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Ford Mill Farm,

Ford

Great Crested New t Survey Report

July 2020

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Welle1 sley House, Wellesley Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 4NF

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Document Control

Document Properties Organisation Elite Ecology Prepared For Mr. and Mrs. Brough Author Mr. Matthew Cotterill Approved (1st Checker) Mr. Marek Fraczek Approved (2nd Checker) Mr. Richard Millington Title Ford Mill Farm, Ford Great Crested Newt Survey

Version History Date Version Status Description/Changes 24/07/2020 V1 Draft First Draft 29/07/2020 V1 Final Report Proof Read

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

0. Executive Summary

This report has been prepared at the request of Mr. Nick and Mrs. Sarah Brooke. It relates to the proposed development works located at Ford Mill Farm, Martinslow Lane, Ford, Staffordshire, ST13 7RW (Central OS Grid Reference: SK 06802 53414). To fulfil this brief, Elite Ecology was provided with a desktop study from a previous report completed by Absolute Ecology and carried out their own field surveys.

The current proposals are for the existing buildings to be converted for residential purposes.

The HSI water body suitability for the surveyed water features were as follows: ➢ Pond (P1) = 0.62 = Average Suitability.

Based on the information gathered during the multiple survey visits and the presence of a great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) breeding pond, a medium population of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) can be confirmed within P1. P1 and P2 were also found to support a small population of smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris). Therefore, the impact upon the identified specimens will be high, with mitigation and compensation necessary.

Pease refer to Section 6 for the compensation and mitigation strategy for this project.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Contents 0. Executive Summary ...... 2 1. Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Report rationale ...... 4 1.2 Site description and works ...... 4 2. Survey Methodology ...... 6 2.1 Desktop Survey ...... 6 2.2 Field Survey ...... 6 3. Desktop Survey Results ...... 8 3.1 Ecological Data Results ...... 8 3.2 Map Analysis ...... 8 4. Field Survey ...... 10 4.1 Constraints on Obtaining the Survey Data: ...... 10 4.2 Environmental Variables ...... 10 4.3 Walkover Survey ...... 10 4.4 Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) ...... 12 4.5 Bottle Trapping ...... 13 4.6 Torch Survey ...... 13 4.7 Netting Survey ...... 13 4.8 Egg Searching Survey ...... 14 4.9 Environmental DNA (eDNA) Survey ...... 14 5. Impact Assessment ...... 15 6. Recommendations ...... 16 7. References ...... 25 8. Appendices ...... 26 Appendix A: Site Plans ...... 27 Appendix B: Ecological Data Search Map ...... 28 Appendix C: Photographic Records ...... 29 Appendix D: Legislation and Policy ...... 32 Appendix E: Environmental DNA (eDNA) Results ...... 33 9. Notice to Readers: Conditions of this Report ...... 36

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

1. Introduction

1.1 Report rationale

The main purpose of this assessment was to identify if any great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) or other amphibians are likely to be present or impacted by the proposed works. The remit of the survey was limited to ponds labelled P1 in the Absolute Ecology LLP Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report – as per their recommendations. As part of the field survey, several site visits were undertaken by the following surveyors:

Mr. Richard Millington: BSc [Hons], ACIEEM, Senior Ecologist, Natural England GCN Survey Licence: WML-CL08: 2016-23302-CLS-CLS.

Mr. Matthew Cotterill: BSc [Hons], Ecologist, Natural England GCN Survey Licence: WML-CL08: 2016-20073-CLS-CLS.

Mr. Matthew Hodgson: Ecologist, Natural England GCN Survey Licence: WML- CL08: 2019-41009-CLS-CLS.

Assisted by:

Mr. Adam Levesley: BSc [Hons], Assistant Ecologist

Mr. Matthew Priddey: BSc [Hons], Assitant Ecologist

Mr. Alex Fitzroy: BSc [Hons], Assistant Ecologist

Miss. Rebekah Whitaker: BSc [Hons], Assistant Ecologist

1.2 Site description and works

The survey area is situated in an extensively rural location, 600m south of the village of Ford. The site is immediately bounded by agricultural land. The application site itself is dominated by a building, hard standing ground, semi improved grassland and tall ruderal. Some of the identified habitats have the potential to be of value to the local amphibian populations. Photographs of the site are found within Appendix C.

There are no statutory sites located within 2km of the site boundary, and five non- statutory sites. All sites are well removed and isolated from the proposed development site by areas of residential housing, roads (minor and major) and watercourses, no adverse impacts, direct or indirect are envisaged as a result of the sites development. It has been deemed that the habitats surrounding the site also have the potential to be utilized by a variety of amphibians.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Under the current proposals, the old mill building is proposed to be developed into a residential dwelling.

Figure 1: An aerial map showing the location of the survey site at the land at Ford Mill Farm, Ford (yellow star) in relation to some of the local landscape.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

2. Survey Methodology

2.1 Desktop Survey

A variety of resources were independently consulted to assess the known local records within the nearby area and the importance of the site within the local landscape from an ecological perspective. The resources used were the Local Records Centre, www.naturalengland.org.uk, www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk, Google Maps, Google Earth and Bing Maps. A search of other relevant nature conservation information was made through the use of the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) database.

The local records centre was contacted to provide data on all protected species and designated sites within 2km of the proposed development site. Staffordshire Ecological Record (SER) were the relevant local records centre for this project.

2.2 Field Survey

Walkover Survey:

A walkover survey of the site and adjacent land (up to 250m where land access had been granted) was undertaken to ascertain the presence of habitats and suitable resources that could be utilised by local populations of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and other amphibians. This process includes a visual inspection of these habitats for any amphibians during their terrestrial phase.

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI):

The GCN Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) is a quantitative measure of habitat quality (Source: Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M. [2000]). This is used in order to evaluate the suitability of aquatic habitats for the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus). This form of survey is used to indicate the likelihood of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) being present and should not be used as a replacement for a presence/absence survey. Ultimately, the HSI can be used to evaluate the need for eDNA analyses on the pond(s) of interest or further presence/absence surveys.

Bottle Trapping:

If required, this method involved placing plastic bottles into the surveyed water feature, with the end inverted. This allows for amphibians to enter, but not get out. They are spaced at 2-5m intervals around the water’s edge, with them being placed in such a way as to leave an air bubble at the end. These traps are placed out in the evening and left overnight to be collected the following morning. All specimens are identified and sexed for the purpose of this report.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Torch Survey:

If required, the water feature will be surveyed from the perimeter using the beam of a 1,000,000 candle power torch which is used to penetrate the water’s surface once it has gone dark. This enables the surveyor(s) to identify species such as amphibians and aquatic invertebrates that are swimming around in the water. This survey method allows for the presence/absence to be identified within the water features of interest.

Netting Survey:

If required, a handheld net is used to carefully sweep through the inspected water bodies. The net is then emptied into a plastic tray to be assessed by the surveyor(s) present, with all specimens identified to species and gender level. This survey method allows for the identification of amphibians and aquatic invertebrates that are using that water feature.

Egg Searching:

If required, a surveyor with a licence carefully inspects the aquatic vegetation to identify for the presence or absence of any eggs. This is done to ascertain if that water feature is in use as a breeding pond for great crested newts (Triturus cristatus).

Environmental DNA (eDNA): If required, an eDNA survey takes twenty water samples from the perimeter of the surveyed water features. This is done in order to obtain a representative sample of the waterbody and collect as much great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) DNA as possible. These samples are taken within close proximity to potentially utilizable features (such as emergent vegetation) as well as in open water, to maximise the chances of obtaining great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) DNA, if present. Samples collected with a ladel are then placed into a free-standing Whirl-Pak bag where they are shaken up to mix all samples and all potential DNA to create a representative sample from the water feature. 15ml of water from the Whirl-Pak bag is then extracted with a pipette and placed into a conical tube which was already two thirds full of a base liquid. This process is repeated a further five times to produce six conical tubes in total. The tubes are shaken once again (to mix the base liquid with the water samples). They are then sent off to the laboratory for analysis.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

3. Desktop Survey Results

3.1 Ecological Data Results

The Ecological Data Search was ordered by Absolute Ecology LLP from SER. This search revealed no amphibians within the search area.

3.2 Map Analysis

An inspection of aerial and OS Maps of the local area identified that no suitable waterbodies are present within 250m of the proposed re-development site. However, Elite Ecology LLP recommended one pond to undergo presence/absence surveys due to the other being dried up. Therefore, Elite Ecology were only commissioned to undertake presence/absence surveys on one pond.

Figure 2: An aerial image taken from Google that illustrates the known waterbodies as highlighted in red.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Figure 3: An aerial image of an OS Map that illustrates two waterbodies on site. Pond 1 was completely dry at the time of the surveys

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

4. Field Survey

4.1 Constraints on Obtaining the Survey Data:

There were no constraints to Elite Ecology obtaining any of the survey information included within this report.

4.2 Environmental Variables

The environmental variables on the survey visits can be found within the table below.

Environmental 9th – 10th 15th – 16th 17th – 18th 28th – 29th 4th – 5th 18th – 19th of variables of May 2020 of May 2020 of May 2020 of May 2020 of June 2020 June 2020

9th - 13°C 15th - 9°C 17th - 11°C 28th - 13°C 4th - 9°C 18th - 6°C Temp Start: 10th - 12°C 16th - 12°C 18th - 13°C 29th - 15°C 5th - 7°C 19th - 13°C

9th - 13°C 15th - 9°C 17th - 11°C 28th - 13°C 4th - 9°C 18th - 6°C Temp Finish: 10th - 12°C 16th - 12°C 18th - 13°C 29th - 15°C 5h - 7°C 19th - 13°C

Wind Speed 9th – 3 km/h 15th – 12 km/h 17th – 27 km/h 28th – 10 km/h 4th – 19 km/h 18th – 8 km/h Average: 10th – 30 km/h 16th – 30 km/h 18th – 20 km/h 29th – 15 km/h 5th – 21 km/h 19th – 14 km/h

9th – 0.6 mm 15th – 0 mm 17th – 0 mm 28th – 0 mm 4th – 0.5 mm 18th – 0.1 mm Precipitation: 10th – 0 mm 16th – 0 mm 18th – 0 mm 29th – 0 mm 5th – 1.8 mm 19th – 1 mm

Turbidity: 5 5 5 5 5 3

4.3 Walkover Survey

The walkover survey of the site and nearby water features were undertaken by Absolute Ecology LLP.

The pond is located to the south of the building and west of the proposed access track. It is small, linear in shape and is the original mill run off. The ponds surface is covered with duckweed (Lemnoideae sp.), approx. 95% which limits other aquatic vegetation. The pond is heavily silted and varies in depth although on average is approx. 0.25m deep. No fish or foul noted and the pond does not dry out. The pond is within a woody copse resulting in a high shade density.

The waterbody (P2) was subject to a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment as shown in the table below.

Within 500m of the site there is one additional pond (P1) which was dry at the time of the surveys.

Please refer to the Absolute Ecology LLP Preliminary Ecological Appraisal report (section 4.40 onwards) for a description of these waterbodies.

During Elite Ecology’s site visits, the above information was confirmed to be the case, with no new features of interest or vegetation identified.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Figure 4: An aerial map illustrating the location of the ponds of the proposed redevelopment site. There are no other ponds within the catchment area as rivers are not deemed as suitable habitat.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

4.4 Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)

A Habitat Suitability Index Survey (HSI) was conducted on waterbodies P1 by Elite Ecology. For the HSI for P2, please refer to the Absolute Ecology LLP Report. The HSI for the water features can be seen in Table 1. Please note: These figures are indicative at the time of surveying.

Table 1: Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Results for the water bodies located on and around the site

Water Body P1 Reference: SI1 – 1 Location Categorisation of HSI Scores SI2 – Pond

Area 0.2 HSI - Water Body Suitability SI3 – Pond

drying 0.9 SI4 – Water <0.50 Poor 0.67 Quality 0.50 – 0.59 Below average SI5 – Shade 0.4 0.60 – 0.69 Average 0.70 – 0.79 Good SI6 – Fowl 1 >0.80 Excellent SI7 – Fish 1

SI8 – Ponds 0.6 SI9 – Terrestrial 1 Habitat SI10 –

Macrophytes 0.3 HSI Score: 0.62 HSI Average Category

In summary, P1 has an average HSI score. This means, theoretically, that P1 and has around a 55% chance of occupation by great crested newts (Triturus cristatus).

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

4.5 Bottle Trapping

Bottle trapping surveys were undertaken on the dates outlined in Section 4.2 on P1. The results can be summarized in the tables below.

Survey Visit (No. of individuals) Population Species Latin Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 Class Common Frog Rana temporaria 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Common Toad Bufo bufo 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 0 0 0 1 0 1 Small Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris 0 1 1 0 0 0 Small Non Natives 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A

4.6 Torch Survey

Torching surveys were undertaken on every site visit on the dates outlined in Section 4.2 on P1. The results can be summarized in the tables below.

Survey Visit (No. of individuals) Population Species Latin Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 Class Common Frog Rana temporaria 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Common Toad Bufo bufo 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 0 0 4 1 0 0 Small Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris 0 0 0 2 0 0 Small Non Natives 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A

4.7 Netting Survey

Netting surveys were undertaken on every site visit on the dates outlined in Section 4.2 on P1. The results can be summarized in the tables below.

Survey Visit (No. of individuals) Population Species Latin Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 Class Common Frog Rana temporaria 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Common Toad Bufo bufo 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Non Natives 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

4.8 Egg Searching Survey

Egg and spawn searching surveys were undertaken on every site visit on the dates outlined in Section 4.2 on P1. The results can be summarized in the tables below.

Survey Visit (No. of individuals) Population Species Latin Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 Class Common Frog Rana temporaria 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Common Toad Bufo bufo 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A Non Natives 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A

4.9 Environmental DNA (eDNA) Survey

An eDNA survey of the waterbodies was undertaken by Absolute Ecology LLP. This confirmed the presence of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) within the water body (P1).

The tall ruderal and refuge piles located onsite are of suitability for supporting great crested newts (Triturus cristatus), and their presence within the working areas can be assumed.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

5. Impact Assessment

Based on the information gathered during the multiple survey visits and the presence of a great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) breeding pond, a small population of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) can be confirmed within P2 along with a small population of smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris). Therefore, the impact upon the identified specimens will be moderate, with compensation necessary (please see Section 6).

The impacts of the works were put under the GCN Rapid Risk Assessment Tool utilising the latest survey data.

Notional Offence Component Likely Effect Probability Score Great Crested Newt No Effect 0 Breeding Pond(s) Land within 100m of No Effect 0 any breeding pond(s) Land 100-250m of any 0.1 – 0.5ha lost or 0.1 breeding pond(s) damaged Land >250m from any No Effect 0 breeding pond(s) Individual Great Minor Disturbance of 0.5 Crested Newts Newts Rapid Risk Amber: Offence Likely Assessment Result:

As the above table includes a population count following the updated survey results, this result is considered valid.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

6. Recommendations

Due to the new scheme, no ponds are to be lost by the proposed works.

What precautions do I need to consider?

Pond management work should normally be carried out in late autumn through winter, typically 1st of November to 31st of January, when great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) are unlikely to be present in ponds. The dates are for guidance only. In some ponds newts may have left the pond earlier, whereas in certain ponds great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) can overwinter in low numbers. In some cases it may be essential to do the work in the summer months because of ground conditions; however this will require careful consideration of the impacts on great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) and, if newts are present, a conservation license will be required. Each project should be looked at individually and if you feel that you may commit an offence in doing the works then you can apply for a license. The Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook (Langton et al., 2001) provides guidance regarding appropriate methods for pond management and restoration work.

It is also important to consider whether the proposed pond management work will impact upon surrounding terrestrial great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) habitat. Large machinery can damage habitat and hibernacula if not carefully planned and the silt removed from pond must not be deposited on areas used by great crested newts (Triturus cristatus).

Before pond management work commences, a survey of the immediate area is a sensible precaution. Licenses for surveys are issued by Natural England for scientific purposes. A survey for great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) should be undertaken by someone who is appropriately experienced and licensed. The results of this survey can help to decide whether a license is required for pond management works.

What should I do if great crested newts are found to be present as a result of the survey?

If great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) are found during a survey undertaken immediately prior to the work then the work should either be rescheduled or amended to avoid committing an offence, or an application for a conservation license should be submitted to Natural England.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

If great crested newts are present how do I apply for a license for pond management work?

All applications for conservation licenses should be made using the Natural England application form WLM –A29 and will need to state how the proposed work will benefit the conservation of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus). The applicant will also have to provide survey information, the proposed methodology and justification as to why this is the best course of action despite the presence of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus), as well as confirm that there are no other feasible options for achieving the conservation gain which would have less direct impact on the great crested newts (Triturus cristatus). The license application must state clearly which licensable activities will occur (disturbance, etc).

If pond management work is part of mitigation for development affecting great crested newts (Triturus cristatus), and an offence would result from the proposed works, then a mitigation license would be required.

How do the changes to the Habitat Regulations in 2007 affect pond management work?

The amendment to the Habitat Regulations in 2007 removed the defense which previously made an action lawful if it was the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonably have been avoided. Although there is now no statutory defense to killing, injuring or disturbing great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) under the Regulations, note that to constitute an offence the actions must be done ‘deliberately’. In addition, disturbance must be substantial to cause an offence under the Regulations. Therefore, if people take all sensible precautions to reduce the risk, such as those described above, then such offences are unlikely.

Pre-Development

Pond redevelopment:

It will be necessary to include appropriate aquatic, marginal and terrestrial vegetation. The pond will adhere to the following criteria:

➢ The ponds will be fenced off with post and wire fencing [post- development] in order to deter disturbance by humans. ➢ Removal of pond vegetation in areas that are clearly succumbing to succession. ➢ Removal of silt. ➢ Cutting back shading shrubs and trees.

Guidance in England (Natural England, 2009) recommends that restoration takes place over winter (November 1st to January 31st ) so as to minimize the risk of harm to newts, thereby avoiding the need for a conservation license.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Pond restoration should be supported by subsequent management of terrestrial habitat. Livestock grazing or annual cutting is required in most cases to prevent a restored pond from becoming encroached by shading scrub after restoration. On agricultural land, designation of a buffer strip around the pond is beneficial. The buffer strip will require management as above to prevent excessive growth of shading scrub

Best rafting plants for the Newts in your pond to lay eggs:

Any species of female newt will lay her eggs between March and June (approximately) in the leaves of rafting plants so these are the best pond plants to encourage any newts to breed in your pond.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Figure 6: The table below shows a few plants to incorporate and the benefits of each.

Brooklime Water forget-me-not Veronica beccabunga Myosotis scorpioides

Royal blue flowers on Small blue flowers a horizontally rafting on loose rafting Colour plant that spreads Colour stems with small across the water leaves. surface Flowers May - July Flowers May - July Sunny/Partially Sunny/Partially Aspect Aspect Shaded Shaded Bees, butterflies, Bees, butterflies, Attracts hoverflies and Attracts hoverflies and amphibians amphibians The rafting stems of Veronica beccabunga root out at the nodes The stems go black and can help clear in winter but leave nutrients from the these in the water as pond while providing fresh shoots will surface cover. It will Extra info Extra info appear along their also encourage length in Spring. wildlife and allow Newts make use of colonies of newts to Myosotis leaves for lay eggs or tadpoles laying their eggs. to develop under its protective leafy canopy.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Water mint Water Cress Mentha aquatica Rorippa nasturtium aquaticum

Rafting habit & Round, green leaf Colour globular lilac flower Colour and small white heads flowers Flowers June - September Flowers May - August Sunny/Partially Sunny/Partially Aspect Aspect Shaded Shaded/Shaded Bees, butterflies, Bees, butterflies, Attracts hoverflies and Attracts hoverflies and amphibians amphibians Mentha aquatica is a member of the Mint family and roots This plant will go to readily either in wet seed in hot weather Extra info ground or in water. It Extra info and die back but will can raft across the set so many seeds it water some distance will replace itself. from its original basket.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Figure 7 - Pond restoration: some common factors to consider

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Hibernacula Creation

As part of the scheme of works, a total of seven hibernacula’s will be created. These features will be installed around the ponds in the northern edge of the site, with specific locations finalised once the scheme of works has been completed. These are recommended to be created using materials found around the site where possible, with the hibernacula’s design and measurements following the required recommendations (Figure 8).

Figure 8: A diagram illustrating how to create a hibernacula and their required measurements

Grassland Management

The grassland around P1 should be maintained and cut once annually. This could should be undertaken during months in which no great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) will be present terrestrially.

Shrub and Scrub Creation

To compensate for the proposed habitat loss by the scheme of works, shrub and scrub planting will be incorporated around the entirety of the site designated for wildlife. Five or more species should be included within this area. In doing so, this will provide suitable habitat for a number of species of wildlife (such as amphibians), including areas for feeding, hiding and breeding. The following species are of particular importance to wildlife, so five or more of these species (of local provenance where possible) should be incorporated into the design: blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), bramble (Rubus fruticosa), crab apple (Malus sylvestris), dogwood (Cornus alba), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), hazel (Corylus avellana), holly (Ilex aquifolium) and privet (Lingustrum vulgare). Whips should be used along with potted plants – These are plants produced from seed, with a central stem and little or no side branching normally sold by height e.g. 100-125cm. The trees/shrubs should be planted during the winter months when plants are dormant. All trees/shrubs will have tree guards erected around them to prevent rabbit damage. One year after planting, replacement trees/shrubs should be planted for any trees/shrubs which did not successfully establish themselves.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Erection of Temporary Newt Fencing

Temporary newt fencing will need to be included around the site boundary during works to construct the new driveway. The boundary fencing will need to remain in situ for the entirety of the scheme of works. This is to ensure that any great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) within the area do not enter the site. Figure 9 illustrates temporary newt fencing (pending to change once plans are finalised).

Figure 9: Example of Temporary/drift Newt Fencing

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Figure 10: Proposed location of the temporary newt fencing (blue line) within the proposed development site (red outline). Please note: the location of the fencing may be altered once plans are finalised.

During Development

Compliance Checks:

Compliance checks are necessary to ensure that all measures outlined are being adhered to. This will involve a licensed ecologist to look for any newts and other amphibians and reptiles by hand searches before any digging or moving of soil commences. The employed ecologist will be available to answer questions or issues in relation to the project from any stakeholders.

Post Development:

Post-development all mitigation measures would have been completed. However, a contract will be put in place between Elite Ecology and the client to ensure that post- development habitat management and site maintenance will be carried out. This will ultimately ensure the installed features are maintained at the required standard to maintain the long term survival of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) in the area. These measures include: aquatic vegetation management in the ponds created, shading tree or scrub cover around pond margins, de-silting and clearance of leaf fall, fence repair, hedgerow/whip replacement and removal of fish if required. A maintenance and management plan will be drawn up and signed by the relevant parties to confirm that post development measures will be carried out if required.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

7. References

Natural England (2001). Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines.

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994. HMSO.

Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

Williams, P. (2013). GCN eDNA Protocol. Freshwater Habitats Trust.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000). Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1990). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

8. Appendices

Appendix A: Site Plans

Appendix B: Desktop Study Map

Appendix C: Additional Photographic Records

Appendix D: Legislation and Policy

Appendix E: Environmental DNA (eDNA) Results

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Appendix A: Site Plans

Elite Ecology have not been provided with a copy of the plans at the production of the report.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Appendix B: Ecological Data Search Map

Please refer to the Abolute Ecology LLP PEA Report for the ecological data search maps

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Appendix C: Photographic Records

Plate 1: Stone building which is to be converted to a residential dwelling. The existing pond is to the right. The area of scrub provides suitable habitat for Great crested newt and other amphibians.

Plate 2: Area of proposed driveway which will need fencing off during the construction phase.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Plate 3: An image of some of the surrounding habitats at the site.

Plate 4: View of the pond which is heavily silted up.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Plate 5: Different angle of the pond which clearly shows the pond will totally change through succession if not managed.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Appendix D: Legislation and Policy

The great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is fully protected under a variety of legislation and conventions. These include:

➢ Bern Convention (Appendix II) ➢ Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) ➢ Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 ➢ EU Habitats Directive (Annex II and IV) ➢ Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 ➢ NERC Act 2006 (Section 41 England; Section 42 Wales) ➢ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

In addition to this, the great crested newt has been listed as a priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP).

This legislation covers all aspects of newt life stages (eggs, efts and adult newts) and makes it illegal to damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter, protection or breeding, and to intentionally disturb a great crested newt while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.

Licenses can be obtained from Natural England (DEFRA) under the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994, to permit activities for the purposes of:

➢ Regulation 44(2)(e): Preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment, or ➢ Regulation 44(2)(f): Preventing the spread of disease ➢ Regulation 44(2)(g): Preventing serious damage to any form of property or fisheries

➢ If there is no satisfactory alternative.

The above regulations allow people to carry out activities which would otherwise be illegal.

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

Appendix E: Environmental DNA (eDNA) Results

Ford Mill Farm, Ford Elite Ecology Great Crested Newt Survey

9. Notice to Readers: Conditions of this Report

All reports are certified products and cannot be shown, copied or distributed to third parties without the written permission of Elite Ecology. No liability is accepted for the contents of the report, other than to that of the client(s).

Elite Ecology agrees to supply ecological consulting services and advice of a preliminary or thorough nature as advised or commissioned. Upon commissioning Elite Ecology to undertake the work, the client(s) grant access to the site upon the agreed date. If no site access is available upon this date, Elite Ecology holds the right to charge the client(s) for lost staffing time and additional travel costs.

Elite Ecology undertake all site surveys with reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the contract that has been agreed with the client and abiding by Elite Ecology’s Terms and Conditions. The actions of the surveyors on site, and during the production of the report, were undertaken in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct for the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

The latest good practice guidelines put in place by Natural England or the relevant statutory conservation bodies have been followed by the surveyors on site. If those methodologies fail to identify a protected species during the survey efforts, no responsibility can be attributed to Elite Ecology. If any of these guidelines are adapted between the date(s) of the surveys being undertaken and the submission of this report, then Elite Ecology takes no responsibility for this.

Should any equipment be damaged or lost on site at the fault of the client(s), then Elite Ecology withholds the right to charge 100% above the current market value for that exact product or the nearest similar product.

The survey results purport the current status of the site and its potential for protected species utilisation at the time of surveying. It should not be viewed as a complete list of the possible flora and fauna species that could be using the site at different times of the year.

Elite Ecology has been provided with full payment for this report and thus the product has been released to the client(s) for the purpose of their planning application. If any part of the report is lost or altered without the written permission of Elite Ecology, then the entire report becomes invalid. Due to the potential for continual change within the natural world, this report is valid for 2 years only from the date of the last survey visit. If this report is submitted after the 2 year deadline, then a further updated inspection will be required to ascertain whether the site remains in the same condition as it was when initially inspected.

No reliance should be made on any such comments in relation to the structural integrity of the features located on the surveyed site. All information within the report is based solely on evidence that has been found on site during the service provided. No individual opinion or inference will be made other than that of the suitably qualified ecologist appointed to the project.