the positioning of turbines remote from watercourses and linear features, the construction corridor in order to prevent common lizards and/or smooth newts from under the precautionary principle a 70m (discontinuous) section of a coniferous plantation entering the works area. shelterbelt (approx. 0.319 ha) will be removed adjacent to T11 in order to ensure that the 50 m buffer as recommended by Natural England is exceeded. 7.167 In total there is >1000 ha (of blanket bog; dry heath and marshy grassland) adjacent to the proposed construction corridor. These areas together provide more than sufficient suitable Common Lizard habitat. 7.159 In the case of common lizard it has been impossible to avoid impacts to this species, given the layout constraints. Therefore, the next course of action is to mitigate for any potential Residual Impacts impacts. 7.168 Residual effects relating to land management that is designed to provide ecological benefits 7.160 The results of the common lizard surveys for the Proposed Wind Farm Development were through the establishment of grazing measures which are appropriate within peatland and assessed against the Key Reptile Site Survey Assessment Categories (HGBI 1998). This associated habitats (See Appendix 6.3 – Outline Habitat Management Plan) will result in revealed that parts of the Site had a good population (with seven individuals recorded). more diverse and ecologically valuable habitat than the present degraded habitats that cover the majority of the Site. Continuity of effective, appropriate management should Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 20 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement result in the area becoming more biodiverse over time. With improved land management, it Temporary Neutral None required, no otters found within Neutral is anticipated that in the long term there will be at least a neutral residual impact on fauna disturbance to construction area otters of conservation concern. For habitats, a beneficial impact is likely if site management Temporary Neutral One old inactive sett was recorded in the area and a Neutral results in more diverse habitats of greater conservation value disturbance to low level of foraging activity means that disturbance to 7.169 Table 7.18 provides details of the residual impacts. badgers this species is unlikely to occur. Temporary Neutral No mitigation required as no impact during the Neutral Table 7.18: Residual Impacts Summary Table disturbance to decommissioning phase is considered likely. common lizard Impact Ecological Mitigation & Enhancement Ecological Impact Impact Cumulative Impacts Significance Significance without with 7.170 When considered in the context of the overwhelming dominance of trends in agricultural Mitigation Mitigation land-use as determinants of changes in the extent and quality of habitats, and natural variation over time in species populations, it is credible to assume that in only very Construction exceptional circumstances will direct effects in aggregation between wind farm sites have Temporary Neutral No mitigation required during construction. Neutral any potential to be cumulatively of concern let alone significant (in EIA terms). It is not disturbance to bats unreasonable to assume that any such aggregate effects that may be of significance are Temporary Negligible to None required, no otters found within Negligible to likely to be readily apparent to those considering individual applications who can inform disturbance to Neutral construction area. Neutral consideration of specific detailed measures to avoid unacceptable effects24. otters Temporary Neutral No setts were recorded in the area and a low level of Neutral 7.171 The potential for a cumulative impact between proposed and operational wind farms arises disturbance to foraging activity means that disturbance to this species principally if species from the same population are using more than one of the sites. The badgers is unlikely to occur. likelihood of this can be assessed through an analysis of the species assemblage and by Temporary Moderate Implementation of species specific mitigation to off-set Neutral disturbance to potential significant effects including phased mowing of examining the likely range and territory size of those species. common lizard the vegetation within the construction corridor. 7.172 The area over which a cumulative impact may be felt should also be considered, and in the Operational present case, wind farms within a radius of 30km have been identified. However, Potential Large adverse The proposed turbine layout was amended to ensure a Neutral Brockaghboy and Brockaghboy Extension are considered to be the only wind farms with the collision of bats minimum stand-off distance of 50 m (Natural England with turbine TIN051) to all habitat edges (shelterbelts and natural potential to have a significant cumulative effect. blades watercourses) which will be maintained through the lifetime of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. A 7.173 The following sections assess the potential cumulative impacts, as a result of the Proposed small amount of tree felling is required at T11, Corlacky Hill Wind Farm with other proposed and operational wind farms, where relevant. Disturbance to Neutral None required, no otters found within Neutral Bats otters construction area Disturbance to Neutral None required, no badger setts found within 25m of the Neutral 7.174 Outcomes which must be considered are whether the cumulative impact of wind farm badgers construction area; and badger activity was low. developments will adversely affect the distribution of these species of European Disturbance to Minor Implementation of species specific enhancement to off- Beneficial conservation concern, and whether there will be population-scale effects on any bat common lizard set potential significant effects includes; Management of 18.1 hectares of habitat which will also species. The most contentious species issue currently is the extent to which bats may be at benefit this species. risk of collision with turbines. There is potential for bats to forage across more than one Installation of 100 artificial refugia to act as basking wind farm and to be subject to at least the potential of an increased risk of collision. As yet sites within the habitat management area. there is no agreement on whether this is, in fact, a significant issue in the UK & Ireland, or Decommissioning how best to address it, though specific impacts on bats have been addressed through the Temporary Neutral No mitigation required Neutral disturbance to bats 24 Review of Guidance on the Assessment of Cumulative Impacts of Onshore Windfarms, Phase 1 Report, ENTEC, September 2008 Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 21 Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement incorporation of precautionary stand-offs to habitat features (foraging and commuting on the species that might have been detected as the result of the cumulative presence of areas). wind farms in the local area. The potential for disturbance to otters during the construction of the Proposed Wind Farm Development was assessed and any cumulative impact on otters 7.175 The development therefore has the potential to increase bat mortality resulting from is not considered to be significant. collision and barotrauma, and this impact is likely to be additive to similar impacts arising from the operation of other wind farms, at both local and regional scales. The absence of Badger data relating to bat life cycles and to the intensity and spatial variation of activities during 7.180 It is not anticipated that the Proposed Wind Farm Development will have a measurable different parts of those life cycles means that there is difficulty in determining the impact on local badger social groups and the wind farm will therefore not contribute to any significance of the cumulative impacts on bat species. It is likely that the significance of cumulative impacts that may be detectable from the operation of other wind farms in the cumulative impacts will also vary between species, depending on inter alia local and local area. The cumulative impact on badgers is considered to be not significant. regional abundance of different species, prey preferences, preferred flight height, preferred foraging habitat, degree of attraction to or deflection from turbines, extent of migratory Common Lizard behaviour, swarming characteristics and variability of behaviour in response to varying 7.181 The absence of this species across much of the Site and the habitat improvements weather conditions. Bat behaviour and collision risk are likely to be highly site-specific specifically designed to favour this species indicate that the Proposed Wind Farm during much of the annual cycle, but more generalised patterns, such as those relating to Development will not add to any adverse cumulative effects that may arise from wind farm migration, may be superimposed on these local factors. developments generally. The cumulative impact on common lizard is therefore considered 7.176 Whilst evidence is beginning to be revealed through a combination of academic research and to be not significant. on-going monitoring at wind farm sites, certainty with regard to cumulative effects is far Trans-boundary effects from clear. This is because the effects of wind farms on bat populations is dependent on a wide variety of factors including; the turbine layout, the species of bats present, existing 7.182 Potential trans-boundary effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on designated environmental conditions and the mitigation measures proposed at each wind farm (or sites and on mobile species (i.e. bats) were assessed. The effects are considered to be the individual turbine). Therefore a clear understanding of the patterns of bat activity at same as those described in the relevant sections (i.e. cumulative effects). Trans-boundary individual wind farms (during the development of EIA’s) is essential. effects are therefore not considered to be significant. Potential trans-boundary effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on Annex 1 migratory bird species are assessed in 7.177 In the case of the Proposed Corlacky Hill Wind Farm a clear understanding of the patterns of Chapter 8 – Ornithology. bat activity at the Site and surrounding area was used to inform the final layout and recommend mitigation, in the form of precautionary stand-off distances to habitat features, Conclusions and the maintenance of said buffers for the 25 year lifetime of the wind farm). 7.178 The potential cumulative impact of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and 7.183 No impact is predicted, as there is no regular usage of the area by badger, otter, marsh Brockaghboy/Brockaghboy Extension was specifically considered in relation to bats. The fritillary, argent & sable or smooth newt, although mitigation (provision of refugia/habitat stand-off distances of the existing turbines were measured (in addition to the 11 turbines in management) is still proposed for common lizard. The proposed mitigation measures will the Proposed Wind Farm Development), in relation to habitat features such as watercourses assist in the compensation for habitat areas lost under the footprint of the development and and shelterbelts (areas which had higher levels of bat activity). None of the approved enhancement of the local flora & fauna. turbines exceeded the Natural England stand-off distance to the edge habitat features. 7.184 The mitigation measures specified in Table 7.18 will be adhered to ensuring that any Therefore if precautionary stand-off distances were applied retrospectively to Brockaghboy potential impacts to bats will be negligible. In conclusion and based on current knowledge & Brockaghboy Extension the layouts would comply with the guidance. The cumulative this would appear to be a Site posing little risk to bats or bat populations. impact (of the 11 proposed Corlacky turbines) is not considered to alter the existing 7.185 Therefore the potential effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on ecological predicted impacts, therefore the cumulative impact is not considered to be significant. receptors have been assessed and it is concluded that with the implementation of Otter appropriate mitigation measures the effects would be reduced to a Neutral Effect that would not adversely affect the ecological integrity of the Site and the wider area. 7.179 The Proposed Wind Farm Development will not have adverse impacts on the ability of otters to forage in local watercourses (i.e. barrier effect), and will not prevent the use of 7.186 Overall the cumulative impacts on the fauna of the area are considered to be not watercourses as dispersion routes. The development will not add to any cumulative effects significant. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 22 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement List of Abbreviations, Figures and Appendices 7.3 Bat Transect Results (May 2014) 7.4 Bat Transect Results (June 2014) References have been inserted as footnotes within the body of the document. 7.5 Bat Transect Results (August 2014) Abbreviations 7.6 Bat Transect Results (Early September 2014) 7.7 Bat Transect Results (Late September 2014) AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 7.8 Bat Transect Results (July 2015) ARGUK Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK 7.9 Bat Transect Results (August 2015) 7.10 Bat Transect Results (Sept 2015) ASSI Area of Special Scientific Interest 7.11 Non Avian Fauna Results (Excluding Bats) BSBI Botanical Society of the British Isles CEDaR Centre for Environmental Data and Recording Appendices CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Appendix 7.1 – Bat Analysis Results CNCC Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside Appendix 7.2 – Fauna Surveys Report EC European Commission EcIA Ecological Impact Assessment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment HRA Habitat Regulations Assessment HSI Habitat Suitability Index IROPI Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee LHP Larval Host Plant MNR Marine Nature Reserve NBN National Biodiversity Network NIBG Northern Ireland Bat Group NIEA Northern Ireland Environment Agency NIPS Northern Ireland Priority Species NNR National Nature Reserve NR Nature Reserve PPS Planning Policy Statement SAC Special Area of Conservation SLNCI Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance SPA Special Protected Area UWT Ulster Wildlife Trust Figures 7.1 Static Bat Detector Locations 7.2 Bat Transect Results (April 2014) Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna Chapter 7 – Page 23 Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 7 – Page 24 Chapter 7: Terrestrial Fauna