Land at Grovelands Way, Warminster Terrestrial

LAND AT GROVELANDS WAY, WARMINSTER

TERRESTRIAL INVERTEB RATE SURVEY

A Report to: Durmast Ltd & ACE Retirement (Warminster) Ltd

Report No: RT-MME -121326-04

Date: August 2016

Triumph House, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9AZ Tel: 01676 525880 Fax: 01676 521400 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.middlemarch-environmental.com Land at Grovelands Way, Warminster RT-MME-121326-02 Terrestrial Invertebrate Survey

REPORT VERIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE

This study has been undertaken in accordance with British Standard 42020:2013 “Biodiversity, Code of practice for planning and development”.

Report Date Completed by: Checked by: Approved by: Version Richard Wright (Terrestrial Invertebrate Specialist) and Tom Docker MCIEEM Dr Philip Fermor Final 18/8/2016 Dr Katy Read CEnv (Ecological Impact CEnv MCIEEM MCIEEM MCIWEM Assessment Manager) (Managing Director) C.WEM DipSM (Executive Director)

The information which we have prepared is true, and has been prepared and provided in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct. We confirm that the opinions expressed are our true and professional bona fide opinions.

DISCLAIMER

The contents of this report are the responsibility of Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. It should be noted that, whilst every effort is made to meet the client’s brief, no site investigation can ensure complete assessment or prediction of the natural environment.

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared.

VALIDITY OF DATA

The findings of this study are valid for a period of 24 months from the date of survey. If works have not commenced by this date, an updated site visit should carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist to assess any changes in the habitats present on site, and to inform a review of the conclusions and recommendations made.

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

In June 2016, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd was commissioned by Durmast Ltd & ACE Retirement (Warminster) Ltd to carry out a terrestrial invertebrate survey at the site of a proposed development located off Grovelands Way in Warminster, Wiltshire.

An ecological desk study was undertaken, with records of invertebrates within a 2 km radius from the site obtained from Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre. This revealed a wide range of protected and notable invertebrate species, the majority of which are Lepidoptera.

The terrestrial invertebrate survey was undertaken on 8th July and 9th and 15th August 2016 by Richard Wright (Specialist Invertebrate Surveyor). This consisted of an initial site visit, which identified the habitats within the site to be primarily grassland, with some wetter areas, secondary woodland and hedgerows. On both visits, invertebrates were recorded by direct observation, sweep netting and beating trees and shrubs. On the 9th August 2016 visit, water (pan) traps and pitfall traps were set. These were emptied and removed on 15th August 2016.

A total of 318 species of invertebrate was recorded, none of which are considered nationally scarce or otherwise of conservation importance. Using the ISIS analysis, no Broad or Specific Assemblage Types (BATs or SATs) were found to be in favourable condition. While species diversity is reasonably high, the great majority of species recorded are widespread and generally common.

The areas of interest are all in the eastern part of the site, within the Coldharbour Meadows Local Wildlife Site. Here there are small areas of wildflower grassland and larger areas of wetter habitat dominated by tall ruderal plants. While far from outstanding, these habitats do have some value for invertebrates.

Based on the data collected during this survey, the following recommendation is provided:

R1 As far as possible, habitats within Coldharbour Meadows LWS should be retained intact and without damage during development works.

R2 The habitats within Coldharbour Meadows LWS are currently being invaded by colonising scrub and tree species. Opportunities for enhancement of the grassland habitats for terrestrial invertebrates would include the long-term management of the grassland to ensure that this habitat is retained and succession is not allowed to occur.

R3 The development proposals should ensure that they do not result in any adverse changes to the hydrology of the wetland habitat areas of Coldharbour Meadows LWS through diversion of water away from the LWS habitats.

R4 Consideration should be given to the opportunities for the creation of wildlife pond habitats within the site to diversify the range of habitat opportunities for invertebrates at the site.

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CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION...... 4

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ...... 4 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION AND CONTEXT ...... 4 1.3 DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED ...... 4 1.4 LEGISLATION ...... 5 2. METHODOLOGY...... 6

2.1 DESK STUDY ...... 6 2.2 TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATE HABITAT ASSESSMENT ...... 6 2.3 TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATE SURVEY ...... 6 2.4 TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATE ASSESSMENT ...... 6 3. DESK STUDY RESULTS ...... 8

3.1 BIOLOGICAL RECORDS ...... 8 4. RESULTS ...... 10

4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 10 4.2 SURVEY CONSTRAINTS ...... 10 4.3 INVERTEBRATE HABITAT ASSESSMENT ...... 10 4.4 INVERTEBRATE SURVEY RESULTS ...... 10 4.5 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN ...... 10 4.6 ANALYSIS USING ISIS ...... 11 5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS ...... 12

5.1 SUMMARY OF SITE PROPOSALS ...... 12 5.2 HABITATS AND SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 12 5.3 INVERTEBRATE SPECIES AND SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 12 5.4 CONCLUSIONS ...... 12 6. RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 13 7. DRAWINGS ...... 14 8. PHOTOGRAPHS ...... 16 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 17 APPENDIX 1 ...... 18

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND In late June 2016, Durmast Ltd & ACE Retirement (Warminster) Ltd commissioned Middlemarch Environmental Ltd to undertake a Terrestrial Invertebrate Survey at the site of a proposed development located off Grovelands Way in Warminster, Wiltshire. The purpose of this survey is to provide an assessment of the site’s terrestrial invertebrate resource.

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd has completed a range of baseline ecological surveys at the site in recent years, including Phase 1 Habitat Survey, water vole survey, National Vegetation Classification assessment and a review of local wildlife site designation criteria. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd completed an Amphibian Survey at the site between May and June 2016 (Report RT-MME-121326-01).

In addition, Middlemarch Environmental Ltd has been commissioned to undertake the following updated assessments:  Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (Report RT-MME-121326-02);  Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment – Trees (Report RT-MME-121326-03);  Reptile Survey (Report RT-MME-121326-05); and,  Otter and Water Vole Survey (Report RT-MME-121326-06).

1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION AND CONTEXT The site comprised an irregular-shaped area of land on the north-western edge of Warminster. The surveyed area was approximately 12 ha in size with a central National Grid Reference of ST 863 453.

Four small streams flowed either through, or along the boundaries of the site. The site had a predominantly flat topography and was split into roughly three distinct habitat types. The land to the south and east of the site had been left as part of a Section 52 Agreement associated with the Grovelands Way residential development. This area appeared to have been subject to little in the way of recent habitat management and was dominated by tall herb communities with scattered trees and scrub. It is understood that a balancing pond had been created within this area, however the banks of this pond were shallow and it did not appear to hold water throughout the year.

The central region of the site comprised a series of fenced fields currently used for the grazing of pigs. These fields were dominated by bare earth that was subject to frequent disturbance.

The area to the north and west of the site was dominated by grassy fields separated by either unmanaged hedgerows or fences. Some of the fields had been recently returned to agriculture (silage) whilst one resembled a marshy grassland habitat.

The site is bordered by Grovelands Way to the south, with a residential development beyond. Arable fields, surrounded by hedgerows, were present to the north and west of the site, whilst sports playing fields were present to the east.

1.3 DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED The conclusions and recommendations made in this report are based on information provided by the client regarding the scope of the project. Documentation made available by the client is listed in Table 1.1.

Document Name / Drawing Number Author Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Armstrong Burton Architects Composite Plan. Drawing 16018_P01 Wiltshire Council Planning Consultation Melanie Dodd Response. Application No. 16/016461PREAPP Table 1.1: Documentation Provided by Client

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1.4 LEGISLATION Several species of invertebrate have been afforded statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). A number of invertebrate species are listed as priority species on the United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Species of conservation concern have also been identified and listed in the British Red Data Book for Insects (Shirt, 1987) as well as in a number of reviews of scarce and threatened invertebrates, published by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and listed in Section 2.3.4.

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2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 DESK STUDY A desk study was undertaken in July 2016 to determine the presence of records of invertebrates within a 2 km radius of the site. The consultee for the desk study was Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre.

Middlemarch Environmental Ltd then assimilated and reviewed the desk study data provided by these organisations. The data collected from these consultees is discussed in Chapter 3. In compliance with the terms and conditions relating to its commercial use, the full desk study data is not provided within this report.

2.2 TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATE HABITAT ASSESSMENT The survey area was divided into habitat areas, roughly corresponding to Phase 1 Habitat Types (JNCC, 1993), for the invertebrate habitat assessment. These areas were assessed for their value to invertebrates, within the context of the site and surrounding landscape and then assigned a value of low, medium or high value.

2.3 TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATE SURVEY The terrestrial invertebrate survey was undertaken on 8th July and 9th August by Richard Wright (Specialist Invertebrate Surveyor). Table 2.1 details the weather conditions at the time of the survey. A further survey date is scheduled for 15th August.

Weather Condition Parameter 08/07/16 09/08/16 15/08/16 Temperature (ºC) 22 20 24 Cloud (%) 50 70 20 Wind (Beaufort) 2 3 3 Precipitation None none none Table 2.1: Weather Conditions During Field Surveys

On the first visit, the whole site was walked, while direct observation, sweeping and beating of vegetation was undertaken in all areas. At the same time, note was made of the variety of habitats present. It was clear that the most likely areas to be of invertebrate interest were the grassland and wetter areas in the east of the site (the area which comprises Coldharbour Meadows LWS).

On the second visit, the site was again surveyed by active methods i.e. sweeping of low vegetation and beating of trees. In addition, twenty pitfall traps were installed in wetter areas. The traps were set out in an irregular pattern due to the necessity to find suitable locations where traps could be inserted. In drier parts of the site the ground proved to be too hard to insert traps. In addition, 24 water (pan) traps were laid out in grassland, wetter areas and woodland. These were laid out in eight groups, with each group consisting of three plastic bowls of 15 cm diameter, one each of white, yellow and blue, filled with a saturated salt solution. These traps were emptied and removed on 15th August 2016. However, 8 of the water traps had been removed, presumably by people walking through the site, and therefore only 16 traps contributed to the total. The pitfall traps are primarily to record beetles and spiders, while the water traps mainly collect flies, bees and wasps.

2.4 TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATE ASSESSMENT Species recorded were checked to see if any were considered to be of conservation concern. These statuses were taken from the most recently available publications, which are listed in the References and Bibliography section of the report.

Most species of invertebrate were assigned statuses using a now outdated set of criteria and categories.

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The definitions and criteria for ascribing species to these scarcity/threat categories are detailed in Table 2.2. Species of conservation concern are assigned either Red Data Book (RDB) categories or Nationally Scarce categories depending on the level of threat.

Status Category Definition and Criteria Taxa in danger of extinction whose numbers have been reduced to a critical level or habitat has been reduced such that they are deemed to be in immediate danger of extinction. RDB1: Endangered Species known or believed to occur only as a single population within one 10 km square of the National Grid. Taxa believed likely to move into the endangered category in the near future if causal factors RDB2: Vulnerable continue to operate. Included are taxa of which most or all of the populations are declining. Taxa with small populations that are not at present Endangered or Vulnerable, but are at risk. RDB3: Rare Species which are estimated to exist in only 15 or fewer post 1970 10km squares of the National Grid. RDBK: Insufficiently Taxa suspected to fall within the Red Data Book categories but with too little information to Known allow confident assignment to any of the previous categories. Nationally Scarce: Taxa which do not fall within RDB categories but which are considered to be uncommon in Category A (Na) Great Britain. Species occurring in 30 or fewer 10km squares of the National Grid. Nationally Scarce: Taxa which do not fall within RDB categories but which are considered to be uncommon in Category B (Nb) Great Britain. Species occurring in between 31 – 100 10km squares of the National Grid. Table 2.2: Definitions and Criteria for Scarcity / Threat Categories for Invertebrates (Old)

However, many groups have been re-evaluated using the revised criteria of the IUCN. This process is ongoing so that many groups have still only been evaluated using the older criteria and categories. The definitions and criteria for ascribing species to these scarcity/threat categories are detailed in Table 2.3.

Status Category Definition and Criteria Critically Endangered A taxon is Critically Endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the (CR) wild in the immediate future. A taxon is Endangered when it is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of Endangered (EN) extinction in the wild in the near future. A taxon is Vulnerable when it is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high Vulnerable (VU) risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term future. A taxon is Lower Risk when it has been evaluated but does not satisfy the criteria for any of the categories Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. Taxa included in the Lower Risk category can be separated into three sub-categories:

Conservation Dependent (cd). Taxa which are the focus of a continuing taxon-specific or habitat-specific conservation programme targeted towards the taxon in question, the Lower Risk (LR) cessation of which would result in the taxon qualifying for one of the threatened categories above within a period of five years.

Near Threatened (nt). Taxa which do not qualify for Lower Risk (Conservation Dependent), but which are close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

Least Concern (lc). Taxa which do not qualify for Lower Risk (Conservation Dependent) or Lower Risk (Near Threatened). Table 2.3: Definitions and Criteria for Scarcity / Threat Categories for Invertebrates (New)

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3. DESK STUDY RESULTS

3.1 BIOLOGICAL RECORDS The data search was carried out in July 2016 by Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre. All relevant ecological data provided by this consultee was reviewed and the results from these investigations are summarised in Table 3.1 below.

Most Proximity of Species of No. of Legislation / Species Recent Nearest Record Principal Records Conservation Status Record to Study Area Importance? Invertebrates – butterflies Duke of Burgundy Potentially on 7 2012  Endangered Hamearis lucina site* Dingy skipper Potentially on 4 2006  Vulnerable Erynnis tages site* Grizzled skipper Potentially on 4 1991  Vulnerable Pyrgus malvae site* Small blue Potentially within 3 1991  Near Threatened Cupido minimus a 1 km radius* Chalk hill blue Potentially within 5 2006 - Near Threatened Polyommatus coridon a 1 km radius* Adonis blue Potentially within 13 2014 - Near Threatened Polyommatus bellargus a 1 km radius* White-letter hairstreak Potentially on 1 2007  Endangered Satyrium w-album site* Purple emperor Potentially within 3 1996 - Near Threatened Apatura iris a 1 km radius* High brown fritillary Potentially on 1 1982  Critically Endangered Argynnis adippe site* WCA 5 S9(1), Marsh fritillary Potentially within WCA 5 S9(4), 8 2005  Euphydryas aurinia a 1 km radius* HSD 2 (np), Vulnerable Small heath Potentially on 13 2014  Near Threatened Coenonympha pamphilus site* Wall Potentially within 10 2014  Near Threatened Lasiommata megera a 1 km radius* Invertebrates – moths Ghost moth 1460 m south- 3 1997  - Heialus humuli east Blood-vein 1460 m south- 1 1988  - Timandra comae east Bordered gothic 1600 m south- 1 1997  - Heliophobus reticulata east Bright neb Potentially on 1 2013 - Nationally Notable Argolamprotes micella site* Broom moth 1460 m south- 1 1988  - Ceramica pisi east Buff ermine 1600 m south- 1 1997  - Spilosoma lutea east Centre-barred sallow 1460 m south- 1 1996  - Atethmia centrago east Common fan-foot 1600 m south- 1 1997  - Pechipogo strigilata east Dark-barred twin-spot Potentially on 1 2012  - Xanthorhoe ferrugata site* Deep brown dart 1600 m south- 1 2012  - Aporophyla lutulenta east Dot moth 1 1990 820 m north-west  - Melanchra persicariae Table 3.1: Summary of Protected/Notable Species Records Within 2 km of Survey Area (continues)

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Most Proximity of Species of No. of Legislation / Species Recent Nearest Record Principal Records Conservation Status Record to Study Area Importance? Grey dagger 2 1990 820 m north-west  - Acronicta psi Hedge rustic 1460 m south- 1 1996  - Tholera cespitis east Knot grass Potentially on 2 2013  - Acronicta rumicis site* Oak hook-tip Potentially on 1 2013  - Watsonella binaria site* Powdered quaker 1 1990 820 m north-west  - Orthosia gracilis Shaded broad-bar 1460 m south- 2 1997  - Scotopteryx chenopodiata east Shoulder-striped wainscot 1600 m south- 2 2012  - Leucania comma east Small emerald 1 1990 820 m north-west  - Hemistola chrysoprasaria Small phoenix Potentially on 3 2012  - Ecliptopera silaceata site* Small square-spot Potentially on 4 2012  - Diarsia rubi site* Streak 1 1990 820 m north-west  - Chesias legatella White ermine 2 1997 820 m north-west  - Spilosoma lubricipeda Invertebrates – true flies 1400 m south- Metasyrphus latilunulatus 1 2008 - Nationally Notable east Key: *: Grid reference provided was four figures and as such, the record may be located within 1000 m of the study site.

WCA 5 S9(1): Schedule 5 Section 9(1) of Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Protected animals (other than birds). Protection limited to intentional killing, injury or taking. WCA 5 S9(4): Schedule 5 Section 9(4) of Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Protected animals (other than birds). Protection limited to their access to any structure or place which they use for shelter or protection being obstructed.

HSD 2 (np): Habitats and Species Directive Annex 2 – non-priority species. Animal and plant species of Community interest (i.e. endangered, vulnerablem rare or endemic in the European Community) whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation. Note that the contents of this annex have been updated in April 2003 following the Treaty of Accession.

Species of Principal Importance: Species of Principal Importance for Nature Conservation in England.

Critically Endangered: Red Data List IUCN (2001) - A taxon is Critically Endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Endangered: Red Data List IUCN (2001) - A taxon is Endangered when it is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. Vulnerable: A taxon is Vulnerable when it is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term future. Near Threatened: Red Data List IUCN (2001) – A taxon is Near Threatened when it does not qualify for Lower Risk (conservation dependent), but which is close to qualifying for Vulnerable. Nationally Notable: Species which are estimated to occur within the range of 16 to 100 10 km squares. Superseded by Nationally Scarce, and therefore no longer in use. Table 3.1 (continued): Summary of Protected/Notable Species Records Within 2 km of Survey Area

It should be noted that the majority of the species listed in Table 3.1 are moths which would not be recorded in a diurnal survey such as the one completed in this study. Therefore, their absence during this survey should not be taken as an indication that they are absent.

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4. RESULTS

4.1 INTRODUCTION The results of the invertebrate survey are presented in Sections 4.2 to 4.5. Photographs taken during the field survey are presented in Chapter 8.

4.2 SURVEY CONSTRAINTS The survey was not instructed until late June 2016 and poor weather conditions at the end of this month meant that the first site visit was not possible until 8th July 2016. This is a late start date for terrestrial invertebrate surveys and has two effects. Many invertebrate species have spring/early summer seasons and would have been over by the time of the first survey date. This includes some of the butterfly species mentioned in Table 3.1, such as the Dingy and Grizzled Skippers. In addition, vegetation in the wetter areas had grown tall and dense making it very difficult to penetrate and survey while the ditches and streams were largely dry. It is considered likely that if the survey has commenced in late spring, the number of species recorded is likely to have been considerably greater.

4.3 INVERTEBRATE HABITAT ASSESSMENT Table 4.1 presents an assessment of the value of the habitats within the site to invertebrates.

Habitat Description Value to Invertebrates Moderate height grassland with fairly Wildflower grassland diverse range of food plants and nectar Moderate flowers Dominated by Epilobium hirsutum and Damp tall ruderal Moderate Filipendula ulmaria with Carex species. Generally well-vegetated, some parts Stream/ditch and margins Moderate within shady woodland. Generally neglected hedgerows with Hedgerows Moderate only moderate diversity Very little ground flora or litter layer, Secondary woodland Low mainly bare ground, heavily shaded Dominated by agricultural grass Improved species-poor grassland Low varieties Table 4.1: Invertebrate Habitat Assessment - Summary Information

4.4 INVERTEBRATE SURVEY RESULTS A total of 318 species of invertebrate was recorded during the survey. This total is considered adequate for a robust site assessment of the site’s invertebrate value to be made. Table 4.2 provides a summary of the numbers of invertebrates recorded by group.

Number of Species Species of Conservation Group English Name Recorded Concern Coleoptera Beetles 97 0 Diptera Flies 89 0 Hymenoptera Bees, wasps, ants and sawflies 17 0 Arachnida Spiders and harvestmen 30 0 Hemiptera True bugs and leafhoppers 60 0 Lepidoptera Butterflies and moths 11 0 Orthoptera Grasshoppers and crickets 6 0 Others - 8 0 Table 4.2: Invertebrates Recorded by Group

4.5 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN No species of conservation concern have been recorded during the survey.

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4.6 ANALYSIS USING ISIS ISIS is an Excel based application developed by Natural England to identify invertebrate assemblage types and scores each assemblage type according to its conservation value. ISIS is based on a definition of an assemblage as a suite of species occurring in the same piece of homogenous habitat. Two levels of assemblage type are recognised by ISIS:

. Broad Assemblage Types (BATs): These are characterised by species that are more widespread; . Specific Assemblage Types (SATs): These are characterised by stenotopic species that are habitat specialists and considered to have intrinsic conservation value and are generally found on sites with conservation interest.

SATs are more narrowly defined in terms of habitat type than BATs and each SAT is nested within a parent BAT. Assemblage types are linked to species by a coding system that carries information on the closeness of their relationship. BATs are identified by a two-digit code and SATs by a four-digit code.

An assessment of the value of the invertebrate assemblages present within a site is then undertaken using the results generated and the species information provided by ISIS.

The species list from the site was fed into ISIS and the following results were obtained. Table 4.3 provides a summary of the results from the analysis.

Not all invertebrate species are included within ISIS, and as such for this project, 227 of the 318 species were used in the analysis. The majority (75.3%) of these species were allocated to BATs in the field layer communities, with 141 (62.1%) allocated to BAT F2 grassland and scrub matrix. Generally, species allocated to this BAT are common and widespread, found in habitats such as field margins and road verges, and of little conservation concern.

A total of 44 species (19.4%) were allocated to wetland BATs, with the remaining species allocated to woodland BATs.

Very few species allocated to any SAT, reflecting the fact that most of the species recorded are generalists, and not strongly associated with particular habitats.

No BAT or SAT was found to be in favourable condition, indicating that the site is only of moderate interest for invertebrates.

Code BAT Number of species Percentage of Total A1 Arboreal canopy 10 4.4 A2 Wood decay 2 0.9 F1 Unshaded early successional mosaic 25 11.0 F2 Grassland & scrub matrix 141 62.1 F3 Shaded field & ground layer 5 2.2 W1 Flowing water 9 4.0 W2 Mineral marsh & open water 16 7.0 Table 4.3 Results of ISIS Analysis

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5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

5.1 SUMMARY OF SITE PROPOSALS It is understood that the site is the subject of a proposed for development, which would be focused within the This assessment is required to inform a planning application associated with a Continuing Care Retirement Community comprising of a care home, extra care and sheltered housing, bungalows, key worker flats, medical centre, dental surgery, community shop, community rooms and relocation of play area.

The composite masterplan (see Table 1.1) indicates that construction will be focused in the central and northern sections of the site, whilst the eastern and western sections of the site will not be built upon.

The need for this Terrestrial Invertebrate Survey was highlighted in pre-application comments received from Wiltshire County Council.

5.2 HABITATS AND SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS None of the habitats on the site have very high significance for invertebrates. Nevertheless, the more flower- rich grassland and the tall ruderal wetter areas do support a wide range of species, albeit largely more or less common and widespread ones. Of note is the fact that all of the better quality areas of these habitats are located in the eastern part of the site, corresponding to those areas which are within the Coldharbour Meadows Local Wildlife Site. Generally, all of the areas in the more central and western parts of the site are of little interest for terrestrial invertebrates.

5.3 INVERTEBRATE SPECIES AND SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS As noted earlier, most of the species are widespread and common generalists, likely to be found in much of the wider countryside rather than being highly habitat-specific. None are considered to be of conservation concern. To this extent, development of the western and central areas is unlikely to have a highly significant impact on terrestrial invertebrate populations. However, there is a good diversity of species within the eastern area of the site and this should be retained as far as possible.

With respect to the butterfly species recorded in the desk study, the survey was instructed too late for some of the butterfly species listed in Table 3.1 to be recorded, the dingy and grizzled skippers, Duke of Burgundy and marsh fritillary, all of which are mainly found from May to mid-June. Of these species, marsh fritillary is most unlikely to be present as its food plant, Devil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensis is absent. The Duke of Burgundy requires Primula species, either Primula vulgaris or cowslip P. veris, neither of which were observed by the surveyor, and again it seems very unlikely that this butterfly is present.

Bird’s-foot trefoil Lathyrus pratensis, the food plant of the dingy skipper was present in the LWS area, as was creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, one of the food plants of the grizzled skipper. Both of these butterfly species could therefore potentially occur on the site. However, the area of suitable habitat is very small and confined to the LWS area and, provided this area is not damaged, any populations of the butterflies would be unaffected.

5.4 CONCLUSIONS While the site is not of outstanding importance for invertebrates, the overall assemblage in the Coldharbour Meadows LWS area is of some interest and worth conserving where possible. There is also some potential for enhancing both the grassland and wetland habitats.

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6. RECOMMENDATIONS All recommendations provided in this section are based on Middlemarch Environmental Ltd’s current understanding of the site proposals, correct at the time the report was compiled. Should the proposals alter, the conclusions and recommendations made in the report should be reviewed to ensure that they remain appropriate.

R1 As far as possible, habitats within Coldharbour Meadows LWS should be retained intact and without damage during development works.

R4 Consideration should be given to the opportunities for the creation of wildlife pond habitats within the site to diversify the range of habitat opportunities for invertebrates at the site.

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7. DRAWINGS

Drawing C121326-04-01 – Terrestrial Invertebrate Survey Habitat Map

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6 6 C121326-04-01 5 5 4 4 1 1 Legend

/! Pitfall

/! Water trap PH1 habitat survey:

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Species-poor intact hedgerow H14 Wet ditch S T R E Amenity grassland A A M ! ! 1 ! ! ! ! Bare ground ! ! ! ! ! ! Broad-leaved woodland

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4 11 4 Improved grassland 5 H 5 4 /! 4 I 1 I 1 3 1 Marshy grassland H 2 10 AM H RE D D ST D D Mosaic of scattered tall ruderal /! D D D Dand ephemeral/short perennial SI D D H10 D D Other habitat SI /! /! SI Poor semi-improved grassland H5 /! /! /! /! M 2 Running water STREA Swamp H3 /! Tall ruderal

H 3 6 M A Site boundary 2 E 1 R

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Triumph House, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9AZ T:01676 525880 F:01676 521400 E:[email protected] 0 50 100 m This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution of civil proceedings. Licence Number: 100040519 386000 386100 386200 386300 386400 386500 386600 Land at Grovelands Way, Warminster RT-MME-121326-02 Terrestrial Invertebrate Survey

8. PHOTOGRAPHS

Plate 8.1: High quality grassland Plate 8.2: Lower quality grassland with hedgerow behind

Plate 8.3: Tall ruderal Plate 8.4: Wetter area with sedges

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REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alexander, K.N.A.A. (2014). ‘A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain, Species Status No.18. The darkling beetles and their allies’. Natural England Commissioned Report NECR148. Natural England, Peterborough.

Drake, C.M., Lott, D.A., Alexander K.N.A. & Webb, J. (2007). ‘Surveying terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates for conservation evaluation’. Natural England Research Report NERR005. Natural England, Peterborough.

Falk, S. (1991a). ‘A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain’. Research and Survey in Nature Conservation. No.39. JNCC, Peterborough

Falk, S. (1991b). ‘A review of the scarce and threatened bees, wasps and ants of Great Britain’. Research and Survey in Nature Conservation. No.35. JNCC, Peterborough.

Falk, S.J. & Chandler, P.J. (2005). ‘A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain. Part 2:Nematocera and Aschiza not dealt with by Falk (1991). Species Status 2: 1-189’. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Harvey, P.R., Nellist, D.R. & Telfer, M. (2002). Provisional atlas of British Spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) Volume 1 and 2. Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre.

Hyman, P.S. & Parsons, M.S. (1992). ‘A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain, Part 1’. Research and Survey in Nature Conservation. No.3. JNCC, Peterborough.

Hyman, P.S. & Parsons, M.S. (1994). ‘A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain, Part 2’. Research and Survey in Nature Conservation. No.12. JNCC, Peterborough.

JNCC. (1993). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A technique for environmental audit (reprint). Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2012). UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Available: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/UK_Post2010_Bio-Fwork.pdf.

Kirby, P. (1992). ‘A review of the scarce and threatened Hemiptera of Great Britain’. Research and Survey in Nature Conservation. No.2. JNCC, Peterborough.

Shirt, D.B. (ed.). (1987). British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.

The Wildlife & Countryside Act (WCA) 1981, as amended.

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APPENDIX 1

Table A1.1: Full List of Terrestrial Invertebrate Species Recorded at Land at Grovelands Way, Warminster

Order Family Species English Name Isopoda Armadillidae Armadillidium vulgare Common Pill Woodlouse woodlice Oniscidae Oniscus asellus Common Shiny Woodlouse Philosciidae Philoscia muscorum Common Striped Woodlouse Porcellionidae Porcellio scaber Common Rough Woodlouse Insecta Odonata Coenagriidae Coenagrion puella Azure Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum Common Blue Damselfly Ischnura elegans Blue-tailed Damselfly Libellulidae Sympetrum striolatum Common Darter Orthoptera Acrididae Chorthippus brunneus Common Field Grasshopper grasshoppers and crickets Chorthippus parallelus Meadow Grasshopper Conocephalidae Conocephalus discolor Long-winged Cone-head Phaneropteridae Leptophyes punctatissima Speckled Bush Cricket Tetrigidae Tetrix subulata Slender Ground Hopper Tetrix undulata Common Ground Hopper Dermaptera Forficulidae Forficula auricularia Common Earwig Heteroptera Anthocoridae Anthocoris nemoralis true bugs Anthocoris nemorum Coreidae Coriomeris denticulatus Denticulate Leatherbug Lygaediae Heterogaster urticae Nettle Ground Bug Ischnodemus sabuleti European Cinchbug Megalonotus chiragra Scolopostethus affinis Scolopostethus thomsoni Stygnocoris sabulosus Miridae Adelphocoris lineolatus Apolygus spinolae Campyloneura virgula Capsus ater Closterotomus norwegicus Deraeocoris ruber Dicyphus epilobii Grypocoris stysi Heterotoma planicornis Leptopterna dolabrata Liocoris tripustulatus Lopus decolor Lygocoris pabulinus Lygus rugulipennis Orthops basalis Orthops kalmii Phytocoris varipes Plagiognathus arbustorum Plagiognathus chrysanthemi Psallus ambiguus

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Order Family Species English Name Stenodema calcarata Stenodema laevigata Stenotus binotatus Nabidae Himacerus mirmicoides Ant Damsel Bug Nabis ferus Field Damsel Bug Nabis limbatus Marsh Damsel Bug Nabis rugosus Common Damsel Bug Pentatomidae Aelia acuminata Bishop's Mitre Dolycoris baccarum Hairy Shieldbug Palomena prasina Common Green Shieldbug Rhopalidae Corizus hyoscyami Scutelleridae Eurygaster testudinaria Tortoise Shieldbug Tingidae Tingis ampliata Creeping Thistle Lacebug Veliidae Velia caprai Auchenorrhyncha Aphrophoridae Aphrophora alni leafhoppers Neophilaenus lineatus Philaenus spumarius Common Froghopper Cicadellidae Agallia consobrina Anoscopus flavostriatus Anoscopus serratulae Cicadella viridis Eupelix cuspidata Eupteryx aurata Eupteryx urticae Megopthalmus scanicus Mocydia crocea Streptanus sordidus Cixiidae Cixius nervosus Delphacidae Dicranotropis hamata Javesella pellucida Stenocranus minutus Lepidoptera Hesperiidae Ochlodes faunus Large Skipper butterflies Thymelicus sylvestris Small Skipper Lycaenidae Polyommatus icarus Common Blue Nymphalidae Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell Pieridae Pieris brassicae Large White Pieris napi Green-veined White Pieris rapae Small White Satyridae Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood Pyronia tithonus Gatekeeper moths Zygaenidae Zygaena filipendulae Six-spot Burnet Coleoptera Apionidae Ceratapion onopordi beetles Eutrichapion ervi Ischnopterapion loti Ischnopterapion modestum Oxystoma subulatum Perapion hydrolapathi Perapion violaceum Protapion apricans

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Order Family Species English Name Protapion assimile Protapion fulvipes Synapion ebeninum Cantharidae Cantharis cryptica Cantharis nigra Cantharis rustica Rhagonycha fulva Carabidae Agonum emarginatum Agonum thoreyi Bembidion lampros Bembidion lunulatum Oxypselaphus obscurus Paradromius linearis Paranchus albipes Patrobus atrorufus Poecilus cupreus Pterostichus madidus Pterostichus melanarius Pterostichus niger Pterostichus nigrita Chrysomelidae Altica lythri Altica palustris Bruchus loti Cassida rubiginosa Thistle Tortoise Beetle Chaetocnema concinna Chaetocnema hortensis Crepidodera aurata Crepidodera fulvicornis Cryptocephalus fulvus Galerucella tenella Gastrophysa viridula Longitarsus flavicornis Longitarsus luridus Longitarsus melanocephalus Longitarsus parvulus Neocrepidodera ferruginea Neocrepidodera transversa Oulema obscura Phaedon tumidulus Phratora vulgatissima Sphaeroderma testaceum Coccinellidae Adalia bipunctata 2-spot Ladybird Coccidula rufa Coccinella septempunctata 7-spot Ladybird Harmonia axyridis Harlequin Ladybird Propylea quattuordecimpunctata 14-spot Ladybird Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata 22-spot Ladybird Rhyzobius litura Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata 24-spot Ladybird

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Order Family Species English Name Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata 16-spot Ladybird Curculionidae Anthonomus rubi Ceutorhynchus obstrictus Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus Glocianus distinctus Hypera pollux Hypera postica Limnobaris dolorosa Mecinus pascuorum Mecinus pyraster Nedyus quadrimaculatus Parethelcus pollinarius Phyllobius roboretanus Rhinoncus pericarpius Sitona lepidus Sitona lineatus Sitona sulcifrons Trichosirocalus troglodytes Elateridae Agriotes acuminatus Athous haemorrhoidalis Elmidae Elmis aenea Hydrophilidae Anacaena globulus Anacaena limbata Kateretidae Brachypterus glaber Brachypterus urticae Latridiidae Corticaria impressa Cortinicara gibbosa Malachiidae Cordylepherus viridis Malachius bipustulatus Nitidulidae Epuraea aestiva Meligethes aeneus Meligethes rotundicollis Oedemeridae Oedemera lurida Oedemera nobilis Phalacridae Stilbus testaceus Staphylinidae Anotylus rugosus Staphylinus dimidiaticornis Tachyporus hypnorum Tachyporus solutus Tenebrionidae Lagria hirta Diptera Asilidae Leptogaster cylindrica Striped Slender Robberfly flies Bibionidae Bibio johannis Calliphoridae Calliphora vicina Lucilia sericata Pollenia rudis Chloropidae Chlorops calceata Elachiptera cornuta Thaumatomyia notata Dolichopodidae Argyra argyria Campsicnemus curvipes

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Order Family Species English Name Chrysotus gramineus Dolichopus plumipes Dolichopus popularis Dolichopus trivialis Dolichopus ungulatus Scellus notatus Empididae Empis aestiva Empis livida Empis lutea Ephydridae Limnellia quadrata Parydra coarctata Hybotidae Hybos femoratus Platypalpus annulipes Lauxaniidae Meiosimyza decipiens Meiosimyza rorida Minettia fasciata (=rivosa) Lonchopteridae Lonchoptera lutea Muscidae Coenosia tigrina Helina depuncta Helina evecta Helina impuncta Muscina levida Phaonia errans Phaonia tuguriorum Phaonia valida Polietes lardarius Opomyzidae Geomyza tripunctata Opomyza florum Opomyza germinationis Psilidae Chamaepsila rosae Rhagionidae Chrysopilus asiliformis Little Snipefly Chrysopilus cristatus Black Snipefly Rhagio tringarius Marsh Snipefly Sarcophagidae Sarcophaga nigriventris Sarcophaga subvicina Sarcophaga vagans Sarcophaga variegata Scathophagidae Cleigastra apicalis Scathophaga stercoraria Sciomyzidae Coremacera marginata Euthycera fumigata Pherbellia cinerella Sepsidae Nemopoda nitidula Sepsis fulgens Sepsis punctum Themira annulipes Stratiomyidae Beris chalybata Murky-legged Black Legionnaire Chloromyia formosa Broad Centurion Chorisops tibialis Dull Four-spined Legionnaire Oxycera trilineata Three-lined Soldier

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Order Family Species English Name Syrphidae Cheilosia pagana Cheilosia verna Episyrphus balteatus Eristalis pertinax Eristalis tenax Helophilus pendulus Melanostoma mellinum Melanostoma scalare Neoascia meticulosa Neoascia podagrica Neoascia tenur Pipizella viduata Platycheirus albimanus Platycheirus clypeatus Platycheirus granditarsus Platycheirus peltatus Sphaerophoria scripta Syritta pipiens Syrphus ribesii Xylota segnis Tabanidae Haematopota pluvialis Notch-horned Cleg Tachinidae Eriothrix rufomaculata Tephritidae Anomoia purmunda Euleia heraclei Terellia ruficauda Urophora cardui Tipulidae Tipula scripta Ulidiidae Herina frondescentiae Rivellia syngenesiae Hymenoptera – Symphyta Tenthredinidae Athalia circularis sawflies Selandria serva Tenthredo arcuata Hymenoptera – Aculeata Apidae Andrena chrysosceles bees, wasps & ants Andrena minutula Apis mellifera Honey Bee Bombus lapidarius Large Red-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus lucorum White-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus pascuorum Common Carder Bee Bombus terrestris Buff-tailed Bumble Bee Halictus tumulorum Lasioglossum albipes Lasioglossum calceatum Formicidae Lasius flavus Yellow Meadow Ant Lasius niger sens. str. Black Ant Myrmica ruginodis Red Ant Vespidae Vespula vulgaris Common Wasp Arachnida – Araneae Araneidae Araneus diadematus spiders Araneus marmoreus Araniella cucurbitina sens. str. Larinioides cornutus

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Order Family Species English Name Dictynidae Dictyna arundinacea Linyphiidae Erigone atra Erigone dentipalpis Lepthyphantes tenuis Lepthyphantes zimmermanni Hahniidae Antistea elegans Lycosidae Alopecosa pulverulenta Pardosa nigriceps Pardosa prativaga Pardosa pullata Trochosa ruricola Philodromidae Misumena vatia Pisauridae Tibellus oblongus Salticidae Pisaura mirabilis Tetragnathidae Heliophanus cupreus Metellina mengei Metellina segmentata sens. str. Pachygnatha degeeri Theridiidae Tetragnatha montana Enoplognatha ovata sens. str. Thomisidae Neottiura bimaculata Leiobunidae Xysticus cristatus Opiliones Leiobunidae Leiobunum rotundum harvestmen Phalangiidae Mitopus morio Phalangium opilio Platybunus triangularis

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