6126 North Field, Overton Ecological Appraisal FPCR
Dandara Ltd. North Field, Overton
Ecological Appraisal
September 2015
6126 North Field, Overton Ecological Appraisal fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Registered Office: Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby DE74 2RH Company No. 07128076. [T] 01509 672772 [F] 01509 674565 [E] [email protected] [W] www.fpcr.co.uk
This report is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. Ordnance Survey material is used with permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896.
Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Approved/Date - Draft RG / 08.09.15 RG / 08.09.15 Final RG / 29.09.15
6126 North Field, Overton Ecological Appraisal fpcr
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 2
2.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 3
3.0 RESULTS ...... 1
4.0 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 9
TABLES
Table 1: Index of Probability for Recording Dormice in Nesting Tubes
Table 2: Non-statutory Sites within 1.0km of the Application Site
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Protected and Notable Species Records within c.1km of Site
Appendix 2: Plant Species Recorded
FIGURES
Figure 1: HBIC Plan Non-statutory and Statutory Designated Sites
Figure 2: Phase 1 Habitat Plan
6126 North Field, Overton Ecological Appraisal fpcr
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The following report provides details of an Ecological Appraisal and protected species surveys undertaken on a site of approximate size 17ha to the north of Overton, Hampshire.
The site is comprised of one arable field compartment, a linear tree belt (Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC) and two hedgerows.
The proposed scheme comprises the construction of up to 200 dwelling houses and a 700 sq ft home-working hub. It will provide vehicular access off Kingsclere Road, residential car parking, play space and a pedestrian link to Overton Railway Station. The scheme will additionally incorporate public open space totalling approximately 50% of the site area, to include native species woodland, shrub and grassland planting.
An extended Phase 1 and protected species survey was undertaken across the proposed development site in March 2014. Monthly hazel dormouse surveys were undertaken between July and November 2014, and bat surveys were undertaken in June, August and September 2014.
Habitats within the proposed development site are dominated by intensively managed arable land partially bordered by native hedgerow of up to Local level ecological value. The woodland SINC is of County level nature conservation value and was confirmed during survey to support a small population of hazel dormouse. Developing woodland associated with a neighbouring rail track lies off-site to the north.
Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC will be retained within the scheme with no proposed habitat loss, and perimeter hedgerows and tree groups will be retained with only very minor losses.
The woodland SINC, retained hedgerow, tree groups and off-site woodland habitat will be appropriately protected during construction works and buffered within the final scheme by adjacent green infrastructure.
The scheme will provide extensive new woodland planting. Provision of new tree and shrub planting, treelines and grassland will be used to create multiple habitat corridors through the site, facilitating the movement of wildlife, and contributing to the aims of the National Policy Planning Framework via the promotion of biodiversity.
To avoid disturbance to breeding birds, any removal of woody vegetation will be undertaken outside of the bird-breeding season (March to August inclusive). If this is not possible, vegetation will be checked prior to removal by an experienced ecologist.
The design of the external lighting scheme will ensure that light spill onto vegetated areas is minimised as far as possible in order to avoid disturbance to light-sensitive species such as bats. Further details regarding lighting will be submitted at the Reserved Matters stage.
All works, including site preparation, construction works, vehicle movement and materials storage will adhere to the Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG5 in order to minimise the risk of disturbance or pollution of neighbouring waterbodies.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The following report has been prepared by FPCR Environment & Design Ltd. on behalf of Dandara Ltd. It provides details of an Ecological Appraisal and protected species surveys undertaken on a site to the north of Overton, Hampshire.
Site Location and Context
1.2 The application site is approximately 17.4ha in size and lies to the north of Overton, centred on grid reference SU 512 504 (Figure 1). It is comprised of a single large arable field with the land gently sloping down from the eastern and western sides towards the centre. Court Drove Woodland Strip Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) is located within the application site adjacent to the north-western site boundary.
1.3 The site is partially bordered to the east and west by hedgerows, and to the north by an off-site wooded railway embankment, over which runs the Basingstoke to Andover railway. Beyond this to the north lie further large arable fields. Overton primary school and a small arable field are located on Court Drove to the west. A public footpath lies outside the site parallel to the southern site boundary, linking the B3051 and Court Drove. Residential development associated with Overton is present to the immediate east of the site, and small grassland field compartments, small woodland copses, farm buildings, a church and cemetery lie to the south, with Overton village centre beyond. The River Test SSSI lies approximately 100m to the southeast at its closest point, to the opposite side of the B5031, beyond which lie three large lakes. Much of the river bank in the local area is lined by mature woodland.
Development Proposals
1.4 Proposals for the site comprise the construction of up to 200 dwelling houses with associated gardens, and a 700 sq ft home-working hub. The development will in addition provide vehicular access off Kingsclere Road/the B5031, residential car parking, public open space, play space and a pedestrian link to Overton Railway Station.
1.5 Generous public open space will be provided comprising approximately 8.7ha (50%) and incorporating native species tree, shrub and grassland planting. This will include a central area of amenity grassland, and broad corridors of grassland, tree and shrub planting along the western boundary, to the north and northeast of the site, and linking peripheral habitats to the central area. The existing areas of woodland to the north and west of the site will be retained and buffered within the landscaping scheme.
1.6 Design and mitigation measures have been integral to the on-going iterative design process. The indicative masterplan has been carefully refined to address the ecology and nature conservation issues that have been identified by the baseline analysis. To this end the masterplan and associated soft landscaping scheme have been developed to take into account the extent, quality and location of notable existing habitat and the presence of protected or notable species so that potential adverse effects arising from the development will be avoided, reduced or offset.
1.7 No development is proposed within or immediately adjacent to the woodland SINC. The development will result in the loss of approximately 16ha of managed arable land. Existing perimeter hedgerows and tree groups will be retained intact except for the removal of two small sections of outgrown
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hedgerow (each <10m), one from the northern end of H1 to permit creation of a footpath, and one from the southern end of hedgerow H2 to permit creation of the single access road into the site (Figure 2).
1.8 The woodland SINC, retained hedgerows, tree groups and off-site woodland habitat will be appropriately protected during construction works and buffered within the final scheme by adjacent green infrastructure.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Desk Study
2.0 In order to compile existing baseline information, relevant ecological information was requested from both statutory and non-statutory nature conservation organisations including: • Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC) • Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (Magic) website
2.1 Further inspection of colour 1:25000 OS base maps (www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk) and aerial photographs from Google Earth (www.maps.google.co.uk) was also undertaken in order to provide additional context and identify any features of potential importance for nature conservation in the wider countryside.
2.2 The search area for biodiversity information was related to the significance of sites and species and potential zones of influence, as follows: • 5km around the application area for sites of International Importance (e.g. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Ramsar sites).
• 2km around the application area for sites of National or Regional Importance (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
• 1km around the application site for sites of County Importance (e.g. Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs) and protected or otherwise notable species records.
Extended Phase 1 Survey
2.3 Survey methods followed the extended Phase 1 survey technique as recommended by Natural England1. This comprised a systematic walkover of the site on 12th March 2014 to classify and map the principal habitat types present.
2.4 Features such as trees were considered with regard to their ecological value and potential to provide suitable habitats for protected species. Where habitats or features of particular interest exist, more detailed notes and species lists were taken. Whilst the plant species lists obtained should not be regarded as exhaustive, sufficient information was obtained to determine broad habitat types.
1 JNCC 2010. Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey - a technique for environmental audit.
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Fauna
2.5 Throughout the phase 1 survey, consideration was given to the actual or potential presence of protected species such as, though not limited to, those protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). Consideration was also given to the existence and use of the site by other notable fauna such as those that are species of principal importance under the provisions of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, or Red Data Book (RDB) species.
Bats
2.6 The potential of trees present on site to support roosting bats was assessed from the ground. Targeted bat activity surveys were subsequently carried out across the site, comprising:
• Walked transect surveys on 2nd June, 6th August and 1st September 2014;
• Automated detector surveys over three periods of three consecutive nights, once each in July, August and September 2014.
2.7 Full details of the survey methodologies and results are provided in the separate Bat Survey Report (FPCR, 2015).
Hazel Dormouse
2.8 Presence/absence surveys for hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius were undertaken with reference to current good practice guidelines3. Surveys involved placing standard dormouse nest tubes every 20m within suitable habitat, approximately 1.5m above ground. Dormouse tubes and two nest boxes were installed on 4th July 2014, following which five monthly surveys of the tubes were undertaken between July and November 2014 inclusive in order to ascertain presence/ absence of dormice.
2.9 The survey results are used in conjunction with an index of probability, which indicates the likelihood of finding dormice during this period (see Table 1).
Table 1. Index of Probability for Recording Dormice in Nesting Tubes
Month Index of Probability
April 1
May 4
June 2
July 2
August 5
September 7
October 2
November 2
3 Bright, Morris and Mitchell-Jones, 2006. The Dormouse Conservation Handbook.
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2.10 The survey has been scored for effort with reference to the method developed from the South West Dormouse Project4. The scoring system provides an overall index of effort by multiplying the sum of the months the tubes were checked by the number of tubes used. A score of 20 (or above) is deemed a thorough survey, however a presence/absence survey can be ended early if dormouse is confirmed to be present5. Likely absence of dormouse should not be assumed based on a search effort score of less than 20.
Constraints
2.11 The quality of field data will be affected by the season of the survey, with some plant species only being evident or identifiable during certain seasons. Whilst the Phase 1 Survey was not completed within the optimal survey season for botanical surveys, given the nature of habitats and availability of existing survey data this was not considered to be a constraint in identifying the broad habitat types present and their relative value. While the plant species lists obtained should not be regarded as exhaustive, sufficient information was obtained to determine broad habitat types.
2.12 The number of dormouse tubes used in the calculation of the index of probability is based on 50 tubes as a standard, however given the limited availability of suitable habitat within the site it was only possible to deploy 20 nest tubes along two parallel rows of 10 each at the appropriate spacing density. Given that the recommended spacing density was achieved and that dormouse was successfully recorded present, the number of nest tubes is not considered to be a significant survey constraint.
3.0 RESULTS
Desk Study
Statutory Designations 3.0 There are no statutory sites of international nature conservation importance (e.g. SPAs, SACs, or Ramsar Sites) present within the proposed development site or within a 5km radius.
3.1 A single site of national importance, the River Test SSSI, lies within a 2km radius of the application site. This is located approximately 100m to the southeast at its closest point, to the opposite side of the B5031 (see Figure 1). The Test is a classic chalk stream and one of the most species-rich lowland rivers in England. Trees are an important feature along the river, with species including alder Alnus glutinosa and willows Salix sp. binding the banks with their root systems and also providing refuges for river animals such as otter. Areas of adjacent formerly traditionally managed water meadow have reverted to unimproved flood pasture swards, swamp and fen. Plant species which may be regarded as relics of a wetland flora adjacent to the river include water dock Rumex hydrolapathum, greater tussock-sedge Carex paniculata, common reed Phragmites australis, marsh marigold Caltha palustris and bulrush Typha latifolia.
3.2 The River Test and its adjoining vegetation support a high diversity of invertebrate species (over 232 invertebrate taxa) and provide valuable habitat for wetland birds including kingfisher Alcedo atthis, grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea and little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis and bittern Botaurus stellaris as well as warblers and waders such as snipe Gallinago gallinago, redshank Tringa tetanus, lapwing Vanellus vanellus and green sandpiper Tringa ochropus.
4 Chanin and Woods 2003. Surveying dormice using nest tubes: results and experiences from the South West Dormouse Project. English Nature Research Report No 524. Peterborough: English Nature. 5 Natural England 2011. Interim Advice Note - Dormouse surveys for mitigation licensing - best practice and common misconceptions.
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3.3 Bere Mill Meadows SSSI is located c.3.9km to the southwest of the application site, to the immediate south of the River Test. This SSSI is comprised of a group of damp, unimproved herb- rich neutral grassland including species such as flea sedge Carex pulicaris, bogbean Menyanthes trifoliate, ragged robin Lychnis flos-cuculi, water avens Geum rivale, marsh valerian Valeriana dioica and southern marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa. This SSSI provides habitats particularly valuable to birds and invertebrates.
3.4 None of the habitats for which the above sites are noted are present within the application site.
Non-Statutory Designations
3.5 HBIC confirmed that the following non-statutory sites are present within a 1km radius of the site: Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC (on site); St. Mary’s Churchyard SINC; Overton Green Lanes SINC; Kingsclere Road SINC/ Road Verge of Ecological Importance (RVEI), and the Harrow Way SINC (see Figure 1).
Table 2. Non-statutory Sites within 1.0km of the Application Site
Non-statutory Site Description / Qualifying Feature Approximate Distance from Application Site
Court Drove Woodland Ancient semi-natural woodland / other woodland where Within the site Strip SINC there is an element of ancient semi-natural woodland surviving / hazel dormouse.
St. Mary’s Churchyard Impoverished grasslands retaining sufficient elements 0.1km to south SINC of relict unimproved grassland to enable recovery / site of nature conservation interest in an area otherwise deficient.
Overton Green Lanes A series of three tree-lined lanes with tree-lines 0.7km to south-west SINC exhibiting ancient semi-natural woodland features
Kingsclere Road SINC / Impoverished grasslands retaining sufficient elements 0.1km to the north- Road Verge of Ecological of relict unimproved grassland to enable recovery / east Importance (RVEI) calcareous grassland.
Harrow Way SINC Ancient semi-natural woodland / other woodland where 1.0km to the north there is an element of ancient semi-natural woodland surviving / hazel dormouse.
Protected/Notable Species 3.6 Consultation data is summarised in Appendix 1. The HBIC provided protected and notable species records from within a 1km radius of the site including for the following species: box Buxus sempervirens, small teasel Dipsacus pilosus, dwarf spurge Euphorbia exigua, weasel's-snout Misopates orontium, bird's-nest orchid Neottia nidus-avis, black poplar Populus nigra subsp. Betulifolia, slow-worm Anguis fragilis, common toad Bufo bufo, Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentonii, common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, soprano pipistrelle P. pygmaeus, brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus, water vole Arvicola amphibious, hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus, brown hare Lepus europaeus, otter Lutra lutra, harvest mouse Micromys minutus, hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius, polecat Mustela putorius, sky lark Alauda arvensis, stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus, dunlin Calidris alpina, linnet Carduelis cannabina, little-ringed plover Charadrius dubius, hen harrier Circus cyaneus, yellowhammer Emberiza citronella and red kite Milvus milvus.
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Site Description
3.7 The site is comprised of a single, approximately square-shaped arable field bordered by a narrow strip of mature woodland (Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC) along much of the western boundary, and by an off-site wooded bank rising to a railway cutting to the north. The field was bounded by a 1-4m grassland strip comprising common arable and amenity grassland weeds and occasional garden escapee flora.
3.8 There are no waterbodies present within the site.
3.9 No non-native, invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed or giant hogweed were recorded present within the site.
Habitats/Flora
3.10 The locations of the habitats described below are illustrated in Figure 2 – Phase 1 Habitat Plan. Species lists are detailed in Appendix 2.
Arable land
3.11 The majority of the site comprises a single large arable field sown with cereal crop stubble present at the time of survey in March 2014. A narrow field margin was present on all four sides, of typical width 2m (range 1-4m in places) that comprised predominantly common and/or widespread arable weeds and improved grassland species with occasional cultivated varieties presumed to have spread from adjacent private gardens.
3.12 Commonly encountered species included: ground elder Aegopodium podagraria, false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis, cock’s foot Dactyls glomerata, cleavers Galium aperine, common ivy Hedera helix, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, perennial rye grass Lolium perenne, common sorrel Rumex acetosa, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg., common nettle Urtica dioica, with occasionally occurring species including creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata, lesser burdock Arctium minus, lords-and-ladies Arum maculatum, common knapweed Centaurea nigra, spear thistle C. vulgare, wild carrot Daucus carota, bristly oxtongue Picris echioides, great mullein Verbascum Thapsus and germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys with occasional scattered dog rose Rosa canina and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. scrub and non- native species daffodil Narcissus sp. and common snowberry Symphoricarpos alba.
3.13 No rare or otherwise notable flora such as uncommon arable weed species was recorded present within the site or immediately adjacent habitats.
Plate 1: View south down the eastern site boundary
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Hedgerow / scrub
3.14 A linear section of scrub and patchy, uncut hedgerow up to 8m height is present along the southernmost section of the western site boundary bordering Court Drove and linking to the woodland SINC to the north. This feature is dominated by hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, with hazel Corylus avellana and field maple Acer campestre also present. Common ivy Hedera helix is present at the ground layer. To the east of the site, bordering private gardens is a dense managed hedgerow with blackthorn Prunus spinosa and occasional hazel and ornamental species. The southernmost section is outgrown, and stands to c.5m tall.
Woodland / Trees
3.15 Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC is located within the site, along the majority of the western site boundary. This wooded tree belt was designated as a SINC for its characteristics of ancient semi- natural woodland and due to previous records of hazel dormouse. It is considered to be of County level nature conservation value.
3.16 Ancient semi-natural woodland is identified as a Priority Habitat within the local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP).
3.17 A well-used footpath runs north-south through this woodland, and it is bisected by a farm access track (Plate 2). Mature trees within this habitat were predominantly English oak Quercus robur (seven mature/over mature and one veteran), with single mature and over mature ash trees Fraxinus excelsior also present. The understory was relatively sparse but with some local relatively dense scrub, mostly hawthorn and hazel with field maple and ash and oak saplings also present. Several hazels exhibited a coppiced form indicating former or infrequent management.
Plate 2: View north-east through gap in woodland SINC
3.18 A habitat survey conducted in 1998 by the HBIC recorded a number of ancient woodland indicator species including goldilocks buttercup Ranunculus auricomus and Solomon's seal Polygonatum multiflorum. These species are both spring flowering however were not recorded during the site survey in March 2014, though may still be present in small numbers.
3.19 Outside the site boundary to the immediate north is a stand of predominantly semi-mature mixed woodland of comparatively recent origin, planted on a relatively steep slope up to a railway cutting. Species present include: field maple, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, hazel, hawthorn, common larch Larix decidua, Scots pine Pinus sylvestris, English oak and elder Sambucus nigra.
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Plate 3: Off-site woodland on railway embankment to the north
Fauna
Bats
3.20 The site is dominated by managed arable land of low quality for use by local bat populations, but with perimeter habitats comprising established woodland and linking hedgerow that provide suitable foraging and commuting habitat for bats around the site boundary, and linking to similar habitats in the surrounding area.
3.21 A small number of trees within Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC exhibited features suitable to support roosting bats such as branch socket cavities and aerial dead wood. These comprised the mature ash (tree T5 in the separate Arboricultural Assessment), a mature oak (T6), and the veteran oak (T7), with T7 also being extensively hollowed. These trees will not be removed as part of the proposed development, and will be retained unmodified and unlit within the scheme.
3.22 Generally low levels of bat activity were recorded within the application site over the course of the three walked transect surveys, with the majority of activity being attributed to small numbers of individual common pipistrelle, with soprano pipistrelle also repeatedly recorded, in addition to single contacts for each of noctule, serotine and unidentified Pipistrellus bat (see the separate Bat Survey Report, FPCR 2015). No other bat species were recorded present during the transect surveys.
3.23 The majority of bat activity recorded during the transect surveys was located along the woodland edge habitat to the west, along the edge of the off-site railway embankment to the north, and along garden boundary hedgerow to the north east of the site. Very little activity was noted within the field interior, with only a single common pipistrelle recorded flying over arable habitat.
3.24 In addition to the above bat species, the August and September static detector surveys also recorded low numbers of Myotis sp. contacts along woodland edge habitat to the west of the site. The July and August recording periods indicated very similar levels of bat activity (an average of c.7.3 and 7.2 contacts per hour respectively), whereas a much lower encounter rate (c.1.1 contacts/hour) was recorded in September.
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Hazel Dormouse
3.25 The HBIC holds multiple hazel dormouse records from within the local area, including existing records from the Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC (2007/2009).
3.26 The SINC provides suitable quality habitat for this species, including abundant, formerly coppiced hazel in the undergrowth layer. Mature and semi-mature trees create a closed canopy that provides a continuous corridor of movement for dormouse so that individuals need not descend to ground level. Species diversity is moderate within the woodland and within the two hedgerows and in addition to hazel includes: English oak, sycamore, ash, hawthorn, blackthorn and bramble, all of which are identified as species of value to hazel dormice6. The linear woodland along the railway cutting outside to the north provides suboptimal quality habitat, being of relatively young age, but given time will mature into more suitable woodland.
3.27 The dormouse tubes were checked on a total of five monthly survey occasions between July and November 2014. A single dormouse was recorded nesting within one of the tubes towards the north of the SINC on the fourth and fifth survey occasions.
Birds
3.28 The publication Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) (Eaton et al., 2009) lists the status of birds in the UK. The list is divided into three sections: • Red list species are those that are Globally Threatened according to IUCN criteria; those whose population has declined rapidly (50% or more) in recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery.
• Amber list species are those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe; those with a population or range that has declined moderately (between 25% and 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.
• Green list species fulfil none of the above criteria.
3.29 Field boundary hedgerows and associated standard trees provide potential nesting and foraging opportunities for a range of birds including farmland and urban edge species such as song thrush Turdus philomelos, house sparrow Passer domesticus, bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula, dunnock Prunella modularis, starling Sturnus vulgaris and yellowhammer Emberiza citronella. The site additionally provides hunting opportunities for birds of prey including barn owl Tyto alba and red kite.
3.30 Bird species recorded during the phase 1 survey were wren Troglodyte troglodytes and blackbird Turdus merula within the western wooded belt, and buzzard Buteo buteo over the arable field.
Stone-curlew
3.31 Stone-curlews are summer visitors to the UK, where the population is confined to the Brecklands of Norfolk, Suffolk and around Salisbury Plain and Porton Down in Wiltshire. These areas are of European importance for the species and designated as SPAs for breeding stone-curlews; the two Wiltshire sites, Salisbury Plain SPA and Porton Down SPA, are more than 27km from the application site, sufficiently distant for there to be any likely significant effect upon them and the birds there.
6 The Dormouse Conservation Handbook (2006). Bright, Morris and Mitchell-Jones
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3.32 Stone-curlews are specially protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which makes it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb birds and their young at, on or near an ‘active’ nest7.
3.33 Consultation with Dr Richard Black, RSPB Conservation Projects Officer for South East England, confirmed that the application site was unsuitable for stone-curlew, but there were two recent (2014) known nest sites within 1km from the application site8.
Birds recorded within 1km
3.34 Consultation data provided records for eight species recorded within 1km of the application site namely skylark Alauda arvensis, stone-curlew, dunlin, linnet, little-ringed plover, hen harrier, yellowhammer and red kite. Notes on the status and habitat requirements for each species are discussed.
Skylark
3.35 Resident. Breeds throughout Britain and Ireland in open grasslands in uplands, on heaths and on coastal marshes. Also associated with cultivated land, especially set-a-side, ungrazed grassland and large arable fields, often without hedges or other cover9.
Stone-curlew
3.36 Summer visitor. Breeds on stony bare ground with short semi-natural grassland but also on arable land if it’s managed appropriately9
Dunlin
3.37 Summer/Winter/Passage. In the breeding season this species frequents moist boggy ground interspersed with surface water as well as wet coastal grasslands, salt marshes and wet upland moorland.
3.38 In the non-breeding season this species mainly prefers estuarine mudflats, but also frequents a wide variety of freshwater and brackish wetlands, both coastal and inland, including lagoons, muddy freshwater shores, tidal rivers, flooded fields, sewage farms, salt-works, sandy coasts, lakes and dams. For roosting during high tides and at night this species prefers large fields of naturally fertilised short pasture or soil-based crops near the coast with few vertical structures that could be used by predators10.
Linnet
3.39 Resident. Widespread in Britain except for upland areas. Most abundant in eastern Britain. Nests mainly on gorse-covered commons, rough ground where there are low bushes and scrub, bushy places on farmland, hedges, young plantations and rural gardens. In winter linnets frequent farmland, wasteland and coastal marshes6.
Little-ringed plover
3.40 Summer visitor. During the breeding season this species shows a preference for bare or sparsely vegetated sandy and pebbly shores of shallow standing freshwater pools, lakes or slow-flowing
7 http://www.rspb.org.uk/forprofessionals/policy/wildbirdslaw/birdsandlaw/wca/schedules.aspx 8 As a specially-protected species, the locations of these are sensitive and remain confidential; however, further details can be supplied to relevant parties upon request. 9 Brown A & Grice P (2005): Birds in England. Poyser. 10 http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3056
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rivers. This species may also utilise temporary artificial habitats such as gravel pits, sewage works, industrial wastelands and refuse tips, and may use open arable land on clay soil in exceptional circumstances.
Hen harrier
3.41 Resident. Breeds in UK upland heather moors and young conifer plantations. Outside of the breeding season it will visit lowland farms, especially near the coast, fens, river valleys and coastal marshes6.
Yellowhammer
3.42 Resident. Breeds in areas of grass and arable fields with hedges and banks, railway embankments, commons and heaths. Outside of breeding season visits larger fields, especially stubble fields, fields with inter fodder crops and other places where grain-eating birds gather5.
Red kite
3.43 Breeds in mature broadleaved woodlands and forests. In winter it also occupies wasteland, scrub and wetlands. Formerly an urban scavenger, it still visits the edges of towns and cities11.
Suitability of the Application Site for the Above Species
3.44 The onsite habitats (arable field bordered by woodland stands and narrow grassland field margins) have the potential to support small numbers of skylark, linnet, yellowhammer and, to a lesser extent, red kite in both the breeding and non-breeding seasons. However, the size and context of the site, in relation to the surrounding landscape, strongly suggests that it would be of no more than Local conservation value to any of these four species.
3.45 The site does not offer any suitable habitat for breeding or non-breeding stone-curlew, dunlin, little- ringed plover or hen harrier. However, the potential for disturbance to nearby breeding stone- curlews cannot, in the absence of mitigation, be discounted.
3.46 Dr Black advised that potential disturbance effects on breeding stone-curlews include:
• Construction phase: disturbance from heavy machinery / piling and other construction activities; and, • Post-construction: through increased recreational disturbance from walkers, and particularly dog-walkers.
Badger
3.47 The arable field provide suitable seasonal foraging habitat for badger and the wooded belts to the west of the site and adjacent to the site to the north provide suitable cover for badger sett creation, although the western woodland has a footpath through it that is well-used by pedestrians including dog walkers, reducing suitability for use by badger.
3.48 No evidence of badger activity such as holes, tracks, feeding signs or prints was recorded within the site or adjacent habitats, and the HBIC hold no badger records from the local area.
11 http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/factsheet/22695072
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Water Vole and Otter
3.49 There are no watercourses or other habitats suitable to support otter or water vole present within the site, and no evidence of either species was recorded during the site survey. Both species are known to be present in the wider area.
Reptiles
3.50 The HBIC holds a number of slow-worm Anguis fragilis records from within 1km of the application site, including an individual recorded within 0.2km to the south-west in 2012.
3.51 The majority of the site is intensively managed as active arable land therefore is homogenous in physical structure and lacking features suitable for shelter or hibernation use such as developed tussocks, soil or log piles or clearings suitable for use by basking reptiles, therefore are considered to be sub-optimal for use by reptiles. Edge habitats, notably the interface between arable field margins and adjacent woodland or hedgerow/scrub have a very low potential to support small numbers of reptiles such as slow-worm, being very restricted in extent, and in the case of the western woodland subject to regular disturbance by pedestrians. The site is therefore considered to be of low potential value for native reptile species. The above edge habitats will be retained largely intact within the scheme.
Great Crested Newts
3.52 The HBIC does not hold any GCN records from the local area.
3.53 There are no ponds present within the site or within a 500m radius other than a series of large lakes (former watercress beds) to the opposite side of the River Test, with the river representing a significant barrier to the movement of this species. The arable habitat that forms the majority of the site provides sub-optimal terrestrial habitat for GCN, lacking a suitable sward or features that could provide potential refuge or foraging or hibernation opportunities for this species during its terrestrial phase. The woodland and hedgerow bases provide some suitable though limited habitat and potential commuting routes.
Other Species
3.54 Brown hare Lepus europaeus and hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus are both species of principal importance under the provisions of the NERC Act (2006) and have both been previously recorded present in the local area. Habitats within and adjacent to the site are considered suitable to support both species at low densities. Neither was recorded present during site surveys.
3.55 No evidence of potentially suitable habitats for any other protected, rare or notable species were recorded present.
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4.0 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Proposals
4.0 The scheme comprises residential development, associated infrastructure and generous public open space within a site currently maintained as arable land. It is anticipated that there will be only minor loss of hedgerow habitat from within the site, with losses confined to single short sections from hedgerow H1 to the southeast, and H2 to the southwest. No removal of habitat is proposed from within the Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC. Retained habitats will be buffered within the scheme, both during the construction phase and in the completed development.
4.1 The public open space will incorporate multiple pedestrian links through the site, a central area of amenity grassland, and broad corridors of grassland, tree and shrub planting along the western boundary, to the north and northeast of the site, and linking peripheral habitats to the central area. In total the scheme will provide approximately 6.8ha of grassland planting and 0.9ha of native species tree and shrub planting, in addition to the retained 0.8ha woodland and 0.2ha play area/kickabout space.
Statutory designations
4.2 There are no statutory designated sites of international nature conservation importance within the site or within 5km of the site boundary.
4.3 The only statutory designated sites of national nature conservation importance within 2km of the application site is the River Test SSSI, located approximately 100m to the southeast at its closest point, to the opposite side of Kingsclere Road/the B5031.
4.4 Adverse impacts arising directly from this scheme to the SSSI are considered unlikely due to the lack of habitat connectivity between it and the application site boundary.
4.5 Indirect impacts, namely via pollution or increased visitor pressure due to increased numbers of visitors to the SSSI post development have potential to degrade the quality of existing habitats.
4.6 In the absence of mitigation the proposals could lead to the degradation of local watercourses including the River Test via sediment release or pollution. All waterbodies and habitats surrounding the development site will therefore be appropriately protected from surface water runoff during the construction phase, see the separate FRA/Drainage Strategy Report. All works, including site preparation, construction works, vehicle movement and materials storage will adhere to the Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG5 in order to minimise the risk of disturbance or pollution of neighbouring waterbodies. All relevant personnel will be familiar with the content of these guidelines prior to commencing work within the site.
4.7 Visitor pressure can result in increased disturbance of the SSSI due to increased amenity use, erosion due to trampling, and increased littering and dog waste. Public access to the river is limited to a few relatively short sections however, notably along the northern river bank south of Foxdown, Overton, between Kingsclere Road and Station Road. Any increase in disturbance or other impacts to the SSSI can therefore be expected to be localised and confined to areas of existing public use.
4.8 It is therefore considered that the proposed development will not result in significant degradation of the SSSI due to pollution or increased visitor pressure.
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Non-Statutory Designations
4.9 There is one non-statutory designated site present within the site: Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC. This site consists of an area of semi-natural woodland with ancient woodland characteristics, of approximate size 1ha. It is to be retained within the scheme and will be buffered during works in accordance with the precautionary measures outlined in the separate Arboriculture Assessment Report.
4.10 Other non-statutory sites present within a 1km radius of the site are Kingsclere Road SINC/RVEI located c.0.1km to the north, and Harrow Way SINC 1.0km to the north, both to the opposite side of the rail track, St. Mary’s Churchyard SINC c.0.1km to the south beyond two small field compartments, and Overton Green Lanes SINC 0.7km to the south-west. Direct impacts to these four sites arising from this scheme are therefore considered unlikely due to their distance and relative isolation from the proposed development.
4.11 Increased levels of amenity use arising as a consequence of the scheme have potential to result in indirect impacts to non-statutory sites that have public access.
4.12 There are two existing well-used footpaths through the Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC and it is anticipated that amenity use of these will increase on completion of the development. The scheme will provide multiple new alternative routes for amenity use through the site however, including several pathways through areas of public open space, offering a range of different routes. The site will also continue to link to a number of existing footpaths providing additional alternatives for pedestrian use, therefore it is anticipated that amenity use would be dispersed and any resulting impact to the woodland would be relatively minor.
4.13 There is no obvious convenient link between the site and the other four non-statutory sites that would encourage increased visitor numbers. There is no pavement along Kingsclere Road north of the rail track for example, therefore this route is not considered to be attractive for use by dog walkers or other pedestrians. The Harrow Way SINC is accessible via Kinsclere Road and via Court Drove, which turns into a rough track half way along. As this site is over a kilometre from the application site any increase in visitor pressure is likely to be low, and confined to pedestrian access.
4.14 St. Mary’s Churchyard SINC is actively managed as part of the church grounds and it is not considered that the development would result in any significant increase in visitor numbers or disturbance to the site.
4.15 Overton Green Lanes SINC is a series of three unsurfaced tree-lined lanes to the opposite side of the river and the B3400/High Street. Given the distance and relative isolation of this site from the proposals and the availability of alternate pedestrian routes, it is considered any increase in amenity use would be minor and not significant.
Habitats
4.16 The degree to which habitats receive consideration within the planning system relies on a number of mechanisms, including: • Inclusion within specific policy (e.g. veteran trees and ancient woodland and linear habitats in Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9), or non-statutory site designation),
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• Identification as a habitat of principal importance for biodiversity under Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 and/or identification as a Priority Habitat within the local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP).
4.17 Under the NPPF, development should seek to contribute a net gain in biodiversity with an emphasis on improving ecological networks and linkages where possible.
4.18 The proposed development site comprises a single large arable field bordered by woodland, native and non-native species hedgerows, private gardens and perimeter fencing. The dominant habitat within the site consists of intensively managed arable habitat. This habitat type is typically of very restricted species diversity, with no rare or otherwise notable arable weed species noted present. It is considered to be of limited value to nature conservation, though does provide a seasonal foraging resource for wildlife, including farmland birds.
4.19 The woodland and hedgerows provide a number of nesting and foraging opportunities for wildlife and were confirmed to support or have potential to support protected species including, but not limited to: roosting and foraging bats, nesting birds and hazel dormouse. The two hedgerows and associated trees provide vegetation structure and botanical diversity as well as potential nesting and foraging habitats for birds and other fauna, hence are considered to be of ecological importance at a local level. The hedgerows both qualified as habitats of principal importance under the NERC Act (2006) as each was composed of over 80% native hedgerow species. The Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC is of County level importance.
4.20 Existing woodland habitat associated with Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC will not be modified by the proposed works. Retained trees will be protected from damage and from soil compaction during works where appropriate by maintaining fenced Root Protection Areas (RPAs) determined in accordance with BS 5837 (2012) or following arboricultural advice. No vehicular access will be permitted within the RPAs unless suitable soil protection layers are used, and no storage of materials, installations of services, excessive cultivation for landscape installations or fires will be permitted. In the long term this habitat will be managed with low level intervention to include interplanting with English oak, and rotational coppicing of hazel stands to preserve the existing woodland and its value to hazel dormouse and other wildlife (see para 4.47).
4.21 The majority of the existing hedgerow habitat will be retained as part of the scheme, with the exception of a short length of outgrown hedgerow be removed from the southern end of H2 to permit the creation of the access road into the site, and a short length from H1 towards the south- west corner to permit the creation of a footpath into the site. Retained hedgerow sections should be managed on a three-year rotational basis, which will increase their seed and fruit production and therefore their value to local fauna.
4.22 An emergency access road from the western site boundary will make use of an existing farm track through the woodland SINC. This emergency access road will not be metalled and will not be widened beyond the gap currently existing.
4.23 To enhance retained woodland areas to the west and offsite woodland to the north, and to provide further structural diversity the proposed scheme will provide new areas of mixed native species tree, shrub, hedgerow and grassland planting within areas of public open space, along roadside verges and within gardens. New habitats will provide new corridors of movement and potential foraging and nesting habitat for a wide range of species.
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4.24 Several areas of new native species tree planting are proposed as part of the scheme. These include linear woodland planting and tree groups along much of the northern and eastern site boundaries to provide enhanced habitat connectivity between the woodland SINC, the tree-lined railway track to the north, and mature off-site gardens to the east. Further tree and shrub planting is proposed throughout the site interior as linear features through public open space, garden trees and street trees. In addition, the existing hedgerows on site will be ‘gapped up’ where appropriate using a species-rich native species mix.
4.25 Areas of new woodland planting should include a significant proportion of English oak and hazel to reflect the composition of the adjacent SINC. Small tree species suitable for inclusion in public open space and garden planting schemes throughout the site interior include field maple, silver birch Betula pendula, wild cherry, bird cherry Prunus padus, holly, crab apple Malus sylvestris and rowan Sorbus aucuparia. It is recommended that trees are planted during the winter months with a thick layer of mulch (minimum depth 5cm) to supress weeds around the roots and minimise water loss.
4.26 Preference should be given within the scheme generally to the use of locally native woody species, with an emphasis on species bearing nectar, berries, fruit and nuts, as these enhance the foraging opportunities of local wild fauna including birds and invertebrates.
4.27 It is further recommended that areas of native tree and shrub planting be under-planted with a shade-tolerant native grassland mix, and that consideration is given within the design to the inclusion of species-rich meadow grassland within areas of public open space. Areas of amenity grassland can be established using a suitable native species-rich mix such as EL1 - Flowering lawn mixture available from www.wildseed.co.uk or WFG20 Species Rich Lawn available from www.germinalamenity.com. Once established these will provide an attractive floral-rich turf that can withstand regular mowing and amenity use. Where possible some areas should be mown no more than twice annually, in early spring (March) and/or in late summer (late August-September), with the sward cut to a height no less than 100 mm. This would permit a lengthy growing season, providing wildflowers sufficient time to set seed. Areas adjacent to tree cover or shrub habitat can be left longer, or uncut to allow the establishment of a more structured habitat. All arisings should be left in situ for 48 hours to allow for the dispersal of invertebrates and mammals into the surrounding habitat. Arisings will then be removed to prevent enrichment of the soil through decomposition.
Protected and or notable species
4.28 Principal pieces of legislation protecting wild species are Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) 1981 (WCA) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). Some species, for example badgers, also have their own protective legislation (Protection of Badger Act 1992). The impact that this legislation has on the Planning system is outlined in ODPM 06/2005 Government Circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory obligations and their Impact within the Planning System.
4.29 This guidance states that as the presence of protected species is a material consideration in any planning decision, it is essential that the presence or otherwise of protected species, and the extent to which they are affected by proposals is established prior to planning permission being granted. Furthermore, where protected species are present and proposals may result in harm to the species or its habitat, steps should be taken to ensure the long-term protection of the species, such as through attaching appropriate planning conditions for example.
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4.30 In addition to protected species, there are those that are otherwise of conservation merit, such as those listed as species of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity under S41 of the NERC Act 2006.
4.31 The implications that various identified species or those that are thought reasonably likely to occur may have for development design and programming considerations are outlined below.
Bats
4.32 Bats and their habitats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). In summary this makes it an offence to damage destroy or obstruct any place used by bats for breeding and shelter, disturb a bat, or kill, injure or take a bat. Seven bat species (not common pipistrelle) are listed as Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of S41 of the NERC Act 2006.
4.33 With the exception of the Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC the site has limited habitat value and is typical of its surroundings, being dominated by managed arable land partially bounded by native species hedgerows.
4.34 The woodland and field perimeter hedgerows and associated trees provide a number of linear features that provide suitable foraging and commuting habitat for use by bats throughout the year. These habitats are considered to be of at least Local level value for local bat populations. Very little bat activity was recorded within arable habitat which comprised the majority of the site. The majority of bat activity recorded was generally low levels of commuting and foraging behaviour indicating use of the site by a small number of individuals, mostly common pipistrelle, but with occasional soprano pipistrelle, and very occasional noctule, serotine and Myotis sp. also recorded. It is considered that this species assembly and the relative abundance of each, is to be expected considering the habitats present both on and in the vicinity of the site, and the geographic location of the site.
4.35 Potential impacts resulting from the proposed development include minor loss and fragmentation of existing hedgerows, and light pollution of foraging/ commuting habitats including the woodland SINC and off-site woodland to the north. The woodland habitats are to be retained within the scheme, and will be buffered with new native shrub and grassland planting to further enhance this habitat corridor for bats and other wildlife. These enhancements are likely to result in minor positive effects to the bat species identified using this area of the site.
4.36 Three mature trees present within the Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC offered potential roosting opportunities for bats (see the separate Bat Report, FPCR 2015). These will all be retained within surrounding woodland and recommendations are provided for additional buffering as part of the site green infrastructure. Appropriate precautionary works are outlined in the bat report should any tree with bat roost potential require remedial works.
4.37 Tree loss as part of the development will be confined to the minor loss of small/immature trees associated with the outgrown hedgerows towards the south-western and south-eastern corners of the site, with negligible potential to support roosting bats.
4.38 The habitat enhancements proposed as part of the scheme will provide enhanced foraging and commuting opportunities for bats by creating a greater mosaic of habitats than currently present and numerous new linear features to link new and retained habitats across the site.
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4.39 Lighting in areas adjacent to potential bat foraging/commuting habitat will be minimised and carefully designed with reference to the Bat Conservation Trust and Institute of Lighting Professionals guidance12,13,14,15. The lighting scheme will be carefully designed to ensure there will be no increase in light levels in the vicinity of the three trees with roost potential. All new lighting will meet the current environmental standards of good practice in order to reduce potential light pollution and will use the lowest intensity possible for its purpose to minimise potential disturbance. Adherence to the above guidance will ensure that the overall impact to nocturnal wildlife caused by lighting the site will be negligible.
4.40 To further enhance the site for bats, and therefore contribute to the National Policy Planning Framework recommendation that planning policies promote the protection and recovery of priority species populations, it is proposed that 10 bat boxes be erected high up within suitable trees within the site to increase the availability of roost sites for local bat populations. Suitable designs include timber designs such as those available from nhbs.com, and the following woodcrete models: Schwegler 2F, 1FF, 2FN, 1FD, 1FW, and 1FS.
Hazel Dormouse
4.41 The hazel dormouse is listed under Annex IVa of the EC Habitats Directive and as a result is covered by Section 41 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). It is also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Taken together, these make it an offence to capture or kill a dormouse or damage, destroy or obstruct any place that a dormouse uses for breeding or shelter, or deliberately disturb a dormouse in a manner that could impair their ability to survive, breed, reproduce or to rear or nurture their young, or to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species.
4.42 The dormouse is listed as a “species of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity” in the Natural Environmental & Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 and as a result public bodies must have regard to it when carrying out their duties.
4.43 The species is also listed within the Overton Biodiversity Action Plan 2009-14.
4.44 Hazel dormouse was confirmed present within the Court Drove Woodland Strip SINC. No works are proposed to this habitat however, and the woodland will be buffered by grassland and new woodland planting within the scheme’s green infrastructure, therefore there is considered to be no statutory constraint to development posed by this species.
4.45 The scheme includes approximately 0.9 ha of new woodland and shrub planting, comprising new planting along the eastern edge of the woodland SINC, a broad corridor along the eastern boundary, and linear planting along the northern boundary. Additional tree planting will be provided as linear corridors and scattered tree groups through the public open space, and as garden trees.
4.46 It is recommended that areas of new woodland planting incorporate a significant proportion of hazel and English oak, and also include several/all of the following: holly, blackthorn, hawthorn, wayfaring tree, sweet chestnut, birch, hornbeam, and honeysuckle to provide a variety of food and nesting resources for wildlife, including dormice throughout the year.
12 Bat Conservation Trust. 2009. Bats and Lighting in the UK. Bats and the Built Environment Series. 13 Bat Conservation Trust. 2011. Statement on the Impact and Design of Artificial Light on Bats. 14 Bat Conservation Trust. 2014. Artificial lighting and wildlife. Interim Guidance: Recommendations to help minimise the impact artificial lighting 15 Institute of Lighting Professionals. 2011. Guidance notes for the reduction of Obtrusive Light.
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4.47 It is recommended that the long-term management of woodland habitats aims through careful thinning, coppicing or pollarding to ensure these do not become too over shaded by creating small clearings that permit light to penetrate to the woodland floor in places, helping a shrub understory to establish. The re-introduction of hazel coppicing is further recommended to encourage hazel re- growth. Such work should only take place in autumn (September/October) when dormice are still active but do not have dependant young. Any tree felling undertaken as part of long-term management works should be done in narrow swathes, allowing any dormice present to move away from the affected area towards the retained habitats. Where possible tree stumps should be left as these provide hibernation potential for dormice.
4.48 The existing unsealed agricultural access to the field through the SINC via Court Drove will be retained as a footpath and an alternative access route for emergency vehicles. This gap in the woodland is of approximate width 3-4m, with the canopy layer just meeting above. A closed canopy is to be encouraged at this point, with no loss of trees from either side of the access track, so that hazel dormouse may safely move between the two halves of the woodland without needing to descend to ground level. Additional planting using locally native tree species should be considered to enhance canopy cover at this location where practicable.
Birds
4.49 The site is considered to be of local nature conservation value to the resident bird assemblage, providing nesting and foraging opportunities suitable to support a range of common farmland and urban edge bird species including small numbers of skylark, linnet, yellowhammer and, to a lesser extent, red kite. The site is not considered suitable to support stone-curlew, dunlin, little-ringed plover or hen harrier.
4.50 The vast majority of existing tree and hedgerow cover will be retained within the scheme, minimising impacts to tree nesting bird species. Retained habitats would be enhanced during site landscaping via the planting of trees and shrubs, with preference given in the planting scheme to native fruit and flower bearing species to provide a range of foraging opportunities for local birds.
4.51 It is considered that the species assemblage present is likely to undergo a minor change in composition and diversity, with the proposed development benefiting birds of urban environs. In addition, habitat creation throughout the site is likely to provide opportunities for other species of conservation concern currently absent from the site, e.g. song thrush Turdus philomelos and mistle thrush T. viscivorus. The resultant bird assemblage that develops is likely to be at least equivalent in value to that currently present.
4.52 All nesting birds and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended). Any removal of woody vegetation should therefore occur outside of the bird-breeding season (March to August inclusive) to minimise the risk of disturbance to breeding birds. If this is not possible, such vegetation should be checked prior to removal by a suitably experienced ecologist. If active nests are found, vegetation must be left untouched and suitably buffered from works until all birds have fledged. Specific advice should be sought prior to undertaking the clearance.
Stone-curlew
4.53 A meeting between John Condron (Senior Ecologist, FPCR) and Nick Tomalin (Wessex Farmland Projects Manager, RSPB) was held at the application site on 26th March 2015 to discuss potential
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solutions to mitigate for any increased disturbance resulting from construction and the new residents of the application site.
4.54 To avoid impacts to stone-curlew during the construction phase it will be necessary to ensure heavy construction work takes place outside the period where birds are settling on territories (March and April) and avoiding work at dawn and dusk during the breeding season (March-September inclusive). Appropriate timing constraints to works can be controlled via Condition.
4.55 One of the two existing stone-curlew nest sites in the vicinity has a public footpath very close to it that is likely to experience a higher level of usage post-construction. A hedgerow screens the footpath from the stone-curlew nest site, however at various points along the footpath there are gaps in the hedgerow. In order to mitigate for increased residual recreational disturbance it is recommended that the identified gaps be filled with new native species planting to ensure a continual screen is in place. The second known nest-site is sufficiently buffered from any area of public access by private arable farmland fields therefore requires no mitigation.
4.56 Mr Tomalin confirmed that the RSPB would be satisfied that the above measures will be sufficient to mitigate any potential disturbance effects upon stone-curlew.
Great crested newts
4.57 There are no waterbodies suitable for use by breeding GCN present within the site or within a commutable distance, and there are no existing local records for this species.
4.58 It is therefore it is considered very unlikely that this species would be present within the proposed development area, or that works would impact negatively upon GCN, and the presence of this species is not identified as a statutory constraint to the proposed development.
Badger
4.59 No evidence of badger activity such as holes, tracks, feeding signs or prints was recorded within the site or adjacent habitats, and the HBIC hold no badger records from the local area.
4.60 The presence of this species is therefore not identified as a statutory constraint to the proposed development.
Otter and Water Vole
4.61 The site was not considered to be of value for otter and water vole, and the presence of these species within the site was not a statutory constraint to the proposed development.
Reptiles
4.62 The only habitats within the site suitable for use by reptiles are restricted to narrow linear features such as hedgerow bases and woodland edge habitat. The site was therefore considered to be of limited value to reptiles generally and very unlikely to support a viable reptile population.
4.63 The vast majority of suitable habitat will be retained within the scheme and will be protected during the development, for example by maintaining fenced Root Protection Areas for the duration of the construction works.
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4.64 The proposed habitat enhancements, including the native woodland, shrub and grassland planting will provide significant habitat enhancements for any native reptile (and amphibian) species present locally, particularly if wildlife friendly SuDs/balancing ponds can be incorporated.
4.65 ‘Best practice’ should be employed for the duration of all works to ensure potential animal welfare issues are minimised. These measures should include covering any trenches or other deep excavations made if left open overnight, or the provision of a sloping end or a ramp where such excavations cannot be covered, to allow any trapped fauna to escape.
Other Species
4.66 The proposed scheme has potential to benefit hedgehog at a local scale through the provision of far more extensive suitable habitat cover then is currently present. Areas of new woodland, shrub and species-rich grassland cover will provide a variety of new opportunities for foraging and shelter for hedgehog.
4.67 Brown hare was not recorded present during surveys, however the site is considered suitable to support this species at low densities, as part of a larger home range. The development will result in the removal of suitable arable habitat from site, reducing the availability of suitable habitat at the site level. Arable land will continue to be the dominant land-type locally however, therefore the loss of a single field is not considered to be a significant impact to this species in this context.
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Appendix 1: Protected and Notable Species Records within c.1km of Site Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Anguis fragilis Slow-worm NERC_s41, WCA_s5s91(t) SU5150 Overton 2010 6 0.1 Bufo bufo Common Toad NERC_s41 SU518500 Overton Hill, Overton 2012 7 0.5 Acrocephalus Eurasian Reed HBAP SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2002 7 0.1 scirpaceus Warbler Alauda arvensis Sky Lark BOCC_Red, HBAP NERC_s41 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2001 9 0.1 Common Alcedo atthis EU_Bird_1, WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2012 96 0.1 Kingfisher Northern Anas clypeata CR SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2012 88 0.1 Shoveler Anas Garganey WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2010 4 0.1 querquedula Anas strepera Gadwall HBAP SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2012 224 0.1 Anser Lesser White- EU_Bird_1 SU5049 Tv Southington Lane 1999 1 1.2 erythropus fronted Goose Ardea cinerea Grey Heron CS SU5150 Tv Overton, Flashetts 2010 50 0.1 Short-eared Asio flammeus EU_Bird_1 Sensitive 2012 3 Owl Long-eared Asio otus CR Sensitive 2012 7 Owl Common Aythya ferina HBAP, CS SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2006 11 0.1 Pochard Aythya marila Greater Scaup BOCC_Red, NERC_s41, WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2002 9 0.1 Burhinus EU_Bird_1, HBAP, NERC_s41, Stone-curlew Sensitive 2012 3 oedicnemus WCA_s1s1, CS Calidris alpina Dunlin BOCC_Red, HBAP SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2001 1 0.1 Carduelis Lesser Redpoll BOCC_Red, NERC_s41 SU5049 Southington Lane 2010 13 0.0 cabaret Carduelis Common BOCC_Red, HBAP SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2001 12 0.1 cannabina Linnet
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Carduelis spinus Eurasian Siskin CI SU5050 Overton Sf 2010 12 0.8 Charadrius Little Plover WCA_s1s1, CS SU55A Sensitive 2006 39 dubius Chroicocephalu Black-headed CR SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2012 16 0.1 s ridibundus Gull EU_Bird_1, BOCC_Red, HBAP, Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier Sensitive 2010 3 NERC_s41, WCA_s1s1 Common Cuculus canorus BOCC_Red, NERC_s41 SU5049 Tv Southington Lane 2006 3 1.2 Cuckoo Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan EU_Bird_1, WCA_s1s1 SU5149 Tvo Overton 2010 1 0.8 Dendrocopos Lesser Spotted BOCC_Red, HBAP SU5149 Tvo Overton 2004 1 0.8 minor Woodpecker Egretta Little Egret EU_Bird_1, HBAP, CR SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2012 67 0.1 garzetta Emberiza Yellowhammer BOCC_Red, NERC_s41 SU5150 Tvo Overton 2012 29 0.1 citrinella Emberiza Reed Bunting HBAP, NERC_s41 SU5150 Overton Lagoons 2010 9 0.1 schoeniclus Falco Merlin EU_Bird_1, HBAP, WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton 2012 2 0.1 columbarius Falco Peregrine EU_Bird_1, WCA_s1s1, CR Sensitive 2006 6 peregrinus Falcon Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby HBAP, WCA_s1s1, CI Sensitive 2006 3 Fringilla Brambling WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton 2006 8 0.0 montifringilla Gallinago Common Snipe HBAP, CS SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2006 5 0.1 gallinago Haematopus Eurasian CS SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2002 3 0.1 ostralegus Oystercatcher Ixobrychus Little Bittern EU_Bird_1, WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2002 1 0.1 minutus
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Larus Herring Gull BOCC_Red, CR SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2002 7 0.1 argentatus Lesser Black- Larus fuscus CR SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2012 53 0.1 backed Gull EU_Bird_1, HBAP, NERC_s41, Lullula arborea Wood Lark Sensitive 2010 1 WCA_s1s1, CI Luscinia Common HBAP, CS SU5150 Tvo Overton 2005 2 0.1 megarhynchos Nightingale Milvus migrans Black Kite EU_Bird_1 SU5149 Tvo Overton 2008 4 0.8 Milvus milvus Red Kite EU_Bird_1, HBAP, WCA_s1s1, CR Sensitive 2012 159
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail BOCC_Red, HBAP, CR SU5149 Tvo Overton 2011 3 0.8 Muscicapa Spotted BOCC_Red, HBAP, NERC_s41 SU5150 Tvo Overton 2008 5 0.1 striata Flycatcher Numenius Whimbrel BOCC_Red, WCA_s1s1 SU5149 Tvo Overton 2010 3 0.8 phaeopus Oenanthe Northern CS SU5151 Tvo Overton 2012 10 0.8 oenanthe Wheatear Pandion Osprey EU_Bird_1, WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2008 2 0.1 haliaetus Passer House Sparrow BOCC_Red, NERC_s41 SU516501 Tvo Overton 2012 3 0.3 domesticus Perdix perdix Grey Partridge BOCC_Red, HBAP, NERC_s41 SU514512 Tvo Overton 2012 6 0.6 Phoenicurus Black Redstart WCA_s1s1, CR Sensitive 2008 1 ochruros Phylloscopus Wood Warbler BOCC_Red, NERC_s41, CI SU5149 Tvo Overton 2004 1 0.8 sibilatrix Pluvialis European EU_Bird_1, HBAP SU5052 Su55b Frost Hill Area 2010 1 2.0 apricaria Golden Plover Poecile Willow Tit BOCC_Red SU5150 Tv Overton, Flashetts 2005 2 0.1 montanus Poecile palustris Marsh Tit BOCC_Red SU5150 Tvo Overton 2012 47 0.1 20 J:\6100\6126\ECO\EcoApp 29.09.15 6126 North Field, Overton Ecological Appraisal fpcr
Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Pyrrhula Common HBAP SU5150 Tvo Overton 2012 25 0.1 pyrrhula Bullfinch Rallus aquaticus Water Rail CS SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2012 40 0.1 Recurvirostra Pied Avocet EU_Bird_1, WCA_s1s1, CR SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2001 3 0.1 avosetta Regulus Firecrest HBAP, WCA_s1s1, CS Sensitive 2010 1 ignicapilla Riparia riparia Sand Martin CS SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2006 3 0.1 Sterna hirundo Common Tern EU_Bird_1, CR SU5149 Tvo Overton 2012 1 0.8 Common Sturnus vulgaris BOCC_Red SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2006 6 0.1 Starling Tadorna Common CI SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2010 7 0.1 tadorna Shelduck Tringa Common WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2001 2 0.1 nebularia Greenshank Green Tringa ochropus WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2006 113 0.1 Sandpiper Common Tringa totanus HBAP SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2012 20 0.1 Redshank Turdus iliacus Redwing BOCC_Red, WCA_s1s1 SU5150 Tvo Overton 2012 57 0.1 Turdus Song Thrush BOCC_Red, HBAP SU516501 Tvo Overton 2012 7 0.3 philomelos Turdus pilaris Fieldfare BOCC_Red, WCA_s1s1 SU516501 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2011 43 0.3 Turdus Ring Ouzel BOCC_Red, NERC_s41 SU5152 Overton (north Of) 2000 1 1.8 torquatus Tyto alba Barn Owl WCA_s1s1 su5250 Tv Polhampton 2008 15 0.8 Vanellus Northern BOCC_Red, HBAP, NERC_s41 SU5150 Tvo Overton Lagoons 2002 19 0.1 vanellus Lapwing Salmo trutta Brown Trout NERC_s41 SU511497 Town Meadow 2010 1 0.5 subsp. fario
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Buxus Box IUCN_GB_2001:DD, NR SU526506 Polhampton 2012 2 1.2 sempervirens Dipsacus pilosus Small Teasel CR SU518507 Overton 2011 3 0.5 Euphorbia Dwarf Spurge IUCN_GB_2001:NT SU5052 Overton, N Of 2013 1 2.0 exigua Misopates Weasel's-snout IUCN_GB_2001:VU SU511494 Overton Allotments 2013 1 0.8 orontium Neottia nidus- Bird's-nest IUCN_GB_2001:NT SU507516 The Harrow Way 2010 1 1.1 avis Orchid Populus nigra subsp. Black Poplar CR SU527504 Polhampton, Overton 2007 5 1.3 betulifolia Salvia Wild Clary CR SU514499 Overton Churchyard 2011 3 0.3 verbenaca Veronica Blue Water- Small Meadow, anagallis- CI SU502493 1994 1 1.3 Speedwell Laverstoke aquatica Achlya Yellow Horned nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 1 0.6 flavicornis Acronicta psi Grey Dagger NERC_s41 SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 Acronicta Knot Grass NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 18 0.6 rumicis Aethalura Grey Birch nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 2 0.6 punctulata Aethes Hemlock CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 1 0.6 beatricella Yellow Conch Agonopterix Angelica Flat- CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 1 0.6 angelicella body Agriopis Spring Usher nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 4 0.6 leucophaearia Agrochola litura Brown-spot NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 18 0.6
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Pinion Agrochola Beaded NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 32 0.6 lychnidis Chestnut Allophyes Green-brindled NERC_s41, nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 4 0.6 oxyacanthae Crescent Amphipyra Mouse Moth NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 10 0.6 tragopoginis Small Ancylis Festooned CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 2 0.6 diminutana Roller Apamea anceps Large Nutmeg NERC_s41, CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 Apamea Dusky Brocade NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 4 0.6 remissa Apamea Small Clouded CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 6 0.6 unanimis Brindle Purple Apatura iris IUCN_GB_2001:NT, HBAP, CS SU516506 Copse Road, Overton 2012 4 0.2 Emperor Aphelia paleana Timothy Tortrix CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 6 0.6 Aplocera Treble-bar nHS SU512495 Woodlands, Overton, 2009 3 0.7 plagiata Apoda Festoon HBAP SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 12 0.6 limacodes Aporophyla Deep-brown NERC_s41, nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 1 0.6 lutulenta Dart Archanara Brown-veined nHR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 4 0.6 dissoluta Wainscot Archanara Twin-spotted CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 3 0.6 geminipuncta Wainscot Archips rosana Rose Tortrix CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 1 0.6 Arctia caja Garden Tiger NERC_s41, nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 5 0.6 Asteroscopus Sprawler NERC_s41, CS SU512495 Woodlands, Overton, 2009 3 0.7 23 J:\6100\6126\ECO\EcoApp 29.09.15 6126 North Field, Overton Ecological Appraisal fpcr
Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km sphinx Atethmia Centre-barred NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 16 0.6 centrago Sallow Scarce Silver- Bena bicolorana nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 4 0.6 lines Blepharita Dark Brocade NERC_s41, CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 1 0.6 adusta Brachylomia Minor NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 3 0.6 viminalis Shoulder-knot Caradrina Mottled Rustic NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 14 0.6 morpheus Celypha Thyme Marble CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 1 0.6 cespitana Cerapteryx Antler Moth CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 graminis Chiasmia Latticed Heath NERC_s41, CS SU512495 Woodlands, Overton 2004 2 0.7 clathrata Chortodes Small Wainscot nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 2 0.6 pygmina Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 3 0.6 Lunar-spotted Cosmia pyralina nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 2 0.6 Pinion Cucullia Shark nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 5 0.6 umbratica Cymatophorima Oak Lutestring NERC_s41, nHS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 diluta Small Square- Diarsia rubi NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 63 0.6 spot Dichonia Merveille Du nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 5 0.6 aprilina Jour Diloba Figure of Eight NERC_s41, CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km caeruleocephal a Ecliptopera Small Phoenix NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 15 0.6 silaceata Eilema Orange HBAP SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 31 0.6 sororcula Footman Elachista Black-headed CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 2 0.6 atricomella Dwarf Elaphria Rosy Marbled CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 2 0.6 venustula Ennomos September NERC_s41 SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 erosaria Thorn Ennomos Dusky Thorn NERC_s41, nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 5 0.6 fuscantaria Ennomos August Thorn NERC_s41, nHS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 quercinaria Ephestia Cacao Moth CR SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 elutella Ephestia False Cacao CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 13 0.6 parasitella Moth Epiblema Knapweed Bell CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 1 0.6 cirsiana Epione Bordered nHS SU512495 Woodlands, Overton, 2009 1 0.7 repandaria Beauty Epirrhoe rivata Wood Carpet CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 Ethmia dodecea Dotted Ermel NS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 12 0.6 Eucosma Two-coloured CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2005 1 0.6 obumbratana Bell Eulithis Spinach NERC_s41, nHR SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 mellinata Eupithecia Currant Pug nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 7 0.6
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km assimilata Eupithecia Larch Pug nHS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 lariciata Eupithecia Juniper Pug CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 pusillata Eupithecia Satyr Pug CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 2 0.6 satyrata Eupithecia Shaded Pug CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 subumbrata Eupithecia Dwarf Pug nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 4 0.6 tantillaria Eupithecia Slender Pug nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 1 0.6 tenuiata Eupithecia Netted Pug CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 venosata Euxoa nigricans Garden Dart NERC_s41, CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 Furcula bifida Poplar Kitten CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 4 0.6 Gastropacha Lappet CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 4 0.6 quercifolia Graphiphora Double Dart NERC_s41, CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 augur Hadena compta Varied Coronet nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 4 0.6 Marbled Hadena confusa CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 Coronet Hadena Tawny Shears CS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 perplexa Hadena Campion nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 4 0.6 rivularis Hemistola Small Emerald NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 36 0.6 chrysoprasaria Hepialus humuli Ghost Moth NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 3 0.6 26 J:\6100\6126\ECO\EcoApp 29.09.15 6126 North Field, Overton Ecological Appraisal fpcr
Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Homoeosoma Large Clouded NS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 1 0.6 nebulella Knot-horn Hoplodrina Rustic NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 46 0.6 blanda Hydraecia Rosy Rustic NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 30 0.6 micacea Hydraecia Butterbur CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 2 0.6 petasitis Idaea Plain Wave nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 1 0.6 straminata Idaea Satin Wave nHS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 subsericeata Ipimorpha Olive nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 2 0.6 subtusa Lacanobia Beautiful CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 1 0.6 contigua Brocade White Satin Leucoma salicis CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 17 0.6 Moth Lithophane Pale Pinion nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 3 0.6 hepatica Brindled Lycia hirtaria NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 9 0.6 Beauty Melanchra Dot Moth NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 20 0.6 persicariae Melanthia Pretty Chalk NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 3 0.6 procellata Carpet Mesoligia Rosy Minor NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 5 0.6 literosa Mompha Buff Cosmet CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 1 0.6 ochraceella Mythimna White-point nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 17 0.6
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km albipuncta Shoulder- Mythimna striped NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 13 0.6 comma Wainscot Mythimna Obscure CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 18 0.6 obsoleta Wainscot Mythimna Southern nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 3 0.6 straminea Wainscot Naenia typica Gothic nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 21 0.6 Nephopterix Spindle Knot- NS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 13 0.6 angustella horn Nonagria Bulrush nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 1 0.6 typhae Wainscot Powdered Orthosia gracilis NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 8 0.6 Quaker Orthosia opima Northern Drab CR SU512495 Woodlands, Overton 2006 1 0.7 Orthotelia Reed Smudge CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 6 0.6 sparganella Panolis Pine Beauty nHS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 flammea Paradarisa Square Spot nHS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 consonaria Parastichtis Dingy Shears nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 13 0.6 ypsillon Pelurga Dark Spinach NERC_s41, CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 1 0.6 comitata Perizoma Rivulet CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 2 0.6 affinitata Philereme Brown Scallop nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 3 0.6 vetulata Plagodis Barred Umber CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 1 0.6
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km pulveraria Platyedra Mallow NN SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 1 0.6 subcinerea Groundling Plemyria Blue-bordered nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 1 0.6 rubiginata Carpet Plutella Grey-streaked CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 1 0.6 porrectella Smudge Polia Pale Shining HBAP, NERC_s41 SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 bombycina Brown Polychrysia Golden Plusia nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 1 0.6 moneta Overton Primary Polymixis Large CS SU510502 School, Court Drove, 2004 29 0.1 flavicincta Ranunculus Overton Ptilodon Maple CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 3 0.6 cucullina Prominent Rheumaptera Scallop Shell nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 3 0.6 undulata Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot NERC_s41, nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 7 0.6 Schrankia Pinion- nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 7 0.6 costaestrigalis streaked Snout Scopula Lesser Cream nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 1 0.6 immutata Wave Scotopteryx Shaded Broad- NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2003 2 0.6 chenopodiata bar Shargacucullia Striped Lychnis HBAP, NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2007 2 0.6 lychnitis Spilosoma White Ermine NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 83 0.6 lubricipeda Spilosoma Buff Ermine NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 160 0.6 luteum
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Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Poplar Tethea or CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2006 1 0.6 Lutestring Thera firmata Pine Carpet nHS SU5050 1-km Square Su5050 2000 1 0.8 Theria primaria Early Moth nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 2 0.6 Tholera cespitis Hedge Rustic NERC_s41, CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 2 0.6 Tholera Feathered NERC_s41, nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2005 3 0.6 decimalis Gothic Thumatha Round-winged nHS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 5 0.6 senex Muslin Timandra Blood-Vein NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 49 0.6 comae Triphosa Tissue CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2008 1 0.6 dubitata Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2011 28 0.6 Watsonalla Oak Hook-tip NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 14 0.6 binaria Xanthia citrago Orange Sallow CS SU512495 Woodlands, Overton 2004 1 0.7 Xanthia icteritia Sallow NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2010 20 0.6 Dark-barred Xanthorhoe Twin-spot NERC_s41 SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 13 0.6 ferrugata Carpet Xanthorhoe Large Twin- CS SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2009 8 0.6 quadrifasiata spot Carpet Yponomeuta Apple Ermine CR SU516497 Station Road, Overton 2012 6 0.6 malinellus Myotis Daubenton's EU_Hab_4, WCA_s5s94b, WCA_s5s94c, SU5149 Sensitive 2004 2 0.8 daubentonii Bat HabReg_s2 Pipistrelle Bat WCA_s5s94b, WCA_s5s94c, Pipistrellus SU514504 Sensitive 2012 2 0.0 species HabReg_s2, Pipistrellus Common EU_Hab_4, HBAP, WCA_s5s94b, SU514504 Sensitive 2012 4 0.0 pipistrellus Pipistrelle WCA_s5s94c, HabReg_s2 30 J:\6100\6126\ECO\EcoApp 29.09.15 6126 North Field, Overton Ecological Appraisal fpcr
Total No. of Common Last Approx Closest Taxon Name Status Grid Ref. Location Records Name Year Distance (km) within c.1km Pipistrellus Soprano EU_Hab_4, HBAP, NERC_s41, SU512496 Sensitive 2005 3 0.6 pygmaeus Pipistrelle WCA_s5s94b, WCA_s5s94c, HabReg_s2 Brown Long- EU_Hab_4, NERC_s41, WCA_s5s94b, Plecotus auritus SU506497 Sensitive 2002 2 0.7 eared Bat WCA_s5s94c, HabReg_s2 HBAP, NERC_s41, WCA_s5s91(k), Arvicola European Kingsclere Rd To WCA_s5s91(t), WCA_s5s94a, SU51565030 2006 16 0.1 amphibius Water Vole Station Rd WCA_s5s94b, WCA_s5s94c, CI Erinaceus West European NERC_s41 SU50844952 Overton 2012 1 0.8 europaeus Hedgehog Lepus Near Overton: Brown Hare HBAP, NERC_s41 SU514507 1999 9 0.2 europaeus Kingsclere Rd EU_Hab_2np, EU_Hab_4, HBAP, Lutra lutra European Otter NERC_s41, WCA_s5s94b, WCA_s5s94c, Sensitive 2009 6 HabReg_s2 Micromys Harvest Mouse HBAP, NERC_s41 SU51955053 Road Verge, Overton 2006 1 0.5 minutus EU_Hab_4, HBAP, NERC_s41, Muscardinus Hazel WCA_s5s94b, WCA_s5s94c, Sensitive 2010 16 0.0 avellanarius Dormouse HabReg_s2, CI Mustela Polecat EU_Hab_5, NERC_s41 SU509494 Overton 2006 2 0.8 putorius
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Appendix 2: Plant Species Recorded
Common Name Latin Name Arable Field Margins Ground elder Aegopodium podagraria Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata Lesser burdock Arctium minus False oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius Lords-and-ladies Arum maculatum Common knapweed Centaurea nigra Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Cock’s foot Dactyls glomerata Wild carrot Daucus carota Wild teasel Dipsacus fullonum Cleavers Galium aperine Dove's-foot crane's-bill Geranium molle Common ivy Hedera helix Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus White dead-nettle Lamium album Nipplewort Lapsana communis Perennial rye grass Lolium perenne Daffodil Narcissus sp. Bristly oxtongue Picris echioides Annual meadow-grass Poa annua Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria Dog rose Rosa canina Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Common sorrel Rumex acetosa Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius Common chickweed Stellaria media Common snowberry Symphoricarpos alba Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. Common nettle Urtica dioica Great mullein Verbascum thapsus Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys Woodland and individual Trees (including off-site woodland on northern boundary) Field maple Acer campestre Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Silver birch Betula pendula Lawson cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Hazel Corylus avellana Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Ash Fraxinus excelsior Common ivy Hedera helix Common larch Larix decidua Apple Malus domestica
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Scots pine Pinus sylvestris Wild cherry Prunus avium Blackthorn Prunus spinosa English oak Quercus robur Elder Sambucus nigra Hedgerow and Shrub Field maple Acer campestre Clematis sp. Clematis sp. Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Hazel Corylus avellana Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Cypress sp. Cypress sp. Common ivy Hedera helix Crab apple Malus sylvestris Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Elder Sambucus nigra
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Figure 1 Site Boundary
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