Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
of Land at Chantry Vale, Ipswich.
Tel. 07812925622 Email: [email protected] Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Survey Commissioned by: Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Project Number: AE18021 Date of survey: 8th & 9th July 2018 Surveyor: Mary Power BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM
Project Report Report Title Revision Issued number Ref.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal of AE18021 AE18021-1 Draft 20th July 2018 Land at Chantry Vale, Ipswich.
Disclaimer
The findings detailed in this report are based on evidence from thorough survey, where every effort has been taken to provide an accurate assessment of the site at the time of the survey. No liability can be assumed for omissions or changes after the survey has taken place.
This report was instructed by Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land, and following the brief agreed. Aspen Ecology has made every effort to meet the client’s brief.
Neither Aspen Ecology, nor any associated company, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or any third party's use of the report. We disclaim any responsibility to the Client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the Client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.
Information supplied by the Client or any other parties and used in this report is assumed to be correct and Aspen Ecology accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies in the data supplied.
© Aspen Ecology 2018 (Copyright of this report remains with Aspen Ecology: Content must not be reproduced, in whole or part, without written consent)
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 2 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
1 Executive Summary
Aspen Ecology was instructed by Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land to carry out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of the site at Chantry Vale, Ipswich, hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’. The central grid reference for the Project Site is TM 1303 4393. The site survey was undertaken on the 8th and 9th July 2018.
The Site supports arable land and grassland meadows cut for hay with boundary hedgerows and ditches. Margins at the boundaries of the arable crop varied from 0 to 8m and generally comprised arable weeds and ruderal vegetation. Areas of semi-improved grassland and grassland/ruderal mosaic were present towards the centre and west of the site with a small pocket of woodland to the north. The River Gipping formed the northern boundary of the site.
There are three statutory conservation sites within 2km of the site (all Local Nature Reserves), and two European designated sites are present within 13km. Twelve County wildlife site are also present within 2km of the site with one, Chantry park adjacent to the eastern boundary. Direct impacts to the adjacent Chantry Park CWS should be considered and precautionary working practices employed to ensure that impacts through creation of noise/dust/light pollution during the construction phase are minimised. A 100m buffer is proposed around Chantry Park within the Ipswich Borough Council Adopted Core Strategy to protect Ecological Corridors, this should be incorporated into the site design. No direct operational or construction stage impacts to any of the European sites are predicted due to distance between site and designated sites, however there may be increase recreational pressure on these and the local county wildlife sites. A Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening report should be prepared by the competent authority to assess the requirement for an Appropriate Assessment.
A badger sett was recorded towards the western boundary of the site and the Schedule 9 Invasive Species giant hogweed was recorded along the River Gipping corridor to the north.
In order to inform the production of an Ecological Impact Assessment the following surveys are recommended:
Species/Feature Description Timings A survey of the site should be undertaken to assess Badgers the extent to which badgers use the site and to October to April classify any setts recorded. Manual surveys: Between mid-March and mid- June; half of which should be Surveys for great crested newts to be undertaken on between mid-April and mid-May. Great crested newts suitable ponds within 500m of the Site boundary to eDNA sampling surveys: determine if they are present in the area. Water samples must be taken between the 15th April and 30th June If surveys are required. Dormouse tubes must be Surveys for dormice should be undertaken of any deployed within suitable areas of Hazel dormouse suitable habitat. habitat and surveys must be undertaken once per month between April and November Bats (activity) Transect Surveys: One visit per transect per month, April to October for each month between April and October inclusive One visit per transect per month
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 3 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
for walked transects. Two people must be present on each transect. Transects will incorporate all areas of suitable habitat. Particular focus will be on commuting bats using the hedgerows and tree lines. The transect route will depend on suitable and safe access. Automated/Static Activity Surveys: Two locations per transect with data to be collected on five consecutive nights per month, for each month between April and October inclusive for remote detector surveys. The devices will placed out and retrieved after each session. Recordings are then analysed in the office. Bats (roosting) Any trees to be removed which have been assessed Summer Roosts: May to as having low potential to support roosting bats will September. Up to three visits. not be subject to further surveys, but precautionary measures may be appropriate during felling or Winter Roosts: October - April pruning activities. Any trees to be removed which have been assessed as having moderate or high potential to support roosting bats may require a further Potential Roost Feature (PRF) climbed inspection survey and/or will require presence/absence surveys to be undertaken To establish roost presence or likely absence up to three manual surveys (dusk/dawn) are to be completed following the Bat Survey Guidelines Reptiles Presence/ likely absence surveys in suitable areas of Seven surveys to be undertaken habitat using artificial refugia between April and September, avoiding the summer months of July and August if possible. Breeding birds Breeding bird surveys to be undertaken within Four visits between April and suitable areas of habitat within the site to assess July. presence, population and activity of birds. Particular focus will be paid to protected/priority species breeding in grassland, woodland, hedgerows and scrub and ground nesting birds in particular skylark in areas of arable land. Otter An otter survey of the River/ditches within the site Anytime (April-October optimal) and extending 100m upstream and 25m downstream (where access is possible) should be undertaken if any works are proposed within 50m of the river/stream bank Water vole If any works are proposed within 5m of the river/ditch Two surveys required: one mid- banks water vole surveys should be undertaken April to June, and another July to September, at least 2 months apart. Surveys of areas of grassland & grassland/ruderal One site visit in Spring/ early mosaic where access was impeded should be Botany Summer before vegetation undertaken to assess the presence of any notable growth is to vigorous. species. Surveys of areas of grassland, wide arable margins A number of survey visits may and the River Gipping corridor should be undertaken Invertebrates be required between April and to assess the presence of any protected rare or September. notable invertebrates.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 4 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Contents
1 Executive Summary ...... 3 2 Introduction ...... 7 2.1 Background ...... 7 2.2 Aims and Scope of Report...... 7 2.3 Site Description ...... 7 2.4 Planning Policy and Legislation ...... 8 2.4.1 Planning Policy...... 8 3 Methodology ...... 12 3.1 Site Survey ...... 12 3.2 Desk Study and Biodiversity Information Consultation ...... 13 4 Results and Discussion ...... 14 4.1 Desk Study ...... 14 4.2 Biodiversity Information Consultation ...... 21 4.3 Phase 1 Habitat Map & Target Notes ...... 24 4.4 Potential for Protected Species and Habitats ...... 38 4.4.1 Habitats and Flora ...... 38 4.4.2 Bats ...... 40 4.4.3 Badgers...... 41 4.4.4 Hares ...... 41 4.4.5 Harvest Mouse ...... 42 4.4.6 Dormice...... 42 4.4.7 Hedgehogs ...... 42 4.4.8 Otter/Water Vole ...... 43 4.4.9 Reptiles ...... 43 4.4.10 Amphibians ...... 43 4.4.11 Birds ...... 44 4.4.12 Invertebrates ...... 45 4.4.13 Impact on Local Wildlife Sites & European Protected Sites ...... 45 4.5 Limitations and Assumptions ...... 46 5 Recommendations ...... 46 5.1 Further Surveys ...... 46 5.1.1 Botany ...... 46 5.1.2 Bats ...... 46
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 5 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
5.1.3 Badgers...... 47 5.1.4 Birds ...... 47 5.1.5 Great Crested Newts ...... 48 5.1.6 Reptiles ...... 48 5.1.7 Dormice...... 48 5.1.8 Invertebrates ...... 48 5.1.9 Otter and Water Vole...... 48 6 Conclusion ...... 48 7 Appendix A – Legislation ...... 50 7.1 Habitat Regulations ...... 50 7.2 Wildlife & Countryside Act ...... 50 7.3 Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act ...... 50 7.4 Biodiversity Action Plans ...... 50 7.5 Relevant Protected Species Legislation ...... 51
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 6 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
2 Introduction
2.1 Background
Aspen Ecology was commissioned by Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land, to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal of a Land at Chantry Vale, Ipswich in Suffolk. The National Grid co-ordinates for the centre of the site are TM 1303 4393. The assessment was required to inform the promotion of the land as part of the Local Plan. The site is proposed for residential development. This report presents the findings of the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal carried out by Aspen Ecology in July 2018.
2.2 Aims and Scope of Report This report is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. According to CIEEM guidelines1, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal “can be used as a scoping report (for non-Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects), but should not be submitted as part of a planning application unless it can be determined that the project would have no significant ecological effects, no mitigation is required and no further surveys are necessary.” This report is based on an extended Phase 1 habitat survey and desktop study aimed at assessing the suitability of the site to support protected species and notable habitats. This information allows an initial assessment of the biodiversity value of the site to be made, potential constraints to the proposed development to be identified and mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures to be developed. The report assesses the compliance of the scheme with relevant local and national planning policy and addresses any potential impacts on legally protected species and habitats. Where potential for notable or protected species is identified, further surveys may be required to determine presence or likely absence and assess the conservation status of populations or assemblages present. The results of such work are required to fully assess the potential ecological impacts of the scheme.
2.3 Site Description The site is located to the west of Ipswich, it is irregular in shape, being bound by the A1214/London Road and A1071 on the south and south-west, and the A14 on the west. Hadleigh road runs east-west through the site and Church Lane runs north-south through the northern half of the site. Part of the site to the north is in Flood Zone 3 next to the River Gipping. The site is predominately agricultural land and there are no existing buildings on site, Red House Farm and Springvale Farm are listed and are located in the immediate surroundings. A number of wet and dry ditches were present throughout the site linking to the River Gipping to the North.
1 CIEEM (2017) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, 2nd edition. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 7 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Arable land dominates the wider landscape to the west with the town of Ipswich to the east and south. Chantry Park a County Wildlife Site was located adjacent to the eastern boundary and floodplain meadows were located immediately adjacent to the River Gipping to the north and north-east. The A14 formed the western boundary with the village of Sproughton 300m to the north west. Residential areas of Ipswich were located across the A1214 (London Road) to the south and to the north of Hadleigh Road to the east of the site.
2.4 Planning Policy and Legislation For the purposes of this report, protected species are taken to be those which are protected under European Legislation (Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, as amended) and UK legislation (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Protection of Badgers Act 1992). Protected species, and Species of Principle Importance for conservation of biodiversity in England (SPIE species – formally Biodiversity Action Plan species), are a material consideration for individual planning consents under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which places responsibility on LPAs to aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity in and around developments, promote the enhancement of natural and local environments through planning, and achieve net gains for biodiversity where possible (DCLG, 2012).
2.4.1 Planning Policy
2.4.1.1 National Policy The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the government’s requirements for the planning system in England. A number of sections of the NPPF are relevant when taking into account development proposals and the environment. As set out within Paragraph 14 of the NPPF “At heart of the National Planning Policy Framework is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which should be seen as a golden thread running through both plan- making and decision-taking”. However, Paragraph 119 goes on to state that “The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where development requiring appropriate assessment under the Birds or Habitats Directives is being considered, planned or determined”. The general impetus of the NPPF in relation to ecology and biodiversity is for development proposals to not only minimise the impacts on biodiversity but also to provide enhancement. Paragraph 109 states that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural environment by “…minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible...” Paragraph 118 states that “when determining planning applications, local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity”. A number of principles are set out in Paragraph 118 including the principle that where harm cannot be adequately avoided then it should be mitigated for, or as a last resort, compensated for. Where impacts occur on nationally designated sites, the benefits must clearly outweigh any adverse impact and incorporating biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged. Protection of irreplaceable habitats, such as ancient woodlands and those sites proposed as SPAs, SACs
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 8 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
and Ramsar sites or acting as compensation for SPAs, SACs and Ramsar sites, should receive the same protection as European sites. In addition to the NPPF, Circular 06/05 provides guidance on the application of the law relating to planning and nature conservation as it applies in England. Paragraph 98 states “the presence of a protected species is a material consideration when a planning authority is considering a development proposal that, if carried out, would be likely to result in harm to the species or its habitat”. Whilst paragraph 99 states “it is essential that the presence or otherwise of a protected species, and the extent that they may be affected by the proposed development, is established before planning permission is granted”.
2.4.1.2 Local Policy Local planning policy within Mid Suffolk District Council is provided by the Core Strategy 2008 (Updated 2012) and the saved policies from the Local Plan 1998. A single overarching policy within the Core Strategy makes specific reference to ecology and biodiversity:
• Policy CS5: Mid Suffolk’s Environment All development will maintain and enhance the environment, including the historic environment, and retain the local distinctiveness of the area. To protect, manage and enhance Mid Suffolk's biodiversity and geodiversity based on a network of: o Designated Sites (international, national, regional and local) o Biodiversity Action Plan Species and Habitats, geodiversity interests within the wider environment o Wildlife Corridors and Ecological Networks and where appropriate increase opportunities for access and appreciation of biodiversity and geodiversity conservation for all sections of the community. Emphasis will be given to the creation new habitats particularly along the Gipping, Upper Waveney and Deben river valley's in connection with flood management schemes and to contribute towards green tourism opportunities. Landscape: The Council will protect and conserve landscape qualities taking into account the natural environment and the historical dimension of the landscape as a whole rather than concentrating solely on selected areas, protecting the District's most important components and encourage development that is consistent with conserving its overall character. Design: Development will be of a high-quality design that respects the local distinctiveness and the built heritage of Mid Suffolk, enhancing the character and appearance of the district. It should create visual interest within the street scene and where appropriate encourage active uses at ground floor level, creating uses of public space which encourage people to walk and cycle. Historic Environment: The Council will introduce policies in the other DPDs of the Local Development Framework to protect, conserve and where possible enhance the natural and built historic environment including the residual archaeological remains.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 9 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
These policies will seek to integrate conservation policies with other planning policies affecting the historic environment. A number of saved policies within the Local Plan 1998 are relevant to development and biodiversity with a total of six making specific reference to ecology and biodiversity:
• Policy CL4: Protecting the river valleys and flood plains.
The district planning authority will encourage the conservation of the landscape and ecological qualities of mid Suffolk river valleys.
• Policy CL5: Protecting existing woodland.
Development which would result in the loss or damage to woodland, particularly ancient woodland or disruption to commercial forestry will be refused. The felling of commercial conifer woodland will be supported where it does no adversely affect the character and appearance of the landscape.
• Policy CL7: Green lanes.
The district planning authority will, through its responsibilities for controlling development and use of land, protect green lands, tree preservation orders will be used in support of this objective.
• Policy CL8: Protecting wildlife habitats.
The district planning authority will refuse development likely to bring about:
o The loss or significant alteration of important habitat including heathland, woodland, water meadows, other permanent pasture, parkland, marches, streams, ponds, green lands, alder carr and osier beds; o The threat to rare or vulnerable species, especially those protected by law.
Where development is permitted, the retention of important wildlife habitats will be sought through planning conditions or legal agreement.
The district planning authority will consider entering into management agreements under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which would secure a more comprehensive protection for, and management of, wildlife and ecological sites.
• Policy CL9: Recognised wildlife areas Development proposals which would harm the nature conservation interest of Ramsar site, sites of special scientific interest and other nationally designated wildlife areas, will not be permitted except where a case of overwhelming national need has bee clearly demonstrated, and there is a lack of acceptable alternative sites.
Suffolk county wildlife sites and local nature reserves will also be protected from harm to their nature conservation interest arising from development proposals, and the weight attached to such harm will reflect the relative significance of these designations.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 10 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
The presence of a protected species sunder the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 will be a material consideration in determining any planning application.
• Policy CL10 Wildlife value of rivers and other water areas. Development adjacent to rivers or associated with other natural areas of water, including lakes and ponds, will be expected to conserve and enhance existing wildlife, landscape and archaeological features.
The 1998 Local Plan has mostly been superseded by policies from the Core Strategy and Focussed Review and the Stowmarket Area Action Plan. The 1998 Local Plan document is being replaced by a new Joint Local Plan document for Babergh and Mid Suffolk districts. Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils are undertaking a thorough review of their adopted policies and allocations which will result in a new Joint Local Plan to guide development until 2036. The site lies on the boundary of Ipswich Borough Council Area and therefore there is a duty to review adopted policies from the Ipswich Local Plan 2017. The Council is undertaking a review of the adopted Ipswich Local Plan 2017, to look ahead to 2036. Although the Local Plan was adopted in 2017, a review is needed to meet a commitment made through policy CS7 ‘The Amount of New Housing Required’. The policy states that the Council will review housing needs jointly with neighbouring authorities and prepare joint or aligned local plan reviews to meet the need. Issues and options consultation took place between August and October 2017 and the next stage is planned for summer 2018.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 11 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
3 Methodology
3.1 Site Survey The site survey was undertaken by Mary Power BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM, a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management (MCIEEM), subject to the CIEEM Professional Code of Conduct and licensed by Natural England to survey for great crested newts (WML-CL08; Level 1) and bats (WML-CL18; Level 2). During the survey on the 8th and 9th July 2018, the temperature was between 19°C and 29°C; the wind was Beaufort scale 0-2, 0-80% cloud cover and excellent visibility. The survey was undertaken in accordance with Guidelines for Preliminary Ecology Appraisal2 and the broad methodology and principles of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Phase 1 Habitat Survey3, which included mapping habitat types and identifying plant species observed on the site, including Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 9 invasive plant species. The Phase 1 Habitat Map shows main habitat types, and features of interest identified as target notes. The potential for presence of protected, Species of Principal Importance in England (SPIE)/Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and rare species was assessed as follows: Amphibians - Known ponds within 500m of the site (unless ecologically separated by significant barriers and where accessible) were addressed for potential to support breeding amphibians. Habitat on the site, was surveyed for potential to support amphibians during their terrestrial or aquatic phase. 500m is a standardised search radius to assist in the assessment of the potential of a site and its surrounding habitat to support great crested newt, based on current Natural England guidance4. Bats – Habitat within, and adjacent to, the site boundary was assessed for potential to support roosting, foraging and commuting bats, aided by aerial photographs of the surrounding landscape. The survey conformed to current Bat Conservation Trust guidelines5. Dormice – the site was assessed for potential to support dormice: Wooded/scrub areas or hedges with good under-storey/shrub layer and a diversity of foraging opportunities covering the active dormouse season.
2 CIEEM (2017) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, 2nd edition. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester 3 JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey: a technique for environmental audit (revised reprint) JNCC: Peterborough. 4 English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. Peterborough 5 Collins, J. (Ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (Third Edition). The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 12 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Reptiles – Habitats were assessed for potential to support foraging or breeding reptiles and hibernation or refuge opportunities67. Invertebrates - The site was surveyed for high quality aquatic, deadwood or other habitats which could be used by significant assemblages of invertebrates, or by invertebrates identified in the data search. During the Phase 1 survey there was no attempt made to identify species present and where a site supports features that may be of importance to invertebrates then further Phase 2 surveys may be required to assess the importance of the site. Flora and habitats - A walkover survey identified broad vegetation types, which were then classified against Phase 1 habitat types, where appropriate. A list of characteristic plant species for each vegetation type was also compiled and any invasive species8 encountered as an incidental result of the survey are noted. Water voles and otters – Water bodies within impact distance of the site were assessed for potential to support water voles and otters. Badgers - A visual assessment for setts, hair, latrines, prints, foraging disturbance or other signs of badgers was undertaken within, and directly adjacent to, the site boundary. Birds - The assessment of breeding birds and wintering birds on the site was based on the suitability of habitat present, evidence of nesting such as old or currently active nests and the presence of bird species that may potentially nest within the available habitat. Adjacent habitat - Aerial photographs, available maps and survey of the area outside the site boundary (where access was available) was used to identify any habitat in the wider landscape which could be impacted by proposed works.
3.2 Desk Study and Biodiversity Information Consultation A 2km radius search for statutory designated sites was conducted using “MAGIC”, the Multi- Agency Geographic Information system for the Countryside9. The search radius was extended to 13km for European designated sites: Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Ramsar sites, where the potential risk of impact to the qualifying features (species or habitats) of these sites may extend over a wider area. Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service (SBIS) was consulted for records of protected and locally rare species, and non-statutory designated wildlife sites, within a 2km radius of the site (data provided on 9th July 2018). The site is covered by the Local BAP for Suffolk.
6 Froglife (1999) Reptile Survey. An Introduction to Planning, Conducting and Interpreting Surveys for Snake and Lizard Conservation. 7 Gent, A.H. and Gibson, S.D., eds. (1998) Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 8 Plant species included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). 9 http://defra.magic.gov.uk
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 13 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
4 Results and Discussion
4.1 Desk Study MAGIC10, was accessed (10th July 2018), to identify the presence of statutory designated sites and habitats. The site lies within three Impact Risk Zone (IRZ), requiring assessment of planning applications for likely impacts on SSSIs. Consultation with Natural England is required for: All planning applications (except householder) outside or extending outside existing settlements/urban areas affecting greenspace, farmland, semi natural habitats or landscape features such as trees, hedges, streams, rural buildings/structures As the site is predominately arable farmland with landscape features such as trees, hedges and ditches, consultation with Natural England will be required to assess any potential impacts on local SSSIs. Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service provided details of twelve County Wildlife Sites close to the site, which are detailed in Table 4.1. Three statutory designated sites were recorded within 2km, all Local Nature Reserve; two European designated sites were recorded within 13km of the site.
Table 4.1: Non-statutory conservation sites within 2km. Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size This is the designated section of the River Gipping which runs from the railway line bridge at Boss Hall to Yarmouth Road and includes the eastern divergence of the river to Portman Walk. Forming part of the River Gipping corridor, this site has good connectivity to other species-rich sites including Alderman Canal and River Orwell, contributing to the overall ecological network of Ipswich. This section of river and its riparian margins provides good structural diversity and habitat opportunities for a wide range of River 1.4km NE CWS species. Gipping 4.61ha A diverse flora is present on the river banks. Dittander and soft hornwort, both nationally scarce, have been recorded here. The structure and range of wildflower species provides valuable habitat for invertebrates such as butterflies and bumblebees, whilst species including dragonflies and damselflies will use the emergent vegetation. The small areas of bramble scrub and scattered trees along the riverbank provide opportunities for a range of birds including species listed as Birds of
10 http://defra.magic.gov.uk
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 14 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size Conservation Concern such as reed bunting (amber list) and herring gull (red list). The site is suitable for slow worm and grass snake which have both been recorded locally. Bats and water vole (a nationally declining mammal) have also been recorded here. Hazel Wood, situated on the outskirts of Ipswich is bordered along its north western boundary by the River Gipping, in the north eastern corner by the railway line and in the south by the gardens of Sproughton Manor. Hazel Wood has a number of characteristics associated with old woodland; for example, a well-defined woodbank separates the wood from a riverside footpath. In addition, a number of mature pollards and some areas of old 0.9km NW hornbeam coppice are present, which are also indicative Hazel Wood CWS 6.62ha of ancient woodlands. Dead wood, a valuable habitat for invertebrates and birds, is present in reasonable quantities in the form of diseased standing elm trees. Although dominated by dog's mercury, the ground flora also contains patches of bluebell, moschatel and violets. Several depressions, thought to be the remains of chalk pits, are present in the wood. Due to its close proximity to Ipswich, the site is well used as a recreational area by local residents. The Site is located two miles south-west of the centre of Ipswich in Babergh district. It forms part of the semi-natural corridor around the Belstead Brook. Spring Wood is ancient woodland dominated by oak standards and also contains hornbeam, small-leaved lime and wild cherry. The wood supports many breeding birds including blackcap, nightingale, whitethroat, spotted flycatcher and lesser spotted woodpecker. Spring and A survey in 2010 showed that a population of dormice Millennium CWS (Part of 1.9km SW occur in Spring Wood, Millennium Wood and in the planted Woods and the site is an 19.31ha belt of scrub and coppiced hazel beneath the power lines associated LNR) on the northern edge. Grasslands As a result of additional survey information becoming available in March 2011, the CWS was extended to include grassland to north and west of Spring Wood. It is an important migration route for a nationally significant population of common toad as well as forming part of their terrestrial habitat. The site is also a Key Reptile site as it supports three species of reptile namely grass snake, common lizard and slow worm. Sproughton churchyard is a good example of biodiversity priority lowland meadow habitat. This unimproved grassland supports a rich variety of wildflowers. Sproughton 0.6km NW Of particular interest is the large population of meadow CWS Churchyard 0.47ha saxifrage which covers much of the churchyard forming an attractive display in May. Over 2000 individual plants were counted in May 2017. Meadow saxifrage is now considered as occasional in Suffolk. The flora also
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 15 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size includes lady's bedstraw, ox-eye daisy, primrose, pepper saxifrage and clary sage. Specific areas of the churchyard are managed by an annual ’hay’ cut to maintain the herb-rich flora. This is an extensive patchwork of grassland fields, alder carr, dense scrub and hedgerows along the valley side of the Belstead Brook. Some of the wet grassland fields contain springs emerging from where Red Crag meets impermeable London Clay on the valley side. This gives rise to calcareous seepage zones in the fields and flowing freshwater ditches to the brook. The springs also feed a number of ponds on the site. This junction between Red Crag and London Clay is of limited extent in the country and is particularly characteristic of the shallow river valleys of the southern Suffolk Sandlings. The ditches and ponds are important for water vole and water shrew (Biodiversity Priority species) and associated wetland wildlife including amphibians and dragonflies. Although semi-improved, the wet grassland retains a number of species of interest and indicative of impeded drainage including ragged robin, cuckoo flower and a large stand of brown sedge. The rough structure of much of the Sproughton 1.1km W grassland makes ideal habitat for small mammals and CWS Park 9.58ha therefore good hunting habitat for the Barn Owl (biodiversity priority species). Badgers (a protected species) are also known to occur on site and use the grassland for hunting. The mosaic of grassland and hedges is also ideal feeding habitat for bats. Alder Carr is a biodiversity priority habitat (Wet Woodland) and known to be of great importance for invertebrates. Otter (biodiversity priority species) has been seen on the Belstead Brook and the woodland provides ideal lying up habitat for this species, as well as overhanging perches for Kingfisher hunting along the river. The site includes a network of native hedgerows and a number of veteran trees. In combination with the other habitat on site, these hedges are ideal habitat for a wide range of birds. Drier grassland to the north of the site supports a good population of bee orchids including a number of the white form of this species. Also of note is the grass vetchling found in this field. This species is more usually associated with coastal situations and is rarely found inland. This remnant of medieval woodland is situated to the north of the village of Belstead on the outskirts of Ipswich. It is Belstead bordered along its northern edge by the Belstead Brook 1.3km S and is separated from an area of secondary woodland by Brook CWS 1.18ha a public footpath. Wild service-tree, a rare Suffolk species Woodlands which is restricted to ancient woodlands, is found in this woodland. A large amount of fallen timber amongst the shrubs provides important habitat for dead wood
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 16 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size invertebrates. An unofficial footpath which runs through the northern part of the wood is well-used by people living nearby. Alderman Canal, also known as Handford Cut, may have originally been a small tributary of the River Gipping before being developed into a canal to feed water into Handford Mill. The watercourse is approximately 500 metres long and extends from Alderman Road in the east and the River Gipping to the West. A diverse range of emergent and bankside vegetation is present and flowering rush, an uncommon species in Suffolk, has been recorded here. This vegetation supports breeding birds such as reed warbler, sedge warbler, Alderman 1.9km E CWS & LNR blackcap, moorhen and mallard as well as a range of Canal 2.49ha aquatic invertebrates. The boundary of the site was re- mapped in 2014 to include the area of wet grassland to the south of the canal. This area of longer grass contains a diverse flora, including large numbers of southern marsh orchid, with more than 500 spikes having been recorded. The scattered trees and scrub complement the riparian habitat and offer good opportunities for breeding birds, invertebrates and mammals, including otter, water vole and bats. This site forms part of the River Gipping corridor, providing excellent connectivity for wildlife. The wildlife importance of the Orwell estuary has been well documented. The stretch of water in front of Cliff Quay, along the New Cut as far as Station Bridge and the area of water in the Wet Dock, becomes a sanctuary area for divers, grebes and large numbers of wildfowl during winter 1.7km E months, especially at times when fresh-water lakes River Orwell CWS 40.29ha become frozen. Rafts of wildfowl may number well into four figures and include species such as pochard, tufted, goldeneye, long-tailed duck and mergansers as well as scarcer wintering birds such as smew and red throated diver. It is considered that the area supports nationally significant populations of wintering redshanks. Ashground Covert and the adjacent alder carr, located to the west of Bourne Park reedbed on the southern fringe of Ipswich, are bisected by Belstead Brook. The wood supports an interesting flora which includes thin-spiked wood sedge, a rare Suffolk plant. In 2008 the CWS designation was extended to include the Ashground wetlands to the west bordered by the Belstead Brook on Covert & CWS (Part is 1.8km SE one side and Bobbits Lane to the south. This area includes Bobbit’s LNR) 15.32 open water habitat which attracts a variety of bird species. Lane The site is important breeding habitat for huge numbers of toads which migrate across the lane each spring. The site continues an important green corridor around southern Ipswich buffering the Brook and the carr woodland. In 2010 the CWS designation was further extended to include the hedges that extend either side of Bobbits lane for their importance to Dormice.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 17 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size Chantry Park, which is located on the western fringe of Ipswich, is not only an important landscape and amenity area but is also a valuable site for wildlife due to its large size and high quality habitat mosaic. Surveys (2013) have recorded a good bird assemblage across the park including dunnock, startling, song thrush and lesser redpoll. The park also provides high quality habitat for hedgehog and stag beetle. A bioblitz in 2012 revealed a good range of invertebrate species including two significant hymenopteran; Lasioglossum sexnotatum (RDB1) and Lasius brunneus (nationally notable). The western section of the park includes an area of historic parkland with primarily rough, neutral grassland that is notable for the frequency of pignut. This area includes large numbers of mature and veteran English oak trees. The grassland soils exhibit some variation, with small patches with sheep’s sorrel where the soils are drier and free-draining and with meadowsweet and hoary willowherb in wetter areas to the south-west. A large fishing lake is Chantry Adjacent to the situated in the western third of the site with reed-fringed Park, Beech margins and wetland plants such as gypsywort, water mint CWS East Water and and marsh thistle. Water birds are common and kingfisher 47.12 Meadow has also been recorded (2013). Mature mixed woodland separates this semi-natural part of the park from the remainder to the east. The western boundary represents the Borough boundary and this diverse, unmanaged band of trees and scrub is associated with the line of an ancient, species-rich hedgerow. A reptile survey (2011) indicated that an exceptional population of grass snake is present. In 2014 approximately 1300 slow worms and common lizards were translocated to the western section of the park from a development site in eastern Ipswich. In 2014, as a follow- up to the findings of the latest Ipswich Wildlife Audit, most of the remainder of the park was included within the County Wildlife Site boundary. Although large areas are short mown or used as sports pitches, there are large blocks of rough, neutral grassland interspersed by veteran oak trees and large ornamental trees. These trees provide excellent roosting opportunities for bats and in 2005 a survey recorded brown long eared, common pipistrelle and noctule bats. Bramford Churchyard is situated on the outskirts of the village, to the west of the River Gipping. A botanical survey of the churchyard in 1993 recorded nearly one hundred Bramford 1.5km N species of flowering plants, the site also supports a CWS Churchyard 0.98 number of uncommon Suffolk plants for example burnet- saxifrage, salad burnet and round-leaved crane's-bill. The latter species is nationally scarce ie. a species which occurs in 16-100 10x10km. squares in Great Britain.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 18 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size Bramford Meadows are a good example of floodplain grazing marsh (biodiversity priority hbaitat) situated in the valley of the River Gipping. The CWS is a series of low-lying wet meadows crossed and bounded by a network of ditches typical of grazing marsh. The site also includes an area of wet woodland (biodiversity priority habitat) and scattered blocks of ditch and riverside scrub. The high water quality of the ditches means that they are important for a diverse aquatic and emergent flora including water-plantain, purple loosestrife and flowering- rush. The latter species is a scarce plant in Suffolk and is restricted to the fringes of clean watercourses. The ditches and river are also important for biodiversity priority mammals including water vole, otter and bats, particularly Daubenton’s. A detailed invertebrate survey of the meadows carried out in 1993 showed that the site is also of considerable Bramford 1.8km N importance for its invertebrates. Seven species of CWS & LNR Meadows 9.04ha Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets) were recorded. The rank vegetation and bare mud along ditch edges were found to be of particular importance for this group with significant populations of two of bush cricket species recorded that are considered to be scarce in Suffolk. The site is also noted for its butterfly fauna. Fourteen species have been recorded including brown argus, which has a local distribution in Suffolk. The grazing marsh mosaic of wet grassland, ditches, reed fringes, wet woodland and scrub also supports a range of birds including the biodiversity priority species: barn owl, reed bunting and song thrush. The site also supports (biodiversity priority species) reptiles including grass snake and a population of slow- worm and a few lizards that were translocated to the site in 2012. The CWS forms part of a semi-natural corridor along the River Gipping and is also designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
Table 4.2: Statutory conservation sites within 2km. Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size Canalised part of River Gipping, now cut off. Linear Alderman 1.9km E wetland with canal, ditch and reed bed. Tall herb grassland LNR Canal West 0.98 south of canal. Rare wetland species and good for birds including spotted flycatcher, kingfishers and reed bunting Bobbits Lane marsh are flood meadows. A local nature 1.8km SE reserve comprising wet meadows, which provide habitats Bobbits Lane LNR 16.14 for rare species such as otter, water vole, kingfishers, egrets, toads and other species.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 19 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size Low lying river grassland and scrub in a linear strip along the River Gipping. The meadows are crossed by wet ditches and the old course of the river. Species found include slender ground hopper, great green Bramford 1.8km N LNR bush cricket, brown argus, reed and sedge warblers and Meadows 9.01 flowering rush. The site is designated as a County Wildlife Site for ditch vegetation including water forget me not, marsh woundwort, water mint, brooklime and water figwort.
Table 4.3: European conservation sites within 13km. Approx. Site Name Designation distance from Description Site & Size The Stour and Orwell estuaries straddle the eastern part of the Essex/Suffolk border in eastern England. The estuaries include extensive mud-flats, low cliffs, saltmarsh and small areas of vegetated shingle on the lower reaches. The mud-flats hold Enteromorpha, Zostera and Salicornia Stour & spp. The site also includes an area of low-lying grazing SPA & 3.3km SE Orwell marsh at Shotley Marshes on the south side of the Orwell. Ramsar site 3323.62ha Estuaries In summer, the site supports important numbers of breeding Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta, while in winter they hold major concentrations of waterbirds, especially geese, ducks and waders. The geese also feed, and waders roost, in surrounding areas of agricultural land outside the SPA. The Deben Estuary is located on the coast of Suffolk in eastern England. It extends south-eastwards for over 12km from the town of Woodbridge to the sea just north of Felixstowe. It is relatively narrow and sheltered and has limited amounts of freshwater input. The estuary mouth is the narrowest section and is protected by the presence of shifting sandbanks. The intertidal areas are constrained by Deben SPA & 12.9km NE sea walls. The saltmarsh and intertidal mud-flats that Estuary Ramsar site 978.93ha occupy the majority of the site, however, display the most complete range of saltmarsh community types in Suffolk. The estuary holds a range of swamp communities that fringe the estuary, and occasionally form larger stands. In general, these are dominated by Common Reed Phragmites australis. The estuary is of importance for its wintering waterbirds, especially Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 20 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Table 4.4: European Protected Species licence applications within 5km (MAGIC, 10/07/18)
EPS Reference Distance from Species Description number Site (approx.)
Common & soprano 2014-140-EPS-MIT 4km E Destruction of a resting place pipistrelle
2014-4374-EPS- Brown long-eared bat 4.3km SW Destruction of a resting place MIT
Common pipistrelle & EPSM2012-5184 3.8km SW Destruction of a resting place Brown long-eared bat
Common pipistrelle & EPSM2012-4573 4.5km NE Destruction of a resting place Brown long-eared bat
Common & soprano EPSM2012-4026 pipistrelle, Brown long- 0.9km NE Destruction of a resting place eared & Natterer’s bat
2016-24231-EPS- Damage & destruction of a resting Great crested newt 3.8km NW MIT place
2016-25383-EPS- Damage & destruction of a resting Great crested newt 4.5km NE MIT place
4.2 Biodiversity Information Consultation A full list of SPIE (formally UK BAP) protected mammals, amphibians, plants and reptiles is shown below in Table 4.3. A reduced list of UK BAP and protected birds and invertebrates is shown; these have been selected based on their likelihood of being recorded at the site, given the habitat types present.
Table 4.3: Protected, SPIE and locally scare species records (SBIS, 9th July 2018). Records: Species Protection Date and approx. distance to the site
Bats
Serotine CHSR 2017; WCA; Four records (2008-2014). Closest record Eptesicus serotinus SBAP 1.8km NW (2008) Daubenton’s bat CHSR 2017; WCA; Nine records (2005-2014). Closest record Myotis daubentonii SBAP comes from a 1km square that part of the site falls in (2014). Natterer’s bat CHSR 2017; WCA; A single record (2015) of a hibernating Myotis nattereri SBAP individual 400m E. Common pipistrelle CHSR 2017; WCA; Nineteen records (1998-2016). Closest record Pipistrellus pipistrellus SBAP 0.1km E (2005) Soprano pipistrelle CHSR 2017; WCA; Eight records (2005-2017). Closest record Pipistrellus pygmaeus SPIE & SBAP 0.1km E (2005)
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 21 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Records: Species Protection Date and approx. distance to the site
Noctule bat CHSR 2017; WCA; Nine records (2005-2017). Closest record Nyctalus noctula SPIE & SBAP 0.5km E (2005) Brown long-eared bat CHSR 2017; WCA; Four records (2000-2010). Closest record Plecotus auritus SPIE & SBAP 0.5km W (2005)
Other Mammals
Badger Protection of Badger Thirty-one records (2000-2016). Three records Meles meles Act (1992). from within the site (2006 & 2014). Hare SPIE; SBAP Single record 1.1km S (1998). Lepus europaeus Harvest mouse Ten records (1999-2013). Closest record SPIE & SBAP Micromys minutus 1.6km E (1999). Hazel dormouse CHSR 2017; WCA; Eighteen records (2010-2017). Closest record Muscardinus SPIE & SBAP 1.3km S (2016). avellanarius Hedgehog 512 records (2004-2017). Closest record from SPIE & SBAP Erinaceous europaeus 2017: 316m SE Otter CHSR 2017; WCA; Twenty-one records (2001-2018). Closest Lutra lutra SPIE; SBAP record 50m N on the River Gipping (2004). Water vole Fourteen records (2000-2017). Closest record WCA; SPIE; SBAP Arvicola amphibius 120m N on the River Gipping (2015)
Amphibians and Reptiles
Common toad Two records (2008-2017) Closest record 1.5km SPIE 7 SBAP Bufo bufo S (2008). Common lizard WCA Sch5; SPIE & Ten records (2008-2017). Closest record Zootoca vivipara SBAP adjacent to the site in Chantry Park (2015). Twenty-seven records (2005-2017). Closest Slow worm WCA Sch5; SPIE & record adjacent to the site in Chantry Park SBAP Anguis fragilis (2017). Twenty records (2000-2017). Closest records Grass snake WCA Sch5; SPIE & from adjacent to the site in Chantry Park Natrix helvetica SBAP (2017), and adjacent to the site in Sewage Treatment Works (2009). Nesting and protected, WCA, SPIE bird A large number of birds were identified in the desk study, many of which would not use habitats at the site. The following SPIE/EBAP species have been recorded within 2km, and could use habitats within, or adjacent to, the site for nesting or foraging:
SPIE/SBAP and Red-listed Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC): Skylark, cuckoo, corn bunting, yellowhammer, linnet, lesser redpoll, spotted flycatcher, house sparrow, marsh tit, turtle dove, lesser spotted woodpecker, grasshopper warbler, tree pipit, yellow wagtail, starling, song thrush, lapwing, curlew, herring gull.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 22 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Records: Species Protection Date and approx. distance to the site
SPIE/SBAP and Amber-listed Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC): Swift, reed bunting, dunnock, bullfinch.
Red-listed birds, not BAP/SPIE: Nightingale, mistle thrush, grey wagtail, woodcock
WCA Schedule 1 birds: Black tailed godwit, green sandpipier, kingfisher, woodlark, bearded tit, peregrine falcon, hobby, brambling, red kite, osprey, redwing, fieldfare, barn owl, cetti’s warbler, black redstart, firecrest, crossbill,
Protected and SPIE plants
Arable habitats Corn mint. wild pansy
Woodland habitats Bluebell, great wood rush, wood spurge, black poplar,
Grassland habitats Pyramidal orchid, bee orchid, English stonecrop, hoary plantain, wild clary, crossword, viper’s grass, field scabious, common cudweed. Wetland habitats Flowering rush, mousetail, common bistort, dittander, fringed water lily
Protected and SPIE invertebrates
Lepidoptera species included swallowtail, wall, small heath, white admiral, purple emperor, brown hairstreak & white letter hairstreak Invertebrates SPIE butterflies. Stag beetle, Norfolk hawker dragonfly, Roman snail and a number pf wasps, beetles and ants. A large number of bees and 24 moths. SBAP = Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan11; SPIE = Species of Principal Importance in England12; CHSR = Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations; WCA = Wildlife and Countryside Act.
11 https://www.suffolkbis.org.uk/biodiversity/speciesandhabitats/specieslist 12 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5705
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 23 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
4.3 Phase 1 Habitat Map & Target Notes
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 24 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Photograph Details
Target Note 1 Buffer planting along the A14 outside of the site boundary. Semi-mature tree planting included hazel Corylus avellana, plum Prunus sp, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, English oak Quercus robur and dog rose Rosa canina.
Target Note 2 Field margins, 0-1m wide dominated by coarse grasses and ruderal vegetation: barren brome Bromus sterilis, cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, false oat grass Arrhenantherum eltius, Italian ryegrass Lolium multiflorum, nettle Urtica dioica, hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, black horehound Ballota nigra, creeping thistle Cirsuim arvense, bramble Rubus fruticoisus, poppy Papaver rhoeas, field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis.
Target Note 3 Footpath that crosses the field. Dominated by bare ground with field bindweed and knotgrass Polygonum aviculare present.
Target Note 4 Lines of semi-mature trees lining the Hadleigh Road with coarse grassland beneath. Species included silver birch Betula pendula, ash Fraxinus excelsior, bird cherry Prunus avium, English oak and lime Tilia sp.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 25 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 5 Spring fed pond with moderate water quality. Aquatic vegetation was limited to yellow water lily Nuphar lutea with 40% shaded banks. The pond was surrounded by ruderal vegetation dominated by great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum. Waterfowl and fish were present.
Target Note 6 Tall ruderal vegetation dominated by nettles and great willowherb. Hogweed and cleavers Galium aparine also frequent.
Target Note 7 Semi-improved grassland/tall ruderal mosaic dominated by false oat grass and nettles; with Timothy Phleum pratense, cocks foot Dactylis glomerata, cleavers, cow parsley, field bindweed, common bent Agrostis capillaris and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus also present.
Target Note 8 Semi-improved grassland with an average sward height of 1-1.5m. Dominated by false oat grass and couch Elymus repens; with nettle, field bindweed, cocks foot, fescue Festuca sp., annual meadow grass Poa annua, hogweed, yarrow Achillea millefolium, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, cow parsley, meadow foxtail
Alopecurus pratensis, bent Agrostis sp., sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum and ragwort Sencio jacobaea also present.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 26 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 9 Garden boundary hedgerow partly managed at 1.5-2.5m. Dominated by privet Ligustrum vulgare with occasional holly Ilex aquifolium, snowberry Symphoricarpos albus, field maple Acer campstre, elm Ulmus sp., hawthorn, ash, laurel Prunus laurocerasus and ash.
Target Note 10 Scrubby outgrown hedgerow dominated by elm and hawthorn with hop Humulus lupulus also present. Some standing deadwood was present, this had negligible bat roost potential.
Target Note 11 Fallen poplar Populus nigra 'Italica' tree. The cut trunks laid on the ground. Not sufficiently rotted to provide saprophytic habitat.
Target Note 12 Adjacent woodland, part of Chantry Park CWS. Semi mature trees included ash, elm, horsechestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, holly, with mature English oak, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and ash. A scrubby understorey comprised holly, elder Sambucus nigra, hazel, bramble and saplings. The ground flora was dominated by nettle with cow parsley, garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata, ivy Hedera helix and dogs mercury Mercurialis perennis.
Deadwood habitats were abundant within the woodland providing saprophytic habitats.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 27 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 13 Gappy hedgerow adjacent to the Hadleigh Road, managed at 1.5m. Species included hawthorn, dog rose, elm, elder, bramble and garlic mustard. Target Note 14 Gappy hedgerow managed at 1.5-2m. Species included sycamore, elm, blackthorn, elder, bramble, bittersweet Solanum dulcamara, creeping thistle, sowthistle Sonchus sp., and walnut Juglans
regia. Target Note 15
Wet ditch with running water 3-5cm deep flowing over a sandy substrate. Earthen banks were covered in ivy and scrub shading the watercourse.
Target Note 16 Hedgerow managed at 1.5m. Species included hawthorn, elder, blackthorn, bramble and hop.
Target Note 17 Gappy hedgerow managed at 1.5m. Species included elm, bramble and hop.
Target Note 18 Gappy hedgerow managed at 0.5m. Species included dog rose, field maple, blackthorn, elder and bramble.
Target Note 19 Hedgerow with species including elm, hawthorn and elder. Numerous gaps were present and a ruderal dominated bank was present down to the road.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 28 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 20 Small pond with moderate water quality, 60% shade. Aquatic vegetation was limited to yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus and sedge Carex sp.. The pond was surrounded by ruderal vegetation and scrub.
Target Note 21 Three holes within a small area of woodland. Two holes were large enough to be used by badger, the third was possible a fox hole. There were no signs of recent use and no other signs of badger activity.
Target Note 22 Badger sett with five holes, recent digging and a badger guard hair confirmed that the holes are used by badgers.
Target Note 23 Unmanaged hedgerow with species including hawthorn, elder, ivy, blackthorn and hazel.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 29 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 24 Ruderal/coarse grassland strip at the edge of adjacent arable field running alongside a wet ditch. Species included poppy, fat hen Chenopodium album, prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola, creeping thistle, knotgrass, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, nettle, scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum, common mallow Malva sylvestris, bracken Pteridium aquilinum, red camprion Sliene dioica and spear thistle Cirsium vulgare.
Target Note 25 Wet ditch with a rippled flow, 2-3cm deep. Banks overgrown with ruderal vegetation.
Target Note 26 Unmanaged hedgerow 2-3m in height with numerous gaps along its length. Species included hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, elder, ivy and hop.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 30 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 27 Badger dung pit.
Target Note 28 Arable field sown with wheat. Skylark plots were present within the cropped area.
Target Note 29
Unmanaged hedgerow with a height of 5m. Species included blackthorn, plum Prunus sp, elder, bittersweet, elm, hop, hawthorn, field maple and dog rose.
Target Note 30 Hedgerow managed at 1.5m with numerous gaps. Species included hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, bitterweet, elder, elm, sycamore, bracken, hazel and ivy.
Target Note 31 Unmanaged hedgerow between 3 and 5m high. Species included hawthorn, elder, bramble, hop and ivy.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 31 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 32 Garden boundary hedgerows partly managed at 3m. Species included Leylandii Cupressus × leylandii and hawthorn.
Target Note 33 A line of semi-mature trees along the boundary of Red House Farm. Species included field maple, bird cherry Prunus avium, horsechestnut, sweet chestnut Castanea sativa, hawthorn, rowan Sorbus aucuparia, English oak, sycamore and silver birch.
Target Note 34 Short mown amenity grassland/lawn. Adjacent to the site.
Target Note 35 Pond that feeds into a wet ditch to the north. The pond is bound by vertical brick walls. Water quality appeared good. Aquatic vegetation included lesser bulrush Typha angustifolia, water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpiodies, lesser duckweed Lemna minor, sedge and willowherb.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 32 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 36 Track/wide ruderal dominated margins to the arable field.
Target note 37 Wet ditch, water was 1-2cm deep with a smooth/rippled flow over a sand and gravel substrate. No aquatic vegetation was present. Banks were earthen and overgrown with coarse grass and ruderal vegetation.
Target Note 38 Hedgerow with footpath running through it. Species included hawthorn, elder, field maple, blackthorn, bramble and semi- mature English oak standards.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 33 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 39 Felled tree trunk laid on the ground and garden waste pile.
Target Note 40 Unmanaged hedgerow at the boundary of adjacent residential properties and other garden boundary features such as fencing. Species included blackthorn, field maple, ivy, Leylandii, hawthorn and elm, with semi- mature trees including field maple, ash and Lombardy poplar.
Target Not 41 Garden waste pile and earth mound that has become vegetated with ruderals.
Target Note 42 Stands of giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum an invasive species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 9 as amended). Stands were present on both sides of the river with three locations within the site boundary.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 34 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 43 Semi-improved grassland cut for hay with an average sward height of 5-10cm. Species were dominated by grasses including couch, Yorkshire fog, false oat grass cocks foot, meadow foxtail and Timothy. Forb species included field bindweed, broadleaved dock, redshank Persicaria maculosa and nettle.
Target Note 44 Semi-improved grassland with an average sward height of 1-1.5m. Species were dominated by sheeps fescue Festuca ovina, meadow foxtail, false oat grass and Yorkshire fog. Other species included creeping thistle, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, field bindweed, bent grasses Agrostis sp., Timothy, spear thistle, broadleaved dock and ragwort.
Target Note 45 Flush area dominated by rushes Juncus inflexus and Juncus effuses with watercress Nasturtium officinale and millet Milium sp.. The area was not wet at the time of survey.
Target Note 46 Unmanaged and outgrown hedgerow with species including willow Salix sp., hawthorn, elder, blackthorn, nettle and hop.
Target Note 47 Arable field sown with wheat with arable weeds such as black grass Alopecurus myosuroides present throughout the crop.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 35 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 48 Partially wet ditch. Overgrown by hedgerows and heavily shaded. Aquatic vegetation was limited to duckweed.
Target Note 49 Margins around the arable field 5-8m wide. Dominated by grass species included barren brome, meadow foxtail, black grass, couch and soft brome Bromus hordeaceus. Forb species included nettle, lesser burdock Arctium minus, poppy, comfrey Symphytum officinale, hemlock Conium maculatum and sowthistle.
Target Note 50 The River Gipping, good water quality with a gravel/pebble/sand substrate. Instream vegetation included reed Phragmites australis, duckweed, sedges, common
clubrush Schoenoplectus lacustris, lesser bulrush, arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia and lily where the water was slower moving. Below the weir the water depth was 5-10cm, above it was deeper and the bottom could not be seen. Damselflies and dragonflies were observed along the river.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 36 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Target Note 51 Uncropped area, dominated by ruderal/arable weed species and bare ground. Species included: Timothy, smooth and prickly sow thistle, bristly ox tongue Helminthotheca echioides, poppy, broadleaved dock, scentless mayweed, fat hen, willowherb, ragwort and creeping thistle.
Target Note 52 Two partially collapsed holes. Potentially an old badger sett. Recent digging appeared to be opening one hole with debris blocking the other.
Target Note 53 Woodland dominated by semi-mature ash trees. Ground flora was dominated by nettle with abundant dogs mercury. At the edges of the woodland species including alder Alnus glutinosa, coppiced hazel, plum, poplar, hawthorn and sycamore were present.
Target Note 54 Treatment works lagoon, lined with a bitumen type liner and it had vertical sides. The water surface was covered in duckweed. The pond was surrounded by alder and dogwood scrub.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 37 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
4.4 Potential for Protected Species and Habitats The site was assessed to identify whether the proposals could potentially impact on protected or locally rare species or habitats, either during the construction, or operational phase.
4.4.1 Habitats and Flora The survey was undertaken in July, which is within the optimal botanical survey season, however due to recent dry weather, many grass species were dying and could not be identified to species level, broad species assemblages and habitat types could be identified. Species identified in the desk study included a number of arable annual and grassland species that could be present at the site. Further surveys should be undertaken of species rich areas such as the semi-improved grassland fields and wide arable margins in the spring/early summer when species should be readily identifiable and taller ruderal vegetation less dominant.
Hedgerows, ponds, rivers and lowland mixed deciduous woodlands are BAP habitats.
4.4.1.1 Arable The site was predominantly well-managed arable land, growing cereal crops wheat and barley, some of which had bene harvested at the time of survey. The field margins varied from 0-8m and were dominated by arable weeds and ruderal species with frequent patches of bare ground. Very few weed species were present within the crop, apart from the field to the north of the site (TN47) and were limited to the edges of the crop.
4.4.1.2 Hedgerows Hedgerows and tree lines surrounded most of the fields within the site and were largely continuous with some significantly large gaps that were not hedged. Most hedges were not species-rich, but they did have associated features such as connectivity to other hedgerows, woodland and ditches and footpaths ran adjacent to some hedgerows within the site. Mature trees were infrequent within hedgerows but were present thought out the site.
Hedges would be classified as Hedgerow Priority Habitat under BAP criteria:
A hedgerow is defined as any boundary line of trees or shrubs over 20m long and less than 5m wide, and where any gaps between the trees or shrub species are less that 20m wide.13
Hedges form ecologically important linear features, linking habitats in the wider landscape. The hedgerows and tree lines at the site should be retained and enhanced where possible, particularly running north to south and connecting Chantry Park CWS (adjacent to the eastern boundary) to the River Gipping in the north. Where possible additional native species should be planted in gaps to create wider hedgerow areas, and an appropriate management regime implemented. Minimally-managed hedges provide better bat-commuting corridors, so an increased hedge-height and rotational cutting regime would benefit wildlife, creation of dense understorey vegetation with a variety of native species would also benefit dormice that have been recorded in the area.
13 Defra (2007) Hedgerow Survey Handbook. A standard procedure for local surveys in the UK. Defra, London
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 38 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
4.4.1.3 Semi-improved grassland Areas for semi-improved grassland were limited within the site, three small fields to the north were cut for hay and three fields within the centre/west of the site were becoming overgrown with ruderal species. The fields that were cut for hay were dominated by grass species and did not seem to have the diversity of species that the areas that were left to grow (TN44, TN8). The areas of longer grassland had a moderate diversity of forb species; however, access was impeded by dense growth of ruderals, therefore further botany survey is recommended in the Spring/early summer to assess the presence of any notable species within these areas.
4.4.1.4 Ponds Two ponds were present within the site (TN6 & TN20), with a further three ponds located within 500m (TN35 & TN54). Three of these ponds (TN6, TN20 & TN35) were considered suitable to support breeding amphibians including great crested newts, as water quality was moderate to good and suitable egg-laying aquatic vegetation was present.
For the purpose of UK BAP priority habitat classification, ponds are defined as permanent and seasonal standing water bodies up to 2ha in extent. The ponds within and surrounding the site could be classes as BAP habitat if they support ‘Species of high conservation importance: Ponds supporting Red Data Book species, UK BAP species, species fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 5 and 8, Habitats Directive Annex II species, a Nationally Scarce wetland plant species, or three Nationally Scarce aquatic invertebrate species.’
Ponds offer wildlife shelter and foraging opportunities and form stepping stones through the landscape and should be retained and enhanced within the site where possible. The addition of further ponds, particularly within the River Gipping corridor will provide habitat for a range of wildlife and enhance this green corridor to the north of the site.
4.4.1.5 Woodland A small area of woodland was present to the north of the site (TN53), this was dominated by semi-mature ash with other species including poplar, hawthorn, coppiced hazel and alder at the boundaries. The area is listed on the Government MAGIC website14 as being the ‘Priority Habitat Deciduous Woodland’.
Woodlands provide a variety of species shelter and foraging opportunities and should be retained within the proposed layout. There are opportunities to enhance the woodland through appropriate management and through planting of additional native species. A Woodland Management Plan should be created to ensure that this habitat is maintained and enhanced as part of the development.
4.4.1.6 River The River Gipping forms the northern boundary of the site and numerous ditches within the site are linked to this corridor. The river passes through a weir along the boundary of the site and its character changes significantly with this feature. Immediately below the weir the water depth was only 5-10cm and flowed over a gravel and sand substrate, above the weir the water was slower moving and deep, the bottom could not be seen. Water quality appeared to be
14 http://magic.defra.gov.uk/
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 39 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
good with a number of aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants seen from the banks and dragonflies and damselflies recorded along the corridor.
Rivers and Streams are a UK BAP Habitat, this habitat type includes a very wide range of types, encompassing all natural and near-natural running waters in the UK (i.e. with features and processes that resemble those in ‘natural’ systems). These range from torrential mountain streams to meandering lowland rivers.
The river will not be directly impacted by the proposed development and it is recommended that a buffer of at least 50m is retained between the River and any form of development (provision of footpaths/ accessible open space etc.). The inclusion of water bodies close to the river corridor will enhance the site for over wintering birds that may use scrapes close to the river for foraging. The maintenance of a suitable buffer will also allow riparian species such as otter and water vole to continue to use the River (records have been provided by SBIS from the River Gipping) post development.
4.4.1.7 Invasive Flora and WCA Schedule 9 Species Giant hogweed an invasive plant listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) was recorded in the northern part of the site along the River Gipping. Three separate stands were recorded within the site, with other stands present on the northern side of the river (TN42). It is an offence to allow or cause the spread of a species listed on Schedule 9; the plants should be treated with an effective and appropriate herbicide to prevent spread down river. Plants could be removed mechanically, however their position on the edge of the river may make this difficult, removed earth or plant material should treated as controlled waste and disposed of appropriately.
4.4.2 Bats All UK species of bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations, 2017. Common and soprano pipistrelle, noctule, serotine, Daubenton’s Natterer’s and brown long-eared bats have been recorded in the local area.
4.4.2.1 Roosting Bats - buildings There are no buildings or structures within the site boundary, however a number of properties are present adjacent to the site boundaries and are likely to provide suitable roosting opportunities.
4.4.2.2 Roosting Bats - trees A large number of mature and semi-mature trees were present within the site boundary, mainly along boundary features. The majority of these had negligible or low bat roost potential. However, there were numerous trees that had moderate or high bat roosting potential, due to large amounts of aerial deadwood, cracks in limbs or broken limbs that created cavities that could be used by roosting bats.
Mature trees, boundary hedgerows and tree lines should be retained and enhanced where possible, standing deadwood should also be retained if it is safe to do so. A sensitive lighting scheme will ensure that bats can still use these features during and post-development.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 40 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Further surveys should be undertaken of any trees identified as having moderate or high bat roost potential. These surveyed should be carried out between May and September with at least two surveys between May and August.
4.4.2.3 Foraging and Commuting Bats The majority of the site, arable land, provides poor quality foraging habitat for bats, however the boundary hedgerows, areas of semi-improved grassland and the river corridor to the north provide good to excellent quality habitat and link the site to other areas of good quality habitat in the local area such as Chantry Park to the east.
Further surveys should be undertaken using automated static detectors and walked transect routes to asses how bats use the site and to identify any significant commuting or foraging areas.
Site lighting should be carefully designed throughout the construction and operational phases of the development to ensure that bats can still use any roosting or commuting features and access foraging areas.
Lighting precautions should be incorporated into a lighting design scheme for the site. The inclusion of street trees within any proposed layout will provide alternative routes through the site and provide additional foraging habitat.
4.4.3 Badgers Badgers and active setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. SBIS provided records of badgers within the local area, with three records from within the site boundary.
The site provided good quality habitat for foraging badgers and numerous hedgerows, grassland banks and the woodland to the north provided potential sett creation habitat.
A badger sett comprising five entrance holes was recorded towards the western edge of the site (TN22). Recent digging and the presence of a badger guard hair confirmed that badgers are currently using this sett. No obvious trackways were recorded from the sett.
Two other potential setts were recorded along the western edge of the site at TN21 and TN52. The holes in these locations did not appear to be active with debris blocking entrance holes.
A full badger survey should be undertaken later in the year to assess the presence of any further setts and confirm the activity levels of the setts identified.
The site design should retain setts within the site layout and provide suitable commuting routes to allow badgers to travel between setts and to suitable foraging areas.
4.4.4 Hares Brown hares (SBAP and SPIE species) have been recorded locally, the arable and grassland areas within the site were of good quality for hares. The wider area is dominated by residential development and parkland to the south and east with the River Gipping corridor and industrial areas to the north. To the west beyond the A14 lies further arable farmland, however this is separated from the site by the A14 which forms a significant barrier to movement.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 41 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
Development of the site is likely to reduce the local abundance of habitat suitable for hares. It is recommended that the masterplan for the site includes areas of long grassland that can provide suitable foraging and shelter habitat, these areas should be connected via hedgerows and tree lines to areas of other suitable habitat such as Chantry park to the east and the River corridor to the north.
Although there will be a loss of foraging and shelter habitat for brown hare following development, if connections to adjacent habitat can be maintained/created, there will be no habitat fragmentation or obstruction to hare movement.
4.4.5 Harvest Mouse The site provided good quality habitat for harvest mice an SPIE and SBAP species. Areas of tall grassland and reeds along the ditches and River corridor provide suitable breeding habitat and arable along with the arable land provide abundant foraging areas.
It is likely that harvest mouse habitat will be reduced to facilitate the development. It is recommended that hedgerows are retained and enhanced where possible to allow this species to travel through the site, and that areas of tall, species rich grassland are incorporated into the site design to provide breeding and foraging areas post development.
4.4.6 Dormice SBIS hold numerous records of dormice within 1.3km of the site, from Bobbits Lane CWS & LNR.
The majority of hedgerows at the site have been left unmanaged and provide potential habitat for dormice, these areas are also connected to areas of woodland within Chantry Park to the east. The area of woodland within the site to the north is of sub-optimal suitability for dormice as it is dominated by a single species, ash, and lacks a shrub layer that would provide cover for dormice accessing the tree canopy.
Further surveys should be undertaken of all suitable habitat to assess whether dormice are present within the site, and to what extent they use boundary features.
4.4.7 Hedgehogs There are numerous records of hedgehogs locally, and they could use habitats at the site, or move through the site between habitats in the wider landscape. Refuge and hibernation opportunities were limited within the arable areas; however, areas of grassland, woodland and hedgerows provided good quality refuge habitat.
Areas of good quality habitat such as grassland, hedgerows and woodland should be retained where possible. The design of the site should provide routes through the development areas to allow hedgehogs to access suitable areas outside the site boundary such as Chantry Park to the east.
Where possible, hedgerows and grassland areas should be retained and enhanced within the landscape proposals, to enable hedgehogs, and other wildlife, to move through, and around the site and through new residential gardens.
If development is confined to the arable areas, loss of potential hedgehog habitat will be
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 42 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
negligible. Precautionary methods should be implemented to minimise the risk of causing harm to hedgehogs during the construction phase.
4.4.8 Otter/Water Vole Both water voles and otter have been recorded in the local area, associated with the River Gipping to the north within 120m of the site. The River Gipping as it flows adjacent to the northern boundary of the site is suitable for both species. No signs of either species were recorded during the survey; however, bankside vegetation was dense and access to the river banks was not possible along much of its length.
Wet and partially wet ditches within the site were generally sub-optimal for otters and water voles; these were generally overgrown with ruderal and scrub vegetation and did not support suitable bankside vegetation such as grasses and sedges that would provide water vole foraging opportunities.
It is likely that the northern part of the site that lies within the River Gipping flood zone will become an area of open space within the proposed residential scheme. Further surveys should be undertaken of the River corridor and ditches that flow through the site to assess the presence or likely absence of otters and water voles and to inform the proposed layout of the site.
4.4.9 Reptiles All UK reptile species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with two species afforded higher levels of protection under the European Habitat Regulations. Grass snakes, common lizards and slow worms have all been recorded within Chantry Park which lies adjacent to the site to the east.
The arable land within the site provides poor quality habitat for reptiles with no suitable cover or foraging opportunities within the cropped areas and generally margins were less than 1m wide providing very little suitable habitat at the boundaries. However, areas of grassland and ruderal/grassland mosaic and wide ruderal/grass dominated arable margins provided potential habitat for a number of reptiles including slow worms, common lizards and grass snakes.
Refuge and hibernation opportunities within the site are likely to be widely available within the grassland and ruderal areas with log piles and garden waste present along some of the boundaries (TN11 & TN39). Numerous refuge and good quality foraging opportunities were also present within adjacent habitat such as that present at Chantry Park and residential gardens.
Further surveys should be undertaken to assess the presence or likely absence of reptiles within the site and to inform layout designs.
4.4.10 Amphibians No great crested newt records were provided by SBIS, however this is not a confirmation of the absence of this species and could be due to a lack of survey in the local area. There were four ponds present within or immediately adjacent to the site (TN6, TN20, TN35 & TN54).
Seven ponds are identifiable on available maps within 500m of the site, two of these ponds are located on the northern side of the River Gipping which forms a significant barrier to newt
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 43 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
movement. One of the ponds located within the northern part of the site (at TN45) was dry at the time of survey. Of the remaining four two were considered to be of poor suitability for amphibians including great crested newts; one of these ponds was part of the sewage works to the north of the site (TN54), and the other was a large pond within Chantry Park to the east, this pond was a fishing lake and had very limited aquatic vegetation.
Two ponds within/directly adjacent to the site (TN6 & TN35) and a third that was not shown on OS maps (TN20), were considered to provide potential habitat for great crested newts, although the pond at Red House Farm (TN35) appeared to have vertical brick walls.
The majority of habitat within the site was unsuitable for amphibians being dominated by arable land, however the land surrounding the ponds was generally good quality and hedgerows and ditches formed a network linking the ponds together.
Further surveys should be undertaken to assess the presence or likely absence of great crested newts in ponds within 500m of the site boundary.
4.4.11 Birds
4.4.11.1 BAP/SPIE/Red-list Birds A number of local BAP, national SPIE, and Schedule 1 bird records were provided by SBIS from the local area. The hedgerows, grassland/ruderal areas and trees could support foraging and nesting BAP species, such as dunnock and song thrush and the arable crop (if suitable during the nesting season) could support ground nesting birds such as skylarks. Skylark plots were present within the arable fields to the north of the site (TN28), these are present as mitigation for two residential housing schemes – Wolsey Grange in Ipswich and Chilton Leys in Stowmarket15.
4.4.11.2 Nesting Birds All nesting birds and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Common and BAP bird species could potentially use trees, hedgerows, grassland and ruderal areas and the arable land for nesting.
It is likely that the development of the site will reduce the amount of nesting and foraging habitat for a range of birds, particularly ground nesting species such as skylarks. Mitigation in the form of off-site compensation is likely to be required to ensure that these species are not impacted in the long-term.
There is scope to enhance the site for breeding and foraging birds through the inclusion of wildflower grassland, and native fruit and berry baring species within the landscape design.
The timing of works, or a pre-start precautionary nesting bird survey are likely to be required to ensure compliance with legal obligations with regards nesting birds.
4.4.11.3 Wintering birds
15 CSA Environmental (2017) Combined Skylark Mitigation Scheme, Prepared on behalf of Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 44 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
The site is unlikely to be used by a significant number of waders during the winter due to a lack of large areas of open water. However, there are areas adjacent to the site, particularity to the north east where large lakes are present within the River Gipping floodplain that could attract waders, that may in turn use habitat within the site.
Due to the abundance of breeding habitat and the presence of European designated sites within 13km of the site (Stour and Orwell Estuaries SPA & Ramsar site & the Deben Estuary SPA 7 Ramsar site) it is recommended that further breeding and wintering bird surveys are carried out to assess what birds are present and how they use the site during the breeding and over winter periods.
4.4.12 Invertebrates The arable habitats within the site were largely unsuitable for invertebrates and were likely treated with pesticides. However, field margins, grassland, hedgerows and the ditches/river corridor provided good quality habitat and numerous invertebrates including funnel web spiders, dragon & damsel flies beetles, solitary bees and flies were seen during the survey.
There were piles of dead wood within the site (TN11 & TN39) however, these were not sufficiently rotted to provide habitat for saprophytic species such as stag beetles. However, there were abundant amounts of decaying wood within the adjacent woodland at Chantry Park (TN12).
Due to the varied nature of the habitats within the site it is recommended that invertebrate surveys are carried out to assess the assemblage of invertebrates present and to inform development plans.
4.4.13 Impact on Local Wildlife Sites & European Protected Sites The proposed could impact the adjacent CWS Chantry Park directly through changes in lighting and hydrology at the site. There could also be indirect impacts through increasde use of this open space, as it is likely that new residents will use the Park for recreational purposes. Safeguards should be put in place to ensure that impacts are minimised, accessible open space should be included within the layout design to accommodate the majority of the recreational needs of the new residents. As part of the adopted Ipswich Borough Council Core Strategy16, under Plan 5, there is a proposed 100m buffer around Chantry Park to minimise impacts and protect ecological corridors, this should be incorporated into the site design.
There are two European designated sites within 13km of these site: Stour & Orwell Estuaries SPA & Ramsar site and the Deben Estuary SPA & Ramsar site. These sites are currently already under pressure from recreational activities, therefore the addition of new homes into the area is likely to increase this pressure. A Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening Report should be prepared by the Competent Authority to assess the need for an Appropriate Assessment which will inform likely mitigation needs.
16 Ipswich Borough Council (2017) Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan: Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document Review.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 45 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
4.5 Limitations and Assumptions The baseline conditions reported and assessed in this document represent those identified during a single site survey, on the 8th & 9th July 2018. A reasonable assessment of habitats can be made during a single survey; however, seasonal variations cannot be observed. The survey provides an overview of the likelihood of protected species occurring on the site: Where no evidence is found, this does not mean that species are not present, or using the site. Further surveys are only recommended if there is a significant likelihood that protected species may be present and impacted by the proposed development, based on the suitability of the habitat and any direct evidence.
All areas of the site were accessible on the day of the survey, however dense vegetation growth with the grassland/ruderal fields meant that these fields were generally viewed from the boundaries. All constraints and limitations have been taken into account within conclusions and recommendations.
The desk study used records and historical data provided by SBIS, which depend on the availability of recorders and survey effort in the area, and do not list all species likely to be present. Data supplement the site visit, but absence of records does not confirm absence of species.
5 Recommendations
5.1 Further Surveys
5.1.1 Botany Further botanical surveys are recommended of areas dominated by grassland species particularly these areas towards the south of the site (TN7 &TN8) and areas to the north (TN44 & TN43) where a hay cutting regime is in place. Field margins particularly at TN49 and the ephemeral vegetation at TN51 should also be included within these surveys. The optimal time for botanical surveys is between April and October, however due to the dense nature of vegetation growth within the grassland areas it is recommended that a Spring/early Summer survey is undertaken to assess the presence of any notable species.
5.1.2 Bats
5.1.2.1 Transects Surveys assessing the use of landscape features such as hedgerows and the river corridor should be undertaken to identify any important commuting and/or foraging areas at the site to inform the design of the scheme. Surveys should follow current good practice guidelines17 and comprise walked transects and automated bat detection of suitable features. Transect surveys should be carried out at least once per month between April and October and at least one of these surveys should comprise a dusk and dawn surveys within 24hrs. In addition to walked
17 Collins, J. (Ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (Third Edition). The Bat Conservation Trust, London.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 46 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
transects automated static detectors should be deployed at two locations on each transect route for a minimum of five days per moths between April and October.
5.1.2.2 Roosting Bats Large numbers of trees suitable for roosting bats were identified during the survey. Further surveys will be necessary if any of these trees will be impacted by the proposed development. Surveys of trees with medium or high bat roost potential should following current good practice guidelines15 and include at least two/three dusk and/or dawn surveys. A specific bat risk assessment should be carried out to identify the bat roost potential of any trees that are likely to be impacted by the proposals. Trees with high bat roost potential should be surveyed at least three times between April and September with at least two of the surveys between May and August, surveys should include at least one dusk and one separate pre-dawn survey. Trees with moderate bat roost potential should be surveyed at lease two times between April and September with at least one survey between May and August, surveys should include one dusk and one separate pre-dawn survey. Further surveys of trees with low bat roost potential are not required, however precautionary felling techniques may be necessary if works are required.
5.1.3 Badgers Further surveys for badgers should be undertaken to assess the use of the sites by badgers and to advise on the likely impact that the proposed development will have. The optimal time for badger surveys is between October and March when vegetation is less and features such as setts and runs are less obstructed.
5.1.4 Birds
5.1.4.1 Breeding Birds Surveys should be carried out to identify any significant breeding bird activity at the site and 18 to inform design proposals. Surveys would be based upon methods described by Bibby et al and those set-out by the BTO Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) voluntary scheme. Surveys should be carried out once per month between April and July and all birds seen and heard identified to species level.
5.1.4.2 Wintering Birds Surveys of the site will establish a baseline of site use by birds, for foraging and roosting during the winter, pre-development. Surveys should be based upon Holt et al19 and Bibby et al16.
The site should be visited once per month between November and February, each visit should be undertaken over a four hour period, two hours either side of high tide, on a spring tide. The survey should be designed to detect bird flocks (of gulls, waders, geese etc) using open areas of the site, as well as allowing surveyors to walk boundaries and less visible areas to record avian use of such areas by passerines (such as thrushes, finches etc).
18 Bibby, C.J., Burgess, N.D., Hill, D.A., Mustoe, S. (2000) Bird Census Techniques (Academic Press: London). 19 Holt, C.A. et al. 2009. 'Waterbirds in the UK 2007/08: The wetland bird survey', BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 47 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
5.1.5 Great Crested Newts Further surveys for to determine if great crested newts are using ponds within the site or within 500m of the site to assess the impact of the proposed scheme. Surveys should be undertaken of all ponds within 500m of the site between mid-March and mid-June with half of the visits between mid-April and mid-May. Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys can be undertaken between 15th April and 30th June but can only determine presence or absence from a waterbody.
5.1.6 Reptiles Further surveys should be undertaken to assess the presence or likely absence of reptile within suitable areas of the site. Reptiles surveys should involve at least seven visits to pre-laid refuges between April and September in suitable weather conditions.
5.1.7 Dormice Dormouse surveys can be undertaken between April and November and require nest tubes to be distributed throughout suitable habitat within the site and left for a number of months. Tubes are checked periodically to see if nests have been built, which would indicate the presence of a dormouse population. Nut searches can be undertaken in the winter months if suitable vegetation is present.
5.1.8 Invertebrates Further surveys for invertebrates should be carried out to assess the presence of a significant assemblage of any rare or SPIE invertebrates. Surveys should be undertaken between April and September and are likely to involve a number of visits to the site.
5.1.9 Otter and Water Vole Further surveys for water voles and otters should be undertaken to assess the sue of the River Gipping corridor and wet ditches within the site. Otter surveys can be completed at any time of year but are most effective in Spring when riparian vegetation is not fully established, allowing better views of watercourse banks and channel features. Water vole surveys should eb undertaken between mid-April and late September, when they are most active, at least two survey visits are recommended.
6 Conclusion The site is large and varied and as such provide potential habitat for a range of protected species, including: roosting, foraging and commuting bats, badgers, breeding and over wintering birds, reptiles, great crested newts, invertebrates, dormice, otter and water vole.
An active badger sett was recorded towards the western boundary and the Schedule 9 Invasive species giant hogweed was recorded along the River Gipping to the north.
Further surveys are recommended to assess the presence or protected, rare species and SPIEs. Surveys should be undertaken to assess the following: Botany, roosting bats, bat activity, great crested newts, badgers, otter & water vole, invertebrates, dormice, breeding birds, wintering birds and reptiles.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 48 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
The results of further surveys should be used to inform the proposals for the site minimising the potential impacts to protected species and enhancing retained habitats where possible.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 49 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
7 Appendix A – Legislation
7.1 Habitat Regulations The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) transpose Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna (Habitats Directive) into English law, making it an offence to deliberately capture, kill or disturb wild animals listed under Schedule 2 of the Regulations. It is also an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal (even if the animal is not present at the time).
7.2 Wildlife & Countryside Act The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) 2000 and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006, consolidates and amends existing national legislation to implement the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) and Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive), making it an offence to:
• Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or their eggs or nests (with certain exceptions) and disturb any bird species listed under Schedule 1 to the Act, or its dependent young while it is nesting; • Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild animal listed under Schedule 5 to the Act; intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct any place used for shelter or protection by any wild animal listed under Schedule 5 to the Act; intentionally or recklessly disturb certain Schedule 5 animal species while they occupy a place used for shelter or protection; • Pick or uproot any wild plant listed under Schedule 8 of the Act.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are designated under this Act.
Special Protection Areas (SPA) are strictly protected sites, designated under the Birds Directive, for rare and vulnerable birds and for regularly occurring migratory species.
7.3 Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act The NERC 2006 places a duty on authorities to have due regard for biodiversity and nature conservation during the course of their operations.
7.4 Biodiversity Action Plans The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) was organised to fulfil the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, to which the UK is a signatory.
There is no longer a UK Biodiversity Action Plan; this has been replaced by the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework (2012). The England Biodiversity Strategy has been replaced by Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services (2011). As a result, the BAP process has been devolved to local level with each county deciding its own way forward.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 50 of 51 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: Chantry Vale, Ipswich
7.5 Relevant Protected Species Legislation
Species Relevant Legislation Level of Protection • European protected species under the Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2017. Under the WCA (1981), it an offence to: • Full protection under the Wildlife and • intentionally kill, injure, or take any species of bat; Bats Countryside Act (WCA) (1981) • intentionally or recklessly disturb bats; (Listed on Schedule 5) - as • intentionally or recklessly damage destroy or amended. obstruct access to bat roosts. • Protected by the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996. Under the WCA (1981) it is an offence to: • Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird Nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife • Intentionally take, damage or destroy nests in use and Countryside Act (1981) as amended with or being built (including ground nesting birds) Birds the exception of some species listed in • Intentionally take, damage or destroy eggs Schedule 2 of the Act Species listed on Schedule 1 of the WCA or their dependant young are afforded additional protection from disturbance whilst they are at their nests The following are criminal offences under the Protection of Badgers Act: Badgers • Protection of Badgers Act, 1992 • To wilfully kill, injure, take, possess, or cruelly ill- treat a badger, or to attempt to do so. • To intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett. • European protected species under Under the WCA (1981) it is an offence to: the Conservation of Habitats & • intentionally kill, injure, or take dormice Species Regulations 2017. • intentionally or recklessly disturb dormice Dormice • Full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) (1981) • intentionally or recklessly damage destroy or (Listed on Schedule 5) - as obstruct access to any place used by the animal amended. for shelter or protection.
• European protected species under Under the WCA (1981) it is an offence to: the Conservation of Habitats & • intentionally kill, injure, or take great crested newts Great Species Regulations 2017. • intentionally or recklessly disturb great crested Crested • Full protection under the Wildlife and newts Newts Countryside Act (WCA) (1981) • intentionally or recklessly damage destroy or (Listed on Schedule 5) - as obstruct access to any place used by the animal amended. for shelter or protection. Under the WCA (1981), it is an offence to: • Partially protected under Schedule 5 • intentionally kill or injure these animals; Reptiles of the Wildlife and Countryside Act • sell, offer for sale, advertise for sale, possess or (1981) as amended. transport for the purposes of selling any live or dead animals or part of these animals.
• European protected species under Under the WCA (1981) it is an offence to: the Conservation of Habitats & • intentionally kill, injure, or take otters Species Regulations 2017. • intentionally or recklessly disturb otters Otter • Full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) (1981) intentionally or recklessly damage destroy or obstruct (Listed on Schedule 5) - as access to any place used by the animal for shelter or amended. protection. Under the WCA (1981) it is an offence to: • Full protection under the Wildlife and • intentionally kill, injure, or take water voles Countryside Act (WCA) (1981) Water vole • intentionally or recklessly disturb water voles (Listed on Schedule 5) - as intentionally or recklessly damage destroy or obstruct amended. access to any place used by the animal for shelter or protection.
AE18021-1 20 July 2018 Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Page 51 of 51