Hardwick Lodge Meadow South
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Extended Phase 1 Survey Report P.E. Tornberg Red House Lane, Hannington Ref: 15-3394 116 Version: 2 Date: April 2016 Author: Samantha Hodgson Reviewer: Joanne Underwood Address: 7-8 Melbourne House Corbygate Business Park Weldon Corby Northamptonshire NN17 5JG Tel: 01536 408840 Executive Summary Lockhart Garratt Ltd was commissioned by P.E. Tornberg to carry out an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey including desk study for land at Red House Lane, Hannington, Northamptonshire. There are two statutory designations within 2km of the Site, and nine non-statutory designations, the closest being the Hannington Ponds PWS located approximately 130m to the south-west of the Site. A range of protected mammal and bird species were identified within 2km of the Site by the desk study. The Extended Phase 1 Survey was undertaken on 6th April 2016. The habitat within the Site consisted of mixed plantation woodland, amenity grassland, standing water, hardstanding, scattered trees and hedgerows. The report considers the ecological conditions within the Site in the context of a potential future planning application for the redevelopment of the Site to provide new holiday lodges within the plantation woodland. Overall it is considered that subject to the implementation of the recommendations and enhancements set out within this report, an overall net gain in biodiversity at the Site may be achieved. Recommendations, in this context, are as follows: • Great crested newt presence/absence, population surveys • Reptile presence/absence surveys • Bat activity surveys • Retain as many mature trees as possible, with a focus on the most mature and best condition trees. • Clearance of any vegetation likely to support nesting bird to be done outside the breeding season (March – September inclusive) or to be supervised and guided by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist. Any landscape planting should incorporate native species, including those species known to provide foraging opportunities for breeding birds and nectar sources for invertebrates. Enhancements in the form of bat boxes are also recommended. 15-3394 EXTENDED PHASE 1 SURVEY REPORT V2 RG 240316 Page 2 of 27 Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 5 Terms of Instruction ............................................................................................................................5 Report Limitations ............................................................................................................................... 5 Qualifications .......................................................................................................................................5 The Site ................................................................................................................................................5 2. METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 7 Desk Study ...........................................................................................................................................7 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...................................................................................................... 7 Habitat Assessment Evaluation Criteria ............................................................................................ 7 Badger Appraisal ................................................................................................................................. 7 Bat Tree Assessment ..........................................................................................................................8 Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) ............................................................................................................. 8 3. RESULTS .................................................................................................................................. 9 Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre ............................................................................... 9 Designated Sites ..................................................................................................................................9 Protected Species ................................................................................................................................9 Phase 1 Survey .................................................................................................................................. 14 Field Survey Limitations ................................................................................................................... 14 Habitat Description ............................................................................................................................ 14 Amenity grassland ............................................................................................................................. 14 Bareground ........................................................................................................................................ 14 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland ................................................................................................ 14 Buildings ............................................................................................................................................ 15 Hardstanding ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Hedge ................................................................................................................................................. 15 Introduced shrub ............................................................................................................................... 16 Mixed plantation woodland ............................................................................................................... 16 Scattered trees ................................................................................................................................... 16 Standing water ................................................................................................................................... 18 Wet ditch ............................................................................................................................................ 18 Evidence of Protected Species and Other Faunal Interest ............................................................. 19 Badgers .............................................................................................................................................. 19 4. EVALUATION ......................................................................................................................... 20 Background ........................................................................................................................................ 20 Designated Sites ................................................................................................................................ 20 Habitats .............................................................................................................................................. 20 Species ............................................................................................................................................... 20 15-3394 EXTENDED PHASE 1 SURVEY REPORT V2 RG 240316 Page 3 of 27 5. RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................... 22 Designated Sites ................................................................................................................................ 22 Habitats .............................................................................................................................................. 22 Species ............................................................................................................................................... 22 Amphibians ........................................................................................................................................ 22 Bats..................................................................................................................................................... 22 Birds ................................................................................................................................................... 23 Reptiles .............................................................................................................................................. 23 Badgers .............................................................................................................................................. 23 General ............................................................................................................................................... 23 6. REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................... 24 Appendix 1: Desk Study Results ...................................................................................................... 25 Appendix 2: Phase 1 Plan ................................................................................................................. 26 Appendix 3: Photographic