Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Inspection 54-58 Reading Road, Wokingham
McCarthy & Stone
Rob Corcoran BSc MSc ACIEEM Seasonal Author – Date 30/07/2019 Senior Ecologist Gabrielle Graham BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM Approver Date 16/08/2019 CEcol - Managing Director Project number 3814-1 Report and version number 1.0 Survey Date 15/07/19
· SWT Ecology Services · Gorse Lane · Chobham · Surrey · GU24 8RB · [email protected] · 01483 795 440 · surreywildlifetrust.org Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 Reading Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone
The contents of this report were correct at the time of the site visit. The report is provided for the sole use of the named client and is confidential.
All rights in this report are reserved. No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without our written permission. Its content and format are for the exclusive use of the addressee in dealing with this. It may not be sold, lent, hired out or divulged to any third party not directly involved in this situation without our written consent. SWT Ecology Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Surrey Wildlife Trust, registered in England no: 11034197. VAT no: 791 3799 78.
SWT Ecology Services
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 Reading Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone
Contents 1 Summary ...... 1 2 Introduction ...... 7 2.2 Scope of work...... 7 2.3 Survey area ...... 7 2.4 Methodology ...... 8 2.5 Assessment of development proposals ...... 9 2.6 Limitations ...... 9 3 Legislative and planning policy framework ...... 10 4 Baseline Conditions ...... 10 4.1 Desk study results ...... 10 4.2 Extended Phase 1 habitat survey results ...... 12 4.3 Bat Preliminary Roost Assessment Results ...... 16 4.4 Roost suitability ...... 17 4.5 Impact assessment ...... 17 5 Discussion ...... 17 5.2 Protected sites...... 18 5.3 Protected habitats ...... 18 5.4 Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) ...... 18 5.5 Protected species ...... 19 5.6 Species of conservation concern ...... 21 5.7 Non-native invasive plant species ...... 21 6 Ecological Enhancements ...... 23 7 References and Bibliography ...... 24 8 Appendix 1: Vascular plant species recorded during Phase 1 habitat survey ...... 26 9 Appendix 2: Legislation and Planning Policy ...... 31 10 Appendix 3: Protected species and species of conservation concern desk study results ...... 37 11 Appendix 4: Survey calendar ...... 47 Figures Figure 1: Extended Phase 1 habitat survey results ...... 3 Figure 2: Site photographs ...... 4 Tables Table 1: Summary of recommendations ...... 2 Table 2: Statutory and non-statutory designated sites desk study results ...... 11 Table 3: Phase 1 habitat survey results ...... 13 Table 4: Target notes ...... 16
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1 Summary Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) Ecology Services was commissioned on 28th June 2019 by McCarthy & Stone to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Preliminary Roost Assessment of 54-58 Reading Road, Wokingham. McCarthy & Stone is proposing to demolish the three dwellings on site, and construct 36 new residential apartments, with associated parking, residential lounge and refuse area. The PEA and PRA are required to: Identify the likely ecological constraints associated with the project Identify whether any mitigation measures are likely to be required Identify additional surveys that may be required to inform an Ecological Impact Assessment Identify the opportunities within the project to deliver ecological enhancement. The information collected can then be used to inform the development design. The PEA and PRA comprised a desk study, based on information provided by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC), an extended Phase 1 habitat survey to assess the habitats present within the survey area, and an internal and external inspection for bats of the buildings on site. The survey visit was undertaken on 15th July 2019 The results of the desk study are summarised below. Four protected sites were recorded within 2km of the survey area; of which the closest is 300m to the north of the survey area Ninety-three protected species were recorded within 2km of the survey area; of which the closest is slow worms recorded within the survey area. The following seven Phase I habitat types were recorded during the field survey: Semi-improved neutral grassland Tall ruderal Amenity grassland Ephemeral/ short perennial/ semi-improved neutral grassland mosaic Species-poor hedge Species-poor hedge with trees Buildings Fence Bare ground/ introduced shrub mosaic During the PRA, each building was assessed as having moderate suitability for roosting bats. The habitats present are likely to support the following protected species, or species of conservation concern: Bats (buildings) Reptiles (semi-improved grassland, tall ruderal, ephemeral/short perennial/semi- improved neutral grassland mosaic)
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 Reading Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone
Breeding birds (buildings, species-poor hedge, species-poor hedge with trees) Hedgehog (semi-improved grassland, tall ruderal, ephemeral/short perennial/semi- improved neutral grassland mosaic) The development proposals will result in the loss of suitable roosting habitat for bats, and suitable habitat for reptiles, breeding birds and hedgehog. In the absence of mitigation, site clearance may lead to the killing and injury or bats, breeding birds, reptiles and hedgehogs. Further survey will be required to determine the significance of the impact on bats and reptiles. A summary of the recommendations is presented in Table 1. The further surveys recommended in Table 1 must be completed before a planning application is submitted and will inform the Ecological Impact Assessment which will accompany the planning application (CIEEM 2017). Table 1: Summary of recommendations Type of Recommendation recommendation Further surveys Dusk emergence/ dawn return to roost surveys should be conducted of each dwelling and a reptile presence/ likely absence survey should be conducted of all areas of suitable reptile habitat on site.
Ecological enhancements detailed in Section 6 should be Development design incorporated into the proposed development design.
In the event that a protected species is recorded during construction, Construction activities works should cease immediately and an ecologist, or Natural England, be contacted.
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Key
Survey Area
Semi-improved Neutral Grassland (SNG1 - SNG2)
Tall Ruderal (TR1-TR2)
Amenity Grassland (AM1-AM3)
Ephemeral / Short Perennial (ESP)
Introduced Shrub (IS1-IS3)
Buildings
Bare Ground (BG1-BG3)
Target Note (TN1-TN9)
Intact Hedge - Species Poor (PH1-PH4)
Hedge and Trees - Species Poor (PHT1)
Fence Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 Reading Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone
Figure 2: Site photographs
Photograph 1 Photograph 2 Semi-improved neutral grassland SNG1 Tall ruderal TR2
Photograph 3 Photograph 4 Amenity grassland AM1 Ephemeral/ short perennial. Semi-improved neutral grassland ESP/SNG1
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Photograph 5 Photograph 6 Species-poor hedge PH1 and wooden fence B54 North elevation
Photograph 7 Photograph 8 Converted loft within B54 B56 northern elevation
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Photograph 9 Photograph 10 Loft within B56 B58 northern elevation
Photograph 11 Photograph 12 Loft within B58 Bare ground/ introduced shrub mosaic BG/IS1
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2 Introduction Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) Ecology Services was commissioned on 28th June 2019 by McCarthy & Stone to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) of 54-58 Reading Road, Wokingham. McCarthy & Stone is proposing to demolish the existing three dwellings on site, and construct 36 new residential apartments, with associated parking, residential lounge and refuse area. The PEA and PRA is required as part of the planning application. 2.2 Scope of work The aim of this report is to: Identify the likely ecological constraints associated with the project Identify whether any mitigation measures are likely to be required Identify additional surveys that may be required to inform an Ecological Impact Assessment Identify the opportunities within the project to deliver ecological enhancement. The information collected can then be used to inform the development design. More specifically, the scope of work includes: A data search for biological records within the site and an appropriate buffer An extended Phase 1 habitat survey of the site External and, where safe to do so, internal inspection of three buildings Initial assessment of the buildings’ potential to support roosting bats Identification of the potential ecological considerations relating to bats within the site and the proposed development; and recommendations on how to manage these. The information and data provided have been prepared in accordance with current best-practice guidance (CIEEM 2017a) and British Standard Institution (2013). Our ecologists are bound by CIEEM’s code of conduct (CIEEM 2017b). 2.3 Survey area The survey area, presented in Figure 1, comprises the development boundary. It is approximately 0.5ha in area, located at Reading Road, Wokingham, RG41 1EH (central grid reference of SU 80589 68939), and is bounded by Reading Road to the north, a residential dwelling to the east, Wokingham Train Station car park to the south and west, and the grounds of St Paul’s church to the west. The surrounding area comprises the grounds of St Paul’s church with amenity grassland and scattered trees, a railway line, Wokingham Train station and car park, the buildings and amenity grassland associated with Wokingham Bowling Club and The Holt School, and the woodland and grassland within Joel Park. The wider area is dominated by the suburban landscape of Wokingham. The survey area is located in Wokingham Borough Council.
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2.4 Methodology Desk study The desk study comprised a data search undertaken by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) on behalf of SWT Ecology Services. The desk study included a search of records of protected species, and those of conservation concern, within 1km of the survey area, and of statutory and non-statutory designated sites within 2km of the survey area. An assessment of the likelihood of species being present within the survey area was made, by determining their habitat requirements and whether these were present in the survey area. Species that were unlikely to occur were scoped out of the assessment. Ponds within 500m of the survey area boundary were identified from publically available aerial imagery. The following information was also reviewed as part of the desk study: Magic Map Application Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOA) Map Reports from ecological surveys conducted on-site and directly adjacent to the site as part of previous planning applications. Phase 1 habitat survey The Phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken within the survey area. Survey methods followed best-practice guidance (JNCC 2010). Phase 1 habitat survey is a standardised system for classifying and mapping habitats within the UK. The survey comprised a systematic search of the survey area, during which surveyors recorded habitat types and mapped their boundaries. Habitat types were defined as per the Phase 1 habitat survey criteria. Within each habitat type a record of the vascular plant species was made and an assessment of their abundance recorded. Abundances of each vascular plant species within each habitat type are based on the DAFOR scale, presented below. D - Dominant A - Abundant F - Frequent O - Occasional R – Rare Where a plant is locally dominant or abundant, the prefix ‘L’ is used e.g. LD Nomenclature of vascular plants followed Stace (2010). Common names are presented in the text, with scientific names detailed in Appendix 1. The Phase 1 habitat survey was extended to include an assessment of the habitats present to determine their suitability for protected species and species of conservation concern. A record was made of any signs of protected species, or species of conservation concern, such as runs, droppings and/or foraging remains. A record was also made of any fauna that was incidentally recorded.
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 Reading Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone
The presence of any non-native invasive species was noted, and their location and distribution mapped. Notable observations were recorded during the survey as target notes. The survey visit was undertaken on 15th July 2019 by Rob Corcoran BSc MSc – Seasonal Senior Ecologist and Jenny Dawson MChem MSc – Assistant Ecologist. Bat Preliminary Roost Assessment The Preliminary Roost Assessment comprised an external and, where safe to do so, internal inspection of Buildings B54 – B58 (Figure 1). The habitats within the survey area and the wider area were also assessed in order to put the survey area in context and to inform the assessment of suitability. During the survey, bats and evidence of bats were searched for including, live or dead specimens, droppings, urine splashes, fur-oil staining, foraging remains and/or squeaking noises. The survey was undertaken on 15th July 2019 by Rob Corcoran BSc MSc – Seasonal Senior Ecologist and Jenny Dawson MChem MSc – Assistant Ecologist using a powerful, low-heat torch, binoculars and/or an endoscope. The survey was carried out following industry best-practice (Collins ed 2016). Further details of the survey methods are detailed below. 2.5 Assessment of development proposals The information collected during the desk study and extended Phase 1 habitat survey was used to assess whether the development proposals could adversely affect species and habitats that are protected and/or of conservation concern. This was achieved by determining how the proposed development proposals could impact the ecological features recorded by looking at the proximity of the ecological features to the proposed development and their susceptibility to impacts. 2.6 Limitations Phase 1 Habitat Survey Extended Phase 1 habitat surveys can be undertaken at any time of year, with the optimal season being between March and September, when most plant species are visible. Where feasible, all efforts were made to schedule the extended Phase 1 habitat survey in optimal weather conditions and time of year. Nevertheless, field surveys usually fail to record all species present for various reasons, including the seasonal absence of some species, and short survey duration. Rare or cryptic species are often missed in short surveys. The survey was undertaken in warm, dry conditions Based on the above, a full appraisal of the plant species and habitats present could be undertaken as the survey was conducted within the optimal timeframe. As such there were no limitations to the survey. This report is based on the proposed development plans provided by McCarthy & Stone on 3rd July 2019 (reference 173469 SK02). Any changes to the proposed
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development plans may require the recommendations, proposed mitigation and/or enhancement measures to be updated accordingly. This report is valid for a maximum of two years, provided site conditions do not significantly change. If more than two years have lapsed between the site survey and works being undertaken, an updated survey may be necessary to ensure recommendations for further survey, mitigation and enhancements remain valid. Bat Preliminary Roost Assessment PRAs can be undertaken at any time of year. Where evidence of bats is recorded during a PRA, it is possible to confirm the presence of a roost. However, where a roost is confirmed, the information collated during a PRA is not sufficient to complete a European Protected Species licence application and the further surveys recommended in Section 5 will be required prior to submitting a mitigation licence application. Notwithstanding this, an absence of bat evidence does not mean that bats are absent from the structure surveyed, given bats often roost in inaccessible places. 3 Legislative and planning policy framework In order to receive planning approval, development proposals must comply with relevant UK legislation and planning policies. Details of these (including national planning policy and local planning policy) are presented in Appendix 2. 4 Baseline Conditions 4.1 Desk study results One statutory designated sites was recorded within 2km of the site boundary, this being Holt Copse and Joel Park Local Nature Reserve. Three non-statutory designated sites, comprising Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), were recorded within 2km of the survey area. The distance of these statutory and non-statutory designated sites from the survey area is presented in Table 1.
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Table 2: Statutory and non-statutory designated sites desk study results Distance from Site name Brief description survey area (m) Statutory designated sites Small ancient and semi-natural woodland located to north of Wokingham. The Holt Copse and Joel Park LNR 300 canopy is dominated by oak with occasional alder, cherry and ash. Non-statutory designated sites Small copse dominated by broadleaved woodland, listed on the ancient woodland inventory as ancient semi-natural woodland. The north-east corner of the site is Bottle Copse LWS 1500 dominated by dense bracken with bramble scrub and a central pocket of grassland, with a rough grassland meadow present to the south of the site. Extensive area of woodland with a large lake. The majority of the woodland is Bearwood Estate – Woods and Lakes LWS established broadleaved woodland, however small areas of conifer plantation are 1700 present. Area of dense woodland sloping down to a stream with ditches running north-south Woodland near Ludgrove School LWS 1720 through the wood. The woodland comprises hazel coppice with some willow carr.
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 London Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone Protected species and species of conservation concern recorded within 2km of the survey area were returned as part of the desk study. The results are presented in Appendix 3. Of the protected species and species of conservation recorded, suitable habitat within the survey area existed for 13 invertebrates, 10 bird, four amphibians, two reptile and five mammal species. An assessment of whether these are likely to be present and could be impacted by the proposed development is presented in Section 5.5. A search of prior planning applications within the vicinity of the site revealed that a suite ecology surveys were undertaken on land within the survey area and directly to the east of the survey area in 2011 as part of the planning application for the construction of the Station Approach road. A breeding bird survey deemed the area to be of negligible value for bird populations; a bat survey recorded no bats roosting in numbers 48, 50 or 52 London Road; a reptile survey recorded a small-moderate population of slow worms, with slow worms being recorded within the survey area in the land to the rear of 54-58 London Road. Ancient woodland One parcel of ancient woodland was identified within 1km of the survey area, located 300m to the north of the survey area. This parcel is approximately 2.6ha in area. Biodiversity Opportunity Areas The survey area is not located within a Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA). Waterbodies One waterbody was recorded within 500m of the survey area. These comprises a drainage ditch which flows into a pond, approximately 100m to the north of the survey area. Other small garden ponds may be present but not marked on the OS map. 4.2 Extended Phase 1 habitat survey results Nine habitats were recorded during the Phase 1 habitat survey. The location of these is presented in Figure 1 and photographs are presented in Figure 2. A summary of each habitat is provided below. A total of 60 vascular plants were recorded during the survey. This is a fairly typical number given the habitats present and the time of year. A list of vascular plant species recorded within each habitat type and their abundance is provided in Appendix 1.
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 London Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone Table 3: Phase 1 habitat survey results Suitable for protected Habitat of species Map Photo Phase 1 habitat Description principal and/or code No. importance species of conservation concern Semi-improved neutral SNG1- 1 SNG1 is a section of unmanaged grassland located to the rear of B58. No Reptiles grassland 2 The grassland contains abundant Yorkshire-fog, with frequent common Hedgehog couch, and occasional barren brome, red fescue and false oat grass. Herbs present include frequent rosebay willowherb, spear thistle, hedge Amphibians mustard and hogweed, occasional wormwood, green alkanet and prickly sow thistle, and rarely occurring self-heal, pale bistort, scarlet pimpernel wood avens, white clover, and petty spurge. SNG2 is a section of unmanaged grassland to the rear of B56. The grassland contains abundant false oat-grass, frequent common bent, and rarely occurring Timothy and Yorkshire-fog. Herbs present include locally dominant stinging nettle, abundant bramble and prickly sow- thistle, frequent common sorrel, and hedge woundwort, occasional cleavers, green alkanet and white dead-nettle, and rarely occurring hedge mustard, scentless mayweed and field forget-me-not. Tall ruderal TR1-2 2 TR1 is a small section of tall ruderal herbs located to the east of the No Reptiles survey area. The area comprises locally dominant bracken, abundant Hedgehog spear thistle, frequent white dead-nettle and wormwood, occasional green alkanet, stinging nettle, greater celandine and prickly sow thistle, Amphibians and rarely occurring fool’s parsley. TR2 is located to the west of the survey area and contains frequent wormwood and fleabane, and occasional wild carrot, poppy, spear thistle, ragwort and green alkanet.
Amenity grassland AM1- 3 AM1-3 comprise the back gardens of B54-58. Each garden is well- No No AM3 maintained and closely mown, and dominated by perennial rye-grass, with abundant daisy. Other species present include white clover,
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 London Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone Suitable for protected Habitat of species Map Photo Phase 1 habitat Description principal and/or code No. importance species of conservation concern dandelion, broad-leaved plantain, ribwort plantain, Yorkshire-fog and common bent.
Ephemeral/ short ESP/S 4 ESP/SNG1 is present to the south of the site and is an area of disused No Reptiles perennial/ semi- NG1 land between the three properties and railway. Yorkshire-fog is frequent Hedgehog improved neutral within the parcel. Herbs present include frequent hedge mustard and grassland mosaic green alkanet with occasional rosebay willowherb, wormwood, white Amphibians dead-nettle and poppy, and rarely occurring scarlet pimpernel, bristly ox- tongue, scentless mayweed, wild carrot and greater celandine.
Species-poor hedge PH1-4 5 PH1 is located along the site’s western boundary and is dominated by No Breeding birds cherry laurel. PH2 is located between B56 and B58 and is dominated by cherry laurel. PH3 is located along the site’s eastern boundary and is dominated by cherry laurel. PH4 wraps around the rear of B54 and comprises abundant cherry laurel and holly, with rarely occurring hazel, sycamore and tree of heaven. Species-poor hedge PHT1 - PHT1 is located between B56 and B54 and is dominated by cherry laurel, No Breeding birds with trees with abundant yew, and holly and rarely occurring beech, oak, and silver birch.
Buildings B 6-11 Three dwellings are present within the survey area: numbers 54, 56 and No Bats 58 London Road (shown as B54-58). In addition, a shed is present within Breeding birds the back garden of B56.
Fence Wooden fencing is present around the boundary of the survey area and No No between the dwellings. Virginia creeper was recorded growing on the fence between B56 and B58.
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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Preliminary Roost Assessment 54-58 London Road, Wokingham McCarthy & Stone Suitable for protected Habitat of species Map Photo Phase 1 habitat Description principal and/or code No. importance species of conservation concern Bare ground/ introduced BG/IS 12 BG/IS1-3 are the front gardens and driveway of B54-58. BG/IS1 and No No shrub mosaic 1-3 BG/IS3 comprises four parcels of introduced shrub and garden plants at each corner of the driveway while BG/IS2 comprises two portions of introduced shrub and garden plants at the front and rear of the driveway. Cotoneaster horizontalis was recorded within BG/IS1. Other species present across the three parcels include Fuchsia, Mahonia, Olsynium, Hydrangea, Alium and Japanese honeysuckle.
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Evidence of the following fauna species were recorded: Swift, wood pigeon and wren. Peacock, small white, red admiral and meadow brown butterflies and cinnabar moth. The following target notes were recorded during the survey. Table 4: Target notes TN1 Virginia creeper growing over boundary fence. TN2 Spoil pile of waste vegetation and rubble. TN3 Spoil pile of waste vegetation and rubble. TN4 Standing deadwood with cracks and ivy coverage. TN5 Standing deadwood with loose bark. TN6 Douglas Fir with loose bark. TN7 Standing deadwood with cracks. TN8 Log pile in edge of back garden, with unmowed grass around it. TN9 Cotoneaster planted in a number of the hedges and introduced shrub regions. 4.3 Bat Preliminary Roost Assessment Results Preliminary Roost Assessment External inspection The results of the external inspection are provided in Figure 1. Buildings B54, B56 and B58 are each detached pebble-dashed brick-built dwellings constructed in the mid-20th Century. Each of the buildings has a hipped, clay tile roof and multiple chimney stacks with lead flashing at the base. The following potential access and roosting features were recorded on B54: Gaps under tiles around the skylight Lifted roof tiles Gaps under bonnet tiles The following potential access and roosting features were recorded on B56: Gaps under bonnet tiles Missing roof tiles Missing mortar under ridge tiles Lifted lead flashing Gaps under tiles on the porch roof The following potential access and roosting features were recorded on B58: Lifted/missing roof tiles Gaps under ridge tiles Hole in pebble dash No access points were recorded leading in to the shed in the garden of B56.
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Internal inspection The results of the internal inspection are detailed below. Building B54 has a partly-converted loft with a roof light present. A comb space is present on three sides of the converted loft, measuring approximately 1.5m (H) x 1.5m (W). Within the comb space the roof tiles are boarded with badly worn plywood which is hanging down in several places. No fibreglass insulation was present. Building B56 has a fully boarded loft space which is currently used for storage. A foam insulation has been sprayed on to the roof tiles. While this prevents any access by bats in to the loft space, it was unclear if this created a cavity for bats underneath the roof tiles. Building B58 has a draughty unlined loft space with a simple A-frame roof. The loft is fully insulated with fibreglass insulation. Gaps between the roof tiles allow light to seep in to the loft space. 4.4 Roost suitability Each of the three dwellings were found to have moderate bat roosting suitability given the number of potential access features present leading into the buildings and loft spaces. In addition, the woodland within Hole Copse and Joel Park Local Nature Reserve, located 300m to the north-west of the survey area, provides suitable foraging and commuting habitat for bats. The shed to the rear of B56 scheduled for demolition was found to have negligible potential to support roosting bats due to the lack of potential roosting opportunities. In addition, the standing dead wood at TN4, 5 and 7 were each deemed to have low suitability to support roosting bats. 4.5 Impact assessment The proposed demolition of the three buildings and felling of the standing dead wood has the potential to damage/destroy bat roosts and kill/injure roosting bats. 5 Discussion The potential ecological constraints and the indicative potential impacts is presented in this section. Recommended surveys need to be undertaken before planning permission is sought, in line with current best practice (CIEEM 2017a). Without mitigation, the proposed development could result in: Loss, degradation or fragmentation of grassland, tall ruderal, species poor hedgerow and ephemeral/short perennial habitat Loss and/or disturbance to habitats used by protected species Disturbance to protected species during construction activities or site clearance Direct and indirect mortality/injury of protected species Habitat degradation through pollution events Spread of invasive and/or non-native species External lighting disturbance.
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The impact of the proposed development on each ecological receptor is presented in the sections below. 5.2 Protected sites The proposed development is located within: 300m of a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Given the distance between the proposed site and the LNR, and that the site and LNR are separated by a major road, it is considered unlikely that the LNR would be impacted by the development. Recommendation The proposed development will not impact any protected sites, therefore no further action is required. 5.3 Protected habitats Ancient woodland The National Planning Practice Guidance states that planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss of deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and veteran trees. The closest parcel of ancient woodland is within 300mm of the survey area. Impacts to these are unlikely given the type of development and the distance between the ancient woodland and development site. Recommendation Ancient woodland will not be affected by this development, therefore no further action is required. Hedgerows Each of the hedgerows within the survey area contain less than four woody species and are therefore species-poor, and are either shorter than 20m or borders a garden. Recommendation The hedgerows are not protected and therefore can be removed without requiring permission from the Local Planning Authority. Habitats of Principle Importance No Habitats of Principal Importance were recorded in the survey area. Recommendations The Habitats of Principal Importance above should be retained as part of the development proposals. If these habitats cannot be retained, an Ecological Impact Assessment is required to inform the planning application. Given no Habitats of Principal Importance were recorded, no further action is required in relation to Habitats of Principal Importance. 5.4 Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) The survey area is not within a BOA.
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5.5 Protected species Suitable habitat was identified in the survey area for: Bats Reptiles Amphibians Breeding birds Further information on these and recommendations are provided in the following sections. No suitable habitat was identified in the survey area for: Hazel dormouse – there are no areas of contiguous woodland or scrub within or directly connected to the site Otter & Water vole – there are no ditches or streams within or directly connected to the site Protected invertebrates – given the habitats present and the scale of the development, it is unlikely the proposal will impact significantly on notable or rare invertebrate populations Given an absence of suitable habitat, these species are not discussed further in this report. Amphibians The survey area supports terrestrial habitat suitable for Great Crested Newt, including grassland, tall ruderal and ephemeral/ short perennial habitats. The data search found records of Great Crested Newt, Smooth Newt, Common Frog and Common Toad within the 2km search area. In addition, a drainage ditch leading to a pond was recorded within 500m of the survey area; however the ditch and pond are isolated by surrounding developments, and have no direct connectivity to other waterbodies, as such they are considered unlikely to support breeding great crested newts. Recommendation The proposed development is unlikely to impact any aquatic or terrestrial Great Crested Newt habitat given the isolation of the single pond present within 500m of the survey area. Therefore, no further actions are required in relation to Great Crested Newt. In the unlikely event that Great Crested Newt be identified during works, Natural England and/or an ecologist should be contacted. Reptiles The survey area supports suitable habitat for reptiles, including grassland, tall ruderal and ephemeral/short perennial habitat. Given records of slow worm within the survey area were returned with the desk study, it is likely that these are still present in the survey area.
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No reptiles were recorded within the survey area during the site assessment. Recommendation Reptiles may be impacted by the proposed development. As such, an Ecological Impact Assessment is required to inform the planning application and surveys are recommended to confirm presence or likely absence of reptiles. Survey results will also be used to design suitable mitigation required to ensure reptiles are not killed or injured as a result of the proposed development. Further surveys should be undertaken in suitable weather conditions with optimal survey periods in April, May and September, as detailed in Appendix 4. Birds The survey area supports suitable breeding bird habitat within the buildings, hedgerows, trees and tall ruderal habitat. The proposed development will therefore result in the loss of breeding bird habitat. Recommendations Any clearance of vegetation should occur outside the breeding bird season, namely between March and August, inclusive. Any clearance of vegetation within the breeding bird season should be undertaken under supervision of a suitably experienced ecologist. Should nesting birds be identified in areas proposed for vegetation clearance, the vegetation should be retained and protected with an appropriate vegetation buffer, until after the young have fledged.
Bats The survey area supports suitable bat habitat including buildings, hedgerows, trees and grassland that could be used for roosting, commuting and foraging. Furthermore, standing dead wood with potential roosting features was recorded within the survey area. Records of seven bat species were returned as part of the desk study. The proposed development may result in the destruction of bat roosts and the killing or injury of bats.
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Recommendations The proposed development has the potential to significantly impact bats and/or bat roosts. An Ecological Impact Assessment is therefore required to inform the planning application. Further presence/likely absence surveys are recommended of the three dwellings. These are generally undertaken between May and September during suitable weather conditions. The information collected during further surveys may also be used to inform a European Protected Species licence is bats are confirmed in the buildings. As the standing deadwood was deemed to have low suitability to support bats, it is recommend that these are felled using a ‘soft felling’ technique and are left in situ for 24 hours before being removed from site. Other mammals During the survey suitable habitat for hedgehog was recorded on site. As such, the proposed development would result in loss of potential hedgehog habitat. Recommendations Enhancement measures for this species are presented in Section 6. Where possible, any works should avoid disturbing or blocking active mammal holes. Where active mammal holes, require removal, this should be undertaken under the supervision of a suitably experienced ecologist following a precautionary method of working to ensure the works comply with the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996. 5.6 Species of conservation concern Species of Principle Importance Suitable habitat for the following SPIs was recorded in the study area: Common toad Recommendation The measures detailed in Section 6 should make provisions for this species. Rare/notable plants Given the survey was undertaken within the optimal survey season, it is considered unlikely that rare/notable plant species are present in the survey area. Recommendations The proposed development is unlikely to significantly impact rare/notable plant species. Therefore, no further actions are required in relation to rare/notable plan species. 5.7 Non-native invasive plant species The following species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended were recorded during the survey:
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Cotoneaster horizontalis Virginia creeper Recommendations Vegetation matter and soil removed from the areas of introduced shrub need to be removed disposed of appropriately as contaminated waste, following an invasive species removal plan.
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6 Ecological Enhancements In line with the National Planning Policy Framework (2018), the enhancements detailed below should be incorporated into the development design to contribute towards the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity. Include suitable nesting features for birds in each building. These could include self- contained chambers specifically designed for house martins and swallows. Roosting features for bas could be included within each building. These could include bat bricks or integrated roost features such as those produced by Schwegler or Habibat. Gaps 13cm x 13cm at the base of fencing could be created to allow the movement of Planting for the proposed landscaping scheme should comprise native species or species with a known benefit to wildlife; Creation of a continuous hedgerow around the perimeter of the site to create foraging and commuting habitat for a range of birds and small mammals. The hedgerow should be a mixture of native species e.g. hawthorn, blackthorn, beech, yew and hazel. Creation of a pond to the south-west of the site adjacent to grounds of St Paul’s Church. The pond should have a range of depths to create a variety of habitats Consideration should be given to using a surface for the trackway/driveway/parking areas that allows for vegetation growth (such as grass-crete or similar) rather than solid tarmac or hard-core.
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7 References and Bibliography British Standard Institution (2012) British Standard BS5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations, London, England British Standard Institution (2013) BS 42020:2013 Biodiversity. Code of practice for planning and development, London, England Ramsden F. and Ramsden D. (2002) Barn Owls on Site: a Guide for Developers and Planners. English Nature, Peterborough and The Barn Owl Trust Bat Conservation Trust (2014) Artificial lighting and wildlife. Interim Guidance: Recommendations to help minimise the impact artificial lighting. BCT, London CIEEM (2011) Competencies for Species Survey guidance documents. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester CIEEM (2011) Professional Guidance Series 10: Guidance on metadata Standards: Reporting, sharing and archiving ecological data. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester CIEEM (2015) Guidelines on Ecological Report Writing. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester Collins J. (ed) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd ed). Bat Conservation Trust, London CIEEM (2017) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, 2nd edition. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester. CIEEM (2017) Code of Professional Conduct. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester. Department for Communities and Local Government (2018) Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework. Department of Communities and Local Government, London. Department for Communities and Local Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework. Department of Communities and Local Government, London. Davies R. et al, (2011) A revision of the Ancient Woodland Inventory for Surrey. Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre. English Nature (2001). Great Crested Newt mitigation guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough English Nature (2006) The Dormouse Conservation Handbook. English Nature, Peterborough. Froglife (1999) Reptile survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Froglife Advice Sheet 10. Froglife, Halesworth. Hill D., Fasham M., Tucker G., Shewry M. & Shaw P (2007) Handbook of Biodiversity Methods: Survey, Evaluation and Monitoring. Cambridge JNCC (1998) Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual. JNCC, Peterborough.
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JNCC (2004) Bat workers manual (3rd edition). JNCC, Peterborough. JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey: A technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough Langton T. et al, (2001) Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook. Froglife, Halesworth. Mitchell-Jones A.J. (2004) Bat mitigation guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough McGuire C., Whitfield D., Perkins H., and Owen C. (2014) National Water Vole Database and Mapping Project Guide to the Use of Project Outputs, report prepared for Scottish Natural Heritage, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Environment Agency and The Wildlife Trusts.
ODPM (2005) Government circular: biodiversity and geological conservation – statutory obligations and their impact within the planning system. The Stationary Office. Poland J. and Clement C. (2009) The Vegetative Key to the British Flora. Botanical Society of the British Isles. Rose F. (2006) The Wild Flower Key. Penguin Books Ltd. Stace C.A. (2010) New Flora of the British Isles (3rd edition). Cambridge University Press. Surrey Biodiversity Partnership (2010) Biodiversity & Planning in Surrey. Surrey Wildlife Trust, Pirbright Surrey Bat Group (2009) Criteria for Bat Surveys in the Planning Process. www.surreybats.org.uk/criteria.html. TCPA and SWT (2012) Planning for a healthy environment – good practice guidance for green infrastructure and biodiversity. TCPA and SWT. Waite, M (2017) State of Surrey’s Nature, produced by Surrey Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Surrey Nature Partnership .
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8 Appendix 1: Vascular plant species recorded during Phase 1 habitat survey
Semi-improved neutral grassland SNG1 Scientific Common Site Abundance in Habitat/s name name abundance habitat type Acer Sycamore BG/IS3 R pseudoplatanus PH3 R R PH3 R SNG1 R TR1 R
Aethusa Fool’s parsley ESP/SNG1 R cynapium SNG1 R R SNG2 R TR1 R
Alium sp Alium BG/IS1 O R BG/IS2 Anagallis arvensis Scarlet pimpernel ESP/SNG1 R R SNG1 R Arctium lappa Greater burdock ESP/SNG1 R R SNG1 R SNG2 R
Arrhenatherum False oat grass O SNG1 O elatius A SNG2 Artemisia Wormwood ESP/SNG1 O absinthium SNG1 O O SNG2 R TR1 F TR2 F Bellis perennis Daisy AM2 O F AM2 A AM3 A Betula pendula Silver birch R PHT1 R
Bromus sterilis Barren brome R PHT3 R
Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed R SNG1 R Charmelion Rosebay O O ESP/SNG1 angustifolium willowherb
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Scientific Common Site Abundance in Habitat/s name name abundance habitat type SNG1 F SNG2 R
Chelidonium Greater celandine ESP/SNG1 R R majus TR1 O
Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle O SNG1 F Conyza sp. Fleabane BG/IS3 R R TR2 F Corylus avellana Hazel R ESP/SNG1 R
Cotoneaster Cotoneaster O R BG/IS1 horizontalis horizontalis Crataegus Hawthorn R R PH3 monogyna
Dactylis -foot O Cock’s R AM2 glomerata
Daucus carota Wild carrot ESP/SNG1 R R TR2 O Elymus repens Common couch O SNG1 F
Euphorbua peplus Petty spurge R SNG1 R
Festuca rubra Red fescue O SNG1 O
Fuchsia sp Fuchsia BG/IS1 O R BG/IS3 F Galium aparine Cleavers R PH3 O
Geranium Herb Robert BG/IS2 F robertianum O BG/IS3 R SNG1 O
Geranium sp. Ornamental R R BG/IS3 geranium
Geum urbanum Wood avens R SNG1 R
Hedera helix Ivy AM1 R AM3 F BG/IS2 A O BG/IS3 O PH3 R PHT1 O Heracleum Hogweed F O SNG1 sphondylium
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Scientific Common Site Abundance in Habitat/s name name abundance habitat type Helminthotheca Bristly oxtongue ESP/SNG1 R R echioides SNG1 R Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog AM2 O AM3 R BG/IS2 O F ESP/SNG1 O SNG1 A TR2 O
Hordeum Wall barley R R ESP/SNG1 murinum
Hydrangea sp Hydrangea R BG/IS2 R
Hypochaeris Smooth cat’s-ear AM2 A glabra O AM3 F BG/IS3 O Ilex aquifolium Holly R BG/IS1 O
Juncus effusus Soft rush R ESP/SNG1 Lamium album White dead nettle ESP/SNG1 O O SNG2 O TR1 F
Lapsana Nipplewort R R BG/IS3 communis
Lolium perenne Perennial rye- AM1 D grass A AM2 D AM3 D
Lonicera japonica Japanese R R BG/IS1 honeysuckle
Lunaria annua Honesty BG/IS3 R R ESP/SNG1 R TR2 R Mahonia sp Mahonia R BG/IS1 R
Myosotis arvensis Field forget-me- R R SNG2 not Papaver rhoeas Common poppy ESP/SNG1 O R SNG1 R TR2 O Persicaria bistort Pale bistort R SNG1 R
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Scientific Common Site Abundance in Habitat/s name name abundance habitat type Pentaglottis Green alkanet ESP/SNG1 F sempevirens SNG1 O O SNG2 O TR1 O TR2 O
Pilosella Fox-and-cubs R R BG/IS3 aurantiaca
Plantago Ribwort plantain AM2 F lanceolata AM3 F O SNG1 O SNG2 O Plantago major Greater plantain R AM1 R
Phleum pratense Timothy R SNG2 R
Primula vulgaris Primrose O BG/IS1 O Prunalla vulgaris Selfheal AM1 R R AM2 F SNG1 R Prunus Cherry laurel BG/IS1 O laurocerasus BG/IS2 R PH1 D A PH2 D PH3 D PH4 A PHT1 D Pseudotsuga Douglas fir R R BG/IS2 menziesii
Rubus fruticosus Bramble PH3 R O agg SNG2 A Rumex aceotosa Common sorrel BG/IS2 R SNG1 R R SNG2 F TR1 R
Solanum Woody R R SNG2 dulcamara nightshade
Sonchus asper Prickly sow-thistle BG/IS2 R O BG/IS3 O SNG1 O
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Scientific Common Site Abundance in Habitat/s name name abundance habitat type SNG2 A TR1 O
Sisyimbrium Hedge mustard ESP/SNG1 F officinale O SNG1 F SNG2 R
Taraxacum Dandelion AM1 O officinale agg R AM2 R BG/IS1 R
Taxus baccata Yew AM1 R PH3 O O PHT1 A SNG1 R Thuja plicata Western red- R R BG/IS3 cedar
Trifolium repens White clover AM1 F R AM2 R SNG1 R
Tripleurospermum Scentless ESP/SNG1 R inodorum mayweed R SNG1 R SNG2 R
Urtica doiica Stinging nettle ESP/SNG1 O SNG1 R O SNG2 LD TR1 O TR2 F
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9 Appendix 2: Legislation and Planning Policy EU Directives Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) Required protection of natural habitats, wild flora and fauna through the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) (Natura 2000 site) which support habitats listed on Annex I and species listed on Annex II of the Directive. Special protection measures are afforded to species listed on Annex IV, V and VI (European Protected Species). Introduces the precautionary principal which (with some exception) permits projects only if no adverse effect on site integrity is ascertained. Transposed into English law via the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Wild Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) Aims to maintain ornithological and habitat diversity through the creation of Special Protection Area (SPA) (Natura 2000 site) which aim to maintain ornithological and habitat diversity through the entire European range. Provides a framework for the conservation, management and human interaction with wild birds in Europe and includes measures to prevent the introduction of non-native species. Special protection measures are afforded to species listed on Annex I. Transposed into English law via the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. English Legislation Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 Provides for the protection of Natura 2000 sites (Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Ramsar sites), European Protected Species and habitats. European Protected Species are protected from deliberate capture, injury or killing; deliberate disturbance of a European Protected Species, such that it impairs their ability to breed, reproduce or rear their young, hibernate or migrate or significantly affect their local distribution or abundance; deliberately take or destroy effect; damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place; keep, transport, sell or exchange any live, dead or part of a European Protected Species. European Protected Species include, but are not limited to: Great Crested Newt Natterjack Toad Otter Smooth Snake Sand Lizard All bat species Hazel Dormouse Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended Key piece of legislation consolidating existing wildlife legislation to incorporate the requirements of the Bern Convention and Birds Directive. It includes additional protection measures for species listed under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017; and includes a list of species protected under the Act. It
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also provides for the designation and protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Development which would adversely affect a SSSI is not acceptable except only in special cases, where the importance of a development outweighs the impact on the SSSI when planning conditions or obligations would be used to mitigate the impact. Developments likely to impact on a SSSI will likely require an Environmental Impact Assessment. The Impact Risk Zones (IRZs) dataset is a GIS tool which details zones around each SSSI according to the particular sensitivities of the features for which it is notified and specifies the types of development that have the potential to have adverse impacts. Natural England uses the IRZs to make an initial assessment of the likely risk of impacts on SSSIs and to quickly determine which consultations are unlikely to pose risks and which require more detailed consideration. LPAs have a duty to consult Natural England before granting planning permission on any development that is in or likely to affect a SSSI. Further information on specific legislation relating to species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended, is detailed below, under Protection of Protected Species and Habitats. Countryside and Right of Way Act 2000 Amends and strengthens the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. It also details habitats and species for which conservation measures should be promoted. Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Section 40 of the Act places a duty on local authorities to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England whilst carrying out their normal functions. Section 41 comprises a list of Habitats of Principal Importance (HPI) and Species of Principal Importance (SPI) which should be considered. Hedgerows Regulations 1997 Under these regulations it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly remove, or cause or permits another person to remove, a hedgerow. Important hedgerows are defined in Section 4 of the Regulations. This includes hedgerows that have existed for over 30 years or satisfies at least one criteria listed in Part II of Schedule 1. Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 Under this act wild mammals are protected from the intentional unnecessary suffering by crushing and asphyxiation. Planning policy National Planning Policy Framework (2012) Details the Government’s planning policies for England and how these should be applied, particularly to contribute to the Government’s commitment to halt the decline of biodiversity. When assessing planning applications, local planning authorities should have regard to conserving and enhancing biodiversity by applying a number of principals, including avoiding impacts to biodiversity through appropriate site
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selection; mitigating residual impacts; encouraging the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity; preventing the development of protected sites, such as SSSIs; refusing permission where habitats that cannot be recreated, such as ancient woodland, would be lost and encouraging good design that limits light pollution. Local planning policy Policy CP7 of Wokingham Borough Coucil’s Core Strategy (January 2010) states that “Biodiversity Sites designated as of importance for nature conservation at an international or national level will be conserved and enhanced and inappropriate development will be resisted. The degree of protection given will be appropriate to the status of the site in terms of its international or national importance.” Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) In order to assist in delivering the government’s Biodiversity 2020 strategy, the Surrey Nature Partnership has identified seven BOAs where improved habitat management, habitat restoration and recreation of Habitats of Principal Importance is the key focus to enhancing the connectivity of habitats for Species of Principal Importance to deliver biodiversity objectives at a landscape scale. The location of these is presented in the South East Biodiversity Strategy’s website. The project promotes a collaborative approach across a number of regional and local organisations. Developments within or adjacent to BOAs should be designed in consideration of the BOA objectives, which are provided at: https://surreynaturepartnership.org.uk/our-work/ The BOAs include: Thames Basin Heaths comprising Chobham Common North & Wentworth Heaths, Chobham South Heaths, Colony Bog, Bagshot Heath & Deepcut Heaths, Ash, Brookwood & Whitmoor Heaths, Woking Heaths; Thames Basin Lowlands comprising Wanborough & Normandy, Woods & Meadows, Clandon to Bookham Parkland, Esher & Oxshott Commons, Ashtead & Epsom Wood Pasture, Princes Coverts & Horton Country Park; Thames Valley comprising Windsor Great Park, Runnymede Meadows & Slope, Staines Moor & Shortwood Common, Thorpe & Shepperton, Molesey & Hersham; North Downs comprising North Downs Scarp; The Hog's Back, North Downs Scarp and Dip; Guildford to the Mole Gap, North Downs Scarp; Mole Gap to Reigate, North Downs; Epsom Downs, North Downs; Banstead Wood & Chipstead Downs, North Downs Scarp; Caterham, North Downs Scarp; Woldingham, Wealden Greensands comprising Puttenham & Crooksbury, Farnham Heaths, Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Heaths, Devil's punch-bowl & Hindhead Heaths, Hascombe, Winkworth & Hydon's Heath and Woodland, Blackheath, Chilworth & Farley Heaths, Winterfold & Hurtwood Greensand Ridge, Leith Hill, Wotton, Abinger & Holmwood Greensand Ridge, Limpsfield Heaths, Reigate Heaths, Holmthorpe & Bay Pond Low Weald comprising Chiddingfold & West Weald Woodlands, Cranleigh Woodlands, Wallis Wood, Vann Lake & Ockley Woodland, Glover's Wood & Edolph's Copse, Newdigate Wood, Earlswood & Redhill Commons;
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River Valleys comprising Hogsmill, Eden Brook, River Blackwater, River Wey, River Mole, River Thames, Protection of protected species and habitats Amphibians Natterjack Toad, northern pool frog and Great Crested Newt are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. They are also afforded additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. Natterjack Toad, Common Toad, Great Crested Newt and Northern Pool Frog are also Species of Principal Importance. Reptiles Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. They are afforded additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. Adder, Grass Snake, Common Lizard and Slow Worm are all protected from killing and injury under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. All UK reptile species are Species of Principal Importance. Birds All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. This includes damage and destruction of their nests whilst in use, or construction. Species listed under Schedule 1 of the Act are afforded protection from disturbance during the nesting season. Forty-nine bird species are Species of Principal Importance.
Bats All bat species are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, as detailed above. Bats are further protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended, making it an offence to deliberately or recklessly damage or destroy any structure or place which bat(s) use for shelter or protection, disturb bat(s) while occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection or obstruct access to any structure or place which they use for shelter or protection. Furthermore, seven bat species are Species of Principal Importance, covered under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006. These include Barbastelle, Bechstein’s, Noctule, Soprano Pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared, Lesser Horseshoe, and Greater Horseshoe.
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Hazel Dormouse Hazel Dormouse is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. It is afforded additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended, including obstruction to a place of shelter or rest. Hazel Dormouse is also a Species of Principal Importance. Hedgerow Under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 it is against the law to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from the local planning authority, which are also the enforcement body for offences created by the Regulations. Local planning authority permission is normally required before removing hedges that are at least 20 metres (66 feet) in length, more than 30 years old and contain certain plant species. The authority will assess the importance of the hedgerow using criteria set out in the regulations. The regulations do not apply to hedgerows within the curtilage of, or marking a boundary of the curtilage of, a dwelling house. Hedgerow is a Habitat of Principal Importance. Otter Otter is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and is afforded additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. Otter is also a Species of Principal Importance. Water Vole Water Vole is fully protected from capture, killing or injury; damage, destroy or block access to a place of shelter; disturbance whilst in a place of shelter or possessing, selling any part of a Water Vole, dead or alive under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. Water Vole is also a Species of Principal Importance. Other mammals Brown Hare, European Hedgehog and Harvest Mouse are Species of Principal Importance. Non-native invasive plant species Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended is a list of non- native plant species for which Section 14 of the Act applies. It is an offence to plant, or otherwise cause to grow in the wild species listed under Schedule 9 of the act. These include, but are not limited to: Himalayan Balsam Cotoneaster sp. Japanese Knotweed Giant Hogweed. Habitats of Principal Importance Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 details 56 Habitats of Principal Importance, divided into 10 broad categories: arable and horticulture, boundary, coastal, freshwater, grassland, heathland, inland rock, marine, wetland and woodland.
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Ancient woodland and veteran trees The National Planning Policy Framework (2012) states that ‘Planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss’. In addition Natural England’s standing advice for ancient woodland indicates that a 15m buffer is retained between ancient woodland and any works or development. Ancient woodlands, and ancient and veteran trees, may also be protected by Tree Preservation Orders.
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10 Appendix 3: Protected species and species of conservation concern desk study results
Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Invertebrates Acronicta psi Grey Dagger Various Acronicta rumicis Knot Grass Various Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut Various Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow Hedgerow, mixed
deciduous woodland Calamotropha paludella Bulrush Veneer Floodplain grazing marsh, fen Cirrhia icteritia Sallow Lowland heathland,
wet woodland Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath Various Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot Various Elegia similella White-barred Knot- Mixed horn deciduous woodland
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Ennomos erosaria September Thorn
Mixed deciduous woodland
Eulithis mellinata Spinach Various Lasiommata megera Wall Lowland meadow,
coastal sand dune Leucania comma Shoulder-striped Various Wainscot Limenitis camilla White Admiral Mixed deciduous woodland Lycia hirtaria Brindled Beauty Mixed deciduous woodland Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth Mixed deciduous woodland Orthosia gracilis Powdered Quaker Various
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Pechipogo strigilata Common Fan-foot Mixed deciduous woodland, wood pasture and parkland Pelurga comitata Dark Spinach Various Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine Various Spilosoma lutea Buff Ermine Various Timandra comae Blood-vein Various Amphibians Sch 5, Various Bufo bufo Common Toad Section 9 wetlands (5a) Lissotriton vulgaris Smooth Newt Sch 5, Various Section 9 wetlands (5a) Rana temporaria Common Frog Sch 5, Various Section 9 wetlands (5a)
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt Sch 5, Various Sch 2 Section 9 wetlands (4b, 4c, 5a) Reptiles Sch 5, Anguis fragilis Slow Worm Section 9 Various (1, 5a) Sch 5, Natrix helvetica Grass Snake Section 9 Various (1, 5a) Sch 5, Zootoca vivipara Common Lizard Section 9 Various (1, 5a) Birds Acanthis cabaret Lesser Redpoll Red Heathland Accipiter gentilis Goshawk Mixed Sch 1 (1) deciduous woodland Alauda arvensis Skylark Calcareou s & Acid grassland, Red Arable field margins Alcedo atthis Kingfisher Rivers, Birds Dir Sch 1 (1) Amber Standing water
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Rivers, Amber Standing water Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit Amber Heathland Apus apus Swift Amber Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar
Birds Dir Amber Heathland
Columba oenas Stock Dove Mixed Amber deciduous woodland Delichon urbicum House Martin Amber Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer Hedgerow, Arable Red field margins, Heathland Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting Amber Reedbed
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Falco columbarius Merlin
Reedbed, Birds Dir Sch 1 (1) Red heathland
Falco subbuteo Hobby Heathland, Mixed Sch 1 (1) deciduous woodland Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Amber Heathland Fringilla montifringilla Brambling Sch 1 (1) Gallinago gallinago Snipe Amber Larus canus Common Gull Standing Amber water, Rivers Linaria cannabina Linnet Heathland, Hedgerow, Red Arable field margins Loxia curvirostra Common Crossbill Sch 1 (1) Heathland Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale Red Milvus milvus Red Kite Mixed Birds Dir Sch 1 (1) deciduous woodland
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail Rivers, Red Standing water
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Red Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher Wood- pasture & parkland, Red Mixed deciduous woodland Passer domesticus House Sparrow Red Hedgerow Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart Amber Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler Mixed Amber deciduous woodland Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover Arable Birds Dir field margins Prunella modularis Dunnock Arable field margins, Sch 1 (1) Amber mixed deciduous woodland Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch Amber Saxicola rubetra Whinchat Red
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove Wood- pasture & Red parkland, Hedgerow
Sturnus vulgaris Starling Red Urban Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper Standing Sch 1 (1) Amber water, Wet woodland Turdus iliacus Redwing Sch 1 (1) Red Various Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Red Various Turdus pilaris Fieldfare Red Various Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush Mixed deciduous woodland, Red Wood- pasture & parkland Tyto alba Barn Owl Sch 1 (1) Various Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Floodplain grazing marsh, Standing Red water, Arable field margins
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Mammals Sch 5, Eptesicus serotinus Serotine Sch 2 Section 9 Various (4b, 4c, 5a) Sch 5, Myotis nattereri Natterer's Bat Sch 2 Section 9 Various (4b, 4c, 5a) Sch 5, Nyctalus leisleri Leisler's Bat Sch 2 Section 9 Various (4b, 4c, 5a) Sch 5, Nyctalus noctula Noctule Bat Sch 2 Section 9 Various (4b, 4c, 5a) Sch 5, Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Sch 2 Section 9 Various Bat (4b, 4c, 5a) Sch 5, Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus Sch 2 Section 9 Various Bat (4b, 4c, 5a) Sch 5, Brown Long-Eared Plecotus auritus Sch 2 Section 9 Various Bat (4b, 4c, 5a) Plants Calluna vulgaris Heather Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell Sch 8 Muscari neglectum Grape-hyacinth
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Red data
Habitat list/nationally Relevant Scientific name Common name WCA SPI BoCC Regulations scarce/nationally HPI
rare
Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel Plantago media Hoary Plantain Potentilla erecta Tormentil Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Silene flos-cuculi Ragged-Robin Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell Habitat Regulations12, WCA3, SPI4, BoCC5, Red data/nationally scarce/nationally rare6, Status in Surrey7
1 Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 2 Sch = Schedule 3 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended 4 Species of Principle Importance 5 Birds of Conservation Concern 6 Species listed on the IUCN Red data list 7 As detailed in Waite (2017)
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11 Appendix 4: Survey calendar This survey calendar should be used as guidance only and is based on current industry best-practice.
Survey type January February March April May June July August September October November December
Vegetation Extended Phase 1 habitat and NVC (April – June: woodland; June to August: grassland)
Preliminary Roost Assessment (all year); Preliminary Ground Level Tree Roost Assessment (optimal between November and March) Bats Hibernation Emergence/return to roost and activity Hibernation
Hazel Dormouse Nest tube (nut search from September to December) Nut search
Otter Preferable survey season
Water Vole
Migratory/ Birds Wintering birds breeding Breeding birds Migratory birds Wintering birds birds
Habitat suitability index
eDNA presence/absence
Great Crested Newt Presence/absence and population
size class assessment
Refugia search
Natterjack Toad
Reptiles
Invertebrate
Survey optimal Survey sub-optimal Outside acceptable survey season
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