Assessment of Likely Significant Effect
LEEK ROAD BUXTON ASSESSMENT OF LIKELY SIGNIFICANT EFFECT
TEP Genesis Centre Birchwood Science Park Warrington WA3 7BH
Tel: 01925 844004 Email: [email protected] www.tep.uk.com
Offices in Warrington, Market Harborough, Gateshead, London and Cornwall
PLANNING I DESIGN I ENVIRONMENT
Leek Road Buxton Assessment of Likely Significant Effect
Document Title Assessment of Likely Significant Effect
Prepared for Persimmon Homes Ltd
Prepared by TEP - Warrington
Document Ref 5112.01.001
Author Dr Mike Walker MCIEEM
Date March 2016
Checked Lee Greenhough
Approved Lee Greenhough
Amendment History
Check / Modified Version Date Approved Reason(s) issue Status by by
Leek Road Buxton Assessment of Likely Significant Effect
CONTENTS PAGE Executive Summary ...... 3 1.0 Introduction ...... 4 Background ...... 4 Proximity to European sites ...... 4
Legislative considerations ...... 5 Approach ...... 6 2.0 Development Proposals ...... 8 3.0 Features of Interest in the Relevant European Sites ...... 9 The Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA ...... 9 Merlin ...... 11
Golden Plover ...... 11 Short-eared Owl ...... 12 Peregrine Falcon ...... 12
Dunlin ...... 12 The South Pennine Moors SAC ...... 13 The Peak District Dales SAC ...... 15
Conservation objectives ...... 18 4.0 Baseline Conditions ...... 21 Habitats within the site...... 21
Bird species within the site ...... 22 Desktop records ...... 22 2015 Breeding Bird Survey ...... 28
Key ecological features ...... 28 5.0 Assessment of Likely Significant Effect...... 33 Qualifying Features of Peak District Moors SPA ...... 33
Golden Plover ...... 33 Merlin ...... 36 Short-eared Owl ...... 37
Peregrine...... 38 Dunlin ...... 39
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Annex 1 Habitats Associated with South Pennine Moors SAC ...... 40 Northern Atlantic Wet Heath ...... 40
European Dry Heath ...... 42 Blanket Bog ...... 43 Transition Mires and Quaking Bog ...... 44
Old Sessile Oak Woodlands ...... 45 Annex 1 SAC Habitats Associated with Peak District Dales SAC ...... 46 Annex II SAC Species Associated with Peak District Dales SAC ...... 47
Austropotamobius pallipes (White-clawed Crayfish) ...... 47 Lampetra planeri (River Lamprey) ...... 48 Cottus gobio (Bullhead) ...... 49
In-combination Effects ...... 50 References ...... 51
TABLES PAGE Table 3.1: Bird species for which the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA is important ...... 10
FIGURES PAGE Figure 1. Heavily grazed improved pasture within site...... 21 Figure 2 Patches of rush pasture scattered across the western half of the site...... 22
APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Designated Site Maps, Citations and Registry Entry Forms APPENDIX B: Records of qualifying bird species for Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA received from Derbyshire Ornithological Society APPENDIX C: Masterplan (014-040-P009, Rev A)
DRAWINGS
G5112.001 – Phase 1 habitat survey
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Executive Summary 1. TEP was commissioned by Persimmon Homes to complete an Assessment of Likely Significant Effects (ALSE) upon European designated sites that might arise as a result of the proposed housing development at Leek Road, Buxton. 2. The proposals are for 120 properties covering an area of 3.8ha. The total site area is 6.56 ha, with the remaining 2.76 ha proposed to be green infrastructure, including woodland and parkland. The development lies 300m from the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA and the South Pennine Moors SAC and 3.75km from the Peak District Dales SAC. 3. A combination of ecological records and survey data obtained by TEP during 2015 (including Phase 1 habitat assessment and breeding bird surveys) were used to undertake this assessment. The effects of the proposed development was also assessed in combination with other relevant plans/projects in the nearby area.
4. The nearby Peak District Moors SPA is designated for a number of breeding wader and raptor species that it supports. Potential impacts from the proposed development on the nearby SPA site assessed included loss of habitat, disturbance, recreational impacts, increases in predation levels and pollution. 5. No significant impacts on the Peak District Moors SPA were identified as a result of the proposed development either alone or in-combination with other relevant plans/projects and therefore it is concluded that no likely significant effect on this SPA would arise. 6. The South Pennine Moors SAC and the Peak District Dales SAC are designated for a range of Annex 1 habitats. The Peak District Dales SAC is also designated for supporting important populations of Annex 2 species brook lamprey Lampetra planeri, bullhead Cottus gobio and white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. 7. Potential impacts from the proposed development on the two SAC sites include loss of habitat, erosion, pollution and fire risk. No significant impacts on either SAC were identified. 8. It is concluded that there is no likely significant effect on the South Pennine Moors SAC or the Peak District Dales SAC either from the proposed development alone, or in-combination with other relevant developments.
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1.0 Introduction 1.1 TEP was commissioned by Persimmon Homes in November 2015 to complete an Assessment of Likely Significant Effects (ALSE) upon European designated sites that might arise as a result of the proposed housing development at Leek Road, Buxton.
1.2 The proposed housing development lies 300m from the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA and the South Pennine Moors SAC and 3.75km from the Peak District Dales SAC. Background 1.3 The proposals are for 120 properties constructed within nine parcels of land covering an area of 3.8ha. The total site area is 6.56 ha, with the remaining 2.76 ha proposed to be green infrastructure, including woodland and parkland. Adjacent to the north of the site lies a strip of land to the south of Carr Road for which planning permission has already been granted for the development of 12 houses. Proximity to European sites 1.4 The Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors phase 1) SPA is designated for supporting a number of breeding Annex 1 bird species including merlin, golden plover, short-eared owl, peregrine and dunlin. The South Pennine Moors SAC is designated for containing a number of Annex 1 habitats including European dry heaths, blanket bogs, old sessile oak woodlands, Northern Atlantic wet heaths and transition mires and quaking bogs. The Peak District Dales SAC is designated for containing a number of Annex I habitats including semi-natural dry grasslands and Tilio-Acerion forests, and Annex II species including white clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. Location maps and citations for the overlapping designations, of the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors phase 1) SPA, the South Pennine Moors SAC and the Peak District Dales SAC are presented in Appendix 1. Their details are summarised as follows:
Special Protection Area (SPA) SPA Name: Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors phase 1) SSPA Code: UK9007021
Cartesian Areas ha: 45270.52
Special Area for Conservation (SAC)
SAC name: South Pennine Moors SAC code: UK0030280 Cartesian Areas ha: 64983.13
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SAC name: Peak District Dales SAC name: Peak District Dales SAC code: UK0019859 Cartesian Areas ha: 2326.33
1.5 The closest part of the Peak District Moors SPA and the South Pennine Moors SAC is a southern spur that is located 300m from the Leek Road site at its closest point. The site is separated from the protected sites by a few fields, the River Wye, and a track. 1.6 The closest part of the Peak District Dales SAC is a component Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known as The Wye Valley SSSI. This component site is located 3.75km east from the Leek Road site at its closest point. The development site is separated from the SSSI/SAC by the Grin Low and Buxton Country Park and the town of Buxton.
Legislative considerations 1.7 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (hereafter referred to in this report as the Habitats Regulations) make provision for implementing the EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora1 in Great Britain (hereafter referred to as the Habitats Directive). The Habitat Regulations detail measures relating to the conservation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)2. 1.8 The Habitats Directive requires that the interest features (the species and habitats that occur on a European site) should be maintained in favourable conservation status. The Habitats Directive defines the conservation status of a species 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, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.
1 Directive92/43/EEC, amended by Directive 97/62/EC 2 Classified under the Wild Birds Directive 79/409/EEC
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1.9 The Habitats Directive defines the conservation status of a habitat as favourable when: its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing, and the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. 1.10 To ensure European sites are managed to achieve and maintain favourable conservation status, objectives specific to the interest features are identified for each site. These include objectives relating to the maintenance of existing habitats, the monitoring of species distribution and abundance, and the assessment of potentially damaging activities. 1.11 Competent authorities have a statutory duty under Regulation 61 of the Habitats Regulations, to assess the implications of a plan or project on a European site:
61.—(1) A competent authority, before deciding to undertake, or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for, a plan or project which:
(a) is likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), and
(b) is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of that site, must make an appropriate assessment of the implications for that site in view of that site’s conservation objectives
Approach
1.12 The first stage of exercising the duty imposed by Regulation 61 of the Habitats Regulation is therefore to assess whether the proposed housing development at Leek Road, Buxton is likely to have a significant effect on the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors phase 1) SPA, the South Pennine Moors SAC, or the Peak District Dales SAC either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. It is also necessary to determine if the proposals are directly connected with or necessary to the management of the sites. 1.13 There are two plans or projects which have the potential to have in combination effects relevant to the proposals. This is addressed in Section 5.0 of this assessment.
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1.14 To establish the baseline conditions of the site for the ALSE, ecological surveys have been carried out. The survey area includes the site and immediately adjacent land.
1.15 A Phase 1 habitat survey was carried out by Kim Gallaher ACIEEM FISC Level 4 botanist on 10th April 2015. The survey was carried out in accordance with the Phase 1 habitat assessment methods (JNCC 2010) and Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (CIEEM 2012). 1.16 The walkover survey included assessment of the habitats present for their potential to support species of conservation concern. Particularly statutorily protected species or S41 Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (S41) species of principal importance, and recording any signs indicating the presence of these species. 1.17 Three breeding bird surveys were undertaken by a suitably qualified ornithologist on 7th May 2015, 4th June 2015 and 30th June 2015. 1.18 The survey methodology broadly followed the ‘Common Bird Census’ (CBC) devised by the British Trust for Ornithology - BTO (Bibby et al., 2000 & Gilbert et al., 1998) and entailed walking a pre-determined route (or line transect) throughout the survey area. The route was walked at a constant slow pace with regular short stops so that all birds detected could be identified and located. Bird registrations were recorded directly onto a survey map using BTO species codes and behaviour symbology.
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2.0 Development Proposals 2.1 The current masterplan is shown at Appendix 3 (Parameters Masterplan Phase 2 Ref: 014-040-P006, e*SCAPE Urbanists). The proposals are for a total of 120 homes within an area of 3.8 ha. The houses will be split into nine parcels, with a housing density ranging from 25 units/ha to 35 units/ha. A number of access roads would run between the parcels of housing development. 2.2 The parcels of land will be separated by area of woodland, parkland and other open green space. Trees within the site will also be retained within the landscape proposals and tree lined avenues are also proposed along the main roads throughout the development. The green infrastructure will total 2.76 giving a total area of 6.56 ha with a gross housing density of 18 units per hectare. 2.3 Site proposals have the opportunity to greatly improve biodiversity across the site provided proposed landscape buffers and green corridors are planted with a range of native shrubs and trees with glades of wildflower meadow planting. This would still allow for more formal managed areas bordering footpaths and roads as well as within the ‘Green’.
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3.0 Features of Interest in the Relevant European Sites The Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA 3.1 The Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA is located 300m to the west of the Leek Road site. It is of international importance due to the important breeding bird communities it supports.
3.2 The Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) forms part of the larger South Pennine Moors SPA. This approach of sub-dividing larger sites into a number of separate phases that have been classified separately has been adopted for a small number of very large sites which are ecologically a single entity, but where their sheer size has made the classification process too complex.
3.3 The SPA was originally designated for supporting 3 species of Annex 1 breeding bird species including short-eared owl, merlin and golden plover. An additional two Annex 1 breeding bird species were identified during the 2001 SPA review. These included peregrine and dunlin. 3.4 Evidence suggests that breeding birds in the south west of the Pennine Moors are declining, both in open moorland and rough grazed areas (JNCC, 2011). It is considered that this may be due to agricultural improvement of the surrounding areas. Many habitats are sub-optimal as a consequence of historic air pollution, high grazing pressure and wildfire burns. 3.5 Two Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) schemes have been implemented to reduce grazing pressure and encourage appropriate burning to support habitat restoration.
3.6 Urban and industrial centres near to the Peak District Moors are considered to provide significant visitor pressure and approximately two thirds of the moorlands are open to public access. Habitat damage through public access, physical erosion or fire are significant. Initiatives for sustainable recreation are under development. 3.7 Table 3.1 lists the bird species of interest for which the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA is internationally important. The registration entries and citations presented in Appendix 1 provide further information.
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Table 3.1: Bird species for which the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA is important
Species Scientific Name Function of Peak District Moors Importance (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA
Merlin Falco Supports at least 2.3% of the GB International columbarius breeding population Count as at 1990 and 1998*.
Supports > 30 pairs*
Golden plover Pluvialis Supports at least 1.9% of the GB International apricaria breeding population Count as at 1990 and 1998*.
Supports > 435 pairs*
Short-eared Asio flammeus Supports at least 2.2% of the GB International owl breeding population Count as at 1990 and 1998*.
Supports > 22 pairs*
Additional Qualifying Features Identified by the 2001 UK SPA Review:
Peregrine Falco Supports significant numbers of International falcon peregrinus the GB breeding population**
Dunlin Calidris alpina Supports significant numbers of International schinzii the Baltic/UK/Ireland breeding population**.
* Data taken from Natura 2000 Standard Data Form ** Awaiting confirmation of numbers from Natural England.
3.8 A brief description of each of the qualifying bird species is presented below.
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Merlin 3.9 This is a locally abundant widespread breeding bird in upland areas of Britain and Ireland (Gibbons et al., 1993). Merlin favour undulating or folded landforms providing wide outlooks from ground perches or nest-sites, especially heads of upland stream valleys (Snow and Snow, 1998). They favour heather moorland, but will breed in trees, copses and windbreaks in open country where suitable passerine populations are present (Hardey et al., 2006). Merlin frequently nest on the ground. Tree nesting in old corvid nests is more frequent where habitat is less favourable, including grass dominated landscapes and afforested areas. Ground nests are generally in heather of 30-70cm in height. 3.10 Merlin only defend their immediate nesting territory (within about 0.8km from an active nest – Hardey et al., 2006). Nesting densities vary from 5 - 10 nests per 100km in open habitat (Cramp and Simmons, 1980). 3.11 Merlin will nest close to short-eared owls, however competition with peregrine may lead to merlin being excluded from some crags (Hardey et al., 2006). 3.12 The breeding season for this species typically lies between March and the end of August. In Britain, merlin are short-distance migrants with many dispersing after breeding to lower altitudes within 100km of their breeding area.
Golden Plover 3.13 Within Britain, breeding golden plover are largely confined to upland areas in Scotland and the north and south Pennines, with smaller outlying groups in Wales and South-west England. Two thirds of the British and Irish population are in Scotland (JNCC, undated a).
3.14 In temperate areas, golden plover tend to breed on heather moorland, blanket bog, acid grasslands and montane summits. They prefer to nest on high, flat or gently sloping plateaux, away from the moorland edge. Adults often feed on adjacent pastures with abundant earthworms and tipulid larvae (JNCC, undated a). Chicks may be moved up to 2km or more to feed in marshy areas rich in invertebrate food (Byrkjedal and Thompson, 1998). 3.15 Breeding densities are typically between 2 and 7 pairs per km2 (Ratcliffe, 1976). The golden plover breeding season is between March and the end of August. 3.16 Afforestation, overgrazing by sheep, agricultural intensification, reduction in moorland burning, and reduction in predator control have all been attributed to a decline in the UK golden plover population. However, some of the highest densities of golden plover in the UK are found in the south pennines, where there are high levels of moorland grazing (Anderson and Yaldon, 1981).
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3.17 Golden plover are partial migrants in Britain although this population overlaps with golden plover that breed in continental Europe and the Mediterranean which are wholly migratory (Snow and Perrins, 1998). Many British birds seem to winter in lowland habitat adjacent to nesting grounds. British breeding grounds are vacated from early July; returning back to their breeding grounds in February if the weather is not too severe.
Short-eared Owl 3.18 This is a widely distributed breeding species over upland areas of Great Britain. Numbers of breeding short-eared owl in a location can vary greatly from year to year, likely to be linked to cyclical variation in populations of voles, their principal food source (Petty et al., 2000).
3.19 Short-eared owl require extensive open land in which to breed. Suitable habitat includes heather moorland, rough grassland, young forestry plantation of more than 50ha in area and bogs. They also require a substantial small mammal population (Hardey et al., 2006). 3.20 This is a ground nesting species, placing the nest in deep heather, grass, tall rushes or bracken. Short-eared owl generally breed between April and June, however the breeding season may extend to between March and September.
Peregrine Falcon 3.21 This species breeds throughout most of Britain. Peregrine require open areas with a plentiful supply of birds to hunt. They are a highly adaptable species, nesting in a wide range of habitats, including cities (Hardey et al., 2006). Most nest sites are on cliffs and crags, however they will nest on the ground on heathery slopes. Man- made structures such as tall buildings, pylons, towers and bridges are also becoming increasingly commonly used as peregrine nest sites (Ratcliffe, 1993). Peregrine also occasionally nest in trees (Ratcliffe, 1984).
3.22 The average nearest neighbour distance between peregrine pairs is 2.1 – 9km (Ratcliffe, 1993). The breeding season is typically between March and July.
Dunlin 3.23 In Britain, dunlin breed in open moorland and other upland habitats. Dunlin tend to breed in areas of moist, boggy ground, often interspersed with pools or other standing or flowing water. They tend to avoid dry stony or rocky sites, or areas overgrown with dense herbage or tall shrubby plants (Snow and Perrins, 1998).
3.24 Recent declines in this species have largely been attributed to afforestation and agricultural intensification. Losses of dunlin pairs have been found up to 800m from plantation edges, possibly due to vegetation changes or increases in predators (Stroud et al., 1990).
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3.25 The nest is located on the ground, or just above the ground in a grass clump or tussock, or amongst heather. The dunlin breeding season is between mid-April and the end of August.
The South Pennine Moors SAC 3.26 The South Pennine Moors SAC is located 300m to the west of the Leek Road site. It is of international importance due to the Annex 1 habitats it supports. 3.27 The majority of the site comprises bogs, marshes, water fringed vegetation, fens, heath and scrub habitats. 3.28 The moors are enclosed on two sides by large industrial urban areas. This results in recreational pressure on this site, of which around two thirds is within the Peak District National Park. 3.29 The land use within this area is driven by a combination of agriculture, rough grazing for sheep and grouse shooting. Ecosystem maintenance relies on appropriate management of grazing and burning regimes. Overgrazing by sheep, burning for grouse management and inappropriate drainage all present threats to the ecosystem. 3.30 Favourable management is attempting to be achieved through a number of projects, including the North Peak and South West Peak Environmentally Sensitive Areas, the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme. 3.31 The lichen and bryophyte flora has declined as a result of atmospheric pollution over the last few centuries. This has also led to loss of the majority of sphagnum mosses within the blanket bog, which, combined with over-grazing, burning, trampling and drainage has led to much of the bog becoming de-vegetated and eroded. Attempts to reverse this have had limited results so that the majority of the area is currently in an unfavourable condition. It is possible that some of the areas of erosion are as a result of natural processes and it may not be appropriate in these areas to try to reverse these processes in order to attempt to reinstate blanket bog habitats. 3.32 Woodland within the area has declined over many centuries and re-generation is limited due to grazing. Rhododendron has also invaded some areas, out competing native flora. Various schemes are trying to tackle these issues and there is an emphasis on re-creation of woodland and linking woodland fragments. This raises questions over the appropriate balance of habitat types within the area. 3.33 Table 3.2 lists and describes the habitats of interest for which the South Pennine Moors SAC is internationally important. The registration entries and citations presented in Appendix 1 provide further information.
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Table 3.2: Habitats for which the South Pennine Moors SAC is important
Habitat % Cover Function of South Pennine Moors SAC Importance
Northern 6.7 Wet heath usually occurs on acidic, International Atlantic wet nutrient-poor substrates, such as shallow heaths with peats or sandy soils with impeded Erica tetralix; drainage. The vegetation is typically Wet heathland dominated by mixtures of cross-leaved with cross- heath Erica tetralix, heather Calluna leaved heath vulgaris, grasses, sedges and Sphagnum bog-mosses.
European dry 38.8 This site represents this habitat’s most International heaths southerly range in the UK. This upland heath is strongly dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris. The main NVC habitats present include H9 and H12. More rarely H10 and H18 are present.
H18 is more prominent on the higher more exposed ground. A greater mix of dwarf shrubs and more lichens and mosses are found in the cloughs and valleys.
The moors support a rich invertebrate fauna, and important bird assemblage
Blanket bogs 42.2 The site represents the most southerly International occurrence of blanket bogs in Europe. The bog communities are botanically poor. Eriophorum vaginatum is dominant in places. Sphagnum moss is often scarce. Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium myrtillus are prominent in drier areas. Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) is locally abundant. There are substantial areas of erosion of the bog surface including bare peat. This
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Habitat % Cover Function of South Pennine Moors SAC Importance
may be through natural processes in some areas.
Transition mires 0.5 Transition mires consist of vegetation International and quaking that in floristic composition and general bogs; very wet ecological characteristics is transitional mires often between acid bog and alkaline fens, in identified by an which the surface conditions range from unstable markedly acidic to slightly base-rich. ‘quaking’ surface.
Old sessile oak 1 This habitat type is present around the International woods with Ilex fringes of the upland heaths and bogs. and Blechnum Grasses, dwarf shrubs and ferns are in the British common. Small areas of alder woodland Isles. are present along stream-sides. Bryophyte communities are less developed than this habitat further north and west. This may have been exaggerated by 19th Century air pollution levels.
The Peak District Dales SAC 3.34 The Peak District Dales SAC is located 3.75km east of the Leek Road site. It is of international importance due to the Annex I habitats and Annex II species it supports. 3.35 The majority of the site comprises semi-natural dry grasslands and Tilio-Acerion forests. 3.36 The land use within this area is driven by a combination of agriculture, rough grazing for sheep and grouse shooting. Ecosystem maintenance relies on appropriate management of grazing and burning regimes. Overgrazing by sheep, scrub invasion and inappropriate drainage all present threats to the ecosystem. 3.37 Favourable management is attempting to be achieved through a number of projects, including the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the White Peak Wildlife Enhancement Scheme. 3.38 Limestone grasslands are susceptible to inappropriate grazing regimes which are in conflict with management more suited to nature conservation purposes. This has resulted in overgrazing or neglect and scrub invasion, leading to losses of vegetation communities.
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3.39 Regeneration of shrub and canopy species within the woodland is limited by grazing livestock. This has also resulted in a degraded ground flora. Rhododendron has also invaded some areas, out competing native flora. Dominance of sycamore is problematic and its eradication forms part of a long term plan to gain a more natural and diverse age structure within the woodland. 3.40 Table 3.3 lists and describes the habitats of interest for which the Peak District Dales SAC is internationally important. The registration entries and citations presented in Appendix 1 provide further information.
Table 3.3: Habitats and Species for which the Peak District Dales SAC is important
Habitat % Cover Function of Peak District Dales SAC Importance
European dry 0.5 Acidic heath grassland mosaic with International heaths heather Calluna vulgaris, bilberry Vaccinimu myrtillus, dwarf gorse Ulex gallii and many other calcifugous (lime- hating) species. This heath can grade into a taller scrub dominated by dwarf gorse.
Calaminarian 0.6 Large areas of this grassland occur on International grasslands of the the dalesides, often with acid grassland Violetalia and heath on leached soils along the top calaminariae edges. A specialised flora has developed on lead spoil from the old mines scattered across the site and includes the nationally scarce leadwort Minuartia verna.
Semi-natural dry 42.3 Peak District Dales is one of the most International grasslands and extensive surviving areas in England of scrubland facies: CG2 Festuca ovina – Avenula pratensis on calcareous grassland. Grasslands at this site range substrates from hard-grazed short turf through to tall (Festuco- herb-rich vegetation, with transitions Brometalia) through to calcareous scrub and 9180 Tilio-Acerion forests – a diversity of structural types unparalleled in the UK. There is also a great physical diversity due to rock outcrops, cliffs, screes and a variety of slope gradients and aspects. In contrast to examples of Festuca – Avenula grassland on chalk to the south, these grasslands are less at risk from the threat of invasion by upright brome
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Habitat % Cover Function of Peak District Dales SAC Importance
Bromopsis erecta and tor-grass Brachypodium pinnatum, which are at the edge of their range here and have limited vigour. The relatively cold oceanic nature of the climate means that there is enrichment with northern floristic elements, such as limestone bedstraw Galium sterneri and globeflower Trollius europaeus.
Alkaline fens 0.1 A number of the dales also support fen International vegetation associated with springs and flushes. These include alkaline fen vegetation, which supports species such as the common butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris.
Calcareous and 1.2 This habitat is considered to be rare as International calcshist screes its total extent in the United Kingdom is of the montane to estimated to be less than 1000 hectares alpine levels and the Peak District Dales SAC (Thlaspietea supports a significant presence. rotundifolii)
Calcareous rocky 0.5 Rock outcrops are typically colonised by International slopes with early flowering species such as rue- chasmophytic leaved saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites vegetation and shining cranesbill Geranium lucidum. Smaller species of ferns are often abundant and these include rusty- back Ceterach officinarum and green spleenwort Asplenium viride. This habitat in the Dales is one of the strongholds for the endemic moss Brachythecium appelyardiae. Dove Dale is one of the richest sites in the Peak District for lichens, in particular for saxicolous (rock- loving) species, such as Clathroporina calcarea, which occurs on vertical limestone crags, and Solorina spongiosa and Verrucaria murina.
Tilio-Acerion 37.5 Representing the north-central part of its International forests of slopes, UK range, this site in the English Midlands contains a large area of Tilio-
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Habitat % Cover Function of Peak District Dales SAC Importance
screes and Acerion, dominated by ash Fraxinus ravines excelsior. Locally, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus is abundant. The Dales provide good examples of woodland- scrub-grassland transitions, with associated rich invertebrate populations and plant communities. Among the uncommon plants present in the woods are mezereon Daphne mezereum and green hellebore Helleborus viridis, as well as whitebeams Sorbus spp. on the crags.
Austropotamobius The River Dove represents white-clawed International pallipes crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in a high-quality, upland limestone river, in the north-east of the species’ UK range. (See below also)
Lampetra planeri Many dales are dry but some have International streams in winter only and some, permanent or semi-permanent rivers. These watercourses support important populations of brook lamprey Lampetra planeri, bullhead Cottus gobio and white- clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes.
Cottus gobio See above.
Conservation objectives
3.41 The role of conservation objectives of a European site is to ensure that the aspirations of the Habitats and Birds Directive are achieved. The primary aspirations being that favourable conservation status is maintained and that appropriate steps are taken in SPAs and SACs to avoid the deterioration of habitats or significant disturbance of species. 3.42 The conservation objectives for the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA are as follows:
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“Avoid the deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying features, and the significant disturbance of the qualifying features, ensuring the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes full contribution to achieving the aims of the Birds Directive.
Subject to natural change, to maintain or restore:
The extent and distribution of the habitats and qualifying features; The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features; The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely; The populations of the qualifying features; The distribution of the qualifying features within the site."
3.43 The conservation objectives for the South Pennine Moors SAC are as follows:
"Avoid the deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying species, and the significant disturbance of those qualifying features, ensuring the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes a full contribution to achieving Favourable Conservation Status of each of the qualifying features.
Subject to natural change, to maintain or restore:
The extent and distribution of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species; The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species; The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats of qualifying species rely; The populations of qualifying species; The distribution of qualifying species within the site."
3.44 Subject to natural change, the conservation objectives for the Peak District Dales SAC are as follows:
“Ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate ensure that the site contributes to achieving Favourable Conservation Status of its qualifying features by maintaining or restoring:
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The extent and distribution of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species; The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats; The structure and function of the habitats of qualifying species; The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats of qualifying species rely; The populations of qualifying species; The distribution of qualifying species within the site.”
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4.0 Baseline Conditions Habitats within the site 4.1 TEP carried out an extended Phase 1 Habitat survey of the site during 2015. 4.2 The results of the Phase 1 habitat survey are illustrated in Drawing G5112.001. The habitats present within the development site or adjacent to the site are listed below and brief descriptions of these habitats are also given:
Scattered broad-leaved trees Improved grassland Marshy grassland Rocky exposure The site is dominated by sheep grazed, improved pasture that is divided into a number of fields by drystone walls that are largely intact (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Heavily grazed improved pasture within site.
4.3 The site lies on a slope (gradient is at its highest along the southern boundary and lowest along the northern boundary) and naturally undulates with some areas providing channels for water when the water table is high. These areas, amongst other damper areas of the site, were dominated by soft rush Juncus effusus (Figure 2).
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Figure 2 Patches of rush pasture scattered across the western half of the site.
4.4 There are few scattered trees within the site. A mature sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus lies close to the northeast boundary. The remaining trees comprise a mature cluster of hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. 4.5 The site has connectivity with habitats within the wider landscape via a mosaic of grassland fields directly adjacent to the site and via the nearby River Wye to the north of the site.
Bird species within the site Desktop records
4.6 Bird records provided by the Derbyshire Ornithological Society contained three records of qualifying bird species for the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA within the 1 km square containing the site (see Table 4.1). These three records were of golden plover, recorded during September 2004. All of these records were of single birds recorded at Burbage Reservoir (now infilled), located adjacent to the west of the site, and two were only recorded as flying. The activity of the other bird was not specified. 4.7 The nearest record of breeding merlin, short-eared owl and golden plover was approximately 800m west of the site at Raven’s Low. Merlin and short-eared owl have also been recorded breeding at Axe Edge Moor approximately 1km south west of the site. Short eared owl were recorded to breed at Burbage Edge in 2015, located approximately 1.5km north east of the site. 4.8 Peregrine have been confirmed breeding at Berry Clough (approximately 1km west of the site) and Grin Low (approximately 450m east of the site).
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4.9 The Derbyshire Ornithological Society did not have any records of dunlin within at least 3km of the site.
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Table 4.1: Records of SPA bird species provided by Derbyshire Ornithological Society
Location Location in Species recorded & Activity relation to km number of records square containing the site
SK 0372 Contains site Golden plover -3 records Flying/unspecified
SK 0373 North Merlin -1 record Mobbing buzzard at Burbage Edge.
SK 0272 West Merlin – 22 records Breeding confirmed during 2 years at Berry Clough (2006, 2008)
Breeding also confirmed at Raven’s Low during 2000.
Peregrine – 12 records Confirmed breeding at Berry Clough (2002 & 2011)
Golden plover – 14 Confirmed breeding at Goyt’s clough in 2008. Evidence of possible breeding at records Berry Clough and Raven’s Low.
Confirmed breeding at Raven’s Low in 2000. Multiple records from Goyt valley.
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Location Location in Species recorded & Activity relation to km number of records square containing the site
Short-eared owl – 26 records
SK 0273 North West Merlin – 3 records Single birds recorded at Burbage Edge and Berry Clough.
Peregrine – 2 records Single birds recorded at Burbage Edge and Berry Clough
Golden plover – 4 records A pair was recorded in 2004 at Burbage Edge. A peak count of 120 individuals were recorded in 2005 (outside of breeding season).
Confirmed breeding at Burbage Edge in 2015. Single birds recorded at Wild Short-eared owl 6 – Moor, Burbage Edge and Berry Clough records
SK 0271 South West Merlin – 3 records Confirmed breeding at Goyt’s Moss in 2000. Single birds recorded at Axe Edge Moor and Berry Clough.
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Location Location in Species recorded & Activity relation to km number of records square containing the site
Peregrine – 1 record Single bird recorded in Goyt Valley in 2003.
Golden plover – 20 Recorded at Axe Edge Moor, Goyt’s Clough, Goyt Valley, Derbyshire Bridge records (likely breeding) and Berry Clough. Peak count of 120 individuals at Axe Edge Moor North (March 2014)
Confirmed breeding at Axe Edge Moor in 2012. Birds also recorded at
Derbyshire Bridge, Raven’s Low, Goyt Valley, Goyt’s Moss, Berry Clough and Short-eared owl 12 – Reeve-Edge Quarries. Peak count of 4 individuals at Raven’s Low in 2003. records
SK 0371 South Golden plover – 1 record Count of 31 birds recorded in fields below Axe Edge Moor in March 2015.
SK 0471 South East Merlin – 1 record Single bird recorded at Axe Edge
Peregrine – 1 record Single bird recorded at Stanley Moor
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Location Location in Species recorded & Activity relation to km number of records square containing the site
SK 0472 Contains Golden Plover – 1 record 4 birds recorded at Burbage in 2010. Eastern Edge
of Site Peregrine – 3 records Confirmed breeding at Grin Low in 2006. Likely bred in this location in 2007.
SK 0473 North East Peregrine – 1 record Three birds recorded in 2013.
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2015 Breeding Bird Survey 4.10 A total of 30 bird species were recorded at Leek Road during the 2015 breeding bird survey across all visits. 23 species were recorded during the 1st visit, 20 were recorded during the 2nd visit and 16 were recorded during the 3rd visit. There were no schedule 1 species recorded during the 2015 breeding bird survey.
4.11 Pied wagtail was the only bird confirmed breeding within the site within one of the stone walls. It was also noted that song thrush and blackbird could possibly be breeding within the site in the vicinity of the hawthorn trees however, it is far more likely that this species breeds within adjacent gardens outside of the site boundary. The wader species curlew was recorded on site on one occasion, but were not recorded to breed within the site. It is considered possible that this species breeds within the surrounding landscape outside of the site boundary. 4.12 No Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA bird species (merlin, golden plover, short-eared owl, peregrine or dunlin) were recorded within or adjacent to the site during the 2015 breeding bird survey.
Key ecological features 4.13 Table 4.2 summarises the key ecological features of value within and adjacent to the proposed development site, which are considered to be ecological receptors. These receptors are identified as SAC or SPA features for which the proposed works may have legal or policy implications.
Table 4.2: Key ecological features of value within and adjacent to site
Receptor Feature Quantification within the site
Golden plover SPA Article 4.1 A small number of individuals previously recorded within 500m of Annex 1 Species the site. Known to have previously bred approximately 1km west of site. Very unlikely to use the site itself. Possibility of occasionally foraging within 500m of site.
The mean total of golden plover recorded in the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA is 30 pairs.
Merlin SPA Article 4.1 Known to have previously bred approximately 1km west of site. Annex 1 Species
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Receptor Feature Quantification within the site
Possibly occasionally forage within 500m of the site.
The mean total of merlin recorded in the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA is 435 pairs.
Short-eared owl SPA Article 4.1 Known to have previously bred approximately 1km west of site. Annex 1 Species Possible occasionally forage within 500m of the site. The mean total of short-eared owl recorded in the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA is 22 pairs.
Peregrine Annex 1 Species Known to have previously bred approximately 500m west and east
of site. Possibly occasionally forage near site.
Dunlin No records of dunlin within at least 3km of the site. Highly unlikely that this species uses habitat within at least 1km of the site.
Northern Atlantic SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or wet heaths with habitat adjacent to the site. Erica tetralix; Wet
heathland with cross-leaved heath The nearest known occurrence of this habitat is approximately 5km south of the site.
The total area of Northern Atlantic wet heaths within the Southern Pennine Moors SAC is 4,354ha.
European dry SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or heaths habitat adjacent to the site.
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Receptor Feature Quantification within the site
The nearest known occurrence of this habitat is approximately 900m west of the site.
The total area of European dry heaths within the Southern Pennine Moors SAC is 25,213ha
Blanket bogs SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or habitat adjacent to the site.
The nearest known occurrence of this habitat is 300m west of the site.
The total area of blanket bog within the Southern Pennine Moors SAC is 27,423ha.
Transition mires SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or and quaking bogs; habitat adjacent to the site. very wet mires
often identified by an unstable There are no known quaking bogs ‘quaking’ surface. within at least 3km of the site.
The total area of transition mires and quaking bogs within the Southern Pennine Moors SAC is 325ha.
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Receptor Feature Quantification within the site
Old sessile oak SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or woods with Ilex and habitat adjacent to the site. Blechnum in the
British Isles. The nearest woodland is Burbage edge plantation, which is mixed and does not contain this habitat type. The nearest known occurrence of this habitat type is at Goyt’s Clough, located approximately 2.7km north west of the site.
The total area of old sessile oak woods within the Southern Pennine Moors SAC is 650ha.
Calaminarian SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or grasslands of the habitat adjacent to the site. Violetalia
calaminariae
Semi-natural dry SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or grasslands and habitat adjacent to the site. scrubland facies: on
calcareous substrates (Festuco- Brometalia)
Alkaline fens SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or habitat adjacent to the site.
Calcareous and SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or calcshist screes of habitat adjacent to the site. the montane to
alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii)
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Receptor Feature Quantification within the site
Calcareous rocky SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or slopes with habitat adjacent to the site. chasmophytic
vegetation
Tilio-Acerion forests SAC Annex 1 This habitat is not present within or of slopes, screes habitat adjacent to the site. and ravines
Austropotamobius SAC Annex II No records of Austropotamobius pallipes Species pallipes within at least 1km of the site.
Highly unlikely that this species uses habitat within at least 1km of the site. More likely to be within dale streams.
Lampetra planeri SAC Annex II No records of Lampetra planeri Species within at least 1km of the site.
Highly unlikely that this species uses habitat within at least 1km of the site.
Cottus gobio SAC Annex II No records of Cottus gobio within Species at least 3km of the site.
Highly unlikely that this species uses habitat within at least 1km of the site.
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5.0 Assessment of Likely Significant Effect 5.1 The following potential impacts on the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA have been identified which could result directly or indirectly as a consequence of the proposed housing development: Loss of habitats important for breeding SPA qualifying species; Increase in disturbance to breeding areas used by SPA qualifying species; Damage of habitats important for SPA qualifying species through fire or erosion. Increase in mortality rate of SPA qualifying species through increase in cat numbers.
5.2 The following potential impacts which could result directly or indirectly as a consequence of the proposed housing development have been identified as potentially damaging to the South Pennine Moors SAC and Peak District Dales SAC: Habitat Loss of SAC qualifying features; Increase in erosion leading to damage or loss of SAC qualifying features; Increase in pollution leading to damage or loss of SAC qualifying features; Increase in number of accidental fires leading to damage or loss of SAC qualifying features. 5.3 Each of these potential impacts will now be assessed relating to each of the qualifying features for the SPA and SACs in order to determine whether the proposed development could have a significant effect on either the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA, the South Pennine Moors SAC or the Peak District Dales SAC.
Qualifying Features of Peak District Moors SPA
Golden Plover Habitat loss 5.4 It is possible that the grazed fields within the site could provide limited suitability for feeding golden plover. However no golden plover were recorded on or near to the site during the 2015 breeding bird survey. There is no evidence that golden plover have used these grazed fields to feed in the past. Due to current levels of disturbance it is unlikely that golden plover would feed within at least 300m of the site. Very few golden plover (less than 10 individuals) have been recorded within the two tetrads containing the site in the last 10 years and some of these birds were only recorded flying over this area. The nearest suitable nesting habitat is more than 500m from the site.
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5.5 As the site does not provide suitable golden plover breeding habitat and as there is no evidence to suggest that golden plover use the site, there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for golden plover through the development of the site.
Increase in Disturbance 5.6 A 13 year study of effects of recreational disturbance on breeding golden plover in the Pennines found that breeding golden plover tended to avoid areas within 200m of regularly used footpaths, particularly during the chick-rearing period. This study concluded that footpaths may become a problem where they are spaced less than 400m apart in golden plover breeding areas as this may lead to golden plover exclusion (Finney et al., 2005). An additional study undertaken in this area in 2007 found that an area receiving 120 visitors per weekend day along a footpath on the Pennine Way found no evidence that recreational disturbance had a significant impact on nest-site selection, or an adverse impact on golden plover reproductive performance (Pearce-Higgins et al., 2007). It was considered in this study that as disturbance is generally limited to during the day, there is plenty of undisturbed time in which golden plover chicks may feed. 5.7 Any land within 200m of the site that could potentially be used by feeding golden plover has already been subject to disturbance for many years from the existing residential properties and farms.
5.8 The majority of footpaths within the nearby SPA land are more than 400m apart. The track that runs west from the site is located at the base of a steep bank, and any visual disturbance from pedestrians using this track to the nearby SPA are therefore greatly reduced. The closest footpath to the site does not enter potential golden plover breeding habitat until it is at least 900m from the site due to the grassland present in this area and the increased disturbance from the Burbage edge plantation. 5.9 The proposals are for 120 new dwellings within the site. Based on an average family size of 4 people, this would add an additional 480 people to the area, if all the buildings were occupied. This is likely to be an overestimate and so is considered as a worst case scenario in terms of potential disturbance. 5.10 The current population of land within 1km of the part of the SPA nearest to the site is 1,376 residents. People within this area are considered to be of similar likelihood to go on recreational walks within the SPA and SAC. The proposed development therefore represents a 34.9% increase in the potential number of people that could go for walks in the very near vicinity to the closest parts of the SPA/ SAC. 5.11 According to a recent comprehensive survey of sport and recreation participation, 22% of the population of England walks recreationally for at least 30 minutes in every four weeks (Sport England 2009). Based on the current 1,376 residents within 1km of the closest part of the SPA/ SAC, and an average walking speed of 5km/hr it is estimated that 303 residents would walk between 0.25km and 1.25km into the SPA once every 4 weeks. This would give a current daily rate of 9.97 visitors.
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5.12 The proposed development would therefore give a possible daily increase of 3.47 visitors, giving a total of 13.44 local residents using footpaths up to 1.25 km into the SPA each day. This uses a large assumption that all recreational walking in this area is in the direction of the SPA and so is again likely to be an overestimate. 5.13 It was concluded by Pearce-Higgins et al., (2007) that the situations where visitor pressure will impact on golden plover using such sites as the Pennines are restricted to the most heavily used sites with a network of poor-quality paths. 5.14 It is therefore concluded that the potential increase in recreational walkers due to the proposed development site will not negatively impact golden plover through disturbance effects.
Physical damage/Erosion of Suitable Habitat 5.15 As the proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SPA and SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low it is considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a negative impact on this species through physical damage or erosion to habitat.
Increase in Mortality 5.16 The proposed development of 120 properties is likely to increase the local cat population within 1km of the closest part of the SPA by up to 31 cats using the estimation that 26% of households own a cat (Murray et al., 2010). 5.17 There is no golden plover nesting habitat within 500m of the site, and the suitable habitat lies on the far side of a dense woodland plantation or a cattle and sheep grazed field. It is therefore considered highly unlikely that cats will travel to areas used by nesting golden plover. The impact of increased numbers of cats in the local area on golden plover is therefore considered to be negligible.
Overall Assessment
5.18 There will be no direct loss of golden plover breeding habitat and no direct disturbance effects on breeding golden plover. There may be a very small increase in indirect potential disturbance. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on breeding golden plover will be negligible
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Merlin
Habitat loss 5.19 It is unlikely that merlin would nest within 500m of the site. Merlin may occasionally feed on land surrounding the site, however there is no evidence to suggest that merlin feed within 500m of the site, and it is considered unlikely due to the abundance of suitable feeding habitat further into the SPA. 5.20 As the site does not contain any suitable breeding or feeding habitat for merlin, there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for merlin through the development of the site.
Increase in Disturbance
5.21 A wide range of disturbance distances have been recorded in various studies (Ruddock and Whitfield, 2007). The majority of evidence is from non-breeding birds which have been shown to flush up to 125m from an approaching human on foot (Holmes et al., 1993). Disturbance protection zones have been most commonly recommended between 200 and 400m around merlin nest sites. It is also known that breeding merlin will habituate to human disturbance, if predictable (Ruddock and Whitfield, 2007). 5.22 Merlin are highly unlikely to nest within 500m of the site, and therefore there will not be any direct disturbance of breeding merlin from the proposed development. 5.23 Based on a potential worst case scenario of an increase of 3.47 visitors per day walking up to 1.25km within the SPA (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12), it is considered that any negative impacts on breeding merlin caused by increased visitor pressure as a result of the proposed development will be negligible.
Physical damage/Erosion of Suitable Habitat 5.24 As the proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SPA and SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low it is considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a negative impact on this species through physical damage or erosion to habitat.
Increase in Mortality 5.25 The proposed development of 120 properties is likely to increase the local cat population within 1km of the closest part of the SPA by up to 31 cats using the estimation that 26% of households own a cat (Murray et al., 2010).
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5.26 There is no merlin nesting habitat within 500m of the site. It is therefore considered highly unlikely that cats will travel to areas used by nesting merlin. The impact of increased numbers of cats in the local area on merlin is considered to be negligible.
Overall Assessment 5.27 There will be no direct loss of merlin breeding habitat and no direct disturbance effects on breeding merlin. There may be a very small increase in indirect potential disturbance. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on breeding merlin will be negligible.
Short-eared Owl Habitat loss 5.28 The nearest potential breeding habitat for short-eared owl is located more than 500m from the site. It is possible that short-eared owl could occasionally forage over the in-filled reservoir area to the south, but there is no evidence that this is the case.
5.29 As the site does not contain any suitable breeding or feeding habitat for short- eared owl, there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for short-eared owl through the development of the site.
Increase in Disturbance 5.30 There is no published research giving clear guidelines as to disturbance distances of short-eared owl, and disturbance-free zones that should be maintained around the nest. It is considered likely that a buffer of 500m around an active nest will be sufficient to prevent significant disturbance to this species when nesting. As the nearest potential breeding habitat for short-eared owl is located more than 500m from the site there will be no direct disturbance impact on this species.
5.31 Based on a potential worst case scenario of an increase of 3.47 visitors per day walking up to 1.25km within the SPA (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12), it is considered that any negative impacts on breeding short-eared owl caused by increased visitor pressure as a result of the proposed development will be negligible
Physical damage/Erosion of Suitable Habitat
5.32 As the proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SPA and SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low it is considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a negative impact on this species through physical damage or erosion to habitat.
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Increase in Mortality 5.33 The proposed development of 120 properties is likely to increase the local cat population within 1km of the closest part of the SPA by up to 31 cats using the estimation that 26% of households own a cat (Murray et al., 2010). 5.34 There is no short-eared owl nesting habitat within 500m of the site. It is therefore considered highly unlikely that cats will travel to areas used by nesting short-eared owl. The impact of increased numbers of cats in the local area on short-eared owl is considered to be negligible.
Overall Assessment 5.35 There will be no direct loss of short-eared owl breeding habitat and no direct disturbance effects on breeding short-eared owl. There may be a very small increase in indirect potential disturbance. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on breeding short-eared owl will be negligible.
Peregrine Habitat loss 5.36 The nearest nesting habitat for peregrine is approximately 500m from the site. It is possible that peregrine could occasionally feed over the site, however the proposed site would not reduce the number of birds available as potential prey for this species. 5.37 As the site does not contain any suitable breeding habitat for peregrine, and as the proposed development would not impact on potential feeding resources for this species, there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for peregrine through the development of the site.
Increase in Disturbance 5.38 Breeding peregrines are most likely to be disturbed by activities taking place above their nest (Ruddock and Whitfield, 2007) and they are tolerant of people in the nesting haunt as long as the nest is inaccessible (Ratcliffe, 1972). The nearest peregrine breeding location is approximately 500m east of the proposed development site. In addition to this, the locations of the nests are likely to be in inaccessible locations. It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development will increase disturbance to breeding peregrine associated with the SPA.
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Physical damage/Erosion of Suitable Habitat 5.39 As the proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SPA and SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low it is considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a negative impact on this species through physical damage or erosion to habitat.
Increase in Mortality 5.40 Peregrine rarely nest on the ground and often nest in highly inaccessible locations. It is highly unlikely therefore that there will be any increase in mortality to nesting peregrine from introduced predators such as cats.
Overall Assessment
5.41 There will be no direct loss of peregrine breeding habitat and no direct or indirect disturbance effects on this species. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on breeding peregrine will be negligible.
Dunlin Habitat loss 5.42 There is no evidence to suggest that dunlin breed within 3km of the site. There is no suitable breeding or feeding habitat for dunlin within or adjacent to the site. 5.43 As the site does not contain any suitable breeding habitat for dunlin, and as the proposed development would not impact potential feeding resources for this species, there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for dunlin through the development of the site
Increase in Disturbance 5.44 There is no evidence to suggest that dunlin breed within 3km of the site. The proposed development will therefore not have any direct disturbance impacts on breeding dunlin. 5.45 A study of the effects of visitor disturbance on dunlin (and golden plover) breeding success in the Pennines found no evidence that recreational disturbance had a significant impact on nest-site selection, or an adverse impact on dunlin reproductive performance (Pearce-Higgins et al., 2007). 5.46 It was concluded by Pearce-Higgins et al., (2007) that the situations where visitor pressure will impact on dunlin using such sites as the Pennines are restricted to the most heavily used sites with a network of poor-quality paths.
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5.47 Based on a potential worst case scenario of an increase of 3.57 visitors per day walking up to 1.25km within the SPA (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12), it is therefore concluded that the potential increase in recreational walkers due to the proposed development site will not negatively impact dunlin through disturbance effects.
Physical damage/Erosion of Suitable Habitat 5.48 As the proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SPA and SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low it is considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a negative impact on this species through physical damage or erosion to habitat.
Increase in Mortality 5.49 There is no known dunlin nesting habitat within 3km of the site. It is therefore highly unlikely that an increase in the local cat population from the proposed development will have a negative impact on the breeding dunlin population through mortality effects.
Overall Assessment 5.50 There will be no direct loss of dunlin breeding habitat and no direct or indirect disturbance effects on this species. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on breeding dunlin will be negligible.
Annex 1 Habitats Associated with South Pennine Moors SAC
Northern Atlantic Wet Heath Habitat loss
5.51 There is no northern Atlantic wet heath within the site or within the vicinity of the site. The proposed development will therefore not result in any direct loss of this habitat type.
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Erosion 5.52 The proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SPA and SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12). It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in erosion to this habitat type within the SAC. It is considered that the increase in erosion to northern Atlantic wet heath as a result of the proposed development would be negligible.
Pollution
5.53 The nearest known example of northern Atlantic wet heath to the site is 5km south of the site. These areas are at a greater altitude than the site and upstream of the site. 5.54 It is therefore considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any negative impact on northern Atlantic wet heath within the SAC through habitat degradation and loss as a result of reduced water quality (from changes to local hydrology or nitrification).
5.55 The peak increase in traffic generated by the site has been calculated as 18 arrivals and 54 departures in the morning peak (08:00 – 09:00) and 51 arrivals and 30 departures in the afternoon peak (17:00 – 18:00) each day. The Transport Assessment (Croft Transport Solutions, 2016) concludes that this will result in a minimal impact on the local highway network. In addition, a travel plan has been provided which will encourage sustainable travel, including public transport, cycling and walking, to help reduce CO2 emissions and climate impacts. 5.56 Due to the low increase in traffic activity, combined with the travel plan which aims to minimise non-sustainable traffic movements, traffic generated from the proposed development is highly unlikely to negatively impact on northern Atlantic wet heath habitat through a change in air quality.
Fire Risk 5.57 The proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12). It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in the number of accidental fires within the SAC. It is considered that the increase in fire risk to northern Atlantic wet heath as a result of the proposed development would be negligible.
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Overall Assessment 5.58 There will be no direct loss of this habitat type due to the proposed development. Any increase in damage to this habitat type through erosion, pollution or accidental fires is likely to be negligible. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on this habitat within the SAC will be no more than negligible.
European Dry Heath Habitat loss 5.59 There is no European dry heath within the site or within the vicinity of the site. The proposed development will therefore not result in any direct loss of this habitat type.
Erosion
5.60 The proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SPA and SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12). It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in erosion to this habitat type within the SAC. It is considered that the increase in erosion to European dry heath as a result of the proposed development would be negligible.
Pollution 5.61 The nearest known example of European dry heath to the site is approximately 1.6km to the west. These areas are at a greater altitude than the site and upstream of the site.
5.62 It is therefore considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any negative impact on European dry heath within the SAC through habitat degradation and loss as a result of reduced water quality (from changes to local hydrology or nitrification). 5.63 The peak increase in traffic generated by the site has been calculated as 18 arrivals and 54 departures in the morning peak (08:00 – 09:00) and 51 arrivals and 30 departures in the afternoon peak (17:00 – 18:00) each day. The Transport Assessment (Croft Transport Solutions, 2016) concludes that this will result in a minimal impact on the local highway network. In addition, a travel plan has been provided which will encourage sustainable travel, including public transport, cycling and walking, to help reduce CO2 emissions and climate impacts. 5.64 Due to the low increase in traffic activity, combined with the travel plan which aims to minimise non-sustainable traffic movements, traffic generated from the proposed development is highly unlikely to negatively impact on European dry heath habitat through a change in air quality. 5112.01.001 Page 42 March 2016 Version A
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Fire Risk
5.65 The proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12). It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in the number of accidental fires within the SAC. It is considered that the increase in fire risk to European dry heath as a result of the proposed development would be negligible.
Overall Assessment 5.66 There will be no direct loss of this habitat type due to the proposed development. Any increase in damage to this habitat type through erosion, pollution or accidental fires is likely to be negligible. It is therefore considered that the impact of the proposed development on this habitat within the SAC will be no more than negligible.
Blanket Bog Habitat loss 5.67 There is no blanket bog within the site or within the vicinity of the site. The proposed development will therefore not result in any direct loss of this habitat type.
Erosion 5.68 The proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12). It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in erosion to this habitat type within the SAC. It is considered that the increase in erosion to blanket bog as a result of the proposed development would be negligible.
Pollution
5.69 The nearest known example of blanket bog to the site is approximately 300m to the west. These areas are at a greater altitude than the site and upstream of the site. 5.70 It is therefore considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any negative impact on blanket bog within the SAC through habitat degradation and loss as a result of reduced water quality (from changes to local hydrology or nitrification).
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5.71 The peak increase in traffic generated by the site has been calculated as 18 arrivals and 54 departures in the morning peak (08:00 – 09:00) and 51 arrivals and 30 departures in the afternoon peak (17:00 – 18:00) each day. The Transport Assessment (Croft Transport Solutions, 2016) concludes that this will result in a minimal impact on the local highway network. In addition, a travel plan has been provided which will encourage sustainable travel, including public transport, cycling and walking, to help reduce CO2 emissions and climate impacts. 5.72 Due to the low increase in traffic activity, combined with the travel plan which aims to minimise non-sustainable traffic movements, traffic generated from the proposed development is highly unlikely to negatively impact on blanket bog habitat through a change in air quality.
Fire Risk 5.73 The proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12). It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in the number of accidental fires within the SAC. It is considered that the increase in fire risk to blanket bog as a result of the proposed development would be negligible.
Overall Assessment
5.74 There will be no direct loss of this habitat type due to the proposed development. Any increase in damage to this habitat type through erosion, pollution or accidental fires is likely to be negligible. It is therefore considered that the impact of the proposed development on this habitat within the SAC will be no more than negligible.
Transition Mires and Quaking Bog Habitat loss
5.75 There is no transition mire and quaking bog within the site or within the vicinity of the site. The proposed development will therefore not result in any direct loss of this habitat type.
Erosion 5.76 The proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SPA and SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12). It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in erosion to this habitat type within the SAC.
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Pollution 5.77 There is no known transition mire or quaking bog within at least 3km of the site. It is therefore considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any increase in pollution on transition mire or quaking bog habitats.
Fire Risk
5.78 The proportional increase in recreational usage of the adjacent SAC as a result of the proposed site is considered to be low (see paragraphs 5.9 to 5.12). It is therefore highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in the number of accidental fires within the SAC. It is considered that the increase in fire risk to transition mires and quaking bog as a result of the proposed development would be negligible.
Overall Assessment 5.79 There will be no direct loss of this habitat type due to the proposed development. Any increase in damage to this habitat type through erosion, pollution or accidental fires is likely to be negligible. It is therefore considered that the impact of the proposed development on this habitat within the SAC will be no more than negligible.
Old Sessile Oak Woodlands Habitat loss 5.80 There is no old sessile oak woodland within the site or within the vicinity of the site. The proposed development will therefore not result in any direct loss of this habitat type.
Erosion 5.81 Due to the distance of the nearest example of this habitat to the site (5km) it is highly unlikely that the proposed development will result in any negative impact on this habitat type due to any erosion.
Pollution
5.82 Due to the distance of the nearest example of this habitat to the site it is highly unlikely that the proposed development will result in any negative impact on this habitat type due to any pollution.
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Fire Risk 5.83 The risk of fire to this type of habitat is low. In any case, due to the distance of the nearest example of this habitat to the site (4km) it is highly unlikely that there will be any increase of risk of accidental fire due to the proposed development.
Overall Assessment
5.84 There will be no direct loss of old sessile oak woodland from the proposed development, and due to the distance of this habitat type from the site it is highly unlikely that there will be any other negative impacts on this habitat type. It is therefore considered that there will be no negative impact on this habitat type as a result of the proposed development.
Annex 1 SAC Habitats Associated with Peak District Dales SAC
5.85 There are none of the Annex 1 SAC habitats within the vicinity of the proposed development site. As such, the following assessments are applicable to all of the habitats as listed below:
Old Sessile Oak Woodland
European Dry Heath
Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae
Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia)
Alkaline fens
Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii)
Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation
Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines
Habitat Loss
5.86 There are none of the Annex 1 SAC Habitats as listed above, within the site or within the vicinity of the site. The proposed development will therefore not result in any direct loss of this habitat type. 5112.01.001 Page 46 March 2016 Version A
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Pollution/Contamination 5.87 It is considered highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in any negative impact on any of the Annex 1 SAC Habitats listed above, through habitat degradation and loss as a result of surface and foul water discharges into the River Wye (from changes to local hydrology or nitrification).
5.88 The peak increase in traffic generated by the site has been calculated as 18 arrivals and 54 departures in the morning peak (08:00 – 09:00) and 51 arrivals and 30 departures in the afternoon peak (17:00 – 18:00) each day. The Transport Assessment (Croft Transport Solutions, 2016) concludes that this will result in a minimal impact on the local highway network. In addition, a travel plan has been provided which will encourage sustainable travel, including public transport, cycling and walking, to help reduce CO2 emissions and climate impacts. 5.89 Due to the low increase in traffic activity, combined with the travel plan which aims to minimise non-sustainable traffic movements, traffic generated from the proposed development is highly unlikely to negatively impact on the Annex 1 habitats listed through a change in air quality.
Overall Assessment 5.90 There are none of the Annex 1 SAC Habitats listed above, within the site or within the vicinity of the site. Any increase in damage to this habitat type through pollution is likely to be negligible. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on this habitat within the SAC will be no more than negligible.
Annex II SAC Species Associated with Peak District Dales SAC
Austropotamobius pallipes (White-clawed Crayfish) Habitat loss
5.91 The Peak District Dales SAC is located 3.75km east of the proposed development site. It is possible that white clawed crayfish could be present within the reach of the River Wye south of the proposed development, however, there is no evidence that this is the case. This species is not widespread and is known to be largely restricted to the upland dale streams to the east. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust do not hold any records of this species within at least 1km of the site. 5.92 As the site itself does not contain any suitable breeding or feeding habitat for this species and there are no records of this species within at least 1km of the site, there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for white clawed crayfish through the development of the site.
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Pollution 5.93 There is a negligible risk of indirect habitat degradation as a result from changes to local hydrology or nitrification of surface water via foul water discharges into the River Wye. It is however, highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a negative impact on white clawed crayfish. Ongoing monitoring of phosphate levels by Severn Trent Water in consultation with The Environment Agency and Natural England, will ensure that phosphate levels do not exceed the conservation target level of 0.04mg/l and are maintained at an acceptable level.
5.94 The proposed development will therefore not have any direct or indirect disturbance impacts due to increased pollution or contamination, on this species.
Overall Assessment 5.95 The proposed development will therefore not have any direct or indirect disturbance impacts due to increased pollution or contamination, on this species. 5.96 There will be no direct loss of white clawed crayfish breeding habitat. There may be a negligible increase in indirect potential disturbance through increased foul water discharges into the River Wye however, this is considered highly unlikely. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on white clawed crayfish will be negligible.
Lampetra planeri (River Lamprey) Habitat loss 5.97 The Peak District Dales SAC is located 3.75km east of the proposed development site. It is possible that river lamprey may use the reach of the River Wye area to the south of the proposed development however, there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust do not hold any records of this species within at least 1km of the site. 5.98 As the site does not contain any suitable breeding or feeding habitat for this species there will be no direct loss of breeding habitat for river lamprey through the development of the site.
Pollution
5.99 There is a negligible risk of indirect habitat degradation as a result from changes to local hydrology or nitrification of surface water via foul water discharges into the River Wye. It is however, highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a negative impact on river lamprey. Ongoing monitoring of phosphate levels by Severn Trent Water in consultation with The Environment Agency and Natural England, will ensure that phosphate levels do not exceed the conservation target level of 0.04mg/l and are maintained at an acceptable level.
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5.100 The proposed development will therefore not have any direct or indirect disturbance impacts due to increased pollution or contamination on river lamprey.
Overall Assessment
5.101 There will be no direct loss of river lamprey breeding habitat and no direct disturbance effects on this species. There may be a negligible increase in indirect potential disturbance through increased foul water discharges into the River Wye however, this is considered highly unlikely. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on river lamprey will be negligible.
Cottus gobio (Bullhead) Habitat loss
5.102 The Peak District Dales SAC is located 3.75km east of the proposed development site. It is possible that bullhead could be present within the reach of the River Wye south of the development site however, there is no evidence that this is the case. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust do not hold any records of this species within at least 1km of the site.
5.103 As the site does not contain any suitable breeding or feeding habitat for bullhead, there will be no direct loss of habitat for this species through the development of the site.
Pollution 5.104 There is a negligible risk of indirect habitat degradation as a result from changes to local hydrology or nitrification of surface water via foul water discharges into the River Wye. It is however, highly unlikely that the proposed development would result in a negative impact on bullhead. Ongoing monitoring of phosphate levels by Severn Trent Water in consultation with The Environment Agency and Natural England, will ensure that phosphate levels do not exceed the conservation target level of 0.04mg/l and are maintained at an acceptable level. 5.105 The proposed development will therefore not have any direct or indirect disturbance impacts due to increased pollution or contamination, on this species.
Overall Assessment 5.106 There will be no direct loss of bullhead breeding habitat and no direct disturbance effects on this species. There may be a negligible increase in indirect potential disturbance however through increased foul water discharges into the River Wye however, this is considered highly unlikely. It is therefore considered that the potential impact of the proposed development on bullhead will be negligible.
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In-combination Effects 5.107 A search of planning applications was made for any residential development of 2 properties or more within 2km of the proposed development. 5.108 A planning application for 12 properties immediately adjacent to the north of the site, to the south of Carr Lane, has already been granted planning permission. 5.109 In addition a planning application has been submitted for 15 properties adjacent to Macclesfield Old Road to the north of the Leek Road site. 5.110 It is therefore possible that these two developments could increase the visitor pressure on the nearby SAC and SPA sites. However the increase from these two additional developments would be less than one visitor per day. This is not considered to be a significant increase in visitor pressure to these sites.
5.111 In addition these two sites would not result in the loss of habitat for any SPA bird species. Pollution control measures would ensure that any effects of these developments on the designated sites would be negligible. 5.112 It is therefore concluded that there will be no likely significant effect on the Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA, the South Pennine Moors SAC or the Peak District Dales SAC either from the proposed development alone, or in-combination with other relevant developments.
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References Byrkjedal, I and D Thompson. Tundra plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American golden plovers and grey plover. Poyser, 1998. Croft Transport Solutions. “Transport Assessment, Land at Leek Road, Buxton.” 2016.
Finney, S K, J W Pearce-Higgins and D W Yaldon. “The effect of recreational disturbance on an upland breeding bird, the golden plover Pluvialis apricaria.” Biological Conservation 121 (2005): 53-63. Gibbons, D W, J B Reid and R A Chapman. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. London: T. & A.D Poyser, 1993. Hardey, J, et al. Raptors - a field guide to survey and monitoring. Edinburgh: The Stationary Office, 2006. Holmes, T L, et al. “Responses of wintering grassland raptors to human disturbance.” Wildlife Society Bulletin 21 (1993): 461-468. JNCC. “A6.61a Golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (breeding).” n.d. 2016.
Pierce-Higgins, J W, et al. “Testing the effects of recreational disturbance on two upland breeding waders.” Ibis 149 (2007): 45-55.
Stroud, D A, et al. The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Peterborough: JNCC, 2001. Stroud, D A, G P Mudge and M W Pienkowski. Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC SPecial Protection Area network in Great Britain. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservancy Council, 1990.
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APPENDIX A: Designated Site Maps, Citations and Registry Entry Forms
5112.01.001 Appendixes March 2016 Version A
UK SPA data form
NATURA 2000 STANDARD DATA FORM FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA) FOR SITES ELIGIBLE FOR IDENTIFICATION AS SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCI) AND FOR SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC)
1. Site identification:
1.1 Type J 1.2 Site code UK9007021
1.3 Compilation date 199603 1.4 Update 200011
1.5 Relationship with other Natura 2000 sites U K 0 0 3 0 2 8 0
1.6 Respondent(s) International Designations, JNCC, Peterborough
1.7 Site name Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1)
1.8 Site indication and designation classification dates date site proposed as eligible as SCI date confirmed as SCI date site classified as SPA 199603 date site designated as SAC
2. Site location: 2.1 Site centre location longitude latitude 01 45 51 W 53 28 03 N
2.2 Site area (ha) 45270.52 2.3 Site length (km)
2.5 Administrative region NUTS code Region name % cover
UK81 Cheshire 1.95% UK311 Derbyshire 55.48% UK23 South Yorkshire 24.43% UK722 Staffordshire 5.92% UK24 West Yorkshire 7.01% UK82 Greater Manchester 5.22%
2.6 Biogeographic region X Alpine Atlantic Boreal Continental Macaronesia Mediterranean
Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) Standard Natura 2000 Data Form Page 1 of Produced by JNCC. Version 1.1, 05/05/06 UK SPA data form 3. Ecological information:
3.1 Annex I habitats Habitat types present on the site and the site assessment for them:
Annex I habitat % cover Representati Relative Conservation Global vity surface status assessment
3.2 Annex I birds and regularly occurring migratory birds not listed on Annex I Population Site assessment Resident Migratory Code Species name Breed Winter Stage Population Conservation Isolation Global A222 Asio flammeus >22 P C C A098 Falco columbarius >30 P C B >435 A140 Pluvialis apricaria C C P
4. Site description:
4.1 General site character
Habitat classes % cover Marine areas. Sea inlets Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons (including saltwork basins) Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) 1.0 Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens 35.0 Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana 40.0 Dry grassland. Steppes 16.0 Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland 6.0 Alpine and sub-alpine grassland Improved grassland Other arable land Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 1.0 Coniferous woodland Evergreen woodland Mixed woodland Non-forest areas cultivated with woody plants (including orchards, groves, vineyards, dehesas) Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Permanent snow and ice 1.0 Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) Total habitat cover 100% 4.1 Other site characteristics
Soil & geology: Acidic, Nutrient-poor, Peat, Sandstone, Sedimentary Geomorphology & landscape: Crags/ledges, Escarpment, Hilly, Upland, Valley
Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) Standard Natura 2000 Data Form Page 2 of Produced by JNCC. Version 1.1, 05/05/06 UK SPA data form
4.2 Quality and importance
ARTICLE 4.1 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC) During the breeding season the area regularly supports:
at least 2.2% of the GB breeding population Asio flammeus Count, as at 1990 and 1998
at least 2.3% of the GB breeding population Falco columbarius Count as at 1990 and 1998
Pluvialis apricaria at least 1.9% of the GB breeding population (North-western Europe - breeding) Count, as at 1990 and 1998
ARTICLE 4.2 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC)
4.3 Vulnerability Major urban and industrial centres near to the Peak District Moors provide significant visitor pressure and approximately two-thirds of the moorlands are open to public access. Habitat damage through physical erosion or fire, combined with disturbance of breeding birds, can be significant. Initiatives for sustainable recreation are being developed. Many habitats are sub-optimal (in vegetation terms) as a consequence of historic air pollution, high grazing pressure and wildfire burns. Grazing pressure is generally being lowered and appropriate burning encouraged by two separate ESAs which encourage and support habitat restoration. Not withstanding these schemes, evidence suggests that breeding birds in the south-west of the area may be declining on both open moorland and enclosed rough grazing land, possibly due to general agricultural improvement of the surrounding areas which are used by some species for some of their habitat requirements; e.g. golden plovers feed on in-bye land off the moor.
It is also worth noting that the site has been identified as a possible SAC for habitats such as blanket bog and there will be a need to balance the management of the different interests across the whole site
5. Site protection status and relation with CORINE biotopes:
5.1 Designation types at national and regional level Code % cover UK04 (SSSI/ASSI) 99.9
Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) Standard Natura 2000 Data Form Page 3 of Produced by JNCC. Version 1.1, 05/05/06 UK SAC data form
NATURA 2000 STANDARD DATA FORM FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA) FOR SITES ELIGIBLE FOR IDENTIFICATION AS SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCI) AND FOR SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC)
1. Site identification:
1.1 Type K 1.2 Site code UK0030280
1.3 Compilation date 200103 1.4 Update
1.5 Relationship with other Natura 2000 sites U K 9 0 0 7 0 2 1
1.6 Respondent(s) International Designations, JNCC, Peterborough
1.7 Site name South Pennine Moors
1.8 Site indication and designation classification dates date site proposed as eligible as SCI 200103 date confirmed as SCI 200412 date site classified as SPA date site designated as SAC 200504
2. Site location: 2.1 Site centre location longitude latitude 01 46 59 W 53 27 37 N
2.2 Site area (ha) 64983.13 2.3 Site length (km)
2.5 Administrative region NUTS code Region name % cover
UK24 West Yorkshire 28.13% UK81 Cheshire 1.35% UK722 Staffordshire 2.93% UK82 Greater Manchester 6.59% UK22 North Yorkshire 1.25% UK311 Derbyshire 38.27% UK83 Lancashire 4.78% UK23 South Yorkshire 16.70%
2.6 Biogeographic region X Alpine Atlantic Boreal Continental Macaronesia Mediterranean
South Pennine Moors Natura 2000 Data Form Produced by JNCC., 27/07/11 Page 1 UK SAC data form 3. Ecological information:
3.1 Annex I habitats Habitat types present on the site and the site assessment for them:
Annex I habitat % cover Representati Relative Conservation Global vity surface status assessment
Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix 6.7 C C C C European dry heaths 38.8 C B C B Blanket bogs 42.2 C C C B Transition mires and quaking bogs 0.5 C B C C Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the 1 C C C B British Isles
3.2 Annex II species Population Site assessment Resident Migratory Species name Breed Winter Stage Population Conservation Isolation Global
4. Site description
4.1 General site character Habitat classes % cover Marine areas. Sea inlets Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons (including saltwork basins) Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) 1.0 Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens 42.7 Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana 45.5 Dry grassland. Steppes 4.8 Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland 4.8 Alpine and sub-alpine grassland Improved grassland Other arable land Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 1.0 Coniferous woodland Evergreen woodland Mixed woodland 0.1 Non-forest areas cultivated with woody plants (including orchards, groves, vineyards, dehesas) 0.1 Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Permanent snow and ice Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) Total habitat cover 100%
South Pennine Moors Natura 2000 Data Form Produced by JNCC., 27/07/11 Page 2 UK SAC data form
4.1 Other site characteristics
Soil & geology: Acidic, Basic, Nutrient-poor, Peat, Sandstone, Sedimentary Geomorphology & landscape: Crags/ledges, Hilly, Slope, Upland, Valley
4.2 Quality and importance Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix • for which the area is considered to support a significant presence. European dry heaths • for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom. Blanket bogs • for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom. Transition mires and quaking bogs • for which the area is considered to support a significant presence. Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles • for which this is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom.
South Pennine Moors Natura 2000 Data Form Produced by JNCC., 27/07/11 Page 3 UK SAC data form
4.3 Vulnerability The South Pennine Moors SAC is largely enclosed on two sides by large industrial urban areas, which means that large numbers of people use the area for recreational activities. Around two-thirds is within the Peak District National Park. Land management is primarily driven by agriculture, rough grazing for sheep, and grouse-shooting. Access management has been a key issue, and with proposals under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, will continue as such. Mechanisms for addressing access management issues include a range of fora, research and the role of organisations such as the Peak District National Park and its Ranger Service. Accidental fires can cause extensive damage to vegetation. The National Park Authority has produced a strategic Fire Plan and areas are closed to the public at times of high fire risk. Maintenance of the ecosystems relies primarily on appropriate grazing levels and burning regimes. There are a number of key pressures upon the site; these include overgrazing by sheep, burning as a tool for grouse moor management and inappropriate drainage through moor-gripping. All these issues are being tackled, and an integrated management strategy and conservation action programme has been produced as part of an EU- funded LIFE project for the area to the north of the National Park. Within the Park, the MAFF-funded North Peak and South West Peak Environmentally Sensitive Areas are important mechanisms in attempts to achieve balanced management. MAFF's Countryside Stewardship Scheme and English Nature's Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES) are also being used to achieve favourable management. Management of the site, especially north of the National Park, is further complicated by the large number of commons. The National Park Authority owns a significant area of moorland, as does the National Trust. Atmospheric pollution over the last few hundred years has depleted the lichen and bryophyte flora and may be affecting dwarf-shrubs. The impact has arguably been greatest on blanket bog, wet heath and transition mire where the bog-building Sphagnum mosses have been largely lost. Combined with historical overgrazing, burning (accidental and deliberate), drainage and locally trampling, large areas of blanket bog have become de-vegetated and eroded. It is unclear at this stage whether the effects are irreversible. Attempts over recent decades to reverse these processes have achieved mixed and limited results. The combination of these effects means that most if not all of the blanket bog will not be classed as favourable according to English Nature's condition assessment criteria. Whilst all efforts can be made to control current factors such as current grazing and burning patterns, current atmospheric pollutant levels and access impacts, it is unclear whether this can fully mitigate the long-term influence of the historical factors such as atmospheric pollution, past burning and overgrazing. The situation is further complicated by a view that some erosion features can be considered natural phenomena of intrinsic interest. It may not therefore always be appropriate to try and revegetate bare peat even if suitable techniques exist. The former extensive cover of woodland has declined over many centuries to the point that it is fragmented, relatively small-scale and largely restricted to steeper valley sides. There is no woodland included in the site to the north of the National Park. Remaining woods are often unfenced and open to grazing which restricts tree regeneration. In some Rhododendron has invaded, choking out native flora. These issues are being tackled through the Forestry Commission's Woodland Grant Scheme and Challenge Fund for creating new native woodland, MAFF's North Peak ESA and English Nature's WES though more incentive and resources are needed. As well as restoring existing stands of woodland there is an emphasis on re-creation to expand and link fragments which inevitably involves changing existing habitats. This will raise questions over the balance of vegetation types we wish to see on the site but given woodland would naturally have covered much of the area we need to treat it's expansion seriously. The flora of woodlands, quality as with bog and heath, has suffered from poor air quality. Again, it is less clear what can be done to reverse this situation other than to try and ensure continued improvements in air quality to allow affected species to recolonise if they can.
5. Site protection status and relation with CORINE biotopes:
5.1 Designation types at national and regional level Code % cover UK04 (SSSI/ASSI) 100.0
South Pennine Moors Natura 2000 Data Form Produced by JNCC., 27/07/11 Page 4
European Site Conservation Objectives for Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) Special Protection Area Site Code: UK9007021
With regard to the SPA and the individual species and/or assemblage of species for which the site has been classified (the ‘Qualifying Features’ listed below), and subject to natural change;
Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring;
The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely The population of each of the qualifying features, and, The distribution of the qualifying features within the site.
This document should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Supplementary Advice document, which provides more detailed advice and information to enable the application and achievement of the Objectives set out above.
Qualifying Features:
A098 Falco columbarius; Merlin (Breeding) A140 Pluvialis apricaria; European golden plover (Breeding) A222 Asio flammeus; Short-eared owl (Breeding)
Explanatory Notes: European Site Conservation Objectives
These Conservation Objectives are those referred to in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. They must be considered when a competent authority is required to make a ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’ including an Appropriate Assessment, under the relevant parts of this legislation.
These Conservation Objectives and the accompanying Supplementary Advice (where this is available) will also provide a framework to inform the management of the European Site under the provisions of Articles 4(1) and 4(2) of the Wild Birds Directive, and the prevention of deterioration of habitats and significant disturbance of its qualifying features required under Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive.
These Conservation Objectives are set for each bird feature for a Special Protection Area (SPA). Where the objectives are met, the site will be considered to exhibit a high degree of integrity and to be contributing to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive.
Publication date: 30 June 2014 (Version 2). This document updates and replaces an earlier version dated 29 May 2012 to reflect Natural England’s Strategic Standard on European Site Conservation Objectives 2014. Previous references to additional features identified in the 2001 UK SPA Review have also been removed.
European Site Conservation Objectives for South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation Site code: UK0030280
With regard to the SAC and the natural habitats and/or species for which the site has been designated (the ‘Qualifying Features’ listed below), and subject to natural change;
Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the Favourable Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by maintaining or restoring;
The extent and distribution of the qualifying natural habitats The structure and function (including typical species) of the qualifying natural habitats, and, The supporting processes on which the qualifying natural habitats rely
This document should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Supplementary Advice document, which provides more detailed advice and information to enable the application and achievement of the Objectives set out above.
Qualifying Features:
H4010. Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix; Wet heathland with cross-leaved heath H4030. European dry heaths H7130. Blanket bogs* H7140. Transition mires and quaking bogs; Very wet mires often identified by an unstable `quaking` surface H91A0. Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles
* denotes a priority natural habitat or species (supporting explanatory text on following page)
* Priority natural habitats or species
Some of the natural habitats and species listed in the Habitats Directive and for which SACs have been selected are considered to be particular priorities for conservation at a European scale and are subject to special provisions in the Directive and the Habitats Regulations. These priority natural habitats and species are denoted by an asterisk (*) in Annex I and II of the Directive. The term ‘priority’ is also used in other contexts, for example with reference to particular habitats or species that are prioritised in UK Biodiversity Action Plans. It is important to note however that these are not necessarily the priority natural habitats or species within the meaning of the Habitats Directive or the Habitats Regulations.
Explanatory Notes: European Site Conservation Objectives
These Conservation Objectives are those referred to in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. They must be considered when a competent authority is required to make a ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’, including an Appropriate Assessment, under the relevant parts of this legislation.
These Conservation Objectives and the accompanying Supplementary Advice (where this is available) will also provide a framework to inform the measures needed to conserve or restore the European Site and the prevention of deterioration or significant disturbance of its qualifying features as required by the provisions of Article 6(1) and 6(2) of the Directive.
These Conservation Objectives are set for each habitat or species of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Where the objectives are met, the site will be considered to exhibit a high degree of integrity and to be contributing to achieving Favourable Conservation Status for that species or habitat type at a UK level. The term ‘favourable conservation status’ is defined in Article 1 of the Habitats Directive.
Publication date: 30 June 2014 – version 2. This document updates and replaces an earlier version dated 29 May 2012 to reflect Natural England’s Strategic Standard on European Site Conservation Objectives 2014.
European Site Conservation Objectives for Peak District Dales Special Area of Conservation Site Code: UK0019859
With regard to the SAC and the natural habitats and/or species for which the site has been designated (the ‘Qualifying Features’ listed below), and subject to natural change;
Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the Favourable Conservation Status of its Qualifying Features, by maintaining or restoring;
The extent and distribution of qualifying natural habitats and habitats of qualifying species The structure and function (including typical species) of qualifying natural habitats The structure and function of the habitats of qualifying species The supporting processes on which qualifying natural habitats and the habitats of qualifying species rely The populations of qualifying species, and, The distribution of qualifying species within the site.
This document should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Supplementary Advice document, which provides more detailed advice and information to enable the application and achievement of the Objectives set out above.
Qualifying Features:
H4030. European dry heaths H6130. Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae; Grasslands on soils rich in heavy metals H6210. Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco- Brometalia); Dry grasslands and scrublands on chalk or limestone H7230. Alkaline fens; Calcium-rich springwater-fed fens H8120. Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii); Base- rich scree H8210. Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation; Plants in crevices in base-rich rocks H9180. Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines; Mixed woodland on base-rich soils associated with rocky slopes* S1092. Austropotamobius pallipes; White-clawed (or Atlantic stream) crayfish S1096. Lampetra planeri; Brook lamprey
S1163. Cottus gobio; Bullhead
* denotes a priority natural habitat or species (supporting explanatory text on following page)
* Priority natural habitats or species
Some of the natural habitats and species listed in the Habitats Directive and for which SACs have been selected are considered to be particular priorities for conservation at a European scale and are subject to special provisions in the Directive and the Habitats Regulations. These priority natural habitats and species are denoted by an asterisk (*) in Annex I and II of the Directive. The term ‘priority’ is also used in other contexts, for example with reference to particular habitats or species that are prioritised in UK Biodiversity Action Plans. It is important to note however that these are not necessarily the priority natural habitats or species within the meaning of the Habitats Directive or the Habitats Regulations.
Explanatory Notes: European Site Conservation Objectives
These Conservation Objectives are those referred to in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. They must be considered when a competent authority is required to make a ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’, including an Appropriate Assessment, under the relevant parts of this legislation.
These Conservation Objectives and the accompanying Supplementary Advice (where available) will also provide a framework to inform the measures needed to conserve or restore the European Site and the prevention of deterioration or significant disturbance of its qualifying features as required by the provisions of Article 6(1) and 6(2) of the Directive.
These Conservation Objectives are set for each habitat or species of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Where the objectives are met, the site will be considered to exhibit a high degree of integrity and to be contributing to achieving Favourable Conservation Status for that species or habitat type at a UK level. The term ‘favourable conservation status’ is defined in Article 1 of the Habitats Directive.
Publication date: 30 June 2014 – version 2. This document updates and replaces an earlier version dated 29 May 2012 to reflect Natural England’s Strategic Standard on European Site Conservation Objectives 2014.
APPENDIX B: Records of qualifying bird species for Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) SPA received from Derbyshire Ornithological Society
5112.01.001 Appendixes March 2016 Version A
Count COMMONNAME Observation Date SITENAME Breeding Number Comments 00000004 Golden Plover 01/09/04 Burbage Res. 1 Flying South East 00000005 Golden Plover 03/09/04 Burbage Res. 1 00000006 Golden Plover 27/09/04 Burbage Res. 1 Flying South West 00000026 Merlin 24/04/07 Burbage Edge 1 Mobbing Buzzard One over Berry Clough flew towards Raven's 00000073 Merlin 06/06/03 Berry Clough 1 Low 00000074 Merlin 29/04/06 Burbage Edge 1 Goyt Valley. Female 00000077 Peregrine 20/07/01 Burbage Edge 1
Mobbing two Ravens which appeared to have robbed it of its kill, the falcon flying over them calling vociferously and repeatedly 00000078 Peregrine 29/10/01 Berry Clough 1 flying and landing on nearby butt Brought to ground in high wind and heavy 00000082 Golden Plover 20/02/03 Burbage Edge 36 hail storm 00000083 Golden Plover 14/05/04 Burbage Edge 2 Pair 00000084 Golden Plover 21/06/04 Burbage Edge 3 00000085 Golden Plover 18/03/05 Burbage Edge 120 00000094 Short Eared Owl 30/04/00 Wild Moor 1 00000095 Short Eared Owl 17/12/00 Burbage Edge 1 00000096 Short Eared Owl 27/05/03 Berry Clough 1 00000097 Short Eared Owl 06/06/03 Berry Clough 1 00000129 Merlin 01/05/00 Goyt's Moss C 2 Upper Goyt, pair mating 00000130 Merlin 20/01/01 Axe Edge Moor 1
00000131 Merlin 12/07/08 Berry Clough 1 D Jewell - flying east and low over moorland 00000132 Peregrine 09/06/03 Goyt Valley 1 00000135 Golden Plover 29/05/03 Axe Edge Moor S 1 SK027717 to SK028730 00000136 Golden Plover 22/04/05 Goyt's Clough S 4 Some singing together on ground 00000137 Golden Plover 07/06/05 Derbyshire Bridge S 1 north of a54 near axe edge in rough pasture 6 flying around, some singing, flew off 00000138 Golden Plover 30/05/07 Axe Edge S 8 towards harpur hill 00000139 Golden Plover 11/06/07 Goyt Valley 1 calling D Jewell. Saw one, heard 2 in poor visibility 00000140 Golden Plover 21/06/08 Derbyshire Bridge P 3 (mist/low cloud) Derbyshire Bridge, J.Corbett. Alarm calling 00000141 Golden Plover 29/06/08 Axe Edge Moor S 4 from the ground Derbyshire Bridge area. One calling from stationary position in wet rough pasture. D 00000142 Golden Plover 30/05/09 Derbyshire Bridge S 1 Jewell. 00000143 Golden Plover 22/05/10 Axe Edge 2 calling 00000144 Golden Plover 14/02/11 Axe Edge Moor 14 00000145 Golden Plover 12/03/11 Derbyshire Bridge 8 [email protected] Flew in at 11.30 near Berry Clough at 00000146 Golden Plover 16/02/12 Berry Clough 17 SK0271. [email protected]
Axe Edge Moor North Group of 15 and group of 5 disturbed into flight, presumably off-duty feeding birds, whilst another on ground alarm called, lower down in NE area. 2 later alarm 00000147 Golden Plover 23/06/12 Axe Edge Moor 18 calling on moor top further S and W. 00000148 Golden Plover 20/10/12 Axe Edge Moor 20 Axe Edge Moor North In flight 00000160 Short Eared Owl 15/05/00 Derbyshire Bridge 1 Flew across A537 one bitd got up from the heather and dived at another. Then there was a dispute (territorial?) with both birds lashing out with their talons, one calling. Then another two were disturbed and all 4 00000161 Short Eared Owl 23/10/03 Raven's Low 4 were in the air … 00000162 Short Eared Owl 09/05/04 Goyt Valley 2 00000163 Short Eared Owl 23/06/05 Goyt Valley 2 00000164 Short Eared Owl 20/04/08 Berry Clough 1 Old Mac' Road, SA PH PMG. Derbyshire Bridge, Shiela Ashton. Hunting E 00000165 Short Eared Owl 01/06/08 Reeve-Edge Quarries 1 of briefing centre 00000166 Short Eared Owl 15/06/08 Raven's Low 1 Ravenslow Flat, SA KM. Hunting 00000167 Short Eared Owl 28/04/10 Axe Edge Moor 1 00000168 Short Eared Owl 10/05/11 Goyt's Moss 1 Goyt's Moss hunting, 16.00 hrs 00000169 Short Eared Owl 07/06/11 Derbyshire Bridge 1
Axe Edge Moor North Birds either side of 00000170 Short Eared Owl 19/10/12 Axe Edge Moor C 2 Old Macc Rd in occasional territorial dispute 00000215 Merlin 22/03/00 Berry Clough 1 1f 00000216 Merlin 24/03/00 Berry Clough 1 1m 00000217 Merlin 24/03/00 Raven's Low 1 Count COMMONNAME Observation Date SITENAME Breeding Number Comments A pair present at Raven's Low with the male 00000218 Merlin 25/03/00 Goyt's Clough C 2 displaying 00000219 Merlin 25/03/00 Raven's Low C 2 00000220 Merlin 26/03/00 Berry Clough 1 1f 00000221 Merlin 26/03/00 Raven's Low 1 00000222 Merlin 14/04/00 Berry Clough 2 00000223 Merlin 16/04/00 Raven's Low 1 On shooting butt 00000224 Merlin 30/04/00 Goyt's Clough 1 Raven's Low 00000225 Merlin 10/06/00 Goyt's Clough 1 Raven's Low 00000226 Merlin 31/03/01 Berry Clough 1 00000227 Merlin 08/04/03 Raven's Low 1 00000228 Merlin 26/05/03 Berry Clough 1 00000229 Merlin 02/06/03 Berry Clough 1 00000230 Merlin 05/06/03 Berry Clough 1 Berry Clough - Wild Moor Raven's Low - Berry Clough. One plus 2 00000231 Merlin 12/06/03 Raven's Low 3 juvs 00000232 Merlin 13/06/03 Raven's Low 1 00000233 Merlin 07/04/06 Berry Clough C 2 Pair displaying 00000234 Merlin 04/06/07 Berry Clough 1 00000235 Merlin 30/03/08 Berry Clough C 2 Pair mobbed by Kestrel Mobbing Short-eared owl. Goyt Valley, 00000236 Merlin 01/06/08 Berry Clough 1 Berry Clough 00000237 Merlin 26/08/11 Berry Clough 1 [email protected] 00000247 Peregrine 26/03/00 Berry Clough 1 Broken feathers in both wings 00000248 Peregrine 16/07/01 Berry Clough 1 00000249 Peregrine 16/07/01 Berry Clough 1
Plucking prey in heather, robbed by 2 Ravens, she attempted to drive them off but eventually gave chase to more pigeons 00000250 Peregrine 28/10/01 Berry Clough 1 down the valley towards Errwood 00000251 Peregrine 09/02/02 Berry Clough C 2 00000252 Peregrine 25/05/03 Goyt Valley 1 00000253 Peregrine 27/05/03 Berry Clough 1 00000254 Peregrine 02/06/03 Berry Clough 1 00000255 Peregrine 05/06/03 Goyt Valley 1 00000256 Peregrine 05/06/03 Berry Clough 1 00000257 Peregrine 08/06/03 Wild Moor 1 Wild Moor - Berry Clough. Adult M seen at 2pm flying S overhead then 2 juvs seen together in same area at 00000258 Peregrine 02/07/11 Berry Clough Y 3 2.20pm [email protected] 00000274 Golden Plover 26/03/00 Raven's Low S 1 00000275 Golden Plover 26/05/00 Berry Clough 5 Andrew Cox. M+3F+1 calling 00000276 Golden Plover 09/05/04 Berry Clough 2 A Staley 00000277 Golden Plover 25/02/07 Berry Clough 8 near Old Macclesfield Road Goyt 00000278 Golden Plover 27/04/07 Goyt's Clough 1
00000279 Golden Plover 01/06/07 Goyt's Clough 2 In middle of moor on area of mown heather on footpath at 480m amsl - obs first record of this species on breeding gounds in 00000280 Golden Plover 23/12/07 Berry Clough 2 December 00000281 Golden Plover 09/03/08 Berry Clough 1 F/P 6, Shiela Ashton. Flying over 00000282 Golden Plover 30/03/08 Raven's Low 60 Flying low 00000283 Golden Plover 16/04/08 Goyt's Clough C 35 2 pair plus flock of 31 00000284 Golden Plover 04/05/08 Berry Clough 1 Old Mac' Road, Shiela Ashton. Male. 00000285 Golden Plover 11/05/08 Axe Edge Moor 1 Burbage Edge, Chris Burnett. one on moorland at top of clough and one 00000286 Golden Plover 22/05/08 Berry Clough 2 heard on rough grassland to S 00000287 Golden Plover 15/06/08 Axe Edge Moor 1 Berry Clough, Shiela Ashton. Calling 00000288 Golden Plover 30/06/08 Berry Clough S 3 Calling Burbage - Old Macclesfield Road 1+, Calls 00000289 Golden Plover 12/03/11 Burbage Edge S 1 heard Burbage - Old Macclesfield Road S side of 00000290 Golden Plover 19/03/11 Burbage Edge 8 Rd along the top 00000300 Short Eared Owl 30/03/00 Raven's Low 1 00000301 Short Eared Owl 05/04/00 Raven's Low C 2 00000302 Short Eared Owl 10/04/00 Goyt's Clough 1 Raven's Low 00000303 Short Eared Owl 14/04/00 Berry Clough 1 00000304 Short Eared Owl 02/05/00 Berry Clough 1 00000305 Short Eared Owl 14/05/00 Raven's Low Y 2 Nest confirmed, two chicks 00000306 Short Eared Owl 16/06/00 Berry Clough Y 4 2 ads feeding 2 juvs 00000307 Short Eared Owl 03/05/01 Raven's Low 1 Caught prey then flew direct to Raven's Low 00000308 Short Eared Owl 13/07/01 Berry Clough F 1 (last year's nest site) Count COMMONNAME Observation Date SITENAME Breeding Number Comments Berry Clough - Ravens Low Goyt: 1 observed catch prey then fly off direct towards Derbys Bridge via Ravens Low 00000309 Short Eared Owl 13/07/01 Berry Clough 1 carrying prey 00000310 Short Eared Owl 06/04/02 Berry Clough 1 Hunting at 09:15 00000311 Short Eared Owl 07/04/02 Raven's Low 1 00000312 Short Eared Owl 08/04/02 Berry Clough 2 00000313 Short Eared Owl 03/06/03 Goyt Valley 2 2+ seen One hunting over a wide area between Berry Clough and the main Buxton to Macclesfield 00000314 Short Eared Owl 17/06/03 Raven's Low 1 road Upper Goyt Valley 00000315 Short Eared Owl 25/06/03 Berry Clough 1 00000316 Short Eared Owl 26/06/03 Berry Clough 1 00000317 Short Eared Owl 22/11/03 Raven's Low 1 00000318 Short Eared Owl 27/03/04 Berry Clough 1 00000319 Short Eared Owl 16/05/04 Goyt Valley 1
Between Raven's Low and Tinkers Pit from 5 00000320 Short Eared Owl 23/06/04 Raven's Low 5 May to 2 September. Max 5 on this date 00000321 Short Eared Owl 25/04/06 Berry Clough 1 00000322 Short Eared Owl 06/06/06 Raven's Low 1 00000323 Short Eared Owl 23/03/08 Raven's Low C 2 Pair, displaying 00000324 Short Eared Owl 27/04/08 Berry Clough 1 Berry Clough, A M Johnston. 00000325 Short Eared Owl 18/05/08 Berry Clough 1 Old Mac' Road, Shiela Ashton. Hunting 00000326 Short Eared Owl 26/02/12 Berry Clough 1 [email protected] Doreen and Tererence O'Connor (Hertfordshire) via DWT Website (Nick Brown). Peregrines nesting in the rocks, 00000449 Peregrine 29/06/06 Grin Low Y 7 there were 5 chicks. Pair flew from Grin Low over Buxton Town 00000450 Peregrine 09/12/07 Grin Plantn 2 Centre 00000451 Peregrine 11/02/08 Ladmanlow 1 00000452 Golden Plover 28/04/10 Burbage 4 00000488 Peregrine 23/07/13 Buxton 3 [email protected] 00000528 Merlin 11/07/06 Axe Edge 1 00000529 Peregrine 31/03/07 Stanley Moor 1 Record ID COMMONNAME Observation Date SITENAME Breeding Number Comments 00843581 Short Eared Owl 9/6/14 Berry Clough P 1 00834366 Merlin 16/3/14 Burbage Edge 1 7 am lost from view towards ringinglow 00852828 Short Eared Owl 6/12/14 Burbage Edge 1 [email protected] 00899556 Short Eared Owl 19/6/15 Burbage Edge F 3 I saw a female feeding 2 chicks. [email protected] 00772961 Golden Plover 7/11/13 Axe Edge Moor 80 [email protected] 00772911 Golden Plover 7/11/13 Axe Edge Moor 80 [email protected] 00840504 Golden Plover 3/3/14 Axe Edge 8 Axe Edge Moor North: First seen here this spring 00840505 Golden Plover 9/3/14 Axe Edge 120 Axe Edge Moor North: Feeding on the ground Axe Edge Moor North: Pair apparently on duty with young 00840506 Golden Plover 30/7/14 Axe Edge P 2 present - 6 fledged chicks seen here a few days later A flock of c60 flying around the area 00872494 Golden Plover 25/2/15 Axe Edge Moor 60 [email protected] 00858038 Short Eared Owl 21/6/14 Axe Edge Moor 1 [email protected] with flock of 48 Lapwing in fields below Axe Edge Moor 00880960 Golden Plover 3/3/15 Axe Edge Moor 31 [email protected] 762944 Peregrine 23/7/13 Buxton 3 [email protected]
Breeding Codes:
P = Present in suitable habitat in the breeding season S = Singing C = Pair/Courtship N = Nest E = Eggs F = Food carrying Y = Fledged young
APPENDIX C: Masterplan (014-040-P009, Rev A)
5112.01.001 Appendixes March 2016 Version A
Key Site Boundary
Housing under construction
Proposed Green Infrastructure
Existing Trees
Proposed Trees Pocket Green Homes
Carr Road Avenue
Street
Forecourt Sycamore Green Lane (Shared Drive) Pocket Linear Park Green Play Square/Shared Spaces
Woodland Stands Primary Footpaths/ Diverted Public Rights of Way Children’s Play Area Forecourt Play Linear Park Square
e*SCAPE urbanists Project Title d e n Land at Leek Road, Buxton g l i a e*SCAPE Job No. e Woodland R 014-040 d Leek Road a o Client R n Persimmon Homes Woodland a i M d Drawing Number Revision e l s f i 014-040-P009 REV - c l e 0m 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m 60m a c M Drawing Title Illustrative Masterplan Scale 1:1250 (@ A3) Scale Date Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Licence number LIG1024 1:1,250 @ A3 February’16
DRAWINGS G5112.001 – Phase 1 habitat survey
5112.01.001 Drawings March 2016 Version A
Key Site boundary ! Scattered broad-leaved trees IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Wall I Improved grassland IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II Other habitat (rush pasture)
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Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII copyright and database right 2015. Base plan provided by the client.
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Genesis Centre Birchwood Science Park IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Warrington WA3 7BH Tel 01925 844004 Fax 01925 844002 email [email protected]
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Leek Road, Buxton IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Title:
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Map No. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII G5112.004
Scale: Date: 1:1,200 @ A3 01/05/15 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Drawn: Checked: Approved: KG LG LG
HEAD OFFICE MARKET GATESHEAD LONDON CORNWALL HARBOROUGH
Genesis Centre, Harborough Innovation Office 26, Gateshead 45 Great Guildford Street, 4 Park Noweth, Birchwood Science Park, Centre, International Business London Churchtown, Warrington Airfield Business Park, Centre, SE1 0ES Cury, WA3 7BH Leicester Road, Mulgrave Terrace, Helston Market Harborough Gateshead Cornwall Leicestershire NE8 1AN TR12 7BW LE16 7WB
Tel: 01925 844004 Tel: 01858 383120 Tel: 0191 605 3340 Tel: 020 3096 6050 Tel: 01326 240081 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]