White Horse Lane Trowse, Norwich A Biodiversity and Ecological Survey Land on White Horse Lane Trowse
A Biodiversity and Ecological Survey and Report
by Aurum Ecology
Client: Norfolk Homes Ltd
Survey Dates: 01 October, 06 October, 14 October, 04 November and 31 December 2009.
Job Number: AE1020
Report Date: 22 January 2010 WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
Constraints
Aurum Ecology has produced this independent report with professional diligence and skill for the named client.
Bats in particular, as well as most wildlife, are accustomed to “coming and going” as they please, in tune with the seasons and the weather and in a covert way. We undertake all survey work using current best practice methods, and using our very considerable wildlife experience accrued over the past forty years.
This report is confidential to the client under the full terms and conditions of the contract and responsibility for release of the report, in part or whole, to third parties by the client does not imply any legal responsibility for the contents to any such third parties who may see or be given copies of the report.
Our experience of working, since its inception, with the requirements of the UK and
European wildlife legislation now extends to over forty years. The 1981 Wildlife and
Countryside Act (as amended by subsequent legislation), the Habitats Regulations and the more recent biodiversity requirements, plus those of the PPS9 planning guidance notes, have necessitated appropriate surveys for protected species at an early stage in any work. It is important to have an experienced consultant who is prepared to work for, and with, the client, as well as within the existing and changing legislation in this complex area of specialist work.
To gain an accurate picture of the wildlife species present, at sites surveyed it is necessary to undertake observations through a suitable period of time, under weather conditions convivial to species likely to be encountered.
Aurum Ecology
January 2010
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CONTENTS Page No.
1 AURUM ECOLOGY 5
2 INSTRUCTIONS 9
3 SUMMARY 10
4 APPROACH AND METHODS 13
5 OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS 16
6 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS 30
7 MITIGATION 32
8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 34
9 REFERENCES 35
APPENDIX 1 – A listing of the BAP and Protected Species wildlife
APPENDIX 2 - Summary of UK Bats and their Annual Life Cycle
APPENDIX 3 – DEFRA Rules on Protected Species and Licensing
APPENDIX 4 - Statutory Instrument 1994 No. 2716
APPENDIX 5 - Planning mitigation and compensation – Key Principles
APPENDIX 6 - List of Plants Recorded at land on White Horse Lane, Trowse on 01 October 2009
APPENDIX 7 - Database Species Records for nine 1 km squares surrounding the White Horse Lane, Trowse, site
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1 AURUM ECOLOGY
1.1 The Consultancy
1.1.1 Aurum Ecology is the trading name of Aurum Ecology Limited, a company
registered in England and Wales.
Company Registration Number:6847848
Registered Address: The Barn Cottage
Wheelers Lane
Seething
Norfolk
NR15 1EJ
Directors: John and Susan Goldsmith.
1.1.2 The consultancy was formed in 2004 and offers independent ecological,
wildlife and environmental advice, specialising in work on small mammals,
amphibians and reptiles, undertaking a wide range of tasks connected
with the biology and ecology of the Western European species. Clients
have included district and county councils, a variety of local and national
conservation bodies, architects, estate agents, plus many private firms
based throughout the UK.
1.1.3 Aurum Ecology extends its area of expertise by utilising the considerable
experience and knowledge of a trusted group of associates who are all
recognised specialists in their various wildlife fields.
1.1.4 Aurum Ecology surveys are undertaken in a manner that is entirely
consistent with all Natural England and special interest body
recommendations (e.g. Herpetological Conservation Trust, Bat
Conservation Trust etc).
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1.2 John Goldsmith
1.2.1 John Goldsmith is a vertebrate zoologist with over 40 years experience
in the field, and was employed by the Norfolk Museums Service from
1967 to 2000 in the Natural History Department at Norwich Castle
Museum. From 2000 until 2004 he was the Manager of the Norfolk
Biological Records Centre for the Norfolk County Council where, as well
as liaising with professional scientists and amateur naturalists, where it
was necessary to verify the records collated before entering them into
the system, in order that the centre offered accurate information to
the many public and private bodies that utilised the service. During his
time at the NBRC the number of records rose close to one million.
1.2.2 John is considered an expert on East Anglian and UK mammals, as well as
reptiles and amphibians, birds and fish. He has undertaken a study of
Barn Owls and their small mammal prey from remains deposited in
pellets, which is now the longest running study in the world on a single
raptor species. With others, he first researched, discovered and SEM-
photographed the RS2 parapox virus in the UK that is now understood as
the primary cause of the loss of Red Squirrels. He has also identified
mammals from archaeological remains and assisted the police in the
identification of bones, along with undertaking food safety and biological
contamination work for Environmental Health Departments, identifying
plant, vertebrate and invertebrate food contaminants from products
prepared both in the UK and worldwide. He has also been called upon to
act as an Expert Witness in this area.
1.2.3 John has conducted and assisted in many research projects, presented
papers on the vertebrate zoology field to conferences in the UK,
published articles in specialist journals, and contributed to textbooks.
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He is also a past co-organiser of a regional Mammal Society conference
at the University of East Anglia and organiser for regional Bat
Conservation Trust conferences.
1.2.4 John is a Council Member, and past President, of the Norfolk and
Norwich Naturalists‛ Society, a Director of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust,
Chairman of the Norfolk Bat Group, and a member of various other
conservation committees within East Anglia, and has previously been a
regional representative for the British Trust for Ornithology and the
Bat Conservation Trust.
1.2.5 John Goldsmith holds licences to work with European Protected Species
for which training courses have been attended, and he has also been a
recognised UK trainer for some species.
1.2.6 John and Susan developed the “Norfolk Bat Brick” in 1985, a hibernation
aid for bat species. Approximately 5,000 have been installed in a variety
of sites throughout the UK and it has also been used where mitigation
has been necessary for both large and small-scale developments,
including the Channel Tunnel and the refurbishment of several National
Trust properties.
1.3 Susan Goldsmith
1.3.1 Susan worked in local government for twelve years before setting up her
own secretarial services and consultancy business in 1988. She has
attended courses and obtained qualifications in administration and
assisted in staff training.
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1.3.2 Her clients included many businesses in the legal field, including law
practices, together with scientists, and a corporate risk consultancy,
based both in Norfolk and the City of London.
1.3.3 Susan has been a naturalist for over 30 years, working alongside John
and assisting in fieldwork, research, co-writing and publishing articles
with John. She has attended conferences both as a delegate and
assisting in presentations.
1.3.4 Susan is a member of many natural history societies and has been
Treasurer of the Norfolk Bat Group for a number of years.
1.4 Insurance
1.4.1 Aurum Ecology carries insurance as follows:
Professional Liability - £1,000,000
General Liability - £5,000.000
1.4.2 A copy of the schedule can be supplied on request.
1.5 VAT
1.5.1 Aurum Ecology is registered for VAT under number 861 2973 09.
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2 INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Terry Harper of Norfolk Homes Ltd instructed Aurum Ecology to conduct a
Biodiversity and Ecological survey at land on White Horse Lane, Trowse, as it is
proposed to apply for planning permission to develop the site for residential
housing.
2.2 This series of surveys and our assessment has been undertaken to inform the
Client's position in terms of the potential for residential development of this
site as it relates to any possible wildlife issues.
2.3 We undertake wildlife surveys to accepted standards and act in an independent
manner when advising on what species may be found, and how any proposal may,
or may not impact on the species found to be present.
2.4 These ecological surveys were conducted on the following five dates: 01
October, 06 October, 14 October, 04 November and 31 December 2009.
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3 SUMMARY
3.1 Aurum Ecology was instructed to conduct a Biodiversity and Ecological survey at
land on White Horse Lane, Trowse, with the ultimate aim of undertaking
residential estate-scale development of approximately 150 dwellings.
3.2 The site is in the parish of Trowse with Newton, a village to the south-east of
Norwich, and centres at approximate grid reference TG 246 064. The site is
situated immediately north of the A143 dual carriageway ("Trowse bypass") and
its junction with the A47 dual carriageway ("Norwich Southern Bypass") is just
to the east. To the north-east of the site is the village of Trowse, and a field
away to the west is the River Yare and the main Norwich to London railway line,
beyond which are the suburbs of the city of Norwich.
3.3 The land is currently arable and consists of a sandy loam with surface chalk
pebbles being present in the north-east corner, suggesting the chalk strata is
not far below.
3.4 A botanical survey was carried out and, as this site is almost entirely arable, only
a very limited range of plant species was present; these are listed in Appendix 6.
3.5 General ecological and European Protected Species surveys were conducted at
this site on 01 October, 06 October, 14 October, 04 November and 31 December
2009, which covered all aspects of detecting all the European Protected Species.
3.6 Autumn is a reasonable time of year to conduct such surveys, though EPS usage
can be detectable through historical records and a careful site survey at other
times of the year, if carried out by experienced staff. In this case it was not
possible to undertake a breeding bird survey as it was too late in the year, but
our experience of similar sites with limited vegetation structures of no great
age, leads us to suggest that no rare bird species would reasonably be expected
to breed on such a site.
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3.7 A winter bird survey was conducted to assess use of the site by wintering birds,
this showed a limited range of bird species present and the available habitat for
birds is quite limited outside of field feeding species such as Woodpigeon.
3.8 Reptiles and amphibians were considered here. Amphibians are almost certainly
absent, as the habitat does not lend itself to these species, while reptiles are
probably absent, although an area of allotment gardens that abut the northern
boundary of the site, to the north-east, is the kind of habitat where it may just
be possible for a small population of Slow Worms or Common Lizards to have
survived. Reptile traps were set under the hedge here, and checked, with
negative results. Although this was late in the year, it is worth noting that we
were still catching Slow Worms at two other Norfolk sites on similar dates.
3.9 Reptiles are not protected in the same way as other species covered here; the
legislation simply says they must not be deliberately killed, so, should permission
be granted for this site, there is ample time to re-survey the area in April 2010
and fence between the allotments and the site, to prevent any reptile entry on
to the site, should reptiles later be shown to be present on the adjacent
allotment land.
3.10 The indications from examination of this area of farm land is that there is some
evidence that some protected species, specifically bats, in very low numbers,
feed near and over the site, but that summer usage of the site by bats can be
gauged as “very low”, and no roosts are present.
3.11 With regard to winter usage, there are no structures or buildings, on the site to
provide hibernation facilities for bats, nor are there any suitable mature trees
with holes, which could offer bat roosting sites.
3.12 We would recommend that, as the hedges and trees could potentially be used by
some breeding birds, of common species, any preparatory work here should be
carried out before the spring and summer breeding period starts and that ______11 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
suitable mitigation, in the way of a range of nesting and roosting boxes should be
affixed around the edges of the site.
3.13 No invertebrate studies were carried out at this site as it mainly consists of
arable land, with no areas of semi-natural vegetation present. Invertebrates are
therefore likely to be scarce, and consist of mainly a few very common species
that can survive on the restricted habitat of arable field edges.
3.14 There was no evidence to suggest the presence of any other European Protected
Species frequently found in the Norfolk countryside, such as Barn Owls, Water
Voles, Badgers or Great Crested Newts, so no Natural England licence will be
necessary in order to proceed with any development, neither would any planning
restrictions be expected to be applied by the LPA in relation to any wildlife
species conditions.
3.15 It is always possible for animals to arrive on a site after an inspection and
assessment, especially if a period of months has elapsed since the examination,
so a careful watch should be kept for any creatures found during the course of
building work and appropriate advice sought immediately, if anything is found.
3.16 In our assessment there is no evidence of important wildlife species at this site,
or any abundance of wildlife Biodiversity that would point to this being an
unfavourable site for development due to wildlife issues.
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4 APPROACH AND METHODS
4.1 The ecological and protected species survey approach is a fairly standard one,
although modified to suit particular species or locations.
4.2 The approach is to undertake an examination of the general surrounding area on
maps, together with observation of the topography of the area, in order to make
an assessment of the general area in habitat and wildlife terms and to place the
site into a correct local context.
4.3 An examination of the records from the Norfolk Bat Group within approximately
a two-kilometre radius was undertaken, along with an examination of other
biological records available, in order to assess the overall ecological potential of
the area surrounding the land on White Horse Lane (see Appendix 7). This
desktop study also included a search for any statutorily notified sites, such as
Natural England SSSIs, close by.
4.4 The field check involved both daylight and after dark visits by two people, the
time taken being in relation to the size and complexity of the site, together with
the target species considered likely to be encountered in this situation as judged
from available habitats.
4.5 An initial Health and Safety assessment was made by the surveyors in order to
identify any possible hazards on the site to include, but not restricted to, uneven
ground, weak building structures and fittings, hazardous compounds, exposed live
electrical wiring and harmful waste products.
4.6 The field survey included an examination of all areas of the site observing the
species present and looking for tracks, trails, signs or droppings. Equipment
used for this would normally includes ladders, flood and spot torches, an
endoscope for looking into cracks in trees, binoculars for examining anything
that cannot be approached closely, and a hand lens. On this open site with no
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large trees a limited range of equipment was used. Where appropriate, Health
and Safety equipment utilised includes hard hats, protective footwear, gloves,
high visibility garments and harnesses for tree work.
4.7 Other more specialist electronic equipment for recording wildlife is available to
use on sites that are more complex, or to determine the precise positions and
numbers of protected species using a site, if this proves necessary.
4.8 Further, at this site, some ten reptile sheets were laid in an area to the north-
east, along the hedge-line, adjacent to the allotments deemed theoretically
suitable for reptiles.
4.9 If our inspection of the physical evidence reveals that any nocturnal species are
judged, or suspected, to be present, an after-dark survey may be undertaken
with suitable equipment. In this instance, a dusk and after dark survey was
conducted on 06 October 2009.
4.10 The recorded information was kept as hand-written and electronic notes plus
digital photographs, and these form the basis of this report.
LOCATION MAP OF THE SITE - for guidance only:
The site is marked with a pink polygon. ______14 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
SITE PLAN:
Site plan with area proposed for housing shown crosshatched.
AERIAL VIEW OF THE AREA AROUND THE SITE:
The site examined is indicated by the red dotted line.
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5 OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
5.1 Surveys were conducted on 01 October, 06 October, 14 October, 04 November
and 31 December 2009.
5.2 Description of the Site
5.2.1 This two-field farmland site is on the south-east edge of Norwich is
centred at approximate grid reference TG 246 064, and mainly
comprises agricultural fields that were cropped with maize in 2009 and
planted with winter barley late in 2009.
5.2.2 The land sits in the south of the parish of Trowse with Newton
(“Trowse”), close to the junction of the A143 and A47 dual carriageways,
major roads that enclose the site on two sides, with the village to the
northeast. The River Yare and the main Norwich to London railway line
are situated a field away to the north-west, beyond which lie the suburbs
of Norwich. Open agricultural fields lie to the south.
5.3 Desktop Research
Outline research from maps and web sources was conducted in order to place the
site in the context of important habitats in the immediate area and to assess
their importance in biodiversity terms within this area.
5.3.1 Internationally Important Sites
Special Area of Conservation (SAC) – these sites are strictly protected under
the European Commission Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), and were
implemented to protect the 220 habitats and approximately 1000 species listed
in Annex I and II of the Directive.
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Special Protection Area (SPA) – this is a designation under the European Union
directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, where Member States of the EU
have a duty to safeguard the habitats of migratory birds and certain threatened
birds.
Ramsar - the Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation
and sustainability of wetlands, developed and adopted by participating countries
at a meeting at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
There are no internationally designated sites in the vicinity of Trowse.
5.3.2 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
An SSSI is a conservation designation denoting a protected area in the United
Kingdom. Local planning authorities are required to have policies in place that
protect SSSIs and they are also required to consult Natural England regarding
planning applications which may affect an SSSI (that development might not be
within, or even close to, the SSSI itself).
The nearest SSSI to the site in Trowse is Caistor Pit, a site of geological
importance, almost 1.5 kilometres to the south.
5.3.3 Other Designations
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – this is an area of countryside
with significant landscape value that has been specially designated by Natural
England on behalf of the UK government, the primary purpose of which is to
conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.
National Nature Reserve (NNR) – this is a UK government conservation
designation for a site of national significance for biological or earth science
interest.
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Local Nature Reserve (LNR) – this is a statutory designation made under Section
21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by principal
local authorities. LNRs are of local, but not necessarily national, importance and
are almost always owned by local authorities, although they are often managed
by County Wildlife trusts or other local environmental bodies.
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Habitat – BAP is an internationally
recognized programme that addresses threatened species and habitats and is
designed to protect and restore biological systems. The original impetus for
these plans derives from the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
County Wildlife Site (CWS) – these are designated by the County Wildlife
Trusts and are essentially a sample of the best wildlife sites that are not
statutorily notified; they receive protection through inclusion in the planning
process and a system of grants.
Roadside Nature Reserve (RNR) – the Norfolk Roadside Nature Reserve is a
scheme which was set up in the mid-1990s by Norfolk County Council and the
Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the aim of which is to protect the verges of Norfolk‛s
roadside that contain rare and scarce plant and insect species.
The following designated sites are in the area:
• The nearest LNRs are approximately 2.6 kilometres to the southwest
(Danby Wood) and approximately 3 kilometres to the northeast
(Whitlingham Marsh).
• The Yare Valley is an Environmentally Sensitive Area. The boundary lies
to the east of the site under consideration, on the other side of White
Horse Lane.
• The closest CWS is to the north of Trowse, approximately 560 metres
to the north of the site on White Horse Lane. This is an area of fen with
tall vegetation, young woodland and willow car, and is crossed by derelict
drains. The area supports interesting vegetation and uncommon
invertebrates.
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SUMMARY OF DESKTOP RESEARCH Designation Site In Details Included Vicinity O O AONB O O RAMSAR O O SAC O O SPA O ü SSSI 1.5 Km south O ü LNR 2.6 Km southwest; 3 Km northeast O O NNR O ü CWS 560 metres north O O RNR
5.3.4 It is our opinion that this proposal will not impact on any of the above
sites due to the distances involved and the specialised habitats that
these statutory and non-statutory listings involve.
Moles were one of only three mammal species found at this site.
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5.4 Survey Findings
5.4.1 Botanical Survey of a Site at Trowse Newton
Summary of observations: No plants of national, regional or local
interest were found during the course of the survey. This suggests that,
on botanical grounds, there are no reasons why the proposed
development should not take place. Nor is there any need for botanical
mitigation measures to be implemented, as there are no rare or
protected species present.
General site description: The site consists of two ploughed fields, which
slope down toward the river valley to the north-west. These fields are
surrounded by hedges, and with one incomplete hedge nearly dividing the
site into two unequal portions; both the smaller portion and the main
field had been ploughed, though they had been cropped with Maize in
2009.
Illustrations of the site plans are on page 15 while the hedges on the site
are marked on the plan below.
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The Hedgerows:
"A" runs alongside White Horse Lane for 160 m almost the whole length
of the proposed site. It is recently planted and tree guards are still in
place, so has little in the way of any dense structure, but birds pass along
it feeding, and at least one Woodpigeon nest was present in 2009. The
primary species is Hawthorne, but Cherry, Apple and Oak are mixed in.
Hedge "A" beside White Horse Lane, looking north, showing the roofs of old and new Trowse village buildings in the background.
"B" comprises the plantings used to screen the Trowse bypass. This
bypass was completed in 1992, so this agglomeration of bushes
constitutes a narrow shrubbery now some eighteen years old with a
variety of mainly native species including Hawthorne, Sloe, with Bramble
and Rose in small numbers. There are at least three Woodpigeon nests
here, but no thrushes or other passerine nests were showing as the
leaves dropped off, but even if not a particularly valuable wildlife
habitat, it does provide a valuable vegetation screen some 280 m long, to
the busy dual carriageway adjacent.
"C" is a length of unattached hedge with a ditch, 140 m long in a north-
west - south-east direction. Some two thirds of the length of this
feature consists of tangled Rose and Blackberry plants and nettles, with
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only the south-eastern part being a proper hedge of Hawthorne. The
ditch and field margins here are well populated with Rabbits and many
burrows.
View of hedge C looking towards Norwich and Norfolk County Hall.
"D" is a substantial and wide band of planted trees of Oak, bird,
Sycamore and Field Maple with bushes of Sloe and Hawthorne some 15 m
wide, which bulks out an existing Hawthorne hedge, which is of some
antiquity, into a thick vegetation screen running north-east - south-west,
which is 140 m long from the bypass to end of the proposed site, but
over 200 m long in total. An arable field is on the south-eastern side of
this vegetated strip, which contains a few bird nests such as
Woodpigeon, but certainly one Chaffinch nest as well. We feel this is
the best feature on this site for wildlife content (illustrated on the
picture below to the right).
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"E" is a hedge almost 200 m long that sits between this proposal and
some allotments. It is mainly of Hawthorne, but almost three quarters of
the length has Ivy densely entwined with it making it evergreen and
during the early winter laden in Ivy berries, an important bird food.
The Vegetation: In terms of a Phase One description this is arable land
(J1.1) surrounded by intact hedgerows (J2.1); in places small trees are
also occasionally present (J2.3). The hedge running diagonally across the
site is partially defunct (J2.2).
The hedges adjacent to the road into the village, and screening the site
from the A146 dual-carriageway, looked as if they were fairly recent
plantings, judging by their size and the mix of species involved.
A narrow strip of grassland around the edge of the field, adjacent to the
hedge, housed a selection of common weedy species of forbs and grasses.
These are listed in Appendix 1, along with an assessment of their
abundance, and a few notes. Nomenclature follows Stace (1991).
5.4.2 Birds
Notes were kept of species seen on the site during the autumn and
winter. The survey period was outside the spring bird breeding season,
so coverage could be given to this aspect starting in April 2010 for
completeness. However, the vegetation cover at this site is such that
only those ten bird species marked by an asterisk on the following list
"A" are likely contenders to breed around the peripheral hedged area of
this site.
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TABLE A -Autumn 2009 Potential breeding species Blue Tit Parus caeruleus *
Great Tit Parus major *
Long Tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus *
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus *
Magpie Pica pica *
Jay Garrulus glandarius
Carrion Crow Corvus corone
Green Woodpecker Picus viridis
Gt Spotted Dendrocopos major
Woodpecker
Dunnock Prunella modularis *
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs *
Tawny Owl Strix aluco
Blackbird Turdus merula *
Robin Erithacus rubecula *
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus *
TABLE B - Winter 2009
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
Great Tit Parus major
Long Tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Magpie Pica pica
Rook Corvus frugilegus
Carrion Crow Corvus corone
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Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Blackbird Turdus merula
Redwing Turdus iliacus
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
Robin Erithacus rubecula
Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Common Gull Larus canus
Back headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Lesser black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
These bird observations are indicative of a site that has no special
attributes or attractions as far as birds are concerned. Twenty-three
winter species were recorded feeding on, or in, the growing crops, while a
few species manage to live along the edge of the arable field, including
migrant thrushes and small flocks of tits that move through the site on a
daily basis eating the hibernating invertebrates or berries in the hedge,
while these are present. The largest numbers of any species were a
flock of about 30 Rooks and two groups of Woodpigeons numbering over
40 birds.
5.4.3 Bats
A dusk and after dark survey for nocturnal species, specifically bats, was
conducted on 06 October 2009. Sunset was at 18:19 hrs and, after a
rainy day, the sky was clearing and was perhaps 80% open; there was a
westerly breeze and the temperature was 17 degrees C.
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The survey was conducted utilising bat detectors tuned to suitable
frequencies and followed the guidelines of the Bat Conservation Trust.
After dark, light penetrates the site from the sodium lamps on the
adjacent A143 dual carriageway, and the traffic noise is apparent
throughout the site from both the dual carriageway roads in the vicinity
and White Horse Lane itself. Light also spills into the site from the
village of Trowse and the nearby ski club on Whitlingham Lane, together
with that emanating from the close suburbs, including lighting on
commercial and industrial premises in the vicinity.
The first bat, a Common Pipistrelle, was heard and seen at 18:45
travelling southwards down White Horse Lane, but no further bats were
encountered on the site. The darkest area of the site is to the north-
western side and this was investigated, along with other tree sheltered
parts of the site. No other bats were seen or heard.
To the south of the site, White Horse Lane goes under the A143, and
the bridge was examined for any signs of holes suitable for bats.
However it is of modern concrete construction and lacks the cracks and
crevices that are attractive to bats. Indeed, none were heard in the
vicinity of the bridge during the evening survey.
The bat survey was extended into the village of Trowse where occasional
Soprano Pipistrelles were heard following the river Tas near the church,
and more than a dozen were heard at the larger river bridge at Trowse
Millgate. Further Soprano Pipistrelles were heard along Whitlingham
Lane hunting in the dark areas between the street lighting.
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Returning to the site of investigation, one Common Pipistrelle was heard
near the church in Trowse. This shows that bats were active that
evening, feeding but no nearer than a few hundred metres from the site.
A further transect of the site was conducted, but no bats were heard.
The only wildlife species apparent on the bat detector after dark on this
site were Dark Bush-crickets.
5.4.5 Mammals (other than bats)
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
Common Pipistrelle Pipstrellus pipistrellus
Mole Talpa europea
Some small mammal runs were present in the short grass in the south-
eastern corner of the site, possibly Bank Vole, but apart from that
perhaps three moles were present after ploughing in the autumn, but
>100 Rabbits were present on or adjacent to the site.
5.4.4 Amphibians and Reptiles
No amphibians were found here. On 06 October, ten reptile traps were
laid along the field edges on the site in the north-eastern corner where
the hedge line abuts allotments. No reptiles were found beneath them
on the one warm October day that they were checked although reptiles
were seen on the same day at two other Norfolk sites.
5.4.6 Invertebrates
No special effort was made to undertake an invertebrate survey at this
site as it was rather late in the season and, from the available habitat,
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our assessment was that this was most unlikely to be a rich in
invertebrates.
However, butterflies were recorded during visits, with two migrant
species seen, listed below, as these are considered to be valid
Biodiversity indicators.
Additionally Dark Bush-crickets were heard at three points along the
peripheral hedgerows, especially towards the allotments.
Red Admiral Butterfly Vanessa atalanta
Large White Butterfly Pieris brassicae
Dark Bush-cricket Pholidoptera griseoaptera.
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5.5 Survey Conclusions
5.5.1 The botanical survey demonstrated no rare or protected native species
on this site, which is essentially arable in nature. If the site were to
become housing with gardens, a wider range of cultivated and native plant
species would be expected, which would be an aid to Biodiversity.
5.5.2 The bird species at this site consisted of a small range of species that
typically live on farmland and visit or pass through the site during the
winter. It is not of major interest for birds, but the grass marsh on the
Norwich side of White Horse Lane has much more avian activity.
5.5.3 The survey evidence showed that the amount of bat feeding activity on
and adjacent to the site was “low” for the summer period and that no bat
roosts were present. Other mammals here are Mole and Rabbit, with no
possibility of protected species such as Water vole or Otter.
5.5.4 There are no extant water bodies, other than deep ditches, in the
immediate vicinity of this site, so no amphibians would be expected,
although there is one old record of a Common Toad in a nearby garden.
New houses here would potentially have some garden ponds, which could
be a positive contribution to amphibian biodiversity, although typically
only two or three common species live in such habitats.
5.5.5 The field-edge of the north-east corner area may just have potential for
reptiles - this land strip was under investigation, but the cooler weather
arriving meant only a single check was possible on a day with suitable
temperatures.
5.5.6 There was no evidence of the presence of any other European Protected
Species at or adjacent to this site.
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6 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
6.1 Our initial impression at this site was that this area of land in this setting
appeared not to be favourable for many wildlife species to inhabit. The situation
of the site close to the junction of the A143 and A47 dual carriageways, the
proximity of housing to the northeast, together with the village‛s situation on
the edge of Norwich, effectively limits the number of species that could exist
here. The major roads around would act as barriers to wildlife, restricting the
possibility of foraging beyond the site itself on two sides, thus restricting the
populations of any wildlife that could be supported by this parcel of land. The
existing close proximity of housing would also deter the more shy species from
occupying the area.
6.2 Based on this careful assessment, at the times of examination, there was no
evidence of use of the site by Barn Owls or other rare or protected bird species.
6.3 Some seventeen species of bat breed in the United Kingdom, of which thirteen
are recorded in Norfolk and Suffolk. All bats are protected by both European
and UK law. An account of the general biology of UK bats is given at Appendix 2
as guidance for the reader, although bat activity on this site is judged as “low”.
6.4 There was no evidence that bats are utilising any of the trees on the site for
either roosting or breeding, they are all too small. There was only one bat heard
foraging on the edge of the site at the time of the after dark survey. It was
apparent that bats were present in other parts of the village, nearer the river
valley where food was abundant, and therefore we conclude that this site on
White Horse Lane, with its high light levels, open nature and major traffic
movement on nearby roads, after dark, is simply not attractive to bats.
6.5 No other protected mammals were detected at this site.
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6.6 Amphibians and Reptiles were surveyed for and none were found, although we
would like to take a further check at the north-eastern corner for reptiles,
adjacent to the allotment gardens, in April 2010.
6.7 The possible presence of other protected species at this site was fully
considered and surveyed for, but it was felt that the habitat is entirely
unsuitable for aquatic creatures such as Water Vole or Great Crested Newt as it
is arable.
6.8 There was also no evidence of the presence of Badgers, the position of the site
and the open nature of the terrain being wholly unsuitable for this species.
6.9 The survey work undertaken has shown this site to be low in Biodiversity.
However, in order to complete our seasonal observations, we would wish to
conduct some further survey work in the spring of 2010. This would be confined
to a check for reptiles as mentioned in 6.6 above plus a breeding bird survey
along the peripheral hedges.
6.10 Our primary conclusion is, subject to the survey suggestions above, is that there
are no development issues at this site with any protected or rare wildlife species
living there.
6.11 We also feel that the Biodiversity of this site at Trowse will not be compromised
by such a development. It will certainly change, but typically, carefully planned
and landscaped developments using native species will contain double the number
of wildlife species within five years than any agricultural land that they might
replace, so Biodiversity will be enhanced by such a scheme, not reduced.
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7 MITIGATION
7.1 Wildlife mitigation required for this site should not be onerous, simply
proportional to the site and the potential for the species found here, which are
currently neither numerous in either biomass, or in terms of Biodiversity.
7.2 A Natural England European Protected Species licence is not appropriate at this
site as the small-scale use here, by bats, does not fall within the parameters set
by Natural England for a licence requirement (see Appendix 5). No protected
species can be judged to be adversely affected by this proposal, as usage here
by bats is shown to be "very low" and only the brief presence of one or two bats
has been demonstrated.
7.3 Since August 2007 the Habitats Regulations (1994), which represent the primary
legal statute for wildlife protection in the UK have been revised. The amended
legislation now states, in regulation 39(1) that a person commits an offence only
if he/she:
(b) deliberately disturbs wild animals of any such (EPS) species in such a way as to likely to significantly to affect -
i) the ability of any significant group of animals of that species to survive, breed or rear or nurture their young; or
ii) the local distribution or abundance of that species
7.4 As this site contains no bat breeding or daytime roosts, any development cannot
be deemed to impact on the legal regulations, while the local distribution of bats
will remain unaltered so no offence will have been committed in respect of this
proposed development.
7.5 The Habitats Regulations (1994), as amended, states that a person commits an
offence in the case of Barn Owl, or any other bird species, only if they are
disturbed in the breeding season.
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7.6 Our recommendation is that clearance work at this site should start before the
nesting season, late March through to early September, so any potential nest
sites are not disturbed. Realistically, this would only involve the 'gappy' hedge
situated centrally on the site and shown as "C" in the figure on page 20. Other
extensive, planted hedges surrounding the site provide a useful, and mainly
native, vegetation screen for the site.
7.7 We would suggest that bird nesting boxes could usefully be added to the site
when it is developed. Some to cater for hole-nesting species such as blue and
great tits together with open-fronted boxes for robins and wrens. We also
recommend that native shrubs should be included in any planting scheme to act
as nesting sites for species such as Blackbirds.
7.8 As there are some House Sparrows present around the older buildings within the
adjacent village houses, we should like to see boxes for this species added to
garages or perhaps some of the houses here, for sparrow conservation.
7.9 We would also like to see a range of nest boxes suitable for Hedgehogs used in
gardens on the site, but away from the roads, while some insect boxes secreted
in amongst the existing hedges would aid insect hibernation.
7.10 We respectfully suggest that it would be inappropriate for the Local Planning
Authority, in this case, to impose any conditions in relation to the planning
application in respect of wildlife, as no negative impacts on the Biodiversity of
the area can be reasonably predicted as a result of this proposal, in fact there
could potentially be a net gain.
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8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
8.1 In compiling this report, and others, and reaching conclusions, experts and staff
from Natural England, DEFRA/RDS, FWAG, BTO, RSPB the Bat Conservation
Trust and various bat scientists/conservationists have been consulted and their
help is acknowledged.
8.2 All pictures used in this report are copyright of Aurum Ecology, unless otherwise
credited.
House Sparrows on giant seed feeding tubes. Almost any declining species can be encouraged by the application of better feeding, wintering and nesting sites.
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9 REFERENCES
ALGE, (June 2007) Validation of Planning Applications - A template for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation in accordance with The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (England) Order 2007.
ARNOLD, HR (1995) Atlas of amphibians and reptiles in Britain. London: HMSO.
APPLETON, C. (2003) The effect of building work on bats: ten case studies. The National Trust. CD.
BAKER, JMR (1999) Abundance and survival rates of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) at a pond in central England: monitoring individuals. Herpetological Journal 9: 1-8.
BAKER, JMR and HALLIDAY, TR (1999) Amphibian colonisation of new ponds in an agricultural landscape. Herpetological Journal 9: 55-64.
BEEBEE, TJC (1975) Changes in the status of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in the British Isles. British Journal of Herpetology 5: 481-490.
BEEBEE, TJC and GRIFFITHS, RA (2000) Amphibians and reptiles: A natural history of the British herpetofauna. The New Naturalist Series. London: HarperCollins.
BAT CONSERVATION TRUST (2006). A review of the success of bat boxes in houses. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 160.
CORBET, G.B. and SOUTHERN, H.N. (eds) (1977) Handbook of British Mammals, Blackwell Scientific, Oxford.
COOKE, AS (1995) A comparison of survey methods for crested newts and night counts at a secure site, 1983-1993. Herpetological Journal 5: 221-228.
COOKE, AS (1997) Monitoring a breeding population of crested newts (Triturus cristatus) in a housing development. Herpetological Journal 5: 221-228.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS and ENGLISH NATURE (2000) European protected species: Guidance note.
ENTWHISTLE, A.C., HARRIS, S., HUTSON, A.M., RACEY, P.A., WALSH, A., GIBSON, S.D., HEPBURN, I., AND JOHNSTON, J. (2001) Habitat Management for Bats – A guide for Land Managers, land owners and their advisors. JNCC, Peterborough. 48 pp.
FOSTER, J (1997) The ecology, conservation and management of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus). Advisory note no. 92. Edinburgh: Scottish Natural Heritage.
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FROGLIFE (2001) Advice Sheet 11: Surveying for (Great Crested) Newt Conservation. Froglife, Halesworth.
GENT, AH and BRAY, R (eds) (1994) Conservation and management of great crested newts: proceedings of a symposium held on 11 January 1994 at Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey. English Nature Science Series no. 20. Peterborough: English Nature.
GENT, AH and GIBSON, SD (eds) (1998) Herpetofauna Worker‛s Manual. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
GREEN, C. et al. T.C.P.A (2004) “Biodiversity by Design” - Guide Town & Country Planning Association, Manchester.
HERPETOFAUNA GROUPS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND (1998) Evaluating local mitigation/translocation programmes: Maintaining Best Practice and lawful standards. HGBI advisory notes for Amphibian and Reptile Groups (ARGs). HGBI, c/o Froglife, Halesworth. Unpublished.
MITCHELL-JONES, A.J. (2004) Bat Mitigation Guidelines, English Nature. 74 pp.
STACE C. (1991) "New Flora of the British Isles" Cambridge University Press.
STEBBINGS R.E. (1974) Artificial roosts for bats. J. Devon Nat. Conserv. 6, 114-119
STEBBINGS R.E. (1988) The Conservation of European Bats. Helm, London. 246 pp.
STEBBINGS R.E. and WALSH, S.T. (1991) Bat Boxes. The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
PARSONS, K. (2007) Draft UK Bat Survey Guidelines, BCT. 94 pp
TUTTLE, M.D. and HENSLEY, D.L. (1993) The Bat House Builder‛s Handbook. Bat Conservation International.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, HMSO, 1981 (plus subsequent amendments).
The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994: SI No.2716, HMSO, 1994
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, HMSO, 1992.
Species Conservation Handbook, ENGLISH NATURE, 1994. Includes updated summary of legislation by English Nature. Peterborough.
WILKINSON, P. 2005 (Ed.) The Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Guidance for Norfolk. The Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership.
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Appendix 1
List of the East Anglian BAP and Protected Species
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An alphabetical common name list of the main protected species found in East Anglia that “PPS9” refers to.
BIRDS MAMMALS
Avocet Badger Barn owl Bats (all species) Bearded tit Otter Bittern Red squirrel Black redstart Water vole Black-tailed godwit Cetti‛s warbler REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Crossbill Firecrest Adder Garganey Common lizard Golden oriole Grass snake Goshawk Natterjack toad Hobby Great crested newt Honey buzzard Slow worm Kingfisher Little ringed plover INVERTEBRATES Little tern Marsh harrier Fen raft spider Montague‛s harrier Lagoon sand shrimp Quail Large copper butterfly Red kite Norfolk Hawker dragonfly Roseate tern Starlet sea anemone Stone curlew Swallowtail Woodlark White-clawed crayfish
This is not an exhaustive list of all protected wildlife species. Species can fall into several categories of protection and may be covered by a number of separate pieces of legislation.
John Goldsmith Aurum Ecology
January 2009
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Appendix 2
Summary of UK Bats and their Annual Life Cycle
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Summary of UK Bats and their Annual Life Cycle
Bats are the only mammals to have developed powered flight. There are almost 1000 species worldwide, with 17 in the UK, the number of species diminishing in a south to north cline. These all feed on nocturnal, mainly flying, insects and other invertebrates.
Since the middle of the 20th century all UK bats have undergone a serious decline in numbers. The reasons for this are not entirely understood but it is generally thought to be associated with a reduction in insect prey, a decline of suitable habitat, direct or indirect poisoning by toxic chemicals, and loss of suitable hibernation and summer roost locations, both in trees and buildings.
British bats live in a wide range of holes, cracks and crevices in trees, buildings, caves, tunnels, bridges and other man-made structures. Some species may live 25 or more years and show very strong site fidelity.
In the summer females of the same species are colonial, forming gatherings in warm sites to produce a single baby. These maternity groups may be numbered in single figures or may, very occasionally, total one thousand or more, and be present from April through to September, though chiefly June to August. Males roost singly or in small groups during the summer and mate polygamously in the autumn.
During the winter, when insects become scarce, bats hibernate and drop their body temperature close to that of their chosen hibernation site, which will generally be below
10 degrees but above freezing. Many species hibernate in underground tunnels and caves but tree holes and unheated buildings are also used. During hibernation, being sensitive to changes of temperature and humidity, repeated unnatural arousal from their hibernating state can threaten their winter survival as a result of using up supplies of their special brown hibernation fat.
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The continued survival of a bat colony relies on there being a range of roosting sites and feeding areas within a kilometre or two, depending on species, but these sites and roosts also need to be linked by vegetated habitat such as hedges, rivers or woodland, along which these bats can safely commute between sites.
It is uncommon for two or more species to share the same building for summer roosting, but several species may be found together in the same site while hibernating.
The annual cycle for bats in the UK is summarised in this table, the main bat survey season marked in orange.
MONTH BAT ACTIVITY January Hibernation for all UK species different sites for different species. February Hibernation in the coldest years there is little awakening or movements. March Coldadapted species (e.g. Natterer’s) begin to move from or between winter roosting sites. April Most species are now moving nightly, although dependent on afterdark temperatures; some females inspecting maternity sites. May All species now fully active; some maternity sites occupied by small prospecting female groups. June Maternity sites occupied, some sites change unexpectedly, and young are born. July Maternity sites occupied; single young born; males typically separate and live alone all summer, although Brown Longeared and Daubenton may have separate male colonies. August Juveniles begin flying and leaving colonies; females begin mating; swarming groups may visit potential hibernation and mating sites. September Breeding roosts vacated by most species; mating roosts established. October First species, such as Daubenton, hibernating; mating still underway. November Most species hibernating, but continue to feed and mate spasmodically. December All species now hibernating, species such as Natterer’s move underground, but this is weather dependent.
There are now 17 species of bat regularly found in the UK and these are listed on the following page. Those thirteen species marked with an asterisk have recorded within the past 50 years from Norfolk and Suffolk. Only Brown longeared Bat, Common Pipistrelle and Soprano Pipistrelle are frequent and widespread species.
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Common Name Latin Name Present in East Anglia
Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum
Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros *
Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus *
Serotine Eptesicus serotinus *
Bechstein's Bat Myotis bechsteini
Brandt's Bat Myotis brandti *
Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentoni *
Mouseeared Bat Myotis myotis
Whiskered Bat Myotis mystacinus *
Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri *
Leisler's Bat Nyctalus leisleri *
Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctula *
Nathusius's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii *
Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus *
Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus *
Brown Longeared Bat Plecotus auritus *
Grey Longeared Bat Plecotus austriacus
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Appendix 3
THE NE RULES ON PROTECTED SPECIES AND LICENSING
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THE Natural England RULES ON PROTECTED SPECIES AND LICENSING
When is a licence needed?
Developers, builders, architects and anyone involved in any work that might impinge upon any European Protected Species are advised to seek the guidance of an ecologist. However, the following advice is offered as a guide.
The Natural England/DEFRA's view is that:
A licence will needed if the consultant ecologist, on the basis of survey information and specialist knowledge of the species concerned, considers that, on balance, the proposed activity is reasonably likely to result in an offence under Regulation 39; or if the consultant ecologist, on the basis of survey information and specialist knowledge of the species concerned, considers that on balance the proposed activity is reasonably unlikely to result in an offence under regulation 39 then no licence is required.
However, in these circumstances NE/DEFRA would urge that reasonable precautions be taken to minimise the effect on all European Protected Species should they be found during the course of the activity. If they are found then work should cease and an application be made to the DEFRA.
Who applies for the licence?
The application should normally be made by a consultant ecologist. The application will need to be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of English Nature that the relevant skills and knowledge of the species concerned have been applied.
The application form for bat species is;
WLF 3 – An application for a licence in respect of bat species affected by development.
The application should comprise of : The application form x 3; Method Statement x 3, Reasoned Statement x 3 and supporting documentation including planning documents.
Site Visits and Compliance Checks
NE/DEFRA will monitor compliance with licences issued. Therefore, licensees should be aware that they might receive a request for a site visit by one of the Department's Wildlife Advisers to assess site conditions against the details given in the Method Statement attached to the licence. It is therefore essential that Method Statements be updated to reflect any changes.
It is also possible that the Department may undertake a site visit prior to the issue of a licence to confirm that the details of the site are accurately stated in the application.
The majority of site visits will be arranged several days in advance and will be conducted in the presence of the licensee (or applicant) however there may be occasions when a site visit will be made at short notice.
ADDENDUM
E.P.S. licensing – NE/DEFRA has issued an announcement of the transfer of the operational and delivery functions of DEFRA’s European Protected Species licensing remit to the Natural England, National Wildlife Management Team at Bristol from the 2nd October 2006.
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Appendix 4
Statutory Instrument 1994 No. 2716
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Statutory Instrument 1994 No. 2716 The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 continued
PART III
PROTECTION OF SPECIES
Protection of animals
European protected species of animals
38. The species of animals listed in Annex IV(a) to the Habitats Directive whose natural range includes any area in Great Britain are listed in Schedule 2 to these Regulations.
References in these Regulations to a "European Protected species" of animal are to any of those species.
Protection of wild animals of European protected species
39. (1) It is an offence (a) deliberately to capture or kill a wild animal of a European protected species; (b) deliberately to disturb any such animal; (c) deliberately to take or destroy the eggs of such an animal; or (d) to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal.
(2) It is an offence to keep, transport, sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange, any live or dead wild animal of a European protected species, or any part of, or anything derived from, such an animal.
(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) apply to all stages of the life of the animals to which they apply.
(4) A person shall not be guilty of an offence under paragraph (2) if he shows (a) that the animal had not been taken or killed, or had been lawfully taken or killed, or (b) that the animal or other thing in question had been lawfully sold (whether to him or any other person).
For this purpose "lawfully" means without any contravention of these Regulations or Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
(5) In any proceedings for an offence under this regulation, the animal in question shall be presumed to have been a wild animal unless the contrary is shown.
(6) A person guilty of an offence under this regulation is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
Exceptions from regulation 39
40. (1) Nothing in regulation 39 shall make unlawful (a) anything done in pursuance of a requirement by the agriculture Minister under section 98 of the Agriculture Act 1947 or section 39 of the Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948 (prevention of damage by pests); or
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(b) anything done under, or in pursuance of an order made under, the Animal Health Act 1981.
(2) Nothing is regulation 39(1)(b) or (d) shall make unlawful anything done within a dwelling house.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in regulation 39, a person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of (a) the taking of a wild animal of a European protected species if he shows that the animal had been disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act and was taken solely for the purpose of tending it and releasing it when no longer disabled; (b) the killing of such an animal if he shows that the animal has been so seriously disabled otherwise than by his unlawful act that there was no reasonable chance of its recovering; or (c) any act made unlawful by that regulation if he shows that the act was the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonably have been avoided.
(4) A person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by paragraph (2) or (3)(c) as respects anything done in relation to a bat otherwise than in the living area of a dwellinghouse unless he had notified the appropriate nature conservation body of the proposed action or operation and allowed them a reasonable time to advise him as to whether it should be carried out and, if so, the method to be used.
(5) Notwithstanding anything in regulation 39 a person (a) being the owner or occupier, or any person authorised by the owner or occupier, of the land on which the action authorised is taken, or (b) authorised by the local authority for the area within which the action authorised is taken, shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of the killing or disturbing of an animal of a European protected species if he shows that his action was necessary for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property or fisheries.
(6) A person may not rely on the defence provided by paragraph (5) as respects action taken at any time if it had become apparent before that time that the action would prove necessary for the purpose mentioned in that paragraph and either (a) a licence under regulation 44 authorising that action had not been applied for as soon as reasonably practicable after that fact had become apparent, or (b) an application for such a licence had been determined.
(7) In paragraph (5) "local authority" means (a) in relation to England and Wales, a county, district or London borough council and includes the Common Council of the City of London, and (b) in Scotland, a regional, islands or district council.
Prohibition of certain methods of taking or killing wild animals
41. (1) This regulation applies in relation to the taking or killing of a wild animal (a) of any of the species listed in Schedule 3 to these Regulations (which shows the species listed in Annex V(a) to the Habitats Directive, and to which Article 15 applies, whose natural range includes any area of Great Britain), or
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(b) of a European protected species, where the taking or killing of such animals is permitted in accordance with these Regulations.
(2) It is an offence to use for the purpose of taking or killing any such wild animal (a) any of the means listed in paragraph (3) or (4) below, or (b) any form of taking or killing from the modes of transport listed in paragraph (5) below.
(3) The prohibited means of taking or killing of mammals are (a) blind or mutilated animals used as live decoys; (b) tape recorders; (c) electrical and electronic devices capable of killing or stunning; (d) artificial light sources; (e) mirrors and other dazzling devices; (f) devices for illuminating targets; (g) sighting devices for night shooting comprising an electronic image magnifier or image converter; (h) explosives; (i) nets which are nonselective according to their principle or their conditions of use; (j) traps which are nonselective according to their principle or their conditions of use; (k) crossbows; (l) poisons and poisoned or anaesthetic bait; (m) gassing or smoking out; (n) semiautomatic or automatic weapons with a magazine capable of holding more than two rounds of ammunition.
(4) The prohibited means of taking or killing fish are (a) poison; (b) explosives.
(5) The prohibited modes of transport are (a) aircraft; (b) moving motor vehicles.
(6) A person guilty of an offence under this regulation is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
Protection of plants
European protected species of plants
42. The species of plants listed in Annex IV(b) to the Habitats Directive whose natural range includes any area in Great Britain are listed in Schedule 4 to these Regulations.
References in these Regulations to a "European protected species" of plant are to any of those species.
Protection of wild plants of European protected species
43. (1) It is an offence deliberately to pick, collect, cut, uproot or destroy a wild plant of a European protected species.
(2) It is an offence to keep, transport, sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange, any live or dead wild plant of a European protected species, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a plant. ______48 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) apply to all stages of the biological cycle of the plants to which they apply.
(4) A person shall not be guilty of an offence under paragraph (1), by reason of any act made unlawful by that paragraph if he shows that the act was an incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonably have been avoided.
(5) A person shall not be guilty of an offence under paragraph (2) if he shows that the plant or other thing in question had been lawfully sold (whether to him or any other person).
For this purpose "lawfully" means without any contravention of these Regulations or Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
(6) In any proceedings for an offence under this regulation, the plant in question shall be presumed to have been a wild plant unless the contrary is shown.
(7) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
Power to grant licences
Grant of licences for certain purposes
44. (1) Regulations 39, 41 and 43 do not apply to anything done for any of the following purposes under and in accordance with the terms of alicence granted by the appropriate authority.
(2) The purposes referred to in paragraph (1) are (a) scientific or educational purposes; (b) ringing or marking, or examining any ring or mark on, wild animals; (c) conserving wild animals or wild plants or introducing them to particular areas; (d) protecting any zoological or botanical collection; (e) preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment; (f) preventing the spread of disease; or (g) preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property or to fisheries.
(3) The appropriate authority shall not grant a licence under this regulation unless they are satisfied (a) that there is no satisfactory alternative, and (b) that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range.
(4) For the purposes of this regulation "the appropriate authority" means (a) in the case of a licence under any of subparagraphs (a) to (d) of paragraph (2), the appropriate nature conservation body; and (b) in the case of a licence under any of subparagraphs (e) to (g) of that paragraph, the agriculture Minister.
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(5) The agriculture Minister shall from time to time consult with the nature conservation bodies as to the exercise of his functions under this regulation; and he shall not grant a licence of any description unless he has been advised by the appropriate nature conservation body as to the circumstances in which, in their opinion, licences of that description should be granted.
Licences: supplementary provisions
45. (1) A licence under regulation 44 (a) may be, to any degree, general or specific; (b) may be granted either to persons of a class or to a particular person; and (c) may be subject to compliance with any specified conditions.
(2) For the purposes of a licence under regulation 44 the definition of a class of persons may be framed by reference to any circumstances whatever including, in particular, their being authorised by any other person.
(3) A licence under regulation 44 may be modified or revoked at any time by the appropriate authority; but otherwise shall be valid for the period stated in the licence.
(4) A licence under regulation 44 which authorises any person to kill wild animals shall specify the area within which and the methods by which the wild animals may be killed and shall not be granted for a period of more than two years.
(5) It shall be a defence in proceedings for an offence under section 8(b) of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 or section 7(b) of the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 [54] (which restrict the placing on land of poison and poisonous substances) to show that (a) the act alleged to constitute the offence was done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence under regulation 44, and (b) any conditions specified in the licence were complied with.
(6) The appropriate authority may charge for a licence under regulation 44 such reasonable sum (if any) as they may determine.
False statements made for obtaining licence
46. (1) A person commits an offence who, for the purposes of obtaining, whether for himself or another, the grant of a licence under regulation (a) makes a statement or representation, or furnishes a document or information, which he knows to be false in a material particular, or (b) recklessly makes a statement or representation, or furnishes a document or information, which is false in a material particular.
(2) A person guilty of an offence under this regulation is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
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Appendix 5
Planning mitigation and compensation Key Principles for Bats
______51 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
Adapted from “Planning mitigation and compensation – Bats Key principles” by Dr. Tony MitchellJones, English Nature. January 2004.
Conservation Roost Mitigation/compensation significance requirement Status (Depending on impacts) 1 Maternity sites of rarest Oppose interference with species. existing roosts or seek improved roost provisions. 2 Sites meeting SSSI guidelines. Timing restraints. No destruction of former roost site until replacement completed and significant usage demonstrated. Monitor for as long as possible. 3 Significant hibernation sites for Timing constraints. Likeforlike rarest species or all species replacement as a minimum. No destruction of former roost site assemblages. until replacement completed 4 Maternity sites of rarer species. and usage demonstrated. Monitoring for at least 2 years. 5 Maternity roosts of common Timing restraints. More or less species. likeforlike replacement. Bats not to be left without a roost 6 Hibernation sites for small and must be given time to find numbers of common species. the replacement. Monitoring for 7 Hibernation sites for small 2 years. numbers of rarer species. 8 Small numbers of rarer Provision of new roost facilities species. Not a maternity site. where possible. Need not be likefor like, but should be 9 Feeding perches of annex II suitable, based on species species. requirements. Minimal timing restraints or monitoring requirements. 10 Small numbers of common Flexibility over provision of bat species. Not a maternity site. boxes, access to new buildings etc. No conditions about timing 11 Individual bats of common or monitoring. species. 12 Feeding locations of rarer species. Licence not required. Feeding locations of common * 13 species.
* INDICATES THE SITUATION AT THIS SITE
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Appendix 6
List of Plants Recorded at land on White Horse Lane, Trowse on 01 October 2009
______53 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
Appendix 6: List of plants found at Trowse Newton (TG245.064).
Scientific name English name Dafor Habitat & observations Acer campestre Field Maple A Hedge shrub Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore R Sapling Aegopodium podagraria Groundelder R Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent A Amsinckia micrantha Fiddleneck R Alien weed of cultivation Anchusa arvensis Bugloss O Armoracia rusticana Horseradish O Arrhenatherum elatius False oatgrass A Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort A Avena fatua Wildoat A Ballota nigra Black F Horehound Bromus hordeaceus Softbrome O Buddleja davidii Buddleya R Hedge shrub Cerastium fontanum Common R Mouseear Chamerion Rosebay R angustifolium Chenopodium album Fathen A Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle F Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle R Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed R Cornus sanguineus Dogwood O Hedge shrub Corylus avellana Hazel O Hedge shrub Crepis capillaries Smooth Hawk’s R beard Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn A Hedge shrub Dactylis glomerata Cock’sfoot F Epilobium hirsutum Great R Willowherb Epilobium tetragonum Squarestalked R Willowherb Fallopia baldschuchiana Russianvine R Garden escape? Fallopia convolvulus Black Bindweed O Festuca rubra Red Fescue O Fraxinus excelsior Ash O Hedge tree Galium aparine Goosegrass R Geranium dissectum Cutleaved R Crane’sbill Geranium pusillum Smallflowered R Crane’sbill ______54 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy O Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed F Knautia arvensis Field Scabious R Lapsana communis Nipplewort R Malus domestica Apple R Hedge shrub / tree Malva sylvestris Common Mallow O Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury F Oenothera glazioviana Largeflowered R Evening primrose Papaver rhoeas Field Poppy R Persicaria amphibia Amphibious R Bistort Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain R Poa annua Annual Meadow O grass Prunus avium Bird Cherry R Sapling Prunus spinosa Blackthorn A Hedge shrub Quercus robur Common Oak O Hedge shrub / tree Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish O Ribes uvacrispus Gooseberry R Hedge shrub Rosa canina agg. Wild Rose O Hedge shrub Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble A Hedge shrub Rumex obtusifolius Broadleaved O Dock Salix caprea Goat Willow R Hedge shrub Sambucus nigra Elder O Hedge shrub Saponaria officinale Soapwort R Garden escape? Silene latifolia White Campion O Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow R thistle Thlaspe arvense Field Penny R cress Tripleurospermum Scentless R inodorum Mayweed Urtica dioica Nettle A Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein R Veronica persica Common Field F speedwell Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose F Hedge shrub Viola arvensis Field Pansy R Dafor scale of abundance: D=Dominant; A=Abundant; F=Frequent; O=Occasional; R=Rare.
Survey conducted 1 October 2009 by CR Stevenson & JG Goldsmith.
______55 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
______56 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
Database of records from the 9 km squares surrounding land on White Horse Lane, Trowse
Species Latin name Date Grid Ref Parish Prot a booklouse Graphopsocus cruciatus Oct76 TG2307 Norwich a harvestman Dicranopalpus ramosus 07Nov92 TG2307 a hoverfly Volucella pellucens 19Jul93 TG2307 a mayfly Centroptilum luteolum 10Apr79 TG2306 a mayfly Cloeon dipterum 14Jun93 TG2306 a mayfly Baetis rhodani 15Mar93 TG2306 a mayfly Centroptilum luteolum 30Aug79 TG2306 a mayfly Baetis scambus 29Aug79 TG2306 a moss Tortula muralis 07Apr86 TG2307 a weevil Ceutorhynchus asperifoliarum 18Jul98 TG2505 Norwich Angler's Curse Caenis luctuosa 14Jun93 TG2306 Angler's Curse Caenis luctuosa 15Mar93 TG2306 Trowse with Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella 02Jul89 TG2406 Newton Badger Meles meles 14May01 TG2507 BAP Badger Meles meles 16Oct01 TG2405 Bixley BAP Banded Trowse with Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens 02Jul89 TG2406 Newton Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens 02Jul89 TG2306 Bluetailed Trowse with Damselfly Ischnura elegans 02Jul89 TG2406 Newton Bluetailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans 02Jul89 TG2306 Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 12Jan93 TG2407 Norwich Brown Hare Lepus capensis 12Jun89 TG2405 Bixley BAP Brown Hare Lepus capensis 12Nov90 TG2506 Bixley BAP Brown Hare Lepus capensis 21Jun94 TG2405 Bixley BAP Brown Hare Lepus capensis 24Feb95 TG2506 Bixley BAP Brown Long eared Bat Plecotus auritus 02Feb96 TG2407 Trowse Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 09Sep88 TG2405 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 30Aug89 TG2305 Bixley Caistor St Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 18Dec89 TG2305 Edmund Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 05Mar90 TG2305 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 08Dec92 TG2505 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 08Dec92 TG2505 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 10Aug93 TG2305 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 01Sep93 TG2305 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 20Oct93 TG2506 Trowse Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 04Jan94 TG2305 Bixley ______57 A report from Aurum Ecology Limited WHITE HORSE LANE, TROWSE – a Biodiversity and Protected Species Report ______
Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 06Mar94 TG2305 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 10Mar94 TG2405 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 10Mar94 TG2306 Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 20Feb95 TG2305 Bixley Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 07Sep83 TG2306 Norwich Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 2001 TG2307 Norwich Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum 1987 TG2307 Norwich Trowse with Cave Spider Meta menardi 06Apr93 TG2407 Newton Trowse with Cave Spider Meta menardi 25Jan95 TG2407 Newton Common Toad Bufo bufo Aug86 TG2307 BAP Common Toad Bufo bufo 14Jul81 TG2307 Norwich BAP Trowse with Common Toad Bufo bufo 1984 TG2406 Newton BAP Trowse with Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentoni 23Jan02 TG2407 Newton Trowse with Daubenton's Bat Myotis daubentoni 14Dec69 TG2407 Newton dog flea Ctenocephalides canis Aug57 TG2307 dog flea Ctenocephalides canis Jul58 TG2307 Fox Vulpes vulpes 2001 TG2307 Norwich Fox Vulpes vulpes 2002 TG2407 Fox Vulpes vulpes 2002 TG2507 Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata 25Sep86 TG2307 Norwich Glutinous Snail Myxas glutinosa 1940 TG2306 Norwich BAP Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 11Sep89 TG2307 Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 12Jan93 TG2407 Norwich Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 12Sep96 TG2505 Bixley Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 2001 TG2307 Norwich Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 25May93 TG2305 Bixley Caistor St Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 01Jul93 TG2305 Edmund Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 09Aug93 TG2305 Bixley Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 17Aug93 TG2307 Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 20Aug93 TG2306 Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 27Jul95 TG2405 Bixley BAP Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 09Sep96 TG2305 Bixley BAP Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 11Nov96 TG2306 BAP Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 20Sep99 TG2306 Bixley BAP Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 2001 TG2307 Norwich BAP Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 31Mar00 TG2306 BAP Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 17Jul00 TG2306 Norwich BAP Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 2002 TG2506 BAP Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 11Apr96 TG2407 Norwich BAP
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Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus 1995 TG2407 Norwich BAP Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix 02Feb96 TG2407 Trowse Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix 20Nov86 TG2307 Norwich Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus britanna 06May92 TG2306 Lesser Stag Trowse with Beetle Dorcus parallelipipedus 12Jun03 TG2507 Newton mammal flea Palaeopsylla minor 27Jan68 TG2306 Bixley mammal flea Ctenophthalmus bisoctodentatus 27Jan68 TG2306 Bixley Mole Talpa europaea 27Jan89 TG2406 Trowse Mole Talpa europaea 22Feb93 TG2407 Trowse Mole Talpa europaea 2001 TG2307 Norwich Musk Beetle Aromia moschata 01Aug96 TG2407 Norwich Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri 07Jan97 TG2407 Trowse BAP Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri 05Feb97 TG2407 Trowse BAP Natterer's Bat Myotis nattereri 08Feb03 TG2407 Trowse BAP Trowse with Peacock Inachis io 02Feb96 TG2407 Newton Pike Esox lucius 17Sep87 TG2507 Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 07Nov88 TG2407 BAP Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 29Mar98 TG2307 Norwich BAP Poplar Hawk moth Laothoe populi 1987 TG2307 Norwich Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 30Sep88 TG2405 Bixley Caistor St Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 04Dec88 TG2305 Edmund Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 24Jan89 TG2506 Trowse Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 26Jul89 TG2505 Bixley Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 01Nov89 TG2506 Trowse Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 01Nov89 TG2406 Trowse Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 01Nov89 TG2506 Trowse Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 29Jan91 TG2305 Bixley Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 08Oct92 TG2305 Bixley Caistor St Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 14Oct92 TG2305 Edmund Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 14Oct92 TG2306 Bixley Caistor St Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 06Apr93 TG2305 Edmund Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 05May93 TG2507 Trowse Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 05May93 TG2405 Bixley Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 16Aug93 TG2505 Bixley Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 17Dec93 TG2405 Bixley Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 22Dec93 TG2505 Bixley Caistor St Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 05Jan94 TG2305 Edmund Caistor St Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 06Mar94 TG2305 Edmund Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 22Aug94 TG2505 Bixley Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 28Sep94 TG2405 Bixley
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Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 15Apr96 TG2407 Trowse Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 17Jan97 TG2505 Bixley Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 25May99 TG2406 Trowse Caistor St Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 11Nov02 TG2305 Edmund Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2002 TG2305 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2002 TG2405 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2002 TG2406 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2002 TG2406 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2002 TG2407 Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2002 TG2506 Trowse with Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 30Jul95 TG2406 Newton rabbit flea Spilopsyllus cuniculi 12Feb71 TG2405 Bixley Red Deer Cervus elaphus 1970 TG2405 Bixley Red Deer Cervus elaphus 25Sep70 TG2405 Bixley Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris 29Sep70 TG2307 Norwich BAP Shuttle Shaped Dart Agrotis puta 18Oct89 TG2407 Norwich Silver Y Autographa gamma 1987 TG2307 Norwich Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae 1988 TG2405 Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 29Oct90 TG2407 Bixley Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 13Aug93 TG2405 Bixley Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 12Apr98 TG2406 Bixley Stoat Mustela erminea 02Aug90 TG2305 Bixley Stoat Mustela erminea 24Apr93 TG2305 Bixley Stoat Mustela erminea 25Jul00 TG2505 Bixley Trowse with Stoat Mustela erminea 06Mar97 TG2407 Newton Trowse with Stoat Mustela erminea 07Jun95 TG2507 Newton Bat Hibernation Site Myotis sp. 1993 TG2407 Trowse Prot Caistor St Warty Newt Triturus cristatus May64 TG2307 Edmund BAP Water Vole Arvicola terrestris 02Jul89 TG2406 Trowse BAP Water Vole Arvicola terrestris 1969 TG2407 Trowse BAP Water Vole Arvicola terrestris Jul63 TG2407 Trowse BAP Water Vole Arvicola terrestris 18Apr94 TG2507 BAP Water Vole Arvicola terrestris 26Apr94 TG2507 BAP Weasel Mustela nivalis 26Sep90 TG2305 Bixley Weasel Mustela nivalis 12May94 TG2305 Bixley Weasel Mustela nivalis 21Nov80 TG2405 Bixley Weasel Mustela nivalis 09Sep81 TG2305 Bixley Caistor St Weasel Mustela nivalis 03Oct70 TG2305 Edmund Weasel Mustela nivalis 03Oct81 TG2407 Trowse
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Weasel Mustela nivalis 30Mar95 TG2507 Trowse Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus 15Nov93 TG2407 Trowse Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus 09Feb89 TG2407 Norwich
It is considered normal practice while undertaking EPS surveys to conduct a desktop survey of previous historical wildlife records within about 2 kilometres of the site being examined. The results for Trowse are presented above.
Lines in bold on the table indicate specially protected (European Protected Species) or
Biodiversity Action Plan species. This database of over half a million records is not consistent in terms of geographic coverage of the county or over the various species groups.
Records are presented in alphabetical common name order and are a range of vertebrate, invertebrate and plant species. There were 156 species records recorded from this block of nine 1 km squares. Eleven previous records have been made from this one-kilometre square of which five were Rabbits and one was Mole. The only BAP species recorded was Common Toad but as there is no standing water in this area, this twenty five year old record is not a current indicator and was from a garden in Trowse village.
The Badger records were road casualties on the Norwich Southern Bypass while other important species, such as Water Vole, were some distance from this site and seen up to forty years ago.
These historical records suggest that the Biodiversity of this site and indeed of this area is not particularly high, away from the river valley, and this would be expected with the houses and development of Norwich so close, the adjacent Trowse Bypass, and the land on this site under agricultural cultivation.
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