BAT AND NESTING BIRD SURVEY FOR PROPOSED BARN CONVERSION AT GRANGE FARM, DEREHAM ROAD, PETTYWELL, , NR10 4RN

Report produced by Client details James Hodson BSc MSc Alan Rawlings Architecture Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Stable Cottage Greystones, Bell Inn Yard Horning Road West, The Street Hoveton, Bawdeswell NR12 8QH NR20 4RR Tel/ 01603 784905 -07914 130493 Contact: Alan Rawlings [email protected] [email protected]

JULY 2016

1 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

CONTENTS:

1.0 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………. 3

2.0 AIM OF SURVEY...... 3

3.0 LEGAL STATUS………...... 4 3.1 Barn Owls……………………………….………………………………………………….. 4 3.2 Bats…………………………………………..………………………………………………. 4 3.3 European Protected Species (EPS) Licensing……………………………………….. 5

4.0 SITE LOCATION……………………………………………………...... 5

5.0 SITE DESCRIPTION……………………………………………...... 6 5.3 Barn A Construction……………………………………………………………………….. 6 5.4 Barn B Construction……………………………………………………………………….. 8

6.0 DESK STUDY AND SITE ASSESSMENT…………………………...... 9 6.1 Statutory Sites…………………….……………………………………………………….. 9 6.2 Non-Statutory Sites……………………………………………………………………….. 9 6.3 Bat Records……………………………………………………………………………….. 10

7.0 HABITAT DESCRIPTION……………………………………...... 11

8.0 SURVEY METHODOLOGY……………………………………...... 12

9.0 CONSTRAINTS………………………………………………...... 12

10.0 FIELD SURVEY RESULTS……………………………………...... 13 10.1 Barn Owls………………………………………………………………………………… 13 10.2 Bats………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

11.0 EMERGENCE/ACTIVITY SURVEY…………………………...... 14

12.0 ROOSTING POTENTIAL CRITERIA…………………………...... 19

13.0 INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDLIFE LICENSING...... 19

14.0 HABITAT CREATION, RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT……...... 20

15.0 REFERENCES………………………..…………………………...... 22

16.0 DISCLAIMER……………………….…………………………...... 23

APPENDIX 1 SITE PLANS AND EMERGENCE AND ACTIVITY SURVEY RESULTS MAPS APPENDIX 2 PHOTOS APPENDIX 3 DESK STUDY INFORMATION & MITIGATION

2 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Eco-Check was contacted by Alan Rawlings Architectural Design in June 2016 with regard to undertaking a European Protected Species (EPS) survey of a brick barn and cart-shed within the curtilage of Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Reepham, Norfolk, NR10 4RN.

1.2 The presence of protected species, barn owls (Tyto alba) and bats (all species) has been considered a possibility. Bats, owls and other nesting birds are normally the species most likely to be affected by barn developments and so the buildings were surveyed for the likely presence/absence of both species.

1.3 This survey was commissioned to accompany a planning application to District Council in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (Replacement of PPS9) which establishes that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment, minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity and to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

1.4 A survey of the buildings on the 30th June 2016 found evidence of bat activity in the enclosed barn with approximately 20-25 old bat droppings and some butterfly wings which suggested foraging activity. Two further dusk emergence/activity surveys were therefore undertaken on the 5th and 18th July 2016 in addition to static monitoring in the barn between the 30th June and 5th July 2016.

2.0 Aim of survey

2.1 To examine the buildings to determine the presence or likely absence of nesting barn owls and/or roosting bats, species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to the proposed development works. If found to be present, the survey aimed to determine the use of the buildings by protected species so that the impacts of the development proposal can be assessed and appropriate advice given to address these impacts.

2.2 In the light of the survey this report provides initial recommendations for potential mitigation measures if protected species are likely to be affected by the proposed works it may be necessary to obtain a European Protected Species (EPS) license.

2.3 This report has been prepared in accordance with the recommended format in ‘Bat Surveys-Good Practice Guidelines, Hundt, 2012’ and ‘Bat Mitigation Guidelines, Natural , 2004’. The methodology of the survey adopts the recommended best working practice for the inspection of buildings for bats and bat roosts.

3 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

3.0 Legal status

3.1 Barn Owls (Tyto alba)

All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law under Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Barn owls are listed on Schedule 1, which gives them special protection: It is normally an offence to:

 Intentionally kill, injure or take (handle) any wild barn owl.  Intentionally take, damage or destroy any wild barn owl nest whilst in use by the birds.  Intentionally take or destroy a wild barn owl egg.  Possess or control a wild barn owl (dead or alive) or wild barn owl egg.  Intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild barn owl whilst ‘building’ a nest or whilst in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young.  Intentionally or recklessly disturb any dependant young of wild barn owls.

Should anyone disturb a barn owl at or near the nest that is genuinely unaware of its presence, this does not constitute an offence unless it can be shown that the defendant was reckless. Disturbance may be deemed reckless if it committed by someone who could be expected to know that the bird or birds might be present but failed to check.

3.2 Bats (all species)

All species of British bat and their roosts are protected under British law by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which is extended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Bats are classified as European Protected Species under the Conservation (Natural Habitats and Species) Regulations 1994, amended 2007 & 2010. Together, the legislation makes it illegal to:

 Intentionally or deliberately kill, injure or capture (or take) bats;  Deliberately disturb bats (whether in a roost or not);  Recklessly disturb roosting bats or obstruct access to their roosts;  Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat;  Possess, control, transport, exchange or sell a bat or parts of a bat, alive or dead

A bat roost is interpreted as “any structure or place which any wild bat...uses for shelter or protection”. As bats tend to re-use the same roosts, moving around seasonally, a roost is legally protected whether or not bats are present at the time. Activities that may result in the

4 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

above offences taking place can in some instances be permitted. However a strict process of licensing must be observed and followed for this to be lawful.

3.3 European Protected Species (EPS) Licensing

Any developments which may affect a known bat roost are now required to obtain a license. Mitigation licences are normally issued for ‘imperative reasons of overriding public interest’, although they may also be issued by the same authority for the purpose of health and safety. When deciding whether to grant an EPS license application, the licencing authority must apply three tests to the proposed action:

 The main reason for undertaking the action must be one for which a licence can be issued, such as preserving public health or safety, or other reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature.  There must be no satisfactory alternative.  The action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation (FCS) status in their natural range.

Favourable conservation status is defined in the Habitats and Species Directive (Article 1(i)) as “the sum of the influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long term distribution and abundance of its population within the territory.” It is assessed as favourable when:

“population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, or will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long term basis.”

4.0 Site Location

4.1 Grange Farm is situated in an isolated rural location approximately 1km west of Reepham and 4.5km north-east of Bawdeswell within the of Reepham in the Broadland District. The site is accessed from the B1145 Dereham Road to the south via a private driveway through to the barn situated to the south of the dwelling (See Fig 1).

4.2 The site is set within a predominantly arable landscape surrounded by large arable and grassland fields. There are scattered broadleaved trees and hedging bordering the application site with mature garden, amenity grassland and a large block of plantation woodland to the

5 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN north and east. The site is deemed to have good connectivity to the wider landscape along these habitat features.

Fig.1- Site Location Map, Streetmap 2014

4.3 There are no ponds within the site and only one within a 500m radius of the site, situated approximately 150m to the southwest within the grounds of Pettywell Farm. The on-site terrestrial habitats bordering the barn were considered to be of limited interest to great crested newts, herpetofauna and other protected and priority species comprising bare ground, amenity grassland, scattered trees, hedging, shrubs and ornamental plants.

5.0 Site Description

5.1 The barn surveyed is situated to the south of the main residential dwelling at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN, TG086230. The building is L-shaped and incorporates a cart-shed (A) which is open across the south elevation and an enclosed barn (B) which adjoins the cart-shed at right angles. Plans of the site, buildings and photographs are included in Appendices 1 & 2 respectively.

5.3 Cart-Shed Construction- Barn A

5.3.1 The barn measures approximately 13m by 6m with an eaves height of approximately 2.8m, the building is of red-brick construction with a pan-tile roof over felt sarking supported by a softwood trussed 6 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

timber frame. The roof timbers are machine cut with butt joints and supported on the wall tops. There were no obvious bat roosting voids in the roof frame. There are frequent tears and holes in the felt sarking and there are loose pan-tiles with voids beneath, the ridge tiles appeared well cemented. The floor is concrete and there was various materials being stored.

5.3.2 Along the north elevation there is an opening in the wall into the cart-shed with a timber frame and gate. The walls of the barn were estimated to be approximately 25cm thick and did not appear to possess a central cavity. The walls were relatively well pointed with only a few small internal cracks. The external eaves were cemented and there were no obvious voids along the wall tops. Roosting potential within the barn is very limited apart from the voids between the tiles and sarking, the internal ridge boards were bright and draughty.

Fig.2 External view of south elevation and north-west elevation

Fig.3- Internal view of cart-shed and adjoining corner through to Barn B

7 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

5.4 Cattle-Shed Construction- Barn B

5.4.1 The single storey former cattle-shed measures approximately 14m by 5.5m with a floor area of 77m² and eaves height of 2.6m. The barn is divided into a main north room approximately 11m long and a smaller cattle-shed room 3m long within the south section.

5.4.2 The barn is constructed of red brick and is generally well pointed externally and internally with a white wash wall finish inside. The building has a timber stable door in the north gable wall and two timber glazed doors and timber vent in the west elevation.

5.4.3 The barn supports a trussed softwood timber frame supported on the wall tops and pan-tile roof with a felt sarking beneath. The ridge tiles are well cemented but there are numerous loose and gappy tiles. The eaves are open along the east elevation and the roof structure is open above the wall top where it adjoins the cart-shed building. There are some gaps around the door lintels, gable wall tops and ridge boards which are dark and relatively sheltered.

Fig.4- West facing elevation (left) and east elevation (right)

Fig.5- Internal view of barn and roof structure 8 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

6.0 Desk Study and Site Assessment

Prior research of the area, local knowledge and data from expert sources such as MAGIC (Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside), Norfolk Wildlife Trust and ‘National Biodiversity Network, (NBN) were utilized to establish any designated wildlife sites within 2km and recent bat records within 2km of TG086230.

6.1 Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Significance

Whitwell Common (Site of Special Scientific Interest) is situated approximately 199km south of the site. There are no Ramsar Sites, SPA’s (Special Protection Areas), SAC’s (Special Areas of Conservation), NNR (National Nature Reserves) and LNR (Local Nature Reserves).A MAGIC search map is provided in Fig.6 and Appendix 3.

Fig.6 Map of Statutory Wildlife Sites within 2km - Magic

6.2 Non-Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Significance

There are two County Wildlife Site (CWS) within 1km, these are Broomhill Meadows (CWS-1327) approximately 725m south-east and Marriott’s Way (CWS-2176) approximately 400m south-west and 575m north at its closest points. There is an area of broadleaved woodland to the north and east of the site which is a UK Priority Habitats although the woodland is of plantation origin.

9 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

6.3 Protected Species Records:

The desk study revealed records of 6 bat species within 2km of the barn as detailed in Appendix 3. These records include common and soprano pipistrelle, western barbastelle, brown long-eared bat, noctule and Myotis spp. There is also a barn owl record (Schedule 1) and other priority bird species. A summary of recent records within a 2km radius include those listed in Table 1.

Table 1 – Bat Records within 2km

Table 2 – Natural England Bat Roost Records- 2km

10 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

7.0 Habitat Description

7.1 The barns are situated in a rural location with a residential dwelling to the north, a large arable field to the south and scattered trees and grassland to the east and west. The barn is within 50m of a large block of woodland. The site contains amenity grassland, ornamental plants, shrubs, scattered trees and hedging.

7.2 The habitats beyond the site comprise large open arable fields but with good connectivity to the wider landscape along hedgerows, tree lines and woodland. There are no ponds or areas of standing water within the site and a single pond within 500m (See.Fig.7). There are some features/habitats present within and close to the site that increase the likelihood of bat presence, as per BCT Guidelines (2012):

 An agricultural building (barns and dwelling houses) of traditional brick construction with exposed wooden beams  Large (>20cm) roof timbers with open joints and cracks  A pre-20th century or early 20th century building  A pre-1914 building with gable ends  Access points for bats into roofs and walls, but at the same time not being too draughty and cool  A series of buildings and trees in close proximity to each other providing a variety of roosting opportunities throughout the year

Fig.7 Aerial view of ‘Grange Farm’ and surrounding landscape, Bing Maps 2015

11 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

8.0 Internal and External Survey Methodology

8.1 Bat surveys usually involve two elements, surveying sites for likely roost and hibernation sites and surveying likely foraging areas. The daytime survey of the site was carried out on the 30th June 2016. The weather conditions were sunny, dry, wind speed 5mph S.W and temperature 14°C @ 10:30.

8.2 A thorough methodical inspection of the outside of the barns was carried out from ground level, looking for evidence of bats and possible bat access points. An inspection was carried out inside the buildings from floor and eaves level, looking for evidence of bats and bat roosting sites. Particular focus was given to the roof structures, wall cavities and darker more sheltered areas of the cattle-shed building as these areas appeared to have the highest potential for bats, and in particular the enclosed smaller cattle-shed room.

8.3 In examining the buildings for barn owls a search was made for evidence of barn owls (feathers, pellets and faecal ‘splashes’ on timbers), their nest sites and the birds themselves. The buildings were also assessed for potential to support nesting or roosting barn owls and other nesting birds.

8.4 In examining the buildings for bats, particular attention was given to any cracks and crevices in which bats may roost. All crevices were checked using a high power lamp and endoscope. Possible roosting sites were noted. It is important to remember that bats are difficult to survey and find and it is usually signs of their activity rather than their actual presence that indicates the existence of a bat roosting site. The presence of moth and butterfly wings for example can indicate bat presence. Bat droppings on walls, floors and flat surfaces can be used to identify species.

8.5 Floors, walls, lintels, timbers and exposed surfaces were inspected for bat droppings, bat urine, feeding remains, oil staining from the fur of bats (indication of frequent use of a particular site), clean cob-web free areas on the ridge boards or crevices and wear of substrates caused by the movement of bats in and out of potential roost exit holes over a long period of time. Beneath ledges, the ground was examined for feathers, pellets and birdlime that could indicate occupation by barn owls. A high power lamp, ladder and endoscope were used to assist in the survey.

9.0 Constraints

9.1 The buildings contained various stored materials which made detection of bat droppings and feeding remains difficult in some areas.

12 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

9.2 A difficulty in inspecting buildings for bats is that the presence of smaller roosts are generally harder to detect than more significant colonies, particularly those of crevice dwelling bats such as pipistrelle. In addition bats are very transient in nature with complex roosting behaviour and often move between several different roosting sites during the year. Therefore the presence of transient singleton roosts (e.g. single male roost) can be present at any time of year and could go undetected.

10.0 Field Survey Results

10.1 Barn Owls (Tyto alba)

10.1.1 No evidence of barn owl activity or nesting birds was found in the cart-shed (Barn A). No evidence of barn owls was noted within the cattle-shed (Barn B) but there were other nesting birds including 3 pigeon nests of which one was active and 3 wren nests, two within the brickwork and one within a tear in the roof sarking.

10.1.2 The cart-shed has limited potential for nesting barn owls as the building is bright and lacks any suitable nesting ledges. The cattle-shed barn (B) has moderate barn owl interest for nesting and is easily accessed through the open roof section from the cart-shed. The enclosed cattle-shed room on the south end of Barn B is inaccessible to barn owls. Care should be taken that no nesting birds are disturbed during the breeding season (March to August inclusive).

10.2 Bats: (All species)

10.2.1 Within the cart-shed barn (A) we found approximately 2-3 old scattered bat droppings on the flat surfaces. There was no evidence of any feeding remains although the density and distribution of the droppings was consistent with fly through foraging behaviour. No evidence of any roosting bats was found.

10.2.2 Within the cattle-shed barn (B) we found approximately 20 bat droppings, the majority of them appeared to be a few years old and no fresh droppings were found. A small number were found below the north gable wall, a small cluster beneath the ridge board in the north end of the barn and the remaining around the dividing wall to the south room and within the south room section. There was a small accumulation of tortoiseshell butterfly wings (Aglais urticae) on a timber lintel in the dividing gable wall which suggested a possible feeding station. No accumulations of droppings were noted which might otherwise indicate a bat roost.

13 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

10.2.3 The barn is relatively sheltered but also easily accessible to bats through the open eaves, timber vent, broken windows and open roof section from the cart-shed. There are limited bat roosting features within the barn apart from the roof materials, ridge board and wall tops.

10.2.4 An inspection of the outside of the barns revealed no signs of bat entrance, activity or roosting. The very few voids in the brickwork were inspected with an endoscope which did not reveal any roosts. The only possible roost spaces would be the gaps between the pan-tiles and the sarking and some small voids around the wall tops, timber lintels and the gable wall tops.

10.2.5 The presence of old bat droppings, feeding remains and a relatively dark and sheltered building indicates that the cattle-shed building (Barn B) has a Medium probability of bat interest.

10.2.6 The occasional scattered dropping, lack of roost spaces and bright and draughty conditions suggests that the cart-shed building (Barn A) has a Low probability of bat interest.

11.0 Summer Emergence and Activity Survey

11.1 Due to evidence of bat activity and potential roost features within the cattle-shed building (Barn B) and in accordance with best practice in the Bat Workers Manual and Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists two nocturnal surveys were undertaken at the barn to determine if any bats are using the building and if there is a requirement for a European Protected Species Mitigation (EPS/M) license. In addition an Anabat Express static monitor was left to run for 5 nights within Barn B.

11.2 The purpose of dusk surveys and static monitoring is to assess the value of the barns and identify roosting, foraging and commuting bats and to provide more specific information that should be considered in the detailed site layout designs and for mitigation and within the final lighting design plans.

11.3 This report details the methodology, results and conclusions of two dusk bat surveys undertaken on the 5th and 18th July 2016. The aim of the surveys was to identify:

 Any bat roosts present within the barns;  The species of bat utilizing the site;  Any potential bat roosting habitat near the barns;  Key bat foraging habitats;  Bat commuting routes.

14 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

The survey data collected was used primarily to evaluate the likely impact of the proposed conversion of the barns on roosting bats and also lighting and design layout proposals on roosting, foraging and commuting bats.

11.4 The dusk surveys commenced at least 30 minutes before sunset and lasted for approximately 1.5hrs after sunset.

11.5 The bat surveys were undertaken by wildlife consultant James Hodson MSc and Sam Mardell BSc. The dusk surveys were undertaken so that all of the barn elevations were visible.

11.6 The surveyors were equipped with a combination of Anabat SD2 recording devices and Wildlife Acoustics Echometer (Heterodyne and Frequency Division) bat detectors. An Anabat Express static monitor was positioned centrally within Barn B at eaves height. Recordings made were analysed using Analook and Kaleidoscope software to ensure that species were correctly identified. The surveys followed Bat Conservation Trust Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines (BCT, 2012, 2nd Edition).

11.7 Limitations- Species that emit quiet echolocation calls such as long-eared bats Plecotus sp and/or species which typically forage by gleaning and are associated with dense vegetation cover such as Myotis sp may be under recorded as they are only picked up by the bat detectors at very close range.

11.8 The surveys were undertaken during suitable weather conditions with night time temperature above 13°C, low wind speed and dry. The periphery of the barns were accessible for the purpose of emergence surveys.

11.9 Survey Results- During the emergence survey no bats were recorded emerging from any part of either the cattle-shed building (Barn B) or the cart-shed building (Barn A).

A relatively low level of bat activity was recorded during the dusk surveys and restricted to a small number of foraging and commuting bats and all bats recorded were common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus apart from a single noctule Nyctalus noctule commuting over the site. The trees and hedging bordering the barns and the surrounding gardens were used as a commuting and foraging corridor. There were occasional singleton bats recorded foraging around the courtyard between the barns and the dwelling. The activity observed during these surveys and raw data is detailed in Appendix 1.

15 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

The first bat record during the first emergence survey was at 21:42 approximately 23 minutes after sunset (21:19). There were further bat passes close to the barn at 21:51, 21:54, 21:57 and regular passes from a single common pipistrelle between 22:03 and 22:45.

The first bat record during the second emergence survey was a commuting noctule at 21:45 approximately 38 minutes after sunset (21:07). There were further common pipistrelle bat passes close to the barn at 21:47, 21:50-21:58, 22:03 and 22:15-22:35 by one or two bats.

Table 3- Anabat Express-Static Monitoring 30th June to 5th July 2016

16 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

With regards to the Anabat Express static monitor situated within Barn B, the first records of bat passes either within the barn or close to the barn were at 23:08, 23:13, 22:29, 22:01 and 23:36. These were 1 hr 46 minutes, 1 hour 52 minutes, 1 hour 7 minutes, 41 minutes, and 2 hours 16 minutes after sunset respectively.

The typical emergence period for pipistrelle bats is 20 minutes after sunset or earlier depending on night temperatures. With the long delay between typical emergence time and first registration of bats within Barn B it would indicate that the recorded bats are commuting to the barn from another roosting area.

The results of the dusk surveys and static monitoring confirm that neither of the barns is currently being used by bats for roosting purposes and the lack of any emergence or fresh bat droppings indicate that the barn is not used on a regular basis. The dusk survey indicates possible foraging activity by a small number of common pipistrelle within Barn B.

There were no signs of swarming behaviour by any of the bats recorded during the emergence period, which suggest that there are no significant roosts or maternity roosts within the site or near vicinity.

11.10 Foraging Areas

Key areas of foraging activity by common pipistrelle were associated with the mature gardens, boundary trees and hedging.

11.11 Commuting Routes

Common pipistrelle bats were observed arriving on to the site from the west possibly from one of the adjacent barns or dwelling houses. As to be expected commuting bats were generally associated with the hedgerows and tree lines.

11.12 Impact Assessment

It is evident from the nocturnal survey and physical evidence that none of the building sections are being used by roosting bats and there was only limited evidence of historical bat usage by small numbers of common bat species (pipistrelle sp). The number of bats observed within the site was low with limited activity within Barn B indicated by the static monitoring.

There are no trees with any bat roosting potential within 15m of the buildings. Day roosts, feeding perches and night roosts could be potentially destroyed in the event of arboricultural works to any mature trees, reducing the number of roost sites in the local area. The

17 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

significance of these impacts is deemed to be low given the lack of evidence of bat emergence and no trees need to be removed.

Based on the physical survey evidence, dusk surveys and static monitoring it is very unlikely that a European Protected Species mitigation license (EPS/M) will be required prior to works commencing.

The conversion of the barns is unlikely to have an adverse impact on bat foraging opportunities or bat commuting routes and the more valuable boundary habitats which are used more frequently will be retained and protected through the course of development works.

As part of the site bat mitigation there are opportunities for creating bat roosting features within the buildings. As such mitigation should aim to provide new alternative bat roosting features in the form of bat bricks, bat tiles and bat boxes.

Any new lights may increase light levels; however these should be faced away from the boundary hedges, tree canopies and also away from any bat boxes and set on a motion detector to ensure that the impact will be low.

18 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

12.0 Roosting Potential Criteria

Table 4 – Probability of bat interest

13.0 Interpretation of Results and Requirement for Wildlife Licensing

13.1 This report should be used whenever development work to the barns is planned. The buildings requiring such work should first be checked against the sections 10.2.5 & 10.2.6 to ascertain its present bat interest based on the three categories as listed above in Table 4.

19 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

13.2 If any of the building or sections of the building fall within the high probability group then the area of bat interest must be identified on site with the contractors and/or other workers to ensure that work does not affect the identified bat roosts.

13.3 If it is deemed likely that the proposed works will have a direct effect on a bat roost and is unavoidable then advice must be sought from the species office for Natural England and a European Protected Species License (EPS) obtained prior to any of the work commencing.

13.4 The results of the survey would indicate that a European Protected Species and Mitigation License (EPS & M) would not be required for the re-development of the buildings. This is based on the absence of any evidence of roosting bats, maternity roosts or significant bat activity.

13.5 Given the lack of evidence of any bat roosts in the buildings no further survey works are required.

13.6 Whilst the barns are of limited importance to bats and do not appear to contain any roosts, a precautionary approach should be adopted within the development works i.e. soft stripping of roof materials, checking brick cavities prior to infilling etc.

13.7 There was no evidence of barn owl activity inside any of the barn sections. There were three pigeon nests and three swallow nests within Barn B. The active nests of all bird species are protected and the buildings should be inspected if works are to commence during the bird nesting season (March to August inclusive).

14.0 Habitat Creation, Restoration or Enhancement

14.1 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC) came into force on 1st October 2006. Under section 40 of the Act all public bodies have a duty to conserve biodiversity:

 “Every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.”

Section 40(3) of the Act explains that:

 “Conserving biodiversity includes, in relation to a living organism or type of habitat, restoring or enhancing a population or habitat”.

20 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

The duty applies to all local authorities and extends beyond just conserving what is already there to carrying out, supporting and requiring actions that may also restore or enhance biodiversity.

14.2 Given the habitats within the application site, bat records and the close proximity of higher value habitats, habitat creation at the site would be of benefit to wildlife.

14.3 There is potential to enhance the value of the site through:

 Bird and bat boxes of varying types throughout the site;  Incorporating bat roosting features into the barns during conversion works such as bat tiles, bat bricks etc.

14.4 Birds – To mitigate for the loss of any nesting habitat and to increase nesting opportunities generally, nest boxes should be installed. Installation of the nest boxes will be supervised by ‘Eco‐ Check Ltd’ or an experienced ecologist to ensure the correct positioning for each species. The types of nest boxes will cover a range of species and could include;

Cedarplus wooden boxes, Schwegler 1B general nest boxes, Wren roundhouse boxes, Schwegler 1N deep nest boxes for robins, Schwegler 2GR nest boxes, Schwegler 2M bird boxes.

14.5 Bats‐ As a biodiversity enhancement the following are suggested;

 1 x ‘Schwegler 1FQ’ winter/summer roost box;

 2 x ‘Schwegler 2F’ bat box, these boxes are particularly attractive to the smaller British bats.

 A bat brick ‘Ibstock Type C’ to be incorporated into the gable wall of the barn at a suitable height and away from any new lighting.

14.6 These boxes are to be installed on the south or east elevation of the barns or boundary trees within the site, ideally one on each elevation to provide the best variation in temperature, shelter and flight lines. If only one elevation is used this should be south‐east facing as this provides the most shelter and warmth.

14.7 Any new external lights on the barn will be set on a motion detector and positioned in such a way that they do not shine on any of the proposed bat box access points. Low intensity lighting should be

21 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

used where possible in place of high intensity discharge or sodium lamps, this will minimize disturbance to foraging and commuting bats.

14.8 In accordance with the Bat Conservation Trust’s publication Bats and lighting in the UK (BCT, 2008) light pollution by artificial lighting will be kept to a minimum and light spillage avoided. The following specific mitigation will be put in place to minimise disturbance to bats caused by the lighting of the site:

 Lights will be pointed away from major bat flyways and foraging areas (tree lines, woodland and hedgerows);  Screen planting will be wide and tall to maintain natural light conditions away from the site;  Low or high pressure sodium lamps will be used instead of mercury or metal halide lamps;  The light will be directed only to where it is needed, for example, by the use of hoods;  The lighting levels will be as low as possible without compromising safety;  Buildings on the site that are unoccupied at night will be required to turn off lights after normal working/opening hours.

15.0 References

Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines, Collins, J., 2016,

Corbet and Harris (1991). The Handbook of British Mammals – Blackwell

Mitchell-Jones, & McLeish, A.P. Ed.(2004),3rd Edition Bat Workers' Manual, JNCC.

Mitchell-Jones. English Nature (2004). Bat Mitigation Guidelines. EN

Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Guidance: BS42020

Department for Communities and Local Government (March 2012). National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Ordnance Survey (2015) Get a Map

22 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

16.0 Disclaimer

This survey was carried out and an assessment was made of the site at a particular time. The evidence this report contains can be used to draw conclusions as to the likely presence or absence of bats and the likely impacts of any proposed development works.

The survey should not be regarded as a complete study, rather a snapshot in time. Every effort has been taken to provide an accurate assessment of the situation pertaining to this site at the time of the survey but no liability can be assumed for omissions or changes after the survey has taken place.

COPYRIGHT

The copyright of this document remains with Eco-Check Ltd. The contents of this document therefore must not be disseminated, copied or reproduced in whole or in part for any purpose without the written consent of Eco-Check Ltd.

PROTECTED SPECIES

This report contains sensitive information relating to protected species. The information contained herein must not be disseminated without the prior written consent of Eco-Check Ltd.

23 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

APPENDIX 1

Site Location Plan- Streetmap 2014

Aerial View of Grange Farm and Surrounding Landscape, Bing Maps 2015 24 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

Building Schematic, Bat and Nesting Bird Evidence and Proposed Internal Layout

25 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

Bat Emergence and Activity Survey Results

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Bat Transect Map- 5th July (Brown) and 18th July (Purple) 2016

27 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

APPENDIX 2

North elevations of Barn A and Barn B

North and west elevations of cart-shed (Barn A)

28 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

South facing elevation of Barn A

View of open roof from Barn A into Barn B 29 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

West facing elevation of Barn B

Internal view of Barn B 30 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

Doors, windows, vents and open roof into Barn B

South room section of Barn B

31 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

APPENDIX 3

32 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

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36 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

The Kent Bat Box (Courtesy of Shirley Thompson, Kent Bat Group)

Simple to construct, self-cleaning and low maintenance. The only critical measurement is the width of the crevices—these should be no larger 15 to 25mm. Other measurements are approximate.

Materials and construction

Box to be made from untreated rough-sawn timbers. Timber should be c, 20mm thick. The box should be rainproof and draught-free. Crevices can be between 15 and 25 mm wide. Fixing may be by use of brackets, durable bands or wires.

Location

Boxes are best fixed as high as possible in a sheltered wind-free position, exposed to the sun for part of the day. They can be fitted to walls, other flat surfaces or trees. A clear flight line to the entrance is important.

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38 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN

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46 Eco-Check Consultancy Ltd, Protected Species Survey at Grange Farm, Dereham Road, Pettywell, Norfolk, NR10 4RN