31 October 2013
Hoole Gate, Chester Ecological Appraisal Report
Report Number: 1700_R05a_JM_AS
Client: HIMOR Group Limited
Author: Sophie Kirk MCIEEM
Checked: John Moorcroft MCIEEM
Contents
Section 1: Introduction ...... 1 Section 2: Methodology ...... 2 Section 3: Ecological Resources ...... 5 Section 4: Considerations in respect of Development ...... 14 Section 5: Ecological Design Principles ...... 18 Section 6: Summary and Conclusions ...... 21
Appendices Appendix 1: Great Crested Newt Survey Appendix 2: Bat Survey Appendix 3: Breeding Bird Survey Appendix 4: Reptile Survey Appendix 5: Badger Survey Appendix 6: Site Photographs Appendix 7: Local Wildlife Site Locations and Records of Protected and Notable Species supplied by rECOrd Appendix 8: National and Local Planning Policy Appendix 9 Illustrative Masterplan Appendix 10 Hoole Gate Chester Site Boundary Plan
Plans
Habitat Features Plan 1700/P05b JM/JE/LG October 2013
Bat Activity Survey Summary Map 1700/P09a JM/JE/LG October 2013
Breeding Bird Territories 1700/P11a JM/JE/LG October 2013
Reptile Mat Location Map 1700/P10a JM/JE/LG October 2013
Ecology and Landscape Constraints and Opportunities Plan 1700/P17a JB/AL/LG October 2013
This report, all plans, illustrations and other associated material remains the property of Tyler Grange LLP until paid for in full. Copyright and intellectual property rights remain with Tyler Grange LLP.
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Section 1: Introduction
1.1. This report has been prepared by Tyler Grange LLP on behalf of HIMOR Group Limited. It sets out the findings of an ecological appraisal of an area of land (approximately 10 ha) to the north, west and south of the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Cheshire. The site is centred on national Ordnance Survey Grid Reference SJ 431 680.
1.2. HIMOR has entered into an agreement with the owners of land adjacent to Hoole Hall to promote it through the Cheshire West & Chester (CW&C) development plan and is divided into two phases, Phase 1 (hereafter termed ‘the site’) consisting of 10.3 ha and a further 16.3 ha of adjoining land (termed Phase 2). It is HIMOR’s view that these two land parcels could form a comprehensive urban extension, which HIMOR has called Hoole Gate, to Chester. The land is identified in on the plan Appendix 10. Adjoining landowners have been approached about entering in to the promotion agreement.
1.3. At this stage only land within Phase 1 has been assessed for potential ecological constraints to development. The assessment of potential ecological constraints in connection with Phase 2 would be u ndertaken once agreement with landowners has been r eached on entering into the promotion agreement.
1.4. The site consists primarily of species poor semi-improved grassland, with a network of mature tree- lined hedges. There are small areas of broadleaved woodland to the south and south east, and mixed plantation woodland around the driveway at the front of the hotel. There are eleven water bodies and several ditches. The Double Tree Hilton Hotel complex lies adjacent to the site and consists of Grade II listed Hoole Hall with associated hotel buildings and mature landscaping, which includes a pond and mature trees.
1.5. The purpose of this report is to:
• describes the ecological resources and the issues that might arise as a result of allocation of the Site and its future development for housing;
• assesses potential consequences in terms of legislation and policy, and where appropriate makes recommendations for mitigation of adverse effects and ecological enhancement; and
• assuming site allocation, identifies further work required to inform a future planning application.
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Section 2: Methodology
Scope of Assessment
2.1. This report follows the guidance set out in the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidance on Ecological Assessment1.
2.2. The extent of potential ecological effects which could arise from development was determined by undertaking a desk based assessment of available records and pub lished sources, together with an initial site survey. With this information, the 'zone of influence' (ZoI) of the proposed development was established, together with potential ecological effects, opportunities and any further detailed work, such as detailed surveys, that might be n ecessary to inform development designs and a future planning application.
Desk Study
2.3. A desk based study was undertaken to identify statutory and non-statutory nature conservation designations within 2km, protected species records within 2km, and relevant planning policies. The following sources were used:
• Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) Website2 was searched for statutory sites;
• The Natural England 'Nature on the Map' website3 was searched for records of Local Nature Reserves (LNR) and Countryside sites;
• The biodiversity records centre for Cheshire (rECOrd) was contacted for records of protected species and priority taxa included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and Local Cheshire Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) from within 2km of the site; and
• The Chester District Local Plan (adopted by Chester City Council 2006) and National Planning Policy Framework (2012)4 were reviewed for nature conservation planning policies that could potentially control development proposals.
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
2.4. An 'extended' Phase 1 habitat survey of the site and its immediate environs was undertaken on the on the 20th October, 2012 by Sophie Kirk (Ecologist, Tyler Grange) and Hayley Care (Graduate Ecologist, Tyler Grange).
2.5. The survey broadly followed the 'extended' Phase 1 methodology set out in guidance from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.5 This method of survey provides information on habitats and
1 Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2006). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (version 7 July 2006). 2 www.magic.gov.uk 3 http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk 4 National Planning Policy Framework (2012) Department for Communities and Local Government 5 Joint Nature Conservation Committee, (2010), Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit Hoole Gate Ecological Assessment
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assesses the potential for legally protected or otherwise notable species to occur in and adjacent to the site and allows the ecological value of resources to be determined.
Detailed Surveys
2.6. The extended Phase 1 survey of the site highlighted the potential for protected species to be present on the site. Surveys for protected or notable species were undertaken between March and August 2013 in line with published methodologies. Details of the survey methods and timings (together with results) are provided in the respective Appendices (shown in parentheses) for each species/group, as follows:
• Great crested newt (GCN) Triturus cristatus (Appendix 1);
• Bats (Appendix 2);
• Breeding Birds including Barn Owl (Appendix 3);
• Reptiles (Appendix 4); and
• Badger Meles meles (Appendix 5).
Evaluation
2.7. The ecological resources in this appraisal were evaluated using published guidance produced by CIEEM1. The level of value of specific ecological receptors is assigned using a geographic frame of reference, i.e. international value being most important, then national, regional, county and local within the context of the site itself and lastly, negligible.
2.8. Value judgements are based on various characteristics that can be used to identify ecological resources or features likely to be important in terms of biodiversity. These include site designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), or for undesignated features, the size, conservation status (locally, nationally or internationally) and the quality of the ecological resource. In terms of the latter, 'quality' can refer to habitats (for instance if they are particularly diverse, or a good example of a s pecific habitat type), other features (such as wildlife corridors or mosaics of habitats), or species populations or assemblages.
Limitations
2.9. The extended Phase 1 survey was undertaken on the 20th October, 2012, which meant that some plant species were not likely to be visible owing to seasonal die back. However, based on subsequent observations of habitats during protected species surveys, it is considered that the extended Phase 1 survey accurately determined the type, extent and likely value of habitat types within the site. The surveys undertaken were deemed sufficient to:
• Evaluate ecological resources; and
• Provide sufficient information to determine the likely ecological constraints and opportunities in relation to the site.
2.10. Please note that the findings of this report are valid at the time of writing. Owing to the dynamic nature of ecological resources, if more than six months have elapsed since the report was written,
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advice should be sought to determine whether update work is required. The findings of the report should not be relied upon without this advice.
Quality Control
2.11. All ecologists at Tyler Grange LLP are members of the CIEEM and abide by the Institute's Code of Professional Conduct.
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Section 3: Ecological Resources
Site Context and Natural Area Profile
3.1 The site is located near Hoole Village to the immediate east of the A41 Ring Road, to the south of the A56 Warrington Road, to the west of the A55 (North Wales Expressway) and to the north of Guilden Sutton Lane.
3.2 The site consists primarily of fields of rough semi-improved grassland, marshy grassland and a network of hedgerows with mature trees. There are some small areas of woodland to the south east, east and northwest. There are a total of eleven ponds on the site and several ditches. The site is adjacent to a large hotel complex (Double Tree by Hilton) with associated landscaped gardens (including a pond with a fountain and mature trees).
Natural Area
3.3 The site lies within the Mosses and Mer es Natural Area (No.28) as defined by Natural England. The Meres and Mosses of the north-west Midlands form one of the most important wetland areas in England.
3.4 The landscape in which they occur is a gently undulating plain broken by sandstone ridges. The area is mainly rural and agricultural and Cheshire is particularly important for dairy farming. An important feature of the Meres and Mos ses Natural Area is the presence of a l arge range of different wetland habitats, including open water, swamp, fen, alder carr, marshy grassland and peat bog. The Natural Area is peppered with small peat and open water wetlands that are of international conservation importance.
3.5 Ponds, grassland and hedges on s ite reflect those typically found on f armland within the Natural Area.
Protected Sites
Statutory Nature Conservation Designations
3.6 There are no statutory nature conservation designations within 2km of the site.
Non-statutory Nature Conservation Designations
3.7 Non-statutory nature conservation designations are termed Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) in Cheshire. These are not afforded legal protection but are protected under planning policy (refer to Appendix 8). In Cheshire they are recognised as being of county wide importance because of their significance as wildlife habitats in the wider environment, their value to communities or other reasons relating to their locational context.
3.8 There are no LWSs within 2km of the site.
3.9 The site is however included within an Area of Nature Conservation Value (ANCV) as listed by the Chester District Local Plan. This is defined as an area important for its nature conservation value
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(see local planning policies EN27), though not meeting the criteria for LWS selection. The extent of this is shown on Plan 3.1 below.
Plan 3.1 showing the extent of the ANCV Designation (brown hatch)
Habitats and Flora
3.10 The type and distribution of habitat features within the site are shown on Habitat Features Plan 1700/P05b. Pond photographs (Ponds 1-11) are provided in Appendix 1 (GCN survey); other photographs of the site are provided in Appendix 6 and referenced in the text below (Plates 1 - 10).
Grassland
3.11 The majority of the site consists of large areas of rough semi-improved grassland. A range of common grasses are present including meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata, tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and perennial rye grass Lolium perenne (Plates 1 and 2).
3.12 Forbs present are typical of this type of habitat and include common nettle Urtica dioica, common cleavers Gallium aparine, broad leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, common ragwort Senecio jacobaea, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens and teasel Dipsacus fullonum.
3.13 At the south west of the hotel complex is an area of rough grassland, scrub and tall ruderals with some piles of brash. This is the location of a former avenue of horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum trees which were previously removed due to disease.
3.14 There are several areas of marshy grassland (some of which contain small pools) particularly within the fields to the north of the hotel complex. Species present include creeping buttercup and soft rush Juncus effusus (Plate 3).
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Scrub and Tall Ruderals
3.15 There are some areas of dense bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. scrub, primarily around the edges of the hotel complex.
3.16 Within the grassland at the west of the site and along the boundaries of the hotel complex there are stands of tall ruderal species including common nettle and rosebay willowherb Chaemerion angustifolium (Plate 4).
Hedgerows
3.17 There is a network of hedgerows primarily consisting of hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and hazel Corylus avellana with some blackthorn Prunus spinosa (H1-H12 Plan 1700/P05b). Most of the hedgerows are unmanaged. Several mature trees are present within the hedgerows (e.g. Plates 5 and 6, see below).
Trees and Woodland
3.18 There are a large number of scattered mature trees throughout the south, east and north of the site mainly within the network of hedgerows (primarily H4-H11). These mainly include pedunculate oak Quercus robur, sessile oak Q. petraea, Turkey oak Q. laevis, red oak Q. rubra, ash Fraxinus excelsior, silver birch Betula pendula, horse chestnut and London plane Platanus x acerifolia.
3.19 A large mature native black poplar Populus nigra subspecies betulifoli (Cheshire Biodiversity Action Plan species) lies along H4 at the southeast (Plate 7).
3.20 There are three small broadleaved plantation woodlands at the southwest, north and far east of the site boundary (e.g. Plate 8). Species present include beech Fagus sylvatica, turkey oak, pedunculate oak, holly Ilex aquifolium, English elm Ulmus minor, large-leaved lime Tilia platyphyllos, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, hazel and crack willow Salix fragilis with an understorey of ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, common nettle and bramble. A row of Lombardy poplar Populus nigra 'Italica' lies at the northern boundary of the site close to Pond 11.
3.21 The trees within the hotel grounds are dominated by fully mature oak trees (Turkey oak and Mirbeck’s Oak Q. canariensis), beech, ash, common lime Tilia europaea, horse chestnut, holly and yew Taxus baccata. A large Wellingtonia Sequoiadendron giganteum is also growing in close proximity to one of the accommodation blocks. There are several mature trees associated with the hotel car park (species including ash, walnut Juglans sp. and Turkey oak). A prominent copse is also present, dominated by mature Turkey oak and pine Pinus sp.
Water bodies
3.22 There are a total of eleven ponds within the site boundary (P1-P11). Detailed descriptions and photographs are presented in Appendix 1 GCN Survey.
3.23 There are four ditches retaining water along hedgerows (H5, H7, H11, H8) and two dry ditches to the north (H11 and along the tree line by P11).
Buildings and Amenity Landscaping
3.24 There are several buildings which make up the hotel complex. Some are modern, having been built or refurbished within the last few years and include hotel bedrooms, a spa and a restaurant. The original manor house and outbuildings are much older (rebuilt around 1760) (Plate 10).
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3.25 In addition, there is a small, flat roofed gas meter building covered in ivy within the mixed plantation woodland near the entrance to the hotel and a small wooden gazebo next to the ornamental pond at the front of the hotel.
3.26 The buildings are surrounded by areas of lawn (amenity grassland), formal borders containing a mixture of ornamental trees and shrubs, together with hardstanding consisting of pathways and car parking areas.
Habitats Adjacent to the Site
3.27 Large arable fields lie to the east and north of the site. Residential properties lie to the west and south.
Fauna
3.28 A summary of the surveys undertaken and those faunal species or groups that have been considered in this appraisal is provided in Table 3.1 below. Details of records of protected species received from rECOrd and those listed within UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and Cheshire Local BAP (LBAP) are also summarised.
3.29 Full survey methods and results for the protected species surveys can be found in Appendices 1-5 and the list of species records received is provided in Appendix 7.
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Species/Group Records, Potential for Presence and Summary of Survey Findings Protection/ Conservation status N.B. Distances measured from Google Earth. Amphibians Common frog Rana temporaria: 32 records, the most recent 579 m south (2012). CHSR (GCN) NERC SoPI (GCN and During the detailed pond surveys in 2013, GCN was found to be present in five of the ponds on the site (P common toad) 1-3, 7 and 10). P1 (ornamental pond at the front of the hotel) recorded the most GCN, with a maximum count of 31 (04/06/13: visit 6), P2 to the west of the hotel recorded a maximum count of 3 (04/06/13: visit 6) and P3 (adjacent to P2) only recorded one GCN (16/04/13: visit 2). P7 (within hedgerow H5) recorded a maximum count of 3 GCN (16/05/13: visit 4) and P10 (by hedge H10) recorded one GCN on 11/04/13 (visit 1).
Overall, a medium metapopulation of GCN has been recorded within the site (according to current guidelines)6.
The terrestrial range of GCN breeding in P1-P3, P7 and P10 is likely to extend to suitable rough grassland, ruderal vegetation, scrub and hedge bottoms present throughout the site.
Moderate numbers of smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris and small numbers of common toad Bufo bufo were also recorded on the site.
Badger 14 records, all found dead on roads, one within the tetrad centred on the site (2008) and the next closest being 84 PBA m east (2012). The majority of records were north of the site.
The areas of grassland to the west and south of the hotel offer suitable foraging and commuting habitat for badgers if present in the wider area. However, no evidence of badger activity was observed during the badger survey or any other surveys on the site. There are no setts in the site boundary or within 50 m. Bats Brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus: four records 1.07 km east (2002). CHSR Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus: one record 1.70 km north (2001). WCA Common pipistrelle P. pipistrellus: four records, the closest 550 m south (2012). NERC SoPI – except common pipistrelle Mature oak trees within hedgerows on the site (H6-H11) are classed as having moderate potential to WCA support bat roosts. Two mature oaks in H8 have good to moderate potential as they have large cracks and crevices. Although detailed emergence / re-entry surveys were not undertaken on individual trees, no bats
6 English Nature (2001). Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough. Hoole Gate Ecological Assessment
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were observed emerging or re-entering these trees during the activity surveys. The majority of the other trees within the woodland blocks at the southwest, east and north have limited bat roost potential as they do not have features that would support bat roosts (e.g. splits, crevices, and knot holes).
The majority of bat activity recorded on the site was from common and soprano pipistrelles. There were also a few single passes from brown long eared and a noctule recorded by the static detectors. Activity is considered to be generally low across the network of hedges around the site, especially at the south and east. Single passes (1-3) of pipistrelle bats were observed along the majority of hedgerows. Most of the behaviour observed was commuting with foraging activity concentrated primarily at the woodland block within the hotel grounds (close to P1). This is where the most activity was observed (about 40 passes by 3 bats during the 3rd survey). Additionally, the SM2 static detector recordings from August produced higher number of passes for pipistrelle bats around the hedge at the back of the car park (maximum 392).
Birds A number of bird records were received from within 2km of the site and included: WCA (Plus additional protection Barn owl Tyto alba, Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, Peregrine falcon Falco peregrine, Skylark Alauda arvensis, Lesser under schedule one for barn owl. spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos minor, Brambling Fringilla montifringilla, House sparrow Passer domesticus, kingfisher, peregrine falcon, brambling, fieldfare and redwing. Grey partridge Perdix perdix, yellowhammer Emberiza citronella, Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, Fieldfare Turdus pilaris, Redwing Turdus iliacus, Song thrush Turdus philomelos, Starling Sturnus vulgaris, Dunnock NERC SoPI song thrush and dunnock
Prunella modularis and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, – except barn owl, kingfisher,
peregrine falcon, brambling, fieldfare
The breeding bird survey identified breeding territories held by wren Troglodytes troglodytes (4), robin and redwing. Erythacus rubecula (3), mallard Anas platyrhynchos(1), jackdaw Corvus monedula(1), blackbird Turdus BOCC RED: song thrush,. merula (1) and goldfinch Carduelis carduelis (1). BOCC AMBER: Barn owl and In addition to the species likely to be breeding, several other bird species were recorded using the site on dunnock. one of the three survey visit but failed to demonstrate sufficient fidelity to an area over subsequent surveys. These species include blue tit Parus caeruleus, great tit Parus major, chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major, buzzard Buteo buteo, whitethroat Sylvia
communis, song thrush Turdus philomelos, dunnock Prunella modularis, magpie Pica pica and woodpigeon Columba palumbus.
Two mature oak trees within hedge H8 at the east of the site have large enough cavities for barn owls to nest. A barn owl was observed leaving one of these oak trees during a GCN survey on the 16th May at dusk and seen flying over the site. Another barn owl was observed flying from east to west across the site at dusk on the 4th June. Barn owl pellets and droppings were found at the base of the oak trees during the Phase one survey in October 2012.
Aside from the two sightings during the GCN surveys, no other barn owls were observed on the site.
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There was no evidence to suggest that barn owl were breeding in the oak trees. The rough semi-improved grassland, tall ruderals and hedgerows on the site are highly likely to provide hunting habitat for this species.
Reptiles Record of slow worm Anguis fragilis: two records 621 m south (2002). NERC SoPI WCA The grassland to the west and south of the hotel offers suitable habitat for widespread reptile species. However, no reptiles were found during the detailed surveys undertaken between May and July 2013. Water vole One record 1.66 km northwest (2009). NERC SoPI Arvicola The ponds and ditches on the site do not provide suitable habitat for water vole, therefore they are WCA amphibius unlikely to be present.
Other mammals Brown hare Lepus europaeus: five records, the closest 884 m northwest (2001). NERC SoPI – Hedgehog, brown hare Polecat Mustela putorius: five records, the closest 504 m north (2010). and polecat. Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus: 36 records, the closest 488 m south (2011).
No incidental observations of these species or signs indicating their presence were found during the phase 1 habitat survey or during surveys undertaken for other protected species. Hedges and open farmland may provide suitable habitat for brown hare, polecat and hedgehog. Abbreviations:
CHSR – The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended)
WCA – Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
NERC – Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 – Species or Habitat of Principle Importance (SoPI or HoPI).
BOCC – RSPB/BTO Birds of Conservation Concern
PBA – Protection of Badgers Act 1992
Table 3.1: Summary of fauna considered as part of this ecological assessment
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Evaluation
3.30 Table 3.2 below summarises the value of ecological resources within the ZoI of the proposals, along with any protection offered by relevant legal and planning policy (see Appendix 8).
Ecological Resource Evaluation
Semi-improved rough grassland, marshy Species poor semi-improved rough grassland, marshy grassland, tall grassland, tall ruderal and scrub ruderals and scrub habitat are considered to be species poor and are a common and widespread habitat locally.
However, collectively these support GCN, other amphibians, a range of common farmland and woodland bird species, together with bats, barn owl, invertebrates and small mammals. Given the extent of this habitat type within the site (approximately 9.5 ha) and the species it supports it is considered to be of local ecological value Trees and hedgerows The hedgerows and trees provide wildlife connectivity throughout the site and into the wider landscape. Due to their lack of species diversity and paucity of woodland ground flora they would be unlikely to qualify as important under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. Hedgerows provide habitat for amphibians, common birds, small mammals and invertebrates. Small numbers of bats use these hedges and trees for commuting and foraging. The value of the trees varies depending on the species and age of the specimen. Young, immature specimens or those that are non-native/ ornamental species are considered to be of no more than site ecological value. The semi mature and mature trees offer an important habitat resource and are not replaceable in the short to medium term.
Collectively the hedgerows and trees are considered to be of local ecological value.
Woodland The broadleaved plantation woodland areas at the north, south west and east, along with the block within the hotel grounds, although not particularly species rich provide wildlife connectivity throughout the site and into the wider area. They provide habitat for foraging and commuting bats, small mammals, invertebrates and birds. They may also provide terrestrial habitat for GCN and other amphibians.
The semi-mature and mature trees in the woodlands are an important habitat resource in the immediate locality and are not replaceable in the short to medium term, hence the woodland areas are considered to be of local ecological value Ponds The ponds on the site and surrounding area are an important habitat, particularly in Cheshire (Cheshire LBAP) which has the vision statement: “To sustain the quality of the pond landscape (aquatic and terrestrial) and to promote sympathetic restoration and creation of small water bodies in the landscape. Ponds are important for species such as the Great Crested Newt. Ponds are widespread across
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Cheshire”. Additionally, any ponds that contain GCN would qualify as priority habitat against the UK BAP criteria7 .
P1-3, 7 and 10 on the site were found to support GCN, along with common frog, common toad, and smooth newts. The ponds are also likely to support a range of aquatic invertebrates. The ponds were not considered suitable for lesser silver water beetle Hydrochara caraboides.
Given the presence of a medium GCN population on the site, the ponds are assessed as being of local value.
Buildings The buildings within the hotel complex are considered to be of negligible ecological value.
Amphibians / GCN A medium population of GCN has been found on the site (P1-3, P7 and P10) The surrounding grassland terrestrial habitat will also be used by these amphibians. GCN populations are considered to be of local value and the site is of ecological value within the context of the site for common toad. Badgers No setts on site and no evidence of regular use by badgers. The site is assessed as being of negligible ecological value in respect of badgers. Bats The hedgerows, trees and woodland areas, ponds and grassland offer commuting/foraging habitat for small numbers of common and soprano pipistrelle bats. Some mature oak trees on the site have moderate and good bat roosting potential. However, activity was found to be generally low after activity and static SM2 detector surveys were carried out. The site is unlikely to be important in maintaining the favourable conservation status of bats in the local area. The site is considered to be of ecological value within the context of the site in respect of bats.
Birds The site supports an assemblage of common woodland species and is assessed as being of ecological value within the context of the site in respect of birds. Reptiles Although the grassland offers suitable habitat for common reptiles species, no reptiles have been found. Therefore the site is considered to be of negligible ecological value in respect of reptiles. Other terrestrial mammals (e.g. brown The site offers habitat suitable for a range of small mammals. hare/ hedgehog/polecat) Hedgerows facilitate their movement through the landscape. The site does not offer any habitats that are locally rare or of particularly high quality and is assessed as being of ecological value within the context of the site in respect of other terrestrial mammals.
Table 3.3: Summary of Value of Ecological Resources within the Site
7UK BAP Pond Criteria: jncc.defra.gov.uk/Docs/UKBAP_BAPHabitats-42-Ponds.doc Hoole Gate Ecological Assessment
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Section 4: Considerations in Respect of Development
Likely Zone of Influence of Development
4.1 An illustrative masterplan for the site has been produced and is included in Appendix 9. This has been produced taking into consideration the ecological constraints identified in this assessment so that where possible, it avoids key features of ecological importance (such as boundary hedges, woodland copses and their associated margins and ponds), together with some areas of grassland which provide terrestrial habitat for GCN.
4.2 Land within the existing hotel grounds and field to the west form part of land is subject to separate development proposals in connection with expansion of the Doubletree Hotel Chester. This is discussed in further detail in Section 5. The site is bounded by the A41 to the west, Guilden Sutton Lane to the south and the A66 bounds the site to the northwest. Land beyond the north-eastern boundary is arable farmland. Hence, there are no habitats on adjacent land beyond the site boundary that are of ecological importance which would be affected either directly or indirectly by development proposals for the site. Once operational, the potential for ecological impacts on habitats and species is likely to be limited to the risk of increased disturbance to habitats locally due to informal recreation, such as dog walking.
Consequences in Relation to Planning Policy and Legislation
4.3 The following paragraphs provide an analysis of the likely impacts of development at the site in respect of planning policy (see Appendix 3) and relevant wildlife legislation.
Designated Sites 4.4 Development proposals would not trigger planning policies ENV 28 and 29, which relate to the protection of statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designations as none lie within 2km of the site.
Habitats and Flora 4.5 Potential issues of planning policy together with any legal implications in relation to each habitat type recorded within the site loss are discussed in further detail in Table 4.1 below.
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Habitat Type Details Planning Policy / Legal issues
Semi-improved rough The site mainly comprises of species poor semi-improved grassland, which due to its size Whilst no specific planning policies relate to the protection of grassland, marshy (approximately 9.8) provides a habitat resource that is of local ecological value. It supports a species poor semi-improved grassland, its value to protected grassland, tall ruderal medium sized meta-population of GCN, a range of common woodland and farmland birds species, in particular GCN may trigger local planning policy and scrub and a foraging resource for raptors including barn owl, buzzard and kestrel. Field edges (see table 4.2 below). and their associated hedges also provide foraging habitat for bats.
Development proposals would inevitably lead to loss of approximately of 6 ha these habitats.
Trees and Mature trees and hedges present on the site boundaries and as a network dividing fields The site is included within an A NCV and t herefore hedgerows and within the site provide a habitat resource for a range of species found within the site. This development could potentially trigger planning policy ENV 27 woodland includes several protected species as well as providing functional connectivity between which seeks to protect key wildlife and landscape features woodland habitats found with within and adjacent to the site. (such as hedges woodlands and m ature trees) which lie within ANCV areas. Development proposals would inevitably lead to loss of some hedgerows . Hedges along the site boundaries are likely to be retained. With an appropriate development layout that retains key features, together with measures to enhance them, for example through habitat restoration and the creation of new habitats to augment those that already exist, it may be possible to avoid triggering planning policies that relate to the ANCV.
Ponds Loss of ponds (in particular pond 10 pond 6 and pond 8) may be required to accommodate Planning policy ENV 27 which includes ponds could be development proposals. triggered, as ponds are an ANCV feature. Elements of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) also seek to prevent the overall loss of ponds. Therefore where ponds are lost to development this would need to be mitigated through provision of replacement ponds.
Buildings None of the buildings which lie within the site lie within areas proposed for development one
Table 4.1 Analysis of Planning Policy and Legislative Issues Potentially Affecting Habitats Identified within the Site
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Fauna 4.6 Potential implications in relation to protected and notable fauna recorded are discussed in further detail in Table 4.2 below.
Fauna Details Planning Policy / Legal issues
GCN and other Development proposals would inevitably lead to the loss of habitats which provide suitable The NPPF which relate to protected species could be amphibians terrestrial habitat for GCNs consisting primarily of species poor semi-improved grassland triggered. Loss of habitat would also trigger legislation but also potentially hedge bottoms and patches of ruderal vegetation. Loss of breeding protecting GCNs. ponds in particular pond 10, pond 6 and pond 8 may be required.
Badgers No setts or any badger activity were found within or adjacent to the site. Currently, Currently no issues, though development proposals may development of the site would not result in the loss of setts but activity levels can change reduce the amount of foraging habitat available for badgers. rapidly and s uitable habitats present within the site along hedges and woodland margins could be colonised with badger setts in the future. If areas affected by development become colonised with badger setts in the future, in the absence appropriate Where badger setts are found to be active and within 30m of proposed development a mitigation, PBA could be triggered. licence from Natural England (NE) may be required to undertake works. This would need to be a ccompanied by a mitigation strategy outlining methods employed to minimise impacts upon this species.
Bats Depending on the proposed development layout, hedges and mature trees would be lost, The NPPF which relate to protected species could be which could reduce foraging opportunities for bats which use linear features such as hedges triggered. Loss of mature trees may also trigger legislation and woodland edges for feeding. If hedge losses include sections of H6 and H11 (see plan protecting bats if they are found to be using them for 1700/P01), this could also potentially result in the loss of roost sites for bats if these are roosting. found to occur in mature trees present within these hedges.
Birds Development proposal would lead to the loss of some hedgerow sections and mature trees The NPPF which relate to protected species (in this case which provide breeding habitat for a range of common woodland bird species. None of the barn owl) could be triggered. species potentially affected are of nature conservation concern. Also levels of habitat loss would be small when considered within the context of that available on adjacent land. Habitat clearance works would need to be timed to avoid the bird breeding season in order to avoid the risk of triggering Development will result in the loss of foraging habitat for barn owl. the WCA.
Reptiles Not found within the site. No planning policy issues
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Other terrestrial Polecat The NPPF which relate to SoPIs wound only apply if development proposals would result in significant habitat mammals (e.g. The species is known to occur locally and habitats within the site would provide suitable losses for these species. brown hare/ resources for this species. Therefore, while habitat loss may be significant for individuals hedgehog/polecat) occurring within the site, it is unlikely that development would significantly affect the overall conservation status of the polecat population in the wider locality. Brown hare Brown hares habitually roam across large expanses of both arable land and pasture, laying up in forms made in field margins along hedges and woodland edges during the day. Habitat loss may be significant for brown hares occurring within the site but on balance it is unlikely that development would significantly affect the overall conservation status of brown hare populations in the locality. Hedgehog Loss of hedges / field margins may reduce habitat resources for hedgehog. However, losses are likely to be small when considered in the context of other suitable habitat available in the locality. Proposals for the creation of new hedges and woodland blocks would help to mitigate any losses. Table 4.2 Analysis of Planning Policy and Legislative Issues Potentially Affecting Protected and Notable Fauna Identified within the Site
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Section 5: Ecological Design Principles and Enhancement Opportunities
5.1. This section sets out in order of priority the key ecological design considerations which will be required to address the potential ecological constraints to development set out in Section 4. The Ecology and Landscape Constraints and Opportunities Plan 1700/P17a provides proposals for phase 1 which seek to retain existing ecological features of importance, mitigates for habitat loss where this is necessary and seeks to enhance habitat connection between retained features (such as hedges) within the site and those on adjacent land. These proposals have been reflected in the Illustrative Masterplan for phase 1 provided in Appendix 9.
Great Crested Newts
5.2. The presence of GCNs within areas likely to be affected by development proposals have the greatest potential to affect the quantum of development which can be achieved on the site.
5.3. The loss of terrestrial habitat and any ponds would pose a risk to GCNs from disturbance, killing and injury and would also risk committing offences under the CHSR 2010, the WCA 1981 as well as having planning policy implications previously described in Table 4.1. In order to avoid the risk of offences and t o proceed with the development lawfully, a European Protected Species (EPS) development licence from NE will be required supported by an appropriate scheme of mitigation.
5.4. Provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act will require CWAC to be satisfied that development proposals can maintain the favourable conservation status of GCN populations present within the site. Essentially it must determine whether development proposals can include proposals sufficient for satisfying requirements for the granting of an E PS licence in respect of development.
5.5. Mitigation would be required to replace any GCN ponds that would be lost to the development (at least 2 f or 1 f ollowing Natural England guidance). Mitigation for the loss of suitable terrestrial habitat would also be required. Normally this is on a like for like basis. However, in this case as the majority of the site consists of terrestrial habitats (such as rough grassland, hedges, scrub and ruderal vegetation) which could be used by GCN in their terrestrial habitat, like for like mitigation in terms of area of terrestrial habitat mitigation provided will not be possible. Instead mitigation proposals compensate for the loss of terrestrial habitat by enhancing retained habitats close to retained ponds that are already suitable, thereby increasing their carrying capacity for GCN. This can be achieved through management to promote growth of tussocky grassland and scrub, management of access by people and p ets, and inclusion of suitable refuge and h ibernation features Periodic vegetation clearance within ponds to achieve a balance between open water and aquatic vegetation will also be needed in order to maintain their value as breeding habitat for GCN.
5.6. In identifying suitable areas for GCN mitigation, the most important consideration is the location of the existing breeding ponds within the site. Pond 7 (a GCN pond containing small population) which is located alongside H5 should be retained especially given it is situated next to a large oak tree and forms part of an established hedge. I deally, a non-developmental buffer should be maintained around this pond in order to project the GCN population present along with the surrounding terrestrial habitat. Linkages to other habitats would need to be maintained and ponds should not be allowed to become isolated.
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5.7. It should also be noted that proposals for redevelopment of the Doubletree Hotel are already affecting the same meta-population of GCN. The impacts of this are to be mitigated through enhancement of existing terrestrial habitat on fields to the west of the Hotel. (See plan 1700/P17a) Therefore proposals for habitat loss in connection with further future development will need to provide land that is additional to this.
5.8. Only one GCN was recorded in pond 10 in the first survey before drying up throughout subsequent survey visits. The pond is also very overgrown with soft rush and in later stages of natural succession to marshy grassland. It is therefore considered that it would be acceptable for this pond to be lost to development if necessary. However, two new ponds and terrestrial habitat would need to be created to replace it.
5.9. It is proposed that loss of terrestrial habitat could be compensated through the provision of an area of high quality habitat located in the southern portion of the site (see Plan 1700/P17a). Most of this lies within a field where a the Scheduled Ancient Monument is located but would also need to include an adjacent field to the east in order to provide sufficient terrestrial habitat for GCNs.
5.10. This area includes pond creation as mitigation for loss of pond 10, together with habitat enhancements such as hibernacula (log piles) and earth bunds. The area can be multifunctional and include provision for public access in the form of footpaths, provided that habitats within the area can continue to provide high quality GCN habitat. Suitable habitats would include wildflower rich grassland, areas of native tree planting, scrub and ruderal vegetation provided in a mosaic of habitats.
5.11. In addition to mitigation for habitat loss, development proposals would also need to include measures for the relocation of GCNs from areas affected by development into land set aside for GCN mitigation. in order to prevent the risk of killing / injury whilst works are in progress.
ANCV Habitat Features
5.12. Owing to their identification as ANCV development proposals retain hedges, woodlands and ponds wherever possible. Plan 1700/P17a indicates key hedgerows, woodland areas and other tree groups which should if possible be retained.
5.13. Where losses occur these would be mitigated through the provision of replacement hedge planting which, as far as possible should seek to retain connectivity between areas of woodland and hedges that are retained or created as part of the green infrastructure design for the development proposed.
5.14. The majority of woodland habitat is broadleaved plantation present on the boundaries of the site, which form areas of landscape planting which can most likely be retained within proposed development. Where losses occur, these can be mitigated through the provision of replacement native tree planting which would form part of the landscape strategy for the proposed development.
5.15. There are also a number of individual mature trees mainly present along hedges on field margins. In particular, a native black popular which lies along H4 at the south east end are retained as this is a Cheshire BAP priority species. In general mature trees / tree groups are retained wherever possible.
Bats
5.16. Bats may also influence development layouts through their requirements for linear feeding habitats and commuting routes, which have been identified by the bat surveys undertaken. Such features
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are however, less location specific and c an be accommodated through the adoption of relatively simple design principles, which can be implemented within the landscape strategy for the proposed development.
5.17. If mature trees which have the potential to contain bat roosts are to be lost then further detailed emergence surveys or climbing inspection would be required, presence or absence of roosts. If a bat (or bats) is recorded emerging from or entering the trees it would be n ecessary to obtain a European Protected Species licence from Natural England before the tree could be felled. A mitigation strategy to replace any roosting opportunities would also need to be provided. This would most likely involve erecting bat boxes at suitable locations on other mature trees within the site. Given the levels of bat activity recorded within the site and amount of roosting opportunities identified, the presence of bats would not affect the principle of development as existing habitat features for bats can be accommodated within a future development layout.
Breeding birds
5.18. The breeding bird survey revealed relatively low levels of use by a r ange of common woodland passerine species and t he site is not deemed to be of importance for farmland birds. S uitable breeding habitat for the assemblage of species currently found within the site can be pr ovided through a c ombination of retaining hedges and their associated mature trees wherever possible and by providing additional native woodland planting as part of the landscape strategy for the site.
5.19. Management of the GCN habitat proposed for retention and enhancement in the southern portion of the site (see Plan 1700/P17a) would also help to maintain suitable habitats for breeding birds and where a m osaic of rough grass and scrub can be maintained main attract summer warblers such as whitethroat, black cap, garden warbler and willow warbler.
5.20. It is not likely to be possible to mitigate loss of foraging habitat used by for barn owl within future development layout as any design will most likely require the loss of at least 6 ha of the 9 ha of grassland habitat within the site. Opportunities for offsite mitigation, through funding barn owl conservation work locally, for example through the Barn Owl Trust or Cheshire Wildlife Trust should be explored. Any proposals would need to be agreed within the CWAC ecologist.
Further Work to Inform Development Design 5.21. Proposals for the mitigation of GCN habitat loss will need to be discussed and refined in discussion with consultees, namely the CWAC ecologist and Natural England. Due to the amount of land required it is considered that this is the principal ecological constraint to development of the site.
5.22. The site is included within an ANCV. Habitats within the site relevant to this and protected by policy ENV 27 include hedges, woodland and ponds. Proposals for future development will need to take account of these features and minimise losses whenever possible, with compensation where there are losses included in the development’s green infrastructure design.
5.23. Opportunities for mitigating the loss of foraging habitat for barn owl will need to be discussed with relevant consultees.
5.24. Depending on the final site layout, prior to a planning application further bat survey work may be required if trees identified with bat roost potential are to be lost. An update badger survey is also likely to be required to ensure no new setts have been created.
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Section 6: Summary and Conclusions
6.1. Development of the site would not trigger planning policies relating to the protection of either statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designations.
6.2. Development of the site would mainly result in loss of rough species poor semi-improved grassland together with habitat features associated with field margins such as ponds, small woodland copses mature trees and hedges. Recommendations for the retention and enhancement of key habitat features (which form part of the ANCV have been provided and should be delivered through a cohesive green infrastructure which emphasises habitat connectivity.
6.3. The presence of GCNs poses is the most significant development constraint due to their habitat requirements, which will affect the quantum of development the site can support, as well as the development layout. Proposals for the mitigation of habitat loss and design recommendations have been provided and will need to be discussed with relevant consultees before a final site layout is confirmed. Necessarily such proposals take account of and are additional to those already proposed in respect of the Doubletree Hotel expansion.
6.4. Other protected species such as bats and breeding birds also occur within the site and proposals for the retention of key habitat features such hedges, woodlands, mature trees and ponds together with the creation additional similar habitats should ensure that these species can be accommodated within future development designs.
6.5. It is not likely to be possible to mitigate loss of foraging habitat used by for barn owl within future development layout. Therefore opportunities for offsite mitigation, through funding barn owl conservation work locally should be explored with relevant consultees.
6.6. In conclusion, while the above issues would need to be resolved before a planning application is submitted, provided that the development design principles and mitigation outlined in this appraisal can be implemented successfully, there is every reason to suspect that allocation and future development of the site can accord with relevant planning policy that seeks to protect and enhance ecological resources.
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Appendix 1: Great Crested Newt Survey
Legislation and Conservation Status
A1.1. As a European Protected Species great crested newts (GCN) receive legal protection in England under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 requires planning authorities to consider GCN when determining planning applications and to ensure that development proposals do not lead to adverse effect on the conservation status of GCN.
A1.2. Although GCNs still maintain a widespread distribution in England, they are in decline, notably through loss of breeding ponds. A greater decline has been noted across the European range of the GCN. The UK holds a large proportion of the world population of the species8. GCN is listed on the UK and Cheshire Local BAP and is a Species of Conservation Importance (SoPI).
Previous Records
A1.3. No GCN records were received within 2km of the Site from rECOrd. A total of 32 records of common frog Rana temporaria were received, the most recent was recorded 579 m south in 2012.
Survey methodology
Scope of GCN Survey
A1.4. The distribution of ponds within the site is shown on the Habitat features Plan 1700/P05b. There are a total of 11 waterbodies on t he site (P1-P11) that would potentially be affected by the development.
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)
A1.5. A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) was calculated for each water body in accordance with the methodology recommended by Natural England (NE)9. T his assigns a s core to the pond based upon various factors including, size of pond, aquatic vegetation, shading, geographic location, proximity to other ponds, and potential presence of fish. A score is given to each water-body between 0 and 1, with scores closer to 0 having lower probability of GCN occurrence. The HSI cannot be used as confirmation of GCN presence or absence, but is used as a guide to assess the habitat in terms of its potential to support GCN. It also provides useful information that can inform pond management and enhancement programmes.
A1.6. The NE HSI classifications are provided below:
• < 0.5 Poor;
8 English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough 9 Natural England Licensing Advice great crested newts: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/conservation/wildlife-management- licencing/docs/WML-A14-2.xls
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• 0.5 – 0.59 Below average;
• 0.6 – 0.69 Average;
• 0.7 – 0.79 Good; and
• 0.8 Excellent.
A1.7. A GCN survey of ponds was carried out by pairs of experienced ecologists (at least one being a NE GCN licence holder) during May and June 2013 in accordance with English Nature (now NE) guidelines10. The Guidance recommends that four survey visits should be undertaken during the spring months between March and June and that at least two of the visits should be undertaken between mid-April and mid-May. Ponds found to contain GCNs during the first four visits receive two additional visits i.e. are visited a total of six times, in order assess the ‘Population Size Class’, as defined by NE.
A1.8. The following methods were employed on each visit in order to detect the presence of GCNs:
• Egg searching: Although the data cannot be used to estimate population size it can indicate the presence of breeding adults. All suitable submerged vegetation was searched for GCN eggs. N ewt eggs are characteristically wrapped individually in the submerged leaves of aquatic vegetation;
• Bottle Trapping: Setting of bottle traps (where water body conditions allow). This involved the use of funnel traps (made from 2 litre clear plastic bottles) that were secured in the water at 2m intervals around the pond margin in the evening before dark, and l eft overnight to be checked the following morning; and
• Torch survey - The accessible margins of the water body were slowly walked once, searching the margins by torchlight (a minimum of one million candlepower) for GCN.
A1.9. If present, all GCN observed were counted and where possible identified as males, females and juveniles.
A1.10. Survey dates and conditions are shown in Table A1.1 below.
Visit Pond Number Air Water Date Weather Conditions Lead surveyors Number Surveyed Temp Temp.
Simon Holden & Hayley 1 1 – 11 & 13 11/04/13 100% cloud, light rain and still 6oC 6.2oC Care
20% cloud, dry with light to 2 1 – 11 & 13 16/04/13 8.5 oC 12 oC Sophie Kirk & Hayley Care moderate wind
Simon Holden & Hayley 3 1 - 11 25/04/13 100% cloud, dry and still 11 oC 10.4 oC Care
4 1 - 11 16/05/13 100% cloud, light rain with light air 7 oC 11 oC Hayley Care
45% cloud, dry with moderate 5 1,2,3,7 & 10 22/05/13 12 oC 11 oC Sophie Kirk breeze
10 English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough
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6 1,2,3,7 & 10 04/06/13 5% cloud, dry with light air 12 oC 13.6 oC Hayley Care
Table A1.1: Conditions during the great crested newt surveys
Survey Limitations
A1.11. P4 was too shallow to trap on visit 3 but it was surveyed by torch and egg searching.
A1.12. An additional two ponds are located to the north of the site (within 250 m of the boundary). Permission to access P12 was not granted so this pond was unable to be surveyed. Permission was granted to survey P13 for the first two visits but was then later denied preventing any further surveys on this pond.
Results
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)
A1.13. Detailed pond descriptions on which the HSI is calculated can be found detailed under the Pond Description heading at the end of this Appendix.
A1.14. Table A1.2 below shows the summary HSI results for each pond. Detailed calculations for the ponds within 250 m and h ow the scores were derived are given in the table at the end of this Appendix.
Pond No. HSI Score Pond Suitability for GCN On/Off Site 1 0.69 Average On site 2 0.78 Good On site 3 0.63 Average On site 4 0.53 Below average On site 5 0.68 Average Off site 6 0.50 Poor On site 7 0.78 Good Off site 8 0.64 Average Off site 9 0.39 Poor Off site (over 250 m) 10 0.50 Poor Off site 11 0.72 Good Off site
Table A1.2: HSI scores for each pond
A1.15. GCN were found in P1, P2, P3, P7 and P10 on the site. A summary of species present in the ponds surveyed is presented in Table A1.3 and below.
• P1 (the ornamental pond at the front of the hotel) recorded the most GCN, with a maximum count of 31 (04/06/13: visit 6);
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• P2 (within the grassland to the west of the hotel) recorded a maximum count of 3 (04/06/13: visit 6);
• P3 (within the grassland to the west of the hotel) only recorded one GCN (16/04/13: visit 2);
• P7 (along a hedge at the south west of the site) recorded a maximum count of 3 GCN (16/05/13: visit 4); and
• P10 (to the east of the walled garden) recorded one GCN on 11/04/13 (visit 1).
A1.16. Moderate populations of smooth newts, common toads and frogs were also recorded.
A1.17. A table of the full presence/absence survey results is provided at the end of this Appendix.
Pond On/Off Site GCN Smooth Newts Common Common Number Toad Frog
1 On site Y Y - -
2 On site Y Y - -
3 On site Y Y Y -
4 On site - Y - Y
5 Off site - Y - -
6 On site - - - -
7 Off site Y Y - Y
8 Off site - Y - Y
9 Off site - - - - (just over 250 m) 10 Off site Y Y Y Y
11 Off site - - Y -
Table A1.3: Summary of species present in the ponds surveyed
Summary
A1.18. The surveys undertaken in 2013 have concluded that a moderate population of GCN have been recorded on the site. P1-3, P7 and P10 were found to contain GCN. Other amphibians recorded within the ponds included smooth newts, common toads and common frogs.
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Appendix 1 Survey Notes and Detailed Results
Pond Descriptions
Pond 1 (P1)
P1 is located at the front of the hotel complex within the car park and is a large ornamental pond with a fountain in the centre. It is about 25mx15m, circular with a stone and gravel substrate. There is a large amount of leaf litter due to the trees within the grounds. The pond is choked with Canadian pond weed and there appears to be some floating pond weed and lilies. The water quality is considered to be moderate. There are small stands of soft rush at the edges. Water fowl are present on the pond and it is likely that there are fish within the pond. Amenity grassland, car park and trees surround the pond.
The HSI was calculated at 0.69 which is considered to be of average suitability for GCN.
Pond 2 (P2)
P2 is located on the western boundary of the site along a hedgerow. It is about 15mx10m, broadly circular in shape and is heavily shaded by ash, hawthorn and willow trees. There is dense duck weed Lemna sp. within the pond, along with floating sweet grass Glyceria fluitans and bulrush Typha latifolia. The water quality is considered to be moderate. Soft rush is present around the edges of the pond. Along with trees, rough grassland and tall ruderals surround the pond.
The HSI was calculated at 0.78 which is considered to be good suitability for GCN.
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Pond (P3)
P3 runs into pond 2 and a large Ash tree lies within the centre. It is a field depression which is about 10mx5m and contains mainly field grass along with some duck weed and blanket weed. Rough grassland and tall ruderals surround the pond. There are no fish or waterfowl using the pond and it is likely to dry out in warmer weather. The water quality is considered to be moderate.
The HSI was calculated at 0.63 which is considered to be average suitability for GCN.
Pond 4 (P4)
P4 is located along the former avenue of trees at the west of the site. It is a pool which is adjacent to piles of branches. The pool is about 5mx5m but there are also some smaller pools nearby as the area was quite water logged at the time of the phase one survey. There is some blanket weed and duckweed and the pond is surrounded by rough grassland, tall ruderals and branches. T he water quality is considered to be to be poor. The pond is likely to dry out quite a lot in warmer weather.
The HSI was calculated at 0.53 which is considered to be below average suitability for GCN.
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Pond 5 (P5)
P5 is a field pond within the semi-improved grassland at the southwest of the site. It is approximately 20mx5m and c ontains field grasses, creeping buttercup and blanket weed. There are areas of soft rush around and within the pond. The pond is not shaded and there are no fish in the pond but it is used by water fowl. The pond is likely to dry up quite a lot in warmer weather. The water quality is considered to be moderate.
The HSI was calculated at 0.62 which is considered to be average suitability for GCN.
Pond 6 (P6)
P6 is a field depression/swamp area which is an extension of a ditch along a hedgerow at the east of the site. It is about 10mx5m and c ontains only field grass and c reeping buttercup and no aquatic vegetation. There is no s hading and the water quality is considered to be moderate. Mallards were present on the pond during the survey but there are no fish. It is very likely the pond will dry out.
The HSI was calculated to be 0.5 which is considered to be of poor suitability for GCN.
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Pond 7 (P7)
P7 is located within a hedgerow towards the south west of the site and a ditch lies either side to the north and south. It is about 20mx10m and c ontains field grass and creeping buttercup along with some soft rush and bulrush. The water quality is considered to be moderate to poor. Dense soft rush is present around the edges and there is very little shading. Mallards were present on the pond but there are unlikely to be fish present.
The HSI was calculated to be 0.78 which is considered to be of good suitability for GCN.
Pond 8 (P8)
P8 is a small pool/swamp along the hedgerows towards the east of the site. It is about 10mx4m and contains field grass with no other aquatic vegetation. There were mallards present on the pond but it is unlikely there are fish. There is no shading and the water quality is considered to be moderate to poor.
The HSI was calculated to be 0.64 which is considered to be of average suitability for GCN.
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Pond 9 (P9)
Pond 9 is within the woodland at the far east of the site. The pond about 8m x 8m in size is temporary and is simply an area of water that has formed due to recent rain and snow amongst the trees. There is no aquatic vegetation and the pool is heavily shaded with poor water quality.
The HSI was calculated to be 0.39 which is considered to be of average suitability for GCN.
Pond 10 (P10)
P10 is a small pool/swamp just east of the walled garden which is about 8m x 5m. There is no aquatic vegetation but there is field grass present. There are small areas of soft rush and the surrounding habitat is marshy grassland. There is an oak tree in the centre of the pond; therefore the water has quite a lot of leaf litter. The pond is likely to dry out completely during warm weather.
The HSI was calculated to be 0.50 which is considered to be poor suitability for GCN.
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Pond 11 (P11)
P11 is located just at the north of the site boundary. It is a large circular pond (25m x 15m) and is surrounded by oak and ha wthorn trees. The pond is deep and contains lots of leaf litter. There is some soft rush and bulrush at the edges. The water quality is considered to be poor to moderate.
The HSI was calculated to be 0.72 which is considered to be good suitability for GCN.
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Hoole Gate Pond HSI calculations
Pond Number Factor SI Value 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 S1 Value: Location 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 S2 Value: Area 0.6 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.75
S3 Value:
Permanence 0.9 1 0.5 0.1 0.5 0.1 1 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.9 Water S4 Value: Quality 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.33 0.67 0.33 0.67 0.67 0.33 0.33 0.67 S5 Value: Shade 1 0.8 0.6 1 1 1 1 1 0.3 1 0.8 S6 Value: Fowl 0.67 0.67 1 1 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 S7 Value: Fish 0.33 0.67 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0.67 S8 Value: Pond Count 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.6 0.9 0.9
S9 Value:
Terrestrial 0.33 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 S10 Value: Macrophytes 1 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.36 Total Sx 0.024 0.078 0.010 0.002 0.022 0.001 0.087 0.011 0.000 0.001 0.035 HSI Score 0.69 0.78 0.63 0.53 0.68 0.50 0.78 0.64 0.39 0.50 0.72
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Natural England Classification Below Average Good Average Average Average Poor Good Average Poor Poor Good Hoole Gate GCN Full Survey Results 2013
The table below presents the results of the four - six survey visits undertaken between 11th April and 4th June 2013.
Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 3 Visit 4 Visit 5 Visit 6 Pond Fish/Waterfowl Notes reference 11/04/13 16/04/13 25/04/13 16/05/13 22/05/13 04/06/13
31 GCN – 22 m & 4 f torched and 4 m & 1 f trapped 22 GCN – 18 m, 3 f & 1
2 GCN – 2 m juvenile torched 2 GCN – 2 m 33 GCN – 26 m & 7 f 2 GCN efts torched V1 - One newt torched torched torched 8 GCN – 8 m was crossing 1 2 SM – 1 m torched and Mallards torched 18 SM – 3 m & 11 f hotel drive 3 SM – 1 m & 2 f 1 f trapped 3 SM – 3 m torched 3 SM/PL torched torched towards pond. torched
1 SMPL torched 4 SM/PL f torched
30 SM/PL efts torched
2 GCN – 1 m & 1 f 3 GCN – 1 m & 1 2 GCN – 2 m 2 GCN – 2 m torched unsexed torched and torched torched 1 GCN – 1 m 1 m trapped 2 SM/PL torched 2 9 SM – 1 m torched and torched 20 SM – 7 m & 7 f 25 SM – 7 m & 6 f 6 m & 2 f trapped 9 SM – 5 m & 3 f torched and 6 m torched and 9 m & 3 f 2 SM – 2 f trapped torched and 1 f trapped trapped trapped 3 SM/PL torched 5 SM/PL torched 2 SM – 2 m 1 GCN – 1 m 5 SM – 4 m & 1 f trapped 8 SM – 3 m & 2 f 3 trapped torched torched and 2 m & 1 f - 1 SM/PL – trapped 1 SM/PL torched trapped
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1 CT 2 SM – 1 m & 1 f trapped
1 CF V3 – too 4 1 SM eft trapped - 1 SM f torched Dry Dry shallow to trap
5 - - - 1 SM f trapped Dry Dry
6 - - - - Dry Dry Mallards
3 GCN – 2 m & 1 f trapped 1 GCN m trapped 2 GCN – 1 m & 1 f 2 SM – 1 m & 1 f
trapped 10 SM – 1 m & 1 f trapped Mallards 7 1 CF - 4 SM – 3 m & 1 f torched and 4 m & trapped SM 1 m trapped 4 f trapped 1 CF and tadpoles
Tadpoles in 1’s
8 - - 1 CF 1 SM m trapped Dry Dry
9 - - - - Dry Dry Mallards
1 GCN f torched 4 SM – 2 m & 1 f trapped and 1 f 10 SM – 1 m & 1 f torched Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry - Mallards trapped 1 CF 1 CT & 4 CF
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11 - 1 CT - - Dry Dry Mallards
Abbreviations: GCN - Great crested newt, SM - Smooth newt, SM/PL – Smooth or Palmate newt, Juv – Juvenile, CT – Common toad, CF – Common frog
(m) - male, (f) – female, NS - not surveyed
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Appendix 2: Bat Survey
Legislation and Conservation Status
A2.1. As a European protected species all UK bats receive legal protection in England under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
A2.2. Several species of bats (barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus, Bechstein’s Myotis bechsteinii, brown long-eared Plecotus auritus, greater horseshoe Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, lesser horseshoe R. hipposideros, noctule Nyctalus noctule and soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pigmaeus) are listed as species of principal importance under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and R ural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. These are the species found in England which were identified as requiring action under the UK BAP and which continue to be regarded as conservation priorities under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
A2.3. All bat species are listed on the Cheshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP).
Methodology
A2.4. The Phase 1 survey undertaken on the 20th October, 2013 highlighted that tree lined hedgerows, the woodland blocks and ponds close to the site are all likely to provide suitable feeding habitat for bats.
A2.5. There are a large number of scattered mature trees throughout the site primarily within the hedgerows. Some of the trees possess features that would be s uitable for bats to roost. These are located in H6-H11.
A2.6. Therefore a tree assessment and targeted bat activity surveys were undertaken.
A2.7. The surveys undertaken followed standard methodologies set out in the Bat Mitigation Guidelines11, the Bat Workers Manual12 and the Bat Survey Good Practice Guidelines13. Surveyor details are below in Table A2.1.
Licence Bat survey Name number experience Surveys Simon Holden ACIEEM 20123580 6 years Tree assessment and evening activity survey Hayley Care Grad N/A 4 years Evening activity survey CIEEM Carly Smith MCIEEM CLS00154 6 years Evening activity survey John Moorcroft ACIEEM N/A 8 years Evening activity survey CEnv Table A2.1: Surveyor information Daytime Tree Assessment
A2.8. An initial daytime inspection survey of trees was undertaken during the phase one survey. The potential of trees within the site to support roosting bats was assessed using professional
11 Mitchell-Jones, A.J. (2004). Bat Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough 12 Mitchell-Jones, A.J. and McLeish, A.P. (2004). Bat Workers’ Manual. 3rd Edition. JNCC, Peterborough 13 Hundt, L. (2012). Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines 2nd Edition. Bat Conservation Trust, London
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judgement, in accordance with best practice guidelines (Hundt, 201214; Mitchell-Jones, 200415). Table A2.2 below shows the criteria that were used to inform the assessment.
A2.9. Assessment comprised a ground based visual inspection using binoculars to identify any features potentially suitable for roosting bats. Such features may include woodpecker holes, frost cracks and hazard beams.
Main Sub Category Indicators Category Category Description 1 (Roost) n/a Evidence of • Sighting/hearing of bats (including emergence). Droppings, use by bats. staining, smoothing and/or scratch marks. OR • Anecdotal record of bat roost e.g. from land owner. 2 (Potential A High • Numerous or high potential roosting features that are not Roost) potential to exposed to the elements: e.g. crevices deeper than 100mm, support bat width 15-70mm. roost(s) • Unobstructed flyways. • Low disturbance levels. • Situated within or near to woodland, parkland or next to water bodies, buildings (i.e. potential foraging and roosting habitat). • Well connected to wider landscape through presence of continuous linear features such as hedgerows, watercourses, farm tracks etc. B Moderate Some of the above features but considered to be less potential to suitable on account of age, location and disturbance levels. support bat roost(s) 3 n/a Low • Limited suitable roosting features: Trees – dense ivy cover (Low Roost potential to or superficial loose bark. Potential) support bat • Exposed roosting features e.g. open to wind/rain. roost(s) • High levels of regular disturbance e.g. from lighting or noise. • Exposed roosting features e.g. open to wind/rain; Isolated from suitable foraging habitat & commuting features. Negligible n/a Negligible • No features suitable for use by roosting bats. potential to Features offering some roosting potential but considered support bat unlikely to be used due to access restrictions or disturbance roost(s) levels.
Table A2.2 Bat roost assessment categories - adapted from Hundt (2012)
Bat Activity Surveys
A2.10. Activity surveys of the site were conducted in May, June and July 2013 to establish the use of the site by commuting and/or foraging bats that may roost within or in the vicinity of the site. Surveys covered the period when bats are weaning their young, dispersing from maternity roosts and mating. See Table A2.3 for dates and survey conditions.
A2.11. One transect route was walked per survey by a pair of surveyors, which covered all field boundaries and potential features of interest on the site e.g. mature trees along hedgerows (see Plan 1700/P09a for bat survey transect route). Regular stop points of three minutes long
14 Hundt, L (2012) Bat Surveys-Good Practice guidelines 2nd Ed. Bat Conservation Trust, London 15 Mitchell-Jones, AJ (2004) Bat Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough.
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were conducted along the transect route to record the number of passes and species of bats present. Bat passes recorded in transit between stop points were also noted.
A2.12. Each surveyor used a heterodyne / frequency division detector (BatBox Duet®) to identify the presence and activity of bats. Digital recorders (Zoom H2®) were used to record bat calls. Recordings were analysed using BatSound® software to examine any unidentified or queried calls.
A2.13. Evening activity surveys commenced at sunset and ended 1.5-2 hours after sunset.
A2.14. Details of the timings and weather conditions during the surveys are shown in Table A2.3 below.
Temp. Weather conditions Sunset/Sunrise C Start End Survey Type Date 0 Time time time
At start At end Start End
0% cloud, 100% Dry light cloud, rain 1 Evening 06.05.13 20.54 sporadic 12 10 20.59 22.27 shower light rain, 22.06, light air. moderate breeze.
10% 10% cloud, cloud, 2 Evening 04.06.13 21.31 19 19 21.35 23.08 dry, light dry, light breeze. breeze.
90% 80% cloud, cloud, dry dry but but rain 3 Evening 31.07.13 21.06 rain 18 18.9 21.09 22.57 earlier in earlier in day, light day, light breeze breeze
Table A2.3: Timings and weather conditions of evening emergence and pre-dawn bat surveys
A2.15. To supplement the manned activity survey data, automated surveys of the site were also conducted. One SM2 static detector was placed on t he site on three separate occasions in May, June and August for about 4-7 consecutive nights as follows:
1. Hedge on by black poplar (H4) – May 2013
2. On tree stump in hedge H10 – May 2013
3. Hedge at the back of the hotel car park – June 2013
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4. Within poplar tree row at north of site (near P11) – June 2013
5. Within hedge H8 (close to P8) – August 2013
6. Within hedge at back of car park by ash – August 2013
A2.16. The SM2s were set to begin recording half an ho ur before sunset until half an hour after sunrise. The dates and weather conditions for the automated survey are shown in the survey results section at the end of this appendix and locations are shown on Plan 1700/P09a. Limitations
A2.17. The SM2 was found to be faulty for locations 1, 3 and 4 and therefore did not pick up passes for these nights. Given the nature of the habitats on the site, the SM2 data received for the other locations in May and August was deemed sufficient to use in the bat assessment, especially given three activity surveys were carried out.
Results
Tree Assessment
A2.18. The trees on site have not been individually categorised or surveyed (emergence/re-entry) at this stage as it is understood that mature trees are to be r etained within the site under the development proposals. Table A2.4 below has categorised the main groups of trees to assess bat roost potential.
Tree Description Assessment group/hedge
Some of these mature oak trees within the Mature oak hedgerows on the site have features which could Moderate trees in H6, be used by roosting bats including woodpecker potential – H7, H9, H10 holes, splits in the stem/branches and loose bark. category 2B and H11 The trees are located in hedges close to waterbodies and are well connected to the wider landscape.
Two mature oak trees within this hedge have some large cracks and crevices (e.g. deeper than 100mm). Moderate – Mature oak The trees are in an undisturbed position, are high potential – trees in H8 situated near to water bodies and houses and are category 2B-2A well connected to wider landscape through presence of continuous linear features (other hedges).
Low to This large mature poplar has cracks within the Black poplar in Moderate bark but no other features considered suitable for H4 potential – bats to roost. category 3-2B.
Trees within There are three small broadleaved woodland Low potential – woodland areas at the southwest, the north and the far east category 3 of the site boundary. Most of the trees are either
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immature or do not have any features suitable for bats to roosts (e.g. Lombardy poplars, beech, silver birch, holly, English elm, hazel and crack willow). Moderate The mature oak trees present in these woodland potential – blocks have some features suitable for roosting category 2B bats e.g. cracks and crevices.
Trees within There are several mature trees within the hotel Moderate to hotel grounds grounds (e.g. turkey oak, Mirbeck’s oak, beech, Low potential - ash, lime, ash, yes). A few trees have woodpecker category 2B -C holes, loose bark and cracks which could offer roosting habitat for bats. However, the majority of these trees have limited roosting potential.
Table A2.4: Results of daytime tree assessment
A2.19. The evening activity surveys spent some time observing the mature oak trees in hedge H6- H11. No bats were observed emerging or re-entering the trees during the surveys.
Bat Activity Surveys
A2.20. Full bat activity survey results can be found at the end of this Appendix (raw bat survey results). The bat surveys are also summarised on Plan 1700/P09a.
Evening Emergence Survey 1
A2.21. Bat activity during the first evening survey was considered to be low. However, there were some light rain showers that evening which may have affected the bat activity.
A2.22. Single common pipistrelle bats were observed 30 minutes after sunset (21.35). Common and soprano pipistrelle activity (commuting and foraging) was focused close to the woodland block within the hotel grounds (point count 5; 1700/P09a), at the west of the hotel (point count 6) and to the north of the hotel (point count 7-8). Very little activity was recorded around the hedgerow network at the south and east of the site (point counts 1-4).
Evening Emergence Survey 2
A2.23. The second bat activity survey recorded low level common pipistrelle activity by single bats (it was undertaken in good weather conditions; dry and warm).
A2.24. The first bat passes were observed about 30 minutes after sunset. Low level commuting and foraging behaviour was observed by single bats along H4, H6, H8, H9 (point counts 1-3 at the south and east) and at the north of the site (point counts 7-8). A possible Myotis bat was heard at point count 3 (H4) but this could not be confirmed.
Evening Emergence Survey 3
A2.25. The final bat survey recorded the most activity out of all three surveys. Weather conditions were good, warm and a l ight breeze with some rain earlier in the day. Single common pipistrelle bats were observed 30 minutes after sunset foraging and commuting at the north and middle of the site (point counts 6-8). A large amount of foraging behaviour was observed by 3 bats around the woodland block within the hotel grounds close to P1 about an hour after
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sunset (about 40 passes). Faint passes were observed around the rest of the site at the south and east (point counts 1-4).
Static Bat Detector (SM2) Surveys
A2.26. The detailed results from the SM2 surveys are shown at the end of this appendix. The static detectors recorded two species, common and soprano pipistrelles.
May 2013: Hedge H4 next to black poplar
A2.27. The SM2 located by the large black poplar (point count 3) for four nights (12-15th May) recorded a very low number of passes of common pipistrelle bats. Only 7 and 3 passes on two nights and no ne on t he other nights. Passes came in the middle of the night and n ot shortly after sunset, suggesting roost locations were not nearby.
May 2013: Hedge H10 close to pond 10
A2.28. Only one pass was recorded by a soprano pipistrelle on one night. The pass was recorded in the middle of the night.
June 2013 Survey
A2.29. The SM2 at both locations (hedge at back of hotel and at north of site) did not work therefore there is no data available.
August 2013 Survey: Hedge by P8
A2.30. The SM2 located close to P8 at the east of the site recorded 4 calls from lesser horseshoe bats 30-60 minutes after sunset on a single night. There were no other bat calls recorded for the other seven nights that the SM2 was out.
August 2013 Survey: Hedge by ash tree at back of car park
A2.31. The SM2 at this location recorded the largest number of passes (and therefore activity) from common and soprano pipistrelles bats on the site. Passes ranged between 6 and 392, with the highest number of passes from common pipistrelles (392 on 04/08/13). Only low numbers of pipistrelle passes were recorded 30-60 minutes after sunset with the majority of recordings in the middle of the night. Single noctule pass was recorded close to sunrise on 31/ 07/13 suggesting a roost site nearby.
Summary
A2.32. Mature oak trees within hedgerows on the site (H6-H11) are classed as having moderate potential to support bat roosts. Two mature oaks in H8 are classed as having good to moderate potential as they have large cracks and crevices. Although detailed emergence / re-entry surveys were not undertaken on individual trees, no bats were observed emerging or re-entering these trees during the activity surveys. The majority of the other trees within the woodland blocks at the southwest, east and north have limited bat roost potential as do not have features that would support bat roosts (crack, crevices, and knot holes).
A2.33. Two main species were confirmed using the site (common and s oprano pipistrelles). A possible Myotis sp. was recorded during the second survey 35 minutes after sunset but this could not be confirmed. The SM2 picked up single passes from noctule and lesser horse shoe bats. Pipistrelle activity was recorded 30-35 minutes after sunset during each survey, suggesting roost locations are located nearby.
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A2.34. Bat activity is considered to be low across the network of hedges around the site, especially at the south and east. Single passes (1-3) of pipistrelle bats were observed along the majority of hedgerows. Most of the behaviour observed was commuting with foraging activity concentrated primarily at the woodland block within the hotel grounds (close to P1). This is where the most activity was observed (about 40 passes by 3 bats during the 3rd survey).
A2.35. The SM2 data is less useful as the detector was faulty during some surveys in May and June. However, the SM2 data from August produced a larger number of passes (maximum 392) from common and soprano pipistrelle bats near the ash tree within the hedge at the back of the car park.
Raw Bat Survey Results Evening Activity 1 Date: 09/05/13
Survey: Evening Activity 1 Transect No: 1 Surveyor: Simon Holden & Hayley Care Sunset time: 20:54 Start time: 20:59 End time: 22:27 Equip. Used (incl. Zoom no.): Bat box duet and Location of surveyor: Whole site Zoom 1 Weather At start: At end: Cloud Cover (%): 100 % 90 % Wind (Beaufort Scale): 3 – 4 3 Temperature (°C): 12 10 Precipitation (dry/dry but rain earlier in day/light Sporadic light rain Dry with 1 light rain rain/persistent drizzle/rain/heavy rain): showers (following shower at 22:06 heavy rain previously) Notes: SM2 placed out on top of tree stump embedded in hedge (see map for location). To be left for 4 nights then moved to a new location for a further 4 nights. POINT COUNTS – 3 MINUTES Point Bat Count Real Track Time on Species No. of Activity Number Time Number Recorder (and passes. (pass, commuting, foraging) & TN number) 1 4:30 Unid (1) 1 Bat heard 1 20:59
2 21:08 2 - - - New track
3 21:13 2 5:10 - - Point count under black poplar tree 4 21:26 3 7:30 - - Point count on edge of trees
5 21:35 4 6:10 Ppi (1) 4 Foraging around trees continually during 3 min count 5-6 21:44 5 3:20 Unid 1
5-6 21:50 5 9:55 Ppi (1) 1 Commuting
6 21:52 6 1:25 - - Point count by hedge at corner of grassland
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6 21:52 6 2:00 Ppi (1) 4 Foraging / commuting during 3 min count 6-7 21:57 6 6:20 Ppy (1) 1 Commuting
6-7 22:00 6 8.59 Unid (1) 1 Seen passing over hedge and grassland – not heard 6-7 22:00 6 9:00 Ppy (1) 1
6-7 22:03 7 1:05 Ppi (1) 1 Commuting
7 22:04 7 2:15 – Ppi (1) 11 Continuous commuting / 7:45 foraging in field and along hedgerow 7-8 22:10 7 8:50 Ppi (1) 2 Commuting / foraging
7-8 22:13 7 11:31 Ppi (1) 2
8 22:15 8 1:30 - - Point count by pond
8 22:16 8 2:30 Unid 1 Unid by pond
8-9 22:22 8 8:45 Pip 1
Evening Activity 2 Date: 04/06/13
Survey: Evening Activity 1 Transect No: 1 Surveyor: Simon Holden Sunset time: 21.31 Start time: 21.35 End time: 23.08 Equip. Used (incl. Zoom no.): Bat box duet and Location of surveyor: Whole site Zoom 1 Weather At start: At end: Cloud Cover (%): 10% 10 % Wind (Beaufort Scale): 1 1 Temperature (°C): 19 19 Precipitation (dry/dry but rain earlier in day/light Dry Dry rain/persistent drizzle/rain/heavy rain):
Notes: Low level of activity. Individual pips commuting. Possible Myotis commute 22.05 POINT COUNTS – 3 MINUTES Point Bat Count Real Track Time on Species No. of Activity Number Time Number Recorder (and passes. (pass, commuting, foraging) & TN number) 9 22.02 3 4.55 Ppi 1 Commute 3m high
3 22.05 3 8.08 ?Myotis 1 Comm. Not seen
3 22.05 3 8.47 Ppi 1 Up and down hedge
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3 22.10 3 14.55 Ppi 1 Foraging along hedge/poplar
1-2 22.24 6 1.10 Ppi 1 Comm. Not seen
1-2 22.30 7 7.10 Pip 2 Comm. Not seen
8-9 22.41 8 0.05 Pip 1 Comm. Not seen
8 22.47 9 0.05 Pip 3 Foraging
7-8 22.52 10 3.00 Ppi 1 Comm. Not seen
7-8 22.58 10 7.05 Ppi 1 Comm. Not seen.
Evening Activity 3 Date: 31/07/13 Survey: Evening Activity 3 Transect No: 1 Surveyor: Carly Smith and Hayley care Sunset time: 21.06 Start time: 21.09 End time: 22:57 Equip. Used (incl. Zoom no.): Bat box duet and Location of surveyor: Whole site Zoom 1 Weather At start: At end: Cloud Cover (%): 80 % 90 % Wind (Beaufort Scale): 2 1 Temperature (°C): 18 18.9 Precipitation (dry/dry but rain earlier in day/light Dry but rain earlier Dry but rain earlier rain/persistent drizzle/rain/heavy rain):
Notes: SM2 placed out x 2
POINT COUNTS – 3 MINUTES Point Bat Count Real Track Time on Species No. of Activity Number Time Number Recorder (and passes. (pass, commuting, foraging) & TN number) 1 6.10. Ppi Cont Foraging constant 8-7 21.35
7-6 21.44 2 6.36 Ppi 1 Pass
7-6 21.45 2 7.05 Pip 1 Pass
6 21.48 4 1.31 Ppi 1 Faint Pass
6-5 21.51 4 4.12 Ppi Cont Foraging
6-5 21.55 4 8.42 Ppi Cont Foraging around avenue
5 22.01 5 0.00 Ppi 8 Cont. foraging by 2 common pips
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5 22.01- 5 0.40 Ppy (3) and 40 Cont. foraging by 3 common 22.04 Ppi (1) pips and 1 soprano around woodland canopy 5-4 22.10 5 8.37 Ppi 1 Pass only hedge
4-3 22.26 6 10.07 Ppi 2 Pass
4-3 22.28 6 12.43 Ppi 1 Pass
3 22.33 7 4.00 Ppi 1 pass
2 22.36 8 0.53 Ppi 1 Faint pass
2 22.38 8 2.10 Ppi 1
2-1 22.29 8 4.11 Ppi 1
1-5 22.55 9 8.49 Ppi 4 Passes
1-5 22.57 9 End Ppy 1 Pass
KEY: (peak frequency)
PipistrelleSM2 9th May to 12Myotisth June 2013 Nyctalus
Ppi – 45 PipistrelleDate My – MyotisWeather sp summary (___)* Nn – Noctule (25) LHS – Lesser Horseshoe (110) 09/05/2013 Min: oC, Max: oC, Dry, Wind Ppy - 55 Pipistrelle Mbe – Bechstein’s (50) Ni – Leisler’s (25) GHS - Greater Horseshoe (82) Table 1: Dates and weather conditions of automated bat surveys
Automated Detector (SM2) Results
Weather Conditions*
Date Weather summary (between 9 pm and 6 am)*
09/05/2013 Min: 7oC, Max: 8 oC, Light rain, Wind: Light
10/05/2013 Min: 5oC, Max: 8 oC, Dry, Wind: Light
11/05/2013 Min: 5oC, Max: 7oC, Dry, Wind: Moderate
12/05/2013 Min: 5oC, Max:10 oC, Dry, Wind: Moderate
13/05/2013 Min: 5oC, Max: 10 oC, Dry, Wind: Moderate
14/05/2013 Min: 3oC, Max: 4oC, Dry, Wind: Moderate
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15/05/2013 Min: 1oC, Max: 5 oC, Dry, Wind: Light
16/05/2013 Min: 5oC, Max:7 oC, Light rain, Wind: Light
31/07/13 Min: 12oC, Max: 18oC, Dry, Wind: Light
01/08/13 Min: 15oC, Max: 18oC, Dry, Wind: Light
02/08/13 Min: 14oC, Max:16 oC, Dry, Wind: Light
03/08/13 Min: 15oC, Max:16 oC, Dry, Wind: Light
04/08/13 Min: 16oC, Max:17 oC, Dry, Wind: Light
05/08/13 Min: 15oC, Max: 16 oC, Dry, Wind: Light
06/08/13 Min: 12 oC, Max:14 oC, Dry, Wind: Light
07/08/13 Min: 10 oC, Max: 16 oC, Dry, Wind: Light
*www.worldweatheronline.com
SM2 on tree stump in hedge H10 – 09.05.13-12.05.13
Pipistrelle 45 Pipistrelle 55 Other species Sunset/ Number First Number First sunrise of and of and Date time passes last passes last per night pass per night pass
11 – 00:16 1 12/05/13
Date Species 30min after 1hr after In-between 1hr before 30min sunset sunset sunrise before sunrise 11/05/13 Pip55 1
SM2 in hedge H4 next to black poplar 13.05.13 – 16.05.13
Pipistrelle 45 Pipistrelle 55 Other species Sunset/ Number First Number First Date sunrise of and of and time passes last passes last per night pass per night pass 12 – 21:01 00:03 7 13/05/13 05:16 02:02
21:03 13 –
14/05/13 05:14 21:04 14 – 15/05/13 05:12
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21:06 22:44 15 – 3 22:44 16/05/13 05:11
Date Species 30min after 1hr after In-between 1hr before 30min sunset sunset sunrise before sunrise 12/05/13 Pip45 7 13/05/13 14/05/13 15/05/13 Pip45 3
SM2 in hedge by P8 – 310713-070813
Pipistrelle 45 Pipistrelle 55 Other species Sunset/ Number First Number First Date sunrise of and of and time passes last passes last per night pass per night pass 21:08 31/07/13 Lesser horseshoe bat - 4 05:27
Date Species 30min after 1hr after In-between 1hr before 30min sunset sunset sunrise before sunrise 31/07/13 Lesser 4 Horseshoe
SM2 in hedge by ash at back of car park – 310713-070813
Pipistrelle 45 Pipistrelle 55 Other species Sunset/ Number First Number First Date sunrise of and of and time passes last passes last per night pass per night pass 21:08 20:44 21:35 31/07/13 269 25 Noctule - 1 05:27 04:51 04:42 21:06 21:41 21:33 01/08/13 76 10 05:29 04:43 04:41 21:04 21:40 21:21 02/08/13 89 104 05:30 04:48 04:47 21:02 21:46 21:38 03/08/13 287 68 05:32 04:47 04:56 21:00 21:33 21:20 04/08/13 392 42 05:33 04:57 05:07 20:59 21:45 23:09 05/08/13 12 6 05:35 04:55 04:56 06/08/13 20:57 25 21:39 41 21:17
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05:37 04:23 04:44 20:55 21:28 21:17 07/08/13 27 16 05:38 04:53 04:15
Date Species 30min after 1hr after In-between 1hr before 30min sunset sunset sunrise before sunrise 31/07/13 Noctule 1 Pipistrelle 45 10 5 207 47 Pipistrelle 55 1 1 19 4 01/08/13 Pipistrelle 45 10 56 10 Pipistrelle 55 1 7 2 02/08/13 Pipistrelle 45 4 78 7 Pipistrelle 55 1 95 8 03/08/13 Pipistrelle 45 1 285 1 Pipistrelle 55 1 53 14 04/08/13 Pipistrelle 45 24 340 28 Pipistrelle 55 1 1 38 1 1 05/08/13 Pipistrelle 45 1 9 2 Pipistrelle 55 3 3 06/08/13 Pipistrelle 45 5 20 Pipistrelle 55 1 39 1 06/08/13 Pipistrelle 45 4 20 3 Pipistrelle 55 16
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Appendix 3: Breeding Bird Survey and Barn Owl Habitat Survey
Legislation and conservation status
A3.1. All birds are protected whilst actively nesting under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended). Some receive species protection under Schedule 1 of the Act.
Several bird species are UK BAP priorities and hence also SoPIs.
A3.2. Reference is made to birds included in the UKBAP and to Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC). All breeding and wintering bird species in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man have been assigned to one of three groups (Red, Amber or Green) based on their conservation status. Each group is defined as follows:
• RED List species are those that are globally threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria; those whose population or range has declined rapidly (≥ 50%) in recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery;
• AMBER List species are those with an unf avourable conservation status in Europe, those whose population or range has declined moderately (25%-49%) in recent years; those whose population has declined historically but made a substantial recent recovery; rare breeders; and those with internationally important or localised populations; and
• The remaining species are placed on the GREEN List, indicating that they are of low conservation priority, although population sizes should be monitored.
Methodology
A3.3. The area indicated on Plan 1700/P11a was surveyed for breeding birds. Surveys were undertaken by experienced ecologist Simon Holden on three occasions using a territory mapping methodology based on Bibby et al. (2000); Gilbert et al. (1998) during the breeding season (March to August, inclusive). The survey date, time and weather conditions of each survey visit are presented in the table A3.1 below.
Date Time Weather 26 April 2013 06:30 – 07:45 Dry, sunny, light wind, 12oC 10 May 2013 06:15 – 07:30 Dry, overcast, light wind, 13oC 05 June 2013 05:45 – 07:00 Dry, overcast, light wind, 10oC Table A3.1: Date, time and weather of survey visits
A3.4. The survey visits were conducted during the period between 1 hour after sunrise and 08:30 as this is considered to be the best time for recording bird breeding activity. The identity and activity of all birds were recorded on maps of a suitable scale.
A3.5. The survey route was varied either heading northwest or southeast from the starting point circumscribing the site in order to ensure even coverage during the peak periods of bird activity.
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A3.6. On each survey, bird activity likely to indicate breeding was recorded on a visit map. The species of bird was noted using the standard British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) codes. Behaviour considered likely to indicate breeding included; singing, display flights, mating and courtship displays, nesting, carrying of nesting material and birds showing fidelity to a particular patch of ground or vegetation.
A3.7. Over-flying birds such as corvids, woodpigeon and black-headed gulls were not recorded. T he results of each visit were then transcribed onto a summary map shown in order to identify species showing fidelity to areas of habitat over several site visits. An aggregation of two or more sightings of a s pecies was taken to be an indication that breeding was likely. Also if specific breeding behaviour (such as the gathering of nest material, copulations or carrying food) was observed, this was also determined to be a sign of likely breeding.
A3.8. The conservation status of the birds recorded was ascertained through consultation of national, regional and local bird reports.
Results and Summary
A3.9. Based on the surveys undertaken, it is likely that the development area support the following bird species shown in Table A3.2 below, which also provides information on the conservation status of each species.
Species Likely BTO Conservation BAP status number of Status red /amber territories / green Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 1 Green None Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 1 Green None Jackdaw Corvus monedula 1 Green None Robin Ericthacus rubecula 3 Green None Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 4 Green None Blackbird Turdus merula 1 Green None Table A3.2: Breeding bird territories occurring in land surveyed at Hoole Gate
A3.10. The distribution of territories recorded is shown on Plan 1700/P11a. The habitat on the site provides habitat for a range of common passerine species comprising both resident and summer migrant species.
A3.11. In addition to the species likely to be breeding, several other bird species were recorded using the site on one of the three survey visit but failed to demonstrate sufficient fidelity to an area over subsequent surveys. These species include blue tit Parus caeruleus, great tit Parus major, chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major, buzzard Buteo buteo, whitethroat Sylvia communis, songthrush Turdus philomelos, dunnock Prunella modularis, magpie Pica pica and woodpigeon Columba palumbus.
Barn owl
A3.12. Two mature oak trees within hedge H8 at the east of the site have large enough cavities for barn owls to nest. A barn owl was observed leaving one of these oak trees during a GCN survey on the 16th May at dusk and seen flying over the site. Another barn owl was observed flying from east to
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west across the site at dusk on the 4th June. Barn owl pellets and droppings were found at the base of the oak trees during the Phase one survey in October 2012.
A3.13. In addition, barn owl were looked for at dusk prior to each bat activity survey in May, June and July 2013 to assess whether or not the site is being used for foraging.
A3.14. Aside from the two sightings during the GCN surveys, no other barn owls were observed on the site. There was no evidence to suggest that barn owl were breeding in the oak trees.
A3.15. The rough semi-improved grassland, tall ruderals and hedgerows on the site will provide suitable foraging habitat for this species.
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Appendix 4: Reptiles
Legislation and conservation status
A4.1. All of Britain’s native reptiles are protected under the WCA 1981 (as amended). The four widespread species of reptile: adder, grass snake, slow worm and c ommon lizard are listed on Schedule 5, Section 9, Parts 1 and 5, of the WCA Act 1981 (as amended) and as such, it is an offence to:
• Intentionally kill, injure or take reptiles; and
• Sell, offer or advertise for sale any live or dead specimen or anything derived from reptiles.
A4.2. All four of these reptile species are also listed as UKBAP priority species and as such are SoPIs.
Methodology
A4.3. A reptile survey was conducted in areas of the site with potential to support common reptile species, which include areas of grassland, scrub and tall ruderal vegetation close to waterbodies and areas of open gr assland habitat. The survey was conducted in line with Froglife’s Advice Sheet 10 an d the Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual16. This involved laying refugia (squares of roofing felt 1 m x 0.5 m) where potential for reptiles was noted. A total of 180 refugia were set out in mid April 2013 (see Plan 1771/P10a). This was combined with a search for any natural basking spots or refuges.
A4.4. Following a ‘bedding in’ period of one week, seven subsequent survey visits were conducted during suitable weather conditions. The dates and weather conditions of the surveys are shown in Table A4.1. Natural basking areas were also observed for the presence of reptiles during the survey visits.
Visit Weather Conditions Lead surveyor Date Air Temp Number
50% cloud, dry,(had rained 13 oC 1 26/04/13 Hayley Care overnight) with light breeze 60 % cloud, dry & sunny with 2 16/05/13 sporadic light rain showers with 120C Hayley Care light air 20% cloud, dry with sunny 140C 3 22/05/13 Olivia Richardson intervals and light breeze
0 4 31/05/13 10% cloud, dry with light breeze 14.5 C Olivia Richardson
0 90% cloud, dry and humid with 13 – 19 C 5 06/06/13 Olivia Richardson light air
50% cloud, dry and sunny with 15.50C 6 24/06/13 Hayley Care gentle to moderate breeze
16 Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual (2003) Gent, T & Gibson, S. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3325
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30% cloud, hot and sunny with 260C 7 17/07/13 Olivia Richardson light air, Table A4.1 Dates and weather conditions during the reptile survey checks
Results and Summary
A4.5. The results of the reptile surveys can be found in Table A6.2 at the end of this appendix.
A4.6. No reptile species were found during any of the surveys nor were any seen on natural basking areas.
A4.7. In total low numbers of common frogs Rana temporaria (1) and common toads Bufo bufo (7), a UK BAP species and SoPI, were found under the reptile mats. Single GCN and smooth newts were found under mats in the rough grassland to the west and north of the hotel complex.
A4.8. Several field vole Microtus agresti (68), common shrew Sorex araneus (31) and wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus (2) were found under the mats throughout the site.
A4.9. The grassland habitats on t he site obviously provide suitable habitat for small mammals and terrestrial habitat for great crested newts, smooth newts and low numbers frogs and toads.
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1700 Hoole Gate Reptile Survey Results Reptiles Amphibians Mammals Survey AF AF AF ZV ZV ZV NN NN NN Comments / Observations No. BB RT TC LV/LH Vole Mouse Shrew ♂ ♀ ?/j ♂ ♀ ?/j ♂ ♀ ?/j
1 ------20 - 5 2 ------2 - - - 20 - 9
3 ------7 - 8
4 ------1 - 1 1 9 - 3 Juvenile GCN found under mat 48 Juvenile and adult smooth newts 5 ------2 1 - 12 6 - 1 found under mats in rough grassland Several mats could not be found as 6 ------2 - - 2 1 2 3 vegetation had grown up. 1 juv fox was seen. Juvenile GCN found under mats 152 7 1 4 5 2 and 153 TOTAL
Abbreviations: AF – Anguis fragilis, ZV - Zootoca vivipara, NN – Natrix natrix, BB – Bufo bufo, RT – Rana temporaria, TC - Triturus Cristatus, LV/LH – Lissotriton vulgaris / lissotriton helveticus.
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Appendix 5: Badger Survey
Legislation and Conservation Status
A5.1. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 consolidates the previous Badger Acts of 1973 and 1991. The legislation aims to protect the species from persecution, rather than being a response to an unfavourable conservation status. As well as protecting the animal itself, the 1992 Act also makes the intentional or reckless destruction, damage or obstruction of a badger sett an offence. A sett is defined as 'any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger'. In addition, the intentional elimination of sufficient foraging area to support a known social group of badgers may, in certain circumstances, be construed as an offence by constituting 'cruel ill treatment' of a badger. Badgers are not the subject of conservation action.
Survey Methodology
A5.2. The site and the surrounding habitats were surveyed for badgers on the 20th October, 2013 and other observations were made during the GCN surveys in April-June 2013 for characteristic signs of badger activity. Typical badger field signs were searched for, such as well-worn pathways, latrines, foraging areas and snagged badger hair. If found, the following information was recorded:
• Badger setts;
• Tracks that were confirmed as badger pathways;
• Latrines;
• Badger hairs;
• Footprints; and
• Feeding signs.
A5.3. Any sett found was examined and assigned to one of four categories of importance to the badger clan, as defined by Harris et al. (198917) and used in various National Badger Surveys (Wilson et al., 199718 and Cresswell et al., 199019). The number of holes comprising each sett was recorded and setts classified as disused, partially-used or well-used. S ett descriptions and categories of use are set out in Tables A5.1 and A5.2.
Type of Badger Description Sett
Main Setts These usually have a large number of holes with large spoil heaps, and the setts generally look well used. There will be well-used paths to and from the
17 Harris, S. Cresswell, P and Jefferies, D. (1989) Surveying Badgers. The Mammal Society Publication No. 9. Mammal Society. 18 Wilson, G, Harris, H & McLaren, G (1997) Changes in the British badger population, 1988 to 1997. PTES, London. 19 Cresswell, P., Harris, S. and Jefferies, D.J. (1990). The History, Distribution, Status and Habitat Requirements of the Badger in Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough.
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sett and between sett entrances. Although normally the breeding sett is in continuous use, it is possible to find a main sett that has become disused due to excessive digging or some other reason; it should be recorded as a disused main sett.
Annexe Setts They are often close to a main sett, usually less than 150m away, and are usually connected to the main sett by one or more obvious well-worn paths. They usually have several holes, but may not be in use all the time even if the main sett is very active.
Subsidiary Setts These often only have a few holes. They are usually at least 50m from a main sett, and do not have an obvious path connecting with another sett. They are not continuously active.
Outlying Setts These usually have only one or two holes, often have little spoil outside the hole, with no obvious path connecting with another sett and are only used sporadically. When not in use by badgers, they are often taken over by foxes or even rabbits. However, they can still be recognised as badger setts by the shape of the tunnel (not the actual entrance hole), which is usually at least 250mm in diameter, and is rounded or a flattened oval shape. Fox and rabbit tunnels are smaller and often taller than broad.
Table A5.1 Classification of Badger Setts
Classification of Use Description
Well-Used Clear of debris and vegetation, obviously in regular use.
Partially-Used Not in regular use, with leaves or twigs in entrance or moss and other plants growing around the entrance.
Disused Partially or completely blocked entrances, unable to be used without a considerable amount of clearance.
Table A5.2: Indicators of Use of Badger Setts
Results
A5.4. No badger setts were found within the site and there was no evidence of badger activity (snuffle holes, badger runs or latrines) found around the site.
A5.5. Rabbits are present and there was evidence of burrows close to pond 2, within hedges and grazing throughout the site. The site is also used for dog walkers at the east and there were a number of well-worn pathways.
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Appendix 6: Site Photographs
All pond photographs are in Appendix 1 GCN Survey
Plate 1: Rough semi-improved grassland at south (looking south east – H4 on right)
Plate 2: Rough semi-improved grassland at south (looking south towards woodland strip)
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Plate 3: Marshy and rough semi-improved grassland at north of site (looking north)
Plate 4: Rough grassland and tall ruderals at west of hotel complex looking south (H1 on right)
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Plate 5: Rough semi-improved grassland and mature oak trees at east of site, looking west (H8 on left and H9 on right)
Plate 6: Rough semi-improved grassland and hedgerow H10, looking west.
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Plate 7: Black poplar within H4 towards south of site, looking west
Plate 8: Woodland copse at the far east of the site (pond 9)
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Plate 9: Trees and woodland within landscaped gardens at the front of the hotel
Plate 10: Hotel and Pond (P1)
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Appendix 7: Records of Protected and Notable Species Supplied by rECOrd
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RECORD ENQUIRY SERVICE REPORT Enquiry number: 312164 Site name: Hoole Gate, Chester
Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ432668 29/11/2003 Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Adult 2 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ432668 08/12/2003 Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Adult 28 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 24/12/2010 Larus argentatus Herring Gull Adult 2 field record B
Great Boughton - CP SJ426668 23/07/2012 Larus argentatus Herring Gull None Present field record B
Great Boughton - CP SJ426668 30/06/2012 Larus argentatus Herring Gull None 1 field record B
Great Boughton - CP SJ426668 30/06/2012 Larus argentatus Herring Gull None 1 field record B
Great Boughton - CP SJ426668 23/07/2012 Larus argentatus Herring Gull None Present field record B
Mickle Trafford - CP SJ441692 01/11/2001 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell None Present field record C E8
Guilden Sutton - CP SJ444674 01/11/2001 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell None Present field record C E8
Page 1 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Dee Banks SJ4266 15/02/2000 Rana temporaria Common Frog Ova/Ovum Present none E5 Chester City SJ42916715 20/03/2010 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 5 field record E5 Chester City SJ414676 25/03/2005 Rana temporaria Common Frog adult 1 None E5 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ419692 14/03/2005 Rana temporaria Common Frog None 30 None E5 Chester City SJ42916715 28/08/2009 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 2 field record E5 Chester City SJ414676 22/03/2005 Rana temporaria Common Frog adult 1 None E5 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ420689 22/03/2005 Rana temporaria Common Frog adult 1 None E5 Chester City SJ42916715 19/03/2010 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 3 field record E5 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41206877 12/02/2007 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 1 None E5 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ412684 28/02/2009 Rana temporaria Common Frog Ova/Ovum Present field record E5
Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ412684 21/03/2009 Rana temporaria Common Frog Larvae Present field record E5 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226867 16/03/2010 Rana temporaria Common Frog Ova/Ovum Present none E5 Chester City SJ42916715 23/03/2010 Rana temporaria Common Frog Ova/Ovum Present field record E5
Vicarscross SJ429671 01/03/2012 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 6 field record E5 Great Boughton - CP SJ43186652 2004 Rana temporaria Common Frog None Present None E5 Vicarscross SJ429671 29/02/2012 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 3 field record E5
Page 2 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ429671 29/02/2012 Rana temporaria Common Frog Ova/Ovum 4 handfuls field record E5 Littleton - CP SJ4466 2000 Rana temporaria Common Frog adult 5 None E5 Vicarscross SJ429666 20/03/2005 Rana temporaria Common Frog None Present None E5 Vicarscross SJ4318066516 2004 Rana temporaria Common Frog None Present None E5 Vicarscross SJ4416066600 2004 Rana temporaria Common Frog None Present None E5 Vicarscross SJ429671 05/05/2011 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 3 field record E5
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/03/2012 Rana temporaria Common Frog Juvenile many field record E5
Vicarscross SJ429671 29/02/2012 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 3 field record E5
Vicarscross SJ429671 29/02/2012 Rana temporaria Common Frog Ova/Ovum 4 handfuls field record E5
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/03/2012 Rana temporaria Common Frog Juvenile many field record E5
Vicarscross SJ429671 11/05/2011 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 1 field record E5
Vicarscross SJ429671 01/03/2012 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 6 field record E5 Littleton - CP SJ44166660 2004 Rana temporaria Common Frog None Present None E5 Vicarscross SJ429671 06/05/2011 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 2 field record E5 Cheshire SJ4210066210 29/04/2007 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult several None E5
Page 3 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ429671 10/05/2011 Rana temporaria Common Frog Adult 1 field record E5
Hoole SJ426671 12/07/2002 Anguis fragilis Slow-worm None 1 field record C D B E5
Hoole SJ426671 12/07/2002 Anguis fragilis Slow-worm None 1 field record C D B E5 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226866 28/04/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Juvenile 1 none D B 1.71 km nw x5 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 12/06/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present field record D B x8
Chester City SJ42916715 17/08/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Adult 1 field record D B 553 m s Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226866 01/05/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Adult 1 none D B Chester City SJ42916715 17/08/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Adult 1 field record D B
Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 25/04/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present field record D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 06/2012-06/2012 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present none D B 1.71 km nw Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226866 01/05/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Adult 1 none D B West European Chester City SJ42916715 17/08/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Adult 1 field record D B Hedgehog Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 09/06/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present field record D B
Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 18/04/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present field record D B
Page 4 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Caughall - CP SJ41786934 21/04/2007 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog none 1 field record D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 06/2012-06/2012 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present none D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 12/06/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present field record D B 18/04/2010- Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ413687 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None 1 field record D B 12/06/2010 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 25/04/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present field record D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226866 01/05/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Adult 1 none D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 09/06/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present field record D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226866 01/05/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog Adult 1 none D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 18/04/2010 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog None Present field record D B West European Vicarscross SJ429671 14/05/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Adult 1 field record D B 656 m south Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 03/07/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Adult 2 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 14/05/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Adult 1 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 06/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Droppings 1 field record D B Hedgehog Hoole Village - CP SJ4194369243 24/04/2007 Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog none 1 field record D B
Page 5 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type West European Vicarscross SJ429671 02/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Droppings 1 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 02/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Droppings 1 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 02/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Droppings 1 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 14/05/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Adult 1 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 03/07/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Adult 2 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 06/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Droppings 1 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ432672 05/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Dead Adult 1 field record D B 488 m s Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ432672 05/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Dead Adult 1 field record D B 488 Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ432672 05/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Dead Adult 1 field record D B 488 Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 03/07/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Adult 2 field record D B Hedgehog West European Vicarscross SJ429671 06/04/2011 Erinaceus europaeus Droppings 1 field record D B Hedgehog Guilden Sutton - CP SJ445683 02/12/2002 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared Bat None present field record A C D B E5
Page 6 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Guilden Sutton - CP SJ445683 02/12/2002 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared Bat None present field record A C D B E5
Guilden Sutton - CP SJ445683 02/12/2002 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared Bat None present field record A C D B E5
Guilden Sutton - CP SJ445683 02/12/2002 Plecotus auritus Brown Long-Eared Bat None present field record A C D B E5 dead on Hoole Village - CP SJ430687 02/03/2010 Mustela putorius Polecat dead Present C D B 504 m n road Hoole Village - CP SJ429688 01/04/2002 Mustela putorius Polecat None 2 field record C D B
Picton Gorse Lane SJ429687 11/04/2002 Mustela putorius Polecat None 1 field record C D B 504 m n Littleton - CP SJ441669 01/07/2003 Mustela putorius Polecat None 1 None C D B 1.30 km se dead on Hoole Village - CP SJ430687 02/03/2010 Mustela putorius Polecat dead Present C D B 504 m n road Dark-Barred Twin-Spot Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 22/05/2003 Xanthorhoe ferrugata None 1 None D B Carpet Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 29/07/2003 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-Bar None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 21/07/2000 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-Bar adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 04/08/2004 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-Bar None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 04/08/2003 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-Bar None 1 None D B
Page 7 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 28/06/2002 Eulithis mellinata Spinach None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 11/06/2002 Eulithis mellinata Spinach None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 29/06/2001 Eulithis mellinata Spinach None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 04/08/2003 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 06/08/2003 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 13/09/2003 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn None 2 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 16/09/2003 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn None 2 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 23/08/2003 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn None 3 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 04/09/2003 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 19/09/2002 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 31/05/2003 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 27/05/2003 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine None 1 None D B
Page 8 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 06/06/2004 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 06/07/2004 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 08/07/2004 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 18/06/2004 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 09/07/2003 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 20/06/2004 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine None 2 None D B Chester City SJ413670 08/06/2004 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar None 1 None D B Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 30/05/2004 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 03/07/2004 Graphiphora augur Double Dart None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 20/08/2003 Diarsia rubi Small Square-Spot None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 15/08/2003 Diarsia rubi Small Square-Spot None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 02/06/2004 Diarsia rubi Small Square-Spot None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 25/08/2000 Diarsia rubi Small Square-Spot adult 1 field record D B
Page 9 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 24/08/2000 Diarsia rubi Small Square-Spot adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 18/05/2004 Diarsia rubi Small Square-Spot None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 12/08/2003 Diarsia rubi Small Square-Spot None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 26/05/2002 Diarsia rubi Small Square-Spot None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 11/07/2004 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 25/07/2004 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 06/07/2004 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B 27/06/2003- Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None Present None D B 21/07/2003 Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 02/08/2002 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 06/07/2001 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None present field record D B 11/07/2002- Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None Present None D B 02/08/2002 Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 27/06/2003 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B
Page 10 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 18/06/2003 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 11/07/2002 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 21/07/2004 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 17/06/2000 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 05/08/2000 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 21/07/2003 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 22/08/2003 Atethmia centrago Centre-Barred Sallow None 2 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 24/06/2001 Acronicta psi Grey Dagger None present field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 23/06/2000 Acronicta psi Grey Dagger None present field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 23/07/2000 Acronicta psi Grey Dagger adult 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 23/06/2003 Acronicta rumicis Knotgrass None 1 None D B 01/01/2002- Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth None Present None D B 31/12/2002
Page 11 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 07/09/2000 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 02/08/2002 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 25/08/2000 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 12/08/2003 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 24/08/2000 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 18/08/2004 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 08/09/2000 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 01/08/2001 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 25/08/2002 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 10/09/2000 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 04/08/2004 Amphipoea oculea Ear Moth None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 20/06/2004 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic None 1 None D B
Page 12 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 24/06/2001 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic None present field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 27/06/2002 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 19/06/2000 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 29/06/2000 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 13/06/2003 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic None 1 None D B 27/06/2002- Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic None Present None D B 15/07/2002 Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 15/07/2002 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 25/06/2000 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 27/06/2000 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 17/06/2000 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 20/06/2000 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 30/06/2000 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic adult 1 field record D B
Page 13 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 11/06/2002 Melanchra pisi Broom Moth None 1 None D B Mickle Trafford - CP SJ429699 17/05/2001 Pipistrellus pygmaeus 55 Khz Pipistrelle None 26 None A C D B Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 02/08/2002 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 04/09/2003 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 06/08/2003 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 3 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 27/05/2003 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 24/07/2004 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B 01/01/2002- Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B 31/12/2002 Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 15/05/2004 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 14/09/2003 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 27/07/2004 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 22/07/2002 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-Tip None 1 None D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ4368 09/10/2008 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None 1 field record PBA
Page 14 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type dead on Hoole Village - CP SJ432687 28/05/2008 Meles meles Eurasian Badger dead adult 1 PBA road dead on Hoole Village - CP SJ4335468501 2004 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None Present PBA road dead on Picton Gorse Lane SJ4275969160 24/03/2005 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None Present PBA road dead on Picton Gorse Lane SJ4267969476 08/07/2005 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None Present PBA road dead on Picton Gorse Lane SJ4317068633 30/05/2006 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None Present PBA road Hoole Village - CP SJ4324368593 29/05/2008 Meles meles Eurasian Badger dead adult 1 field record PBA Hoole Village - CP SJ43356849 27/03/2004 Meles meles Eurasian Badger dead adult 1 None PBA dead on Picton Gorse Lane SJ4301468827 27/03/2006 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None Present PBA road dead on Fox Covert - Picton SJ4261469995 22/11/2006 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None Present PBA road dead on Picton Gorse Lane SJ4320668604 04/10/2004 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None Present PBA road dead on Littleton - CP SJ4371866021 27/02/2006 Meles meles Eurasian Badger None Present PBA road dead on Guilden Sutton - CP SJ436681 21/05/2012 Meles meles Eurasian Badger dead adult 1 PBA road dead on Guilden Sutton - CP SJ436681 21/05/2012 Meles meles Eurasian Badger dead adult 1 PBA road
Page 15 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Picton - CP SJ427695 01/11/2001 Lepus europaeus Brown Hare None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ423688 01/11/2001 Lepus europaeus Brown Hare None Present field record C D B 884m nw Littleton - CP SJ451669 30/04/2000 Lepus europaeus Brown Hare adult 2 None C D B Mickle Trafford - CP SJ441692 01/11/2001 Lepus europaeus Brown Hare None Present field record C D B 1.37 ne
Guilden Sutton - CP SJ444674 01/11/2001 Lepus europaeus Brown Hare None Present field record C D B 1.07 km se
Littleton - CP SJ4467 24/05/2000 Populus nigra Poplar None Present field record C Picton - CP SJ42936974 01/07/2005 Fallopia japonica Japanese Knotweed None Present None F Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 30/07/2000 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade adult 1 field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 27/07/2001 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 31/05/2002 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 29/06/2002 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 13/08/2001 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix None 1 None D B
Chester City SJ42916715 29/08/2009 Euxoa nigricans Garden Dart Adult 1 field record D B
Page 16 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 20/07/2002 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 11/07/2002 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 30/06/2001 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic None present field record D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 12/07/2002 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic None 1 None D B
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ411681 09/07/2000 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic adult 1 field record D B Chester City SJ410681 13/09/2004 Lasiommata megera Wall None 1 None D B Chester City SJ423681 05/07/2001 Satyrium w-album White Letter Hairstreak None 8 None C D B E5
Chester City SJ422681 13/07/2001 Satyrium w-album White Letter Hairstreak None 6 None C D B E5
Chester City SJ421679 13/07/2001 Satyrium w-album White Letter Hairstreak None 4 None C D B E5
Guilden Sutton - CP SJ444674 01/11/2001 Alauda arvensis Skylark None Present field record C D Chester, River Dee SJ41596637 16/11/2003 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher None 1 None E1 Dee Banks SJ419661 29/01/2011 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher None 1 field record E1
Dee Banks SJ419661 29/01/2011 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher None 1 field record E1
Page 17 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Dee Banks SJ419661 29/01/2011 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher None 1 field record E1
Dee Banks SJ419661 29/01/2011 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher None 1 field record E1 Lesser Spotted Vicarscross SJ429671 09/10/2011 Dendrocopos minor Adult 1 field record B Woodpecker Lesser Spotted Vicarscross SJ429671 09/10/2011 Dendrocopos minor Adult 1 field record B Woodpecker Chester City SJ41436670 05/03/2011 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Male 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ41436670 05/03/2011 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Male 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ41436670 24/09/2011 Falco peregrinus Peregrine None 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ41436670 24/09/2011 Falco peregrinus Peregrine None 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ41436670 24/09/2011 Falco peregrinus Peregrine None 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ41436670 24/09/2011 Falco peregrinus Peregrine None 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ41436670 05/03/2011 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Male 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ41436670 05/03/2011 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Male 1 field record E1
Page 18 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ429671 17/03/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 2 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 02/04/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 3 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/02/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 02/04/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 3 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 10/03/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 3 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/03/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 7 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 10/03/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 3 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 06/04/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 4 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 15/03/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/02/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/03/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Page 19 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 7 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 10/04/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 06/04/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 4 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 11/04/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Vicarscross SJ429671 15/03/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 29/12/2010 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 08/01/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 2 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 06/02/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult about 15 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 30/01/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 2 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 26/01/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 7 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 08/02/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 2 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 21/01/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 9 field record E1
Page 20 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ42916715 22/01/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 9 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 20/01/2011 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 7 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 30/12/2010 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Adult 1 field record E1
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 05/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 12/12/2007 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 21/08/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 29/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 04/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 08/08/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 26/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 none C D B Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 11/09/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 6 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 11/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/03/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 2 field record C D B
Page 21 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 04/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B Vicarscross SJ439670 01/01/2001 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 None C D B Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 02/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 22/12/2007 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 20/02/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 2 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 07/03/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 1 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 02/04/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 9 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 16/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 10/08/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 25/09/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 6 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 05/03/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult more than 12 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 27/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Page 22 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 29/11/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 6 field record C D B Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 26/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 none C D B Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 08/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 02/04/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 9 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 02/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 08/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ432668 16/11/2003 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 23 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 15/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 06/12/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 9 field record C D B 719 w
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 29/10/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Female Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 06/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 06/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 11/11/2007 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 field record C D B
Page 23 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 05/09/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 4 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 16/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 04/03/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 4 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 19/02/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 3 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 24/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 18/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 1 field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 16/02/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 4 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 07/07/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Juvenile 9 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 15/03/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 7 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 19/02/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 3 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 21/08/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 22/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Page 24 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 24/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 13/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 22/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 30/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 29/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 12/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 07/03/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 1 field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 27/06/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 15 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/03/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 2 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 11/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 10/08/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 07/08/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Juvenile 2 field record C D B
Page 25 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 19/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 27/03/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 3 field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 23/12/2007 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 4 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 15/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 03/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Several field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 28/10/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 05/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 30/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 17/07/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 6 field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 07/03/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 3 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 12/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 18/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 1 field record C D B
Page 26 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ429671 10/09/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 3 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ432668 17/01/2001 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 29/12/2007 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 13/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 15/03/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 7 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 28/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 10/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 20/02/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 2 field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 10/09/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 3 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 10/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B 542 m s
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 09/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Page 27 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 27/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 03/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Several field record C D B 927 m s
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 09/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606686 28/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 31/07/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 08/08/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 19/07/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Vicarscross SJ429671 05/03/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult more than 12 field record C D B 569 m s
Chester City SJ429671 28/07/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Juvenile 7 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 20/01/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 09/08/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Juvenile 3 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 24/03/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 6 field record C D B
Page 28 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ422684 17/12/2007 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 5 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 06/01/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B
Chester City SJ422684 18/12/2007 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 4 field record C D B
Chester City SJ429671 10/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Juvenile 4 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 10/04/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult several field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 19/09/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Juvenile 12 field record C D B
Chester City SJ422684 24/01/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 6 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 05/01/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 7 field record C D B
Chester City SJ422684 16/10/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 05/11/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 1 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 03/04/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 2 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 26/01/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 1 field record C D B
Page 29 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ422684 15/10/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 05/10/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B
Chester City SJ429671 10/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Juvenile 4 field record C D B
Chester City SJ429671 30/07/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 2 field record C D B
Chester City SJ429671 17/04/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult several field record C D B
Chester City SJ422684 25/02/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 3 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 08/02/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 21/12/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 8 field record C D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 06/2012-06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present none C D B Chester City SJ422684 03/10/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 06/02/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult about 5 field record C D B
Chester City SJ429671 08/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 1 field record C D B
Chester City SJ429671 25/07/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Juvenile 4 field record C D B
Page 30 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ429671 20/04/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 2 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 11/10/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B
Chester City SJ422684 19/12/2007 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None 3 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 04/03/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 7 field record C D B
Chester City SJ429671 08/06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 1 field record C D B Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 06/2012-06/2012 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present none C D B Chester City SJ42916715 31/01/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 6 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 08/02/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 14 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 27/04/2010 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 5 field record C D B
Chester City SJ422684 27/09/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 27/09/2009 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 2 field record C D B
Chester City SJ42916715 07/01/2011 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Adult 1 field record C D B
Chester City SJ422684 22/06/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Page 31 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ422684 25/06/2008 Passer domesticus House Sparrow None Present field record C D B
Mickle Trafford - CP SJ441692 01/11/2001 Perdix perdix Grey Partridge None Present field record C D B
Great Boughton - CP SJ426668 16/07/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None 2 field record C
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 24/07/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None Present field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 23/02/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 23/02/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 1 field record C
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 24/07/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None Present field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 24/02/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 10 field record C
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 15/12/2007 Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling None 8 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 24/02/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 10 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 2 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 05/07/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Juvenile 6 field record C
Page 32 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ429671 22/02/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 4 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 2 field record C
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 12/12/2007 Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling None 3 field record C Vicarscross SJ439670 01/01/2001 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None 8 None C Great Boughton - CP SJ426668 16/07/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None 2 field record C
Vicarscross SJ432668 17/01/2001 Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Adult 8 field record C
Great Boughton - CP SJ426668 27/06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 22/02/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 4 field record C 569 m s
Great Boughton - CP SJ426668 27/06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 25/07/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ432668 16/11/2003 Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Adult 4 field record C
Chester City SJ426670 12/2010-12/2010 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None Twice field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 26/01/2010 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 3 field record C 542 m s
Page 33 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ42916715 20/01/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 5 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 24/03/2010 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 11 field record C
Chester City SJ422684 19/12/2007 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None 1 field record C
Chester City SJ429671 17/07/2009 Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Juvenile 12 field record C
Chester City SJ422684 18/12/2007 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None 5 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 31/01/2010 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 4 field record C
Chester City SJ422684 17/12/2007 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None 1 field record C
Chester City SJ429671 10/06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult Male 1 field record C
Chester City SJ429671 10/06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Juvenile 2 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 21/01/2010 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 21/01/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 2 field record C
Chester City SJ422684 25/06/2008 Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling None Present field record C Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 06/2012-06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None Present none C
Page 34 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ429671 10/06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult Male 1 field record C
Chester City SJ429671 10/06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Juvenile 2 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 26/01/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 30/01/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 10 field record C
Chester City SJ429671 08/06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ422684 26/05/2008 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 1 field record C 720
Chester City SJ422684 26/05/2008 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Juvenile 4 field record C
Chester City SJ422684 01/05/2008 Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling None Present field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 22/11/2010 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult about 15 field record C
Chester City SJ429671 08/06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 1 field record C Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 06/2012-06/2012 Sturnus vulgaris Starling None Present none C Chester City SJ42916715 21/11/2010 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult about 30 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 07/01/2011 Sturnus vulgaris Starling Adult 5 field record C
Page 35 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ42916715 11/01/2010 Turdus iliacus Redwing Adult approx. 14 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 07/01/2010 Turdus iliacus Redwing Adult approx. 14 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 28/12/2010 Turdus iliacus Redwing Adult 2 field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 14/12/2010 Turdus iliacus Redwing Adult 5 field record E1 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 25/12/2010 Turdus iliacus Redwing None 20 none E1 Chester City SJ42916715 06/01/2010 Turdus iliacus Redwing Adult approx. 12 field record E1 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 08/01/2012 Turdus iliacus Redwing None Present none E1 Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 08/01/2012 Turdus iliacus Redwing None Present none E1 Vicarscross SJ429671 02/07/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/02/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 01/03/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Hoole SJ4267 19/10/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush None Present field record C
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 05/09/2008 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush None 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 15/03/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Page 36 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ432668 17/01/2001 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 12/02/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C Littleton - CP SJ451669 04/06/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Nest present None C Hoole SJ4267 04/07/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C Vicarscross SJ429671 15/03/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 01/03/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C Littleton - CP SJ4466 20/06/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C Littleton - CP SJ4466 06/2000-06/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 None C Hoole SJ4267 04/07/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C Hoole Village - CP SJ423688 01/11/2001 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush None Present field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 12/02/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/02/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C Littleton - CP SJ4466 20/06/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C
Page 37 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ429671 19/04/2009 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ429671 12/04/2009 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 23/12/2010 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 22/12/2010 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 30/01/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 25/12/2010 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 08/02/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 24/12/2010 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 27/12/2010 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Chester City SJ42916715 08/01/2011 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C Caughall - CP SJ4207769973 08/02/2007 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 Casual C Chester City SJ42916715 26/12/2010 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult 1 field record C
Guilden Sutton - CP SJ444682 12/04/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Nest Present field record C
Page 38 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ4168 27/06/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ4168 19/03/2001 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C Guilden Sutton - CP SJ4468 20/05/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C 450 m e Guilden Sutton - CP SJ4468 20/05/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ4168 19/03/2001 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C
Shepherd's Lane, Chester, CH2 2DQ SJ4168 27/06/2000 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Adult Male Present none C
Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41276865 12/01/2010 Turdus pilaris Fieldfare None Present field record E1
Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ413687 12/01/2010 Turdus pilaris Fieldfare None Present field record E1
Chester City SJ42916715 07/01/2011 Turdus pilaris Fieldfare Adult 3 field record E1
Picton - CP SJ427695 01/11/2001 Tyto alba Barn Owl None Present field record C E1 1.30 km n
Hoole Village - CP SJ423688 01/11/2001 Tyto alba Barn Owl None Present field record C E1 884 m nw Littleton - CP SJ45156699 19/03/2004 Tyto alba Barn Owl none 1 None C E1 2 km se Hoole Village - CP SJ4368 12/04/2009 Tyto alba Barn Owl None Present field record C E1 on site
Guilden Sutton - CP SJ440680 01/05/2005 Tyto alba Barn Owl none Present field record C E1 526 m e
Page 39 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Mickle Trafford - CP SJ438693 01/01/2001 Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer None 25 None C D B Earl's Eye Northern Grassland, SJ417663 15/06/2004 Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting None Present None C D B Chester Earl's Eye Northern Grassland, SJ417663 22/05/2004 Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting None 5 None C D B Chester Vicarscross SJ429671 06/07/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 06/08/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 03/12/2007 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 05/07/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ432668 16/11/2003 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 3 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 28/10/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 24/11/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 16/02/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 15/07/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 26/11/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Page 40 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 17/07/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 11/03/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 26/09/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 27/06/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 17/03/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 10/03/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/02/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 29/10/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 06/03/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 06/11/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 08/11/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 12/03/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Page 41 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 21/02/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 10/03/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 25/04/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 12/12/2007 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 09/03/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 17/02/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/03/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 3 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 20/02/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 06/03/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 20/02/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 10/09/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Page 42 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 23/12/2007 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 28/02/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 27/12/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 21/02/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 3 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 04/03/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 04/03/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 25/09/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 15/09/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 17/07/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 10/09/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 21/03/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 11/04/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Page 43 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ429671 06/04/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 25/06/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 07/03/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 05/07/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 25/02/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 19/02/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 29/11/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 21/11/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 24/03/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 06/12/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 07/04/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 15/07/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Page 44 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Vicarscross SJ429671 19/02/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 22/07/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 06/04/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 10/03/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 26/09/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 26/02/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 05/09/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 23/11/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Hoole Village - CP SJ422684 02/12/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/02/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 13/03/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Vicarscross SJ429671 07/08/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Page 45 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Great Boughton - CP SJ42606685 22/07/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ429671 19/04/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Chester City SJ429671 03/07/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 15/12/2007 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ429671 28/07/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Chester City SJ42916715 27/04/2010 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 31/01/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 03/10/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Chester City SJ422684 01/05/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Chester City SJ42916715 30/10/2010 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Chester City SJ429671 23/07/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 26/05/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Page 46 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ429671 07/06/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 06/2012-06/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present none b Chester City SJ422684 24/01/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 29/12/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 22/12/2007 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Chester City SJ42916715 23/11/2010 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Chester City SJ42916715 06/01/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 09/04/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Chester City SJ422684 17/12/2007 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 15/10/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Chester City SJ422684 18/01/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ42916715 24/03/2010 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Chester City SJ429671 18/07/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock Juvenile 3 field record b
Page 47 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ422684 19/12/2007 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 14/10/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b
Chester City SJ429671 07/06/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Chester City SJ42916715 10/04/2010 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Chester City SJ42916715 05/01/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 16/10/2008 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present field record b Adult Chester City SJ422684 08/01/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock 1 field record b Female Chester City SJ42916715 26/01/2011 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 15/02/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b
Chester City SJ42916715 31/10/2010 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 19/02/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 2 field record b Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ41226868 06/2012-06/2012 Prunella modularis Dunnock None Present none b Chester City SJ429671 20/04/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 2 field record b
Page 48 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Chester City SJ422684 01/02/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ429671 25/07/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock Adult 1 field record b
Chester City SJ422684 07/02/2009 Prunella modularis Dunnock None 1 field record b
Chester City SJ429671 21/05/2012 Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrelle Adult 1 field record A C D E5 593 m s
Chester City SJ429671 21/05/2012 Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrelle Adult 1 field record A C D E5
Upton-by-Chester - CP SJ4269 27/06/2010 Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrelle Adult Present field record A C D E5
Vicarscross SJ42916715 04/05/2010 Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrelle Adult 1 field record A C D E5 550 m s
Caughall - CP SJ4206469616 07/07/2009 Arvicola amphibius European Water Vole None Present field record C D B E5
Designation Information Code Name Description Source of futher information
Page 49 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type
These are species designated under European legislation (Habitats Directive http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uk Annex 4) and si/2010/490/regulation/40/made A EPS assymilated into http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page- UK law under the 1374 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010
Species for which there is a United http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page- B UKBAP Kingdom 3408 Biodiversity Action Plan.
Page 50 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type
Species for which there is a local Biodiversity Action http://www.cheshire- C LBAP Plan under the biodiversity.org.uk/action- Cheshire region plan/?id=2 Biodiversity Partnership.
Species listed under section 41 of the Natural D NERC Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) E1 Species listed E5 WCA 1981 under the Wildlife E8 and Countryside
Page 51 of 56 Spatial Record Location Sample Date Taxon Scientific Name Taxon Common Name Sex \ Stage Abundance Designation Reference Type Species listed as invasive non- natives in http://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk F Invasives accordance with /nonativespecies/home/index. the GB non_native cfm species secretariate.
Page 52 of 56
Code Name
A EPS
B UKBAP C LBAP
D NERC
E1 WCA 1981 E5 E8 F Invasives Designation Information Description These are species designated under European legislation (Habitats Directive Annex 4) and assymilated into UK law under the The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 Species for which there is a United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan. Species for which there is a local Biodiversity Action Plan under the Cheshire region Biodiversity Partnership. Species listed under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006)
Species listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). The relevant schedule appears as a number.
Species listed as invasive non-natives in accordance with the GB non_native species secretariate.
Source of futher information
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/regulation/40/made http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1374
http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3408 http://www.cheshire-biodiversity.org.uk/action-plan/?id=2
http://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonativespecies/home/index.cfm
Appendix 8: National Planning Policy 2012 and Local Planning Policy
[Refer to full documents for entire text]
National Planning Policy Framework 2012 A8.1. Relevant information within the new National Planning Policy framework is cited below. F or full details of the framework, refer to the whole document.
A8.2. The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:
• Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils; • Recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services; • Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures; • Preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability; and • Remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate.
A8.3. The planning system is required to contribute to protecting and enhancing the natural environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity. When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity by applying the following principles:
• If significant harm resulting from a dev elopment cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused; • Proposed development on land within or outside a s ite of Special Scientific Interest likely to have an adverse effect on a site of Special Scientific Interest (either individually or in combination with other developments) should not normally be permitted. Where an adverse effect on the site’s notified special interest features is likely, an exception should only be made where the benefits of the development, at this site, clearly outweigh both the impacts that it is likely to have on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest and a ny broader impacts on the national network of sites of Special Scientific Interest; • Development proposals where the primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be permitted; • Opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged; • Planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss; and • The following wildlife sites should be given the same protection as European sites: - Potential Special Protection Areas and possible Special Areas of Conservation; - Listed or proposed Ramsar sites; and
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- sites identified, or required, as compensatory measures for adverse effects on European sites, potential Special Protection Areas, possible Special Areas of Conservation, and listed or proposed Ramsar sites.
A8.4. To minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, planning policies should:
• Plan for biodiversity at a landscape-scale across local authority boundaries; • Identify and map components of the local ecological networks, including the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity, wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect them and areas identified by local partnerships for habitat restoration or creation; • Promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations, linked to national and local targets, and identify suitable indicators for monitoring biodiversity in the plan; • Aim to prevent harm to geological conservation interests; • Where Nature Improvement Areas are identified in Local Plans, consider specifying the types of development that may be appropriate in these Areas; and • The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where development requiring appropriate assessment under the Birds or Habitats Directives is being considered, planned or determined.
Chester Local Plan Adopted by Cheshire West and Chester Council 2006
Policy ENV 26
A8.5. “A Green Network is identified on the Proposals Maps. Only those development proposals which would not harm its strategic and local function will be permitted.”
Reason/Explanation
A8.6. “The Green Network comprises existing areas of open space and proposed additions to this. The integrity and viability of the Green Network as an overall resource of inter-linked open spaces, corridors, landscape features and areas of nature conservation value will be safeguarded against disintegration or erosion through inappropriate forms of development. The Green Network will be maintained as a system of continuous links and spaces which retain their individual character and, wherever appropriate, improved.
A8.7. Planning permission for development within the Green Network will only be granted in exceptional circumstances where the Council considers that this will not compromise the linkage, landscape character, nature conservation value, use or enjoyment of the open space resource or where this will not result in the loss of open space.
A8.8. Opportunities will be sought to extend the Green Network through the creation of further links to other greenspaces in the urban area or by increasing the open space resource within the Green Network. This will also include the provision of any key "missing link" sites. Similarly, opportunities for enhancing the landscape character of the existing Green Network resource and increasing/improving public access to it will be sought, e.g. provision of a habitat creation scheme, a children's play area, a landscaped footway, cycleway or bridleway. Development proposals which are compatible with the aims of the Green Network and which would provide significant
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improvements as outlined above, will be encouraged. The Council may consider the use of planning conditions and Section 106 Agreements to secure the necessary improvements.”
A8.9. “Development likely to adversely affect, directly or indirectly, features of identified nature conservation value will be permitted only where:
• there is adequate mitigation to conserve the features of value;
• there is adequate compensation, management and enhancement of the nature conservation resource.”
Policy ENV 27
A8.10. “Development likely to adversely affect, directly or indirectly, features of identified nature conservation value will be permitted only where:
• there is adequate mitigation to conserve the features of value;
• there is adequate compensation, management and enhancement of the nature conservation resource”
Reason/Explanation
A8.11. “This policy complements and may be applied in addition to the other policies in this section.
A8.12. Development proposals which adversely affect sites or features of known nature conservation interest should be avoided. However, where there is scope to overcome the impact of otherwise acceptable development through appropriate mitigation, compensation and enhancement, then this policy will be applied.
A8.13. In considering compensation measures, the Council will expect applicants to demonstrate that:
• the benefits of a proposed development exceed the decrease in the nature conservation value of a site
• that any such decrease has been kept to a minimum and compensated for by the creation and/or enhancement of appropriate and comparable habitat elsewhere within the site or local area
A8.14. Only then will favourable consideration be given to development proposals which would adversely affect sites of nature conservation value.
A8.15. The Council recognises that the conservation of natural features contributes to people's quality of life and should be utilised in a sustainable way. This means ensuring that the level of the nature conservation resource does not fall below that identified in the Chester District Nature Conservation Audit and should, wherever possible, be enhanced. In particular the Council will seek to conserve the following features:
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (See also Policy ENV 28 below)
• Irreplaceable features – The Government's White Paper "This Common Inheritance" states that this generation of people should endeavour to protect features which are not replaceable within the timescale of one generation, i.e. 25 years for others to enjoy
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• Sites and Areas of Local Nature Conservation Value (SANCV and ANVC -See also Policy ENV 29 below)
• Strategic Wildlife Corridors (See Policy ENV 30 below)
• Rivers, streams and their corridors, wetlands and ponds
• Hedgerows
• Non-ancient broadleaved woodland
• Sites and habitats supporting statutorily protected species and their habitats
• "Exposure" Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites
• Non-ancient species-rich grassland
A8.16. Development with the potential to have an impact on features of nature conservation value will be required to be accompanied by a competent appraisal detailing the effect of the proposal on features of importance. Proposals relating to the re-use of property or new built development may be required to include provision for species associated with buildings. For example, bat or bird boxes may be appropriate in some areas and in the rural area the Council expects developers to take account of the potential to conserve species such as barn owls by including nest boxes in building design. Similarly, developers will be required to provide a management plan detailing how features of nature conservation value within the control of the developer and related to the application will be protected, maintained and enhanced.”
Policy ENV 28
A8.17. “Development proposals within internationally important sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, within their spheres of influence and consultation zones or within sites proposed for such designation will be refused unless it is clearly demonstrated that the site would not be either directly or indirectly adversely affected, or where potential adverse effects are identified, mitigation measures would overcome them.”
Reason/Explanation
A8.18. “Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are recognised as containing the best examples of the natural features for which they have been notified by Natural England. They are important for the conservation of these natural features and offer opportunities for scientific study which can contribute to a better understanding and conservation of the open countryside.
A8.19. Currently, the following sites are designated or proposed as Sites of Special Scientific Interest within the plan area and are shown on the Proposals Map:
• Bar Mere, Bickley
• Dee Cliffs, Farndon
• Well Rough, Oldcastle
• Long Plantation, Oldcastle
• Taylor's Rough, Wigland
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• Raw Head, Harthill
• Bickerton Hill
• River Dee - Estuary and course
• Wellmeadow Wood
A8.20. Currently, the only site of international nature conservation interest within the District is the River Dee, which is a Special Area for Conservation (SAC). In addition, the Dee Estuary SAC/SPA/Ramsar site lies close to the border of the District.
A8.21. Where consultation zones have not been formally designated, the Council will consult with Natural England on any development proposal which the Council is concerned may affect a Site of Special Scientific Interest.”
Features of Local Importance
Policy ENV 29
A8.22. “Development in sites or areas of local nature conservation value will only be permitted where it is clearly demonstrated that features of nature conservation value or the public’s enjoyment of them will not be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, or where compensatory features of equal value are provided.”
Reason/Explanation
A8.23. “The Chester District Nature Conservation Audit lists features considered to be of local importance. This list, which includes Sites of Biological Importance designated by Cheshire County Council, may be amended in future reviews.
A8.24. The Council believes that residents should have the opportunity to enjoy natural features close to where they live and work. Local sites and areas of importance can contribute to this and the conservation of a rich and diverse countryside. It may be possible to compensate for the loss of some features to development; for example ponds can be recreated unless they contain irreplaceable features and it may be acceptable to lose an individual tree if another native species is planted in its place.”
Strategic Wildlife Corridors
Policy ENV 30
A8.25. “Strategic wildlife corridors are indicated on the Proposals Maps.
A8.26. Development likely to adversely affect, directly or indirectly, the contiguity or integrity of these corridors will be refused unless suitable mitigation can be provided.”
Reason/Explanation
A8.27. “Wildlife corridors are believed to assist in the movement of animals and plants. They, therefore, offer the opportunity for species to migrate, feed, re-colonise areas and colonise new areas.
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Similarly they offer opportunities for habitat enhancement and creation which can link important features and help make the resource more robust against damage.
A8.28. It is not possible to show the width of these corridors. Any likely effect may be identified only when a proposal is made; a development some distance from the indicated route may have an impact on the corridor and reduce its ability to act as a conduit for movement whilst another development very close to the indicated route may have no adverse effects.
A8.29. (See also Policy ENV 26 on the Green Network in Section D on the Urban and Rural Landscape earlier in this chapter).”
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Appendix 9: Illustrative Masterplan
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Key Himor Controlled Land - Phase 1 Masterplan Existing Trees & Woodland
Existing Hedgerows
Green Infrastructure
Retained Ponds Hall Park Mews Gardens
Homes Potential link to future phases of development Tree Planting Hoole Hall Hedge & Woodland Green Planting
Square Streets
Square Lanes
Squares & Mews Waterside Green
e*SCAPE urbanists Castra Project Title Hoole Gate, Chester Park e*SCAPE Job No. 013-005
Client HIMOR Group Ltd
Drawing Number Revision 013-005-P014 REV A 80m 0m 20m 40m 60m 100m Drawing Title Phase 1 Illustrative Masterplan Scale 1:2500 (@A3) Scale Date Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Licence number LIG1024 1:2,500 @ A3 October’13 Appendix 10: Hoole Gate Chester Site Boundary Plan
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Key Wider Site Boundary (26.61 hectares)
Phase 1 Site Boundary (10.28 hecatres)
e*SCAPE urbanists Project Title Hoole Gate, Chester
e*SCAPE Job No. 013-005
Client HIMOR Group Ltd
Drawing Number Revision 013-005-P001 REV A
Drawing Title 0m 20m 40m 60m 80m 100m Site Boundary Plan
Scale 1:2500 (@A2) Scale Date Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Licence number LIG1024 1:2,500 @ A2 March’13
Plans
Habitat Features Plan 1700/P05b JM/JE/LG October 2013
Bat Activity Survey Summary Map 1700/P09a JM/JE/LG October 2013
Breeding Bird Territories 1700/P11a JM/JE/LG October 2013
Reptile Mat Location Map 1700/P10a JM/JE/LG October 2013
Ecology and Landscape Constraints and Opportunities Plan 1700/P17a JB/AL/LG October 2013
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Tyler Grange LLP © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2013 Licence number 01000316733 H1 P2 SI H1 P3 r P1 P4 SI P5 SI H3 H2 SI P6 H12 P10 SI 4H6 H4 SI H7 SI P11 H11 H10 P7 H5 P8 SI A H6 H8 SI H9 P9 Drawing Title SI Drawing No. A R Checked Project Woodland Broadleaved Semi-natural Hedge Grassland Semi -Improved Species Poor Dense Scrub Marshy Grassland Arable Possible Reptile/ Amphibian refuge(logpiles) Tall Ruderal Buildings Fence Phase 1 Grassland Amenity Ponds Trees Scattered Broadleaved Scale Date JM/JE/LG October 2013 1700/P05b As Shown(Approximate) Habitat FeaturesMap Hoole Gate,Chester T: 01625 618547E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11 Market Place,Macclesfield, Cheshire,SK10 1EB 0 H1 -H12 Provision forPhase2 Dry Ditch Scrub Scattered Woodland Mixed Plantation Trees Scattered Coniferous Ditch Hard Standing 100m Hedges Tyler Grange LLP © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2013 Licence number 01000316733 5 H1H P2 2 SI H1H 4 P3P r P1 1 P4P S I PP5 5 7 9 SI H3H H 2 SI P6 H 6 1 2 P10 SI 3 H4H S H I 7 8 SI P1P H11 H6 1 H1 P7 0 7 H5 P 8 S A I 2 H6 H8 SI H 9 1 P9 9 Drawing Title S Drawing No. A R I Checked Project Trees Scattered Broadleaved Woodland Broadleaved Semi-natural Hedge Grassland Semi -Improved Species Poor Dense Scrub Marshy Grassland Arable (log piles) Amphibian refuge Possible Reptile/ Tall Ruderal Buildings Fence Phase 1 Grassland Amenity Ponds Scale Date JM/JE/LG October 2013 1700/P09a As Shown(Approximate) Bat Activity SurveySummary Hoole Gate,Chester T: 01625 618547E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11 Market Place,Macclesfield, Cheshire,SK10 1EB 0 H1 -H12 1 Provision forPhase2 SM2 Locations Soprano Pipistrelle Common or > 35BatPasses 8 -11 BatPasses 4 -7BatPasses 1 -3BatPasses Dry Ditch Scrub Scattered Woodland Mixed Plantation Trees Scattered Coniferous Ditch Hard Standing 9 100m Transect Route Hedges Tyler Grange LLP © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2013 Licence number 01000316733 R H1H P2 WR 2 S H1H I P3P B P1 1 WR P4P S 4 I P5P 5 R SI H3H H2 WR S I R P6P H 1 2 P10 JD SI H4H S H I 7 MA SI P11P H11 H6 H10 P7 GO 7 O H5 P 8 S A I H6 H8 R SI H9 P9 WR 9 Drawing Title S Drawing No. A I Checked Project Ponds Trees Scattered Broadleaved Woodland Broadleaved Semi-natural Hedge Grassland Semi -Improved Species Poor Dense Scrub Marshy Grassland Arable Tall Ruderal Buildings Fence Phase 1 Grassland Amenity Scale Date SH/LG October 2013 1700/P11a As Shown(Approximate) Breeding BirdSurvey-Inferred Territories Hoole Gate,Chester T: 01625 618547E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11 Market Place,Macclesfield, Cheshire,SK10 1EB 0 H1 -H12 WR MA JD G B R O Dry Ditch Scrub Scattered Woodland Mixed Plantation Trees Scattered Coniferous Ditch Hard Standing Blackbird Robin Jackdaw Provision forPhase2 Mallard Wren Goldfinch 100m Hedges Tyler Grange LLP © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2013 Licence number 01000316733 1 44 H1H 45 1 73 P2 2 25 26 S H1H I P3P r P1 57 1 P4P 60 S 4 I PP5 101 5 153 74 SI I 155 105 169 H3H H2 166 106 158 113 S I 145 114 139 P6 H 140 142 1 117 136 143 2 P10 144 SI H4H 159 178 116 SI H 7 SI P1P 119 H 11 H6 1 H1 P7P 120 0 7 135 123 H 124 5 P 134 8 129 S A I H6 H8 SI H9 128 133 P9 9 Drawing Title S Drawing No. A R I Checked Project Trees Scattered Broadleaved Woodland Broadleaved Semi-natural Hedge Grassland Semi -Improved Species Poor Dense Scrub Marshy Grassland Arable Possible Reptile/ Amphibian refuge(logpiles) Tall Ruderal Buildings Fence Phase 1 Grassland Amenity Ponds Scale Date JM/JE/LG October 2013 1700/P10a As Shown(Approximate) Location ofReptileMats Hoole Gate,Chester T: 01625 618547E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11 Market Place,Macclesfield, Cheshire,SK10 1EB 0 H1 1 3 - H12 Provision forPhase2 and numbers Reptile MatLocations Dry Ditch Scrub Scattered Woodland Mixed Plantation Trees Scattered Coniferous Ditch Hard Standing 100m Hedges The M53/A55 North Wales Expressway encloses the site to the north and provides a physical barrier. Close proximity of the Site to an off-road cycle route. The height of the proposed residential development along Guilden Sutton Lane should be largely 2 storey to reflect the adjoining street scene, although with some feature properties to define gateways / vehicular access points.
Higher density development parcels should be located towards the north of the Site, as Existing field patterns should be used to the degree of visual containment is greater. influence the proposed layout.
Transport links provide access to the wider areas of Chester and commuting beyond. Existing woodland blocks, copse plantations and native hedgerows should be retained to safeguard Set back development from the character of the site. TPO’s and important trees
The scheduled ancient monument will Retained fields for ecological mitigation could be used as restrict the extent of potential development. informal public open space and provide a green buffer between the existing townscape fringe of Hool and the creation of the proposed residential frontage. The informal open space also provides an off-set to the operational Doubletree by Hilton hotel complex. Improve legibility of the historic landscape. Enhance landscape structure through planting additional hedgerow oaks to field boundaries, in particular along the Site boundary. Opportunity to provide informal open space and access to field margins surrounding the Vehicular and pedestrian access points to the Scheduled Ancient Monument. Site limited to locations where there will be minimal disruption to boundary vegetation.
Any easements associated with potential diversion Woodland block maintained and hedgerows of overhead low voltage power line, as well as any strengthened to maintain visual enclosure of Great Boughton FP7 underground cables and pipes will need to be the site. incorporated into the design of the development.
Proposed Access or KEY: Phase 1 Woodland Masts Opportunities Informal Gateway
Provision for Phase 2 Over Head Power Line Ecological Area Public Right of Way Constraints Project Hoole Gate, Chester
Drawing Title Plan 4: Landscape Opportunities and Adjacent Hotel Complex Scheduled Ancient Monument Hedgerow Cycleway Constraints 11 Market Place, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 1EB Scale As Shown (Approximate) T: 01625 618 547 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk Drawing No. 1700/P17a Existing Development Tree Preservation Orders Primary Transport Corridor (within and/ or in close proximity of the site) 0 250m Date October 2013 Tyler Grange LLP Checked JB/AL/LG © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2013 Licence number 0100031673