CPP ES Review Draft Report

NCC - CE

HRA Technical Consideration Report

A Report on behalf of Dstl

December 2015

30 Brock Street Bath BA1 2LN tel: 01225 445548 fax: 01225 312387 info@npaconsult,co.uk

www.npaconsult.co.uk NCC-CE HRA Habitat Regulations Assessment Dstl

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

2.0 HRA Screening Assessment

3.0 Habitat Regulation Assessment - Details to Inform the Appropriate Assessment

4.0 Mitigation and Conclusions

Figures

1: Porton Down Campus Masterplan Zones of Potential Development/Refurbishment 2: Location of the proposed NCC-CE development at Porton Down in relation to the Porton Down SPA & Salisbury Plain SAC.

Appendices

1: Porton Down SPA and Salisbury Plain SAC: Site Characterisations II: Stone Curlew Project Document

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This report sets out the Project Level Screening Assessment for the NCC-CE (building numbers 700,750,800 & 850) within the Porton Down Campus, Porton Down, Wiltshire a development proposed under Project Helios.

1.2 The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Porton Down is a 2762 hectare (ha) site and includes 1519 ha of designated chalk downland. Part of the estate comprises offices and laboratories, while the perimeter is arable farmland, managed by tenant farmers (Atkinson 2014)1.

1.3 The location of the NCC-CE buildings are within an area known as the Citadel (also known as the Enclosed Area or Core Enclosure) which is a built up area in the western part of the Porton Down Campus.

1.4 The Porton Down Science Campus Masterplan2 (also referred to as the ‘Campus Masterplan’) was adopted by the then Salisbury District Council (now Wiltshire Council) as Supplementary Planning Guidance in February 2007. Following this, a strategic Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) was undertaken and to identify any forthcoming developments/demolition and possible re-development of areas of the Campus at Porton Down. The Porton Down Masterplan HRA Technical Consideration Report3 was put together to inform the HRA in conjunction with Natural England and Wiltshire Council.

1.5 The Porton Down Masterplan HRA Technical Consideration Report highlighted a number of potential Zones of Development (Figure 1) as details on specific developments were not known at the time. The NCC_CE building is located within Zone 4. The intention is to undertake project specific HRAs as more detail on each development becomes available. This is to assess mitigation measures set out in the Masterplan HRA in the light of up-to-date information on the Stone Curlew Project which forms the basis for all mitigation on Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus at Porton Down.

1.6 Habitats within the proposed development Site comprised hard standing and buildings, while habitats within the wider area surrounding the Citadel comprised patches of amenity grassland

1 Atkinson (2014). Stone Curlews on Porton Down. Dstl. 2 Originally prepared in 2007 and updated in 2012. 3 Nicholas Pearson Associates (September 2014). Porton Down Masterplan HRA Technical Consideration Report.

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and mixed semi-natural woodland to the south and west. No foraging or nesting habitat for Stone Curlew (as the only qualifying feature of the Porton Down Special Protection Area (SPA) is provided within the proposed site and the closest record is just less than 500m away to the north –west.

1.7 The overall conclusions of the of the Appropriate Assessment (AA) part Porton Down Masterplan HRA undertaken by the MOD (as the competent authority) were:

.....'Based on the information presented in the latest version of the Porton Down Masterplan, the MOD believes there should be no likely significant effects arising from the developments outlined in the Masterplan. However, some projects will be subject to a HRA at the planning application stage in order to explore the potential likely significant effects described here and identify suitable mitigation, if required. The Porton Down Stone Curlew Project4 aims to deliver mitigation for stone curlew ahead of these project level assessments being made and these mitigation actions are essentially banked for future consideration'.

1.10 This report provides a Project Level Habitats Regulations Screening Assessment of the proposals for the NCC-CE.

1.11 The Habitats Directive protects habitats and species of European nature conservation importance. Together with the Birds Directive, the Habitats Directive established a network of internationally important sites designated for their ecological status. SPAs are designated under the Birds Directive in order to protect rare, vulnerable and migratory birds. SACs, and European Offshore Marine Sites (EOMS) are designated under the Habitats Directive and promote the protection of flora, fauna and habitats. Internationally important wetlands are designated under the Ramsar Convention 1971. UK Government policy states that the Ramsar sites and potential SPAs are afforded the same protection as SPAs and SACs for the purpose of considering development proposals that may affect them. These sites combine to create a Europe-wide ‘Natura 2000’ network of sites.

1.12 The HRA tests whether the impacts identified as arising from a proposal, plan or project are likely to have a significant effect on European Sites of nature conservation importance. Articles 6 (3) and 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive require an ‘appropriate assessment’ to be undertaken on proposed plans or projects which are not necessary for the management of the European

4 See Appendix I1

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Site, but which are likely to have a significant effect on one or more European Sites either individually, or in combination with other plans, programmes or projects. In England and Wales this requirement was transposed into UK law by the Conservation of Species and Habitats Regulations 2010 (as amended) (the ‘Habitats Regulations’). The process of fulfilling the requirements of the Directive and the Regulations is now in practice referred to as HRA, and Appropriate Assessment (AA) if required, forms a stage within the overall HRA process.

1.13 The flow diagram outlines the key stages involved in the Habitat Regulations Assessment process:

Stage One: Screening

Gathering information on the plan/project, European Sites, their conservation objectives and characteristics and other plans and projects

Considering the potential for likely significant effects (LSE).

Stage Two: Appropriate Assessment

If the potential for LSE is identified and European Sites ‘screened in’ to the Project Level HRA, then undertake further work to ascertain the effect on the site conservation objectives and site integrity.

Considering how effects might be avoided or effectively mitigated through alterations to the plan /project.

Stage Three: Assessment of Alternative Sites

If proposal for avoidance and/or mitigation unable to cancel out adverse significant effects, then alternative solutions must be considered (may include different locations or process alternatives).

Any alternative solutions should be subject to Stage One and Stage Two, Appropriate Assessment if necessary.

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Stage Four: Assessment where no Alternative Solutions Exist

If no alternative solutions exist, consideration should be given to whether the sites host priority habitats/species, and if there are important human health/safety considerations or important environmental benefits from delivering the plan.

If Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI) are determined, then compensatory measures must be designed, assessed and put in place, prior to the commencement of the plan.

2.0 HRA SCREENING ASSESSMENT

European Site Characterisations

2.1 The screening process is the first stage of any HRA and is focused on the 'Likely Significant Effects’ (LSE) test. The aim of the LSE test is to determine whether the project either alone, or in-combination with other plans and projects is likely to result in a significant effect at European Site[s]. This is essentially a risk assessment process that seeks to understand whether there are any mechanisms for identified impacts arising from the project/plan to adversely affect the European Sites (i.e. a cause-effect pathway). The key questions asked are:

 Would the effect undermine the conservation objectives for the European Site? • Can significant effects be excluded on the basis of objective information?

2.2 An overall distance of 4 km was used to search for European designated sites and three sites were identified; Salisbury Plain SAC, Porton Down SPA, and the River Avon SAC. Two of these are located within 1km; the Salisbury Plain SAC and the Porton Down SPA lie 776m east of the proposed development while the River Avon SAC is approximately 3.3km away (Figure 2).

2.3 The Stage 1 Screening assessment undertaken as part of the Masterplan HRA Technical Consideration ruled out potential LSE in relation to the Salisbury Plain SAC for all Zones of Development. A detailed account of the qualifying features of the Salisbury Plain SAC is provided in Appendix 1. In summary the SAC is designated for its semi-natural grassland, with the main habitat type being 'orchid-rich sites' and supporting extensive areas of CG3 Bromus erectus grassland, which is the most widespread and abundant calcareous grassland found in the UK. Other grassland types, like the rare CG7 Festuca ovina – Hieracium pilosella – Thymus praecox grassland, are present. In addition, the site provides the best remaining example in the

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UK of lowland Juniper scrub on chalk and a cluster of large Marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia, sub-populations where the species breeds on dry calcareous grassland.

2.4 For each Zone of potential development the HRA Campus-wide Masterplan assessed potential air quality localised impacts from construction emissions (dust/particulates) on the Salisbury Plain SAC; the potential to cause smothering to designated habitats, resulting in vegetation change/composition. The HRA assessment concluded that any localised impacts would be minimised through the implementation of a Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) and as such the assessment for each Zone concluded no LSEs on the Salisbury Plan SAC.

2.5 The proposed development is in Zone 4 (as the Citadel) and construction works are anticipated to start in January/February 2016 with commissioning of the new building anticipated to be by March 2018.

2.6 The conclusions in the Campus-wide Masterplan HRA for a potential development in Zone 4 were:

Porton Down SPA: Construction  Potential disturbance effects to foraging and breeding Stone Curlew from additional usage of vehicles/noise and numbers of people;

River Avon SAC Construction  Potential effects on water quality through discharges of surface/groundwater during construction can lead to groundwater – low flow can result in silt deposition, smothering aquatic plants thereby reducing qualifying species;

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Operation  Potential impacts from abstraction during operation have the potential to lead to changes in the water table/ underlying Principal Chalk Aquifer within the River Bourne catchment which is a tributary of the River Avon:

2.7 As such a screening assessment is provided for potential LSE on the Porton Down SPA (construction) and River Avon SAC (construction and operation) as stated above.

2.8 Appendix I details the characteristics of the Porton Down SPA and the River Avon SAC scoped into this HRA Screening Assessment and this includes a review of the two European Designated Sites:

 Conservation objectives and the condition status of the component SSSI Interests;  Environmental conditions necessary to support European Site integrity; and  Site vulnerabilities, including any key pressures or trends known to be affecting the European Site.

Identification and Consideration of Other Plans, Programmes and Projects

2.9 It is a requirement of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive that HRA examines the potential for plans and projects to have a significant effect either individually or ‘in combination’ with other plans, programmes and projects (PPPs). The aim is that plans and projects are evaluated within the context of the prevailing environmental conditions and that account is taken of their effects.

2.10 For the purposes of this assessment the following plans/strategies were considered:

 Wiltshire Core Strategy;  Porton Down Masterplan;  Other Developments within the Dstl Estate at Porton not listed in the Masterplan; and  The Porton Down Travel Plan;

2.11 The Wiltshire Core Strategy was formally adopted in January 2015 and supersedes the South Wiltshire Core Strategy. Core Policy 5 recognises the importance of the Porton Down

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scientific community to the South Wiltshire economy. The Council strongly supports the principle of development for research and development purposes at the Porton Down Campus and will work with principle stakeholders to build on the work already undertaken to facilitate their business aspirations in accordance of Strategic Objective 1 of the Core Strategy. This work will ensure a long-term future for Porton Down is secured based on a coordinated approach.

Porton Down Masterplan and other Developments not listed in the Masterplan

2.12 The exact timing of further developments/possible refurbishments are unknown at this time so these have not been included here (see Porton Down Campus Masterplan Technical Consideration1 for further details on this). Potential zones of development/refurbishment are provided in Figure 1. The following are known developments, either currently under construction, or proposals within the planning system:

Porton Science Park - Phase 1

2.13 Phase 1 of the Porton Science Park (PSP) has been subject to a Reserved Matters Application (granted) for the construction of a junction to the Manor Road, site spine road, related distribution roads and the erection of a two-storey office/laboratory incubator building, car parking, associated works and landscaping.

2.14 Construction of the PSP is expected to commence in 2016.

Large Energetics Enclosure (LEE).

2.15 The construction of the LEE is currently taking place. Construction commenced in October 2014 and is due to continue until 2017.

2.16 The conclusions of the LEE HRA Technical Consideration were that while it was acknowledged that there were potential LSE to nesting Stone Curlew with respect to disturbance from building mass and height, mitigation measures included in the Stone Curlew Project would ensure that there was unlikely to be an overall adverse effect on the integrity on the Stone Curlew as the only feature of the Porton Down SPA.

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Energetics Analysis Centre (EAC) & the Remote Enclosure (Allington Farm)

2.17 These two developments are also proposed as part of Project Helios. The Allington Farm (Remote Enclosure) application is likely to be submitted for planning in 2016. The EAC application is being submitted at the same time as the NCC-CE and construction is anticipated to commence early in 2016 and continue for 24 months.

2.18 All Zones listed in the Campus-wide Masterplan HRA Consideration will be subject to a Project-level HRA Technical Consideration to assess the detail design again any potential LSE’s on the Porton Down SPA and River Avon SAC when detailed information becomes available.

Public Health England - Proposal for the Modification of Existing and Construction of New Bio- fermentation Facilities at Porton Down

2.19 This is a PHE development, which gained planning consent in November 2015 that is identified within the Campus-wide Masterplan but the specific location is not shown within any of the potential Zones of development/refurbishment as details were not known at the time.

2.20 The modification of the existing and the construction of the proposed New Bio-fermentation Facilities is anticipated to take 16 months, starting with the enabling phase commencing in January 2016. The proposed development site currently forms part of an existing pharmaceutical manufacturing process plant known as the Fermenter Process Plant which is operated by PHE/Porton Biopharma Ltd.

2.21 The Project Level HRA identified potential disturbance (direct/indirect) effects to foraging and breeding Stone Curlew during the construction phase. The HRA concluded that taking into consideration all mitigation measures, including those detailed under the Stone Curlew Project the proposed development was unlikely to result in an adverse effect on the integrity of the Porton Down SPA.

Public Health England - Photovoltaic Installation at Porton Down

2.22 A planning application for the installation of photovoltaic panels on PHE land in the western part of the Porton Down Campus has been submitted. Non- intrusive Enabling works are anticipated to start in November/December 2015 (outside the breeding bird season and the

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time when Stone Curlew are likely to be absent from the UK5) and commissioning anticipated by March 2016.

2.23 A Project Level Screening Assessment concluded no likely significant effects during construction and operation.

The Porton Down Travel Plan

2.24 The Porton Down Travel Plan was set as part of Project Inspire (under a S106 Agreement). A Travel Plan Working Group comprises members from PHE, PSP (PBTC Ltd), Wiltshire Council, Idmiston Parish Council and the chair of Salisbury Council Northern Area Committee. The Travel Plan identifies specific targets and measures to support sustainable transport options with respect to both commuter and business travel. The Travel Plan is being constantly updated and has recently been reviewed as part of the Helios Project6 and of the proposed development.

2.25 Tables 1 & 2 below outline the issues arising from the Screening Assessment (LSE test). For the purposes of this assessment, the potential to result in likely significant effects on the Porton Down SPA and River Avon SAC are provided.

5 Some Stone Curlew are known to overwinter in some areas of the UK but this is not known for Porton Down. 6 Dstl 2014. Dstl Porton Down Travel Plan for Project Helios.

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Table 1: HRA Screening Assessment: Porton Down SPA

SPA Conservation Potential Effects Risk of Likely Potential Impacts from other AA Required Feature Objective / on the SPA Significant Effects Projects & Plans (if Favourable appropriate) Condition Attribute Porton No. of breeding pairs; Construction Phase Construction Phase Construction Phase Yes Down SPA: Productivity Disturbance Effects Commitment to Possible in-combination effects Stone Possible disturbance delivery and with: Curlew (direct/indirect) implementation of the (breeding) effects to foraging and Stone Curlew Project Phase 1 of the Porton Science breeding Stone and maintaining the Park (PSP). Curlew during Stone Curlew Advisory construction phase Group as set out the On-going construction of the (24 month period) Agreed Terms of Large Energetics Enclosure. from additional usage Reference that will more than offset the of vehicles . Energetics and Analysis Centre impacts of (EAC) development.

Remote Enclosure (Allington

Farm)

PHE – New Bio-fermentation Facilities

Dstl Fast Track Refurbishment

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Table 2: HRA Screening Assessment: River Avon SAC

SAC Conservation Potential Effects Risk of Likely Potential Impacts from other AA Feature Objective / on SAC Feature Significant Effects Projects & Plans (if Favourable (LSEs) appropriate) Condition Attribute River Avon Construction Phase Construction Phase No No SAC; Bullhead Water Quality A Construction (Cottus gobio) Potential effects on Environmental water quality Management Plan through discharges of (CEMP) will be adhered surface / to during construction groundwater during to avoid any impacts on construction can lead water quality/pollution to: groundwater issues. Therefore no flows – low flow can LSE predicted. result in silt deposition, smothering aquatic plants thereby reducing qualifying species.

Operational Phase Operational Phase Operational Phase Yes Water Quality The building has been Potential effects from the impacts Potential impacts designed with the of current abstraction rates on the from abstraction following water following: have the potential to efficiency measures: lead to changes in Phase 1 of the Porton Science the water table/ Surface water from Park (PSP). underlying Principal rainwater systems will

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SAC Conservation Potential Effects Risk of Likely Potential Impacts from other AA Feature Objective / on SAC Feature Significant Effects Projects & Plans (if Favourable (LSEs) appropriate) Condition Attribute Chalk Aquifer within be collected and the River Bourne discharged into the On-going construction of the catchment which is a ground using a series of Large Energetics Enclosure. tributary of the River soakaways. Avon. PHE (New Biofermentation Sub-metering of water Facilities), supplies. NCC-CE. and Availability of water resources for Remote Enclosure (Allington abstraction is managed Farm) through the EA Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) approach. River Avon Construction Phase Construction Phase None Identified No SAC: Sea Water Quality A Construction Lamprey Potential effects on Environmental (Petromyzon water quality Management Plan marinus) through discharges of (CEMP) will be adhered surface / to during construction groundwater during to avoid any impacts on construction can lead water quality/pollution to: groundwater issues. Therefore no flows – low flow can LSE predicted. result in silt deposition,

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Operational Phase Operational Phase Operational Phase Yes Water Quality Availability of water Potential effects from the impacts Potential impacts resources for of current abstraction rates on the from abstraction abstraction is managed following: have the potential to through the EA lead to changes in Catchment Abstraction Phase 1 of the Porton Science the water table/ Management Strategy Park (PSP). underlying Principal (CAMS) approach. Chalk Aquifer within On-going construction of the the River Bourne Large Energetics Enclosure. catchment which is a tributary of the River PHE (New Biofermentation Avon. Facilities),

NCC-CE. and

Remote Enclosure (Allington Farm) River Avon Construction Phase Construction Phase None Identified No SAC; Brook Water Quality A Construction Lamprey Potential effects on Environmental water quality Management Plan

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SAC Conservation Potential Effects Risk of Likely Potential Impacts from other AA Feature Objective / on SAC Feature Significant Effects Projects & Plans (if Favourable (LSEs) appropriate) Condition Attribute (Lampetra through discharges of (CEMP) will be adhered planeri) surface / to during construction groundwater during to avoid any impacts on construction can lead water quality/pollution to: groundwater issues. Therefore no flows – low flow can LSE predicted. result in silt deposition, smothering aquatic plants thereby reducing qualifying species.

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Remote Enclosure (Allington Farm)

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Summary of Habitat Regulations Screening Stage

2.26 The Screening Assessment and conclusions were informed by:

• The information gathered on the European Sites – Appendix I; • The summary analysis of potential environmental impacts arising from the construction and development activities; • Consideration, where necessary, of other plans and projects that has spatial/ contextual relevance;

2.27 The HRA Screening Assessment identified a number of key potential impacts arising from the development of the proposed development, either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects. However, the potential for likely significant effects were identified in relation to the Porton Down SPA for the construction phase only. These findings are summarised in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Summary of Potential Likely Significant Effect (LSE) Screening

)

European Sites ,

isual

Water Water Abstraction Effects Disturbance (Noise, V Vehicles Porton Down SPA

Construction x ? Operation x x River Avon SAC Construction ? x Operation x x Key Potential Likely further Appropriate Assessment Significant Effects ? required No Likely no further Appropriate  Significant Effect Assessment required

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3.0 HABITAT REGULATION ASSESSMENT - DETAILS TO INFORM THE APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT

Porton Down SPA – Possible Disturbance Effects during Construction (including in- combination) from the additional numbers of vehicles using the designated construction route.

River Avon SAC – Water Abstraction Effects during the Operation (including in- combination)

Porton Down SPA

3.1 The Porton Down SPA has one qualifying feature, the Stone Curlew (see Appendix I). In terms of Natural England's assessment of favourable conservation, the two attributes used to determine favourable conservation are (i) the numbers of breeding pairs and, (ii) productivity. To maintain favourable condition 18 breeding pairs based on a five-year mean and a breeding productivity of 0.61 fledged young per breeding pair are necessary. These are measures of success that are directly comparable with other known populations.

3.2 The population of Stone Curlews in England crashed from 1000-2000 pairs in the 1930s to an estimated 150 pairs in the early 1980s. Populations are restricted to two areas: Breckland in Norfolk and Suffolk, and downland in Wiltshire and Hampshire. The UK population is estimated at approximately 266 breeding pairs (RSPB 2013 unpublished data). The Stone Curlews at Porton Down have been monitored by the RSPB since 1987. Due to the additional developments identified in the Campus Masterplan and potential implications for Stone Curlew, Dstl also started undertaking intensive monitoring supplied via in-house staffing in 2013, as part of Dstl’s Stone Curlew Conservation Project. This has been proposed to increase the intensity and accuracy of monitoring due to the more site-specific, in-depth approach.

3.3 The Stone Curlew is a spring migrant species that generally arrives in March leaving for their wintering grounds in southern Europe and North Africa in October7. Field work to monitor this species at Porton Down starts early in the season (generally early April) and continues throughout the season. In the majority the species is crepuscular and nocturnal and forages

7 A few Stone Curlew are known to over winter but this is not known for the Wessex population.

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in sparsely vegetated areas (Green & Griffiths 1994)8. Stone Curlew are ground nesting birds. They generally select areas of short and sparse vegetation in open areas to create a nest scrape. The Stone Curlew diet consist mainly of soil invertebrates and surface dwelling arthropods, although birds’ eggs and small mammals are also eaten. Stone Curlew breed almost exclusively on free-draining soils with good visibility of the surrounding area and bare ground or short sward height maintained by rabbit or livestock grazing (Taylor 2006)9.

3.4 As part of the ongoing monitoring Dstl have also been investigating adult Stone Curlew nesting responses to known consented events10 over and above background levels, that could potentially cause disturbance within the whole Dstl estate. This includes11:

 Nest monitoring to assess overall productivity;  Camera monitoring of nests to investigate reasons for nest failure and the diurnal behavior of Stone Curlew;  Information on the spatial distribution to determine recent changes in nest distribution or productivity, relative to the proximity of potential areas of disturbance (evidence of pair displacement) or other factors.

3.5 The numbers of breeding pairs and breeding productivity have fluctuated in the last decade, peaking in 2006 when 24 breeding pairs were recorded, although there was a decline in the years between 2006 and 2012. In 2012 there were 18 breeding pairs and 17 breeding pairs in 2013. Productivity also followed the same pattern, peaking in 2006 at 1.25, and in 2012 the productivity was 0, and with a small increase in 2013 of 0.11.

3.6 2014 was a more successful year with 12 chicks fledged from 15 breeding pairs from 20 nesting attempts (Atkinson pers. comm.). This year the numbers were relatively good with 17 breeding pairs with a productivity figure of 0.53.

3.7 Of particular note in 2014 and last year (2015) was one confirmed breeding and successful fledging within a designated 1 ha Stone Curlew plot close to the Large Energetics Enclosure development (an active development site), that has been permanently fenced in.

8 Green, R.E & Griffiths, G. H. (1994). Use of preferred nesting habitat by Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus in relation to vegetation structure. J. of Zoology. 233: 457-471. 9 Taylor, E. C. 2006. Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus and human disturbance: Effects on behaviours, distribution & breeding success. PhD Thesis (unpublished). 10 these are known tasks which are listed under the memorandum of agreement that the MOD have with Natural England. 11 Jeanes, T & Corbett, S. (2012). Dstl Porton Down Site Ecological Plan.

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The pair in 2015 showed no obvious signs of disturbance when dumper trucks of chalk were depositing their contents on mounds approximately 42m away.

3.8 While the proposed development site is a brownfield site and is some distance (c. 500m) from the closest Stone Curlew record, the designated construction route through the Dstl site along the Blackbarn Road is within 100m of a Stone Curlew nesting attempt (2011) close to the southern boundary of Coxes Garden, although the birds did not attempt to breed in this location before and haven’t attempted since.

3.9 With respect to disturbance, and in particular disturbance during construction, the results of one BTO Disturbance Study (Conway & Henderson 201412) which took place between 1999 and 2013 assessed four types of disturbance categories at Porton Down on the distribution of Stone Curlew in five distance bands (0-100m, 100m - 250m, 250 - 500m, 500m - 750m, and 750m - 1000m. The disturbance categories were: Construction, Energetics, Railway and Vehicular.

3.10 The BTO study (Conway & Henderson 20148) concluded that whilst there were limitations imposed by the low numbers of data points particularly in the disturbance categories of Construction and Railway, which, as a result were omitted from the analysis, the majority of the 211 nests examined located with 1000m of a disturbance type, for the period 1999 - 2013, the majority were associated with Energetics (63% ) and Vehicular (29%) disturbance (each disturbance type was expressed as a percentage of the annual total). Only 3 % of the Stone Curlew nests were associated with Construction disturbance.

3.11 A study by Taylor et al. (200713) which was primarily undertaken to understand the behavioural response of potential disturbance agents (PDAs) to Stone Curlew to develop an evidence- based tool for management of access to habitats where Stone Curlew were known to nest, and specifically to build a mathematical model that relates the probability of a Stone Curlew showing a behavioural response to various measureable features of disturbance. The study concluded that disturbance related response from a vehicular source is negligible beyond 250m and relatively small within 250m, compared to human activity (walkers with or without dogs), which may have an effect up to 500m.

12 Conway, G & Henderson, I. (2014). Preliminary analysis of Stone Curlew nest locations in relation to potential disturbance sources at Porton Down 1999 to 2013. Unpublished BTO Report. 13 Taylor, E.C., Green, R.E. and Perrins, J. (2007). Stone-curlews Burhinus oedicnemus and recreational disturbance: developing a management tool for access. Ibis 149 (Supplement 1): 37-44

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The Stone Curlew Conservation Project

3.12 The Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project (also known as the Stone Curlew Strategy or the Project; Appendix II) supports the Porton Down Masterplan HRA Technical Consideration and highlights the work that Dstl undertake to monitor, manage and research the Stone Curlew population at Porton Down. Some of these activities are delivered as part of the MODs statutory duty to deliver objectives for Stone Curlew as a feature of the Porton Down SSSI/SPA, while some activities are required as mitigation for any potential impacts arising from infrastructure development.

3.13 The aim of the Stone Curlew Conservation Project is to deliver a robust and sustainable Stone Curlew breeding population across the Porton Down estate that meets or exceeds the SSSI conservation objectives for Stone Curlew as detailed in the Definitions of Favourable Condition for Designated Features of Interest (Natural England, 2014). This will be achieved by identifying and implementing appropriate measures which will aim to maintain a sustainable number of breeding pairs and increase breeding productivity, as well as the overall aim of increasing the extent and quality of breeding habitat while reducing levels of nest predation to increase productivity.

3.14 The scope of the Stone Curlew Project includes:

 Mitigation or enhancement arising from future development;  Habitat Management;  Predator Management;  Nest protection;  Stone Curlew Monitoring;  Habitat Monitoring; and  Research.

3.15 Mitigation arising from development includes daily monitoring by Dstl between March (or when the first bird arrives) – October. The Stone Curlew will be assessed for potential disturbance effects. Nest protection measures and buffer zones will be implemented where necessary.

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3.16 A number internal and external advisors make up the Stone Curlew Project Advisory Group (PAG) board from the following groups:

 Dstl;  Natural England;  Wiltshire County ecologist;  The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO);  The Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB); and  Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

3.17 The objectives of the PAG are to set a general direction and intent of the Stone Curlew Project by reviewing activities defined with the scope of the Project. In particular the PAG provides the forum for discussion and sharing best practice.

3.18 The PAG covers a period of a minimum of 10 years unless there is a formal agreement between Dstl and Wiltshire Council that the group is no longer relevant and it should be disbanded.

River Avon SAC

3.19 The qualifying features of the River Avon SAC are listed in Table 2 above and provided in Appendix I. In summary these are the extensive lowland chalk river habitat, stream and river Water Crowfoot, Sea Lamprey, Atlantic Salmon, Bullhead and Desmoulin’s Whorl snail. The River Bourne, which runs through Idmiston and Porton village, is described as a pure chalk stream. It is a tributary of the River Avon SAC and parts of it are designated. The closest designated stretch is approximately 3.3 km from the proposed development site.

3.20 Water quality and river flow are two of the most important favourable condition parameters. The rate of flow can have a negative effect on the river habitat and its ability to support the qualifying features. The rate of flow also affects the velocity, water depth, oxygen levels turbidity and temperature. As such the balance of all of these variables is critical in maintaining the favourable conservation status of the qualifying interests.

3.21 The chalk aquifer below the Porton Down site supplies all current water needs for the Dstl site. Water is pumped from boreholes located around the Porton Down site and is then chlorinated and passed through GAC (Granulated Active Carbon) filters before discharge to

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storage and distribution. Water is stored for distribution in water tanks located across the Dstl site. Water is then distributed throughout by an underground pipe distribution system. All waste water is discharged to groundwater.

3.22 The issue of low flows is being addressed by the Environment Agency throughout the River Avon catchment as part of a review of abstraction licences. The MoD Water Service Provider (Kelda) has indicated that the Environment Agency may place limitations upon the amount of water that can be abstracted or discharged at Porton in the future, and as such how the Porton Down Estate is serviced will clearly need further investigation.

3.23 Only 3.4 % of the River Avon SSSI is in Favourable Condition, although 36.96 % is Unfavourable Recovering. The River Avon and its tributaries are subject to a range of issues that contribute to unfavourable condition, most notably siltation, diffuse pollution and abstraction, although it is not known which unit this applies to. Unit 10 is the main river and there are a number of SSSI units adjacent to it that support associated habitats and species such as fen, marsh, swamp, neutral grassland, Desmoulin’s whorl snail and several species of fish. Impacts on all these SSSI/SAC interest features will need to be considered when assessing the consequences of additional abstraction.

3.24 A detailed modelling exercise was undertaken by MOD consultants to predict the impact of current groundwater abstractions at Bulford, Porton Down and Winterbourne Gunner on groundwater levels and river flows in the surrounding area. The models concluded that the abstraction at Porton Down and Winterbourne Gunner have a small impact on the River Bourne, which is greatest at high flows (corresponding to winter flows). The report includes the following statement about impacts on river flows:

 The impacts are small in a regional context. Flow impacts on the Bourne and Avon are less than 0.5% of natural flow at the confluence of the two rivers in the vicinity of Salisbury.

 The abstractions do have an impact on the Nine Mile River and the Bourne, which are both ephemeral water courses.

 The impacts are small when compared to the variations in flow and the winterbourne signature (i.e. length of wetted stream bed) caused by climatic variation. The influence

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of storage in the Chalk aquifer buffers the timing of impact such that the largest differences in flow are seen at times of higher flow. However, as a proportion of flow, the impacts can be higher at low flows.

Identification and Consideration of Other Plans, Programmes and Projects

3.25 It is a requirement of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive that HRA examines the potential for plans and projects to have a significant effect either individually or ‘in combination’ with other plans, programmes and projects (PPPs). The aim is that plans and projects are evaluated within the context of the prevailing environmental conditions and that account is taken of their effects.

3.26 For the purposes of this assessment the following plans/strategies were considered:

 Wiltshire Core Strategy;  Porton Down Masterplan, including Project Helios;  Other known developments within the Dstl Estate at Porton not listed in the Masterplan; and  The Porton Down Travel Plan;

3.27 The Wiltshire Core Strategy was formally adopted in January 2015 and supersedes the South Wiltshire Core Strategy. Core Policy 5 recognises the importance of the Porton Down scientific community to the South Wiltshire economy. The Council strongly supports the principle of development for research and development purposes at the Porton Down Campus and will work with principle stakeholders to build on the work already undertaken to facilitate their business aspirations in accordance of Strategic Objective 1 of the Core Strategy. This work will ensure a long-term future for Porton Down is secured based on a coordinated approach.

3.28 Core Policy 68 (water resources) states that Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies indicate that many of Wiltshire’s rivers are over abstracted or over licensed (particularly the Hampshire Avon and Upper Kennet), putting stresses on the natural environment of these rivers that are likely to be exacerbated in the future due to climate change. It is therefore important that new development uses water efficiently to limit these environmental stresses.

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Porton Down Masterplan and other Developments not listed in the Masterplan

3.29 The exact timing of further developments/possible refurbishments are unknown at this time so these have not been included here (see Porton Down Campus Masterplan Technical Consideration1 for further details on this). Potential zones of development/refurbishment are provided in Figure 1.

Porton Science Park - Phase 1

3.30 Phase 1 of the Porton Science Park (PSP) has been subject to a Reserved Matters Application for the construction of a junction to the Manor Road, site spine road, related distribution roads and the erection of a two-storey office/laboratory incubator building, car parking, associated works and landscaping.

3.31 The technical consideration project level report to inform the HRA for Phase 1 (Nicholas Pearson Associates (NPA) 2013)14 concluded that there would be no adverse impact on the integrity of qualifying interests, Stone Curlew, but that there were uncertainties regarding disturbance to breeding and foraging Stone Curlew during construction. At the time of undertaking the HRA for the PSP, the Stone Curlew Project had not been put in place. The Appropriate Assessment (under taken by Wiltshire Council (as the competent authority)) concluded that in-combination effects of the construction phases between Phase 1 of the PSP and the new Magazine Facilities were considered to potentially lead to the loss of 1 nest site (of a known breeding pair) within 500 m. Following detailed discussions with Natural England and Wiltshire’s Council ecologist, to offset this potential residual impact, mitigation measures, secured through Planning Conditions, were (i) the creation of two no. 2 hectare Stone Curlew plots, and (ii) a Badger Survey with the main objective of identifying the main setts from the outlier/subsidiary/annex Badger setts with a view to increasing the understanding of predation by Badgers and the consequences for overall Stone Curlew productivity

3.32 Construction of the PSP is expected to commence in February 2016.

Large Energetics Enclosure (LEE).

14 NPA (February 2013). Porton Science Park (Phase 1). Habitat Regulations Report.

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3.33 The construction of the LEE is currently taking place. Construction commenced in October 2014 and is due to continue until 2017.

3.34 The conclusions of the LEE HRA Technical Consideration were that while it was acknowledged that there were potential LSE to nesting Stone Curlew with respect to disturbance from building mass and height, mitigation measures included in the Stone Curlew Project would ensure that there was unlikely to be an overall adverse effect on the integrity on the Stone Curlew as the only feature of the Porton Down SPA.

EAC and the Remote Enclosure (Allington Farm)

3.35 These two developments are proposed as part of Project Helios. The construction period of the EAC likely to be similar to the NCC-CE (starting in 2016 and being completed by March 2018, subject to planning). The construction time periods of the Remote Enclosure is likely to overlap with the EAC and NCC-CE. All development Zones listed in the Campus-wide Masterplan HRA Consideration and will be subject to a Project-level HRA Technical Consideration to assess the detail design again any potential LSE’s on the Porton Down SPA and where necessary the River Avon SAC.

Proposal for the Modification of Existing and Construction of New Bio-fermentation Facilities at Porton Down

3.36 This is a PHE development which gained planning consent in November 2015. The development is identified within the Campus-wide Masterplan but the specific location is not shown within any of the potential Zones of development/refurbishment as details were not known at the time.

3.37 The modification of the existing and the construction of the proposed New Bio-fermentation Facilities is anticipated to take 16 months, starting with the enabling phase commencing in January 2016. The proposed development site currently forms part of an existing pharmaceutical manufacturing process plant known as the Fermenter Process Plant which is operated by PHE/Porton Biopharma Ltd.

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3.38 The Project Level HRA concluded that taking into consideration all mitigation measures, including those detailed under the Stone Curlew Project the proposed development was unlikely to result in an adverse effect on the integrity of the Porton Down SPA.

The Porton Down Travel Plan

3.39 The Porton Down Travel Plan was set as part of Project Inspire (under a S106 Agreement). A Travel Plan Working Group comprises members from PHE, PSP (PBTC Ltd), Wiltshire Council, Idmiston Parish Council and the chair of Salisbury Council Northern Area Committee. The Travel Plan identifies specific targets and measures to support sustainable transport options with respect to both commuter and business travel. The Travel Plan is being constantly updated and has recently been reviewed as part of the Helios Project15 and of the proposed development.

4.0 MITIGATION AND CONCLUSIONS

Disturbance Effects during Construction (including in-combination) from the additional numbers of vehicles using the designated construction route.

4.1 With respect to the additional disturbance in terms of the movement of people and vehicles throughout the construction phase, traffic will utilise the A30 access route and then through the Porton Down Site via the Blackbarn Road. This is the existing route for construction traffic for on-going development of the Large Energetics Facilities, and will be used by the PSP development, the EAC development, the Allington Farm development, the PHE New Bio- fermentation development as well as the proposed development of the NCC-CE.

4.2 While this assessment has shown that there is a potential disturbance in terms of the additional vehicles during construction, and in particular the in-combination effects along the designated construction route this is dependent on the nearest breeding/foraging Stone Curlew. The construction traffic will be managed carefully under the CEMP and this will be the responsibility of the main contractor. Under the terms of the Stone Curlew Project, depending on the locations of nesting/foraging Stone Curlew, Dstl will ensure, through daily monitoring that there will be an assessment of potential disturbance effects on a case-by-case basis and will ensure that there will be no adverse impacts on nesting/foraging Stone Curlew.

15 Dstl 2014. Dstl Porton Down Travel Plan for Project Helios.

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4.3 Taking into account the mitigation measures implemented under the Stone Curlew Project (Appendix II), as detailed above, the proposed development of the NCC-CE either alone or in-combination is unlikely to result in an adverse effect on the integrity of the Porton Down SPA.

River Avon SAC – Water Abstraction Effects during the Operation (including in- combination)

4.4 A number of water efficiency measures have been incorporated into all new developments including the NCC-CE. These include:

 Surface water from rainwater systems will be collected and discharged into the ground using a series of soakaways; and  Sub-metering of water supplies.

4.5 Any increase in abstraction will be reviewed under the Environment Agency Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) as part of any licence application and the Environment Agency will assess any potential likely significant effects on the River Avon SAC. As such the proposed development of the NCC-CE either alone or in-combination is unlikely to result in an adverse effect on the integrity of the River Avon SAC.

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FIGURE 1: PORTON DOWN CAMPUS MASTERPLAN ZONES OF POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

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FIGURE 2: LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED NCC-CE DEVELOPMENT AT PORTON DOWN IN RELATION TO THE PORTON DOWN SPA & SALISBURY PLAIN SAC.

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APPENDIX 1: PORTON DOWN SPA AND SALISBURY PLAIN SAC: SITE CHARACTERISATIONS

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Site Name: Porton Down SPA Description Porton Down is situated on the Hampshire-Wiltshire border in the Test Valley and Salisbury districts of southern England. It consists of an extensive area of chalk grassland with scrub and woodland, and is one of the largest uninterrupted tracts of semi-natural chalk grassland in the UK. It is important for downland breeding birds and supports important numbers of Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus. Qualifying features The site supports the following species listed on Annex 1 of the Directive:

 Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus during the breeding season (20 pairs representing at least 10.5% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Count mean (1995-99)) (Source: www.jncc.gov.uk) Conservation objectives To maintain, in favourable condition, the habitats for the populations of Stone Curlew of European importance, with particular reference to:  chalk grassland Component SSSIs and SSSI Name: Porton Down condition Favourable Unfavourable Unfavourable no Unfavourable Destroyed, part recovering change declining destroyed 14.85% 85.15% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Factors which maintain site  Stone curlew rely on the availability of abundant pre species, therefore the management of the site should ensure that levels of these stay integrity within acceptable parameters.  The structure and composition of vegetation is important to provide suitable habitat for nesting, feeding and roosting. Traditionally, management is achieved by grazing and in the case of Porton Down by an excessive rabbit population, which should generally aim to keep a relatively open sward without causing excessive poaching.  Maintenance of mosaic of open stony ground with sparse vegetation and bare soil and short to medium height vegetation. This type of habitat provides suitable breeding sites for Stone Curlew as well as foraging habitat for invertebrate prey. (Source: A statement of English Nature’s views about the management of Porton Down Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 2005) Vulnerabilities  Without management the chalk grassland on which the stone curlew depends at this site rapidly becomes dominated by stands of rank grasses, such as Tor-grass. These grasses, together with the build-up of dead plant matter, suppress less vigorous species and lower the diversity of the site. Eventually, the site will scrub over. During the Salisbury Plain LIFE Natura Project a significant proportion of scrub was managed and now an extensive scrub management programme (commenced in 2015) will continue to until 2020 in order to achieve the Dstl 2020 SSSI Condition targets. This scrub management programme will exceed the targets that were set for the Life Project completed in 2005.  Inappropriate grazing e.g. disturbance to Stone curlew when breeding needs to be avoided.  Disturbance - The site is located adjacent to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory estate.

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Site Name: Salisbury Plain SAC Description Salisbury Plain represents Juniperus communis formations near the southern edge of the habitat’s range on chalk in southern England, where it is particularly rare. This site is the best remaining example in the UK of lowland juniper scrub on chalk. The juniper is juxtaposed with extensive semi-natural dry grassland and chalk heath. In some cases the scrub has developed recently by invasion of open chalk grassland, some areas containing few typical shrub species. However, most of the scrub is of the southern mixed scrub type and is enriched by roses Rosa spp., wild privet Ligustrum vulgare, dogwood Cornus sanguinea, Wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana and other species characteristic of the type.

Salisbury Plain is believed to be the largest surviving semi-natural dry grassland within the EU and is therefore the most important site for this habitat in the UK. It supports extensive examples of CG3 Bromus erectus grassland, which is the most widespread and abundant calcareous grassland found in the UK. It also contains extensive areas of the rare CG7 Festuca ovina – Hieracium pilosella – Thymus praecox grassland, and one of the largest examples of CG6 Avenula pubescens grassland. The site also supports the largest UK population of the nationally scarce burnt orchid Orchis ustulata, together with significant populations of green-winged orchid Orchis morio and frog orchid Coeloglossum viride, both uncommon orchids associated with calcareous grassland.

Marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia is present as a series of large sub-populations where the species breeds on dry calcareous grassland. The site extends the range of ecological variability included in the SAC series. Qualifying features Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site:

 Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands  Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia)  Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (important orchid sites)

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site:  Marsh fritillary butterfly Euphydryas (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) aurinia Conservation objectives Conservation objectives relating specifically to Porton Down:

To maintain, in favourable condition, the:  Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) –  Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (important orchid sites) –  Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands  habitats for the population of: - Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) Component SSSIs and condition SSSI Name Favourable Unfavourable Unfavourable no Unfavourable Destroyed, part recovering change declining destroyed Porton Down 14.85% 85.15% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

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Salisbury Plain 14.34% 85.66% 0% 0% 0%

Porton Down site Grassland description  Grasslands at the site comprise different stand types in constant flux regarding quantity and location. The structure and composition of these grassland types provide a valuable indication of habitat quality.

Juniper No significant regeneration of this species has occurred since the post-myxomatosis increase in rabbit populations. It occurs in two age groups, the oldest of which has shown a rapid decline as it reaches the end of its lifespan. Juniper often occurs as a component of mixed scrub but also occurs as single-species stands on herb-rich grassland.

Marsh fritillary butterflies At Porton Down this species is reliant on Small Scabious in taller grassland types rather than the more normal host plant, Devil’s-bit Scabious as occurs on Salisbury Plain. Factors which maintain site Grassland integrity  Management to maintain grassland of the required type and quantity may include control and removal of invasive scrub.  The presence of excessive amounts of negative indicator species, such as Ragwort, may require management by mechanical or chemical means. Juniper Development of mixed scrub with Juniper into woodland may be prevented by carefully managed control of non-Juniper components of the scrub stand. Marsh fritillary butterfly  The management of the site must maintain a mosaic of grassland types, including taller types such as CG3 that are more likely to include its foodplant. Vulnerabilities  Fragmentation of the site and changes in its use have the potential to damage the qualifying interests. Variations in grazing pressure may affect qualifying interests positively or negatively. For instance, lower grazing pressure may benefit Marsh fritillary butterflies and Juniper but be detrimental to a significant proportion of the grassland types.

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APPENDIX II: STONE CURLEW PROJECT

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Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project 2014 - 2019

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Release Conditions

This document contains commercially valuable information controlled by Dstl. Intellectual Property Department must be consulted before it is released outside Dstl.

This document is intended for internal use only.

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Executive summary

The Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) operates the area of approx. 3000 hectares known as Porton Down (PTN). 1519 hectares of the PTN estate is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) under EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds, and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated under the Habitat Regulations 1994.

As a result of the intended development and in order to obtain a more holistic impression of the planning issues facing the site, Salisbury District Council suggested to the three organisations on the Porton Down site that they prepare a joint Masterplan that set out a range of agreed objectives that future development of the site would aim to address and deliver.

The Wiltshire Council Ecologist (WCE) and Natural England (NE) raised concerns that any developments at Porton Down could impact upon the SPA and as a result have indicated that a precautionary approach should be taken. Although evidence to support the need for mitigation is lacking the currently low productivity of the population was advocated as a reason for Dstl to undertake work to rectify the situation. Therefore, the findings of the Porton Down Masterplan Habitat Regulation Assessment Technical Consideration determined that mitigation for Stone Curlew was required.

This document supports the Porton Down Masterplan Habitat Regulations Assessment and describes the Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project; identified collectively as The Project. This document is intended to outline the work that Dstl intends to undertake to monitor, manage and research the Stone Curlew population at Porton Down. Some of these activities are delivered as part of MODs statutory duty to deliver objectives for Stone Curlew as a feature of the Porton Down Site of Special Scientific Interest and Porton Down Special Protection Area. Some of the activities are required to deliver mitigation for impacts on Stone Curlew arising from infrastructure development.

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Table of contents

Executive summary i

1 Introduction 1

2 Aims and Objectives 2

3 Porton Down Stone Curlew Advisory Group 4

4 Mitigation or enhancement arising from Future development 5

5 Habitat Management 7

6 Predator Management 10

7 Nest Protection 171

8 Stone Curlew Monitoring 12

9 Habitat Condition Monitoring 14

10 Research 15

11 Summary of Dstl Commitments 19

List of abbreviations 20

Annex A - Stakeholders 22

Annex B - Project Data Review - Categorised Document Listing 23

Annex C - Stone Curlew Number of Breeding Pairs (NE FTC) 28

Annex D - Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project, Project Advisory Group Terms of Reference 30

Initial distribution

Report documentation page v4.0

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1. Introduction

The Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) operates the area of some 3000 hectares known as Porton Down (PTN). 1519 hectares of the PTN estate is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) under EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds, and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated under the Habitat Regulations 1994.

The history of chemical and biological research at Porton Down goes back to the First World War when the site was originally occupied by the War Department. Over the ensuing years the site has developed and it is now occupied by three organisations, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Public Health England (PHE) and the PTN Science Park operator (Tetricus Ltd). These three organisations constitute the membership of the Porton Down Tripartite Group.

This document describes the Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project; identified collectively as The Project. This document is intended to outline the work that Dstl intends to undertake to monitor, manage and research the Stone Curlew population at Porton Down. Some of these activities are delivered as part of MODs statutory duty to deliver objectives for Stone Curlew as a feature of Porton Down Site of Special Scientific Interest and Porton Down Special Protection Area. Some of the activities are required to deliver mitigation for impacts on Stone Curlew arising from infrastructure development. Some activities are undertaken by Dstl in order to better understand the ecology of Stone Curlew across the site. Some of the specific activities are defined within a separate Protocol and these are held in the Stone Curlew Project Protocol Document Dstl/WP79052.

This document supports the Porton Down Masterplan Habitat Regulations Assessment. Wiltshire Council has agreed that the Project is the vehicle for delivering mitigation and enhancement associated with all future development. The HRA will be adopted by Wilts Council as a Strategic Planning Document and some of the Project commitments will be delivered as a condition of future planning consents.

This document also supports the delivery of Stone Curlew conservation objectives. The Project is the vehicle for agreeing future management actions with Natural England that will deliver these objectives. The Project will have regard for expert opinion from the stakeholder community this will be formalised through the Dstl Stone Curlew Project Advisory Group.

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2. Aims and Objectives

The aim of the Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project is to deliver a robust and sustainable Stone Curlew breeding population across the Porton Down estate that meets or exceeds the SSSI conservation objectives for Stone Curlew as detailed in the Definitions of Favourable Condition for Designated Features of Interest (Natural England, 2014) This will be achieved by identifying and implementing appropriate measures which will aim to maintain a sustainable number of breeding pairs and increase breeding productivity, including measures to increase the extent and quality of available breeding habitat and reduce levels of nest predation to increase productivity.

Dstl is committed to resourcing and implementing the Project, which has two objectives:

1. It will identify and implement management actions that should increase the number of breeding pairs and breeding productivity in order to deliver favourable condition targets for Stone Curlew as a feature of the SSSI and SPA. These management actions will be proposed by Dstl and discussed and agreed by the Stone Curlew Advisory Group. The actions will be informed by monitoring activities and additional research carried out by Dstl staff or other members of the Advisory Group. They will also have regard to the findings of research and monitoring of Stone Curlew populations outside of Porton Down where appropriate.

2. It will provide a framework for delivering mitigation or habitat enhancement measures for Stone Curlew that arise from any future developments included in any version of the Porton Down Masterplan. Implementation of the project and the continuation of the Advisory Group for a minimum of 10 years will be a formal planning condition for any future development with the potential to affect Stone Curlew.

It is important to note that mitigation measures must be over and above the MOD’s existing duty as a public body under s28G of the Wildlife & Countryside Act, which states that the Authority’s duty is “in exercising its functions, to take reasonable steps, consistent with the proper exercise of the Authority’s functions, to further the conservation and enhancement of the ….. features by reason of which the site is of special scientific interest. As such, the MOD’s ‘duties to enhance’ are limited to delivering the designated sites conservation objectives because enhancements above and beyond these could unreasonably compromise military training or future flexibility to meet Defence requirements.

A complete copy of the objectives set for Stone Curlew in the Definitions of Favourable Condition for Designated Features of Interest is included in Annex C.

There are two objectives:

 18 breeding pairs across the Dstl Estate based on a rolling five year mean

 Breeding productivity of 0.61 fledged young per breeding pair

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Dstl is already committed to fulfilling its duties to achieve these conservation objectives. This is being driven by the Biodiversity 2020 targets for SSSI condition and MOD obligations to achieve these targets. The measures that are already in place to manage Stone Curlew are intended to achieve this target and they are subject to periodic review and scrutiny. Many of the additional measures identified as part of the Project are over and above this commitment.

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3. Porton Down Stone Curlew Advisory Group

A number of internal and external stakeholders will be involved in the Project in order to provide some strategic guidance and expert opinion. They will provide advice and support to management, monitoring and research activities either directly or indirectly. These organisations are listed at Annex A. The membership of this list may be expanded or reduced throughout the lifetime of the Project.

Considerable expertise on Stone Curlew exists both within and outside Dstl. It is recognised that the local authority will take on board the views of all experts in determining planning applications where Stone Curlews could potentially be affected and which are therefore subject to Habitat Regulations Assessments. The Porton Down Stone Curlew Advisory Group (PAG) provides an opportunity for Dstl to identify and address any significant concerns before planning applications are submitted, potentially assisting the HRA process and reducing the risk of delays in determining applications.

Most stakeholder organisations will be represented on the PAG, which has been developed to provide a focus for discussions about Stone Curlew at Porton Down. The role of the Group is outlined in the terms of reference included in Annex D.

The Dstl FMS Estates team will produce an annual report at the end of each calendar year that will document all activities carried out as part of the Project during the past year and the outcomes of them. A copy of this report will be issued to all stakeholders with the results presented at an annual Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Workshop. The monitoring results presented in the annual report will have regard for all monitoring activities and where there is a difference in monitoring data then a mutually agreed set of statistics will be used.

The annual workshop will be hosted and chaired by Dstl at Porton Down in February each year for as long as the Project exists. Dstl will present the findings of their monitoring activities in order to explore the effectiveness of the Project. Stakeholders will be given the opportunity to discuss and share new data, research and information about Stone Curlew that could inform Project activities at Porton Down.

Dstl commitments arising from this part of the Project are:

 Hold an annual meeting of the Porton Down Advisory Group

 Produce an annual monitoring report

 Provide an annual management report

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4. Mitigation or enhancement arising from future development

The Project provides a framework for delivering mitigation and enhancement commitments associated with future developments at the site.

Mitigation could be required to offset potential adverse impacts on Stone Curlew arising from any future development. Specific mitigation requirements will be identified in a project level Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and they are likely to be a condition of future planning consents and possibly included in a s106 agreement.

The enhancement of features of high biodiversity interest, including Stone Curlew, could also be required as a condition of future development under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Specific enhancement opportunities will be identified in a project level Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA).

Based on discussions with Wiltshire Council and Natural England about the 2014 Porton Down Masterplan HRA these avoidance, mitigation or enhancement measures could include:

 Maintain at least 7 Stone Curlew nesting plots either within or outside the SSSI / SPA boundary to maintain or increase the availability of suitable nesting habitat

 Undertake annual management of each Stone Curlew nesting plot

 Implement nest protection measures (e.g. fencing or targeted predator control) around Stone Curlew nesting plots, as appropriate, to increase the chance of successful breeding outcomes

 Identify and undertake habitat management measures (e.g. scrub removal) to create nest sites or foraging opportunities within the SSSI / SPA boundary

 Undertake an assessment of potential disturbance effects of future development projects on Stone Curlew on a case by case basis, if appropriate

 Avoid construction during sensitive time for breeding Stone Curlew where possible

 Ensure there is no significant increase in lighting, noise, vehicle movements or pedestrian activity in areas where it would adversely impact on Stone Curlew

 Use Construction Environmental Management Plans to manage potential impacts on Stone Curlew during construction activities

 Make a financial contribution to a third party project that is delivering Stone Curlew conservation objectives in Wiltshire or the wider Wessex region

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 Fund, either alone or in partnership, specific research activities that could directly inform management actions to improve breeding outcomes for Stone Curlew at Porton Down.

 Fund additional staff within the Dstl FMS Estates Team dedicated to monitoring, research or management activities that could directly improve breeding outcomes for Stone Curlew at Porton Down

Dstl commitments arising from this part of the Project are:

 The Project will be used as the basis for identifying mitigation or enhancement measures for Stone Curlew in all future developments

 Ensure that mitigation measures are targeted and appropriate and they directly address the impacts of future developments on Stone Curlew.

 Ensure that all enhancement measures for Stone Curlew (as outlined in Section 2) are over and above the designated site conservation objectives as defined within the PTN Definitions of Favourable Condition for Designated Features of Interest (Natural England, 2014)

 Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of all mitigation or enhancement measures to inform future management actions

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5. Habitat management

Long-term and ongoing habitat management to benefit Stone Curlew has taken place at Porton Down with activities being programmed into the annual Dstl Site Ecological Plan (SEP).

Intrusive habitat management aimed at the creation of nesting sites for Stone Curlew has been carried out across the SPA using historically accepted methods such as the removal of scrub. However, recent studies undertaken by Dstl, has produced evidence which suggests that the maintenance of the grassland/scrub matrix is important to the health of the downland and its biodiversity. Our research indicates that the presence of scrub preserves soil moisture and also creates ecotones in which invertebrates are buffered from the adverse impacts of climatic events. Many of these invertebrates are an important food/prey source for Stone Curlew and their chicks. Scrub is also beneficial in respect of the provision of shelter in the early stages of a chick’s life. Studies into scrub distribution, management and its associated characteristics will continue.

An associated research topic concerns the soils found at the site. Initial research findings indicate a fundamental link between soil type and Stone-curlew distribution and activity. Different soils influence the calcareous grassland type growing on them. This, in turn, may influence the selection of preferred nesting locations. In addition, the amount of organic matter present is likely to be closely associated with the type and amount of invertebrates living in or on it. Research into the organic matter content of soils will be included within the Project and implications to Stone-curlew prey availability will be further explored.

5.1 Stone Curlew Plots

The provision of new Stone Curlew nesting has been used as a way of increasing the availability of nest sites in certain areas. This has been limited to areas outside of the Special Protection Area (SPA), although there may be opportunities to include plot provisions within the SPA once more information is available to support this strategy. It is however essential that Dstl ensures that any habitat management within the SPA which is specifically targeted at Stone Curlew does not compromise the integrity of the qualifying features of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

5.1.1 Plot Management

Each plot will be maintained as appropriate to its location, aspect and condition. They will be actively managed to maximise the suitability of the nesting habitat in time for first nesting attempts. Some plot management will be considered during the breeding season, where appropriate. Management of the plots and associated activities is detailed within the relevant protocols.

5.1.2 Farmland Plots

Currently there are 7 Stone Curlew plots all of which are within permanent grassland. These will be retained and maintained as appropriate.

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5.2 Scrub Clearance

Although scrub clearance will be undertaken as part of Dstl’s responsibilities to achieve a Favourable condition, no new scrub clearing specifically for Stone Curlew will be introduced over the next five years. Areas previously cleared to create potential nesting sites will continue to be maintained as ‘scrub clear’ habitat unless research indicates benefits in establishing scrub regrowth in particular areas.

5.3 Grazing

Due to Operational restrictions Dstl has imposed a non-livestock policy across the core areas of the Porton Down estate. As a consequence, rabbits remain the only significant ‘grazers’ of grassland on the site. They are a key driver of habitat condition on the SPA and the effects of fluctuations in their populations have significant implications for Stone Curlew and other biodiversity. There is currently no intention to manage the rabbit population across the site but monitoring of rabbit numbers is included within the Project.

5.4 Management of Reclaimed Agricultural Grassland

The Project will include actions to enhance the Townend area of the site for the benefit of Stone-curlew and site biodiversity as a whole.

A programme of sward management will be introduced to produce a matrix of short and tall grass with further introduced enhancements. Scrub will be managed to establish corridors and islands both within and across the area to link into the habitat within the adjacent designated area.

Whilst rabbit grazing predominates within the designated area, an innovative method of ‘chemical’ grazing will be the preferred method of managing the height of the sward in the Townend area. Chemical grazing is the control of vegetation by the use of a weed wiping system. Further details on this area can be found in the within the Site Ecological Plan and Townend Fields - Increasing Biodiversity Protocol.

5.5 Management of New Magazine Biodiversity Area

The grasses within these fields will continue to be managed as a matrix of short and tall grass with further introduced enhancements. Scrub will be managed to establish corridors and islands across the area to link into the habitat within the adjacent designated area.

Whilst rabbit grazing predominates within the adjacent designated area, rabbits are to be excluded from this area with ‘chemical’ grazing the preferred method of managing the height of the sward. Chemical grazing is the control of vegetation by the use of a weed wiping system.

A new fence between this area and the designated site will be installed which will be rabbit, badger and fox proof. This will significantly reduce the badger and fox movements within this area and therefore assist further in reducing Stone Curlew egg/chick predation on the nesting plot that exists within this area.

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Further details on this area can be found in the within the Site Ecological Plan and the new Magazine Area increasing Biodiversity Protocol.

5.6 Management of the Easton Down Trial Site

Historically Easton Down was one of the major nesting locations for Stone Curlew within the SPA at Porton Down. However, scrub management activities between the years 2000 and 2005 resulted in significant changes to this area, which has led to recent abandonment as a nesting and foraging location. A number of initiatives designed to restore nesting Stone Curlew to this location will be introduced.

Dstl commitments arising from this part of the Project are:

 Maintain 7 Stone Curlew plots to deliver the designated site conservation objective of 18 breeding pairs across the Estate

 Undertake annual management of 7 Stone Curlew plots to deliver the designated site conservation objective of 18 breeding pairs across the Estate

 Implement specific management measures on different parts of the site to create and enhance Stone Curlew habitat

 Monitor and review the effectiveness of different management measures to inform future activities

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6. Predator management

Predation of both Stone Curlew eggs and chicks has been one of many factors affecting productivity. Cameras placed on nesting sites have shown that most predation takes place at night with the main perpetrators being foxes and badgers.

Controlling fox numbers via support from the Porton Shooting Syndicate (PSS) and Dstl Deer Managers (DDM) will continue with foxes culled throughout the year.

The Project will trial a number of deterrents such as the use of chemicals and scent repellents to discourage predators from approaching nest sites. Positive encouragement away from nesting site through the provision of predator feeding stations may also be trialled.

Although Corvids, Raptors and Gulls have been quoted as being potentially important predators, to date this has not been proven. In order to establish the validity of this view monitoring of this group will be continued.

All badger setts including outliers within the SPA will be re-surveyed, the Site map updated and the status of the Sett documented e.g. activity. A periodic Sett Survey will be scheduled for every 5 years to document any changes.

Once a nesting site has been confirmed it will be subject to targeted monitoring using nest cameras. This will provide essential information about the causes of predation and nest abandonment, which can be used to inform future predator management and nest protection measures.

Dstl commitments arising from this part of the Project are:

 Continue the culling of foxes across the site

 Survey and map all badger setts across the site and update this survey every five years

 Use nest cameras to monitor nests to establish the causes of predation and nest abandonment

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7. Nest protection

Selected plots will be protected from foxes and badgers using a combination of permanent and temporary fencing. The temporary fencing will be electric fencing and this will be installed during the breeding season only. The effectiveness of different types and combinations of fencing will be assessed as the project continues. Consideration will also be given to installing temporary fences around nests that are established on the chalk grassland.

Dstl commitments arising from this part of the Project are:

 Use permanent or temporary fencing to protect nests on plots from predation

 Trial other methods for deterring predators from nest plots

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8. Stone Curlew monitoring

Monitoring of Stone Curlew is essential to obtain data about breeding activity, including productivity, and to gain a better understanding of the bird and its ecology and behaviour at Porton Down. This information will be presented in the Dstl Annual Report and it will directly inform the future direction of the Project. Ultimately it may be possible to predict seasonal variation or outcomes and their likely effects on stone-curlew productivity.

The monitoring carried out during the breeding season will be led and co-ordinated by the Dstl Estate Team. Dstl employs an ecologist to carry out this work and they are able to arrange monitoring activities around the access constraints, which can be considerable. However, it is hoped the RSPB Wessex Stone Curlew Project, which has carried out monitoring at the site for many years, will continue to support the Dstl team and provide services such as the ringing of chicks, until the Dstl team are qualified to undertake this activity.

In order to provide a comparable set of statistics the existing methodology will be used as the basis for all monitoring activities. Where there is additional data available that supplements the Dstl monitoring this will be incorporated in the Dstl annual report. Similarly, the Dstl data will be made available for publication in the RSPB annual report. If there is a discrepancy in the data the Dstl ecologist will discuss this with the relevant person/body. At the end of the breeding season Dstl and RSPB will publish a mutually agreed set of statistics on the number of breeding pairs, the number of fledged young and the resultant breeding productivity for any one year.

Remote monitoring techniques will be developed utilising both existing and new technologies. This is an important aspect of the Project as the outcomes will help to inform management requirements in a more informed and scientifically valid way without unnecessary disturbance.

Field cameras will be used on Stone Curlew plots to monitor predator and other activity across and around the plots. Cameras will also be deployed to monitor confirmed nest locations both on and off the SPA. The cameras can be used in both daylight and night time hours, filming any activity within their area of detection. The use of cameras will assist in confirming the outcome of each nesting attempt and should reduce the number of ‘unknown’ outcomes. Cameras will also be deployed for assessing activity and numbers during the roost period in the autumn.

Other environmental monitoring activities carried out across the SPA as part of the Environmental Change Network (ECN) will be utilised to assist with understanding the impacts of Climate Change and other variables on Stone Curlew.

All monitoring protocols associated with the Project can be found in the Stone Curlew Project Monitoring Protocol Document Dstl/WP79052.

Dstl commitments arising from this part of the Project are:

 Carry out annual monitoring of all known nest sites to establish the number of breeding pairs and breeding outcomes

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 Publish an annual Stone Curlew Monitoring Report showing the results of all monitoring activities and present this at the annual Advisory Group meetings

 Facilitate complimentary monitoring by the RSPB Wessex Stone Curlew Team

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9. Habitat condition monitoring

Previous research at Porton Down has shown that nest site selection can be linked to rabbit numbers and the impact they have on sward height. In order to investigate this impact and the link between nest site selection and breeding productivity there will be some monitoring of sward height and rabbit numbers and some or all nest sites. Additional monitoring of invertebrate populations and rabbit numbers will be carried out to describe the effects of rabbits on sward height and the impact on other species, as well as Stone Curlew.

Dstl commitments arising from this part of the Project are:

 Implement a detailed programme of habitat condition monitoring that includes monitoring sward height and rabbit numbers around nest sites

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10. Research

The ecology of Stone Curlew at Porton Down is partially understood but there is considerable merit in investigating the range of factors that could be influencing the behaviour and breeding success of the birds at Porton Down. The Project provides an opportunity to do this using existing manpower and resources available to the Dstl Estate Team. This research will be focussed on certain issues, including

10.1 Soils

Determining the effects of increasing soil organic matter within a plot will be undertaken. Various methods of increasing soil organic matter will be considered combined with monitoring of Stone-curlew and invertebrate populations.

Soils, in particular their organic matter component, is a subject which has not been addressed in previous Stone Curlew studies. It is likely that this topic will become established as the foundation on which other elements of the Project are based.

Soil moisture is considered to have a dominant role in ecosystem functioning on the chalk grassland habitats of PTN. Soils of the SPA are not subject to agricultural management which can introduce, via organic matter supplementation in the form of manures and cropping, a buffer to the effects of drought. The SPA soil types are a constant and are subject to the direct effects of climate change.

Soil type is likely to have a major influence on the temporal and spatial distribution of Stone-curlew populations at PTN. Soil types advantageous for nesting will be different to those beneficial for foraging. The Project will address these issues thoroughly using surveys and historical datasets to gain a better understanding of the utilisation of the site by Stone Curlew.

New technologies will be utilised within the Project to provide data relevant to soils and their relationships with the flora and fauna.

10.2 Climate impacts

The impacts of climate will be rigorously studied during the Project as this is the key driver of ecosystem condition. All parameters recorded will be examined in respect of impacts due to climatic variation in order to ascertain their effects and, subsequently, to determine methodologies to ameliorate any detrimental consequences.

10.3 Food/Prey dependencies

The Project will examine in great depth the relationships between Stone Curlew and its prey. This issue is vitally important at all stages of the breeding season from attainment of breeding condition to chick rearing and determines, to a great extent, the productivity achieved. Dstl will endeavour to clarify temporal variations in prey availability in order to establish which dietary components are important at different periods. An improved understanding of prey types and availability will inform habitat management actions. It will also enable consideration of targeted food supplementation during periods of suspected shortage. Additional research will be

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undertaken to ensure that, at critical periods, potential prey is attracted, or has been promoted by management actions, to the vicinity of Stone Curlew activity.

Research will continue to establish further important prey types and examine techniques to increase availability.

10.4 Behaviour

The Project, due to its use of remote monitoring systems, has the potential to increase knowledge of behavioural aspects of Stone Curlew. The study of Stone Curlew behaviours may supply valuable information regarding e.g. likely attainable nesting densities under different management scenarios.

10.5 Temporal and spatial trends in population distribution

Ecological data and knowledge gained during the Project will enable examination of the reasons why changes occur in the distribution of the breeding population. Long term datasets show definite movements of favoured breeding areas (most recently the abandonment of Easton Down) over time. Analysis of these historic datasets in conjunction with known changes in other factors, such as climate, vegetation or rabbit numbers may ascertain the causes and responses regarding population movement. This information can be used to inform habitat management and expectations in regard to the SPA condition.

10.6 Population age structure

The Project will, as far as is practicable, use results of bird ringing procedures to establish the age structure of the population to inform expectations regarding breeding numbers and success.

10.7 Site faithfulness, (both Parents and Juveniles)

Research will be aimed at trying to establish the degree of site faithfulness shown by pairs and to what extent this is passed through subsequent generations as this can provide information connected with determining ‘hot spots’ for Stone Curlew Breeding. In addition information will be gained to determine how long this faithfulness is retained and whether birds will return to previously favoured location after a period of unsuitability.

10.8 Habitat composition and structure

This subject is of relevance with respect to both the SPA and ‘artificial’ habitats. On the SPA habitats the grassland/scrub matric is the priority for research. Finer-scale examinations are necessary on artificial plots where results associated with the topography of the plot and structural variation due to vegetation growth are likely to produce beneficial outcomes.

10.9 Disturbance

Records of disturbance factors will be included in the monitoring programme and any likely significant effects arising from Range Operations will be recorded. Nest location

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records will allow a determination of any likely disturbance factors, such as Dstl Facilities, roads or railways and their effects. All of this will build onto the findings of previous BTO studies.

10.10 Technology

Dstl operations are such that research into the use of lasers, X-Ray, heat source and metal detection is not unusual. The application of such technology within the aims of the Project will be explored as the Project progresses. As an example the introduction of GPS tracking will be investigated. This has the potential to determine Stone Curlew routes into and out of the Dstl PTN catchment area and enable the accurate plotting of the locations of breeding and foraging activities. Dstl’s ongoing research operations may provide opportunities to gain relevant data for the Project. For example, it is anticipated that hyper-spectral data determining moisture-stress in vegetation and describing surface geology will be obtained during a particular trial. Dstl’s inclusion in other ecological projects can also provide invaluable information for the project. It is possible that PTN may be selected as a site for a new COSMOS NERC funded national soil moisture network. It is likely that this will be sited on Easton Down. Results obtained will provide critical soil moisture measurements enabling very accurate trending of changes and comparisons with other locations nationally.

10.11 Climate Change

Climate change has been shown to have profound effects on biodiversity at PTN. Although initial effects are recorded in a single year, it appears from ongoing studies, that recovery can take a number of years. Our research will indicate the duration of this recovery period and whether subsequent climate-related events stall this recovery. These studies will indicate any trends towards reduced, or altered, components of biodiversity on the site related to climate change.

The underlying geology of the SPA, coupled with its relatively undisturbed and shallow soils, means that it, together with its biodiversity, has a propensity to exhibit the impacts of climate change to an extreme degree. It is anticipated that climate change will involve an increase in the number and severity of extreme weather events. The most pertinent type of change is an increase in the frequency of summer droughts.

Research into the impact of droughts and other weather-related factors experienced at Porton Down during a five year period has provided evidence that a very wide range of the sites biodiversity was detrimentally affected. These droughts followed mild winters in which rabbit populations increased dramatically. Subsequently severe grazing pressure seriously reduced vegetation and the animal communities’ dependant on it.

Rabbits also exacerbated the effects of drought on soils and severe declines were recorded in a number of invertebrate groups which are dependent, for at least a part of their life-cycle, on soils. These declines are thought to have had significant effects on Stone Curlew breeding.

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The outcomes will aim to provide improved qualitative information regarding the calcareous grassland habitat together with its scrub component. The major challenge following these outcomes, will be to establish potential climate change mitigation for the designated area as a whole. These will ensure that all biodiversity, including Stone Curlew, will be able to withstand the impacts of climate change on Porton Down.

10.12 Other

The Project is not limited in its approach and will research, review and consider any options which could contribute to improvements in the success of the Stone Curlew at PTN; some of these options may be outsourced as appropriate.

For example the Project may consider introducing subsidised feeding of the birds whilst on Plots; this option is to be trialled on the new Magazine Plot using meal worms. Other food/prey species which could be considered are earthworms and woodlice both of which could be ‘farmed’ on site or purchased.

The Project will also consider the viability of a Stone Curlew captive breeding programme which, should all the enhancements and other initiatives utilised not achieve the objective of increasing productivity, may be an appropriate way forward. This particular option perhaps would only be considered after many years of attempts to achieve the desired objective. The probabilities of this being an in-house or outsourced solution would require further and serious consideration.

As with any operations that have the potential to affect the protected sites, Natural England would be consulted before new management practices were introduced.

Dstl commitments arising from this part of the Project are:

 To explore additional Stone Curlew research opportunities in order to support the objectives of the Project and provide further robust scientific evidence to validate the Projects direction.

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11. Summary of Dstl Commitments

1 Porton Down Stone Curlew Advisory Group

 Continue the Project and Advisory Group for a minimum period of 10 years unless there is formal agreement between Dstl and Wiltshire Council that the group is no longer relevant and it should be disbanded  Hold an annual meeting of the Porton Down Advisory Group  Produce an annual monitoring report  Provide an annual management report

2 Mitigation or enhancement arising from future development

 The Project will be used as the basis for identifying mitigation or enhancement measures for Stone Curlew in all future developments  Ensure that mitigation measures are targeted and appropriate and they directly address the impacts of future developments on Stone Curlew  Ensure that all enhancement measures are over and above the designated site conservation objectives for Stone Curlew outlined in section 2  Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of all mitigation or enhancement measures to inform future management actions

3 Habitat Management

 Maintain 7 Stone Curlew plots to deliver the designated site conservation objective of 18 breeding pairs across the Estate  Undertake annual management of 7 Stone Curlew plots to deliver the designated site conservation objective of 18 breeding pairs across the Estate  Implement specific management measures on different parts of the site to create and enhance Stone Curlew habitat  Monitor and review the effectiveness of different management measures to inform future activities

4 Predator Management

 Continue the culling of foxes across the site  Survey and map all badger setts across the site and update this survey every five years  Use nest cameras to monitor nests to establish the causes of predation and nest abandonment

5 Nest Protection

 Use permanent or temporary fencing to protect nests on plots from predation  Trial other methods for deterring predators from nest plots

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6 Stone Curlew Monitoring

 Carry out annual monitoring of all known nest sites to establish the number of breeding pairs and breeding outcomes  Publish an annual Stone Curlew Monitoring Report showing the results of all monitoring activities and present this at the annual Advisory Group meetings  Facilitate complimentary monitoring by the RSPB Wessex Stone Curlew Team

7 Habitat Monitoring

 Implement a detailed programme of habitat condition monitoring that includes monitoring sward height and rabbit numbers around nest sites

8 Research

9 To explore additional Stone Curlew research opportunities in order to support the objectives of the Project and provide further robust scientific evidence to validate the Projects direction.

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List of abbreviations

Dstl Defence Science Technology Laboratory BTO British Trust for Ornithology FMS Facilities Management Services HRA Habitat Regulations Assessment KB Knowledge Baseline MAP Management Action Plan NE Natural England MOD Ministry of Defence PTN Porton Down RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SEP Site Ecological Plan SPA Special Protection Area SPD Spatial Planning Document WCE Wiltshire Council Ecologist

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Annex A - Stakeholders

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

British Trust for Ornithology

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (Wessex & East Anglia)

Natural England

Environmental Change Network - Rothamsted

Agricultural Tenants

Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

Public Health England

Science Park

Porton Shooting Syndicate

Dstl Deer Management Group

Game Conservancy

Universities

Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Dstl PTN Conservation Group

Wiltshire Council

Central Science Laboratory

National Farmers Union

DEFRA

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Annex B – Project Data Review – Categorised Document Listing

Habitat

Bealey, C. E., Green, R. E., Robson, R., Taylor, R. & Winspear, R. (1999) Factors affecting the numbers and breeding success of Stone Curlews Burhinus oedicnemus at Porton Down, Wiltshire. Bird Study 46. 145-156.

Beard, G. 1995. The soils of part of C.B.D.E Porton Down. Soil Survey and Land Research Centre. Cranefield University. Bedfordshire.

Bennie, J., Hodgson, J., Lawson, C., Holloway, C., Roy, D., Brereton, T., Thomas, C. and Wilson, R. 2013. Range expansion through fragmented landscapes under a variable climate. Ecology Letter 16 7. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. P921-929.

Caccamo, C., Pollonara, E., Baldaccini, N., & Giunchi, D. 2011. 'Diurnal and nocturnal ranging behaviour of Stone-curlews Burhinus oedicnemus nesting in river habitat', Ibis (London), 153 (4) 707-720

Cranfield University. 2014. The Soils Guide. [Online] www.landis.org.uk

DEFRA. 2013. Estimated abstractions from all surface and groundwaters by purpose and Environmental Agency region: 2000-2012. [Online] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/env15-water-abstraction-tables

Dolman, P. M., Porter, C.J., Mossman, H.L. 2010. Securing biodiversity in Breckland; Guidance for Conservation and Research. First Report of the Breckland Biodiversity Audit. University of East Anglia. Norwich.

ECN, Soils of the Porton Down ECN site, Soil Survey and Land Research Centre, SSLRC Project No. 81/3708

European Compost Network. 2008. Sustainable compost application in agriculture. European Compost Network. ECN Info Paper 02/10.

Glue, D. and Morgan, R. 2010. Breeding Statistics and Movement of the Stone- curlew. Bird Study. 21:1 21-28.

Green, R. E. & Griffiths, G. H. (1994) Use of preferred nesting habitat by Stone Curlews Burhinus oedicnemus in relation to vegetation structure. Journal of Zoology 233. 457-471.

Green, R. E. & Taylor, C. R. (1995) Changes in Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) distribution and abundance and vegetation height on chalk grassland at Porton Down, Wilshire. Bird Study 42. 177-181.

Green, R. E., Tyler, G. A. & Bowden, C. G. R. (2000) Habitat selection, ranging behaviour and diet of the Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) in southern England. Journal of the Zoological Society of London 250.161-183

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Johnston, A. (2009) Demographic Analysis of the Impact of Conservation Management on Stone Curlew Populations. PhD thesis, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge.

Lees, A. and Bell, D. 2008. A conservation paradox for the 21st century: the European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuninulus, an invasive alien and an endangered native species. Mammal review. 38 (4) 304-320.

MacDonald, M., Maniakowski, M., Cobbold, G., Grice, P., Anderson, G. 2012. Effects of agri-environment management for Stone-curlew on other biodiversity. Biological Conservation 148. 134-145.

RSPB. 2012. Securing the future of the Stone-curlew in the UK. RSPB project leaflet.

Smith C.J. (1980) Ecology of the English Chalk. Academic Press Inc

Somers, N., Milotic, T., Hoffmann, M. 2012. The impact of sward height, forage quality and competitive conditions on foraging behaviour of free-ranging rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Belgian Journal of Zoology. 142 (1) 74-85.

Thompson, S., Hazel, A., Bailey, N., Bayliss, J., Lee, J.T. 2004. Identifying potential breeding sites for the Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) in the UK. Journal for Nature Conservation. 12 229-235.

Wilson, P.J., and Reed, M.E. 2007. NVC Survey of Porton Down SSSI. Wessex Environmental Associates. Devon.

Monitoring

Green, R.E. & Bowden, C.G.R. (1986) Field characters for ageing and sexing stone- curlews. British Birds 79, 419-422.

Green, R., Hodson, D. and Holness, P. 1997. Survival and movements of Stone- curlews Burhinus oedicnemus ringed in England, Ringing and Migration. 18:2, 102- 112. DOI:10.1080/03078698.1997.9674150.

Mayfield, H. F. (1975). Suggestions for calculating nest success. Wilson Bulletin, 87, 456-466.

RSPB Breckland Stone Curlew project annual reports

Stone Curlews on Dstl Porton Down - RSPB Wessex Stone-curlew Project

Food/Prey

Amat, J. 1986. Information on the diet of the Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus in Doñana, southern Spain. Bird Study 33. 71-73.

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Brooks, DR., Bater, JE., Clark, SJ., Monteith, DT., Andrews, C., Corbett, SJ., Beaumont, DA. and Chapman, JW. 2012. Large carabid beetle declines in a United Kingdom monitoring network increases evidence for a widespread loss in insect biodiversity. Journal of Applied Ecology, 49 (5), 1009-1019.

Caccamo, C., Pollonara, E., Baldaccini, N.E., Giunchi, D. Foraging behaviour in Eurasian stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) in the production area of “Parmigiano- Reggiano” cheese. [Online] http://www.parcotaro.it/allegato.asp?ID=666495.

Clive, A., Edwards., Bohlen P.J. 1993. Biology and Ecology of Earthworms. Volume 3. Chapman and Hall.

Edwards, C. A. & Lofty, J. R. 1972, Biology of earthworms / C.A. Edwards, J.R. Lofty Chapman and Hall, London.

Huiting, H.F., Moraal, L.G., Griepink, F.C. and Ester, A. 2006. Biology, Control and luring of the cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha. Literature report on biology, life cycle and pest incidence, current control possibilities and pheromones. Applied Plant Research. PPO no. 32 500475 00-1.

Garcia, A. F., Griffiths, G.J.K., and Thomas, C.F.G. 2000. Density, distribution and dispersal of the carabid beetle nebria brevicollis in two adjacent cereal fields. Annals of Applied Biology. 137: 89-97.

Green, R. and Tyler, G. 1989. Determination of the diet of the Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) by faecal analysis. J. Zool., Lond. 217. 311-320.

Griffith, B., Turke, M., Weisser, W., Eisenhauer, N., 2013. Herbivore behaviour in the anecic earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris. Journal of Soil Biology. Vol 55 p62- 65.

Kamin, T. 2010. Factors that affect the make-up of soil invertebrate community. ESSAI Vol 8 22.

Leroy, B.K., Schmidt, O., Bossche, A. Van den, Reheul, D., Moens, M. 2008. Earthworm population dynamics as influenced by the quality of exogenous organic matter. Pedobiologia. 52 (2), 139-150.

Disturbance

Ausden, M., Hirons, G. and Kennerley, R. 2011. Using anti-predator fences to increase wader productivity. Conservation Land Management. 9 (3) 5-8.

Clarke, R. T., Sharp, J.M., Liley, D.& Green, R. E. (2013) Building development and roads: implications for the distribution of Stone Curlews across the Brecks. PLoS ONE 8, e72984.

Clarke, R. &, Liley, D. (2013) Further assessment of the relationship between buildings and Stone Curlews distribution.

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Day, T.C.F. (2003). The effects of disturbance from roads on Stone Curlews in southern England. PhD Thesis, University of Cambridge.

Henderson, I. Potential Disturbance Effects, Nesting Success and Territory Placement in Stone Curlews at Porton Down 2010-2012 British Trust for Ornithology

Malpas, L., Kennerley, R., Hirons, G., Sheldon, R., Ausden, M., Gilbert, J., Smart, J. 2013. The use of predator-exclusion fencing as a management tool improves the breeding success of waders on lowland wet grassland. Journal for Nature Conservation. 21 37-47.

Smith, R., Pullin, A., Stewart, G., Sutherland, W. 2011. Is nest predator exclusion an effective strategy for enhancing bird populations. Biological conservation. 144. 1-10.

Solis, J. and de Lope, F. 1995. Nest and egg crypsis in the ground-nesting Stone- curlew Burhinus oedicnemus. Journal of Avian Biology 26. 135-138.

Taylor. E. C. (2006). Stone Curlews Burhinus oedicnemus and human disturbance: effects on behaviour, distribution and breeding success. D.Phil., thesis, University of Cambridge, Cambridge.

Taylor, E.C., Green, R.E. & Perrins, J. (2007) Stone-curlews Burhinus oedicnemus and recreational disturbance: developing a management tool for access. Ibis 149 (Suppl. 1), 37-44.

Climate Change

Centre of Ecology and Hydrology. 2013. Washout 2012 was the worst year for UK butterflies on record. [Online] www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/2012-ukbms- results -butterflies_2013_20.html.

Parmesan, C. et al. 1999. Poleward shifts in geographical ranges of butterfly species associated with regional warming. Nature. 399: 579-583.

Pearce-Higgins, J. 2013. Evidence of climate change impacts on populations using long-term datasets, Report Card 7. Terrestrial biodiversity climate change impacts report card and technical papers. Living with Environmental Change.

Pollard, E. and Yates, T. J. 1993. Monitoring butterflies for Ecology and Conservation. Chapman and Hall. P 229.

Morecroft, M. and Speakman, L. 2013. Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Impacts Summary Report. Living with Environmental Change.

Morecroft, M. and Speakman, L. (eds). 2013. Evidence gaps identified through the Terrestrial biodiversity climate change impacts report card process. Living with Environmental Change.

Morecroft, M.D et al. 2002. Effects of drought on contrasting insect and plant species in the UK in the mid-1990s. Global Ecology and Biogeography. 11, 7-22.

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Morrison, C. and Robinson, R. 2013. Impacts of climate change on migration, Report Card 11. Terrestrial biodiversity climate change impacts report card technical papers. Living with Environmental Change.

Mossman, H., Franco, A., Dolman, P. Implications of climate change for UK invertebrates (excluding butterflies and moths). Report Card 3. Terrestrial biodiversity climate change impacts report card technical papers. Living with Environmental Change.

Randle, Z. et al. 2012. Wider countryside butterfly declines. Butterfly Conservation.

Scherber, C., Gladbach, D., Stevnbak, K., KarstenInger, R., Schmidt, I., Michelsen, A., Albert, K., Larsen, K., Mikkelsen, T., Beier, C., Christensen, S. 2013. Multi-factor climate change effects on insect herbivore performance. Ecology and Evolution. John Wiley and Sons LTd.

Sykes, J.M. and Lane, A.M.J. 1995. The UK Environmental Change Network; Protocols for the Standard Measurements at Terrestrial Sites. The Stationary Office. London.

Van Swaay, C.A.M. and Warren, M.S. 2012. Developing butterflies as indicators in Europe: current situation and future. De Vlinderstitcgting/Dutch Butterfly Conservation, Butterfly Conservation UK, Butterfly Conservation Europe. Wageningen, reportnr VS2012.012.

Wallisdevries, M.F., Van Swaay, C.A.M., Plate, C.L. 2012. Changes in nectare supply: a possible cause of widespread butterfly declines. Current Zoology. 58 3 p384-pU165.

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Annex C - Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Number of Breeding Pairs (extract from Natural England’s Porton Down Definitions of Favourable Condition Table for designated features of interest – March 2014)

Breeding pairs data from RSPB Wessex Stone-curlew Project:

Year Porton Down Whole SSSI/SPA DSTL site 1995 9 17 1996 12 17 1997 12 19 1998 11 21 1999 11 5 Recent breeding productivity data:

Porton Down Whole SSSI/SPA DSTL site 2008 0.22 0.22 2009 0.0 0.11 2010 0.5 0.55 2011 0.17 0.17 2012 0.0 0.0

SSSI baseline is 5-year mean immediately preceding designation (1995-9) = 11 breeding pairs.

SSSI threshold triggering Unfavourable Condition, based on Natural Fluctuations approach, is lowest number of breeding pairs from 5-year period immediately preceding designation = 9 breeding pairs.

Porton Down SSSI Citation 1999 says: 10% of British breeding population but does not mention number of breeding pairs.

SSSI Criteria Sheet says 18 breeding pairs (5-year mean 1995-1999) – this is incorrect as it refers to the whole Dstl site and needs correcting.

SPA data sheet, 2007 says: 20 breeding pairs, 10.6% of the GB breeding population - this is incorrect as it refers to the whole Dstl site and needs amending.

The natural fluctuations approach uses the lowest annual figure from the period used to determine the baseline (usually immediately preceding the designation) as a threshold for favourable condition. If a current population falls below this level then that bird feature is considered in unfavourable condition.

The population on the SSSI/SPA is part of a wider population including the surrounding farmland within the DSTL boundary. Therefore, two sets of figures will be maintained: one set for the SSSI/SPA area

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which is the legally notified area, with each unit assessed and reported against at Integrated Site Assessment (next in 2015); the other set for the whole Dstl site, including the farmland surrounding the SSSI/SPA, to be used in day-to-day conservation management planning and considerations during Habitats Regulations assessments.

Five- year mean immediately preceding designation on whole Dstl site = 18 breeding pairs; lowest number of breeding pairs from same 5-year period = 15.

Note that The Bowl was added to the SSSI in 1999 (when the SSSI was re-notified) and the SPA in 2007 (when this was re-notified). Although The Bowl was not part of the SSSI during 1995-9 period, the breeding pairs recorded here (between 1-4 pairs) are included in all the above figures to allow comparison with current SSSI area.

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Annex D

Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project, Project Advisory Group, Terms of Reference

Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project

Dstl is committed to resourcing and implementing The Project, which has two objectives:

1. It will identify and implement management actions that should increase the number of breeding pairs and breeding productivity in order to deliver favourable condition targets for Stone Curlew as a feature of the SSSI and SPA. These management actions will be proposed by Dstl and discussed and agreed by the Stone Curlew Conservation Project Advisory Group (PAG). The actions will be informed by monitoring activities and additional research carried out Dstl staff or other members of the PAG. They will also have regard to the findings of research and monitoring of Stone Curlew populations outside of Porton Down where appropriate.

2 It will provide a framework for delivering mitigation or habitat enhancement measures for Stone Curlew that arise from any future developments included in any version of the Porton Down Masterplan. Implementation of the project and the continuation of the PAG for a minimum of 10 years will be a formal planning condition for any future development with the potential to affect Stone Curlew.

Composition of the Project Advisory Group

The PAG will be made up of representatives from the following organisations who will be assigned specific roles throughout the life of The Project:

Executive The Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Head of Facilities Management Services (Hd/FMS)

Senior User Natural England (NE) Wiltshire County Ecologist (WCE)

Senior Suppliers

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Dstl Facilities Management Services (FMS) Rural Team The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)

Project Manager Dstl FMS Estates Remediation & Rural Manager

Role of the Group

The role of the PAG is to support the objectives of The Project. Specific responsibilities required for The Project are defined as follows:

Executive – Owner and accountable for The Project responsible for the commitment of resources such as personnel, funding and equipment

Senior User – Responsible for ensuring that the activities within The Project are fit for purpose and fulfil the objective of achieving Favorable Condition of the Special Protection Area (SPA)

Senior Suppliers – Responsible for providing advice and sharing new techniques and technology which may assist in achieving the objectives defined within The Project

Project Manager – Responsible for the delivery of the objectives defined within The Project

When appropriate, representatives from other organisations who have specific and applicable specialisms may be invited to attend the annual meeting to provide additional expert advice or information.

Project Advisory Group Objectives

The PAG will set the general direction and intent of The Project by reviewing the activities defined within the scope of The Project. In particular, the PAG shall provide the forum for de-conflicting activities and seeking efficiencies in approaches and sharing best practice.

The PAG will convene for a minimum period of 10 years unless there is formal agreement between Dstl and Wiltshire Council that the group is no longer relevant and it should be disbanded.

Dstl PTN Stone Curlew Conservation Project Scope

The scope of the Project covers but is not limited to considering the following:  Mitigation or enhancement arising from future development  Habitat Management

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 Predator Management  Nest Protection  Stone Curlew Monitoring  Habitat Monitoring  Research

Meetings

A formal review via a Stone Curlew Project Workshop will take place in February each year to enable analysis of data collected throughout the season (March – October) and the production of supporting documentation.

A record of the agreed outputs from the Stone Curlew Project Workshop will be made and circulated to all members within 6 weeks from the date of the meeting.

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Initial distribution

1. KIS Dstl electronic 2 FMS/Estates Dstl electronic 3 Local Authorities Wiltshire Council Planning & Ecologist 4 Regulators Natural England – Planning & Local Representative 5 MoD Defence Infrastructure Organisation

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Report documentation page v4.0

* Denotes a mandatory field 1a. Report number: * DSTL/WP79501 1b. Version number: Version 3 NT 2. Date of publication: July 2014 3. Number of pages: i + 2 * 4a. Report UK protective marking: * OFFICIAL 4b. Report national caveats: * NONE 4c. Report descriptor: * NONE 5a. Title: * Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project 2014 - 2019

5b. Title UK protective marking: * OFFICIAL 5c. Title national caveats: * NONE 5d. Title descriptor: * NONE 6a. Alternative title:

6b. Alternative title UK protective marking: 6c. Alternative title national caveats: 6d. Alternative title descriptor: NONE 7. Authors: * Jeanes, T.S.; Corbett, S.J.

8. Name and address of publisher: * 9. Name and address of sponsor: Dstl FMS Estates Porton Down Salisbury Wilts SP4 0JQ

10. Sponsor contract: 11. Dstl project number: 12. Work package number: 13. Other report numbers: 14a. Contract start date: 14b. Contract end date: 15a. IPR: * 15b. Patents: NO 15c. Application number: Please note: Unclassified, Restricted and Confidential markings can only be used where the report is prepared on behalf of an international defence organisation and the appropriate prefix (e.g. NATO) included in the marking.

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* Denotes a mandatory field 16a. Abstract: * This document describes the Dstl Porton Down Stone Curlew Conservation Project; identified collectively as The Project. This document is intended to outline the work that Dstl intends to undertake to monitor, manage and research the Stone Curlew population at Porton Down. Some of these activities are delivered as part of MODs statutory duty to deliver objectives for Stone Curlew as a feature of Porton Down Site of Special Scientific Interest and Porton Down Special Protection Area. Some of the activities are required to deliver mitigation for impacts on Stone Curlew arising from infrastructure development. Some activities are undertaken by Dstl in order to better understand the ecology of Stone Curlew across the site.

16b. Abstract UK protective marking: * OFFICIAL 16c. Abstract national caveats: * NONE 16d. Abstract descriptor: * NONE 17. Keywords:

18. Report announcement and availability * Title and Full document abstract 18a. UK MOD has unlimited distribution rights 18b. UK MOD has no rights of distribution 18c. Can be distributed to UK MOD and its agencies 18d. Can be distributed to all UK government departments 18e. Can be distributed to all UK defence contractors 18f. Can be distributed to all foreign government departments 18g. Additional announcement: 18h. Additional availability: 18i. Release authority role: *

Please note: Unclassified, Restricted and Confidential markings can only be used where the report is prepared on behalf of an international defence organisation and the appropriate prefix (e.g. NATO) included in the marking.

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This information is released for Defence purposes and whilst it does not attract a national Security Protective Marking, elements of the information may be of a sensitive nature and therefore the information is to be: • Handled, used and transmitted with care. • Basic precautions against accidental compromise, opportunist or deliberate attack are to be taken. • Disposed of sensibly by destroying in a manner to make reconstruction unlikely.

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NICHOLAS PEARSON ASSOCIATES

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Document Tide: NCC-CE HRA Screening Assessment

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This report hos been prepared in good faith, with all reasonable skill, core and diligence, based on information provided or available at the time of its preparation and within the scope of work agreement with the client.

We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above.

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Version 2-2 February 2012