Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme (Phase 3A)

Water Vole Survey Report

B1823300/031/51

April 2014

Document Control Sheet BPP 04 F8 Version 15; March 2013

Project: Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme (Phase 3A) Client: Environment Agency Project No: B1823300 Document title: Water Vole Survey Ref. No:

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Contents

1 Executive Summary 2

2 Introduction 3 2.1 Background 3 2.2 Aims and Objectives 3

3 Methods 4 3.1 Survey Area 4 3.2 Limitations to Survey 5

4 Results 6 4.1 Desk Study 6 4.2 Habitat Description 6 4.3 Presence / Absence Survey 7

5 Discussion and Recommendations 9 5.1 Discussion 9 5.2 Recommendations 9

6 References 10

Appendix A Photographs 11

Appendix B Legislation 14

Appendix C Target Notes 15

Appendix D Figures 17

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 1

1 Executive Summary

This report presents the findings of water vole surveys undertaken by Jacobs UK Ltd. for the Environment Agency. The survey was undertaken to verify and update a previous survey undertaken by Halcrow in 2010 and Jacobs in 2012.

This report has been produced to inform an addendum to the Environmental Statement (ES) for the Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme (Environment Agency 2011).

Water vole surveys were carried out in April 2013. An update survey was conducted in September 2013 of Padgate Brook (River Mersey to Farrell Street road bridge), and on 4 th April 2014 of Padgate Brook new course and old course. Suitable habitat for water vole was identified but no evidence confirming water vole presence was recorded. It is therefore considered that water vole is not currently present within the survey area.

Current development proposals involve embankment works on two small sections of Padgate Brook new course; at the far north of the Twiggeries, and at the south of the Twiggeries approximately 120m north of Farrell Street. To dissuade water voles from colonising the development area, regular strimming of the bank side and channel vegetation should be undertaken in the months leading up to construction. In order to be effective, all vegetation both on the bank and in the water should be strimmed down to bare earth and all arisings should be removed (Strachan & Moorhouse, 2006). The area strimmed should cover the working area and include at least a 5m buffer either side.

Water voles are a highly mobile species therefore a further water vole survey should be undertaken prior to construction works on site, or within 12 months should the commencement of the Scheme be delayed.

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 2

2 Introduction

2.1 Background

The Environment Agency (EA) is proposing to undertake engineering works as part of the Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme, hereafter described as the “Scheme”. A full description of the Scheme can be found in the Environmental Statement (EA 2011).

The Scheme includes proposals within the survey area to re-cut Padgate Brook old course, with habitat creation works including reedbed to enhance the brook for water voles. Embankment works will be undertaken on Padgate Brook new course at the far north and south of the Twiggeries to tie in to Padgate Brook old course.

Jacobs UK Ltd. (Jacobs) was commissioned by the EA to undertake an ecological assessment of areas within Phase 3 of the Scheme. Phase 1 and 2 of the Scheme are under construction; Phase 3A is the subject of an updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EA, 2014)

A desk study undertaken in 2010 identified records of water vole ( Arvicola terrestris ) within 2km of the study area (Halcrow 2010). Non-conclusive signs of water vole presence (old burrows) were recorded on Padgate Brook, Spittle Brook and several ditches during a previous extended Phase 1 habitat survey (Halcrow 2011). A survey of the lower reaches of Padgate Brook in 2012 (Jacobs 2012) also found non-conclusive signs of water vole presence (old burrows). This report presents the findings of water vole surveys undertaken by Jacobs in April 2013 and update surveys conducted in September 2013 and April 2014.

A summary of relevant wildlife legislation and policy is provided in Appendix B.

2.2 Aims and Objectives

The aim of the water vole surveys was to establish the current status of water vole on Padgate Brook and within the Twiggeries.

Survey objectives were to:

• Undertake water vole surveys of Padgate Brook and the Twiggeries. • Inform the detailed design of engineering works in this vicinity. • Inform the need to provide mitigation for water voles in relation to the Scheme.

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3 Methods

3.1 Survey Area

The survey area comprised Padgate Brook new course from its confluence with the River Mersey upstream to where it flows underneath the A50 Kingsway North. Padgate Brook old course within the centre of the Twiggeries was also surveyed where habitat was deemed suitable. A total length of approximately 900m of Padgate Brook was subject to survey (see Figure 1 in Appendix D).

The right bank of the River Mersey between the A49 Kingsway Bridge (at the downstream limit) to the New Cut Canal (a disused canal) was also surveyed for water vole. The River Mersey channel has a deep fast flow with unsuitable habitats along the bankside to support water vole, therefore this stretch of the Scheme is not considered further in this report and updated surveys were not carried out on this section of the Scheme.

An initial water vole survey was undertaken on 29 th April 2013. An update survey was conducted in September 2013 of Padgate Brook (River Mersey to Farrell Street road bridge), and on 4 th April 2014 of Padgate Brook new course and old course. Conditions during the surveys were dry and warm and suitable for conducting a water vole survey. Survey methods followed those described by Strachan and Moorhouse (2006). Both banks of the brook were surveyed from the east bank, and the opposite bank was viewed through binoculars for signs indicating the presence of water vole (burrows, droppings, latrines, runs/paths, feeding remains and prints).

Immediately to the east of the lower reach of Padgate Brook new course a small pond has been created (see Photo 2 in Appendix B and Figure 1 in Appendix D). The margins of the pond were also surveyed for signs indicating water vole presence.

In addition to searching for evidence of water vole presence, habitat suitability for water voles was assessed using landscape factors known to be conducive to supporting water vole colonies (Woodroffe, 2000; Strachan and Moorhouse, 2006). This assessment was based upon:

• Flow rate – water voles prefer static to moderate flowing water bodies. • Water depth – water voles prefer water bodies to have a depth of at least 0.3m. • Suitability of vegetation – water voles require stands of emergent vegetation or tall grasses on which to feed; areas of heavily shaded, wooded bank provide little suitable feeding habitat. • Bank suitability – water voles require areas of soft bank in which to excavate their burrows; overly rocky bank habitat is unsuitable. • Status of mink ( Mustela vison ) in the local area – mink predate upon water voles

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 4

3.2 Limitations to Survey

An area of the left bank approximately 10m long was not surveyed 2013, due to the presence of a swans nest amongst dense common reed stands (see Figure 1 in Appendix D). Access was available in April 2014.

The high density of riparian vegetation on the west bank meant that field signs may have been obscured. However, the water course margins were thoroughly surveyed and these provided numerous areas of silt/mud where water vole field signs would have been easily seen had they been present. These limitations are not considered to significantly affect the validity of the survey and confidence in the survey results is high.

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4 Results

4.1 Desk Study

Cheshire local biological records centre, rECOrd; were consulted for water vole records within 2km of the survey area. Table 1 presents the recent records for water vole; there were an additional 62 records for water vole where the location was not provided. Water vole has been recorded on Padgate Brook within the Twiggeries.

Table 1. Water Vole records within 2km of the study area (where location has been provided)

Grid Ref Record Type Westy Point SJ6271088760 Field Record Paddington Meadows, Paddington SJ632888 Latrine Padgate Brook, The Twiggeries SJ623883 Field Record Padgate Brook, The Twiggeries SJ623886 Field Record Brian Avenue/Smith Drive Allotments SJ621899 Burrow Fairfield & Howley Ward SJ626893 Field Record Poulton-with-Fearnhead - CP SJ638900 Field Record Rixton & Woolston Ward SJ636893 Field Record

4.2 Habitat Description

Between its confluence with the River Mersey and Farrell Street Bridge, Padgate Brook is straightened and embanked with a re-sectioned profile (see Photo 1, Appendix B). Both banks have 45 o profiles and are mainly composed of earth, with stone reinforcements around the bridges and some stone recorded along the toe of the east bank. Channel width was 5-6m and water depth was approximately 0.5m. Flow was barely perceptible during the survey. Adjacent land use comprises a large electrical sub-station to the west and a small area of grassland and Warrington Rowing Club to the east. A footpath runs adjacent to the west bank. Riparian vegetation was dominated by common reed ( Phragmites australis ) with abundant branched bur-reed ( Sparganium erectum ) and reed sweet-grass ( Glyceria maxima ). Herbs were abundant, including meadowsweet ( Filipendula ulmaria ), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium ), purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria ) and common nettle (Urtica dioica ). This section of Padgate Brook provides the most suitable habitat, with abundant food resources and banks suitable for burrowing.

The pond to the east of Padgate Brook new course is approximately 10m x 10m and was surrounded by reeds, grasses and herbs. Macrophytes were limited to Canadian pondweed (Photo 2, Appendix B).

A single stand of Japanese knotweed ( Fallopia japonica ) was recorded on the left bank approximately 150m north of Farrell Street Bridge. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera ) was present along the full stretch of Padgate Brook and throughout the Twiggeries, giant hogweed ( Heracleum mantegazzanium ) was recorded on the right bank (refer to Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report (Jacobs 2013)). In-channel vegetation was limited to water-starwort ( Callitriche sp.) and Canadian pondweed ( Elodea canadensis ).

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 6

Upstream of Farrell Street Bridge, Padgate Brook is narrower, being approximately 3m wide. The left bank is steep (45 o) but the right bank is flatter in profile with common reed dominating the west bank and meadowsweet abundant on the east bank. The channel was choked with common reed (Photo 3, Appendix B). The water depth was shallow at approximately 0.2m.

The northern section of Padgate Brook new course within the Twiggeries has been strimmed of vegetation on both sides, with gently sloping banks. The footpath runs adjacent to the Brook on the west bank and there was a large amount of litter and refuse within the Brook (Photo 4, Appendix B), resulting in very poor water quality within this section. The northern section of the brook is subjected to high levels of disturbance from the general public and dog walkers, and dog prints were found at the water’s edge along most of Padgate Brook.

West of Padgate Brook new course was a large pond/wetland area approximately 100m by 60m. This extensive pond had a boardwalk running through the centre, with shallow banks but abundant aquatic vegetation which would provide foraging opportunities for water voles.

Padgate Brook old course was a semi-dry ditch that runs north to south (although there is no flow to the ditch) through the centre of the Twiggeries to the east of Padgate Brook new course. The ditch was wet in places with a water depth of up to 0.3m; the wetter areas of the ditch were dominated by common reed with no open water and shallow banks which grade into the reedbed swap habitat. The middle section of Padgate Brook old course had steeper banks and was dominated by soft rush ( Juncus effusus ) (see Photo 5, Appendix B).

Suitable water vole habitat wass present throughout the survey area. Padgate Brook new course was slow flowing and both the brook and the pond had well- vegetated steep sided earth banks providing cover and food for water voles.

4.3 Presence / Absence Survey

No conclusive evidence indicating the presence of water vole was recorded during the surveys. Several burrows were recorded on both banks of Padgate Brook between the Mersey confluence and Farrell Street Bridge. The burrows varied in size but were between 5 -8 cm, which is within the range for water vole burrows (4- 8cm) (Strachan and Moorhouse, 2006). There were some noticeable runs along the water’s edge and brown rat ( Rattus norvegicus ) prints were recorded in the mud at several locations along the middle section of Padgate Brook new course.

A small burrow was recorded on the middle section of Padgate old course and a latrine and feeding platform was found, however the small size of the droppings are evidence of a smaller rodent species such as a field vole ( Microtus agrestis )

No latrines, droppings, prints or feeding remains were recorded and therefore the presence of water vole could not be confirmed.

No evidence of mink was identified during the surveys, however brown rat prints were recorded along Padgate Brook new course, and a brown rat carcass was found at the northern section of Padgate Brook new course. This species is also

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 7

known to predate upon water vole as well as acting as a competitor for resources and a vector of disease (Strachan and Moorhouse 2006).

No signs indicating the presence of water voles were recorded during the update surveys of Padgate Brook new course and old course in April 2014. .

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 8

5 Discussion and Recommendations

5.1 Discussion

No evidence indicating the presence of water vole was recorded during the surveys. The burrows recorded on the banks at the southern section of Padgate Brook new course were within the size range of water vole burrows. However, no other field signs indicative of water vole presence were recorded. Water vole latrines are typically maintained between February and November (Strachan & Moorhouse, 2006) and therefore the recorded absence of these features during the field survey suggests that this species is not currently present within the survey area.

Nonetheless, the habitats within the surveyed reaches of Padgate Brook new course are suitable for water vole. The bank profile and substrate offer suitable conditions for burrowing and the dense riparian vegetation offers suitable foraging and sheltering resources.

5.2 Recommendations

No evidence of water vole was recorded during any of the surveys along Padgate Brook new course in April 2013, September 2013 and April 2014, however, given the suitability of the habitat within the surveyed reaches it is possible that water vole may colonise this area in the future.

Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed are present within the survey area. These invasive non-native species are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Their presence will require the design and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures to prevent the proposed works resulting in spreading these species to areas where they are currently absent. Further details can be found in the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report (Jacobs 2013).

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 9

6 References

EA (2011) Mersey Warrington FRMS Environmental Statement. Environment Agency. December 2011.

Halcrow (2011). Warrington Flood Risk Management Strategy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey May 2010 (updated September 2011). Halcrow Group Limited.

Jacobs (2012) Water Vole Survey, Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme (Phase 2). Jacobs UK Ltd.

Jacobs (2014). Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme (Phase 3). Jacobs UK Ltd.

Strachan, R. and Moorhouse, T. (2006) Water Vole Conservation Handbook (2 nd Ed).

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 10

Appendix A Photographs

Photo 1: Padgate Brook looking upstream from confluence with River Mersey

Photo 2: Pond to the east of Padgate Brook

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Photo 3: Padgate Brook looking upstream from Farrell Street Bridge

Photo 4: Northern section of Padgate Brook new course looking upstream.

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 12

Photo 5. Padgate Brook old course, looking south

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 13

Appendix B Legislation

Water vole ( Arvicola terrestris ) is fully protected under Section 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) through its inclusion in Schedule 5. The legal protection makes it an offence to:

• intentionally kill, injure or capture or take a water vole; • deliberately (intentionally) or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a breeding site or any structure or place used for shelter or protection by a water vole; • deliberately (intentionally) or recklessly disturb a water vole whilst occupying such as structure or place, and

Water vole is a UK BAP priority species.

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 14

Appendix C Target Notes

Location of target notes are shown on Figure 1.

Target Note 1 - Shallow and silted Willow Carr with occasional aquatic veg. Banks unsuitable for burrowing and limited food resources.

Target Note 2 – No evidence of water vole or otter in areas checked – high levels of disturbance from members of the public and dogs.

Target Note 3 – No access to bank

Target Note 4 – Banks suitable for burrowing, but very little vegetation for foraging or cover. Close to the footpath and subjected to high levels of disturbance. Not fully inspected for evidence, only where access was safe due to the water depth of the River Mersey and the steep banks.

Target Note 5 – Banks overgrown with bramble and scrub, no access to survey.

Target Note 6 – Padgate Brook; shallow water level with sparse Phragmites in the channel and gently sloping banks on the west. The eastern bank is unsuitable for burrowing due to the low profile.

Target Note 7 – West side of Padgate Brook densely covered with Phragmites , east side of bank has been strimmed almost down to bare earth.

Target Note 7a – Brown rat footprints found within the mud at the edge of the ditch.

Target Note 8 – Water quality deteriorates in this stretch of Padgate Brook and the channel is littered with fly-tipped refuse. Higher levels of disturbance from the public and dogs as the footpath runs adjacent to the Brook. Both sides of the bank have been strimmed.

Target Note 8a – Brown rat carcass found on the ditch bank.

Target Note 9 – Ephemeral ditch with some small patches of open water dominated by Juncus species.

Target Note 9a – Burrow at the edge of the ditch with droppings and feeding remains from a small field vole. No evidence of water vole recorded.

Target Note 10 – Ditch becomes choked with Phragmites with no open water.

Target Note 11 – Section of ditch is eutrophic and dries out towards the southern end.

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Target Note 12 – Southern section of Padgate Brook where several burrows were found along the waters edge – no other water vole field signs were recorded.

Target Note 13 – Pond fed from Padgate Brook

Target Note 14 – Extensive wetland area with suitable foraging habitat and cover for water voles but no suitable banks for burrowing.

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 16

Appendix D Figures

Mersey Warrington FRMS: Water Vole Survey April 2014 17

Drawing number / Rev B182300/Figure 1 Legend

Water

Area Surveyed for Water Vole / Otter

8a 2 Target Note

MR03 Woolston New Cut (disused) 1 Paddington Lock 8 2

RiverMersey

Miles's Bite 9 3

MR03 sideboc

- MR04 The Feeder The

14 7

1 to 1500 AT A1 (2) Wet Woodland

- 10 4 7a

LOCATION PLAN (NTS) 25/07/2013 15:00:59

- This Sheet

MR03

MR04

Wet Woodland

MR04

Initial Issue 0 25/07/13 CS DC DC -

Rev Rev. Date Purpose of revision Drawn Checkd Rev'd Apprv'd

Fairbairn House, Ashton Lane, Sale, Manchester, M33 6WP Tel:+44(0)161 962 1214 Fax:+44(0)161 905 5855 www.jacobs.com Client Environment 6 Agency

Project Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme

Drawing title

12 Figure 1 Water Vole Survey 2013

Drawing status

Scale 1:1500 @ A1 DO NOT SCALE 13 Jacobs No. B182300 Draft 5 Client no. Drawing number Rev B182300/Figure 1 0 This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of This drawing is not to be used in whole or part other than for the intended

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