A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Improvements

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements

TR010044 Volume 6 6.3 Environmental Statement Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Planning Act 2008 Regulation 5(2)(a) Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009

26 February 2021

PCF XXX PRODUCT NAME | VERSION 1.0 | 25 SEPTEMBER 2013 | 5124654

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Infrastructure Planning

Planning Act 2008

The Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Development Consent Order 202[ ]

Appendix 8.2 Designated Sites

Regulation Number Regulation 5(2)(a) Planning Inspectorate Scheme TR010044 Reference Application Document Reference TR010044/APP/6.3 Author A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Project Team, Highways England

Version Date Status of Version Rev 1 26 February 2021 DCO Application

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Table of contents

Chapter Pages 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background and scope of works 1 2 Legislation and policy 2 3 Methods 6 3.1 Desk study 6 4 Results 7 4.1 Overview of results 7 5 Summary and conclusions 12 6 References 13 Annex A: Figure 1 – Sites designated for biodiversity Annex B: Citations for International and European Sites Annex C: Citations for SSSIs within 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Scheme

Table of Tables Table 4.1: Summary of statutorily designated sites (international and European) in relation to the Order Limits ...... 7 Table 4.2: Summary of statutorily designated sites (national) within 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Order Limits ...... 9 Table 4.3: Summary of non-statutory sites and ancient woodland within 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) of the Order Limits ...... 10

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

1 Introduction

As part of the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements (the Scheme), a designated sites desk study was undertaken to inform the biodiversity assessment reported in Chapter 8, Biodiversity of the Environmental Statement [TR010044/APP/6.1].

1.1 Background and scope of works The Jacobs ‘Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report’ can be found in Appendix 8.20 of the Environmental Statement [TR010044/APP/6.3]. This includes a search for sites designated for their biodiversity value within the Order Limits. The information described within this appendix provides a complete baseline of designated sites, which has been used to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Scheme. This appendix identifies statutory or non-statutory designated sites that could be impacted directly or indirectly, and therefore provide potential constraints or influence the design and implementation of the Scheme. Chapter 2, The Scheme of the Environmental Statement [TR010044/APP/6.1] provides the background and a description of the Scheme. Figure 1 in Annex A of this appendix provides the location of sites designated for biodiversity in relation to the Scheme.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 1 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

2 Legislation and policy

There are several legislative and policy instruments and guidance within England that relate to sites designated for their biodiversity value with the aim of preventing or reducing the negative environmental impacts on these sites. Essentially, this legislation, policy and guidance provide the framework for the identification, appraisal and evaluation of sites of biodiversity value. These various types of site are described below. Ramsar sites Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention. Sites proposed for selection are advised by the UK statutory nature conservation agencies, or the relevant administration in the case of Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, co-ordinated through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). In selecting sites, the relevant authorities are guided by the Criteria set out in the Ramsar Convention. The UK also has a national Ramsar Committee composed of experts who provide further advice. In the UK, the first Ramsar sites were designated in 1976. Since then, many more have been designated. Compared to many countries, the UK has a relatively large number of Ramsar sites, but they tend to be smaller in size. The initial emphasis was on selecting sites of importance to water birds within the UK, and consequently many Ramsar sites are also Special Protection Areas (SPAs) classified under The Birds Directive (Ref 1-1). Both within the UK and overseas, non-bird features are increasingly taken into account, both in the selection of new sites and when reviewing existing sites. Natura 2000 sites Natura 2000 is a network of sites protected for their nature conservation value in the territory of the European Union. It is made up of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and SPAs designated respectively under The Habitats Directive (Ref 1-2) and The Birds Directive (Ref 1-1). Special Areas of Conservation A SAC is a type of site defined in The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (Ref 1-2), also known as the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. SACs are designated to protect the 220 habitats and approximately 1,000 species listed in Annexes I and II of The Habitats Directive (Ref 1-2), which are considered to be of European interest following criteria given in The Habitats Directive (Ref 1-2). They must be chosen from the Sites of Community Importance by the State Members and designated as a SAC by an act assuring the conservation measures of the natural habitat.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 2 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Special Protection Areas A SPA is the land classified under Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Ref 1-1). SPAs are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of The Birds Directive (Ref 1-1), which came into force in April 1979. They are classified for rare and vulnerable birds (as listed on Annex I of The Birds Directive (Ref 1-1)), and for regularly occurring migratory species. They must be chosen from the Sites of Community Importance by the State Members and designated as a SPA by an act assuring the conservation measures of the natural habitat. Sites of Special Scientific Interest In the United Kingdom, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a conservation designation denoting a protected area as one of the basic building blocks of site-based nature conservation legislation. Most other legal nature/geological conservation designations in the United Kingdom are based upon them, including National Nature Reserves (NNRs), Ramsar sites, SPAs, and SACs. Sites notified for their biological interest are known as Biological SSSIs and those notified for geological or physiographic interest are Geological SSSIs. Sites may be divided into management units. SSSIs were originally set up by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (Ref 1-3), but the current legal framework for SSSIs is provided in England and Wales by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Ref 1- 4), amended in 1985 and further substantially amended in 2000 by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (1-5). Local Nature Reserves Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (Ref 1-3) by principal local authorities. Parish and Town Councils can also declare LNRs but they must have the powers to do so delegated to them by a principal local authority. LNRs are for people and wildlife. They are places with wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally. National Nature Reserves NNRs are nationally important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations in Britain. NNRs are designated and protected under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (Ref 1-3) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Ref 1-4). They receive additional protection under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (Ref 1-5). They are managed for the benefit of nature conservation.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 3 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

County Wildlife Sites A County Wildlife Site (CWS) is a non-statutory site that has been recognized as important for wildlife when assessed against a set of criteria. The selection guidelines consider aspects of the site such as size, diversity, rarity, fragility, recorded history and how typical a site is. Recognition as a CWS does not confer protection on the site, or right of access, however for any significant change of land use, the local planning authority will expect the wildlife interest to be taken into account alongside other normal planning considerations. Local conservation organisations may comment on planning applications that could affect a CWS. Local Wildlife Trusts, local authorities and other local wildlife/environmental/conservation groups collaborate to select and designate sites. Cambridgeshire Cambridgeshire has around 470 recognised CWSs. This network of sites across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough accounts for about 2.5% of the county’s area and includes 183.5 kilometres (114 miles) of river. CWSs are areas of land important for their wildlife and can be found on public and private land. They vary in shape, size and may encompass a variety of different habitat types such as ancient woodland, species-rich grasslands, wetlands, roadside verges and hedgerows. The habitats and species present are often the result of past management and many sites provide a refuge for rare or threatened plants and animals. These sites play a vital role in the conservation of the UK’s natural heritage by providing essential wildlife refuges, stepping-stones, corridors and buffers linking and protecting other site networks and open spaces found in towns and the wider countryside. Full details of the CWS system including criteria for designation are provided in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: County Wildlife Site Selection Guidelines (Ref 1-6). Bedfordshire In Bedfordshire, CWSs account for about 7% of the county’s area. The Wildlife Trust, Local Planning Authorities and other organisations work to protect and enhance such sites in co-operation with landowners and land managers. CWSs are found on public and private land, varying in size and shape from small meadows, green lanes, ponds and hedges through to much larger areas of ancient woodlands, species rich grassland, heathland and commons. Full details of the CWS system including criteria for designation are provided by Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity, Recording and Monitoring Centre (Ref 1-7). Ancient woodland Natural England and the Forestry Commission’s standing advice defines ancient woodland as any wooded area that has been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD. It includes: a. ‘Ancient semi-natural woodland’ mainly made up of trees and shrubs native to a site, usually arising from natural regeneration.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 4 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

b. ‘Plantations on ancient woodland sites’ (ancient replanted woodland), areas of ancient woodland where the former native tree cover has been felled and replaced by planted trees, usually of species not native to a site. All ancient woodlands are afforded equal policy protection and all losses of ancient woodland are considered irreplaceable. A core principle of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Ref 1-8) is that policies and decisions should contribute to, and enhance, the natural environment. In relation to biodiversity, Paragraph 175 states that ‘When determining planning application, local planning authorities should apply the following principles which includes reference to ancient woodland: a. 'Development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists'. England’s biodiversity strategy for the period up to 2020 (Ref 1-9) also references the Government’s commitments in relation to ancient woodland: “We are committed to providing appropriate protection to ancient woodlands and to more restoration of plantation on ancient woodland sites (in recognition of that particular value).” Protected Roadside Verges Protected Road Verges (PRVs) are designated by Cambridgeshire County Council through a selection process (sites that meet the selection criteria are classified as PRVs while those that have deteriorated may be removed). Road verges represent the largest area of unimproved grassland in Cambridgeshire. This important habitat supports a variety of plant and animals, including rare and scarce flowers and animals. The best examples of road verge habitat have been designated as PRVs to raise awareness about their importance for wildlife to landowners, land managers, utility service providers and planners. PRVs are maintained by the County Council and, through the PRV warden scheme, wardens encourage people to keep an eye on their local PRVs. A number of road verges in Huntingdonshire were identified as early as 1968 as important botanical sites (Ref 1-10). None of those identified were within the Scheme Survey Areas. Roadside Nature Reserves Roadside Nature Reserves (RNRs), areas of roadside verge that have high value of flora and fauna, are designated by Bedfordshire County Council and can contribute to the core objectives of fulfilling statutory duties with respect to biodiversity and the protection of the environment for future generations whilst removing the risk of visibility obstruction to users of the highway and allowing reasonable access to these areas. RNRs are recorded and shown on a geographic information system (GIS) overlay and are identified on a site by means of marker posts. A report is produced annually that sets out the treatment that is required for each RNR.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 5 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

3 Methods

3.1 Desk study Statutorily designated sites of biodiversity value The Study Area for the desk study was 2 kilometre (1.2 miles) radius from the Order Limits in which a search was made for international and national statutory designated sites of biodiversity value. These include SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites (designated under international legislation), and SSSIs, LNRs and NNRs (designated under national legislation). In addition, a 30 kilometre (18.6 miles) search radius was used to identify any SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites which might be impacted including as used to identify any SACs Both searches were made using the Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) (Ref 1-11). Non-statutorily designated sites of biodiversity value The Study Area for the desk study was a 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) radius from the Order Limits in which a search was made for non-statutory designated sites of biodiversity value. The Local Environmental Records Centres (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Environmental Records Centre (CPERC) and Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Recording and Monitoring Centre (BRMC)) provided up to date locations of CWSs in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, PRVs for Cambridgeshire and RNRs for Bedfordshire. Ancient woodland A search for ancient woodland was also made of the Ancient Woodland Inventory within 1 kilometres (0.6 miles) of the Order Limits using MAGIC (Ref 1-11). It should be noted that only those woodland sites over 2 ha were included in the original inventory and some of the woodlands less than 2 ha that were excluded could potentially be ancient woodland. In recent years Natural England (which now maintains and updates the inventory for England) has added some areas of ancient woodland that are less than 2 ha in size to the national inventory for England (hereafter ‘the ancient woodland inventory’). The data presented in this appendix are based on recent updates to local ancient woodland inventories which have been undertaken to identify all areas of ancient woodland regardless of their size.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 6 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

4 Results

4.1 Overview of results There are no international statutory designated sites within 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Order Limits. There is one SAC for

Following discussions with Natural England, Portholme SAC and Ouse Washes SAC, SPA and Ramsar site have been considered primarily in relation to any hydrological matters. These sites are 8.9 kilometres (5.5 miles) and 16.06 kilometres (10 miles), respectively from the Order Limits. Details of these three international statutory designated sites are provided within Table 4.1. Citations for International and European Sites are provided in Annex B of this appendix. There are four national statutory designated sites within 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Order Limits. These are all designated as SSSIs (refer to Table 4.2). Those which are, or contain, ancient woodland are also included Table 4.2. Citations for SSSIs within 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Scheme are provided in Annex C of this appendix. There are 15 non-statutorily designated sites, three of which are also classed as ancient woodland within 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) of the Order Limits. Details of these are provided in Table 4.3. Table 4.1: Summary of statutorily designated sites (international and European) in relation to the Order Limits

Site name Grid reference Approximate Ancient Area Reason for designation direct distance woodland (ha) from the Order Limits (km)

Eversden and TL 340 526 8.1 to the Yes 62.2 Wimpole south-east Woods SAC

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 7 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Site name Grid reference Approximate Ancient Area Reason for designation direct distance woodland (ha) from the Order Limits (km)

Portholme TL 237 708 8.9 to the north Yes 91.56 A lowland hay meadow holding SAC grassland communities of the alluvial flood meadow type, one of the largest areas of this grassland type in the country which continues to be managed on traditional lines as a ‘lammas’ meadow. Watercourses on the periphery of the site have populations of some uncommon invertebrates, including one dragonfly which is of a nationally restricted distribution.

Ouse Washes TL 498 895 16.1 to the Yes 332.61 A flood storage area, often under SAC, SPA and north-east water in the winter, designated as a Ramsar site SPA and Ramsar site due to their internationally significant for wintering and breeding wildfowl and waders. The site also has rich aquatic fauna and flora, and areas of unimproved grassland. The Ouse Washes is designated as a SAC on account of Spined Loach (Cobitis taenia) populations within the River Great Ouse catchment.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 8 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Table 4.2: Summary of statutorily designated sites (national) within 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Order Limits

Site name Grid Approximate Ancient Area Reason for designation and reference direct distance woodland (ha) designation from the Order Limits (km)

Elsworth TL 313 617 0.85 to the Yes 7.2 This site has three different uncommon Wood SSSI north-east types of woodland. It is mainly coppiced field maple, with a varied shrub layer and the ground flora is mainly Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) and Bluebell (Endymion non- scripta) together with a considerable population of Nationally Scarce Oxlip (Primula elatior). The invertebrate community includes several nationally uncommon beetles, such as the Rove Beetle (Stichoglossa semirufa).

St. Neots TL 183 613 0.90 to the No 32.5 An example one of the nationally Common north-west significant MG4 flood meadow SSSI community grasslands supported by the free draining alluvial soils along the River Great Ouse Valley between St Neots and St Ives in Huntingdonshire. This riverside common hold alluvial grassland and associated ponds, ditches and willow carr which together provide an area of diverse wildlife habitat supporting a variety of species.

Papworth TL 291 630 1.15 to the Yes 8.9 One of the oldest secondary woods in Wood SSSI north Cambridgeshire. Although originally a coppice-with-standards woodland of Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Field Maple (Acer campestre) and Hazel (Corylus avellana) the site is now dominated by invasive Small-Leaved Elm (Ulmus minor) and represents a woodland type scarce in Britain.

Little Paxton TL 200 637 1.8 to the north- No 131.6 This ancient wood is wet Ash (Fraxinus Wood SSSI west excelsior) and Field Maple (Acer campestre) on heavy calcareous clay, with seasonally waterlogged soils. A double bank and ditch with Wood Melick (Melica uniflora), Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) and the nationally restricted Spiked Star-of -Bethlehem (Ornithogalum pyrenaicum) contribute to a very diverse flora.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 9 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Table 4.3: Summary of non-statutory sites and ancient woodland within 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) of the Order Limits

Site name and Grid reference Approximate Biodiversity Area Key Reason for county distance from designation (ha) designation the Order Limits (km)

Croxton Park, TL 252 598 Immediately CWS 80 Parkland of species rich Cambridge-shire adjacent grassland, nationally scarce plants and field margins as well as veteran trees.

PRV Elsworth TL 305 610 Immediately PRV 0.7 Neutral/calcareous (existing A428 to adjacent, to the grassland, presence of a Common Farm), east of Caxton local red data book Cambridge-shire Gibbet species.

River Great Ouse, TL 37 Immediately CWS 208.99 A major river not grossly Bedfordshire adjacent (the modified by canalisation or Scheme poor water quality; crosses the supports >0.5 ha National site) Vegetation Classification (NVC) S6 swamp; >0.5 ha S4 swamp; >0.05 ha MG13 grassland; a Nationally Scarce vascular plant Nymphoides peltata a nd a breeding population of the Nationally Rare Scarce Chase dragonfly (Libellula fulva).

Wyboston Pits, TL 175 576 Immediately CWS 104.18 A wetland site, the main Bedford-shire adjacent feature being water-filled excavations in the River Great Ouse floodplain with associated Willow trees (Salix species), Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) and Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris) with a number of dragonfly and damselfly species and warblers.

Rivers Ivel and 0.07 south CWS - The river system including Hiz, Bedfordshire adjacent habitats and features. There is a population of Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 10 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Site name and Grid reference Approximate Biodiversity Area Key Reason for county distance from designation (ha) designation the Order Limits (km)

Sir John’s Wood, TL 195 556 0.19 east CWS and 5.7 Ancient semi-natural Bedfordshire ancient woodland dominated by woodland large Pedunculate Oaks with an understory of English Elm and Ash. The ground flora includes good populations of Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta).

Zwetsloots Pits, TL 158 512 0.20 south CWS 25.2 Open water and marshy Bedford-shire grassland (floodplain grazing marsh) habitat and marsh habitat

Begwary Brook TL 168 563 0.20 south CWS 15.8 Mosaic of fen, marsh and Pits, Bedfordshire swamp, river and stream with standing open water

Birchfield Farm TL 120 540 0.60 west CWS 2.70 Meadow grassland Meadows, Bedfordshire

Palaceyard Wood, TL 131 546 0.63 west CWS and 8.71 Ancient woodland Bedfordshire Ancient Woodland

Latch Pool and TL 174 534 0.63 south CWS 0.8 Aquatic habitat, including Ditch, ditch network Bedfordshire

Little Barford, TL 178 570 0.67 north CWS 29.39 Fen, marsh and swamp Bedfordshire

Willow Pollards TL 16574 0.70 west CWS 1.2 Wetland with a coppice of West of Sharps 61608 pollarded willows Barn, Bedfordshire

Great Barford TL 13882 0.75 south-west CWS 1.89 Lowland grassland House Grassland, 53242 Bedfordshire

Eltisley Wood, TL 272 588 0.90 south CWS and 25.8 Ancient woodland, over Cambridge-shire Ancient 75% replanted which Woodland supports more than 40 woodland species, and also supports a population of a Nationally Scarce vascular plant species.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 11 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

5 Summary and conclusions

International Designated Sites There are no international statutory designated sites within 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Order Limits.

National Designated Sites There are four designated sites within 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) of the Order Limits, these are Papworth Wood SSSI, St Neots Common SSSI, Little Paxton Wood SSSI, and Elsworth Wood SSSI, which is the closest to the Scheme, and is 0.85 kilometres (0.53 miles) north-east of the Order Limits. Non- Statutory Designated Sites There are 15 non-statutory designated sites (three of which are also ancient woodland) within 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) of the Order Limits, four of which are adjacent to the Order Limits, these are Croxton Park CWS, Elsworth PRV, River Ouse CWS and Wyboston Pits CWS. A detailed evaluation of the impact the Scheme could have on statutory and non- statutory sites is provided in Chapter 8, Biodiversity of the Environmental Statement [TR010044/APP/6.1] and in the First Iteration EMP [TR010044/APP/6.8], which includes mitigation measures through best practice and Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) standards that are to be implemented.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 12 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

6 References

Ref 1-1 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds. European Commission (2009). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?uri=%20CELEX%3A32009L0147

Ref 1-2 Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. European Commission (1992). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A31992L0043

Ref 1-3 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. HMSO (1949). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/12-13-14/97

Ref 1-4 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. HMSO (1981) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69

Ref 1-5 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. HMSO (2000). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents

Ref 1-6 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: County Wildlife Sites Selection Guidelines. The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire 2014. https://www.wildlifebcn.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/cws_criteria_2014_v6.2.pdf

Ref 1-7 Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity, Recording and Monitoring Centre http://www.bedscape.org.uk/BRMC/newsite/index.php?c=sites_cws

Ref 1-8 National Planning Policy Framework. Department for Communities and Local Government (2019). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads /attachment_data/file/810197/NPPF_Feb_2019_revised.pdf

Ref 1-9 Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (2011) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/atta chment_data/file/69446/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020-111111.pdf

Ref 1-10 Davis, B.N.K., Schofield, J.M. and Wells, T.C.E.1968. Huntingdonshire road verges. 21st Annual Report 1968. Huntingdonshire Fauna & Flora Society, (21), 6-8.

Ref 1-11 Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) (2016). http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 13 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Annex A: Figure 1 – Sites designated for biodiversity

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

st NOTES e k W oo N n Br Diddingto Brook

LEGEND Order Limits

e s u The Scheme R Little O ive t r K Paxton a y e 1km Study Area m Wood (SSSI) r G

v 2km Study Area

i Caxton Gibbet R Cambridge Road Junction European and International Junction Huntingdonshire Statutory Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Papworth Willow Pollards West Wood (SSSI) Elsworth National Statutory Sites (2km) of Sharp's Barn (CWS) Gallow Brook Wood (SSSI) Elsworth Site of Special Scientific Wood Interest (SSSI) St. Neot's Non-Statutory Sites & Ancient Common Elsworth (A428 ok (SSSI) Duloe Bro to Common Woodland (1km) Farm) (PRV) County Wildlife Site (CWS) Fox Brook Protected Road Verge (PRV)

Ea ste Wildlife Trust Nature River Great rn B ok ro Reserve Ouse (CWS) Bro Croxton o am k H Wintringh oneyd on Brook Park (CWS) Ancient Woodland k o Eltisley Wood o r Contains public sector information licensed B B (CWS & ancient woodland) en ro n H ok a under the Open Government Licence v3.0. e D Haydean m a Abbotsley B h rook n River course Wyboston a Little Brook B ok Colmworth Pits (CWS) Bro other watercourse

Dean Begwary Brook Pits Gascote rook (CWS & Wildlife Trust B Begwary B ou Nature Reserve) rn Br k o D W ok Black Cat o n ro e a a Little a r e B n e Roundabout ll s D B G Barford (CWS) a le rans Mande r d an w m o y e B o n ro t Sir Johns S o ok B S k ro h ok tc Wood (CWS & ancient woodland) Di ew N South R Br o ook ck h a m Ditch ook Dean Br S to Palaceyard Wood n FIRST ISSUE BF 26/02/21 P01 d e x B JG m . (CWS & ancient woodland) r By s Latch o Revision Details Date Suffix e o t i k Check

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F t o GEN_Z_Z_ZZ -GS-GI-0028 P Location | Type | Role | Number This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Highways England 100030649 2020

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Annex B: Citations for International and European Sites

Eversden and Wimpole Wood (SAC) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable. Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable. Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site

1308 Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus)

The site comprises a mixture of ancient coppice woodland (Eversden Wood) and high forest woods likely to be of more recent origin (Wimpole Woods).

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection Not applicable. Portholme (SAC) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site 6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis)

This large site represents lowland hay meadows in eastern England. It is the largest surviving traditionally-managed meadow in the UK, with an area of 104 ha of alluvial flood meadow (7% of the total UK resource). There has been a long history of favourable management and very little of the site has suffered from agricultural improvement, and so it demonstrates good conservation of structure and function. It supports a small population of fritillary Fritillaria meleagris.

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable.

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable.

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection Not applicable.

Planning Inspectorate Scheme Ref: TR010044 Application Document Ref: TR010044/APP/6.3

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Environmental Statement – Appendix 8.2: Designated Sites

Ouse Marshes (SAC and SPA) Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable.

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site Not applicable.

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site 1149 Spined loach (Cobitis taenia)

The Ouse Washes represent spined loach populations within the River Great Ouse catchment. The Counter Drain, with its clear water and abundant macrophytes, is particularly important, and a healthy population of spined loach is known to occur.