Signalling 152319 Kings Cross Re

Infrastructure Projects: Signalling

152319 Kings Cross Re- modelling

Prepared by: ECM1 00m 00ch – 2m

Michael Bradburn 00ch Ecologist

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Checked by:

Chris Davis Environment Manager

Approved by: Chris McDaid This document is the property of Network Rail. It shall not be reproduced in whole or in part, Delivery Manager nor disclosed to a third party, without the written permission of the Programme Director.

Note: Any reference to badger sett locations must be removed prior to wider distribution.

Contents 1. Introduction ...... 2 1.1 Background and Project Overview ...... 2 1.2 Proposed Works ...... 2 2. Methodology ...... 3 2.1 Desk study ...... 3 2.2 Field survey ...... 3 2.3 Limitations ...... 3 3. Site Description ...... 5 3.1 ECM1 00m 00ch – 2m 00ch ...... 5 3.2 Proposed Site Compound ...... 5 3.3 Railway Adjacent to Google Site ...... 5 4. Results and Recommendations ...... 6 4.1 Designated sites ...... 6 4.1.1 Statutory sites ...... 6 4.1.2 Non-Statutory sites ...... 7 4.2 Habitats ...... 9 4.2.1 Watercourses ...... 9 4.2.2 Ancient Woodland ...... 9 4.2.3 Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) ...... 9 4.3 Protected species ...... 9 4.3.1 Otter ...... 9 4.3.2 Bats ...... 10 4.3.3 Great Crested Newt ...... 11 4.3.4 Nesting Birds ...... 13 4.3.5 Badger ...... 13 4.3.6 Water Vole ...... 13 4.3.7 Reptiles ...... 13 4.4 Invasive Non-native Species ...... 13 Appendices ...... 15 Appendix A: Project Phases and Overall Geographical limits of the project ...... 16 Appendix B: Kings Cross Re-modelling: Combined Existing Track Layout (black) and Proposed (red) ...... 18 Appendix C: Ecological Constraints (Target Notes) ...... 20

1. Introduction

1.1 Background and Project Overview The re-modelling of the Kings Cross (KX) Area will include the implementation of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 on the East Coast Mainline (Engineers Line Reference (ELR): ECM1) between Kings Cross 0MP and Yaxley 73MP (south of Peterborough) and will include the Moorgate line (ELR: MEB1), Hertford Loop (ELR: HDB) and the Cambridge Line towards Royston (ELR: SBR).

Generally, high Level activities will include:

1. Kings Cross (KX) Permanent Way (P-Way) Layout remodelling; 2. Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) system design and construction associated with the KX remodelling; 3. Electrification and Plant (E&P) systems design and construction – KX remodelling and Phase 1, including KX station systems; 4. Civil Engineering design and construction associated with KX remodelling and Phase 1 requirement’s; 5. Telecommunications and Global System for Mobile Communications Railway (GSM- R) design and construction associated with KX remodelling and Phase 1 requirement’s.1

The full extent of the project is shown in Appendix A.

1.2 Proposed Works This report, however, will focus of the works on the remodelling of the immediate vicinity of Kings Cross Railway Station. This will include, alteration of track layout on the approach to KX Station and design and construction of new and renewal of existing OLE equipment, as well as associated E&P, civil engineering and telecommunications works, required to accommodate the aforementioned.

By undertaking the above works in the KX area, it will enable the reopening of the east bore of Gasworks Tunnel, easing congestion both in and out of KX Railway Station. A plan of the proposed remodelled area, overlaid atop the existing track layout, is provided in Appendix B.

To enable the above works, a site compound will be established on recently disused site on York Way, just south of Gasworks Tunnel at grid reference TQ 303 835. A temporary access will then be constructed from the compound, which sits above the railway, to track level.

1 Network Rail. 2016. Pre-construction Information: Kings Cross Remodelling ECML/ETCS Phase 1.

2. Methodology

2.1 Desk study The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) and Network Rails’ GI Portal and GeoRINM were used to identify the following;  Statutory designated sites, such as Special Protected Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR) and Local Nature Reserves (LNR), within 1 km of the project boundaries;  Ancient woodland within 100m of the project;  Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) within 100m of the project;  Watercourses which flow beneath (culverted) or adjacent to the railway within the project extent;  Ponds within 250m of the project (Great crested newts can travel up to 500m from the breeding ponds. Research by English Nature (now Natural England) (2004) suggests that if the habitat within 250m of their breeding ponds is suitable then newts will be unlikely to travel further than this2).

2.2 Field survey A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of the project area was carried out on the 7th and 8th July 2016. Weather conditions were warm, clear and dry with temperatures of approximately twenty degrees Celsius.

The survey included an assessment of lineside and adjacent habitats and their potential to support protected species in line with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidance3. Invasive species, listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended) were also recorded. Where waterbodies were visible from the railway an assessment was made on their habitat suitability for great crested newts4.

2.3 Limitations Only the east bore of Gasworks Tunnel could be accessed during this survey. Safe access could not be sought into any of the other bores of this tunnel due to the movement of trains. Other bores of the tunnel, which are to be subject to intrusive works, will be subject to survey at a later date, when conditions permit safe access. Only the east bore of Copenhagen Tunnel could be accessed during this survey. No intrusive works will be undertaken within this bore of the tunnel. The other bores of Copenhagen Tunnel, where works will be undertaken, will be subject to survey at a later date, when conditions permit safe access. With regards to invasive plant species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), this PEA focusses primarily on the identification of Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed, cotoneaster species and rhododendron.

2 Cresswell & Whitworth, 2004. An assessment of the efficiency of capture techniques and the value of different habitats for the great crested newt Triturus cristatus. English Nature, Peterborough 3 Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), 2013. Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Assessment. 4 Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M. (2000). Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetological Journal 10 (4), 143-155.

Due to the presence of dense or injurious vegetation, which may have prevented access; some invasive species or very small/young stands or shoots of the aforementioned invasive species may not have been identified as habitats suitable for them could not be safely accessed. Nonetheless, invasive species recorded during the undertaking of this assessment are considered sufficient with regards to the works which are to be undertaken. All assessments of trees and structures and their bat roost potential were made from the ground and may, on further inspection, be subject to an increase or decrease in their roost potential. Where ponds were not visible from the line, an assessment as to their connectivity to the railway corridor has been made using aerial photography and OS mapping. Occasionally, such desk-based sources of information may not clearly show topographical features, such as sheer cutting faces, which may in fact, act as an obstruction to the movement of great crested newts. As the survey was undertaken from within the railway corridor, no access was available to the banks of watercourses in order to assess for the presence of field signs, indicative of water vole and otter.

3. Site Description

3.1 ECM1 00m 00ch – 2m 00ch At the low mileage extent of the survey, on the approach to Gasworks Tunnel, tansy is occasionally present growing in the six-foot areas between the tracks, while large, scrubby stands of buddleia are present on both line sides and within a small gated compound, on the east side of the line, which contains four disused porta-cabins.

Gasworks East Bore (GEB) is devoid of vegetation due to absence of light, however due to large areas of water saturation of the walls and soffit of the tunnel, from the canal above, extensive moss and bryophyte growth is occurring.

North of GEB, between 0m 45ch and 0m 64ch, the east side of the line is dominantly comprised of dense bindweed and buddleia scrub, which sits atop a red brick retaining wall, with several younger shoots at the foot of the wall. Habitat on the west side of the line however is comprised of a tall grass, herb and wildflower verge, colonised by false oat-grass, cock’s-foot, rosebay and great willowherb, cat’s ear and sweet pea. North of 0m 64ch, on the approach to Copenhagen Tunnel habitat structure atop the retaining wall changes slightly, and becomes young oak and ash woodland. North of Copenhagen Tunnel, the lineside habitat, adjacent to a hard standing vehicular track, is comprised of tall grasses and herbs again dominated by false oat-grass, cock’s-foot, rosebay and great willowherb.

3.2 Proposed Site Compound Hard standing 20 m x 20 m compound behind wooden hoarding. The compound is bordered on its north side by Regents Canal and an adjacent public footpath. The perimeter of the site is colonised by small stands of buddleia, bindweed, bracken and some very young sycamore saplings.

3.3 Railway Adjacent to Google Site The narrow corridor of railway land located between the west side lines and the adjacent Google site, which is under construction, comprises hard standing surfaces of fine aggregate amongst which lineside equipment is present. Vegetation is limited and is comprised only of scattered ruderals, primarily tansy.

4. Results and Recommendations

4.1 Designated sites

4.1.1 Statutory sites There three statutory designated nature conservation sites within 1 km of the KX remodelling project. Table 1, below, details the name of the site, the designation each site receives, the distance and direction from the project and a summary of the criteria for which the site is designated.

Table 1: Statutory designated sites within 1km of the project area Distance and Name of Designation direction from Citation summary site project area Woodland, grassland and standing water habitats which support assemblages of common birds and butterflies, as well as Camley 240 m west of 0m amphibians and a rich variety of plant life. Street LNR 10ch Species present onsite include; reed warblers, Nature Park kingfishers, several species of geese, mallards, reed buntings, several species of bat and the rare earthstar fungi.5 Barnsbury 560 m east of 0m 6 LNR Woodland habitat. Wood 57ch Grassland habitat which contains approximately 244 plant species, 94 bird species and 24 butterfly species. Gillespie Species of note include Hungarian Vetch, reed LNR 425 m north of 2MP Park bunting, song thrush, roesel’s bush cricket, slender bird’s foot trefoil and ruddy darter. The ponds contain frogs, newts and are commonly surrounded by dragonflies.7

Recommendations Camley Street Nature Park, situated 240 m west of 0m 10ch, receives local designation for the woodland, grassland and standing water habitats it contains, and the assemblages of flora and fauna these habitats support. Despite its close proximity to the project area, and it situation in the banks of Regents Canal, which may otherwise act a corridor for pollutants or other contaminants, as works will be undertaken at track level, within a deep cutting and tunnel beneath the canal, it is implausible to foresee any pollutants entering the watercourse and therefore no adverse impact upon Camley Street Nature Park is foreseen as a result of this this project. Barnsbury Wood, situated 560 m east of 0m 57ch and severely fragmented from the project area by an urbanised landscape, is designated solely for the woodland habitat. Due to its location, fragmentation and designation for a static habitat type, woodland, as well as the absence of any corridors through which pollutants could be transferred into the site, no adverse impact upon Barnsbury Wood is foreseen as a result of this this project.

5 Camley Street Nature Park. 2015. LNR Citation. Available: http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1008823. 6 Barnsbury Wood. 2013. LNR Citation. Available: http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1008761. 7 Gillespie Park. 2015. LNR Citation. Available: http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?themeid=1008916.

Gillespie Park is situated 425 m north of 2MP, the projects northern terminus. The site receives local designation for its grassland habitats and the diversity of fauna and invertebrate assemblages. The site abuts the railway network at MEB1 3MP, on the western side of a railway junction within which the Emirates Stadium is located within the junction triangle, which severely fragments the park from the northern extent of the project works areas, which terminates 425 m south. No other corridors, through which pollutants could be transferred into the site, are present between the project works areas and Gillespie Park. Furthermore, no habitats similar to those set out in the citation for this site were recorded in the cesses and line sides of the project area during the undertaking of this PEA and therefore it is unlikely that the habitats within the project area would be of value to the species listed in the LNRs citation. For the reasons set out above no adverse impact upon Gillespie Park, nor the habitats and species for which it is designated, are foreseen as a result of this this project.

4.1.2 Non-Statutory sites Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) within Greater London receive varying levels of protection, under three different designations. The designations are set out below, in descending order of importance:

 Sites of Metropolitan Importance;  Sites of Borough Importance (Grades I and II);  Sites of Local Importance.

There seven statutory designated nature conservation sites within 500 m of the KX remodelling project. Table 2, below, details the name of the site, the designation each site receives, the distance and direction from the project area and a summary of the criteria for which the site is designated.

Table 2: Non-statutory designated sites within 500 m of the project area8 Distance and Name of site Designation direction from project Criteria for designation area Flows over Gasworks Site of Metropolitan Flowing water habitat and Regents Canal Tunnel at ECM1 0m Importance associated flora and fauna. 23ch (Central mileage) Site of Metropolitan Gillespie Park 425 m north of 2MP Grassland habitats (see Table 1). Importance Site of Borough Copenhagen Adjacent to both sides Importance – Grade Brownfield habitat. Junction of ECM1 at 0m 60ch 1 Railway embankments colonised Holloway Road Site of Borough Adjacent to both sides by a mosaic of neutral grassland, to Caledonian Importance – Grade of ECM1 between 1m scrub, herbs and ruderals and Road 1 12ch and 1m 52ch isolated compartments of semi- Railsides mature broadleaved woodland. Site of Borough Atop Copenhagen Market Road Public greenspace of local Importance – Grade Tunnel at ECM1 1m Gardens importance. 2 06ch Thornhill Site of local 480 m east of ECM1 Public greenspace of local Square importance 0m 53ch importance. Site of local 65 m east of ECM1 0m Public greenspace of local Bingfield Park importance 53ch importance.

8 Islington Borough Council. 2010. Spaces for wildlife, places for people: Islington’s Biodiversity Strategy 2010 – 2013. http://www.islington.gov.uk/publicrecords/library/Environmental-protection/Business- planning/Plans/2011-2012/(2011-05-13)-Biodiversity-Action-Plan-2011.pdf.

Recommendations

With regard to Copenhagen Junction Site of Borough Importance, situated adjacent to both sides of ECM1 at 0m 60ch, it is recommended that clearance of ruderal vegetation and spoil, characteristic of brownfield habitats is minimised. The brownfield character of the junction should be retained throughout works. It may be beneficial to contact Islington Borough Council to inform them of the project scope of works, as they may wish to impose constraints or propose enhancement recommendations based on specialised, localised knowledge of the site.

Similarly, Holloway Road to Caledonian Road Rail sides Site of Borough Importance is situated adjacent to both sides of ECM1 between 1m 12ch and 1m 52ch. Due to its proximity to the project works area, it is recommended that vegetation clearance on the embankments is minimised and the local authority (Islington Borough Council) are contacted where any such works are proposed. The council may wish to impose constraints or propose enhancement recommendations based on specialised, localised knowledge of the site.

Contacting the local authority prior to undertaking works which may adversely impact upon the above sites of Borough Importance may also yield positive relationships with local stakeholders, improving the social image of the project.

The remaining five sites are situated outside of the railway corridor, or atop tunnels, and as such will remain entirely unaffected by project works. Furthermore, all sites, with the exception of Regents Canal are designated for static habitat types or for public amenity value and no corridors, through which pollutants may be transferred offsite, are present between the project area and these sites. With regard to Regents Canal Site of Metropolitan Importance, its situation atop Gasworks Tunnel means that it is located outside any areas in which intrusive works will be undertaken and therefore no adverse impact upon the watercourse is anticipated.

For the reasons set out above, non-statutory designated SINCs, are assessed to pose no constraints to the project.

4.2 Habitats 4.2.1 Watercourses The KX remodelling project extent is traversed by the Regents Canal at 0m 23ch (central mileage), which passes over Gasworks Tunnel. Recommendations As Regents Canal is situated above the railway, there is little risk of the contamination of the watercourse from works undertaken below. However, due to the probable use of plant, tools and machinery onsite, there is a risk of contaminating sources of ground water and it is therefore recommended that pollution prevention measures are implemented onsite as a precaution. Measures should be in line The Pollution Prevention Guideline (PPG) documents, relevant to specific site activities, written by the Environment Agency.9 This guidance has since been withdrawn however, its content remains relevant. The following PPGs are deemed necessary, but others should be implemented where site mangers or operatives feel it necessary;  PPG1: Basic good environmental practices;  PPG5: Works in, near or over watercourses;  PPG6: Construction and demolition sites. As the canal is not designated a main or ordinary watercourse, no other permits, associated with works near water, will be required. 4.2.2 Ancient Woodland There is no ancient woodland located within 100 m of the project extent. 4.2.3 Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) There are no trees with preservation orders situated within or adjacent to the project extent. 4.3 Protected species All recorded habitats have been assessed for their potential to support protected species and all evidence of protected species has been recorded. In addition, the presence of invasive species has been recorded. The locations of habitat with the potential to support protected species, such as ponds with the potential to support great crested newt or trees with potential bat roost features and known locations of protected species, such as badger setts, and invasive non-native species should be mapped on the project scheme plan to see fall within the vicinity of proposed civils works. The precise locations of all potential ecological constraints are provided in Appendix C, with a brief summary of recommendations of how to mitigate any potential ecological constraints. Detailed recommendations, however, are provided below in Sections 4.3.1 – 4.4. 4.3.1 Otter Despite the provision of potentially suitable foraging and commuting habitat, Regents Canal is highly unlikely to support otter due to its situation within central London, pertaining to near- constant disturbance of the watercourse.

9 Pollution prevention guidance (PPG). The Environment Agency, 2014. Archived at: (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/pollution-prevention-guidance-ppg)

Given that the project will be confined to the railway boundary, away from all watercourses which offer suitable habitat for otter, in addition to the watercourses poor suitability, it is assessed that otters will not pose a constraint to the project. 4.3.2 Bats Structures At ECM1 0m 21ch, on the east side of the line, four disused porta-cabins, which are likely to be removed to accommodate a temporary access, are present within a gated, hard standing compound. Three single story cabins were assessed to provide no bat roost potential due to the good condition of external cladding.

The external cladding of a two story cabin however was recorded to be in poorer condition and was coming away from the cabins main structure at the joint between the two stories, providing entry into a deep crevice. No external evidence of bats, such as droppings or staining was, however, recorded. This feature was assessed to provide low bat roost potential.

The retaining wall of the same compound may have a temporary access constructed or installed onto it, to provide access from the above compound to track level. The main red brickwork of this wall is in excellent condition and provides no bat roost potential. However the old stone masonry at the very top of this wall has large gaps between several pieces of masonry which were assessed to provide moderate bat roost potential.

The project area passes through two tunnels, Gasworks and Copenhagen, each of which has three bores. Only the east bores of both tunnels could be accessed during the survey due to access constraints. Only the east bore of Gasworks Tunnel will be subject to works, which will involve the installation of OLE to the soffit of the tunnel. No works, whatsoever will be undertaken with Copenhagen Tunnel East Bore. Works to renew OLE within the other two bores of both tunnels will be undertaken.

GEB is primarily constructed of brick, with large sections of steel, which contain the Regents Canal that flows above. Wholly, the soffit and walls of the tunnel were recorded to be in good condition with much of the pointing intact and due to the situation of the canal above significant areas of brickwork are saturated with water, significantly reducing its suitability for roosting bats. Water seepage from above appears to be near-constant, evident from numerous deep puddles within the tunnel and constant dripping of water from above.

Approximately three quarters of the way through the tunnel (walking south to north) at approximately 0m 44ch, several bricks were missing, revealing a cavity between two layers of bricks on the tunnels soffit. This feature was assessed to provide high bat roost potential.

No other potential bat roost features were identified in the tunnel. No assessment as to the suitability of the east bore of Copenhagen Tunnel was made as the bore will not be affected by works associated with this project.

It is also recommended that all bores, which are to be subject to intrusive works, such as the renewal of OLE, are subject to an assessment as to their bat roost potential.

All features recorded to provide bat roost potential are detailed further in the Target Notes in Appendix C.

Trees Mature trees and vegetation within the project area are absent and therefore no trees, which provide bat roost potential, were recorded. Recommendations

If the two story cabin, within the gated compound, is to be recovered to accommodate a temporary access point, prior to its recovery it is recommended that a single bat dusk/dawn emergence/re-entry survey are undertaken.

If a temporary access point, is to be constructed, adversely affecting the old masonry at the top of this wall it is recommended that two bat dusk/dawn emergence/re-entry surveys should are undertaken.

As works to install OLE are to be undertaken to re-enable trains to run through GEB tunnel, there is significant risk of cavity with high roost potential being disturbed. It is therefore recommended that three bat dusk/dawn emergence/re-entry surveys are undertaken. Survey methodology should involve the monitoring of the aforementioned roost features for the emergence or re-entry of roosting bats. Dusk surveys should begin 30 minutes before sunset and continue for up to 2 hours after this time. Dusk surveys should begin 2 hours before sunrise and continue for 15 minutes after this time. Surveys of this kind can only be undertaken between April and September, and where multiple surveys are to be undertaken, they should be spread over this period. Furthermore, any night-time works programmed to be undertaken between March and September, when bats are most active, should use directional lighting to avoid causing disturbance to bats. This is particularly pertinent at locations identified as having potential bat presence above. 4.3.3 Great Crested Newt Table 3 lists ponds and ditches (without flow), within 250m of the project extent, as identified from OS and aerial maps. It also assesses the connectivity between the ponds and the railway to help identify where there is a risk that newts could be present in terrestrial habitat within the railway corridor. Where ponds are not visible from the railway, the assessment of connectivity is made using aerial photography and OS maps, and occasionally, topographical obstructions to the movement of newts may not be apparent. However, due to the poor connectivity of potentially suitable great crested newt habitat and the intrusive works areas of this project, due to its bisection by major roads and railways it is assessed that great crested newts will not pose a constraint to the project.

Table 3: Location (OSGR), distance, orientation and connectivity of water bodies within 250 m of the project boundary Pond Distance and direction from Connectivity Water Body OS Grid reference Section of track within 250m of pond reference track Assessment

ECM1

1 Two ponds TQ 299 834 240 m west 0m 10ch Poor

2 Pond TQ 301 838 130 m west 0m 44ch Poor

3 Pond TQ 300 840 210 m west 0m 50ch Poor

4.3.4 Nesting Birds Ample habitat is provided for nesting and ground nesting birds throughout the vegetated line sides through the project area due to the abundance of trees, scrub and coarse grasslands. Recommendations In order to mitigate adverse impacts towards nesting birds, it is recommended that all vegetation clearance is carried out outside of the bird breeding season which extends from March to September (inclusive) and should be restricted to the minimum necessary to permit works and access. Any vegetation clearance to be undertaken within the bird nesting season should be preceded by a check for nesting birds, undertaken by a competent ecologist.

4.3.5 Badger No evidence of badger was recorded during the undertaking of this survey. For this reason it is assessed that badgers will not pose a constraint to the project.

4.3.6 Water Vole Despite the provision of potentially suitable foraging and commuting habitat, Regents Canal is highly unlikely to support water voles due to its situation within central London, pertaining to near-constant disturbance of the watercourse.

Given that the project will be confined to the railway boundary, away from all watercourses which offer suitable habitat for water vole, in addition to the watercourses poor suitability, it is assessed that water voles will not pose a constraint to the project.

4.3.7 Reptiles Due to the projects situation with central London, and the severe fragmentation of lineside suitable, yet limited, habitats such as coarse lineside grasslands it is unlikely that any common reptile species will be encountered during the undertaking of the project. For this reason, it is assessed that reptiles will not pose a constraint to the project.

4.4 Invasive Non-native Species Japanese knotweed was the sole invasive non-native species recorded within the project area. The stand, which is approximately 20 m in length, is present on the east side of the line at 0m 50ch. The plant appeared to be subject to a spraying program, as it looked in ill-health and was yellowing, at a time year when it would be expected to be lush green. This is detailed further in Appendix C. Recommendations

It should be established whether the plant is subject to a spraying regime and, if so, this should be continued to eradicate the stand.

However, in order to accommodate works in the interim, around and in the vicinity of the stand, it is recommended that the following is adhered to when working within the area:  A project specific Japanese knotweed management plan should be written detailing how the stand is to be managed throughout the project duration, dependent on the works undertaken within 7 m of any stand.  Tool box talks and inductions covering Japanese knotweed identification and simple biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed offsite. This will l include using a boot-wash and cleaning down plant prior to moving elsewhere on or

offsite so that boots and plant are clean (visually from soil and debris) at the end of a shift before leaving site.  Japanese knotweed must not be strimmed as this can cause further spread. If required, Japanese knotweed should be cut and laid over the cut stumps. Where this is not practical, the cuttings should then be removed from site to a licensed landfill. Invasive plants and soil contaminated with invasive plants should be covered or sheeted when transported off site so that seeds and plant material cannot blow away. Any material that contains invasive plants or their seeds that is removed off site should be listed on the Waste Transfer Note and categorized as non-hazardous waste. The waste should be taken only to a site that has an environmental permit that allows the disposal of invasive plants on the site. The conditions of the permit must allow the disposal of invasive plants at the site.5  Note if plants are to be stockpiled for later collection then Japanese knotweed must not be piled on soil but should be piled on a root barrier membrane.

Appendices

Appendix A: Project Phases and Overall Geographical limits of the project

Appendix B: Kings Cross Re-modelling: Combined Existing Track Layout (black) and Proposed (red)

Appendix C: Ecological Constraints (Target Notes)

Mileage/ Constraint Line side Target Note Photograph Recommendations Location Summary ECM1

Four disused porta-cabins within a gated, hard standing compound. It is likely that the cabins will be removed from this area to accommodate a temporary access from the proposed project compound located above. If the two story cabin is to be Three single story cabins were recovered to accommodate a assessed to provide no bat roost temporary access point, prior to its potential due to the good recovery a single bat dusk/dawn condition of external cladding. emergence/re-entry survey should be undertaken of the potential roost 0m 21ch East Bats The external cladding of the two feature described in the Target Note story cabin, however was recorded column. to be in poorer condition and was coming away from the cabins main If undertaken, this survey should structure at the joint between the two be undertaken between April and story’s. No external evidence of September. bats, such as droppings were recorded.

The two story cabin was therefore assessed as providing low bat roost potential.

Mileage/ Constraint Line side Target Note Photograph Recommendations Location Summary As described in the target note provided above, a temporary access may be constructed or installed onto the retaining wall between the proposed project compound, at If a temporary access point, is to be street level, and the gated constructed, adversely affecting the compound which currently contains old masonry at the top of this wall four disused porta-cabins. two bat dusk/dawn emergence/re- entry surveys should be undertaken 0m 21ch East The main brickwork of this wall is Bats of the potential roost feature in excellent condition and described in the Target Note column. provides no bat roost potential. If undertaken, this survey should However the old stone masonry at be undertaken between April and the very top of this wall has large September. gaps between several pieces of masonry which were assessed to provide moderate bat roost potential.

Mileage/ Constraint Line side Target Note Photograph Recommendations Location Summary

The walls and soffit of GEB are saturated with water throughout much of its length, likely due to the situation of the canal above it. As such, the soffit of the tunnel is constantly dripping with water and the tunnel walls have large areas As works to install OLE are to be where moss and bryophyte growth is undertaken to re-enable trains to run significant. through this tunnel, there is

significant risk of the potential roost Approximately three quarters of the feature described being disturbed. As way through the tunnel (walking such three bat dusk/dawn south to north) at approximately 0m Gaswork East Bore emergence/re-entry surveys should 44ch, several bricks were missing, Bats s Tunnel (GEB) be undertaken of the potential roost revealing a cavity between two feature described in the Target Note layers of bricks on the tunnels soffit. column. This feature was assessed to

provide high bat roost potential. If undertaken, this survey should

be undertaken between April and All other areas of the tunnel however September. were assessed to provide no bat roost potential, primarily due to the absence of potential features, such as areas of missing pointing between brickwork and the saturation of the tunnel walls and soffits in water.

Mileage/ Constraint Line side Target Note Photograph Recommendations Location Summary Dependent on the works undertaken on this retaining wall, areas to be adversely impacted it should be subject to further inspection and potentially survey. The retaining wall which runs 0m 45ch between 0m 45ch and 0m 64ch Due to the low height, and easy – 0m East contains numerous areas of missing Bats accessibility of many the potential 64ch pointing which provide varying levels roost features, further inspection of bat roost potential. should include the inspection of all features to be adversely impacted or disturbed using an endoscope.

This type of inspection can be undertaken at any time of year. If already subject to a subject to a maintenance spraying regime, this should be continued. However, in Large stand of Japanese knotweed, order to address the stand and approximately 20 m in length is Invasive accommodate works associated with situated atop the retaining wall. non-native this project, a project specific 0m 50ch East species: Japanese knotweed management The stand appears to be subject to a Japanese plan should be written detailing maintenance spraying regime as the knotweed how the stand is to be managed stand appeared to be in poor health. throughout the project duration, dependent on the works undertaken within 7 m of any stand.

Mileage/ Constraint Line side Target Note Photograph Recommendations Location Summary

Over-bridge: Recently constructed over-bridge, built of steel with concrete abutments.

0m 57ch N/A None N/A Due to the structures age, condition and construction materials it is assessed as providing no bat roost potential.

If any works, associated with this project are to affect this structure, Over-bridge: Built of brick with a further investigation of the upper steel deck. reaches of the bridges piers and 0m 59ch N/A Bats abutments should be undertaken to No potential roost features were identify potential roost features. visible from the ground. Further survey of any features identified may then be required.

If any works, associated with this project are to affect this structure, Over-bridge: Built of brick with a further investigation of the upper steel deck. reaches of the bridges piers and 1m 24ch N/A Bats abutments should be undertaken to No potential roost features were identify potential roost features. visible from the ground. Further survey of any features identified may then be required.

Mileage/ Constraint Line side Target Note Photograph Recommendations Location Summary

Proposed Hard standing, enclosed area with Project N/A some scrub and bracken growth None N/A Compoun around its perimeter. d

0m 20ch: Google Lineside environment of hard building – West standing surfaces and fine ballast None N/A under containing lineside equipment, constructi on