Former Acre Mill, Stacksteads

Ecological Appraisal

ERAP Ltd ref: 2012_047

Submitted to: Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd

Submitted by: ERAP Ltd Consultant Ecologists

May 2012

49a Manor Lane Penwortham Preston PR1 0TA

Tel: 01772 750502 E-mail: [email protected] www.erap.co.uk

Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd Ecological Appraisal Former Acre Mill, Stacksteads May 2012

Document Control Sheet

Client: Countryside Properties Project: 2012_047 Title: Former Acre Mill, Stacksteads – Ecological Appraisal

Report Authors Lisa Rigby B.Sc. (Hons) M.Sc. MIEEM Senior Ecologist

Signed

Date 25th April 2012

Brian Robinson B.Sc. (Hons) AIEEM Checked by Ecologist

Signed

Date 3rd May 2012

Report Issued to: Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd

Copy Number v1

Page (i) Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd Ecological Appraisal Former Acre Mill, Stacksteads May 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

SUMMARY...... (iii)

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.1 Terms of Reference ...... 4 1.2 Objectives of the Study ...... 5

2 CONSULTATION AND REVIEW OF EXISTING DATA ...... 6 2.1 Consultees ...... 6 2.2 Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites ...... 6 2.3 Non-Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites ...... 6 2.4 Habitats and Plants ...... 6 2.5 Fauna ...... 7 2.6 Summary ...... 7

3 SURVEY METHODOLOGY ...... 7 3.1 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 7 3.2 Protected Species ...... 8 3.3 Survey Limitations ...... 10

4 BASELINE CONDITIONS ...... 10 4.1 Habitats and Flora ...... 10 4.2 Fauna ...... 15

5 EVALUATION & CONCLUSIONS ...... 17 5.1 Evaluation Methodology ...... 17 5.2 Habitats and Species ...... 18

6 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 21 6.1 Protection of Existing Features ...... 21 6.2 Habitat Enhancement and Landscape Planting ...... 21 6.3 Potential for Development ...... 24

7 REFERENCES ...... 25

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Phase 1 Habitat Map

LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A: TABLE 1 – RESULTS OF DATA SEARCH

Page i Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd Ecological Appraisal Former Acre Mill, Stacksteads May 2012

APPENDIX B: LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT APPENDIX C: TABLE 5 – HEDGEROW ASSESSMENT

Page ii Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd Ecological Appraisal Former Acre Mill, Stacksteads May 2012

SUMMARY i) ERAP Ltd (Consultant Ecologists) was commissioned by Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd in April 2012 to carry out an ecological survey and appraisal of the land at the former Acre Mill site, Stacksteads, . ii) The survey was requested in connection with proposals to re-develop the site for residential use. iii) The assessment presents the results of a desktop study and a comprehensive ecological survey of the site carried out in April 2012. The scope of survey undertaken is sufficient to enable the identification and accurate assessment of any potential ecological constraints and opportunities. iv) The Site is located approximately 2 kilometres (km) to the south-west of Bacup town centre and comprises bare ground and hardstanding, species poor neutral grassland, amenity grassland, dense/continuous scrub, scattered trees and scrub, a hedgerow (UK BAP Priority Habitat), standing water / ephemeral pool and tall ruderal vegetation. v) There are no ponds within an unobstructed 250 metres (m) of the site and no ponds suitable for use by breeding amphibians within the site boundary. vi) Montbretia, an invasive species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, is present within the Site. No other invasive species are present within the Site. vii) The Site provides nesting and foraging opportunities for birds but is unsuitable for use by ground-nesting species such as Lapwing and Skylark. All wild birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 while they are nesting. Guidance in relation to the retention and protection of the trees and protection of nesting birds is presented in this report. viii) All trees within the Site have negligible suitability for roosting bats and have been assessed as ‘Category 3’ trees, with ‘no potential to support bats’. ix) No evidence of any protected species was found within the Site or immediate surrounding area and the Site has been assessed as unsuitable for reptile species. xi) Section 7 of this report describes the mandatory and precautionary measures to be applied to ensure compliance with all EU and UK wildlife legislation, Natural guidance, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local planning policy. Where possible, practicable and reasonable opportunities to achieve biodiversity gain by appropriate management, habitat creation and landscape planting have been identified and incorporated in the development proposals. xii) Based on the survey information presented in this assessment, it is concluded that the principle of the proposed development of land at the former Acre Mill Site, Stacksteads, Bacup is acceptable and feasible in terms of ecological considerations. The proposals provide an opportunity to enhance and improve local biodiversity through landscape planting and habitat creation. This conclusion is valid provided that guidance detailed in Section 7 of this report is implemented in full.

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1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Terms of Reference 1.1.1 ERAP Ltd (Consultant Ecologists) was commissioned by Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd in April 2012 to carry out an ecological survey and appraisal of land at the former Acre Mill site, Stacksteads, Bacup, Lancashire (hereafter referred to as the “Site”). 1.1.2 The Site is located approximately 2 kilometres (km) to the south-west of Bacup town centre (central OS grid reference SD 857 214) and covers approximately 2.5 acres (circa 1 hectares). 1.1.3 The Site comprises bare ground and hardstanding, species poor neutral grassland, amenity grassland, dense/continuous scrub, scattered trees and scrub, a hedgerow, standing water / ehphemeral pool and tall ruderal vegetation. The Site is bounded to the north, south and west by existing residential housing and to the east by agricultural land. There is an earth bank running along the southern and eastern boundaries of the Site. 1.1.4 The approximate Site boundary is highlighted in yellow on the aerial photo (insert 1) below, which also provides an overview of the immediate surrounding area.

Insert 1: Aerial photo showing the approximate site boundary (yellow line) and surrounding area (Google Earth)

1.1.5 The ecological survey and report have been requested by Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd in order to assess the Sites suitability for possible future development from biodiversity and nature conservation perspectives.

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1.2 Objectives of the Study 1.2.1 The objectives of the study were to: • Describe and evaluate existing species and habitats on the Site; • Identify whether or not the Site is likely to be inhabited and/or used by protected species; • Identify habitats and species of biodiversity importance1; • Advise on further survey requirements, if any, prior to development; • Give provisional advice on the feasibility of development without significant harm to sites, habitats and species’ populations of substantive biodiversity value; and • Advise on compliance with wildlife legislation. 1.2.2 To enable the objectives of the study to be met, a strategy was adopted which included review of existing data through consultation with data holders and relevant interested parties (see Section 2 below – Consultation and Review of Existing Data).

1 Such as UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) or Local (in this instance, Lancashire) BAP Priority Species and/or Habitats

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2 CONSULTATION AND REVIEW OF EXISTING DATA 2.1 Consultees 2.1.1 A consultation and data collation process was undertaken to check for records of protected species and designated sites in the area. The following organisations and websites were consulted: a) Lancashire County Council (LCC) b) Lancashire Badger Group c) Natural England’s interactive mapping services: www.magic.defra.gov.uk and www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk d) National Biodiversity Network website : www.nbn.org

2.2 Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites 2.2.1 Examination of Natural England’s mapping service MAGIC revealed one statutory designated nature conservation site within a 1 km search radius from the centre of the Site.

Lee Quarry – 49.18 (ha), central grid ref: SD 876 209 2.2.2 The site is a Geological Conservation Review Site and consists of a large disused quarry on the south side of the . 2.2.3 The site is designated for a combination of its rich trace-fossil assemblages and sedimentary features, which make of great importance to studies of late Carboniferous environments and palaeogeography. 2.2.4 At its closest point, the SSSI lies c.330 m from the far south-west boundary of the Site. Given the scale and nature of the proposed development, and distance from the Site, development of the Site will have no impact on the features of interest of the SSSI. 2.2.5 No further consideration in respect of statutory designated sites is required.

2.3 Non-Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites 2.3.1 There are two non-statutory nature conservation site located within a 1 km search radius from the centre of the Site. 2.3.2 Under instruction from the client, details were not requested as the Site is bordered by residential housing to the north, west and south and agricultural land to the east.

2.4 Habitats and Plants Habitats 2.4.1 Examination of Google Earth shows the presence of a hedgerow along the eastern Site boundary. 2.4.2 Hedgerows are a UK BAP Priority Habitat.

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Plants 2.4.3 LCC hold no records of rare and/or protected plant species within the Site boundary.

2.5 Fauna 2.5.1 Records provided by LCC, Lancashire Badger Group and from searching the NBN website are presented in Table 1, Appendix A.

2.6 Summary 2.6.1 Several UK BAP Priority Species and UK and EU protected species2 such as Skylark, and bat species have been recorded within a 1 km radius of the Site, although none of the records are from within the Site itself (refer to Table 1, Appendix A). 2.6.2 It has been essential to assess the possible use of the Site by protected species and this is considered later in the report.

3 SURVEY METHODOLOGY 3.1 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey 3.1.1 A daytime survey of the Site was undertaken on the 24th April 2012 by Ms Lisa Rigby B.Sc. (Hons) M.Sc. MIEEM. The survey comprised an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey in order to evaluate any nature conservation interest as outlined below. 3.1.2 Conditions at the time of the survey were sunny, dry and with an air temperature of approximately 12oC. Such conditions are suitable for surveys of this type. The survey covered the area identified in Figure 1. 3.1.3 The Phase 1 Habitat Survey is a standardised method of recording habitat types and associated vegetation as set out in the JNCC Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for Environmental Audit (2010 reprint). Plant species nomenclature follows Stace, 1997 and each species is ranked using the DAFOR scale (Dominant Abundant Frequent Occasional Rare, with the addition of ‘Local or locally’ to describe plant cover in more detail, and the use of the ‘*’ symbol to denote a species of constant occurrence). 3.1.4 The Phase 1 Survey is ‘extended’ by the additional recording of specific features indicating the presence, or likely presence, of protected species or other species of nature conservation significance. Descriptive ‘target notes’ are made for characteristic habitats, features of ecological interest, or any other features which require notes to aid ecologically sensitive design or mitigation.

2 Refer to Appendix B for details of relevant wildlife legislation

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3.1.5 The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey has been enhanced by use of the National Vegetation Classification (NVC). The NVC provides a systematic and comprehensive analysis of British vegetation and is widely used by Natural England and other wildlife organisations as well as ecological consultants to provide a scientific basis for the description and evaluation of habitats. The NVC provides a reliable framework for nature conservation and land-use planning. 3.1.6 An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey is not a full protected species or botanical survey, but is a tool for determining the requirement for more detailed protected species surveys on the basis of field signs and habitat quality. This method of survey enables professional ecologists to obtain an understanding of the ecology of a site such that either: a) the conservation significance of the Site can be confirmed and the potential for impacts on habitats/species likely to represent a material consideration in planning terms can be assessed; or, b) it can be ascertained that further surveys of certain aspects of the Site’s ecology will be required before such confirmation can be made. 3.1.7 Searches were also carried out for the presence of invasive species, including those listed on the revised (April 2010) Schedule 9 Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), namely Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Indian Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).

3.2 Protected Species 3.2.1 During the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, the Site and its surroundings (up to 50 m from the Site boundary where access permitted) were examined for signs of and suitability for protected species such as Badger, Water Vole, bats and breeding birds.

Badger 3.2.2 Field signs include: Setts: Single or multi-entrance underground tunnels typically identified by the presence of large spoil mounds, ‘D’ shaped tunnels and presence of Badger hairs. Foraging: Areas of disturbed ground and snuffle holes, also turned over cowpats and grass turfs. Breach points: Crossing points over roads, usually indicated by worn sections or claw marks over stone dykes, visible paths, or collection of hair on fencing. Dung pit / latrines: Excavated pits in which Badgers deposit faeces; a concentration of these pits is referred to as a latrine. Hairs: Guard hairs or under-fur can be found in discarded bedding, spoil outside setts, on fence lines or along paths. Footprints: Distinctive footprint showing a kidney-shaped palm pad, five toe pads almost in a row and the forefoot has long claws.

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Paths: Badgers regularly use the same routes and can produce well-worn visible paths through vegetation. Paths often lead between setts, latrines and foraging areas. Scratching: Found at the base of trees; this activity can be carried out to clean mud from claws.

Water Vole 3.2.3 Field signs include: Faeces: 8 – 12 mm long and 4 – 5 mm wide, cylindrical with blunt ends. Latrines: Used to mark range boundaries or favoured spots close to burrows. Latrines are typically maintained between February and November and often consist of a flattened mass of old droppings topped with fresh ones. Feeding stations: Water Voles often bring pieces of cut vegetation to favoured feeding stations close to the water’s edge and leave remains in neat piles. Burrows: Wider than they are high, with a diameter of 4 – 8 cms. Around these holes well-grazed ‘lawns’ are often present. Footprints: Typically occur at the water’s edge and lead into vegetation cover. Runways: Low tunnels pushed through the vegetation, most often found within two metres of the water’s edge.

Bats 3.2.4 Bats can roost in a wide range of crevices and voids within a structure. A crevice as small as 50 mm deep and 12 mm wide can be used as a roost by bats. Hollow trees and trees with small cavities, loose bark and cracks are also important for bats. The scattered trees within the Site and immediately adjacent to the Site were assessed for their suitability for roosting bats in accord with Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines, 2nd Edition – Hundt, L. (2012). 3.2.5 Evidence of bats include: Droppings: Consist largely of insect remains and crumble easily between the fingers to a powder of semi-shiny fragments. Staining: Dark ‘polished’ surfaces around access holes caused by the oil from bats fur as they pass through holes. Urine staining is also indicative of bat activity. Prey remains: Insect remains, particularly moth wings.

Reptiles 3.2.6 An assessment of habitat suitability and habitat value of the Site for reptiles was made with consideration of its suitability for sheltering, basking, breeding and hibernating reptiles.

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3.2.7 The assessment of the Site utilised the following important characteristics for reptiles as outlined in the draft document ‘Reptile Mitigation Guidelines’ (Natural England, September 2011) and shown in Table 2 below:

Table 2: Important Habitat Characteristics for Reptiles 1. Location (in relation to species range) 7. Connectivity to nearby good quality habitat 2. Vegetation Structure 8. Prey abundance 3. Insolation 9. Refuge opportunity 4. Aspect 10. Hibernation habitat potential 5. Topography 11. Disturbance regime 6. Surface geology 12. Egg-laying site potential

3.3 Survey Limitations 3.3.1 The survey was conducted at the start of the typical growing season when later flowering plant species are not yet in bloom. However the ecologists who conducted the survey are experienced in botanical surveys and are able to identify plant species from features such as leaves, seed heads and dead flower head spikes. 3.3.2 In addition the evaluation of the habitats in terms of the Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology and the NVC gives a robust means of identifying the plant communities present and, provided constant plant species are identified, the vegetation can be classified in accord with the NVC, and a prediction can be made of other plants species that are reasonably likely to be present in other seasons. 3.3.3 There were no limitations to this survey.

4 BASELINE CONDITIONS This section presents a description of baseline conditions based on a review of existing data and the results of the surveys described in Section 3 above.

4.1 Habitats and Flora 4.1.1 The study area is approximately 2.5 acres and contains the following habitats (see Figure 1) and associated plant species: a) Bare ground / hardstanding b) Species poor neutral grassland c) Amenity grassland d) Dense / continuous scrub

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e) Scattered trees and scrub f) Hedgerow g) Tall ruderal vegetation h) Standing water / ephemeral pools

Bare ground / hardstanding 4.1.2 The main area of bare ground / hardstanding is what remains of the former mill buildings following demolition in October / November 2011. 4.1.3 The remaining hardstanding comprises the existing access road, Acre View. 4.1.4 There is no vegetation associated with any of the hardstanding and ephemeral / perennial species have not started to colonise the site of the former mill buildings.

Species poor neutral grassland 4.1.5 Approximately 80% of the Site comprises species poor semi-improved neutral grassland (Photo 1). The grassland is located at both of the earth embankments to the south and east of the Site, becoming water-logged towards the centre of the Site where the ground becomes level (Photo 2).

Photo 1: Showing neutral grassland Photo 2: Showing water-logged area

4.1.6 There is evidence of heavy plant having been across the Site and water is being held in the ruts that remain. 4.1.7 The grassland most closely represents the MG9 Yorkshire Fog – Tufted Hair-grass NVC community. The plant species detected are shown in Table 3 below. 4.1.8 The species detected within the water-logged, marshy area are shown separately in Table 4 below. This area is also the MG9 Yorkshire Fog – Tufted Hair-grass NVC community,

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Table 3: Plant species composition of the species poor neutral grassland

Species Scientific name DAFOR % cover Annual Meadow-grass Poa annua R <1 Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius O <5 Bryophyte Rhytidiadelphus LF* 5 squarrosus Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata F* 10 Common Bent-grass Agrostis capillaris O <5 Common Nettle Urtica dioica R <1 Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea R <1 Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa R <1 Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens R <1 Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense R <1 Dandelion Taraxacum agg. O 1 False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius O <5 Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense O 1 Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum O <5 Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum R <1 Jointed Rush Juncus acutiflorus LA 1 Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris R <1 Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis R <1 Red Fescue Festuca rubra A* 25 Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium R <1 Soft Rush Juncus effusus LF* 10 Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa O* 5 White Clover Trifolium repens O <5 Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus A* 25

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Table 4: Plant species composition of the water-logged area

Species Scientific name DAFOR % cover Bryophyte Pleurozium schreberii F <5 Bryophytes A* 30 Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea R <1 Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens R <1 Cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis F* <5 False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius O <5 Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense F <5 Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum F 5 Jointed Rush Juncus articulatus LA <10 Red Fescue Festuca rubra F 5 Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea LD <10 Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata R <1 Soft Rush Juncus effusus A* 20 Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa A* 10 White Clover Trifolium repens R <1 Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus O <5 Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus LF <5

Amenity grassland (MG7 Perennial Rye-grass leys and related grasslands NVC community) 4.1.9 There are two small areas of mown amenity grassland adjacent to the existing access road (Acre View) and pavement (see Figure 1). 4.1.10 The grasslands are typically species-poor and dominated by Perennial Rye-grass (Lolium perenne) with occasional Yorkshire Fog and Dandelion and rare Ribwort Plantain.

Dense / continuous scrub (W24 Bramble – Yorkshire Fog underscrub NVC community) 4.1.11 The largest area of dense / continuous lies on the southern embankment in a section with a north-easterly aspect (see Figure 1). This is dominated by Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.). 4.1.12 A second, smaller area of dense scrub is found at the northern boundary to rear of adjacent residential properties. This is dominated by Raspberry (Rubus idaeus).

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Scattered trees and scrub 4.1.13 The scattered trees within the Site boundary are primarily found along the northern embankment with smaller groups of trees located at the west and adjacent to the access road (see Figure 1). 4.1.14 The trees range age from early-mature to semi-mature, ranging in height from 4–12 m. Goat Willow (Salix caprea) is the dominant tree species with abundant Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and rare Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Bird Cherry (Prunus padus), Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Italian Alder (Alnus cordata). 4.1.15 The scattered scrub within the Site comprises Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Dog Rose (Rosa canina), Honeysuckle and self-seeded Hawthorn and Ash saplings (Fraxinus excelsior).

4.1.16 A line of trees, sited outside the Site but adjacent to the north-western boundary (see Figure 1) overhang the Site. Recommendations are made regarding these trees further on in this report.

Hedgerow (W21 Hawthorn – Ivy NVC community) 4.1.17 The eastern boundary of the Site is delineated by a hedgerow (see Figure 1). 4.1.18 The hedgerow is approximately 79 m long and dominated by Hawthorn. The ground flora is sparse (<10% cover) and dominated by Common Nettle. 4.1.19 The hedgerows ‘importance’ under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 has been assessed and is shown in Table 5, Appendix C.

Tall ruderal vegetation 4.1.20 There are small localised patches of tall ruderal vegetation dominated by Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) (see Figure 1).

Standing water / ephemeral pools 4.1.21 Tyre ruts that are the result of heavy plant crossing the Site were holding water at the time of this survey. No aquatic vegetation was present and the water is likely to dry out over the hotter summer months. 4.1.22 The water level is just above the surface in the water-logged area and the vegetation is dominated by Soft Rush, Jointed Rush, Tufted Hair-grass, Bryophytes and Cuckoo-flower. 4.1.23 A shallow pool (c.20 cms deep) is present at the margin of the water-logged area (see Figure 1 and Photo 3 below) and contains Common Water Star-wort (Callitriche stagnalis), Common Duckweed (Lemna minor) and algae. Due to its small size and shallow depth it is likely to dry out over the hotter summer months.

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Photo 3: Showing small pool

Invasive / non-native plant species 4.1.24 Montbretia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora) is present within the Site boundary (see Figure 1). This species is included on the revised (April 2010) Schedule 9 Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to cause the spread of this species in the wild.

4.2 Fauna Bird Species 4.2.1 A full breeding bird survey is beyond the scope of this survey. Although specific recording of birds was not undertaken during this survey, incidental observations of the following species were made on 8th and 19th March 2012: a) House Sparrow x 2 (foraging within the Site) – Red list on BOCC 2009 and UK BAP Priority Species b) Wood Pigeon x 3 – Green list on BOCC 2009 c) Blue tit x 2 – Green list on BOCC 2009 d) Great tit x 1– Green list on BOCC 2009 e) Blackbird x 1 – Green list on BOCC 2009 f) Robin x 1 - Green list on BOCC 2009 4.2.2 The trees and scrub provide nesting and foraging opportunities for passerine (perching) bird species such as Blackbirds, Sparrows and Titmice. 4.2.3 The Site is unsuitable for ground-nesting birds such as Lapwing and Skylark (both listed red on BOCC 2009 and UK BAP Priority Species) due to its small size and wet conditions.

Amphibians 4.2.4 The presence of amphibians within the Site boundary is highly unlikely due to the lack of suitable waterbodies, necessary for amphibian breeding, within the Site or within 250 m of

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the Site boundary. The standing water and pool present within the Site are likely to dry out over the summer months before any young amphibians (including newt species) can fully develop. The areas of standing water and the pool also lack the aquatic vegetation required by newt species for egg laying. 4.2.5 All standing water, including the pool, was checked for the presence of spawn and tadpoles (Frog and Toad). None were detected. 4.2.6 No further consideration is required in respect of amphibians.

Reptiles 4.2.7 The habitat suitability of the Site was assessed for reptiles during the survey in accordance with the criteria outlined in Table 2 above. 4.2.8 Although the Site shows certain features that are suitable for reptiles e.g. varied topography, hibernation opportunities in rubble, debris and grass tussocks the Site is too wet to support reptile species such as Common Lizard and there is a lack of amphibian prey for species such as Grass Snake. 4.2.9 The habitats surrounding the Site are also unsuitable for reptiles (i.e. residential housing and agricultural land) preventing the spread of reptiles that may be present in the wider area into the Site. 4.2.10 The presence of reptiles within the site can be reasonably discounted and no further consideration is required.

Badger 4.2.11 No evidence of Badgers was found within the Site boundary or the immediate area up to 50 m (access permitting) from the Site boundary. The Site is unsuitable for sett excavation (too damp) and offers limited foraging opportunities although it is known from records provided by Lancashire Badger Group that Badgers are present within the wider area (Table 1, Appendix A). 4.2.12 No further consideration in respect of Badgers is required.

Water Vole 4.2.13 There are no suitable waterbodies within the Site boundary and the presence of Water Voles within the Site can be reasonably discounted. 4.2.14 No further consideration is required in respect of Water Vole.

Bats Roosts – buildings 4.2.15 No buildings remain within the Site boundary following demolition of the mill buildings in 2011. 4.2.16 The nearby residential properties offer favourable roosting opportunities for bats.

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Roosts - trees 4.2.17 The semi-mature trees within the site were assessed for their bat roost potential / suitability in accord with the criteria set out in Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines (BCT, 2012). 4.2.18 The trees within the Site have no features suitable for roosting bats, such as cracks, rot holes or split / lifted bark and are Category 3 trees. Foraging and Commuting Habitats 4.2.19 The habitats surrounding the Site particularly to the east (agricultural land and a park) and to the north including the corridor, offer suitable foraging and commuting habitat for bats.

Other mammals 4.2.20 No evidence of other mammals (other than a sighting of a domestic cat) was detected within the Site although the presence of small mammals such as mice and vole is highly likely.

Invertebrates 4.2.21 The habitats within the Site are only likely to support common, widespread and typical species. The following invertebrate species were detected during the course of this survey: a) White-tailed Bumblebee 4.2.22 The Site contains no features which would provide suitable habitat for rare species. 4.2.23 No further consideration is required in respect of invertebrates.

5 EVALUATION & CONCLUSIONS 5.1 Evaluation Methodology 5.1.1 The Site and its animal life have been evaluated with reference to standard nature conservation criteria as described by Ratcliffe (1977) and the Nature Conservancy Council (1989). These are: size (extent), diversity, naturalness, rarity, fragility, typicalness, recorded history, position in an ecological or geographical unit, potential value and intrinsic appeal. 5.1.2 The scale in Table 6 below, is used to rank the importance of habitat types and the species they support:

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Table 6: Nature conservation value

Value Description

Negligible value Site contains little to no natural habitat or habitat with very limited nature conservation interest.

Site value or Habitats on Site are of value within the context of the Site only and zone of influence are not important in terms of the local area.

Local value Habitats on Site are of value within the context of the Site and the immediate surrounding area.

Borough value Habitats on Site are of value within the context of the Site and the wider surrounding area and may be important in maintaining healthy populations of protected species at a borough level.

County value Habitats on Site are of value within the context of the Site and of importance within the county. The Site may contain habitat important in maintaining healthy populations of protected species within the county.

Regional value Habitats on Site are of value within the context of the Site and contain features of importance within the region. The Site may contain habitat important in maintaining significant populations of protected species within the region.

National value The Site contains features or supports species that are important within a national context. The Site may contain habitat important in maintaining healthy significant populations of protected species within the nation.

International The Site contains features or supports species that are important value within an international context e.g. Special Areas of Conservation or Ramsar sites.

5.2 Habitats and Species Habitats 1) Neutral grassland 5.2.1 The neutral grassland is botanically species-poor and of no conservation interest. The MG9 NVC community it represents is “a virtually ubiquitous community of the British lowlands”3.

3 Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (1991). British Plant Communities. Volume 3. Grasslands and montane communities. Cambridge University Press.

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5.2.2 The neutral grassland is of negligible value.

2) Amenity grassland 5.2.3 The amenity grassland is botanically species-poor and of no conservation interest. The unmanaged MG7 NVC community it represents is “a virtually ubiquitous community of the British lowlands”. 5.2.4 The semi-improved grassland is of negligible value.

3) Dense / continuous scrub 5.2.5 The dense continuous scrub is botanically species-poor and of no conservation interest. The W24 NVC community it represents is “ubiquitous on suitable soils throughout the British lowlands”4. 5.2.6 The scrub does provide nesting and foraging opportunities for birds, particularly passerine species and in this respect is of site value.

4) Scattered trees and scrub 5.2.7 As well as their intrinsic aesthetic value the semi-mature trees within the Site provide nesting and foraging opportunities for bird species, particularly passerine (perching) species such as Blackbird. 5.2.8 The scattered scrub provides a degree of shelter for birds but the Ash and Hawthorn saplings are too small to be of any foraging or nesting value to birds. 5.2.9 The trees and scrub within the Site are of site value and the trees are considered further in sub-section 6.1 below.

5) Hedgerow 5.2.10 The hedgerow is not classified as ‘important’ under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, however all hedgerows are a UK BAP Priority Habitat. The hedgerow also acts as a wildlife corridor linking the Site and its surroundings to the wider area and the River Irwell corridor. 5.2.11 The hedgerow is of borough value and is considered further in sub-section 6.1 below.

6) Tall ruderal vegetation (OV27 Rosebay Willowherb NVC community) 5.2.12 This habitat is of no conservation interest. The OV27 NVC community it represents is “very widely distributed in suitable habitats throughout the British lowlands.”5 5.2.13 The tall ruderal vegetation is of negligible value.

4 Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (1991). British Plant Communities. Volume 1. Woodlands and Scrub. Cambridge University Press.

5 Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (2000). British Plant Communities. Volume 5. Maritime Communities and Vegetation of open Habitats. Cambridge University Press.

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7) Standing water / ephemeral pool 5.2.14 The small areas of standing water and the pool contain no, or very little, aquatic vegetation and are unsuitable for use by breeding amphibians. Their value lies in being a temporary source of drinking water for wildlife, particularly birds. 5.2.15 The water / pool is of site value.

Flora 5.2.16 The native species of flora identified within the Site boundary are all of common occurrence in the Borough, and also common regionally and nationally. None of the NVC plant communities identified is rare in a local or national context. 5.2.17 The Site as a whole is of negligible value floristically and/or botanically although the intrinsic value of the semi-mature trees are of site value and the hedgerow is of local value.

Fauna 1) Birds 5.2.18 The trees and scrub within the Site offer foraging and nesting opportunities for birds particularly passerine species (perching birds) such as Robin and Blackbird. 5.2.19 These habitats within the Site are of site value in respect of birds.

2) Bats 5.2.20 The semi-mature trees within the Site boundary have no suitable features for roosting bats (Category 3). 5.2.21 The linear features present within the surrounding area such as River Irwell, field margins and nearby park offer commuting and foraging opportunities. 5.2.22 The Site is of negligible value for bats as more suitable roosting, foraging and commuting habitats exist in the wider area.

3) Other mammals 5.2.23 The Site offers limited suitable habitat for small mammals due to the wet / damp conditions restricted burrowing opportunities to the drier earth embankments. 5.2.24 The Site is of negligible value in terms of mammals.

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6 RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 Protection of Existing Features Habitats and plants 6.1.1 It is recommended that the semi-mature trees and the hedgerow are retained and protected. In the event of construction works and ground disturbance taking place in close proximity to the trees, or trees which lies outside the Site but overhang it, it is recommended that the following protective measures are enforced: a) To avoid damaging the roots and canopies of retained trees and the hedgerow, demarcation fencing is to be installed to denote a protective stand-off distance. This can comprise temporary metal (Heras) or Chespale fencing, installed in accord with British Standards Guidance BS5837:2005; b) All workers are to be made aware of the content of British Standards Guidance BS5837:2005 and in accord with this guidance no heavy machinery is to operate under the drip-line of tree-canopies. 6.1.2 Where trees are to be removed they should be assessed by a qualified arborist in accord with BS 5837:2005 and those in poor condition removed in preference. All tree surgery works will be carried out by a trained arborist and be in accord with BS 3998:1989.

Fauna 6.1.3 Should the removal of any trees and scrub be required, any tree works / felling and scrub clearance should be undertaken outside the bird breeding season which typically runs from the end of February/beginning of March to the end of August inclusive unless it has been demonstrated by a competent person that breeding birds are absent.

6.2 Habitat Enhancement and Landscape Planting Habitat enhancement 6.2.1 There are opportunities to enhance the ecological and landscape value of the Site through enhancement of the native hedgerow by appropriate management e.g. laying, and extending the hedgerow network throughout the development by planting native species such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Dog Rose instead of installing boundary fences. It is feasible that the design can provide ecological connectivity throughout the development and enhance the connectivity with habitats of surrounding land by planting these linear features. 6.2.2 Montbretia is present within the Site boundary (see Figure 1). Whilst there is no legal obligation to control Montbretia, it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) to release and/or cause its spread in the wild. It is recommended that the plants and associated bulbs are dug out and either disposed of at a municipal tip or buried to at least 0.5 m below ground level during the development works.

6.2.3 The embankment to the south-west of the Site should be seeded with a suitable wildflower mixture, for example, British Seed Houses Flowering Meadow WFG2.

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Landscape planting 6.2.4 Where possible, all landscape planting should comprise native species of local provenance. Planting appropriate native species will contribute towards the enhancement of biodiversity and habitat creation. 6.2.5 Appropriate species to be incorporated into the landscaping scheme are given in Table 7 below. Those marked with an ‘*’ are already present within the Site or immediate area.

Table 7: Suggested native species for planting

Native trees

Sessile Oak Quercus petraea Ash* Fraxinus excelsior

Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Rowan Sorbus aucuparia

Aspen Populus tremula Field Maple Acer campestre

Silver Birch* Betula pendula Crab Apple Malus sylvestris

Wild Cherry Prunus avium White poplar Populus alba

Bird Cherry* Prunus padus Alder Alnus glutinosa

Black Poplar Populus nigra Goat Willow* Salix caprea

Native shrubs

Hawthorn* Crataegus Honeysuckle* Lonicera monogyna periclymenum

Hazel Corylus avellana Dog Rose* Rosa canina

Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus Field Rose Rosa arvensis

Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Hornbeam Carpinus betulus

Holly Ilex aquifolium Ivy Hedera helix

6.2.6 Where there is a landscape planting requirement for the planting and establishment of low- growing shrubs, suitable species will include berry-producing shrubs such as Cotoneaster (but not including the following invasive species: Cotoneaster bullatus, C. horizontalis, C. integrifolius, C. microphyllus or C. simonsii) which will be used by feeding birds. Flowering shrubs which may be used include Lavender, Hebe species and Potentilla species which can be valuable food for widespread and more mobile butterfly species including Speckled Wood, Small White, and Red Admiral. Suggested species are shown in Table 8 below.

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Table 8: Suggested ornamental shrubs with wildlife value

Lavender Lavandula Hebe species Hebe sp angustifolia

Butterfly bush Buddleja davidii Californian Lilac Ceanothus sp.

Potentilla species Potentilla sp. Winter Jasmine Jasminum nudiflorum

Rosemary Rosmarinus Summer Jasmine Jasminum officinale officinalis

Provisions for bats 6.2.7 Opportunities exist to enhance the Site’s suitability for roosting and foraging bats through development. 6.2.8 Roosting features such as bat access slates and / or bat bricks (see Inserts 2 & 3 below) could be incorporated into selected new buildings.

Insert 2: Bat access slate Insert 3: Enclosed bat brick 6.2.9 Similarly, foraging opportunities could be provided through appropriate landscaping, the creation of hedgerows and, for example, by retaining the eastern boundary hedgerow.

Provisions for Birds 6.2.10 In an article published by Land (2004) which detailed the results of transect surveys of garden habitats and the abundance and diversity of bird species present, trees were confirmed to be important features for birds. At this Site in order to develop a landscaping scheme that is ‘in keeping’ with the surrounding area it is recommended that native trees are incorporated in the landscape planting.

6.2.11 The House Sparrow (a UK BAP Priority Species) is reported to have declined by over 62% a 25 year period, partly as a result of loss of nesting sites. It is recommended that 4 house sparrow terraces (see Insert 4) are installed on the east facing elevations, at the apex of

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the new builds 16, 25, 31 and 32 but not above windows or doorways where droppings could cause nuisance.

Consideration of Lighting

6.2.12 Any lighting to be used at the Site during the construction and operation phases should be directional and screened where possible.

6.2.13 No excessive lighting must shine over the existing hedgerow as lighting overspill may deter wildlife such as foraging bats.

6.3 Potential for Development 6.3.1 This survey has demonstrated that there are no significant ecological constraints on residential development at the Site. 6.3.2 It is feasible that the Site can be developed in good accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local planning policy. 6.3.3 It is possible to design the development so that it retains existing features such as the trees and hedgerow and will have no negative impact on the habitats adjacent to the Site and in the surrounding area, including the nearby SSSI.. 6.3.4 It is feasible that good design can maintain ecological connectivity within the Site itself and between the Site and the wider area by the retention of linear features such as the hedgerow. 6.3.5 It is entirely feasible to enhance nesting and foraging opportunities for birds and provide roosting opportunities for bats through the development of the Site.

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7 REFERENCES Bat Conservation Trust (2007). Bat Surveys Good Practice Guidelines Department for Communities and Local Government (2012) National Planning Policy Framework H.M.S.O Joint Nature Conservancy Council. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for Environmental Audit (2010 reprint). Hundt L (2012) Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidlines, 2nd Edition. Bat Conservation Trust. Land, K. (2004). What features should be included in new urban residential developments to maximise the opportunity for a diversity of breeding birds?. Ecology and Environmental Management – In Practice No. 43. Ratcliffe, D. A. (ed.) (1977). A Nature Conservation Review. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (1991). British Plant Communities. Volume 1. Woodlands and Scrub. Cambridge University Press. Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (1992) British Plant Communities. Volume 3. Grasslands and Montane Communities. Cambridge University Press. Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) (2000). British Plant Communities. Volume 5. Maritime Communities and Vegetation of open Habitats. Cambridge University Press. Stace, C. A. (1997). New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. The UK Biodiversity Steering Group Report. Volume 2. Action Plans. H.M.S.O. (1995), London. Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). H.M.S.O., London.

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FIGURE 1

PHASE 1 HABITAT MAP

APPENDIX A

TABLE 1: RESULTS OF DATA SEARCH FROM NBN, LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (LCC) & LANCASHIRE BADGER GROUP

Table 1: Data search results from NBN, Lancashire Badger Group and LCC for SD82 Species Closest record to Date range of records Site Amphibians Triturus within 2 km no date given (NBN)

1998 (LCC)

Common Frog 100 m 1833 – 2000 (NBN) within Site 2010 (LCC) Palmate Newt within 2 km 1970 & 1974 (NBN) Smooth Newt over 4 km away no date given (NBN) Mammals Badger over 7 km away 1971 (NBN)

6 records – all over No dates provided (Lancashire 600m away from Badger Group) Site, 5 on the opposite side of the River Irwell Water Shrew over 6 km away 1977 (NBN) Pipistrelle bat 3 km 1986 – 2006 (NBN) Grey Squirrel c.500 m 2000 (LCC) Field Vole c.500m 2000 (LCC) Fox c.500m 2000 (LCC) Reptiles Slow-worm 4 km 1968 (NBN) Birds (*denotes UK BAP Priority Species) Blackbird within 1 km (not All LCC records below taken within Site) between 1998 - 2009 Blackcap within 1 km (not within Site) Blue Tit within 1 km (not within Site) Species Closest record to Date range of records Site Birds (*denotes UK BAP Priority Species) *Bullfinch within 1 km (not within Site)

Canada Goose within 1 km (not within Site) Carrion Crow within 1 km (not within Site) Chaffinch within 1 km (not within Site) Coal Tit within 1 km (not within Site) Collared Dove within 1 km (not within Site) *Curlew within 1 km (not within Site) Dipper within 1 km (not within Site) Dunnock within 1 km (not within Site) Goldfinch within 1 km (not within Site) Great Spotted within 1 km (not Woodpecker within Site) Great Tit within 1 km (not within Site) Greenfinch within 1 km (not within Site) *Grey Partridge within 1 km (not within Site) Species Closest record to Date range of records Site Birds (*denotes UK BAP Priority Species) Grey Wagtail within 1 km (not within Site) House Martin within 1 km (not within Site) *House Sparrow within 1 km (not within Site) Jackdaw within 1 km (not within Site) Jay within 1 km (not within Site) Kestrel within 1 km (not

within Site) *Lapwing within 1 km (not within Site) Lesser Redpoll within 1 km (not within Site) *Linnet within 1 km (not within Site) Little Owl within 1 km (not within Site) Long-tailed Tit within 1 km (not within Site) Magpie within 1 km (not within Site) Mallard within 1 km (not within Site) Meadow Pipit within 1 km (not within Site) Species Closest record to Date range of records Site Birds (*denotes UK BAP Priority Species) Mistle Thrush within 1 km (not within Site) Moorhen within 1 km (not within Site) Peregrine within 1 km (not within Site) Pied Wagtail within 1 km (not within Site) Raven within 1 km (not within Site) *Reed Bunting within 1 km (not within Site) Robin within 1 km (not within Site) Rook within 1 km (not within Site) *Skylark within 1 km (not within Site) Snipe within 1 km (not within Site)

Song Thrush within 1 km (not within Site) Sparrowhawk within 1 km (not within Site) *Starling within 1 km (not within Site) Swallow within 1 km (not within Site) Species Closest record to Date range of records Site Birds (*denotes UK BAP Priority Species) Swift within 1 km (not within Site) Tawny Owl within 1 km (not within Site) *Tree Pipit within 1 km (not within Site) Treecreeper within 1 km (not within Site) *Twite within 1 km (not within Site) Wheatear within 1 km (not within Site) Wood Warbler within 1 km (not within Site) Woodpigeon within 1 km (not within Site) Wren within 1 km (not within Site)

APPENDIX B

LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT National legislation for the special protection of selected species is provided in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. Under Section 1(1) and 1(2), all British bird species, their nests and eggs (excluding some pest and game species) are protected from intentional killing, injury or damage. Under Sections 1(4) and 1(5), special penalties are applied to bird species included in Schedule 1 of the Act and protection is extended for these species to disturbance to birds whilst building, in or near a nest and disturbance to dependant young. Schedule 5 provides special protection to selected animal species other than birds, through paragraph 9(4) of the Act, against damage to “any structure or place which any wild animal (included in the schedule) uses for shelter and protection” and against disturbance whilst in such places. The CRoW Act 2000 amends Section 1(5) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by introducing a new offence of “reckless” disturbance to protected wildlife and making certain offences punishable by imprisonment.

Species, such as bats, Great Crested Newt and Otter, are provided additional protection through inclusion on Schedule 2 of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, which transpose into British law the European Community’s Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). The Regulations, commonly referred to as the “Habitats Regulations”, extend protection against deliberate disturbance to those animals wherever they are present, and provides tests against which the permission for a development that may have an effect on a Schedule 2 protected species must be assessed before permission can be given.

Water Voles are provided protection under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. This makes it an offence to intentionally kill, take or injure water voles; or to damage, destroy, or obstruct access to, any structure or place which the water vole uses for shelter or protection; or disturb any such animal while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.

Badgers (Meles meles) are protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and are listed under Annex II of the Bern Convention. These legislative measures are based primarily on the need to protect Badgers from baiting and deliberate harm or injury.

Under the provisions of the Badgers Act 1992, the following activities amount to criminal offences:-

• to willfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill treat a Badger or attempt to do so; • to interfere with a sett by damaging or destroying it; • to obstruct access to, or any entrance of, a Badger sett; and • to disturb a Badger when occupying its sett.

A Badger sett is any structure or place that displays signs indicating current use by a Badger. The legal definition includes main, annexe, subsidiary and outlier setts, even though Badgers may only use these intermittently.

Biodiversity Action Plans Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) are part of the British Government’s strategy for the implementation of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, to which it is a signatory. BAPs have been developed for the UK and devolved to local levels (LBAPs), to protect a number of rare species and habitats and reverse the declines of more widespread, but declining, species and habitats. Under the CRoW Act 2000, the English Government has a duty to have due regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity, so it is good practice for BAP and LBAP species and habitats to be taken into consideration in the planning of a development scheme.

In addition to the overall UK BAP, the area affected by the proposal is covered by the Lancashire BAP.

APPENDIX C

TABLE 5 - HEDGEROW ASSESSMENT

Table 5: Hedgerow Description and importance in accord with The Hedgerows Regulations 1997 General Description

Height 2 – 9 m Hedgerow Width 0.5 – 1 m

Length c.79 m

Continuity 100%

Management No Number of woody species 1 (Hawthorn) Number of Qualifying Woody Species Section number 1 2 3 Qualifying woody species 1 N/A N/A Average number 1 Number of Features Present: (a) Bank or wall along at least ½ length No (b) Gaps which in aggregate do not exceed 10% No (c)-(e) 1 standard tree per 50m No (f) At least 3 woodland species No (g) Ditch along at least 1/2 its length No (h) Connections scoring 4 points or more No (i) Parallel hedge within 15m No Total Features 0 Criteria for Hedgerow Importance 1: Hedgerow contains species listed as: (1)Part 1 of Schedule 1, Schedule 5 or Schedule 8 of W&C No Act 1981 (2)Declining breeders in ‘Red Data Birds of Britain’ No (3)Categorised as ‘endangered’, ‘extinct’ or ‘vulnerable’ No Criteria for Hedgerow Importance 2: Hedgerow includes all woody species mentioned in (i)-(iv), with each number reduced by one in Lancashire (for this criteria only): (i)At least 7 Woody Species No (ii)At least 6 woody species and at least 3 features No (iii)At least 6 woody species, inc. one of: Black poplar, L- No leaved Lime, S-leaved Lime or Wild Service Tree (iv)At least 5 woody species, and has 4 features No Criteria for Hedgerow Importance 3: Is adjacent to a bridleway, footpath or byway and includes at least 4 woody species on average and 2 features from (a) to (g): Qualifies: No Hedgerow Classed as Important? No