Cowdale Quarry Ecology Survey
October 2009
Final
Client Express Parks Ltd.
Job Name Cowdale Development
Report title Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report
File reference 4500_002_rpt_mw_gt.doc
Signed Name Position Date
Mark Woods/Philippa Originated Principal Ecologist 26/10/09 Harvey
Reviewed Guy Miller Principal Ecologist 28/10/09
ISSUING OFFICE: Arden House Deepdale Business Park Ashford Road Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1GT
TEL: 01629 815544
FAX: 01629 815577
Web: www.bsg-ecology.com Email: [email protected] Offices in: Bakewell, Oxford, Berwick-upon-Tweed & Monmouth Registered in: Cardiff No. OC328772 Registered address: Arden House Deepdale Business Park Ashford Road Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1GT Members: A list of members is available at each office.
Express Parks Ltd Cowdale Development
Report Contents 1 Introduction...... 2 1.1 Site Description ...... 2 1.2 Proposed Works ...... 2 1.3 Aims of Study...... 2 2 Methodology...... 3 2.1 Desk Study...... 3 2.2 Field Survey ...... 3 3 Results ...... 3 3.1 Desk Study...... 3 3.2 Field Survey ...... 5 4 Assessment...... 11 4.1 Constraints on Study Information ...... 11 4.2 Nature Conservation Policy...... 12 4.3 Potential Impacts...... 13 5 Recommendations ...... 17 5.1 Further Survey ...... 17 5.2 Mitigation Measures...... 18 6 Appendix 1: Data Trawl Results...... 20 7 Appendix 2: Target Notes ...... 21 8 Appendix 3: Phase One Habitats Survey Map...... 25 9 Appendix 4: Species Lists ...... 27 9.1 Botanical Species List ...... 27 9.2 Fauna Species List ...... 30
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1 Introduction
1.1 Site Description The study site is a former quarry and surrounding agricultural fields that is located to the north of the village of Cowdale, centred at OS grid reference SK 079 723. The site is approximately 20 hectares in size and contains a range of habitat types that are typically associated with disused quarries. The quarry floor supports agriculturally improved grassland surrounded by a mixture of vegetated and bare limestone cliffs. In addition, there are spoil mounds located within the quarry void that are characterised by steep, eroding sides, which support a sparse open vegetation community and a flat plateau of improved grassland. Above the quarry void, there is a thin strip of land to the south and west, which supports calcareous and neutral grassland with scattered trees and shrubs. Improved pasture adjoins the south, east and west boundaries. The north of the site supports vertical and very steep slopes that consist of semi-mature and mature broadleaved woodland. The edge of this woodland is defined by the A6 Buxton to Matlock road.
On the north side of the A6 is the River Wye which is bordered by broadleaved woodland. Towards Buxton lies the former Sewage Treatment Works site which, following restoration, is now planted with broadleaved trees.
Beyond the improved pasture grasslands on the east side of the site there is a small dale that supports a mixture of habitats including neutral and calcareous grassland, broadleaved woodland and tall herb stands that are located on steep slopes and rocky outcrops.
The study site is set in a typical landscape for this part of Derbyshire, which consists of improved grasslands and small woodlands on the plateaus and the less steep slopes of the dales. The numerous quarries and steep-sided valleys add topographical variation to the local landscape.
1.2 Proposed Works Express Parks Buxton Ltd is proposing to develop the quarry void for industrial, recreational and educational purposes. Works will include the removal of the spoil mounds along the northern edge of the site. The development will be located within the floor of the former quarry.
1.3 Aims of Study Baker Shepherd Gillespie was commissioned by Glentoal Associates on behalf of Express Parks Buxton Ltd to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site, in order to identify habitats or species that may be affected by the proposed works, and provide a preliminary ecological assessment. The objectives of the survey were to:
• Identify the existing habitats within and adjoining the site; • Check for evidence of protected species within and adjoining the site; • Assess the potential for protected species to be present in the area; • Identify potential ecological impacts relating to the proposed works; • Identify requirements for further survey; • Propose mitigation measures to avoid and reduce ecological impacts, as far as these can be determined at this stage.
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2 Methodology
2.1 Desk Study A desktop study was carried out to determine the presence of any protected or notable species records for a 2km radius around OS grid reference SK 079 723 and for statutory or non-statutory designated sites of nature conservation value (such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), within a 5km radius of the site.
The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust was contacted to supply some of this information and Natural England’s nature-on-the-map website1 was consulted to determine the locality of statutory protected sites within 2km of the study site.
2.2 Field Survey Philippa Harvey MIEEM (Principal Ecologist) and Mark Woods MIEEM (Senior Ecologist) undertook a walk-over field survey on 7th October 2009 between 0900 and 1530 hours. The weather was sunny with light winds and an average temperature of 160C. The site was walked over and the habitats were described using the Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology2.
Checks for signs of protected species were made throughout the site. Scattered and woodland trees were inspected to assess their potential to support roosting bats. Habitats were assessed for their suitability to support nesting birds. Searches were also made for evidence of badgers Meles meles (such as setts, dung pits, hairs and tracks) and water vole (such as burrows, feeding remains, droppings and tracks). The site was also searched for the presence of the invasive non- native plant Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica.
3 Results
3.1 Desk Study
3.1.1 Designated sites
3.1.1.1 Statutory Designated Sites A number of statutory sites of nature conservation interest were located within 5km of the site, including the Peak District Dales Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Peak District Moors Specially Protected Area (SPA) and South Pennine Moors SAC.
• Wye Dales SSSI is located 0.4km to the north of the site at its nearest point (Cunning Dale), centred at OS grid reference SK 154 722. Other dales included within the Wye Dale SSSI such as Deep Dale and Woo Dale are located within 2km distance, to the west of the study site.
3.1.1.2 Non-statutory designated sites Four Local Wildlife Sites: (LWS) and one “recorded site of interest” are located within 2km of the site. A LWS is identified as having county level importance for its nature conservation interest.
• Cow Dale, which forms the eastern edge of the survey area, is an unimproved calcareous grassland site and is designated as a LWS (HP 176), covering an area of 8.64 Ha. Approximately half of this LWS (3.79 Ha) is identified as a semi-natural grassland.
1 www.natureonthemap.org.uk/ 2 JNCC, 1993. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Peterborough.
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• Ashwood Dale LWS (HP 027) is located immediately to the north west of the survey site, and covers an area of 11.3Ha, supporting ancient semi-natural ash woodland.
• Cunningdale North LWS (HP 158) is located approximately 1km to the north of the survey site at its nearest point, covering an area of 2.3Ha, supporting unimproved calcareous grassland.
• Cunningdale South LWS (HP 180) is located approximately 0.5km to the north of the survey site at its nearest point, covering an area of 3.1Ha, and supports unimproved neutral grassland.
• Cowdale Quarry, including the quarry rock face, cliff tops and the quarry floor within the survey area is identified as an “Other recorded site of interest” (HP 135). This is not a formal designation but simply identifies that the site may be of ecological interest.
In addition, Ashwood Dale and Ashwood Dale Quarry Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) are located approximately 0.2km to the north of the survey site on the northern side of the A6.
3.1.2 Protected Species The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust provided the following records of protected species within 2km of the site (see Table 1 below). For full details refer to Appendix 1.
In summary, there is one record for great crested newts over 2km to the north east of Cowdale quarry and several records of bat activity in the local area. Water vole is recorded on the River Wye along the northern edge of the survey area. Twenty two records of badger setts have been provided with nine within 1km of the site. There are four records of setts within Cowdale Quarry dating back to 1989, with the most recent recording dating from 2008.
Table 1: Protected Species records Common name Latin name Date OS grid Location Distance from reference site Pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp. 1993 SK080725 Ashford Dale 0.2km north Pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp. 1998 and SK060722 White Knowle 1.9km west 2000 Rd, Buxton Soprano Pipistrellus 1999 SK071706 Harpur Hill, 1.8km pipistrelle pygmaeus Buxton southwest Pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp. 2005 SK065719 Somerset Close, 1.4km west Buxton Common Pipistrellus 2004 SK063717 Somerset Close 1.4km west pipistrelle pipistrellus Water vole Arvicola terrestris 1998 SK0872 River Wye Within 1km Water vole Arvicola terrestris 1998 SK0872 River Wye Within 1km Great crested Triturus cristatus 1976 SK087746 Buxton, green newt Lane Badger Meles meles 1989 Confidential Cowdale Quarry Within the survey area Badger Meles meles 1994 Confidential Cowdale Quarry Within the survey area Badger Meles meles 2008 Confidential Cowdale Quarry Within the survey area Badger Meles meles 1994 Confidential Cowdale Quarry Within the Wood survey area
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Three bird species records were provided for the search area (See table 2 below). None of the records are for the survey site, the nearest being from approximately 0.5km of the site.
Table 2: Birds of conservation concern records –red list and Derbyshire LBAP species Species Latin Name Date of record OS grid reference Distance from site Skylark Alauda arvensis 1991 SK 077732 0.5 north Starling Sturnus vulgaris 1991 SK065723 1km west Song thrush Turdus philomelos 2001-2008 SK048734 1-3 km west SK067711 SK060722 SK064735 SK065731
3.1.3 UKBAP Habitats/Species The following records were provided for the local area, The reptile records relate to a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve located 2km to the east of the site.
Table 3: UK BAP Priority Species Common Name Latin Name Date Grid Ref. Distance from site Brown hare Lepus europaeas 2002 SK077734 0.5 north Grass snake Natrix natrix 1996 SK0971 2km east Slow worm Anguila fragilis 1996 SK0971 2km east
3.1.4 Derbyshire LBAP Habitats/Species Three Nationally Scarce plant species (Derbyshire Red Data Book) Mountain currant Ribes alpinum, Pale St. John’s-wort Hypericum montanum and Hutchinsia Hornungia petraea, are recorded within Cow Dale LWS (SK 0872). In addition, the Nationally Threatened plant species (Derbyshire Red Data Book) narrow-leaved bittercress Cardamine impatiens is recorded for Cow Dale. Clustered bellflower Campanula glomerata and saw-wort Serratula tinctoria recorded for Cowdale in 1996, this is a Locally Scarce or Declining plant.
3.2 Field Survey The Phase 1 Habitat Survey Plan is located in Appendix 3. See Appendix 2 for the Target Notes, which provides detailed accounts of all the habitats encountered within the study site.
The abundance of plant species located during the survey is recorded by use of the DAFOR system: D is dominant, A is abundant, F is frequent, O is occasional and R is rare, the prefix ‘L’ refers to a ‘Localised’ occurrence. A species list for the whole site is present in Appendix 4.
3.2.1 Habitat Description The study site consists of a disused limestone quarry and areas of unquarried land above and around the quarry void. The quarry floor (TN21) and the fields occupying the eastern half of the site (TN1) support improved grassland dominated by perennial rye-grass. Other species include white clover Trifolium repens, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, common nettle Urtica dioica, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare.
The grasslands surrounding the quarry on the south and west sides (TN17) are also agriculturally improved, and species-poor with a very short sward. Grass species include abundant perennial rye-grass, with frequent cock’s-foot, common bent-grass and red fescue.
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At the northeast corner of the site there is a small, grazed semi-improved grassland (TN16) that supports a variety of grasses including frequent perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne, red fescue, common bent-grass Agrostis capillaris and cock’s-foot. Herbs are sparse and include occasional creeping buttercup, common sorrel Rumex acetosa and creeping thistle. Common vetch Vicia sativa, common ragwort Senecio jacobaea, greater burnet Sanguisorba officinalis and Lady’s- smock Cardamine pratensis are present but rare in the sward.
The quarry rock faces (TN 22) support a mixture of calcareous grassland, neutral grassland and tall-herb habitats on the ledges and less-steep slopes. Trees and shrubs are more frequent at the foot of the rock faces and consist of immature native and non-native species including ash Fraxinus excelsior, goat willow Salix caprea and sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus. Some areas of species-rich grassland are present on the rock faces.
Calcareous grassland and scattered broadleaved trees are located above the quarry void and occupies a thin strip along the south boundary of the quarry (TN13, see Figures 2 and 3). At its widest the strip of grassland is approximately 10m, narrowing down to 1.5m in places. The grassland is grazed in places and supports typical calcicole species such as red fescue Festuca rubra, sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina, rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, fairy flax Linum catharticum, yellow oat-grass Trisetum flavescens, carline thistle Carlina vulgaris, eyebright Euphrasia officinalis agg., downy oat-grass Helictotrichon pubescens, quaking grass Brizia media and glaucous sedge Carex flacca, but where soils are deeper the grassland supports more mesotrophic species such as white clover, cock’s-foot, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and hogweed. Shrubs and trees are occasional to locally frequent and consist of immature sycamore, ash, whitebeam Sorbus aria agg., rowan Sorbus aucuparia, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, common osier Salix viminalis and grey willow Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia.
Figure 2: Calcareous grassland (TN13) above Figure 3: Calcareous grassland / Scattered the south edge of the quarry void broadleaved woodland (TN13)
Unimproved neutral grassland (TN14) occupies a small triangle of land on the south boundary of the site, above the quarry void. The grassland has a dense cover, near continuous thatch layer and is greater than 0.5m high. The stand consists of mesotrophic herbs and grasses such as common knapweed Centaura nigra, greater burnet, melancholy thistle Cirsium heterophyllum, creeping buttercup, cock’s-foot, false oat-grass and meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, but the presence of common nettle, hogweed and broadleaved dock suggests past disturbance and nutrient input.
The steep slopes and ledges of the quarry rock faces support calcareous grassland and tall-herb habitats, with frequent shrubs and trees such as sycamore, ash and grey willow at the foot of the cliffs (TN 22, see Figures 4 and 5). Species include red fescue, sheep’s fescue, crested dog’s-tail,
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cock’s-foot, rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium, male fern, herb Robert, a hawkweed Hieracium diaphanum, common knapweed and quaking grass.
Figure 4: Rock faces in the quarry (TN22) Figure 5: Rock faces in the quarry and spoil heaps in foreground
There are a number of both large and small spoil mounds along the north side of the quarry void. They are flat-topped with steep-sided, actively eroding flanks (Target Notes 10, 20 and 23; see Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9). The plateaus of the spoil mounds support improved grassland which is grazed. Self-sown, immature shrubs and trees are also present on the spoil heaps. The eroded faces of the spoil mounds support an open, unimproved calcareous grassland habitat. The sparse clumps of vegetation include species such as fairy flax, sheep’s fescue and ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare. There are a few scattered trees on the south side of the slopes, which consist of sycamore, silver birch Betula pendula and grey willow.
The base of the west side of the spoil mound TN23,where the ground is uneven, supports a more species-rich calcareous grassland vegetation that is very similar to other calcareous grassland habitat within the study site.
Figure 6: Spoil mound (TN20) Figure 7: Spoil mound (TN23)
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Figure 8: Small spoil mounds in centre of site Figure 9: View of the quarry spoil mound (TN10)
The most easterly spoil mound (TN10) supports improved grassland with scattered broadleaved trees on the plateau. An open calcareous grassland habitat with a few immature trees and shrubs are present on the steep-sided flanks of the spoil mound.
Figure 10: Broadleaved woodland on Figure 11: Broadleaved woodland on northern edge of TN10 spoil mound northern edge of site (TN9)
Mature broadleaved plantation woodland is located on the north edge of the quarry (TN18, see Figure 14). The woodland occupies a thin strip on steeply sloping ground that terminates in near vertical cliffs and rocky outcrops. Presumably, the woodland was planted as a screen when the quarry was active. A dense canopy of beech Fagus sylvatica, sycamore, common lime Tilia x vulgaris and Scots pine Pinus sylvatica has suppressed the shrub and understorey layers and the field layer is fairly sparse with patches of tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis and male fern Dryopteris filix-mas.
To the north of the quarry void and the spoil tips, the cliffs and rocky outcrops that flank the A6 road are covered by mature semi-natural and plantation broadleaved woodlands (TN 9 and 11). The semi-natural woodland habitat extends alongside the A6 road and occupies parts of the slopes present on either side of the unclassified road that leads into Cowdale. Because of the terrain, much of the woodland is inaccessible, and is therefore, relatively undisturbed. The canopy supports sycamore and ash, with an understorey of wych elm Ulmus glabra, hazel Corylus avellana and hawthorn. The field layer supports species such as tufted hair-grass, dog’s mercury,
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common valerian Valeriana officinalis, wild angelica Angelica sylvestris, bramble Rubus fruticosus, wood avens Geum urbanum and water avens Geum rivale.
The study site also includes a small area on the north side of the A6 road, which contains a section of the River Wye and an immature broadleaved woodland plantation. The woodland supports tall-herb stands in the gaps between the young trees.
The east enge of the study site is defined by steep slopes with rocky outcrops that support a mix of semi-natural ash woodland (TN 9), neutral grassland, unimproved species-rich calcareous grassland with scattered and dense scrub (TN 5 and 6). This area forms part of the Cow Dale Local Wildlife Site.
The calcareous grassland habitat on the slopes (TN5, Figure 12) is dominated by common knapweed with Yorkshire fog, quaking grass, salad burnet Sanguisorba minor, rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, ox-eye daisy, harebell Campanula rotundifolia, greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa, small scabious Scabiosa columbaria, and common valerian Valeriana officinalis.
The calcareous grassland associated with the limestone outcrops supports a range of species including wall rue Asplenium ruta muraria, hawkweed Hieracium sp., quaking grass, maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes, common rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium, harebell Campanula rotundifolia, mouse-eared hawkweed Pilosella officinarum (see Figure 13).
Figure 12: View of calcareous grassland and Figure 13: View of the calcareous grassland scrub from the top of the site (TN5) bank on the eastern edge of the site (TN5)
3.2.2 Protected Species
3.2.2.1 Nesting birds No nesting birds were located, due to the timing of the survey visit. However, 14 species of birds were recorded by casual observation or song (see Table 2). The majority of species were associated with the woodland habitats within the study site, with fewer species recorded in the open habitats. However, linnet was flying within the open quarry area. Fieldfare was recorded in association with the fields in the east of the site. A pair of raven was present flying over the local area. It is considered likely that some of these species would breed within the overall site, in particular within the woodland and scattered broadleaved trees and potentially also on the quarry ledges voids within the quarry face.
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Table 2: Birds recorded during the survey Common name Latin name Raven Corvus corax Linnet Carduelis cannabina Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Robin Erithacus rubecula Dunnock Prunella modularis Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus Carrion crow Corvus corone Great tit Parus major Blue tit Parus caeruleus Great-spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major Jackdaw Corvus monedula Magpie Pica pica Wood pigeon Columba palumbus
3.2.2.2 Bats No signs of roosting bats were located during the survey, but targeted surveys were not carried out. The study site supports rock faces with crevices and holes that may have potential to support roosting bats. The scattered and woodland trees that were observed did not support any obvious features that could be used by roosting bats. Although, given the size and maturity, the woodland trees are largely unsuitable for roosting bats, there are cliffs and rocky outcrops with crevices and holes within the woodland with potential to support roosting bats.
The woodland and rocky habitats within the study site and the River Wye along the northern edge of the site provide a range of foraging and commuting opportunities for bats.
3.2.2.3 Badgers During the survey, a badger sett was located at OS grid reference SK 081 725 (see Figure 1, Appendix 3: Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map and Figure 7 below). A search revealed seven active entrance holes with very well-worn paths leading between the entrances, distinctive badger prints, bedding and badger hairs within the spoil mounds outside the entrances. It is considered likely that there will be further badger setts within the woodland areas which were not subject to a comprehensive search given the difficulty of access due to the steep terrain. No obvious badger tracks led into the open quarry area and there were no signs of foraging on the quarry floor. Evidence of digging was located on the spoil mound close to the sett which is likely to originate from feeding badgers. It is considered likely that badgers are mostly foraging in the woodlands.
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Figure 14: Main badger sett in the woodland edge
3.2.2.4 Great crested newt The study site does not contain any areas of standing water and, from an examination of the 1:25000 OS map; no ponds are present within 500 metres of the site. Therefore, the presence of great crested newts within the study site is not anticipated.
3.2.2.5 Reptiles Targeted surveys were not carried out during the site visit. The study site supports habitats including rock faces, rough grassland and woodland edge, with potential to support adder Viperus berus, grass snake Natrix natrix slow-worm Anguis fragilis and common lizard Lacerta vivipara.
3.2.3 Rare Species The calcareous grassland along the top of the quarry face supports several colonies of melancholy thistle Cirsium heterophyllum, which is a Derbyshire Red Data Book3 species.
3.2.4 Invasive species No Japanese knotweed was located during the site survey.
4 Assessment
4.1 Constraints on Study Information Although the timing of the survey visit was not optimal for botanical surveys, there was sufficient above ground material to be able to identify the majority of species. October is not a suitable month for locating nesting birds, but the habitats were assessed for their potential to support nesting birds. Some particularly steep parts of the site could not be thoroughly searched because of safety constraints, but these areas could be viewed and habitats present classified from adjacent areas.
3 Moyes, N.J. & Wilmott, A. (2002). A Checklist of the Plants of Derbyshire. Derby Museum.
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4.2 Nature Conservation Policy This section provides an overview of Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS 9)4. In addition, reference is made to the UK and the Derbyshire Biodiversity Action Plans (UKBAP and LBAP respectively) in relation to habitats and species identified to be of nature conservation concern.
4.2.1 Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation
4.2.1.1 Biodiversity PPS 9 (Key Principle vi) states that the aim of planning decisions should be to prevent harm to biodiversity interests and where granting planning permission would significantly harm those interests, the local planning authority “will need to be satisfied that the development cannot be reasonably located on any alternative sites that would result in loss or no harm. In the absence of such alternatives, local planning authorities should ensure that before planning permission is granted, adequate mitigation measures are put in place. Where a planning decision would result in significant harm to biodiversity… which cannot be prevented or adequately mitigated against, appropriate compensation measures should be sought. If significant harm cannot be prevented, adequately mitigated against, or compensated for, then planning permission should be refused.”
4.2.1.2 Habitats of Principal Importance Paragraph 11 of PPS 9 advises that local authorities should take steps to further the conservation of important natural habitats which are considered to be of Principal Importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England and also identify opportunities to enhance and add to them.
Paragraph 12 states that “local authorities should take steps to maintain networks of habitats by avoiding or repairing the fragmentation and isolation of natural habitats through policies in plans. Such networks should be protected from development, and where possible strengthened or integrated within it.”
In paragraph 13 of PPS 9, the government indicates that “the re-use of previously developed land for new development makes a contribution to sustainable development… However, where such sites have significant biodiversity or geological interest of recognised local importance, local planning authorities, together with developers, should aim to retain this interest or incorporate it into any development of the site.”
4.2.1.3 Protected Species Paragraph 116 of Government Circular 06/2005 which accompanies PPS 9 also advises that planning authorities should give due weight to the presence of a European protected species on a development site to meet their statutory requirements in exercising its functions in relation to the Habitats Directive.
4.2.1.4 Species of Principal Importance In paragraph 16 of PPS 9, the government indicates that local authorities should take steps to further the conservation of species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England and should ensure that that the habitats of these species are protected from further decline and from adverse effects of development, where appropriate, by using planning conditions or obligations. Planning authorities should refuse permission where harm to the species or their habitats would result unless the need for, and benefits of, the development clearly outweigh the harm.
4 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. August 2005. Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. HMSO.
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4.2.2 UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) 5
4.2.2.1 Habitats The UK BAP lists a series of Priority Habitats of conservation concern that are considered to be priorities for nature conservation. Upland Mixed Ash Woods, Running Water, Calcareous Grassland and Neutral Grassland are Priority Habitats that occur within the study site.
4.2.2.2 Species Within the UKBAP, Species Action Plans have been prepared for brown hare Lepus europaeus and linnet Carduelis cannabina, which were recorded during the survey. It is possible that other Priority Species could also use the site.
4.2.3 Peak District Local Biodiversity Action Plan6 The PDLBAP identifies local biodiversity priorities identifies local priorities within the National Park. Local Priority Species and Habitats are influenced by the UK BAP.
4.2.3.1 Habitats Local Habitat Action Plans have been prepared for river corridor habitats, upland ash woods and limestone dales.
4.3 Potential Impacts
4.3.1 Designated Sites The results of the data trawl indicate the presence of the Wye Dales SSSI, which is also part of the Peak District Dales SAC. In the local area, the Wye Dales SSSI consists of a series of Limestone Dales. At its closest point, Cunning Dale, the Wye Dales SSSI is approximately 0.4km to the north of the study site. The site is however isolated from the Wye Dales SSSI by the A6 road and a railway line.
No direct impacts are likely and, in addition, it is unlikely that the development will interfere with local hydrology or air quality and there will be no impact on the ecological interest of the SSSI or SAC sites within 5km of the study site.
It is anticipated that the proposed development will be largely contained within the quarry void and to some extent, isolated from the surrounding area. Cowdale Quarry, including the quarry rock face, cliff tops and the quarry floor within the survey area is identified as an “Other recorded site of interest” (HP 135). While this is not a formal designation it does highlight that the site may be of ecological interest. Often such sites have not been adequately surveyed to assess whether there is sufficient interest present. The proposed development will result in the loss of the quarry floor and spoil heaps but the quarry face will remain intact. The main area of ecological interest, the quarry faces and cliff top grassland areas, will be retained.
Cow Dale, which forms the eastern edge of the survey area, supports unimproved calcareous grassland and is designated as a LWS (HP 176), covering an area of 8.64 Ha. Approximately half of this LWS (3.79 Ha) is identified as a semi-natural grassland area.
Any impact on Cow Dale LWS will be informed by the final layout of the development and particularly the long-term access to the site. However, at this stage it is considered unlikely there will be an impact on this LWS.
5 Biodiversity: the UK Action Plan. 1994. HMSO 6 http://www.derbyshirebiodiversity.org.uk/lbaps/peak-district.php
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4.3.2 Habitats The study site supports habitats that are listed in the UK BAP and Peak District Local BAP including ash woodland, calcareous and neutral grassland, and limestone dales. Local and/or UK Action Plans have been prepared for these habitat types, with the general aims of conserving the existing resource and where possible to restore degraded areas through management. The UK BAP and LBAP habitats within the study site are located on the periphery of the quarry void and also to the east at Cow Dale. These habitats and the quarry rock faces are botanically species-rich and therefore, disturbance or damage has the potential to have an adverse impact on local biodiversity.
The proposed development within the quarry void will result in the loss of the existing spoil mounds and the improved grassland habitat on the quarry floor. The plateaus of the spoil mounds have been sown with a perennial rye-grass and white clover mix of low botanical interest, which has been intensively grazed by sheep to a tight sward of less than 5cm height. In places, however the flanks of the spoil mounds have developed a rudimentary calcareous grassland habitat on actively eroding substrates. The timing of the survey was not optimal for assessing the botanical diversity of the community, because unstable substrates are likely to support short-lived perennials and annual species, which die-back and disappear by late summer. Therefore, it is considered that the flanks of the spoil mound could support a reasonably diverse botanical community and therefore the loss of this habitat has potential to give rise to an adverse impact on the botanical diversity within the site.
The improved grassland habitat on the quarry floor and occasionally elsewhere within the study site (see Appendix 2: TN1, TN17 and TN21 for details) is botanically species-poor, intensively grazed by livestock, and of low ecological interest. As a consequence, it is considered that the loss or disturbance of the improved grassland habitat is unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on local biodiversity.
Although, the construction of the proposed access road from the A6, will use the line of the existing track, it will require the removal or trimming back of some of the trees along the route of the road to provide an improved and wider access route. Further studies will have to be conducted once the detailed plans of the new access have been issued to assess which trees and vegetation will be affected.
4.3.3 Protected Species
4.3.3.1 Birds All nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to kill, injure or take any wild bird or take, damage or destroy its nest whilst in use or being built, or take or destroy its eggs. In addition to this, for some rarer species (listed on Schedule 1 of the Act), it is an offence to disturb them while they are nest building or at or near a nest with eggs or young, or to disturb the dependent young of such a bird.
A number of bird species are also listed as Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006. PPS9 gives guidance on the treatment of such species and states that local authorities should ensure that they are protected from the adverse effects of development, where appropriate, by using planning conditions or obligations.
The data trawl provided three records of birds (skylark, starling and song thrush) which are UK BAP species and Species of Principal Importance; however none of these records relate directly to the study site. During the survey visit, 14 species were recorded including linnet, which is a red list BOCC7 species, a UK BAP Priority Species and a Species of Principal Importance. The study site supports a range of habitats, such as woodland, scrub, quarry rock faces, rough grassland
7 BOCC Reference
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and tall-herb stands, all with potential to support any bird nests particularly. In addition, the mix of habitats on the periphery of the quarry void and the rock faces has the potential to provide foraging habitat for a wide range of birds. Although the development of the quarry void is unlikely to directly affect birds nests particularly. There is however still potential for indirect disturbance such as noise and lighting to occur during both the construction and operational phases of the proposed development.
4.3.3.2 Bats Bats and their habitats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRoW Act 2000), and by the Habitats Regulations 1994 (as amended 2009). In summary, these make it an offence to damage, destroy or obstruct any place used by bats for breeding and shelter, disturb a bat, or kill, injure or take any bat.
Seven bat species are listed in the UK BAP and are listed as Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006. PPS9 gives guidance on the treatment of Species of Principal Importance and states that local authorities should ensure that they are protected from the adverse effects of development, where appropriate, by using planning conditions or obligations.
The data trawl identified five bat records within 2km of the study site. No obvious signs of roosting bats were located during the survey although, it should be noted that targeted surveys were not carried out. Habitats were assessed for their suitability to support roosting and foraging bats. Most of the trees within the study site did not contain features such as splits, dense climbing ivy and rot holes, which often have potential to support roosting bats. However, the quarry rock faces and the rocky outcrops in the woodlands overlooking the A6 road and Cowdale support numerous fissures and holes. Given the number of fissures and holes, the presence of roosting bats within the study site cannot be discounted. Disturbance of the rock faces could have the potential to harm roosting bats and cause an offence.
The study site supports a number of habitats, which provide a continuous linear edge around the periphery of the site such as the species-rich grassland and scrub at the top of the quarry cliffs and the woodland edge that flanks the north and east sides of the quarry. These linear features are likely to provide foraging habitats and commuting routes for bats.
The woodlands along the northern and eastern edge of the site will remain unaffected by the development and therefore bat activity along the edges of the woodland is unlikely to be directly affected by the development. Artificial lighting within the site may have the potential to affect foraging behaviour (see 4.4.2.1). However, the development will potentially extend to the foot of the scree along the base of the quarry face. If bats are roosting within the voids of the quarry face, the buildings could, depend on their design and height, obstruct access to roosts and flight lines/foraging activity. Depending on the location and design the new buildings could potentially offer additional roosting opportunities.
4.3.3.3 Badgers Badgers are protected under the Badgers Act 1992. This makes it an offence to wilfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or to attempt to do so; or to intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett. Sett interference includes disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, as well as damaging or destroying a sett or obstructing access to it. A badger sett is defined in the legislation as “a structure or place, which displays signs indicating current use by a badger”.
The data trawl identified four records for active badger setts within the study site, three of these records date back to either to1989 or 1994.There was no evidence of any badger setts in these locations during the survey. During the survey visit an active main sett was located at the top of
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the woodland overlooking the A6 road, this is in a similar position to the sett previously recorded in 2008. The well-worn trails leading to and from the sett entrances suggest that the badgers are foraging in the woodland and it is likely that there are further setts within the wooded bank.
Although the quarry floor is easily accessible for badgers, no evidence of activity (e.g. snuffle holes, diggings, footprints or obvious trails) were found to suggest that badgers are using the quarry void for foraging purposes. Some limited signs of foraging were located on the improved grassland on top of the spoil mound nearest to the badger sett.
Given the location of the sett, the availability of foraging habitat in adjacent woodland habitats, and lack of field signs in the quarry void, it is considered that development of the quarry floor is unlikely to have an adverse direct impact on the badger sett.
Depending on the extent of the spoil mound removal and the development of the new access road from the A6 there could be potential for disturbance to the badger sett and badgers. As stated above it is likely that further badger setts could be present within the woodlands, however, the terrain is too steep to easily allow detailed survey.
4.3.3.4 Otter Otters and their habitats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRoW Act 2000), and by the Habitats Regulations 1994 (as amended 2009). In summary, these make it an offence to damage, destroy or obstruct any place used by otters for breeding and shelter, disturb an otter, or kill, injure or take any otter.
In addition, otter is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species and is listed as a Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006. PPS9 gives guidance on the treatment of Species of Principal Importance and states that local authorities should ensure that they are protected from the adverse effects of development, where appropriate, by using planning conditions or obligations.
The data trawl did not identify any otter records within 1km of the study site, although the River Wye could provide suitable corridor for otters to travel along. The area of the river bordering the site is canalised with stone walls in many places and there is little opportunity for otters to create holts. It is considered unlikely that the works will have a direct impact on the River Wye, but if the installation of the new access road should require any disturbance to the river, further assessment of any likely impacts on otters would be required.
4.3.3.5 Water vole Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CROW Act 2000). This makes it an offence to kill, injure or take any water vole, damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place of shelter or protection that the animals are using, or disturb voles while they are using such a place.
In addition, water vole is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species and is also listed as a Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006. PPS9 gives guidance on the treatment of Species of Principal Importance and states that local authorities should ensure that they are protected from the adverse effects of development, where appropriate, by using planning conditions or obligations.
The data trawl identified two water vole records within 1km of the study site. Although there were no records provided for the river during the data trawl, from previous experience it is known that water voles are present on the River Wye in the vicinity of the site.. If the installation of the new access road should require any disturbance to the river, further assessment of any likely impacts on water voles would be required.
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4.3.3.6 Reptiles All British reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRoW Act 2000). Grass snake, slow worm, common lizard and adder are protected against intentional killing or injury and against sale. In addition, all British reptiles are UKBAP priority species.
The data trawl identified the presence of grass snake and slow worm records for the Topley Pike and Deep Dale SSSI site located approximately 1.75km to the east of the study site. During the survey, no evidence of reptiles was recorded, but habitats were assessed for their potential to support reptiles. The woodland, undisturbed grasslands, spoil mounds, scrub and south facing quarry rock-face habitats have potential to support adder, grass snake, common lizard and slow- worm. Therefore, given the suitability of habitats within the study site to support reptiles their presence cannot be discounted. If suitable habitats are likely to be disturbed by the proposed development, then there is potential to harm or kill reptiles and thereby, commit an offence.
4.3.4 Rare Species Melancholy thistle is a rare plant in Derbyshire and is confined to only eight 10km squares in the Limestone Dales area of the county. Most of the populations within the study site are located above the south and west sides of the quarry void, in relatively undisturbed grassland and plantation woodland habitats and therefore unlikely to be affected.
If, as a consequence of the development, the populations of melancholy thistle are likely to be disturbed, then there is potential for an adverse and potentially significant impact on the ecological interest of the study site.
4.3.5 UKBAP / LBAP Species Brown hare was recorded at the northwest corner of the study site. A single individual was observed grazing in semi-improved pasture grassland (TN16), before running towards the west onto the farmland pastures adjacent to the study site. It is likely that brown hare uses unmanaged grassland areas on the south and west sides above the quarry void as cover during late summer when neighbouring grasslands are short. The habitats likely to be lost or disturbed by the proposed development including short grassland are not considered to offer a favoured habitat of brown hare. Therefore, it is considered that brown hare is unlikely to be affected by the proposed development.
A flock of linnets were observed foraging in rough grassland and woodland edge habitats during the survey visit. However, it is anticipated that the habitats favoured by linnet, such as those stated above, are unlikely to be disturbed as a consequence of the proposed development. Therefore, an adverse impact on linnet is considered to be unlikely.
5 Recommendations
5.1 Further Survey
5.1.1 Habitats It is recommended that a Phase 2 botanical survey is carried out of the areas of unimproved calcareous grassland on the spoil heap slopes, quarry face and cliff top vegetation, and in Cow Dale. This survey would record in detail the species found within these areas, and where possible determine the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) community. This data would then be used to firmly establish the ecological value of these habitats as well as providing advice on mitigation/compensation.
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5.1.2 Protected Species At this stage, the likely impact on nesting birds, roosting bats and reptiles as a consequence of the proposed development cannot be fully determined. Therefore, further survey work is recommended.
5.1.3 Birds It is recommended that a breeding bird survey is carried out to determine the breeding bird interest associated with the study site, this should entail three survey visits between April and June. During each visit a predetermined transect route will be walked over in order to view all areas of the site. All bird species will be recorded along with details of their activities using standard annotation.
5.1.4 Badgers Depending on the proximity of the proposed access road from the A6, and the extent of clearance of the spoil mounds in relation to the badger sett located, further survey work may be required to inform the need for a Natural England disturbance licence.
5.1.5 Bats In order to understand how bats are using the study site, it is recommended that three evening transect walks are carried out when bats are likely to be active (May- August), in order to comply with the current best practice guidance8. The size of the site means that multiple surveyors may be required for the evening transect walk, in order to ensure that all favourable habitats are visited during peak periods of activity for foraging and commuting bats.
5.1.6 Reptiles The study site has the potential to support adder, common lizard and slow-worm. If habitats with potential to support reptiles are likely to be disturbed or damaged, then targeted survey work is recommended. In order to detect reptiles suitable habitat can be searched along a transect route, supplemented by the inspection of pre-placed reptile refugia. The site should be visited five times during spring (April-June) or autumn (September), when weather conditions are suitable.
5.2 Mitigation Measures
5.2.1 Habitats The proposed development will result in the loss of the calcareous grassland habitat that has started to develop on the flanks of the spoil heaps. Although calcareous grassland is present elsewhere within the study site, most of the resource is unmanaged and characterised by the presence of tall coarse grasses and herbs. By contrast, the vegetation of the spoil mound flanks is sparse and at an early stage of development and has the potential to support a species-rich botanical community. In addition, sparsely vegetated, south facing slopes can also provide habitats for invertebrates. As a consequence, it is considered that the loss of this habitat will have an adverse impact on the ecological interest of the study site.
In order to mitigate the loss of this habitat, there are two options that could be considered: The use of “green/brown” roofs could be incorporated into the design of buildings within the proposed development. A calcareous surface layer derived from the substrate on the flanks of the spoil mounds could be used to form the roof substrate and managed to allow the development of a sparse calcareous grassland sward.
8 Bat Conservation Trust 2007. Bat Surveys Good Practice Guidelines
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Consideration could also be given to the translocation of material to an area on the southern side of the quarry face. There are two fields that support agriculturally improved grassland of low ecological interest. If the top soils were stripped from a proportion of the improved grassland, the substrate on the flanks of the spoil heaps could be spread over the exposed sub-soils. It is anticipated that with appropriate management, calcareous grassland habitat will develop, which could be managed by grazing.
The proposed development also provides an opportunity to manage selected habitats adjacent to the quarry void in order to promote local biodiversity. The calcareous and neutral grasslands on the south and west side of the quarry void and the west flank of Cowdale (at the east end of the study site) are currently in ‘poor’ condition and would benefit from intervention, in order to arrest the development of scrub and the abundance of bulky grasses and herbs.
It is recommended that the woodlands that occupy the north and part of the east of the study site should be left unmanaged and undisturbed, unless there are significant safety considerations that would be of sufficient importance to override the nature conservation interest.
5.2.2 Protected Species At this stage, there are no specific recommendations for protected species mitigation because further survey work needs to be carried out. The need for mitigation and/or compensation for nesting birds, roosting bats and reptiles will be assessed from the results of targeted survey work.
The need for a badger licence will be assessed according to the likelihood of disturbing or damaging the sett, as a consequence of the proposed development.
5.2.3 Rare Species Melancholy thistle is partially shade tolerant and has been recorded in open woodland, but too much shade from dense plantation woodland and scrub could result in the loss of populations located in the northwest corner of the study site. Management of woodland and scrub in this area would help to promote the long-term conservation of the species. Other populations located on the south side, above the quarry void, would benefit from an occasional autumn cut and routine scrub control.
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6 Appendix 1: Data Trawl Results
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7 Appendix 2: Target Notes TN1 Improved Grassland The fields occupying the eastern half of the site support improved grassland dominated by perennial rye-grass. Other species include white clover Trifolium repens, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, common nettle Urtica dioica, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare.
TN2 Broadleaved Woodland A small area of broad-leaved woodland with horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, wych elm Ulmus glabra, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, rowan Sorbus aucuparia with an understorey of snowberry Symphoricarpos albus and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna.
TN3 Neutral Grassland / Tall Ruderal Vegetation / Scattered Scrub / Dense Scrub A steeply sloping bank leading down to Cow Dale supports unmanaged grassland, tall ruderal vegetation and scattered hawthorn and dense bramble scrub. The grassland at the top of the bank is dominated by competitive, tussock-forming grasses such as false-oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, with tall-herbs such as hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, creeping thistle, tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa and common knapweed Centurea nigra.
TN4 Plantation Broadleaved Woodland The small belt of mixed woodland is bounded by dry stone walls. Species include wych elm, beech Fagus sylvatica, rowan, Scots pine Pinus sylvestris, sycamore, and ash Fraxinus excelsior, with an understorey of snowberry. The ground flora includes dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis, red campion Silene dioica, wood avens Geum urbanum, tufted hair-grass and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.
TN5 Calcareous grassland / Dense Scrub Towards the top of a steeply sloping bank there is a stand of dense bramble scrub. Below this the slope supports calcareous grassland with limestone outcrops supporting a range of species including wall rue Asplenium ruta muraria, hawkweed Hieracium sp., quaking grass Briza media, maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes, common rock rose Helianthemum nummularium, harebell Campanula rotundifolia, mouse-eared hawkweed Pilosella officinarum (see Figure 5).
The calcareous grassland habitat is dominated by common knapweed with Yorkshire fog, quaking grass, salad burnet Sanguisorba minor, rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, harebell Campanula rotundifolia, greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa, small scabious Scabiosa columbaria, and common valerian Valeriana officinalis.
TN6 Broadleaved Woodland Scattered ash dominated woodland bordering the road through Cow Dale. Ground flora includes dog’s mercury and tall-herbs such as hogweed.
TN7 Broadleaved Woodland The stand of broadleaved woodland that steeply slopes to the east is dominated by sycamore, beech, wych elm with dog’s mercury, lady fern Athyrium filix-femina within the ground layer.
TN8 Tall-Ruderal vegetation The habitat consists of a small triangle of land that is dominated by dominated by butterbur Petasites hybridus.
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TN9 Broadleaved Woodland The eastern and northern boundary of the site is characterised by steeply sloping banks leading down to the A6 below. The canopy supports a mixture of sycamore, wych elm, beech, ash and rowan with an understorey of hawthorn. Ground flora includes dog’s mercury, wood avens, herb Robert Geranium robertianum, strawberry Fragaria vesca and red campion.
TN10 Improved Grassland / Calcareous Grassland / Scattered Broadleaved Woodland The spoil mound supports improved grassland with scattered broadleaved trees on the plateau. An open calcareous grassland habitat with a few immature trees and shrubs are present on the steep-sided flanks of the spoil mound.
TN11 Broadleaved Woodland The north boundary of the quarry is characterised by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops that support semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The canopy supports sycamore and ash, with an understorey of wych elm, hazel Corylus avellana and hawthorn. The field layer supports species such as tufted hair-grass, dog’s mercury, common valerian Valeriana officinalis, wild angelica Angelica sylvestris, bramble, wood avens and water avens Geum rivale.
TN12 Plantation Broadleaved Woodland This is a small area of immature woodland located on the top of the slopes above the A6 road. The habitat has a ‘grassy’ field layer and the canopy is defined by tree species such as ash, sycamore and rowan. On the edge of the woodland stand there is an active badger sett.
TN13 Calcareous Grassland / Scattered Broadleaved Woodland The habitat is located above the quarry void and occupies a thin strip along the south boundary of the quarry (see Figures 10 and 11). At its widest point the strip of grassland is approximately 10m, narrowing down to 1.5m in places. The grassland is grazed in places and supports typical calcicole species such as red fescue Festuca rubra, sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina, rough hawkbit, fairy flax Linum catharticum, yellow oat-grass Trisetum flavescens, carline thistle Carlina vulgaris, eyebright Euphrasia officinalis agg., downy oat-grass Helictotrichon pubescens, quaking grass and glaucous sedge Carex flacca, but where soils are deeper the grassland supports more mesotrophic species such as white clover, cock’s-foot, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and hogweed. Shrubs and trees are occasional to locally frequent and consist of immature sycamore, ash, whitebeam Sorbus aria agg., rowan, hawthorn, common osier Salix viminalis and grey willow Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia.
TN14 Neutral Grassland The habitat occupies a small triangle of land on the south boundary of the site, above the quarry void. The grassland has a dense cover, near continuous thatch layer and is greater than 0.5m high. The stand consists of mesotrophic herbs and grasses such as black knapweed, greater burnet Sanguisorba officinalis, melancholy thistle Cirsium heterophyllum, creeping buttercup, cock’s-foot, false oat-grass and meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, but the presence of common nettle, hogweed and broadleaved dock suggests past disturbance and nutrient input.
TN15 Plantation Broadleaved Woodland The plantation is relatively small, immature and is of a fairly uniform structure (see Figure 12). Apart from a few naturally regenerating ash and silver birch, the remaining trees are all planted and consist of species such as whitebeam, horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum and wild cherry Prunus avium. Shrub and understory layers are absent, because of the near-continuous canopy, which casts a heavy shade. The field layer is dominated by grasses including tufted hair- grass and cock’s-foot, but melancholy thistle and hogweed are also frequent. Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. is locally frequent.
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TN16 Semi-improved Neutral Grassland At the northeast corner of the site there is a small grazed-grassland that supports a variety of grasses including frequent perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne, red fescue, common bent-grass Agrostis capillaris and cock’s-foot. Herbs are sparse and include occasional creeping buttercup, common sorrel Rumex acetosa and creeping thistle. Common vetch Vicia sativa, common ragwort Senecio jacobaea, greater burnet and Lady’s-smock Cardamine pratensis are rare.
TN17 Improved Grassland The grasslands surrounding the quarry on the south and west sides are agriculturally improved, and species-poor with a very short sward. Grass species include abundant perennial rye-grass, with frequent cock’s-foot, common bent-grass and red fescue (see Figure 16).
TN18 Plantation Broadleaved Woodland Mature broadleaved plantation woodland is located on the north edge of the quarry (see Figure 15). The woodland occupies a thin strip on steeply sloping ground that terminates in near vertical cliffs and rocky outcrops. Presumably, the woodland was planted as a screen when the quarry was active. A dense canopy of beech, sycamore, common lime Tilia x vulgaris and Scots pine has suppressed the shrub and understorey layers, and the field layer is fairly sparse with patches of tufted hair-grass, dog’s mercury and male fern Dryopteris filix-mas.
Figure 15: Plantation broadleaved woodland Figure 16: Improved grassland (TN17) (TN15)
TN19 Neutral Grassland A strip of grassland is located between plantation broadleaved woodland stands (TN11 and TN15) on sloping ground (see Figure 18). The habitat is characterised by the abundance of tufted hair-grass, but there is also a range of herbs such as melancholy thistle, a lady’s-mantle Alchemilla xanthachlora, greater burnet, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, wild angelica, common valerian, lady’s bedstraw Galium verum, water avens, raspberry Rubus idaeus, field scabious Knautia arvensis, quaking grass, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata and black knapweed.
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Figure17: Plantation broadleaved woodland Figure 18: Neutral grassland (TN19) (TN18)
TN20 Improved Grassland / Calcareous Grassland / Scattered Broadleaved Woodland (Spoil Heap) The spoil heap is approximately 10m in height, with slopes greater than 450. The plateau of the spoil heap appears to have been sown with perennial rye grass and white clover Trifolium repens, but the cover is patchy (see Figure 19). Bare spoil and sparse clumps of vegetation are frequent on the plateau and many areas of the slopes are devoid of vegetation. The sparse clumps of vegetation include species such as fairy flax, sheep’s fescue and ox-eye daisy. There are a few scattered trees on the south side of the slopes, which consist of sycamore, silver birch and grey willow.
TN21 Improved Grassland The floor of the quarry supports agriculturally improved, species-poor grassland (see Figure 18). The grassland is heavily grazed by sheep and is less than 5cm high. Species include abundant perennial rye-grass, frequent creeping thistle and spear thistle; welted thistle Carduus crispus is rare.
TN22 Inland Rock - Quarry The steep slopes and ledges of the rock faces support calcareous grassland and tall-herb habitats, with frequent shrubs and trees such as sycamore, ash and grey willow at the foot of the cliffs (see Figures 17 and 18). Species include red fescue, sheep’s fescue, crested dog’s-tail, cock’s-foot, rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium, male fern, herb Robert, a hawkweed Hieracium diaphanum, black knapweed and quaking grass.
TN23 Improved Grassland / Calcareous Grassland / Scattered Broadleaved Woodland (Spoil Heap) The spoil heap has very steep, eroding flanks and a flat top that is heavily grazed by sheep and cattle (see Figure 20). The spoil heap has a track on the west side that forms a shallow valley to the plateau. The field layer vegetation and the scattered, self-set trees have a similar species assemblage to the other spoil tips (TN10 and TN20). However, at the base of the west side of the spoil tip, the ground is uneven and the small rocky outcrops support a more species-rich calcareous grassland vegetation that is very similar to other calcareous grassland habitat within the study site.
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8 Appendix 3: Phase One Habitats Survey Map
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Page 3 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
Nationally Scarce (Derbyshire Red Data Book) plant species Latin Common Location OS Grid Ref Date Deep Dale(incl Horseshoe Dale Draba muralis Wall Whitlowgrass SK098717 1985 & Back Dale) Draba muralis Wall Whitlowgrass Deepdale SK0971 1989 Deep Dale(incl Horseshoe Dale Draba muralis Wall Whitlowgrass SK0971 1991 & Back Dale) Draba muralis Wall Whitlowgrass Pig Tor SK0872 1992 Draba muralis Wall WhitlowgrassKing Sterndale/Deepdale SK0971 1996 Draba muralis Wall Whitlowgrass Topley Pike and Deep Dale SSSISK0971 0 Dark-red Topley Pike and Deep Dale Epipactis atrorubens SK0971 0 Helleborine SSSI Gymnocarpium Limestone Fern Near Buxton SK097724 1973 robertianum Gymnocarpium Limestone Fern Ashwood Dale SK0972 1980 robertianum Gymnocarpium Deep Dale(incl Horseshoe Dale Limestone Fern SK0971 1983 robertianum & Back Dale) Gymnocarpium Limestone Fern Wye Dale. On rly bridge SK0972 1988 robertianum Gymnocarpium Limestone Fern Deep Dale SK0971 1989 robertianum Gymnocarpium Limestone Fern Ashwood Dale SK094724 1990 robertianum Gymnocarpium Limestone Fern Deep Dale, W SK0971 1991 robertianum Gymnocarpium Limestone Fern Deep Dale, Chelmorton SK0971 1993 robertianum Gymnocarpium Limestone Fern Deep Dale SK0971 1995 robertianum Gymnocarpium King Sterndale/Woo Dale Limestone Fern SK0972 1996 robertianum (monad) Gymnocarpium King Sterndale/Deepdale Limestone Fern SK0971 1996 robertianum (monad) Gymnocarpium Topley Pike and Deep Dale Limestone Fern SK0971 0 robertianum SSSI Hornungia petraea Hutchinsia Pigtor Rocks, above tunnel SK087722 1992 Hornungia petraea Hutchinsia Cow Dale (monad) SK0872 1996 Hornungia petraea HutchinsiaKing Sterndale/Deepdale SK0971 1996 Hornungia petraea HutchinsiaTopley Pike and Deep Dale SK0971 0 Polygonatum Angular Solomon's- Deepdale, Chelmorton SK0971 1981 odoratum seal Polygonatum Angular Solomon's- Deep Dale SK097717 1995 odoratum seal Polygonatum Angular Solomon's-Topley Pike and Deep Dale SK0971 0 odoratum seal SSSI Potentilla Deep Dale(incl Horseshoe Dale Spring Cinquefoil SK097715 1985 neumanniana & Back Dale)
Nationally scarce DRDB plants Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 4 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
Nationally Scarce (Derbyshire Red Data Book) plant species Latin Common Location OS Grid Ref Date Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil CUNNING DALE area SK0773 1989 neumanniana Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil CUNNING DALE area SK0873 1989 neumanniana Potentilla Deep Dale(incl Horseshoe Dale Spring Cinquefoil SK0971 1989 neumanniana & Back Dale) Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil Deep Dale SK097715 1989 neumanniana Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil Deepdale SK0971 1991 neumanniana Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil Pig Tor, Ashwood Dale SK087722 1992 neumanniana Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil Pic Tor SK088723 1993 neumanniana Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil Deep Dale SK096714 1994 neumanniana Potentilla King Sterndale/Woo Dale Spring Cinquefoil SK0972 1996 neumanniana (monad) Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil unspecified SK0774 1996 neumanniana Potentilla King Sterndale/Deepdale Spring Cinquefoil SK0971 1996 neumanniana (monad) Potentilla Spring Cinquefoil Unspecified SK0773 1997 neumanniana Potentilla Topley Pike and Deep Dale Spring Cinquefoil SK0971 0 neumanniana SSSI Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Ashwood Dale SK0772 1979 Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Cowdale SK0872 1986 Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Aswood Dale SK0772 1992 Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Lovers Leap SK071726 1992 Ribes alpinum Mountain Currant Ashwood Dale SK0772 1992 Sorbus rupicola a whitebeam Ashwood Dale SK0772 1979 Sorbus rupicola a whitebeam Cunning Dale SSSI SK0872 1986 Sorbus rupicola a whitebeamTopley Pike and Deep Dale SK0971 0
Nationally scarce DRDB plants Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 5 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
NationallyThreatened (Derbyshire Red Data Book) plant species Latin Common Location OS Grid Ref Date Allium oleraceum Field Garlic Topley Pike and Deep Dale SSK0971 0 Narrow-leaved Cardamine impatiens Deep Dale SK0971 1971 Bitter-cress Narrow-leaved Cardamine impatiens Deep Dale, Chelmorton SK0971 1989 Bitter-cress Narrow-leaved Cardamine impatiens Deepdale SK0971 1991 Bitter-cress Narrow-leaved Cardamine impatiens Deep Dale, Chelmorton SK0971 1993 Bitter-cress Narrow-leaved Cardamine impatiens Cow Dale (monad) SK0872 1996 Bitter-cress Narrow-leaved Cunning dale, jnc of dale Cardamine impatiens SK084726 1996 Bitter-cress and road. Narrow-leaved Cardamine impatiens SK0971 0 Bitter-cress Topley Pike and Deep Dale Coeloglossum viride Frog Orchid SK0971 0 SSSI King Sterndale/Woo Dale Daphne mezereum Mezereon SK0972 1996 (monad) Daphne mezereum Mezereon W.of track SK09837238 1996 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Rocks N side above railway. SK0772 1970 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunningdale SK0972 1975 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort CUNNING DALE area SK080730 1975 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunningdale SK0872 1980 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunningdale SK0773 1980 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunning Dale SSSI SK0773 1985 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunning Dale SSSI SK0872 1985 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunning Dale SSSI SK0872 1986 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort CUNNING DALE area SK0773 1986 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunningdale SK0972 1990 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunningdale SK083727 1992 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cunning Dale (monad) SK0773 1996 Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort Cow Dale (monad) SK0872 1996 King Sterndale/Deepdale Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort SK0971 1996 (monad)
Nationally threatened DRDB plan Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 6 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
NationallyThreatened (Derbyshire Red Data Book) plant species Latin Common Location OS Grid Ref Date Topley Pike and Deep Dale Hypericum montanum Pale St. John's-wort SK0971 0 SSSI Deep Dale(incl Horseshoe Minuartia verna Spring Sandwort SK0971 1990 Dale & Back Dale) Topley Pike and Deep Dale Minuartia verna Spring Sandwort SK0971 0 SSSI Polemonium Jacob's-ladder Lovers Leap SK0772 1999 caeruleum Polemonium Topley Pike and Deep Dale Jacob's-ladder SK0971 0 caeruleum SSSI Saxifraga hypnoides Mossy Saxifrage Deep Dale SK0971 1991 King Sterndale/Deepdale Saxifraga hypnoides Mossy Saxifrage SK0971 1996 (monad) Saxifraga hypnoides Mossy Saxifrage Deepdale SK0971 2002 Saxifraga hypnoides Mossy Saxifrage Deep Dale SK0971 0 Deep Dale(incl Horseshoe Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly SK0971 1987 Dale & Back Dale) Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Deep Dale SK096713 1994 Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Deep Dale SK0971 1995 Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly SK0773 1996 King Sterndale/Deepdale Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly SK0971 1996 (monad) Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly Deepdale SK0971 2002 Topley Pike and Deep Dale Silene nutans Nottingham Catchfly SK0971 0 SSSI Deep Dale(incl Horseshoe Viola canina Heath Dog-violet SK0971 1989 Dale & Back Dale) Viola canina Heath Dog-violet Woo Dale,nr Buxton SK0973 1989
Nationally threatened DRDB plan Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 7 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
Locally Scarce or Declining (Derbyshire Red Data Book) plant species Latin Common Location OS Grid Ref Date Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Deep Dale SK0971 1971 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Deep Dale SK094717 1972 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort S.side of A6 SK098724 1980 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Ashwood Dale SK0972 1980 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Woo Dale SK0972 1988 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Deep Dale. In abundance SK0971 1989 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Ashwood Dale SK097724 1990 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Ashwood Dale SK098724 1990 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort Woo Dale SK096726 1990 Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort unspecified SK0972 1996 Topley Pike and Deep Dale Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort SK0971 0 SSSI Campanula Clustered Bellflower Duke's Drive SK0772 1975 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Cunning Dale SK0872 1975 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Cunning Dale SK080730 1975 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Cunningdale SK0872 1980 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Cunningdale SK0773 1980 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Cunning Dale SK0872 1982 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Cunningdale SK0773 1985 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower unspecified SK0971 1990 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Tim Lodge, nr. SK0872 1990 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Green Fairfield SK0874 1991 glomerata Campanula Clustered Bellflower Deep Dale area SK0971 1995 glomerata Campanula Staden Grange/Ashwood Clustered Bellflower SK0772 1996 glomerata Dale (monad) Campanula Clustered Bellflower Cow Dale (monad) SK0872 1996 glomerata Campanula King Sterndale/Deepdale Clustered Bellflower SK0971 1996 glomerata (monad) Epilobium roseum Pale Willowherb South Buxton SK0672 1996 Fumaria muralis ssp. Few-flowered south edge of track. (Locality SK066733 1996 boraei Fumitory unspecified) Helleborus viridis Green Hellebore Pictor Hall SK091725 1974 Helleborus viridis Green Hellebore Cunningdale SK084726 1979
Locally scarce or declining pla Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 8 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
Locally Scarce or Declining (Derbyshire Red Data Book) plant species Latin Common Location OS Grid Ref Date Helleborus viridis Green Hellebore Cunningdale SK0773 1980 Helleborus viridis Green Hellebore Cunningdale SK0773 1980 Helleborus viridis Green Hellebore Cunningdale SK083727 1992 Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Deep Dale SK0971 1971 Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Ashwood Dale SK0972 1980 Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Woo Dale SK095728 1991 Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Woo Dale,nr Buxton SK0972 1991 Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Woo Dale area SK0972 1995 King Sterndale/Woo Dale Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort SK0972 1996 (monad) Topley Pike and Deep Dale Rubus saxatilis Stone Bramble SK0971 0 SSSI Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort CUNNING DALE area SK080730 1975 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Ashwood Dale SK0772 1979 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Cunningdale SK0773 1980 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Cunning Dale SSSI SK082727 1986 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Cunning Dale SK0773 1986 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Cunning Dale SK087724 1990 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Buxton, E of. SK0873 1990 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Woo Dale,nr Buxton SK0972 1990 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Ashwood Dale SK072728 1991 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Cunning Dale SSSI SK083727 1991 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Ashwood Dale SK083727 1992 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Ashwood Dale SK084726 1992 Staden Grange/Ashwood Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort SK0772 1996 Dale (monad) Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Cunning Dale (monad) SK0773 1996 Serratula tinctoria Saw-wort Cow Dale (monad) SK0872 1996 Common Meadow- Thalictrum flavum nr Topley Pike SK0972 1979 rue Trollius europaeus Globe-flower CUNNING DALE area SK0773 1982 Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Cunning Dale SSSI SK082727 1990 Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Dale Road, Buxton SK0672 1990 Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Cunningdale SK07847306 1994 Staden Grange/Ashwood Trollius europaeus Globe-flower SK0772 1996 Dale (monad) Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Cunning Dale (monad) SK0773 1996 Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Dale Side SK063730 2001 Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Buxton SK062729 2005 Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Cunningdale SK079729 2005 Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Buxton SK062729 2005 Trollius europaeus Globe-flower Cunningdale SK079729 2005 Topley Pike and Deep Dale Trollius europaeus Globe-flower SK0971 0 SSSI Valeriana dioica Marsh Valerian Deep Dale/Back Dale SK092713 1985
Locally scarce or declining pla Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 9 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
UK BAP habitats historic wood pasture and parkland - King Sterndale Hall ponds lowland swamp and tall herb fen
Ponds (not necessarily UK BAP habitat)
SSSI Duchy Quarry Poole's Cavern & Grin Low Wood Wye Valley Goyt Valley Waterswallows Quarry Leek Moors Topley Pike & Deep Dale Calton Hill
SPA Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1)
SAC South Pennine Moors Peak District Dales South Pennine Moors
DWT Nature Reserve Cheedale Deep Dale and Topley Pike
5km search area - sites Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 10 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Sites) Name Interest Petrology: Limestones, dark grey, fine to medium grained calcarenites, mainly biosparites. Anthony Hill RIGS Palaeontology: Scattered crinoid debris and some comminuted brachiopod and coral fragments Petrology: Thickly bedded, pale grey to grey calcarenitic limestones with beds separated by stylolites or clay partings, Ashwood Dale RIGS with rare calacitites at the base, vesicular Lower Millers Dale lava. Palaeontology: Davidsonina septosa band. Buxton Bridge RIGS Lower Millers Dale Lava Petrology: Modern calcareous tufa with a variously laminated Ferny Bottom RIGS and rippled texture. Rare, comples and little understood Hydrology. Powerful Otter Hole Farm RIGS Stream Resurgence. Dye tested connections with Stanley Moor Swallets, Shay Lodge Sinks? etc shows part of an loivine-pyric dolerite sill intruded into Waterswallows Quarry (SSSI) RIGS Dinantian limestone. The sill, which is tholeiitic in composition shows internal variations in both minerology and texture etc. Ashwood Dale Quarry RIGS Normal fault. Slickensides. Mineralisation. Deep Dale RIGS Dry valley. Chee Tor Limestones. Fault. Mineralisation Petrology: Concentrically Bedded limestone of light grey micrite and calcutite, and well bedded micrite. Millers Dale Limestones with cherty limestones, and basaltic Millers Dale Blackwell (Sandy) Dale RIGS Lava. Palaentology: Productids, corals and crinoid ossicles. A varied coral fauna with Gigantoproductus sp. and Limoprotonia hemisphaerica, Dibunophyllum bourtonense. Thirkelow RIGS Petrology: Limestones, typical of the Bee Low Limestones High Edge RIGS Petrology: Calcarenitic limestones, predominantly pale grey
5km search area - sites Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 11 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
Local Wildlife Sites Ref No Name Area (ha) Ecological feature Brierlow Quarry Grassland and Unimproved calcareous HP006 2.1608 Verges grassland Hindlow Grassland and Road Unimproved calcareous HP007 5.0679 Verge grassland Unimproved calcareous HP009 Brierlow Grange Meadow Site 0.0854 grassland HP010 Morland Complex 0.735 Habitat mosaic HP021 Lightwood Reservoirs 2.0716 Standing open water HP023 Combs Moss 245.9076 Heather moorland Secondary broad-leaved HP024 Light Wood 14.6805 plantation Railway Land Hogshaw (former HP026 7.8644 Habitat mosaic sidings) Ancient semi-natural ash HP027 Ashwood Dale 11.3308 woodland Ancient woodland - HP056 Wye Dale 1.0093 plantation broad-leaved Unimproved calcareous HP057 Tunstead Quarry 44.7879 grassland Unimproved calcareous HP062 Buxton Youth Hostel Grassland. 2.5784 grassland Unimproved calcareous HP067 Peak Dale Grassland 16.6967 grassland HP068 Victory Quarry 7.5957 Habitat mosaic Unimproved calcareous HP069 Peak Dale/Smalldale Quarries 9.1908 grassland Unimproved calcareous HP070 Longsidings Quarry 24.5269 grassland Harpur Hill Disused Railway #1 Unimproved calcareous HP071 0.7085 West grassland Harpur Hill Disused Railway Unimproved neutral HP073 1.1431 Line #2 East grassland HP074 Stanley Moor Complex 41.7625 Upland mire
HP076 Stanley Moor Reservoir 9.4228 Unimproved acid grassland
Unimproved calcareous HP099 Grin Low Grassland 22.5937 grassland
5km search area - sites Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 12 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
Local Wildlife Sites - continued Ref No Name Area (ha) Ecological feature HP119 Countess Cliff Grassland 10.8339 Unimproved calcareous Unimproved calcareous HP120 Diamond Hill 9.2579 grassland
HP121 Longridge Lane Pond 0.0224 Standing open water
Unimproved calcareous HP158 Cunningdale North 2.3313 grassland HP170 Beet Wood and The Beet 4.182 Secondary broad-leaved HP176 Cow Dale 8.6382 Unimproved calcareous Unimproved neutral HP177 Ferney Bottom Meadows 7.756 grassland HP180 Cunningdale South 3.0988 Unimproved neutral HP183 Ferneydale Grassland 5.0627 Unimproved calcareous Unimproved neutral HP187 Otterhole Farm Meadows 0.3198 grassland HP188 Dale Road Grassland 0.7663 Unimproved neutral HP189 The Embankment 2.1769 Unimproved calcareous HP190 The Canal and Surrounds 2.8997 Unimproved acid grassland HP191 Turncliff Common 32.6326 Habitat mosaic HP192 Leap Edge Flush 2.9155 Lowland mire HP193 Turncliff Dale B 3.5195 Unimproved calcareous HP194 Cutting Area H 3.6105 DRDB species - fungi
Potential Local Wildlife Sites (Potential Local Wildlife Sites are sites that have been identified as having nature conservation interest, but where that interest has not been fully assessed against the Wildlife Site Selection Guidelines.) Ref No Name Area (ha) Ecological feature HP CWS Grin Low South 13.3549 Unimproved neutral HP CWS Countess Cliff (East) 7.8755 Unimproved neutral HP CWSFerneydale south 4.5653 Unimproved neutral
HP CWS Turncliff Common 33.0567 Rush-pasture
HP CWS New High Edge Rocks 10.7012 Unimproved grassland HP CWSBatham Gate Road Sandpit 9.7933 Birds HPCWSHoffman Quarry 23.152 Unimproved calcareous HP R6506 land adj Waterswallows Quarry 6.5981 HP182Anncroft Meadows and Stream 1.6502 Rush-pasture
5km search area - sites Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 13 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
Semi natural grassland sites (regarded as Potential LWSs) Ref No Name Area (ha) Ecological feature HP CWS Grin Low South 16.287 Lowland HP119COUNTESS CLIFF 10.8339 Lowland calcareous HP CWS Countess Cliff (East) 5.6584 Unimproved neutral
HP177 Ferney Bottom Meadows 7.709 Lowland meadow
Unimproved neutral HP CWS The Embankment 1.749 grassland Lowland calcareous HP183 Ferneydale Grassland 1.3531 grassland HP CWS Extension to Ferneydale 6.4506 Lowland calcareous HP062BUXTON YOUTH HOSTEL 1.6525 Lowland calcareous
HP CWS Dale Road Grassland 0.7663 Lowland meadow
Unimproved neutral HP182 Anncroft Meadows and Stream 1.6567 grassland Lowland calcareous HP176 Cow Dale 3.7871 grassland HP007HINDLOW GRASSLAND AND 5.0679 Lowland calcareous HP006BRIERLOW QUARRY 2.1608 Lowland calcareous
HP CWS Otterhole Farm Fields 0.2489 Lowland meadow
Unimproved neutral HP158 CUNNINGDALE NORTH 2.3313 grassland HP067PEAK DALE GRASSLAND 16.6967 Semi-improved neutral Lowland calcareous HP Grassland Grin Low Grassland 9.6799 grassland
HP074 Stanley Moor 20.9672
Lowland calcareous HP120 DIAMOND HILL 9.0431 grassland HARPUR HILL DISUSED Lowland calcareous HP071 0.7085 RAILWAY #1 WEST grassland HARPUR HILL DISUSED Unimproved calcareous HP073 1.1431 RAILWAY #2 EAST grassland Lowland calcareous HP Grassland Hoffman Quarry 1.3639 grassland Lowland calcareous HP Grassland Cunningdale SSSI 9.7445 grassland Lowland calcareous Turncliff Dale 4.6069 grassland Cunningdale South 2.6045 Lowland calcareous
5km search area - sites Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 Page 14 of 14 Results of ecological data search for SK079723 Cowdale
Other recorded sites of interest Name Ref No Area (ha) Fern Wood HP059/3 1.7 Brookfield Reservoir HP030/3 0.09ha Brown Edge Plantation HP022/3 3.97ha Corbar Woods HP019/3 8.09 Burlington Road Garden Pond HP097/3 0.30ha London Road Factory Site HP083/3 1.70ha Buxton Youth Hostel Grounds HP063/3 1.67ha Grin Quarry Tip HP136/3 1064ha Pells Dam HP028/3 0.06 Cowdale Quarry HP135 19.28 Track nr Hindlow Quarry HP008/3 1.87 A515 Shelter Belt HP011/3 5.59 Sherbrook Plantation HP058/3 3.29 Hillhead Plantation HP061/3 2.92 Burbage Edge Plantation HP077/3 32.37 Grin Low Pond HP098/3 0.08 Waterswallows Lane Pond HP131/3 0.029 Upper End, Buxton HP132/4
Ancient Woodland Site from the Ancient Woodland Inventory Ancient Replanted Woodland Ancient & Semi-Natural Woodland
5km search area - sites Produced for Baker Shepherd Gillespie 14 October 2009 COWDALE QUARRY
Phase 1 Habitat Survey Map
Key
Broadleaved woodland
Plantation broadleaved woodland
Improved grassland I
Tall ruderal vegetation
Calcareous grassland ��
�� Neutral grassland �� � �� �� Semi-improved grassland �� �� SI
� �� Quarry face �� �� Q � �� Scattered broadleaved woodland � �� � �� � �� Scattered scrub � X �� X � Wall � �� � � � � � � � �� �� � � �� �� Survey site boundary � � � � � � � � Fence � � � � Building �� �� � � � � � �� � Badger sett � � � � � Target note �� � 1 � � Running water � Hard standing
Office: Bakewell Tel: 01629 815544 Limited Liability Partnership
Date OCT'09 Checked MW Scale NTS N Drawn SM Approved PH Job Ref 4500 W E Status FINAL S Dwg No. APPENDIX 2 Crown copyright reserved OS Licence No:
Offices in: Bakewell, Oxford, Berwick-upon-Tweed & Monmouth Tel: 01629 815544 Fax: 01629 815577 Web: www.bsg-ecology.com Email: [email protected] Express Parks Ltd Cowdale Development
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9 Appendix 4: Species Lists
9.1 Botanical Species List Vernacular Latin DAFOR A Cladonia lichen Cladonia sp. R A Hawkweed Hieracium diaphanum LF A Hawkweed Hieracium sp. R A lady's-mantle Alchemilla xanthachlora R An Eyebright Euphrasia officinalis agg. R Ash Fraxinus excelsior A Beaked hawk's-beard Crepis vesicaria R Betony Stachys officinalis R BIrd's-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus O Black knapweed Centaurea nigra O Black medick Medicago lupulina R Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. O Bristly ox-tongue Picris echioides R Broad buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata R Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius R Butter-bur Petasites hybridus LA Carline thistle Carlina vulgaris R Cleavers Galium aparine R Climbing ivy Hedera helix F Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata F Colt's-foot Tussilago farfara R Common beech Fagus sylvatica LA Common bent-grass Agrostis capillaris F Common lady's-mantle Alchemilla filicaulis ssp. vestita R Common lime Tilia x vulgaris LA Common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum R Common nettle Urtica dioica LF Common ragwort Senecio jacobaea O Common rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium R Common sorrel Rumex acetosa R Common spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii (unconfirmed) R Common valerian Valeriana officinalis R Common vetch Vicia sativa R Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris R Creeping bent-grass Agrostis stolonifera LA Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens O Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense O-LF Crested dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus F Dandelion Taraxacum officinalis agg. R Dog rose Rosa canina agg. R Dog's mercury Mercurialis perennis F Downy oat-grass Helictotrichon pubescens R Elder Sambucus nigra R Fairy flax Linum catharticum LF False oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius O
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Botanical Species List (continued) Vernacular Latin DAFOR Field scabious Knautia arvensis R Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata R Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys R Glaucous sedge Carex flacca LF Goat willow Salix caprea R Greater burnet Sanguisorba officinalis LF Greater burnet-saxifrage Pimpinella major R Greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa R Greater plantain Plantago major LF Grey willow Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia LF Hairy brome Bromopsis ramosa R Harebell Campanula rotundifolia O Hart's-tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendrium R Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna O Hazel Corylus avellana LF Hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica R Hemlock Conium maculatum LF Herb Robert Geranium robertianum O Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium F Horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum LA Knotweed Polygonum aviculare R Lady fern Athyrium filix-femina R Lady's-bedstraw Galium verum R Lady's-smock Cardamine pratensis R Lawn moss Rhytiadelphus squarrosus O Lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium O Maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes R Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas O-LF Meadow buttercup Ranunculua acris O Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis R Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis R Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria R Melancholy thistle Cirsium heterophyllum LF Mouse-ear hawkweed Pilosella officinarum LA Ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare LF Perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne A Perennial sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis R Pineapple-weed Matricaria discoidea R Prickly sow-thistle Sonchus asper R Quaking grass Briza media O Raspberry Rubus idaeus R Red clover Trifolium pratense O Red fescue Festuca rubra F Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata O Rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium O Rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus LF Rowan Sorbus aucuparia R Salad burnet Sanguisorba minor LF Sand spurrey Spergularia rubra R
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Botanical Species List (continued) Vernacular Latin DAFOR Scots pine Pinus sylvestris R Self-heal Prunella vulgaris O Sheep's fescue Festuca ovina LF Silver birch Betula pendula O Small scabious Scabiosa columbaria R Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare O-LF Spreading meadow-grass Poa humilis R Squirrel-tailed fescue Vulpia bromoides R Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus F - LA Thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia R Tormentil Potentilla erecta R Tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa O-LA Tufted vetch Vicia cracca R Wall rue Asplenium ruta-muraria R Water avens Geum rivale R Welted thistle Carduus crispus R White clover Trifolium repens O-LF Whitebeam Sorbus aria agg. R-LA Wild angelica Angelica sylvestris R Wild cherry Prunus avium LD Wood avens Geum urbanum R Wych elm Ulmus glabra R Yarrow Achillea millefolium R Yellow oat-grass Trisetum flavescens R Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus O
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9.2 Fauna Species List Vernacular Latin Birds Raven Corvus corax Linnet Carduelis cannabina Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Robin Erithacus rubecula Dunnock Prunella modularis Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus Carrion crow Corvus corone Great tit Parus major Blue tit Parus caeruleus Great-spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major Jackdaw Corvus monedula Magpie Pica pica Wood pigeon Columba palumbus
Mammals Badger Meles meles Brown hare Lepus europaeus Grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculatus
Butterflies Red admiral Vanessa atalanta Small tortoiseshell Aglais urticae
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