Holcombe Road, Helmshore
River Corridor Survey of the River Ogden v.2
Submitted to: Taylor Wimpey
Submitted by: ERAP Ltd Consultant Ecologists
September 2010
ERAP Ltd., Consultant Ecologists 49a Manor Lane Penwortham Preston Lancashire PR1 0TA
Tel: 01772 750502 E-mail: [email protected]
Taylor Wimpey River Corridor Survey, the River Ogden v.2 Holcombe Road, Helmshore September 2010
Document Control Sheet
Client: Taylor Wimpey Project: 2010_190 Title: Holcombe Road, Helmshore – River Corridor Survey of the River Ogden v.2
Report Author Lisa Rigby
Signed
Date September 2010
Report Issued to: Mark Calvert of Taylor Wimpey
Copy Number v2
Page (i) Taylor Wimpey River Corridor Survey, the River Ogden v.2 Holcombe Road, Helmshore September 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 Terms of Reference ...... 3 1.2 Objectives of the Study ...... 3
2 LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT ...... 4 2.1 National Planning Policy and Legislation ...... 4 2.2 Biodiversity Action Plans ...... 5
3 CONSULTATION AND REVIEW OF EXISTING DATA ...... 7 3.1 Consultees ...... 7 3.2 Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites ...... 7 3.3 Non-Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites ...... 7 3.4 Habitats and Plants ...... 8 3.5 Birds ...... 9 3.6 Amphibians ...... 11 3.7 Reptiles ...... 11 3.8 Mammals ...... 11 3.9 Invertebrates ...... 11
4 SURVEY METHODOLOGY ...... 13 4.1 River Corridor Survey (RCS) ...... 13 4.2 Protected Species ...... 14
5 BASELINE CONDITIONS ...... 17 5.2 Channel ...... 17 5.3 Margins ...... 17 5.4 Banks ...... 17 5.5 Adjacent land use ...... 21 5.6 Fauna ...... 21
6 EVALUATION ...... 24 6.2 Habitats and species ...... 24 6.3 Invasive species ...... 24
7 CONCLUSION ...... 25 7.1 Protected sites ...... 25
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7.2 Protected species ...... 25 7.3 Habitats and plants ...... 26 7.4 Potential for development ...... 26
8 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 27 8.1 Further surveys ...... 27 8.2 Protection of Breeding Birds ...... 27 8.3 Protection of the Watercourse ...... 27 8.4 Protection of Trees ...... 28 8.5 Habitat Enhancement and Landscape Planting ...... 28 8.6 Management of the Riparian Habitat ...... 30
LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Plant records (provided by Lancashire County Council) Table 2: Species list of birds provided by Lancashire County Council and their BOC 3 (2009) status Table 3: Bank ground flora Table 4: Species recorded in grassland area Table 5: Species recorded at top of bank Table 6: Suggested species for landscape planting
LIST OF FIGURES FIGURES 1, 2 & 3: Holcombe Road River Corridor Survey (Figure 1: Northern Section; Figure 2: Southern Section; Figure 3: Channel cross-sections)
LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A: SUPPORTING PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX B: PLANNING LAYOUT, DRAWING NUMBER 02-01 APPENDIX C: DEFINITIONS OF BADGER SETTS APPENDIX D: BAT ROOST ASSESSMENT CRITERIA - trees APPENDIX E: DRAWING No c-673-01 APPENDIX F: METHOD STATEMENT FOR THE PROTECTION OF EXISTING TREES (PDP ASSOCIATES)
Page ii Taylor Wimpey River Corridor Survey, the River Ogden Holcombe Road, Helmshore September 2010
1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Terms of Reference 1.1.1 ERAP Ltd (Consultant Ecologists) was commissioned by Taylor Wimpey in August 2010 to carry out a River Corridor Survey (RCS) of the River Ogden adjacent to Holcombe Road, Helsmshore.
1.1.2 The River Ogden flows through a 2 ha (approximately) area that has been identified for future development for residential housing, hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’, and marks the western boundary of the Site.
1.1.3 The Site is located within the village of Helmshore (OS grid reference SD 778 212) and currently comprises a vacant building and hardstanding. The surrounding area is made up of residential properties, business units and a textile mill museum.
1.2 Objectives of the Study 1.2.1 The objectives of the study were to:
• Identify and map biological and physical river channel features;
• describe and evaluate existing species and habitats on the site;
• identify whether there is the potential for protected species on the site;
• identify habitats and species of biodiversity importance1;
• advise on further survey requirements, if any, prior to development and
• give provisional advice on the feasibility of development without significant harm to sites and species populations of substantive biodiversity value.
1.2.2 To enable the objectives of the study to be met, a strategy was adopted which included review of existing data through consultation with data holders and relevant interested parties (see Section 3 – Consultations and Review of Existing Data).
1 Such as UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) or Local BAP priority species and/or habitats
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2 LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 2.1 National Planning Policy and Legislation 2.1.1 Guidance on nature conservation planning policy is provided in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (PPS9, 2005). This is concerned with protection through the planning system of statutory and non-statutory sites of biodiversity and/or geological conservation value, as well as species protection and biodiversity conservation in the wider environment.
2.1.2 PPS9 sets out a number of key principles, which include the need for up-to-date baseline information; the need for biodiversity to be taken into account at all scales of development planning; the need for appropriate weight to be attached to biodiversity in decision-making; the need to prevent harm to biodiversity and geological interests, and the need to promote opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.
2.1.3 In considering biodiversity issues, PPS9 places particular emphasis on the requirement for local authorities to pay due regard to the conservation and enhancement of habitats and species listed under section 74(2) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act) as being of “principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in England” (i.e. Priority habitats and species).
2.1.4 The Government Circular to accompany PPS9 states that the presence of a protected species is “… a material consideration when a planning authority is considering a development proposal which, if carried out, would be likely to result in harm to the species or its habitat”.
2.1.5 National legislation for the special protection of selected species is provided in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. Under Section 1(1) and 1(2), all British bird species, their nests and eggs (excluding some pest and game species) are protected from intentional killing, injury or damage. Under Sections 1(4) and 1(5), special penalties are applied to bird species included in Schedule 1 of the Act and protection is extended for these species to disturbance to birds whilst building, in or near a nest and disturbance to dependant young. Schedule 5 provides special protection to selected animal species other than birds, through paragraph 9(4) of the Act, against damage to “any structure or place which any wild animal (included in the schedule) uses for shelter and protection” and against disturbance whilst in such places. The CRoW Act 2000 amends Section 1(5) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by introducing a new offence of “reckless” disturbance to protected wildlife and making certain offences punishable by imprisonment.
2.1.6 Species, such as bats, Great crested newt, White-clawed crayfish and Otter, are provided additional protection through inclusion on Schedule 2 of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, which transpose into British law the European Community’s Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). The Regulations, commonly referred to
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as the “Habitats Regulations”, extend protection against deliberate disturbance to those animals wherever they are present, and provides tests against which the permission for a development that may have an effect on a Schedule 2 protected species must be assessed before permission can be given.
2.1.7 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC) also lists the White-clawed crayfish as a species of principle importance under Section 41 and Section 40 requires every public body in the exercising of its functions ‘have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity (all biodiversity and not just section 41 species and habitats)’ ; therefore making the White-clawed crayfish a material consideration in the planning process and requiring a detailed ecological survey before planning permission can be granted. In addition, local authority planning departments will use the section 41 species to meet the requirements of the Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9) which requires planners to maintain, restore and enhance species and habitats.
2.1.8 Water voles are provided protection under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. This makes it an offence to intentionally kill, take or injure Water voles; or to damage, destroy, or obstruct access to, any structure or place which the water vole uses for shelter or protection; or disturb any such animal while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.
2.1.9 Badgers (Meles meles) are protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and are listed under Annex II of the Bern Convention. These legislative measures are based primarily on the need to protect badgers from baiting and deliberate harm or injury.
2.1.10 Under the provisions of the Badgers Act 1992, the following activities amount to criminal offences:-
• to willfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill treat a Badger or attempt to do so; • to interfere with a sett by damaging or destroying it; • to obstruct access to, or any entrance of, a Badger sett; and • to disturb a Badger when occupying its sett.
A Badger sett is any structure or place that displays signs indicating current use by a badger. The legal definition includes main, annexe, subsidiary and outlier setts, even though badgers may only use these intermittently (see Appendix A for sett definitions).
2.2 Biodiversity Action Plans 2.2.1 Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) are part of the British Government’s strategy for the implementation of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, to which it is a signatory. BAPs have been developed for the UK and devolved to local levels (LBAPs), to protect a number of rare species and habitats and reverse the declines of more widespread, but declining, species and habitats. Under the CRoW Act 2000, the
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English Government has a duty to have due regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity, so it is good practice for BAP and LBAP species and habitats to be taken into consideration in the planning of a development scheme.
2.2.2 In addition to the overall UK BAP, the area affected by the proposal is covered by the Lancashire BAP.
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3 CONSULTATION AND REVIEW OF EXISTING DATA 3.1 Consultees 3.1.1 A consultation and data collation process was undertaken to check for records of protected species and designated sites in the area. The following organisations and websites were consulted: • Lancashire County Council • Natural England’s interactive mapping service: www.magic.gov.uk • National Biodiversity Network web-site: www.nbn.org 3.2 Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites 3.2.1 Interrogation of Natural England’s mapping service magic revealed no statutory designated nature conservation sites within the Site or within 1 km of the Site.
3.2.2 No further consideration is required.
3.3 Non-Statutory Designated Nature Conservation Sites 3.3.1 There are two non-statutory Biological Heritage Sites located within 1 km of the Site:
Ogden Valley (Raven Shore and Lower Cockham) – site ref 72SE06
3.3.2 A 10 ha site located approximately 500m to the south of the Site. The site comprises ...’a mosaic of semi-natural habitats on either side of the River Ogden gorge south of Helmshore and includes a section of former railway line to the north.
3.3.3 The habitats within the site include semi-natural woodland and scrub, flushes and neutral and acidic grasslands. Along the course of the River Ogden, humid shale cliffs have well-developed fern and bryophyte communities.
3.3.4 The woodland is ancient, semi-natural in character and comprises abundant oak, locally abundant downy birch, frequent ash, occasional sycamore and rare wych elm and beech. The ground flora comprises frequent ferns including hard fern, broad buckler-fern, lady fern and soft shield-fern. Other species include wood sorrel, bluebell and creeping soft-grass. The presence of upland enchanter’s-nightshade in the ground flora suggests that the site has been wooded for some considerable time....’
3.3.5 ‘Unimproved and semi-improved neutral grasslands show high sedge and herb cover including the sedges: glaucous sedge, carnation sedge, oval sedge, hairy sedge, common yellow-sedge and pale sedge. Herb species include: devils’-bit scabious, zigzag clover, eyebright, greater bird’s-foot trefoil, common bird’s-foot trefoil, cat’s-ear, autumn hawkbit, lady’s-mantle, meadow vetchling, sneezewort, common knapweed and selfheal.’
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Musbury Valley – site ref 72SE03 3.3.6 A 98.61 ha site located approximately 600m to the east of the Site comprising ‘....a broad valley, extending from Causeway End Farm in the west to Carr Lane Farm in the east. The valley supports a range of upland habitats including acid grassland, flushes and woodland.
3.3.7 Acid grassland with mat-grass, common bent and some soft-rush dominates much of the valley. A number of neutral and acid flushes are also present and species occurring here include bog asphodel, common butterwort, bulbous rush, sneezewort, marsh willowherb, carnation sedge, common sedge, star sedge, hare’s-tail cottongrass and bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.). Areas of broad-leaved woodland are present along Musbury Brook and its tributaries. Canopy species comprise alder, birch, rowan and sycamore, with holly, hawthorn and crack willow in the shrub layer. The ground flora tends to be dominated by acid grassland species. Other plants present include wood- sorrel, herb Robert, marsh hawk’s-beard, opposite- leaved golden-saxifrage and honeysuckle.’
3.4 Habitats and Plants 3.4.1 Rivers and streams, and the riparian (riverside) terrestrial habitats associated with them, are classed as ‘Priority Habitat’ under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and many county and local BAPs.
3.4.2 Data from Lancashire County Council revealed the presence of a number of plant species within 1 km of the central point of the Site. The list of species and their conservation status are provided in Table 1 below. It should be noted that, although recorded within 1 km of the Site, not all species may be using the Site.
Table 1: Plant records (provided by Lancashire County Council)
Species Conservation Status
Scot’s pine Pinus sylvestris Nationally scarce
Eastern rocket Sisymbrium orientale IUCN (pre 1994) - vulnerable
Bluebell Hyacinthoides non- Wildlife & Countrysisde Act scrpita Great burnet Sanguisorba IUCN (pre 1994) - vulnerable officinalis Contd.
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Table 1 contd.
Species Conservation status
Hairy St. John’s-wort Hypericum hirsutum IUCN (pre 1994) - Vulnerable
Hawkweed Hieracium Nationally rare acuminatum
Ivy-leaved crowfoot Ranunculus Biodiversity Long List hederaceus
Large bitter-cress Cardamine amara IUCN (pre 1994) - Rare
Slender rush Juncus tenuis IUCN (pre 1994) - Rare
Small pondweed Potamogeton Lancs BAP Provisional Long List berchtoldii Toothed medick Medicago Nationally scarce polymorpha Welsh poppy Meconopsis cambrica Nationally scarce
3.4.3 None of the above plant species were found within the Site boundary at the time of survey.
3.5 Birds 3.5.1 Data from Lancashire County Council revealed the presence of a number of bird species within 1 km of the central point of the Site. The list of species and their status in the list of Birds of Conservation Concern 3 are provided in Table 2 below. It should be noted that, although recorded within 1 km of the Site, not all species may be using the Site.
3.5.2 The following birds are also UK BAP Priority Species:
• House sparrow
• Reed bunting
• Skylark
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Table 2: Species list of birds provided by Lancashire County Council and their BOCC 3 (2009) status Red List Species Amber List Species Green List/Other Species Grasshopper Skylark Grey wagtail Snipe Dunnock Greenfinch Collared dove Blackbird warbler Reed Grey partridge Linnet Meadow pipit Mallard Woodpigeon Goldfinch Dipper bunting House Song thrush Wheatear House martin Curlew Blackcap Sparrowhawk Grey heron sparrow Small Long-eared Lapwing Starling Mistle thrush Bullfinch Chiffchaff Swallow magpie owl
Spotted Willow Kestrel Swift Robin Chaffinch Pied wagtail flycatcher warbler
Great- Wren Goldcrest spotted woodpecker
Tawny owl Pheasant Jackdaw
Carrion crow
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3.6 Amphibians 3.6.1 Interrogation of the NBN web-site revealed records of Great crested newt and Common frog within the 10 km square SD72, however the Great crested newt record dates back to 1968.
3.6.2 Data from Lancashire County Council revealed records of Common frog approximately 900 m away from the centre of the Site.
3.7 Reptiles 3.7.1 Interrogation of the NBN web-site revealed the records of Adder within the 10 km square SD72.
3.7.2 Lancashire County Council had no reptile records within 1 km of the centre of the Site.
3.8 Mammals 3.8.1 Interrogation of the NBN web-site revealed records of Water vole within the 10 km square SD72, however the most recent record dates back to 2000. Pipistrelle have been recorded over 5 km away from the Site boundary.
3.8.2 Data from Lancashire County Council revealed records of the following mammals within 1 km of the centre of the Site:
• Mole
• Pipistrelle bat
3.9 Invertebrates 3.9.1 Data from Lancashire County Council revealed the presence of the following invertebrates within 1 km of centre of the Site:
Butterflies
• Meadow brown
• Orange tip
• Small tortoiseshell
• Peacock
Beetle
• Seven-spot ladybird
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Dragonfly
• Black darter (Lancs BAP Provisional Long List)
• Common darter
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4 SURVEY METHODOLOGY 4.1 River Corridor Survey (RCS) 4.1.1 The River Corridor Survey is a standardised method2 of recording and mapping the biological and physical features of a river and its surrounds to aid decision making on quality and appropriate management. The RCS data is presented in the form of sketch drawings of lengths of river, marked up with features and vegetation types following guidance in the RCS Handbook (see Figures 1, 2 & 3). The drawings are supported by photographs (see Appendix A), descriptive text and species lists.
4.1.2 The term ‘River Corridor' is generally used to describe a stretch of water course, its banks and neighbouring land. As a rule of thumb the river corridor is defined as land and vegetation within 50m of the river bank but this will depend on how the nearby land is affected by the water course.
4.1.3 A River Corridor Survey is not a full protected species or botanical survey, but instead is a tool for identifying in-channel features of interest and determining the requirement for more detailed protected species surveys on the basis of field signs and habitat quality. This method of survey enables professional ecologists to obtain an understanding of the ecology of a river corridor such that either:
• the conservation significance of the river can be confirmed and the potential for impacts on habitats/species likely to represent a material consideration in planning terms can be assessed; or, • it can be ascertained that further surveys of certain aspects of the river’s ecology will be required before such confirmation can be made. 4.1.4 A daytime survey of the the River Ogden was undertaken on the 6th September 2010 by two suitably experienced ecologists (Ms Lisa Rigby, B.Sc (Hons), M.Sc., MIEEM and Mr Brian Robinson, B.Sc (Hons), AIEEM) who carried out the River Corridor Survey in order to identify biological and physical river channel features and evaluate the nature conservation interest as outlined below. The survey covered the 250 m section of the River Ogden that passes through the proposed development Site (see Appendix B Planning Layout, drawing number 02-01) plus an additional 250 m up- and downstream (where access permitted).
4.1.5 Searches were also carried out for the presence of invasive species, including those listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, particularly Japanese knotweed and Giant hogweed.
2 National Rivers Authority 1992, River Corridors Survey – Methods and Procedures. Conservation Technical Handbook No.1
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4.2 Protected Species 4.2.1 During the course of the River Corridor Survey, the survey corridor and its surroundings were checked for signs and suitability for other protected species such as Otter, bats, Badger, Water vole, White-clawed crayfish and breeding birds.
Otter
4.2.2 The River Corridor was searched for the presence of any suitable habitat that could support Otter.
4.2.3 Field signs include:
Footprints: Approximately 7.5 cm across with five toes and a large heel pad. Webbing between the toes can be apparent in well-formed tracks. Often found by the water’s edge.
Trails/runs: Often visible close to and parallel to waterbodies.
Feeding remains: Including fish and bird remains, care must be taken not to confuse with fox prey.
Droppings: Spraints may be found in prominent locations near the water’s edge or under bridges. Characteristic fish oil smell and blackish colour, often containing fish bones.
Holts: Often well-hidden under the cover of tree roots or other vegetation. By the waterside.
Water slides: Large, well-worn slides through mud or grass from the banks into the water.
Water vole
4.2.4 The River Corridor was searched for the presence of any suitable habitat that could support Water vole.
4.2.5 Field signs include:
Faeces: 8 – 12 mm long and 4 – 5 mm wide, cylindrical with blunt ends. Latrines: Used to mark range boundaries or favoured spots close to burrows. Latrines are typically maintained between February and November and often consist of a flattened mass of old droppings topped with fresh ones.
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Feeding stations: Water voles often bring pieces of cut vegetation to favoured feeding stations close to the water’s edge and leave remains in neat piles. Burrows: Wider than they are high, with a diameter of 4 – 8 cm. Around these holes, well-grazed ‘lawns’ can often be found. Footprints: Typically occur at the water’s edge and lead into vegetation cover. Runways: Low tunnels pushed through the vegetation, most often found within two metres of the water’s edge.
White-clawed crayfish
4.2.6 White-clawed Crayfish habitats include small streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and old quarries; they prefer slightly alkaline well oxygenated water with limited sediment. An excellent White-clawed Crayfish habitat contains crevices within rocks, submerged plants and tree roots or any like features that provide shelter from predators.
Bats
4.2.7 Bats can roost in a wide range of crevices and voids within structures such as buildings and bridges, but also trees. A crevice as small as 50mm deep and 12mm wide can be used as a roost by bats. Hollow trees and trees with small cavities, loose bark and cracks are also important for bats. Evidence of bats include:
Droppings: Consist largely of insect remains and crumble easily between the fingers to a powder of semi-shiny fragments. Staining: Dark ‘polished’ surfaces around access holes caused by the oil from bats fur as they pass through holes. Urine staining is also indicative of bat activity. Prey remains: Insect remains, particularly moth wings.
Badger
4.2.8 A search for Badger activity was carried out within the Site boundary and the immediate surrounding area where access permitted, concentrating on the critical 30 metre buffer zone around the Site boundary.
4.2.9 Field signs include:
Setts: See Appendix C for sett definitions.
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Foraging: Areas of disturbed ground and snuffle holes, also turned over cowpats and grass turfs. Breach points: Crossing points over roads, usually indicated by worn sections or claw marks over stone dykes, visible paths, collection of hair on fencing. Dung pit / latrines: Excavated pit in which badgers deposit faeces, a concentration of these pits is referred to as a latrine. Hairs: Guard hairs or under-fur can be found in discarded bedding, spoil outside setts, on fence lines or along paths. Footprints: Distinctive footprint showing a kidney-shaped palm pad, five toe pads almost in a row and the forefoot has long claws. Paths: Badgers regularly use the same routes and can produce well- worn visible paths through vegetation. Paths often lead between setts, latrines and foraging areas. Scratching: Found at the base of trees, this activity can be carried out to clean mud from the claws.
Other mammals
4.2.10 All evidence of the presence of other mammals including Brown hare (a UK BAP Priority Species), deer species and Fox were recorded.
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5 BASELINE CONDITIONS 5.1.1 This section presents a description of baseline conditions based upon a review of existing data and the results of the River Corridor Survey described above (Figures 1, 2 & 3).
5.2 Channel 5.2.1 Due to the canalised nature of the river, the channel remains fairly consistent at 5 m wide and 0.5 m deep (on average) for the length of the survey corridor. The substrate is primarily cobble and boulder with areas of mud.
5.2.2 Several weirs were identified along the length (see Figures 1 & 2), which results in a localised increase in water flow but on the whole flow rate is steady with a series of faster flowing riffles, slower runs and occasional pools.
5.2.3 No channel vegetation was recorded other than that associated with vegetated islands and was predominantly Indian balsam.
5.3 Margins 5.3.1 No marginal vegetation was recorded.
5.4 Banks 5.4.1 The majority of the western bank comprises stone retaining wall, although an earth bank is present just north of the main entrance to the Site. Sections of the retaining wall on the eastern bank have collapsed revealing earth banking which has slumped in several locations.
5.4.2 There are abundant Ash saplings growing from the retaining walls as well as abundant Broad-buckler fern.
5.4.3 The vegetation from the top of the retaining walls to the top of the bank is predominantly woodland, with many of the trees overhanging the main channel. The woodland strip is dominated along its length by Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), with Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Elder (Sambucus nigra). To the north of the access bridge stands a very large, mature Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) with Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and Oak (Quercus sp.).
5.4.4 The ground flora associated with the woodland strip is shown in Table 3 below:
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Table 3: Bank ground flora
Vernacular Scientific
Bramble (abundant) Rubus fruticosus
Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius
Bush vetch (frequent) Vicia sepium
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra
Common sorrel Rumex acetosa
Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens
Field horsetail Equisetum arvense
Fox-and-cubs Pilosella aurantiaca
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis
Rosebay willlowherb Chamerion angustifolium
Grasses
Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata
Common couch Elymus repens
Creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera
False-oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius
Cont.
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Table 3 contd.
Vernacular Scientific
Reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea
Timothy Phleum pratense
Invasive species
Indian balsam Impatiens glandulifera
Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica
5.4.5 Beyond the main weir (shown on Figure 2 & photo 1) there is an area of grassland that slopes down to the top of the retaining wall, becoming more acidic in species composition towards the base (photo 2). Species recorded are shown in Table 4 below:
Table 4: Species recorded in the grassland area
Vernacular Scientific
Cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata
Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense
Field woodrush Luzula campestris
Heath bedstraw Galium saxatile
Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata
Cont.
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Table 4 cont.
Grasses
Creeping bent-grass Agrostis stolonifera
Crested dog’s-tail Cynosaurus cristatus
Mat grass Nardus stricta
Red fescue Festuca rubra
Sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum
Tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus
5.4.6 Additional species recorded at the top of the bank are shown in Table 5 below:
Table 5: Species recorded at the top of the bank
Vernacular Scientific
Bramble Rubus fruticosus
Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans
Greater bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus peduncukatus
Reed bartsia Odentites vernus
Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata
Cont.
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Table 5 cont.
Vernacular Scientific
Smooth tare Vicia tetrasperma
Tormentil Potentilla erecta
5.5 Adjacent land use 5.5.1 To the east of the River Ogden there is a mixture of land uses. The Site itself comprises a vacant building and associated hardstanding which is bound by a mesh fence. To the south of this there is a public footpath which is part of the Bridge End walk. Station Road crosses the river and joins Bridge End Close to the south and the adjacent land-use here is predominantly residential.
5.5.2 Helmshore Textile Museum and associated amenity grounds lies to the north of the Site.
5.5.3 To the west of the River Ogden, Holcombe Road runs adjacent to the retaining wall. Beyond this are a series of business and residential properties.
5.6 Fauna Birds
5.6.1 Although specific recording of birds was not undertaken during the survey, incidental observations of the following species were made:
• Kingfisher (Amber on the Birds of Conservation Concern List, 2009 (BOCC 2009))
• Grey heron (Amber on BOCC 2009)
• Dipper (Green on BOCC 2009)
• Grey wagtail (Amber on BOCC 2009)
• House sparrow (Red on BOCC 2009)
5.6.2 The habitats within the corridor and its surrounds provide good nesting and foraging opportunities for birds.
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Amphibians
5.6.3 A single Common frog was observed during the course of the survey.
Reptiles
5.6.4 No reptiles were observed during the course of the survey.
Badger
5.6.5 No evidence of Badger was found during the course of this survey.
Water Vole
5.6.6 No evidence of Water vole was found during the course of this survey.
Otter
5.6.7 No evidence of Otter was found during the course of this survey, however it is entirely feasible that Otter would commute along the River Corridor.
Bats
5.6.8 The buildings were assessed externally during daylight for their potential to support roosting bats.
5.6.9 The trees were assessed for their bat roost potential / suitability (see Appendix D for assessment criteria).
5.6.10 The trees on Site show low / moderate potential for providing roosting opportunites for bats as many of them are too small and young to provide potential habitat value for roosting, though they contribute towards sheltered flight-lines for use by foraging and commuting bats.
Other mammals
5.6.11 Evidence of Mole activity was observed in the form of mole-hills, although this was more apparent in the grounds around the Textile Mill Museum.
5.6.12 Small mammal burrows were observed throughout the Site and are likely to be Vole, Wood mouse etc.
5.6.13 No evidence of Brown hare, Fox or Deer was observed during the course of the survey.
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Invertebrates
5.6.14 The following invertebrate species were recorded during the course of the survey:
• Peacock
• Green-veined white
• Common carder bee
• Cricket
• A Shield-bug
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6 EVALUATION Evaluation methodology
6.1.1 The river corridor and animal life have been evaluated with reference to standard nature conservation criteria as described by Ratcliffe (1977) and the Nature Conservancy Council (1989). These are: size (extent); diversity; naturalness; rarity; fragility; typicalness; recorded history; position in an ecological or geographical unit; potential value; and intrinsic appeal.
6.1.2 Evaluation of the survey results makes reference to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and the Lancashire BAP.
6.1.3 The evaluation in this report has also taken into consideration the guidance on nature conservation planning policy provided in PPS9, which sets out a number of ‘Key Principles’, including the need for up-to-date baseline information; the need for biodiversity to be taken into account at all scales of development planning; the need for appropriate weight to be attached to biodiversity in decision-making; the need to prevent harm to biodiversity and geological interests and the need to promote opportunities for enhancement.
6.2 Habitats and species 6.2.1 Due to the past use of the Site and the canalisation of the River Ogden, diversity is low in terms of habitats and species. Aquatic and marginal vegetation is lacking and the woodland strip is dominated by Ash and Sycamore with a species-poor understorey. However, the river corridor does provide feeding and nesting opportunities for birds and the building itself and mature trees may provide suitable roosting opportunities for bats.
6.3 Invasive species 6.3.1 Both Indian balsam and Japanese knotweed (Appendix A, photo’s 1 & 3) were recorded during the survey.
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7 CONCLUSION 7.1 Protected sites 7.1.1 There are no statutory protected sites within 1 km of the centre of the Site boundary.
7.1.2 There are two non-statutory protected sites within 1 km of the centre of the Site boundary.
7.1.3 The development of the Site will have no impact on the integrity of these non-statutory protected sites and the proposed Indian balsam and Japanese knotweed control will be beneficial to the downstream Ogden Valley Biological Heritage Site (see section 3.3) by reducing an up-stream source.
7.2 Protected species 7.2.1 There are no records of great crested newt and other amphibians within 1 km of the centre of Site boundary, and a lack of suitable habitat and connectivity for great crested newt on Site. The Site is unlikely to be important for amphibians. No further consideration is required.
7.2.2 The Site and its surrounds offer good nesting and feeding opportunities for birds including those associated with the riparian habitat – the exposed tree roots provide suitable nesting for Dipper, the overhanging trees offer excellent perches for Kingfisher and Grey heron was recorded during the survey.
7.2.3 The Site offers low/moderate roosting and foraging opportunities for bats.
7.2.4 There are limited opportunities on the Site for reptiles. Their presence on the Site is unlikely however it cannot be discounted as the vegetated slope along the north- eastern boundary of the Site could potentially support reptiles. However, the footprint of the works does not include this area. No further consideration is required.
7.2.5 No evidence of Badgers was found within or adjacent to the Site. No further consideration is required.
7.2.6 No evidence of Otter was found along the River Corridor. This section of the River Ogden offered limited / no lie-up areas or holt opportunities, however their presence cannot be discounted. Otters have large territories and can travel over 10km in a night, it is entirely feasible that Otter utilise the River Ogden, however the development will have no impact on the free movement of Otter along this section.
7.2.7 No evidence of Water vole was found during the course of this survey. The sections of the River Ogden surveyed provide sub-optimal habitat for Water vole. For the most part the river has been canalised with retaining stone walls. There is also a lack of marginal vegetation and therefore limited food sources for Water vole. The wooded nature of the top of the retaining wall along the eastern bank is likely to favour mink and facilitate
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mink movement along the river corridor. The development will have no impact on Water vole habitat. No further consideration is required.
7.3 Habitats and plants Habitats.
7.3.1 Rivers and streams, and the riparian (riverside) terrestrial habitats associated with them, are classed as ‘Priority Habitat’ under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and many county and local BAPs.
Trees
7.3.2 Ten trees to the north of the access bridge are covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s). Trees (TPO’d or not) should be retained and incorporated into the layout where it is feasible to do so in order to maintain the River Corridor value.
Invasive / non-native plants
7.3.3 Indian balsam was dominant throughout the river corridor. Although listed by the Environment Agency as an invasive species, there are no specific laws relating to its control.
7.3.4 Indian balsam spreads rapidly and smothers out native plants. When it dies back in the winter, bare ground is exposed which is liable to erode.
7.3.5 Japanese knotweed is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This makes it an offence to plant or the cause the spread of Japanese knotweed in the wild
7.3.6 The Environmental Protection Act (1990) also contains a number of legal provisions concerning ‘controlled waste’. Any Japanese knotweed contaminated soil or plant material is likely to be classified as controlled waste and must be disposed of in accord with the relevant legislation.
7.4 Potential for development 7.4.1 In summary, provided the appropriate mitigation measures and recommendations outlined in section 8 are implemented, no protected species or species of nature conservation importance will be affected by the proposals.
7.4.2 The scheme contains design features to protect important wildlife habitats and species, and to minimise disturbance impacts, chiefly by retaining the river corridor within an open channel and enhancing its value by the removal of alien species.
7.4.3 Given the implementation of the proposals for enhancing the ecological condition of the River Ogden corridor and its associated woodland and other habitats, the net effect of the proposed development will be beneficial for biodiversity. This will satisfy the requirements of Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation
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(PPS9), which seeks the incorporation of beneficial biodiversity within new developments.
8 RECOMMENDATIONS 8.1 Further surveys White-clawed crayfish
8.1.1 Should any in-channel works be proposed, it is advised that the Environment Agency be consulted with regard to the likely presence of White-clawed crayfish.
8.1.2 Should a White-clawed crayfish survey be deemed necessary, the developer will need to schedule this to be undertaken during the optimum survey time (between mid-July to the end of September).
Bats
8.1.3 The main building shows low bat roost potential but it is recommended that an internal inspection by a licensed bat surveyor be undertaken as it may be feasible to demolish the building with Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs) in place.
8.1.4 However, should a bat roost be found within the building a Natural England licence will be required in order to proceed with the works
8.1.5 Concurrent with the survey of the building, those mature trees adjacent to the River Ogden with the greatest roost potential should be identified. Should any be identified for removal, they should be marked for section felling and a guidance note produced.
8.1.6 Bridges should be checked for bats by a licensed bat surveyor prior to undertaking any proposed works.
8.2 Protection of Breeding Birds 8.2.1 All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 while they are breeding. The removal of any trees, shrubs or bramble scrub must only be carried out between September and February unless it is adequately confirmed that no breeding birds are present prior to the commencement of works.
8.2.2 If any breeding birds are observed at any point during the proposed development all works must cease and the advice of a suitably qualified ecologist sought.
8.3 Protection of the Watercourse 8.3.1 All watercourses should be protected during the demolition, construction and operational phase through implementation of best practice. Mitigation measures will be
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discussed and agreed with the Environment Agency. In particular, the following Pollution Prevention Guidance (PPG) will be adhered to;
• PPG1: General Guide to the Prevention of Pollution
• PPG5: Works in, Near or Liable to Affect Watercourses
• PPG6: Working at Demolition and Construction Sites
• PPG7: Refuelling Facilities.
8.4 Protection of Trees 8.4.1 The 10 TPO’d trees have been assessed by a qualified arborist in accord with BS 5837:2005 (Appendix E, Drawing no c-673-01). Of those assessed, 2 have been identified for felling and 6 for tree-surgery. Where felling is required, it will be undertaken outside the hibernation period (mid March – October), under the supervision of a licensed bat specialist if deemed necessary following the initial assessment and in accordance with a suitable felling procedure – section felling is advisable.
8.4.2 A Method Statement for the protection of existing trees has been produced by PDP Associates and can be found in Appendix F.
8.5 Habitat Enhancement and Landscape Planting Habitat enhancement
8.5.1 There are opportunities to enhance the ecological and landscape value of the River Ogden corridor by the removal of alien and invasive species, namely Japanese knotweed, Indian balsam,
8.5.2 All Japanese knotweed, on both sides of the river, should be treated with Glyphosate or other appropriate herbicide. As required by the Environment Agency, the treatment will comply with the Knotweed Code of Practice (Environment Agency 2006) to ensure compliance with existing wildlife and waste legislation and the necessary EA consent to use herbicide near water should be obtained. A scheme for the removal and control of Indian balsam along both sides of the river and along the banks should also be implemented.
8.5.3 The amount of Sycamore, Ash and Bramble along the riverbanks should be reduced with the intention of opening up the canopy, thereby allowing greater light penetration and facilitating the development of a more diverse ground flora. Any replacement trees should be native species such as Alder, Pedunculate oak, Sessile oak, Silver birch, Downy birch and other appropriate tree and shrub species.
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In-channel biodiversity enhancement
8.5.4 An Alaskan A fish pass is to be installed at the main weir (photo 1) in order to facilitate the movement of Brown trout up the river. The final design and layout is to be agreed with the EA’s National Fish Pass Panel.
Landscape planting
8.5.5 Landscape planting should be carried out at and around the proposed development. Planting to be introduced to the Site should be composed of native species, complementary to the local area and of local provenance, where possible. Suggested species are listed in Table 6 below:
Table 6: Suggested species for landscape planting
Common name Scientific name
Shrubs
Hazel Corylus avellana
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Holly Ilex aquifolium
Crab apple Malus sylvestris
Blackthorn Prunus spinosa
Dog rose Rosa canina
Elder Sambucus nigra
Gorse Ulex europaeus
Guelder rose Viburnum opulus
Trees
Alder Alnus glutinosa
Silver birch Betula pendula
Cont.
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Table 6 cont.
Common name Scientific name
Wild cherry Prunus avium
Pedunculate oak Quercus robur
Crack willow Salix fragilis
Rowan Sorbus aucuparia
Wych elm Ulmus glabra
8.5.6 Where there is a landscape planting requirement, for amenity, road safety and other reasons, for the establishment of low-growing shrubs, suitable species will include berry-producing shrubs such as Cotoneaster which will be used by feeding birds and flowering shrubs including Lavender, Hebe species and Potentilla species which can be valuable food for widespread and more mobile butterfly species including Speckled wood, Small white, and Red admiral.
8.5.7 In an article published by Land (2004) which detailed the results of transect surveys of garden habitats and the abundance and diversity of bird species present, trees were confirmed to be important features for birds within street landscapes. The article demonstrated the importance of the provision of a range of features within street areas for the attraction of bird species. At this Site it is recommended that native trees are incorporated into the landscape planting.
8.5.8 It is advised that trees which support blossom and fruit which will attract insects are incorporated into the landscape planting this will aim to encourage foraging bats and birds. Suitable species include Crab apple, Rowan, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Wild cherry and Dog rose.
8.6 Management of the Riparian Habitat 8.6.1 The riparian woodland habitat will require management over a long period to maximise its biodiversity potential. However a substantive level of management is not necessary and is undesirable because biodiversity enhancement of the river corridor should be based on the encouragement of natural colonisation.
8.6.2 It is recommended that a Management and Maintenance Plan is prepared at the outset of the scheme to ensure that the appropriate management treatments are applied and recorded, and to ensure that there is a satisfactory level of monitoring so that management can be informed by the changes in ecological condition of the woodland and its associated habitats.
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FIGURES 1, 2 & 3
Figure 1: Northern Section Figure 2: Southern Section Figure 3: Channel cross-section
APPENDIX A
SUPPORTING PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTO 1 showing main weir
PHOTO 2 showing strip of bank-side acid grassland
PHOTO 3 showing Japanese knotweed and Indian balsam
PHOTO 4 showing the start of the northern section from the access bridge
PHOTO 5
PHOTO 6
PHOTO 7
APPENDIX B
PLANNING LAYOUT, DRAWING NUMBER 02-01
APPENDIX C
DEFINITIONS OF BADGER SETTS
Badger Setts
Badger setts located during the survey were described following the definitions outlined in Neal and Cheeseman (1996) and the descriptions published in Harris et al (1994):
Main sett: Each social group (clan) typically has one main sett, which is usually situated close to the centre of their territory. The main sett is large with several to many entrances; it is used throughout the year and acts as the main breeding sett. It appears well used and may have large spoil heaps at the entrance, with obvious paths leading to and from the sett and between sett entrances.
Annexe sett: This is close to the main sett and is occupied for prolonged periods. It may be connected to the main sett by obvious paths and will probably have more than one entrance. They may be used as an alternative breeding sett when more than one sow within a social group is breeding or by immature or sub-dominant individuals.
Subsidiary sett: Subsidiary setts are usually located further away from the main sett and are not connected to it by obvious paths. These setts are not continuously occupied and may have more than one entrance.
Outlier sett: A small sett with only one or at most two entrances, often used as a temporary refuge by a single badger. Outlier setts are often located on the fringes of a territory.
APPENDIX D
BAT ROOST ASSESSMENT CRITERIA - Trees
Appendix D: Guidelines for Tree Assessment
These general guidelines are for trees, but can be applied to any feature with bat roosting potential
Category Roost Assessment Potential 1 Negligible Where a tree initially looks as though it may have bat roost potential, but on closer inspection, no potential roost sites are found. A confirmation that the tree has been inspected.
2 Low A roost possibility, of low quality, a tree that the surveyor would not expect bats to use. A tree with shallow holes or a light covering of Ivy, or a large tree with no visible rot or signs of holes.
3 Moderate A roost possibility, of higher quality, but the potential roosts are in some way not ideal. Holes could be upward facing or very low down, or the approach to a hole or even the whole tree could be cluttered. A tree away from possible commuting routes and decent foraging. A tree with a particularly dense covering of Ivy. Often a large tree with rot with a possibility of rot holes that cannot be seen, requiring further inspection. Bat occupation would not be expected, but a surveyor would not be surprised to find bat occupation. 4 High An ideal cavity or cavities for roosting bats, probably downward facing with an uncluttered approach. A tree on a likely commuting route, or close to good foraging. A prominent tree likely to be easily detected by bats. Requires further survey. No signs of bat occupation. 5 Confirmed Direct evidence of bat occupation. Existing records, droppings, urine stains all count. Requires further survey and a Natural England licence before any work likely to cause disturbance is carried out.
APPENDIX E
DRAWING No c-673-01
APPENDIX F
METHOD STATEMENT FOR THE PROTECTION OF EXISTING TREES (produced by PDP Associates)