OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017

Network Rail

Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report

Document Reference 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Author Jacobs Date June 2021 Revision Number A04

OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report

Document Version Control

Version Date Author Reviewer Approver P01 Feb 2020 D. Morris L. Gore L. Anastassiades A01 Mar 2020 D. Morris L. Gore L. Anastassiades A02 May 2020 D. Morris L. Gore M. Gralewski A03 Sep 2020 G. Davey L. Gore M.Gralewski A04 Jun 2020 M. Subiranas L. Gore A. Naik

Report for: Authored by:

Network Rail Jacobs SN1 1180 Eskdale Road Station Road Winnersh Swindon Wokingham SN11DG RG41 5TU

© Copyright 2021 . The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Network Rail. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of constitutes an infringement of copyright.

Limitation: This document has been prepared on behalf of Network Rail, and for the exclusive use of Network Rail, and is subject to, and issued in accordance with, the provisions of the contract between Jacobs and the Network Rail. Jacobs accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this document by any third party. OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 Purpose and Structure of this Report ...... 3

1.2 Scheme Background ...... 3

1.3 Legal and Policy Context ...... 4

2. METHODOLOGY ...... 5 2.1 Objectives ...... 5

2.2 Desk Study ...... 5

2.3 Field Survey ...... 6

2.4 Limitations ...... 10

3. RESULTS ...... 12 3.1 Desk Study ...... 12

3.2 Field Survey ...... 23

4. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 26 4.1 Designated Sites ...... 26

4.2 Habitats ...... 26

4.3 Invasive Non-native Species ...... 27

4.4 Protected and Notable Species ...... 28

4.5 Biodiversity Enhancements and Net Gain ...... 32

5. CONCLUSION ...... 34 REFERENCES ...... 36 ANNEXES ...... 38 Annex A TVERC Biodiversity Report ...... 38

Annex B Target Notes ...... 124

Annex C Structure and tree inspection photos ...... 133

OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 Tables

Table A1.1: Biodiversity legislation and policy ...... 4

Table A2.1: Tree categories for bat roost potential (amended from Collins, 2016) ...... 10

Table A3.1: Designated sites identified by TVERC data request ...... 12

Table A3.2: Summary of TVERC records of protected and notable taxa (species and other taxonomic ranks) ...... 16

Table A3.3: Summary of TVERC records within 2km of the red line boundary of flowering plants that are European Protected Species (EPS), listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) or are species of principal importance (S41) ...... 18

Table A3.4: Summary of TVERC records of bat species within 2km of the red line boundary...... 21

Table A3.5: Animals and plants identified from TVERC records that are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) ...... 23

Table A4.1: Expected provision of artificial features for commercial and industrial development (amended from OCC, undated) ...... 32

OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report presents the results of a desk study and field survey undertaken for a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal of the Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Scheme. The Scheme comprises the enhancement of the rail infrastructure around Oxford Station, located in the centre of the city of Oxford. The area around the station is highly urbanised, but includes several watercourses, including the Sheepwash Channel, which connects the River Thames east to the Oxford Canal, and over which passes the existing railway north from Oxford Station.

Works for the Scheme would involve demolishing and replacing existing buildings, constructing a new railway line and platform, and modifying bridges. Detailed design and delivery of the Scheme is from 2020 to 2024.

This report identifies the following ecological features that could constrain the Scheme:

• invasive non-native species (INNS); • fish; • reptiles; • birds; • bats; and • otter. Based on the identified constraints, the following further surveys were undertaken:

• Survey of invasive non-native plants within 10m of the red line boundary, including land along the railway in a seasonally appropriate time. • Survey for bats at the bridges over the Sheepwash Channel and the seven buildings identified in this report as having potential to support roosting bats. Surveys comprised (reported separately in Appendix 4.3): o hibernation check of the bridges between November and February (inclusive); o internal inspection of buildings, if possible, to identify whether they could be used by roosting bats; and o emergence and re-entry surveys between May and September (inclusive) to determine whether buildings are in use by bats. • Survey of two trees identified as having moderate potential to support roosting bats. Trees were surveyed twice to identify whether they supported bat roosts by an emergence and re-entry survey

Page 1 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 Avoidance/ Proposed Mitigation Measures:

• Best practice to reduce environmental impacts such as by air pollution and contamination of watercourses (e.g. implementation of CIRIA C741). • Development and implementation of an INNS management plan. • Best practice to reduce impacts to fish, otter and bats. The Scheme would: o minimise in-channel works; o time the installation of structure supports either side of the Sheepwash Channel to avoid spawning periods of coarse fish species (March to June); o avoid direct lighting of watercourses, riparian habitat, adjacent woodland and adjacent residential areas; o prevent excessive noise and vibration; and o implement best practice for pollution prevention. • Trees assessed as having low potential to support roosting bats and required to be removed would be soft-felled under supervision by an ecologist. • To reduce the risk of killing and injury of reptiles along the western side of the railway line south of Botley Bridge, vegetation clearance and groundworks to potential hibernation features would be undertaken under ecological supervision and a precautionary method statement. • Any vegetation clearance for the Scheme would take place outside of the bird breeding season (March to August inclusive). Vegetation clearance to be unavoidably undertaken during the bird breeding season would be carried out under supervision by a suitably experienced ecologist. Checks for breeding birds in structures and buildings to be demolished would also be made if programmed during the breeding season. The need for any additional mitigation would be informed by the results of further survey, including any requirement to apply for European Protected Species (EPS) licence regarding bats. This may impose seasonal constraints on vegetation clearance and demolition works, require provision of alternative roosting features, and supervision by a licensed bat ecologist. A Protected and Controlled Species Legislative Compliance Report has been produced to support the prior approval application. It contains the approach to dealing with protected species to include mapping of features where specific measures and or mitigation are required. This document details any pre-construction surveys necessary, likely levels of ecological supervision of works, delivery of toolbox talks to contractors, provision of on-site advice, precautionary methods of working, any monitoring required and management of licence conditions for protected species. Biodiversity enhancements, as required by Oxford City Council, are listed in this report, as is the approach to Biodiversity Net Gain and Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Page 2 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose and Structure of this Report

1.1.1 The purpose of this report is to present the results of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) undertaken in support of the prior approval for the Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Scheme (hereafter referred to as ‘the Scheme’). The purpose of this report is to identify:

• likely ecological constraints associated with the Scheme; • any proposed mitigation measures likely to be required; and • any additional surveys that may be required to support the Scheme. 1.1.2 No net loss in biodiversity is addressed in the Biodiversity Unit Assessment (Appendix 4.5).

1.1.3 This report is structured as follows:

• background information about the Scheme is provided in Section 1.2; • the legal and policy context of the Scheme in relation to biodiversity is summarised in Section 1.3; • the methodology followed for this PEA is described in Section 2; • results of the PEA are presented in Section 0; and • discussion and recommendations based on the results are presented in Section 0. 1.1.4 Supporting information is provided in the Annexes. Supporting figures are:

• Figure A4.1.1 – Scheme plan • Figure A4.1.2 – Designated sites • Figure A4.1.3 – Priority Habitat Inventory (England) • Figure A4.1.4 – TVERC records of invasive non-native species • Figure A4.1.5 – UKHab habitat plan • Figure A4.1.6 – Ground assessment of structures and trees for roosting bats

1.2 Scheme Background

1.2.1 The Scheme would deliver material economic and strategic benefits to the wider Oxford area and the country. The Scheme is located in Oxford city centre, centred on Ordnance Survey grid reference SP 5048 0632. Scheme development is taking place in 2020 and detailed design / delivery from 2021 to 2024. A plan of the Scheme is presented in Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.1.

Page 3 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 1.2.2 The main elements of the Scheme elements comprise:

• Botley Road widening and rail bridge replacement. • New western entrance. • New Platform 5 and platform buildings. • Sheepwash Bridge replacement.

1.2.3 Network Rail will be seeking ‘Prior Approval’ for the Scheme via an application to the Local Planning Authority (Oxford City Council) under Part 18 Class A, Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 (the GPDO) for the railway elements of the Scheme.

1.2.4 The Scheme is considered to be a development that requires Environmental Impact Assessment as it falls under Schedule 2 Category 10d (Infrastructure: Construction of Railways) of the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2017and has the potential to give rise to significant effects.

1.3 Legal and Policy Context

1.3.1 Legislation and policy in relation to biodiversity considered to be relevant to the Scheme is listed in Table A1.1.

Table A1.1: Biodiversity legislation and policy

Legislation Policy

• Animal Welfare Act 2006 • Government Circular ODPM 06/2005 • Conservation of Habitats and Species Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Regulations 2017 • National Planning Policy Framework • Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 • Oxfordshire County Council Biodiversity and • Environmental Protection Act 1990 Planning Policy • Natural Environment and Rural Communities • UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework Act 2006 • Protection of Badgers Act 1992 • The Eels Regulations (2009) • Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

Page 4 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Objectives

2.1.1 The objectives of the PEA were to undertake a desk study and field survey following best practice (CIEEM, 2017) to gather information to:

• identify likely ecological constraints associated with the Scheme; • inform proposed mitigation measures likely to be required; and • inform any additional surveys that may be required to support the Scheme. 2.1.2 The desk study and field survey methods are described in Sections 2.2 and 2.3.

2.2 Desk Study

2.2.1 A desk study was undertaken to gather ecological information relevant to the Scheme from publicly available and third-party sources. Information on the following ecological features was sought:

• statutory and non-statutory designated sites; • protected and notable species; • habitats of principal importance (i.e. ‘priority habitats’ and ancient woodland; and • INNS. 2.2.2 A data request was submitted to Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) on 6th December 2019, requesting site and species records within 2km of the Scheme red line boundary. This information is shown on Figures A4.1.2, A4.1.3 and A4.1.4 within Volume 3 of the Environmental Statement. The data request was fulfilled by TVERC on 31st December 2019. The data were supplied as shapefiles for designated sites and spreadsheets of records of protected and notable species and INNS. A summary report was also provided.

2.2.3 The following additional sources of ecological information were also searched in January 2020:

• The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website (MAGIC, 2020) was used to identify Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) located within 30km of the red line boundary and for which bats are a qualifying species. • The Natural England Open Data portal (Natural England, 2019) was searched and, where possible and required, data downloaded to identify the following within 2km of the red line boundary:

Page 5 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

o sites in the Ancient Woodland (England) dataset; o areas of habitat of principal importance in the Priority Habitat Inventory (Central) (England) dataset; o granted EPS licence applications; and o records of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in the ‘Great Crested Newt eDNA Pond Surveys for District Level Licensing (England)’ dataset. • The Environment Agency National Fish Populations Dataset (Environment Agency, 2019) was used to collect records of fish from watercourses connected to those in the red line boundary. • Ordnance Survey mapping was searched to identify ponds within 250m of the red line boundary. 2.2.4 The distances and directions from the red line boundary to designated sites and Ancient Woodland inventory sites were calculated using the ‘Near’ tool in ArcGIS for desktop (ESRI, 2018). The records of protected and notable species and INNS obtained from TVERC were converted to OS grid squares and the distances and directions from the red line boundary to the grid squares were calculated using the same tool.

2.3 Field Survey

2.3.1 The field survey focused on the following elements, the methods for which are described below:

• habitat survey (including identification of habitat features that could support protected and notable animal species); • INNS; and • external building and bridge assessment for bats. 2.3.2 An initial survey was undertaken on 10th January 2020 by the following Jacobs Senior Ecologists:

• David Morris – Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM); and • Emily Wallace – Graduate Member of CIEEM, Level 1 bat licence (licence number 2017-28224-CLS-CLS). 2.3.3 A later external assessment for bats of buildings within the Network Rail compound was undertaken on 15th June 2020 by the following Jacobs Ecologists:

• Georgina Davey – Associate Member of CIEEM, accredited on Emily Wallace’s Level 1 bat licence; and • Suzanna Platts – Qualifying Member of CIEEM. Page 6 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 Survey Area

2.3.4 The study area comprises the red line boundary as shown on Figure A4.1.1 in Volume 3 of the Environmental Statement. A field survey was undertaken in January 2020, which accessed the land within the Scheme red line boundary via the following routes:

• Cripley Road; • Roger Dudman Way; • Botley Road; • Platform 4 of Oxford Station; and • the towpath of the Sheepwash Channel. 2.3.5 The private garden of the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) building located between the YHA building and Oxford Station was also accessed.

2.3.6 Lineside areas within the red line boundary were viewed through the railway boundary fence along Roger Dudman Way and the Becket Street station car park, and from the Osney Lane footbridge.

2.3.7 Areas of potential ecological importance close to but outside of the red line boundary were also accessed where possible. These were identified using Google Maps, Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping and comprised:

• the towpaths of the River Thames and Sheepwash Channel; and

• an area of woodland located between the River Thames and Roger Dudman Way, west of the Co-operative Childcare building. (identified in the Priority Habitat Inventory). This was viewed from public footpaths around the boundary of the area.

2.3.8 To provide a record of the area covered by the survey, a Garmin eTrex® 10 handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) unit was used to record a track of the route walked.

2.3.9 For the June 2020 survey within the Network Rail compound on Botley Road, surveyors were accompanied by Network Rail Senior Project Engineer Andy Willson. Surveyors also walked the red line boundary and re-inspected buildings identified during the January survey for evidence of bats.

Habitat Survey

2.3.10 The survey identified and mapped the habitats within the survey area following the methodology of the UK Habitat Classification (UKHab; UK Habitat Classification Working Group, 2018). Detailed methods are described below. Page 7 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 Pre-survey

2.3.11 Prior to the survey, Google Maps was reviewed to identify an appropriate spatial resolution for the habitat mapping, i.e. a minimum mappable unit (MMU) and other rules for mapping point, line and polygon habitat features. This review identified that the survey area comprised a complex urban environment of predominantly buildings, roads and other infrastructure with patchy vegetation of small extent or width. It was determined that the fine scale mapping methodology recommended in UKHab would be followed:

• features smaller than the minimum mapping unit (MMU) of 25m2 were mapped as points, i.e. target notes; • linear features less than 1m wide were mapped as lines; and • linear features more than 1m wide or non-linear features of area greater than the MMU were mapped as polygons. 2.3.12 Maps were prepared in QGIS (QGIS Development Team, 2020) and printed for field use. Maps comprised Google satellite imagery covering the survey area printed on two A4 sheets at a scale of 1:2,000, overlain with the red line boundary and an OS grid overlay comprising 100m major grid and 10m minor grid.

Mapping and Data Collection

2.3.13 Habitat mapping was undertaken in the field by annotating the prepared maps and using a Garmin eTrex® 10 handheld GPS unit to locate position. Habitat features were classified using the Professional edition of UKHab and, where applicable, were identified to Level 5 of the Primary Hierarchy. The following secondary habitat code groups were recorded: Habitat Mosaic; Origin; Management; Land Use; and Green Infrastructure.

2.3.14 Additional information about recorded habitat features was collected in the form of target notes and photographs. Target notes recorded information on habitat structure and management, and species lists of vascular plants and bryophytes in each of the vegetation layers:

• canopy layer; • shrub layer; • ground layer – grasses, sedge and rushes; • ground layer – forbs; and • ground layer – bryophytes. 2.3.15 Where a layer was absent then this recorded as ‘NA’. Where a species list was not recorded from a layer then this was recorded as ‘Not recorded’.

Page 8 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 2.3.16 Nomenclature for vascular plants followed Stace (2010) and for bryophytes followed Hill et al. (2008).

Post-processing

2.3.17 Habitat mapping produced in the field was digitised in ArcGIS for Desktop (ESRI, 2018), with data stored in a geodatabase with point, polyline and polygon feature classes representing target notes and habitat features of the relevant geometries. The field maps were georectified and habitat features digitized using the OS MasterMap Topography® vector dataset as base map.

Invasive Non-native Species

2.3.18 INNS were searched for during the survey, comprising:

• species listed on Part II of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), or • other species considered to be INNS, based on professional judgement and information from the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS, 2020). 2.3.19 INNS identified during the survey were recorded as target notes, including information on population size and location.

Structure and Tree Inspection for Bats

2.3.20 Several buildings, bridges and trees are located within the red line boundary. As these could support roosting bats and given the legal protection given to bats, all structures and trees within the red line boundary were inspected to assess their potential to support roosting bats and determine requirements for further survey. Ground level bat inspections were split over two surveys; publicly accessible areas were surveyed on 10th January 2020 and the Network Rail compound was surveyed on 15th June 2020.

2.3.21 The inspection consisted of a comprehensive visual search from the ground, using binoculars and a high-powered torch, to identify potential roost features, such as:

• knot holes (cavities with collar resulting from natural branch loss and fungal infection); • woodpecker holes and cavities created by fungal infection; • tear outs (cavity created when a limb is torn away from the main stem or other major limb); • butt rot (hollow section at base of main stem resulting from damage or fungal infection);

Page 9 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

• lifted bark (substantial areas of lifted bark typically resulting from fungal infection); • cracked mortar in brick work; • missing bricks or tiles; • broken soffit boxes or guttering; and • lifted capping stones. 2.3.22 All buildings, bridges and trees were numbered, and photographs collected.

2.3.23 Trees were assigned a category using the bat roost potential classification given in Collins (2016) and shown in Table A2.1. Only trees with confirmed roosts, or high, moderate or low potential for roosting bats were recorded during this survey. Where no potential roosting features were observed in trees, these were not mapped.

2.3.24 Structures were assigned as simply having potential or negligible potential for roosting bats. Structures often contain multiple features of varying potential and would require further survey to determine their use by bats.

Table A2.1: Tree categories for bat roost potential (amended from Collins, 2016)

Tree category Description Confirmed Trees where evidence of bats such as droppings and/or staining or bats roost themselves are found High bat roost Trees with multiple, highly suitable features capable of supporting larger roosts potential Moderate bat Trees with definite bat potential, supporting fewer features than high potential roost potential trees or with potential for use by single bats Low bat roost Trees with no obvious potential, although the tree is of a size and age that potential surveys undertaken at an elevated height may result in cracks or crevices being found; or tree supports some features which may have limited potential to support bats Negligible bat Trees with no potential to support bats roost potential

2.4 Limitations

2.4.1 The habitat survey was undertaken in winter, which is an unfavourable time for surveying habitats and plants, including INNS. However, this is considered not to limit the results of the habitat survey as the types of habitat recorded are straightforward to identify during any season. Some INNS may have been missed but many species that are of greater concern, such as Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), leave conspicuous remains after dying back and can be identified in winter.

Page 10 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 2.4.2 Winter is a favourable time of year to assess bat roost potential in trees as the foliage of deciduous trees is absent and so does not restrict the view from the ground.

2.4.3 The Co-operative Childcare building (building 5, see Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.6) on Roger Dudman Way, the two small buildings between Roger Dudman Way and Cripley Road, opposite the YHA (buildings 3 and 4, see Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.6), and the buildings in Network Rail compound south of Botley Road (buildings 15 and 16, see Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.6) were initially viewed from distance. These buildings were subsequently accessed and/or assessed from a distance during the June survey.

Page 11 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 3. RESULTS

3.1 Desk Study

Designated Sites

3.1.1 The desk study identified the following areas designated for nature conservation within 2km of the red line boundary:

• one SAC; • five Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); • ten Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) and two proposed LWS; • ten Oxford City wildlife sites and one proposed Oxford City wildlife site; and • one other Oxfordshire wildlife site. 3.1.2 The sites are summarised in Table A3.1 and shown in Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.2. Full site descriptions are given in the TVERC biodiversity report provided in Annex B. The desk study did not identify any SAC located within 30km of the red line boundary for which bats were a qualifying species.

Table A3.1: Designated sites identified by TVERC data request

Designation Site name Distance and Site description direction from Scheme at closest point Special Area of Oxford 0.57km WNW The SAC is designated for the Annex I habitat Conservation Meadows ‘Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, (SAC) Sanguisorba officinalis)’ and the Annex II species creeping marshwort (Apium repens) Site of Special Port Meadow 0.57km WNW The site comprises extensive unimproved pasture Scientific with on the Thames floodplain, supporting a population Interest (SSSI) Wolvercote of the Schedule 8 plant creeping marshwort Common & Green Magdalen 1.39km S The site is notified for its geological interest Grove New Marston 1.61km SSW The site comprises a series of unimproved neutral Meadows meadows on the Cherwell floodplain. Wytham 1.74km NNW The site is notified for its woodland and calcareous Woods grassland habitats, and vascular plant and invertebrate assemblages. Hook Meadow 1.8km W The site comprises a series of unimproved neutral and The Trap meadows on the Thames floodplain. Grounds

Page 12 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Designation Site name Distance and Site description direction from Scheme at closest point Local Wildlife Osney Mead 0.79km NNE The site is a relatively large area of unimproved Site (LWS) neutral meadow bounded by the Seacourt Stream and the Hinksey Stream. Willow Walk 0.93km NNE The site is a location where the Oxfordshire Flora Meadow Group have been monitoring creeping marshwort, which was introduced to the site in 1996 using stock from Port meadow Trap Grounds 1.27km N This site supports a small area of reedbed habitat, with woodland, wetland, pond and grassland. It has a large slow worm population with smaller numbers of grass snake and common lizard. It also supports a varied invertebrate assemblage. Binsey Green 1.2km WNW The site is an area of semi-improved grassland on the Thames floodplain, which holds a substantial population of creeping marshwort Raleigh Park 1.31km NNE The site is predominantly grassland with some areas of species-rich alkaline fen, rough grassland, scrub, a tufa forming stream and a pond St Hilda's 1.49km SSE This site is a small unimproved meadow in the College grounds of St Hilda’s College bounded by the River Meadow Cherwell and supporting a population of snake’s- head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) Harcourt Hill 1.61km NE The site supports lowland fen, reedbed and wet Scrub woodland priority habitats Magdalen 1.61km SSE The site is in the grounds of Magdalen College by Meadow River Cherwell, and supports lowland meadow priority habitats and a population of snake’s-head fritillary Long Meadow 1.65km SSE The site beside the River Thames was originally selected as a Local Wildlife Site due to the presence of lowland meadow priority habitat, but it is currently not managed and has become overgrown with rank grasses and meadowsweet. Great Meadow 1.78km S The site comprises secondary woodland and scrub on former meadow by the River Thames. The site is relatively undisturbed and provides good habitat for birds and includes a pond. Proposed LWS Hinksey Lake 1.24km ESE The site is a valuable site for birds attracting good numbers of wintering wildfowl and nesting common terns Line Ditch 1.35km W This site is a drainage ditch approximately 1km long running north-south beside the main Oxford to Midlands railway line, and supports a breeding bird assemblage Page 13 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Designation Site name Distance and Site description direction from Scheme at closest point Oxford City Oxford Canal 0.07km S The site supports a variety of flora and fauna wildlife site associated with habitats along the Oxford Canal, including water vole Cripley Island 0.18km NW The site is a pair of islands in the channel of the & Fiddler's River Thames supporting wet woodland priority Island habitat Bulstake 0.23km N The site is a wooded watercourse with some open Stream sections to the north Medley Manor 0.86km NW The site is a small fragment of ancient woodland Wood Hinksey Pools 0.91km E The site is a narrow pool to the west of Hinksey Rail Sidings, and supports a diversity of birds and other animals Field North of 0.99km N This site is a small field to the north of Osney Osney Mead Meadow LWS, supporting species-rich rough grassland and encroaching scrub Seacourt & 1.12km N Most of the site consists of the water course known Wytham as Wytham or Seacourt stream and its tributaries. Streams The banks are varied including both open sections with emergent vegetation and densely shaded areas. To the north, there is a small woodland (Church Grove). St. Cross 1.46km S St Cross churchyard is rough grassland with planted Cemetery trees, surrounded by a stone wall in the centre of (part) Oxford Aston's Eyot 1.7km SE The site is a large island bounded by the Rivers and The Thames and Cherwell, supporting a mosaic of Kidneys habitats on a former rubbish tip Park Farm 1.86km SSW The site consists of three semi-improved permanent Meadows pasture fields adjacent to New Marston Meadows SSSI

Proposed Long Meadow 1.5km SSE This site is the northern part of Long Meadow LWS, Oxford City North supporting rough grassland grazed by cattle wildlife site Other Grandpoint 0.43km ESE This riverside site is an Oxford City Council nature Oxfordshire Nature Park park that has been developed on an old gasworks wildlife site site. Most of the site is grassland with areas managed as hay meadow with areas of trees.

Ancient Woodland

3.1.3 Three sites in the Ancient Woodland Inventory were identified within 2km of the Scheme, shown in Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.2. All sites are classified as Page 14 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 ‘Ancient & Semi-Natural Woodland’. The closest site is located 0.86km to the northwest of the Scheme and lies within Medley Manor Wood Oxford City wildlife site.

Habitats of Principal Importance

3.1.4 There were no habitats of principal importance within the red line boundary. The nearest areas were a stand of woodland (identified in the Priority Habitat Inventory as ‘Deciduous woodland’) immediately to the west of the Co- operative Childcare building. Other stands of ‘Deciduous woodland’ were identified along the River Thames to the west, the Castle Mill Stream and Oxford Canal to the east and along the railway to the north (see Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.3).

3.1.5 There were six types of habitat of principal importance or potential habitat of principal importance1 identified within 2km of the red line boundary (taken from the Priority Habitat Inventory). Habitats marked with an asterisk (*) are habitats of principal importance:

• coastal and floodplain grazing marsh*; • deciduous woodland; • good quality semi-improved grassland; • lowland fens*; • lowland meadows*; • no main habitat but additional habitats present; • reedbeds*; and • traditional orchard*. 3.1.6 These habitats covered a large area of the semi-natural habitats within 2km of the red line boundary (Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.3) and were mostly associated with the floodplain of the River Thames and its tributaries. They were predominantly coastal and floodplain grazing marsh and lowland meadows.

Protected and Notable Species

3.1.7 No records of protected or notable species were provided by TVERC within the red line boundary. TVERC returned 6,053 records of 321 protected and notable animal and plant taxa from within 2km of the red line boundary. The

1 The Priority Habitat Inventory includes broad habitat types that are not identifiable as one of the types of habitats of principal importance. The Inventory was developed using remote sensing and other datasets, and therefore in some cases it would not have been possible to distinguish between certain kinds of habitats of principal importance remotely, e.g. there are three types of lowland broadleaved woodland habitat that are habitats of principal importance.

Page 15 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 records span a range of legal and conservation designations, taxonomic groups and taxonomic ranks, as shown in

Table A3.2: Summary of TVERC records of protected and notable taxa (species and other taxonomic ranks)

Taxonomic group Number of protected and notable taxa recorded

Fungi 1 Flowering Plants 86 Ants, Bees, Sawflies & Wasps 14 Beetles 25 Butterflies 6 Caddis Flies 1 Dragonflies & Damselflies 1 Mayflies 1 Molluscs 4 Moths 18 True Flies 12 Fish 6 Amphibians 4 Reptiles 3 Birds 116 Bats 18 Mammals (excluding bats) 5 3.1.8 . The records are largely associated with the River Thames and other watercourses around Oxford Station, and with other semi-natural habitats in the wider area. A summary table of records and statuses is included in the TVERC biodiversity report provided in Annex A. The records are briefly summarised in Table A3.2 and are discussed in the following sections by taxonomic group.

Table A3.2: Summary of TVERC records of protected and notable taxa (species and other taxonomic ranks)

Taxonomic group Number of protected and notable taxa recorded

Fungi 1 Flowering Plants 86 Ants, Bees, Sawflies & Wasps 14 Beetles 25 Butterflies 6

Page 16 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Taxonomic group Number of protected and notable taxa recorded

Caddis Flies 1 Dragonflies & Damselflies 1 Mayflies 1 Molluscs 4 Moths 18 True Flies 12 Fish 6 Amphibians 4 Reptiles 3 Birds 116 Bats 18 Mammals (excluding bats) 5

Fungi and Plants

3.1.9 There were records of one species of fungus and 86 species of flowering plant. The species recorded covered a range of legal and conservation statuses. Of the species recorded there were 11 that have a legal status, the records of which are summarised in Fungi and plant records are shown in Table A3.3.

Table A3.3: Summary of TVERC records within 2km of the red line boundary of flowering plants that are European Protected Species (EPS), listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) or are species of principal importance (S41)

Species Legal status Distance and Year of direction form most Scheme of recent closest record record Alpine blue-sow-thistle (Cicerbita alpina) Schedule 8 1.37km W 2011 Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) Schedule 8 0.04km SSE 2017 Corn buttercup (Ranunculus arvensis) S41 1.43km S 2012 Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) S41 1.43km S 2012 Creeping marshwort (Apium repens) EPS, Schedule 0.76km WNW 2018 8, S41 Grape-hyacinth (Muscari neglectum) S41 0.48km NE 2013 Marsh stitchwort (Stellaria palustris) S41 1.6km NW 2009 Meadow clary (Salvia pratensis) Schedule 8 1.43km S 2012 Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) Schedule 8, S41 1.43km S 2012 Slender bedstraw (Galium pumilum) S41 1.83km SSW 1990

Page 17 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Species Legal status Distance and Year of direction form most Scheme of recent closest record record Tubular water-dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa) S41 0.27km W 2016 3.1.10 . One particularly notable plant species is creeping marshwort (Apium repens), an EPS, recorded at three locations within 2km of the red line boundary; the closest at Port Meadow to the north. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is present in the churchyard of Saint Thomas the Martyr approximately 40m south southeast of the red line boundary.

3.1.11 The other species recorded covered a range of non-statutory conservation designations, including red lists and rare and scarce species. Fungi and plant records are shown in Table A3.3.

Table A3.3: Summary of TVERC records within 2km of the red line boundary of flowering plants that are European Protected Species (EPS), listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) or are species of principal importance (S41)

Species Legal status Distance and Year of direction form most Scheme of recent closest record record Alpine blue-sow-thistle (Cicerbita alpina) Schedule 8 1.37km W 2011 Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) Schedule 8 0.04km SSE 2017 Corn buttercup (Ranunculus arvensis) S41 1.43km S 2012 Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) S41 1.43km S 2012 Creeping marshwort (Apium repens) EPS, Schedule 0.76km WNW 2018 8, S41 Grape-hyacinth (Muscari neglectum) S41 0.48km NE 2013 Marsh stitchwort (Stellaria palustris) S41 1.6km NW 2009 Meadow clary (Salvia pratensis) Schedule 8 1.43km S 2012 Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) Schedule 8, S41 1.43km S 2012 Slender bedstraw (Galium pumilum) S41 1.83km SSW 1990 Tubular water-dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa) S41 0.27km W 2016

Invertebrates

3.1.12 There were records of 82 invertebrates, across a range of terrestrial and aquatic groups (see

Page 18 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Table A3.2: Summary of TVERC records of protected and notable taxa (species and other taxonomic ranks)

Taxonomic group Number of protected and notable taxa recorded

Fungi 1 Flowering Plants 86 Ants, Bees, Sawflies & Wasps 14 Beetles 25 Butterflies 6 Caddis Flies 1 Dragonflies & Damselflies 1 Mayflies 1 Molluscs 4 Moths 18 True Flies 12 Fish 6 Amphibians 4 Reptiles 3 Birds 116 Bats 18 Mammals (excluding bats) 5 3.1.13 ). The species recorded covered a range of legal and conservation statuses.

3.1.14 Of the species recorded, three species recorded are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended): brown hairstreak (Thecla betulae); stag beetle (Lucanus cervus); and white-letter hairstreak (Satyrium w-album). Stag beetle is also listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive but is not an EPS. All records of these species were from locations further than 1km from the red line boundary.

3.1.15 There were records of three aquatic invertebrate species of principal importance: fine-lined pea mussel (Pisidium tenuilineatum); depressed river mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata); and Thames ramshorn (Gyraulus acronicus) from the River Thames and other watercourses.

Fish

3.1.16 There were records of a range of fish species, including the protected and notable species barbel (Barbus barbus), brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), brown trout (Salmo trutta subsp. fario), brown/sea trout (Salmo trutta), bullhead (Cottus gobio) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Records were

Page 19 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 predominantly from tributaries of the River Thames to the west of the red line boundary and not directly connected to the Sheepwash Channel. The Environment Agency dataset largely comprised records of coarse fish species. There were no records of salmonid species from watercourses near to the red line boundary and few records of eel.

3.1.17 European eel is protected by the Eel Regulations (2009), listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is a species of principal importance. The salmon species are also species of principal importance, and bullhead and brook lamprey are listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive (but are not EPS).

Amphibians and Reptiles

3.1.18 There were records of four amphibian species. These included great crested newt, an EPS, from approximately 1.5km to the south of the red line boundary, with the most recent record from 2017. No records were identified of great crested newt within 2km of the red line boundary in the Natural England District Level licensing dataset. No ponds were identified within 250m of the Scheme red line boundary.

3.1.19 There were records of three common reptile species: common lizard (Zootoca vivipara); grass snake (Natrix helvetica); and slow worm (Anguis fragilis). The closest records of common lizard and grass snake were from approximately 1.3km to the north of the red line boundary, within the Trap Grounds LWS (see Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.2). The closest record of grass snake was from approximately 0.4km to the southeast of the red line boundary.

Birds

3.1.20 There were records of 116 bird species. The species recorded covered a range of legal and conservation statuses. Of the species recorded, 35 are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). None of these species would be likely to breed within the red line boundary, but species such as Cetti’s warbler (Cetti cetti) and kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) could breed along nearby watercourses, and peregrine (Falco peregrinus) could breed nearby on tall buildings.

Bats

3.1.21 All bats are EPS and there were records of 13 bat species identified in the desk study. The species recorded are summarized in Volume 4 – Appendix 4.3. There was one record of whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus), a confidential record recorded to only a 1km square and a Daubenton’s bat

Page 20 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 (Myotis daubentonii) recorded to a 1km square overlapping the red line boundary.

3.1.22 There were records of roosts of five species. There was also a record of a roost of a long-eared bat species (Plecotus sp.) recorded in 2015 to a 1km square overlapping the red line boundary, and records of three roosts of pipistrelle species (Pipistrellus spp.) recorded from over 1km away in the 1980s.

3.1.23 Four granted EPS licence applications (one with an amendment) were identified from within 2km of the red line boundary. These were all located from the built area of Oxford to the east of the red line boundary, with three of the licenses covering pipistrelle species and one for Daubenton’s bat.

Mammals (excluding bats)

3.1.24 Records of species associated with watercourses included otter (Lutra lutra) and water vole (Arvicola amphibius), both recorded regularly up to 2018 from the River Thames and Oxford Canal near to the red line boundary. As a highly mobile species it is likely that otter use the Sheepwash Channel crossed by the Scheme. Otter is an EPS and both are species of principal importance2 and listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

3.1.25 The closest record of badger (Meles meles) to the red line boundary was from approximately 0.9km to the northwest of the red line boundary. There were also records of hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) from urban areas of Oxford, and one record of brown hare, from approximately 1.6km to the northwest of the red line boundary.

Table A3.4: Summary of TVERC records of bat species within 2km of the red line boundary.

Species Approx. Year of Approx. Year of distance most distance and most and recent direction recently direction record from Scheme record from of closest roost Scheme of roost record closest record Alcathoe bat (Myotis alcathoe) 1.33km N 2017 NA NA Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) 1.69km SE 2017 NA NA Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) 0.17km ENE 2019 0.17km ENE 2018

2Listed in accordance with Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006

Page 21 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Species Approx. Year of Approx. Year of distance most distance and most and recent direction recently direction record from Scheme record from of closest roost Scheme of roost record closest record Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) 0.19km S 2019 0.19km S 2019 Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) 0.19km S 2018 1.9km NNW 2015 Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri) 0.27km W 2016 NA NA Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus 0.67km NNE 2017 NA NA hipposideros) Nathusius's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) 1.32km N 2017 NA NA Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri) 0.37km N 2017 1.89km NNW 2015 Noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) 1.54km E 2019 NA NA Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) 1.73km NNE 2016 NA NA Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) 0.25km SW 2019 0.25km SW 2019 Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) 1.4km N 2006 NA NA

Invasive Non-native Species

3.1.26 TVERC returned 258 records of 28 INNS of plants and animals from within 2km of the red line boundary, including three animal and nine plant species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), listed in Table A3.5. The location of records of INNS recorded with at least a six-figure grid reference and near to the red line boundary are shown in Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.4.

3.1.27 Of the invasive non-native animals recorded, signal crayfish has been recorded from the Sheepwash Channel. Demon shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes), signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the non-native crustacean Crangonyx pseudogracilis have been recorded from the Bulstake Stream (a tributary to the west of the junction of the Thames and Sheepwash Channel).

3.1.28 Of the invasive non-native plants, there were records of butterfly-bush (Buddleja davidii), Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed from around the red line boundary.

Page 22 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Table A3.5: Animals and plants identified from TVERC records that are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

Animals Plants

• mink (Mustela vison) • Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis) • ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) • floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle • signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) ranunculoides) • giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

• Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) • Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) • Nuttall's waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) • parrot's-feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) • three-cornered garlic (Allium triquetrum) • Water fern (Azolla filiculoides)

3.2 Field Survey

3.2.1 The route walked during the field survey is shown on Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.5. The findings of the survey are described below.

Habitat Survey

3.2.2 A plan of habitats and locations of target notes recorded is provided in Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.5. Target notes are provided in Table C1 (Annex C) with photographs.

3.2.3 Most of the red line boundary comprised buildings, roads and the railway. Vegetation was largely confined to edges of infrastructure and urban landscaping. There was a line of trees and introduced shrubs along the embankment between Roger Dudman Way and Cripley Road (target note 2) and along the south side of Botley Road east of the railway bridge. There were stands of scrub and secondary woodland at the southern end of the red line boundary (target note 12). To the southeast of Oxford Station there was amenity grassland with immature London plane (Platanus x hispanica) trees (target note 14). The railway clinker and road edges supported ruderal vegetation (target notes 7 and 13) and there was similar vegetation on the wall of the Botley Road railway bridge. There was a small stand of species- poor neutral grassland along Roger Dudman Way (target note 5). The garden of the YHA building had a small area of amenity grassland and hardstanding (target note 1).

3.2.4 Outside of the red line boundary, there were several gardens backing onto Roger Dudman Way. There was a stand of woodland dominated by willow (target note 8) extending west from the Co-operative Childcare building to the River Thames. This habitat is equivalent to wet woodland habitat of principal Page 23 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 importance and the Annex I habitat H91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae). There was a small watercourse, the Fiddler’s Stream, along the eastern edge of this stand of woodland (target note 10). The banks of the Sheepwash Channel were dominated by built structures and stands of dense scrub (target note 11).

Invasive Non-native Species (plants)

3.2.5 Two invasive non-native plant species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) were recorded during the field survey: Himalayan cotoneaster (Cotoneaster simonsii) and Japanese knotweed. Both were recorded from the line of trees between Roger Dudman Way and Cripley Road (target notes 3 and 4). Japanese knotweed was also recorded at the edge of a garden along Roger Dudman Way (target note 6).

3.2.6 The survey also recorded three further non-native species considered to be invasive: butterfly bush; Himalayan giant bramble (Rubus armeniacus); and unidentifiable species of Michaelmas daisy (Aster spp.). Butterfly bush was frequent, with a range of ages growing along the railway and road edges and out of the walls of the Botley Road railway bridge. Plants of Himalayan giant bramble were found scattered along Roger Dudman Way. Michaelmas daisy was found along Roger Dudman Way and in the woodland to the west of the Co-operative Childcare.

Structure and Tree Inspection for Bats

3.2.7 The survey results from the tree and structure inspections are provided in Annex C. Structures and trees identified are shown in Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.6.

3.2.8 A total of 20 buildings were identified within the red line boundary, comprising traditional buildings, containers and prefabricated structures. Of these, seven buildings were assessed as having potential to support roosting bats (buildings 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 14 and E3). Building E4 in the Network Rail compound, identified on OS mapping, had been demolished and had been replaced by a shipping container (E7), along the eastern boundary with the railway tracks.

3.2.9 Five bridges were identified, comprising foot, road and railway bridges. The Sheepwash road bridge and walkway spans and the Sheepwash rail bridge (bridges 1a and 1b, respectively) were assessed as having bat roost potential. The other four bridges were assessed as having negligible potential.

Page 24 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 3.2.10 Four trees were identified as having bat roost potential: two with low potential; and two with moderate potential.

3.2.11 During the inspections, bird nests were found in building 2 and tree 4.

Page 25 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 4. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Designated Sites

4.1.1 There are no designated sites within the Scheme red line boundary. The closest statutory designated sites are Oxford Meadows SAC and Port Meadow with Wolvercote Common & Green SSSI. The latter is the closest component site of the SAC and is located approximately 0.5km to the northwest of the red line boundary and upstream of the red line boundary along the River Thames. Other statutory designated sites are over 1km from the red line boundary.

4.1.2 A Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) has been undertaken to assess any likely significant effects of the Scheme on the qualifying features of the Oxford Meadows SAC, namely its Annex I habitat Lowland Hay Meadows and Annex II species creeping marshwort. The HRA is to be found in Volume 4 – Appendix 4.2.

4.1.3 There are a variety of non-statutory designated sites around the red line boundary, including some nearby watercourses such as Oxford Canal LWS. These sites are upstream or distant from the red line boundary.

4.1.4 As there are no sites within or near to the red line boundary, and no feasible pathway to any adverse effects are anticipated, no recommendations are made with respect to designated sites.

4.2 Habitats

4.2.1 The habitats within the red line boundary comprised artificial habitats of low nature conservation value. The only habitat of importance for nature conservation identified was the stand of wet woodland habitat of principal importance to the west of Co-operative Childcare. This habitat is also referable to the Annex I habitat H91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae), which is an Annex I habitat and listed as Near Threatened on the European Union red list of habitat types (European Commision, 2019). Based on the Scheme design, this woodland would not be impacted.

4.2.2 Other habitats, such as the River Thames and other watercourses, are not habitats of principal importance but are likely to be of value for the protected animal species they support. This is discussed in the protected and notable species section.

4.2.3 Based on the Scheme design and results of the desk study and field survey, no further survey or proposed mitigation targeted at habitats are

Page 26 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 recommended. However, the Scheme would follow best practice to limit general environmental impacts that could indirectly adversely impact habitats, such as by air pollution or contamination of watercourses (Environment Agency, 2019). Appropriate permissions would also be obtained from the Environment Agency for works over the Sheepwash Channel as it is classified as Main River (Environment Agency, 2020).

4.3 Invasive Non-native Species

4.3.1 The desk study identified records of invasive non-native animal species from around the red line boundary. These were all associated with watercourses, and included mink and signal crayfish, listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The Act makes it an offence to release into the wild any of the animal species listed on Schedule 9. If either of these species were to become caught in boats/machinery used during construction works over the Sheepwash Channel and were subsequently released, then this would constitute an offence. If the works were to lead to the spread of other invasive non-native animals, such as zebra mussel, then this could also cause environmental damage.

4.3.2 Two plant species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) were recorded during the field survey. The desk study identified records of seven further plant species listed on Schedule 9 and recorded within 2km of the red line boundary. This included Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed and the aquatic species Canadian waterweed, floating pennywort, Nuttall’s waterweed and water fern. The Act makes it an offence to cause any of these species to spread in the wild. Three further invasive non-native plant species not listed on Schedule 9 were also recorded.

4.3.3 As the field survey was undertaken during winter and areas along the railway were not accessed, it is possible that further populations of invasive non- native plant species are present around the Scheme. It was recommended that a survey be undertaken to identify all populations of invasive non-native plants around the Scheme. The results of this are reported within the Protected and Controlled Species Compliance Report (Volume 4 – Appendix 4.4). The survey extended up to 10m from the red line boundary and was undertaken during summer (June to August).

4.3.4 Works in areas with INNS, including both terrestrial and freshwater habitats, could lead to their spread. To control this, it is recommended that the Scheme produce and follow an INNS management plan. The plan would identify invasive non-native animal and plant species that could be affected by the Scheme and identify species-specific control measures following best Page 27 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 practice (e.g. Environment Agency, 2019, Invasive Non-Native Species Association, 2017).

4.4 Protected and Notable Species

4.4.1 Based on the findings of the desk study and field survey it is considered that no proposed mitigation or further survey would be required for fungi, plants, invertebrates and amphibians. This is due to the distance from the red line boundary to locations of records of these species’ groups and the unsuitability of the habitat within and immediately surrounding around the Scheme red line boundary for these groups. Other groups of protected and notable species are discussed below.

Fish

4.4.2 The desk study identified a range of fish species from watercourses around the red line boundary. Records were largely of coarse fish species and there were few records of the migratory eel or salmonid species. As the Scheme would involve works above the Sheepwash Channel, there is the potential for impacts to local fish populations.

4.4.3 It is not recommended that fish survey would be undertaken. As the existing abutments would not be altered and there would be no in-channel works, potential disturbance impacts are minimal and there is no need to use timing restrictions to avoid spawning periods of coarse fish. The Scheme would implement proposed mitigation to reduce impacts to fish populations, by:

• minimising in-channel works; • avoiding direct lighting of watercourses; • preventing excessive noise and vibration from land-based activities from entering the water; and • implementing best practice for pollution prevention (Environment Agency, 2019).

Birds

4.4.4 Habitat suitable for breeding birds within the red line boundary was very limited. Suitable vegetation comprised the line of trees between Cripley Road and Roger Dudman Way, and scrub along the railway and Sheepwash Channel. During the field survey, bird nests were found in building 2 and tree 4, and other structures and similar habitat could support breeding birds.

4.4.5 Given the small extent and urban location of these habitats and the absence of records of species of conservation concern from the area immediately around the Scheme, the breeding bird assemblage within the red line Page 28 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 boundary is likely comprise to common species of no or low conservation concern. No further survey is required.

4.4.6 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) makes it an offence to kill, injure, or take any wild bird or their eggs or nests. To avoid an offence under the Act, it is recommended that any vegetation clearance for the Scheme would take place outside of the bird breeding season (March to August). Such works to be undertaken during the bird breeding season would require a check by an ecologist prior to works and be carried out under supervision by a suitably experienced ecologist. Structures and buildings requiring demolition would also be checked for breeding birds prior to demolition if programmed during the breeding season. If the ecologist were to identify birds breeding in an area to be cleared or structure to be demolished, works must stop until breeding is concluded and chicks have fledged.

Reptiles

4.4.7 The desk study identified the closest record of reptiles as 0.4km from the red line boundary. This was a record of grass snake to the southeast of the red line boundary. The three common reptile species, common lizard, grass snake and slow worm have also been recorded north of the red line boundary from the Trap Grounds LWS, which is connected to the red line boundary by the railway (Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.2).

4.4.8 The field survey identified habitat suitable for reptiles on the land previously used as a railway siding to the south of Botley Road (target note 13), with stands of open ruderal and ephemeral vegetation on the railway clinker and bramble scrub along the boundary. Reptiles could be present in this area during the active season (March to September). They could also use the railway ballast for hibernation. As reptiles are protected from killing and injury under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), if reptiles were present then works for the Scheme could result in an offence. The working methodologies are presented within the Protected and Controlled Species Legislative Compliance Report – Appendix 4.4.

4.4.9 As the area of siding is small and animals could disperse along the railway, surveys for reptiles would not be required. To mitigate the risk of killing and injury, it is recommended that vegetation clearance and groundworks in this area be carried out following a precautionary method statement. Under such a method statement, these specific vegetation clearance and groundworks works along the railway would be carried out under supervision by an experienced ecologist. Vegetation clearance during the active season would be undertaken in two stages to enable animals to disperse. Groundworks to Page 29 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 potential hibernation habitat, such as banks or clinker accessible to animals, would be supervised and avoid the hibernation period (November to February, inclusive).

Bats

4.4.10 The demolition of buildings and structures, felling of trees and other construction activities have the potential to kill or injure bats in their roosts, damage or destroy roosts, or disturb bats. This would be an offence under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

4.4.11 The desk study identified records of five bat roosts and a diversity of bat species within 1km of the red line boundary. The records showed that bats are in the surrounding area and suggest they may be utilising wildlife corridors along the rivers, streams and railway.

4.4.12 The field surveys identified nine structures with potential to support roosting bats (buildings 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 14, E3 and bridges 1a and 1b). Recommendations for further survey were made and the results are contained within the Bat Survey Report (Volume 4 – Appendix 4.5). A summary of the results is as follows:

• Hibernation checks of the Sheepwash Road and walkway spans (bridge 1a) and Sheepwash rail bridge (bridge 1b) did not identify any hibernating bats. Limitations apply. • Emergence and re-entry surveys undertaken between May and September (inclusive) 2020 to determine whether buildings were used by bats did not identify any roosting bats. • No roosting bats were identified within trees where potential had been recorded. 4.4.13 The two low potential trees did not require further survey. If it is required to fell these low potential trees, they would be soft-felled under supervision by an ecologist.

4.4.14 Although there is a feasible pathway to adverse impacts on structures and trees outside the red line boundary that could support bats i.e. trees in the woodland around the Co-operative Childcare (building 5, Volume 3 – Figure A4.1.6) and the row of old terrace houses backing onto Roger Dudman Way, avoidance measures are proposed here to negate the need for further survey. It is recommended that neither these features are lit with artificial lighting, night works are restricted to where essential, and vibration and noise controls, as per best construction practice (e.g. CIRIA, Environmental good practice on site guide (fourth edition) (C741)), are implemented. Page 30 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 Otter

1.1.1 The desk study identified records of otter from along the River Thames and Oxford Canal. Otter is an EPS and is listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which make it an offence to:

• intentionally kill, injure or take animals; • to interfere with places used by them for shelter or protection; • to disturb animals occupying such places; and • to deliberately disturb any otter in such a way as to be likely to impair their ability to survive, breed, rear or nurture their young, hibernate or migrate, or affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species. 4.4.15 The Scheme would be unlikely to directly affect otter breeding or resting habitat, as the bank-side areas of watercourses that would be affected along the Sheepwash Channel comprise steep built structures, and little or unsuitable vegetation for otter. The banks are disturbed by pedestrian, boat and rail traffic.

4.4.16 Indirect impacts could occur by disturbance, such as by noise and vibration from works to the railway bridge over the Sheepwash Channel or Co- operative Childcare. These works could impact otter resting or breeding sites within the woodland to the west of Co-operative Childcare, should they be present. It is recommended that avoidance measures are applied, thus negating the need for further survey. It is recommended that neither the watercourse, riparian habitat or adjacent woodland are lit with artificial lighting, night works are restricted to where essential, and vibration, noise and pollution controls, as per best construction practice (e.g. CIRIA, 2015), are implemented. Where unavoidable, night working on the bridge would be temporary only.

Water Vole

4.4.17 The desk study identified records of water vole from along the River Thames and Oxford Canal. Water Vole is protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take animals, to interfere with places used by them for shelter or protection and to disturb animals occupying such places.

4.4.18 Although there are records of water vole from near to the red line boundary, animals are unlikely to use the banks of the Sheepwash Channel for burrows as the banks comprise steep artificial structures, the area is disturbed by pedestrians on the tow path and the banks support no vegetation suitable to provide cover or forage.

Page 31 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 4.4.19 Due to the predominantly built-up or wooded habitat along nearby watercourses and existing levels of disturbance, areas suitable for water vole burrows are likely to be sufficiently distant from the red line boundary that disturbance to animals in burrows would be unlikely to occur. Other indirect effects, such as by habitat fragmentation, are unlikely to be notable as no in- channel works are proposed.

4.4.20 As such, it is considered unlikely that the Scheme would impact water vole. Based on the decision-making framework for considering water vole set out in Dean et al. (2016), proposed mitigation and further survey for water vole is not required.

4.5 Biodiversity Enhancements and Net Gain

4.5.1 In accordance with Technical Advice Note: Biodiversity (OCC, undated) the installation of:

‘…artificial nesting and roosting sites for birds and bats is good practice as part of any development and such provision will be expected unless there are good reasons why such features cannot be accommodated in the design’.

4.5.2 The expected provision, in addition to any required to replace the loss of any existing features is shown in Table A4.1.

Table A4.1: Expected provision of artificial features for commercial and industrial development (amended from OCC, undated)

Type of site Expected provision

Bird nest sites for building-dependent birds 1 per 1000m2 floor space (swifts, house sparrows, house martins) Bat roost sites 1 per 2000m2 floor space Pollinator provision 1 bug hotel per 2000m2 floor space plus 25% of soft landscaping designed to provide nectar sources

4.5.3 To replace loss of existing features and comply with local policy the following would be incorporated into the design of the scheme based on 860m2 of floor space being created:

• At least one bird nest site; • Fourteen bat roost sites (based on one for floor space required, nine to replace potential roosting features in structures and four for the loss of two trees with moderate roosting potential); • At least one bug hotel; and • Landscaping to provide nectar sources.

Page 32 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 4.5.4 Network Rail is committed to providing a net gain in biodiversity for the scheme. A Biodiversity Net Gain calculation and report is provided within Appendix 4.5 – Biodiversity Unit Assessment.

Page 33 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 5. CONCLUSION

5.1.1 This PEA has identified the following ecological features that are potential ecological constraints on the Scheme as described in Sections 4.3 and 4.4:

• INNS; • fish; • reptiles; • birds; • bats; and • otter. 5.1.2 However, implementation of the following measures would avoid any potential impacts:

• The Scheme would follow best practice to reduce environmental impacts that could indirectly adversely impact habitats, such as by air pollution and contamination of watercourses (e.g. implementation of CIRIA C741). • An INNS management plan would be produced, to control the spread of invasive non-native animal and plant species. The plan would identify all populations of terrestrial and freshwater INNS that could be affected by the Scheme and identify species-specific control measures following best practice. • The Scheme would implement best practice to limit impacts to fish, otter and bats. This best practice would include: o no in-channel works; o avoid direct lighting of watercourses, riparian habitat, adjacent woodland and adjacent residential areas; o prevent excessive noise and vibration; and o implement best practice for pollution prevention. • It is recommended that trees assessed as having low potential to support roosting bats and required to be removed would be soft-felled under supervision by an ecologist. • It is recommended that vegetation clearance and groundworks that include potential hibernation features would be undertaken under ecological supervision and a precautionary method statement, to reduce the risk of killing and injury of reptiles. • All vegetation clearance for the Scheme would take place outside of the bird breeding season (March to August). Such works to be undertaken during the bird breeding season would be carried out under supervision by a suitably experienced ecologist. Buildings and structures requiring demolition would also be checked for breeding birds if programmed during Page 34 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

the breeding season. If the ecologist identifies birds breeding in an area to be cleared/demolished, works must stop until breeding is concluded. 5.1.3 A Protected and Controlled Species Legislation Compliance Report has been produced which contains the approach to dealing with protected species, including mapping of features where specific measures and or mitigation are required. This document details any pre-construction surveys necessary, likely levels of ecological supervision of works, delivery of toolbox talks to contractors, provision of on-site advice, precautionary methods of working, any monitoring required and management of licence conditions for protected species, if required.

5.1.4 The approach to securing Biodiversity Net Gain is detailed in Appendix 4.5. In summary, a net gain in biodiversity has been identified by implementing the indicative planting proposals as shown in Volume 3 – Figure 9.6 of the Environmental Statement.

5.1.5 A HRA, Volume 4 - Appendix 4.2, has been produced to specifically identify any likely significant effects on the Oxford Meadows SAC. The HRA concludes that there is no likely significant effect on the Oxford Meadows SAC.

Page 35 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04 REFERENCES

CIEEM, 2017. Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, 2nd edition, Winchester: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Collins, J., ed., 2016. Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidance. 3 ed. London: Bat Conservation Trust.

Dean, M., Strachan, R., Gow, D. & Andrews, R., 2016. The Water Vole Mitigation Handbook. London: The Mammal Society.

Environment Agency, 2019. Freshwater Fish Counts for all Species, all Areas and all Years. [Online] Available at: https://data.gov.uk/dataset/f49b8e4b-8673-498e-bead- 98e6847831c6/freshwater-fish-counts-for-all-species-all-areas-and-all-years [Accessed January 2020].

Environment Agency, 2019. Pollution prevention for businesses. [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pollution-prevention-for-businesses [Accessed 2020].

Environment Agency, 2019. Treatment and disposal of invasive non-native plants: RPS 178. [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/treatment-and-disposal-of- invasive-non-native-plants-rps-178/treatment-and-disposal-of-invasive-non-native-plants-rps- 178 [Accessed January 2020].

Environment Agency, 2020. Main River Map. [Online] Available at: https://environment.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=17cd53dfc5244339 80cc333726a56386 [Accessed January 2020].

ESRI, 2018. ArcGIS for Desktop v10.3.1. s.l.:s.n.

European Commision, 2019. European Red List of Habitats. [Online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/knowledge/redlist_en.htm [Accessed January 2020].

Hill, M. O., Blackstock, T. H., Long, D. G. & Rothero, G. P., 2008. Check-list and Census Catalogue of British and Irish bryophytes. s.l.:British Bryological Society.

Invasive Non-Native Species Association, 2017. INNSA Code of Practice. [Online] Available at: https://www.innsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/INNSA-Code-of-Practice.pdf [Accessed January 2020].

MAGIC, 2020. Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside. [Online] Available at: • likely ecological constraints associated with the project;

Page 36 of 172 OFFICIAL

Network Rail Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Capacity Improvement Scheme

Environmental Impact Assessment – Appendix 4.1: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report 163390-JAC-REP-EEN-000002 Revision A04

Natural England, 2019. Natural England Open Data. [Online] Available at: https://naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ [Accessed January 2020].

NNSS, 2020. GB Non-native Species Secretariat. [Online] Available at: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/home/index.cfm

Oxfordshire County Council (undated) Technical Advice Note: Biodiversity. Planning Application Guidance. [Online] Available at: : https://www.oxford.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/6219/technical_advice_note_8_- _biodiversity.pdf

Oxfordshire County Council, 2014. Biodiversity and planning. Version 2. [Online] Available at: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/environment-and- planning/countryside/natural-environment/environmental-policy-and-planning/biodiversity- and-planning

QGIS Development Team, 2020. QGIS Geographic Information System. s.l.:Open Source Geospatial Foundation Project.

Stace, C. A., 2010. New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

UK Habitat Classification Working Group, 2018. UK Habitat Classification User Manual. [Online] Available at: http://ecountability.co.uk/ukhabworkinggroup-ukhab/

Page 37 of 172

Network Rail SN1, Station Road Swindon SN11DG networkrail.co.uk