Betley Wastewater Treatment Works New Outfall.

Appropriate Assessment Betley Mere RAMSAR

Unit B1.1 Clarence Mill Clarence Road Bollington Macclesfield SK10 5JZ

Tel: 01625 560789 E-mail: [email protected]

November 2013 Betley WwTW Appropriate Assessment November 2013

Contents

A. Introduction 1

B. Development Plan 1

C. Baseline Assessment 2

D. Determination of Likely Significant Effects (AA Task 1) 3

E. Ascertaining Effect on Site Integrity (AA Task 2) 6

F. Mitigation and Alternative Solutions (AA Task 3) 8

G. Monitoring Protocol 8

H. Conclusions 8

References 9

Appendices 10

1 Betley WwTW Appropriate Assessment November 2013

A. Introduction The purpose of this Habitat Regulations Appropriate Assessment is to ensure that the relocation of the Betley Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) outfall does not cause an adverse effect on the integrity of the Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI.

The primary reason for the Betley Mere RAMSAR designation relates to a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog and a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates (three endangered insects and five other British Red Data Book species of invertebrates) and birds.

Betley Mere is also designated as a SSSI and the citation makes reference to the presence of more than 50 species of breeding birds, to include species associated with open water, reed, woodland and grassland communities. The watercourses are also noted to be of value for species such as water vole and freshwater mussel (Anodonta cygnea).

Appropriate Assessment If a plan or project is not connected with or necessary for the management of the site and is likely to have a significant effect, the competent authority is required to carry out an Appropriate Assessment to determine whether it will have an adverse effect on site integrity Habitat Regulations 2010. The Habitat Regulations 2010 requires that in applying for any such consent, the applicant is required to provide such information as the competent authority may reasonably require for the purposes of the Appropriate Assessment.

The approach used in this Appropriate Assessment first outlines the key features of the proposed development plan (Section B), and then details the relevant baseline information concerning the RAMSAR interest features (Section C), before proceeding through the three-stage Appropriate Assessment process (Sections D-F), as described by recent DCLG guidance for Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents (Department for-Communities and Local Government, 2006). Section G provides a detailed monitoring protocol.

B. Development Plan Project Overview United Utilities policy is directed by regulations under the Water Industry Act, 1991. The Company has obligations under the Act to provide and maintain a functioning public sewerage network.

United Utilities (UU) are proposing to replace an existing outfall at Mere Gutter, which currently discharges from Betley WwTW into Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI, via Mere Gutter. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 UU are required to carry out works to ensure Betley Mere meets favourable condition status by 31st March 2015.

The proposal to replace the existing outfall has been agreed in principal with the Environmental Agency (EA), which involves relocating the WwTW outfall (both effluent and storm water flows) outside of the designated site to ensure favourable condition status of Betley Mere by 31st March 2015.

1 Betley WwTW Appropriate Assessment November 2013

C. Baseline Assessment Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, an ecological desk study and Phase 2 National Vegetation Classification (NVC), along with species specific surveys for riparian mammals, invertebrates, white clawed crayfish, amphibian and breeding birds was undertaken in 2011 and updated in 2013 by NLG Ecology Ltd of the proposed pipeline route, outfall location and a buffer zone up to 250metres.

Betley Mere is one of the few natural standing waters in Staffordshire. It occupies a shallow valley in glacial deposits overlying Triassic strata and is bounded on three sides by extensive peat deposits on which a wide range of vegetation types have developed. The zonation from open water with floating-leaved aquatic plants through emergent reed swamp, fen and carr to mature fen woodland is as complete an example of a wetland hydrosere as occurs in the county. Betley is highly rated among the meres for the diversity of plant communities, the variety of higher plant species and the large areas of reed swamp, alder willow woodland and species-rich tall fen. The last community and an acidic marshy grassland type found in the wettest parts of the adjoining pastures, are now of very restricted distribution in Staffordshire.

The nationally important plant species occurring on site are six stamen waterwort (Elatine hexandra), needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis), Cowbane (Cicuta virosa), marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), and elongated sedge (Carex elongata).

Invertebrate fauna includes species of aquatic habitat including the rare water flea (Daphnia magna), Caddis flies (Trichoptera), mayflies (Ephemeroptera), snails (Mollusca) and water bugs, predominantly Hemiptera are the prominent groups. Notable terrestrial invertebrate species are associated with fen and woodland habitats, including spiders (Arachnida) and ground beetles (Coleoptera). The site also supports a diverse bird assemblage.

The primary reason for RAMSAR designation includes:

 The site comprises a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog.

 The site supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates (three endangered insects and five other British Red Data Book species of invertebrates).

 Birds are also included as noteworthy fauna

Table 1: Survey summary and identification of potential adverse impacts

RAMSAR Survey Method Proximity to Works Potential Feature adverse impact

Wetland Desk Study, Works are located at between 20 Yes Habitats Phase 1 Habitat and 100m from site boundary, and NVC watercourses will be crossed that Surveys flow into the Mere and associated wetland habitats

Rare plant Desk Study, Works are located at between 20 Yes species Phase 1 Habitat and 100m from site boundary. associated with and NVC Species may be present in wetlands Surveys habitats buffering Betley Mere

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Rare Desk Study, Works are located at between 20 Yes Invertebrates Phase 1 Habitat and 100m from site boundary. and Invertebrate Species may be present in Surveys habitats buffering Betley Mere

Breeding/winter Desk Study, Works are located at between 20 Yes bird Phase 1 Habitat and 100m from site boundary. assemblages and Breeding Species may be present in Bird Surveys habitats buffering Betley Mere

Potential adverse effects of the planned maintenance work No works are to be carried out within the boundary of Betley Mere. The principal threat of the proposed work to the RAMSAR is through impacts on watercourses flowing into the Mere and low level disturbance to birds feeding or roosting on the wetland habitats:

1. Pollution incidents during proposed works impacting upon wetland habitats and associated flora and fauna. 2. Siltation of watercourses impacting upon wetland habitats and associated flora and fauna. 3. Adverse impacts on hydrology of wetland habitats as a result of soil mixing. 4. Disturbance to ground and above ground nesting birds from March- August inclusive. 5. Working during the winter months when birds are most vulnerable to disturbance

No habitats within the RAMSAR will be directly affected through loss or change by the proposed works. Habitats adjacent to the Mere through which the pipeline will pass are predominantly agricultural grasslands with standard trees, hedgerow and a small area of plantation broadleaved woodland. Two other ditches will be crossed with associated marsh and fen vegetation. The proposed outfall is located on the banks of Mere Gutter with associated fen vegetation along the banks and within the channel itself. Birds will be impacted through timing of works causing potential disturbance.

Therefore none of these potential impacts are considered to be significant in relation to Betley Mere RAMSAR and its qualifying features. All of the potential impacts can be readily mitigated to minimise any potential adverse impacts as outlined below in Table 2.

D. Determination of Likely Significant Effects (AA Task 1) None of the potential impacts are considered to be significant and they can all be readily mitigated to minimise any potential adverse impacts. The works are localised outside the RAMSAR boundary, with only very minor potential adverse impacts upon the RAMSAR and its qualifying features. The proposed outfall relocation works will effectively manage the RAMSAR by ensuring that Betley Mere meets favourable condition status by 31st March 2015.

Table 2 below provides a detailed breakdown of the potential hazards associated with the proposed works along with an itemised list of mitigation proposals in respect of each hazard item is provided.

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Table 2 RAMSAR Potential Pathway Proposed mitigation Feature Hazard

Habitats and Pollution Pollution  All personnel will be briefed on the Species incident procedures for safely dealing with fuel or during works chemical spills. Spill kits will be deployed at all work locations and in the event of a spill the nominated trained GCA personnel will attend the incident to contain the spill, prevent further contamination and arrange for a specialist environmental management company to attend site and safely remove the contaminated materials to a licensed tip.

 Refuelling of machinery will be carried out on site at designated areas which shall be sited a minimum of 10m from a watercourse. A spill kit and fire extinguisher is always available with every machine. All fuel bowsers will be double skinned, lockable with access only on agreement with the Foreman. Spill kits will be stationed with the bowser at all times.  Chemicals required to undertake the construction of the works will be stored in designated compound locations in lockable stores, fitted with an internal bund.

Habitats and Siltation Siltation of  Silt fencing shall be erected at all Species watercourses watercourse crossings such as ditches to during works ensure the potential for any site run off does not pollute them.

 Temporary culverts / ditch crossings will be installed in order to minimise disruption, and release of silt in to the watercourse.

 The working area will be isolated from the water course by installing impermeable barriers at the upstream and downstream ends.

 Over-pumping or fluming will be set up in order to allow the works to be undertaken in dry conditions. At the delivery end of the flume/pump hose, the watercourse will be protected with Visqueen and straw bales placed in the watercourse to further limit riverbed disturbance and the transport of silt.

 The installation of the culvert/pipe will be undertaken with approved granular backfill material placed over it.

 The exposed faces of the ditch crossing will be lined with sand bags to prevent erosion and transport of silt along the watercourse.

 Over-pumping/fluming will be removed once the works are complete taking care to

4 Betley WwTW Appropriate Assessment November 2013

ensure that any trapped material and silt is removed from the working area in a controlled manner prior to allowing the flows back through the watercourse.  A dedicated resource will undertake regular water quality sampling and testing will be undertaken throughout the installation period to confirm no detrimental effects are observed in the watercourse.

 Removal of culverts to be carried out on request by GCA. Stone from culvert to be stockpiled at the nearest delivery area for removal at a later date. The culvert materials are to be lifted out of the ditch and taken to the storage compound near Betley WwTW.

 The banks of the ditch are then to be re- graded and made good and any spoil in the ditch to be removed and the ditch returned to its original condition.

Habitats Soil Mixing Affects on  Although there will be some loss of soil pH and permeability of the ground section across hydrology the treated area, the combination of low net from soil water migration through the existing peat mixing and flow under simple differences in hydrostatic head should ensure that the natural flow of water is not impeded following construction.

 The treated ground does not form a continuous barrier to ground water movement through the peat.  Soil mixing will have the benefit of minimising generated spoil and any requirements for imported aggregates.  As a precautionary measure during soil stabilisation activities, a designated person will undertake pH sampling of the adjacent watercourses, using a hand held monitor to confirm there is no detrimental effect.

Winter birds Disturbance Timing of Construction works are to be carried out works during the summer months

Breeding Nest Timing of Devegetation works to be carried out between Birds Destruction, works September and February inclusive Disturbance

The consequences of the outfall relocation activities for the relevant RAMSAR interest features are detailed below.

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Predicted Outcomes a) Without implementing proposed relocation of outfall Treated wastewater effluent and storm water would continue to outfall into Betley Mere, as such Betley Mere would not reach favourable condition by March 2015. Do nothing is not considered to be an option as United Utilities would be in breach of its statutory obligations. b) During construction works The proposed works are considered to only pose potential minor and localised indirect adverse impacts upon the RAMSAR. The working area is located outside the RAMSAR, being temporary works of short duration. Potential impacts include:  Pollution incidents during proposed works impacting upon wetland habitats and associated flora and fauna.  Siltation of watercourses impacting upon wetland habitats and associated flora and fauna.  Adverse impacts on hydrology of wetland habitats as a result of soil mixing.  Disturbance to ground and above ground nesting birds from March- August inclusive.  Working during the winter months when birds are most vulnerable to disturbance. It is considered that by implementing the control measures described in Table 2 any adverse effects will be controlled. c) Following outfall relocation works Once the works are complete there will be no discharge of wastewater effluent or storm water directly into Betley Mere RAMSAR this will lead to the Mere being in favourable condition by March 2015.

E. Ascertaining Effect on Site Integrity (AA Task 2) The most commonly used definition of site integrity is: ‘The coherence of its ecological structure and function, across its whole area, that enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or levels of populations of the species for which it was classified’ (Department-of-the-Environment, 1994). EC guidance (European- Commission, 2000) states that a site can be described as having a high degree of integrity where:  the inherent potential for meeting its conservation objectives are realised;  the capacity for self-repair and self-renewal under dynamic conditions is maintained; and,  a minimum of external management of the site is required.

When considering the ‘integrity’ of a RAMSAR, it is important to refer back to the Habitats Directive itself, and all terms should be defined in the context of delivering ‘favourable conservation status’ (FCS). Article 1 provides the following definition of FCS for species:  the population dynamics data on species indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats;  the natural range is stable and likely to continue to be, and there is and will probably continue to be a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its population on a long-term basis.

Site Integrity is normally considered at the scale of the entire designated area, whereas site condition is assessed at the level of SSSI units. Appropriate assessments necessarily consider the conservation status of RAMSAR interest features in terms of those components of the RAMSAR that might be affected. Guidance for England & Wales (EA/EN/CCW) on application of the Habitats Directive

6 Betley WwTW Appropriate Assessment November 2013 refers to an adverse effect on integrity as “likely to be one that prevents the site from maintaining at least the same contribution to FCS as it did at the time of designation”.

The assessment on site integrity will also need to recognise that the effects considered “should be those of the plan or project, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, on the habitats and species of international importance and how those effects are likely to affect the site’s conservation objectives.”

Assessment of Site Integrity The latest condition assessments for Betley Mere SSSI units provided by Natural England in December 2009 notes that only 9.46% of the site is in favourable condition (Unit 8), 61.65% is unfavourable and recovering (Units 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 & 12) and 28.87% (Unit 9) is in unfavourable condition (Natural England).

The work area lies adjacent to SSSI Units 3, 6, 8 and 12 of Betley Mere which are all considered to be in 'unfavourable recovering' condition with the exception of Unit 8.

Assessment of effects during the planned maintenance works “There can never be an absolute guarantee” that a planned development will not adversely affect the Site Integrity of a RAMSAR/SAC/SPA1. “The most that can be expected of a competent authority is to identify the potential risks so far as they may be reasonably foreseeable in light of such information as can reasonably be obtained, and to put in place a legally enforceable framework with a view to preventing these risks from materialising.” It is also important to appreciate the current (baseline) condition of the site, which might e.g. be ‘unfavourable’ due to activities that are not subject to review in the appropriate assessment. (1 Lord Nimmo Smith judgement of the Cairngorms railway case).

Section C of this Appropriate Assessment describes the potential effects of the planned outfall relocation works upon the relevant RAMSAR interest features. Section D provides a determination of likely significant effects, and the effects of each component of the planned works development are summarised as Table 2. Through appropriate contractual agreements, United Utilities will put in place a legally enforceable framework with a view to preventing the identified risks from materialising. Section G provides a monitoring protocol that will assist in ensuring that required conditions are maintained throughout the planned outfall relocation works.

Internal English Nature guidance (English-Nature, 2004) provides the following checklist for assessing the likely effect on ‘site integrity’ shown by an appropriate assessment. If the answer to all these questions is “yes” then it would be reasonable to conclude that there would be no adverse effect on site integrity. 1. That the area of Annex 1 habitats (or composite features) will not be reduced. 2. That there will be no direct effect on the population of the species for which the site was designated. 3. That there will be no indirect effects on the populations of species for which the site was designated due to loss or degradation of their habitat (quantity/quality). 4. That there will be no changes to the composition of the habitats for which the site was designated over time. 5. That there will be no interruption or degradation of the physical, chemical or biological processes that support habitats and species for which the site was designated.

The nature of the proposed works and control measures are expected to ensure that the answers to these five questions will be “yes” throughout all stages of the works. Subject to the agreement of method statements, the identified risks are not predicted

7 Betley WwTW Appropriate Assessment November 2013 to materialise, but can be managed and mitigated for, and there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the RAMSAR as a consequence of the planned works.

Assessment of long term effects on site integrity By undertaking the proposed outfall relocation works to the local sewerage system at Betley Mere there are no foreseeable long term adverse effects on site integrity. However there will be long term positive effect on site integrity as wastewater effluent and storm water will no longer discharge into the RAMSAR.

Assessment of any in combination effects Following consultation with Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council and a review of all planning applications on the planning portal no other projects or plans were identified that may directly or indirectly have an in combination effect upon site integrity.

F. Mitigation and Alternative Solutions (AA Task 3) A detailed list of potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures is given in Table 2. These mitigation measures have been taken into account in determining the likely adverse effects of the planned works (Section D).

Consideration of alternatives To ‘do nothing’ is not an option available to this Appropriate Assessment. United Utilities have an existing outfall which releases wastewater effluent and storm water directly into Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI.

The site chosen was deemed to be the most suitable from an engineering view point and to avoid works that may affect the integrity of the adjacent RAMSAR and SSSI.

G. Monitoring Protocol The site will be monitored through the construction period by the contractor (GCA), United Utilities and by the project ecologist. Monitoring will assist in ensuring that method statements and mitigation measures are strictly adhered to.

United Utilities and the project ecologist will perform random checks of the control measures to ensure that the works do not have any adverse effects upon the interest features identified in Section C. No specific monitoring of any waterfowl species is proposed to be undertaken during the maintenance works.

H. Conclusions The latest condition assessment provided by Natural England in December 2009 stated that the RAMSAR is generally in unfavourable condition and recovering. It is concluded that the localised and temporary nature of the proposed works will only impact upon habitats outside of the RAMSAR boundary, these are predominantly agricultural grasslands grazed to a short sward by livestock. Ditches and associated vegetation, standard trees and scrub will be affected locally by the proposed works. No habitats or associated species within the RAMSAR will be directly affected through loss or change by the proposed works.

The proposed scheme during construction is therefore considered to have very minor and only very localised potential adverse effects upon the Betley Mere RAMSAR interest features identified in Section C, however by implementing the mitigation measures described in Section C and D, Table 2, any potential adverse effects upon

8 Betley WwTW Appropriate Assessment November 2013 the these features will be controlled. Strict adherence to agreed working practices and method statements will be ensured throughout.

Based on project design, mitigation and environmental constraints placed on the contractor, it is predicted that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the RAMSAR during the proposed works. On relocation of the outfall it is predicted that there will be a positive effect on the integrity of Betley Mere RAMSAR.

References Department-for-Communities-and-Local-Government (2006) Planning for the Protection of European Sites: Appropriate Assessment. Under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &C) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006 Guidance for Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents. DCLG Publications, Wetherby.

English-Nature (2004) European Site Guidance. Internal Guidance on 'Site Integrity': A Framework for Provision of Advice to Competent Authorities. February 2004. Review of Consents Project. Internal Guidance: Site Integrity. www.naturalengland.org.uk

9 Betley WwTW Appropriate Assessment November 2013

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Information Sheet on RAMSAR Wetland (Betley Mere) and SSSI Citation.

Appendix 2 – Site Plan

Appendix 3 - Ecology Report

Appendix 4 - Method Statements

Appendix 5 – Record of Determination

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Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) Categories approved by Recommendation 4.7 (1990), as amended by Resolution VIII.13 of the 8th Conference of the Contracting Parties (2002) and Resolutions IX.1 Annex B, IX.6, IX.21 and IX. 22 of the 9th Conference of the Contracting Parties (2005).

Notes for compilers: 1. The RIS should be completed in accordance with the attached Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for completing the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands. Compilers are strongly advised to read this guidance before filling in the RIS.

2. Further information and guidance in support of Ramsar site designations are provided in the Strategic Framework for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 7, 2nd edition, as amended by COP9 Resolution IX.1 Annex B). A 3rd edition of the Handbook, incorporating these amendments, is in preparation and will be available in 2006.

3. Once completed, the RIS (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Ramsar Secretariat. Compilers should provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the RIS and, where possible, digital copies of all maps.

1. Name and address of the compiler of this form: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY. DD MM YY

Joint Nature Conservation Committee Monkstone House City Road Designation date Site Reference Number Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE1 1JY UK Telephone/Fax: +44 (0)1733 – 562 626 / +44 (0)1733 – 555 948 Email: [email protected]

2. Date this sheet was completed/updated: Designated: 09 May 1994 3. Country: UK (England) 4. Name of the Ramsar site: Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1

5. Designation of new Ramsar site or update of existing site:

This RIS is for: Updated information on an existing Ramsar site

6. For RIS updates only, changes to the site since its designation or earlier update: a) Site boundary and area:

** Important note: If the boundary and/or area of the designated site is being restricted/reduced, the Contracting Party should have followed the procedures established by the Conference of the Parties in the Annex to COP9 Resolution IX.6 and provided a report in line with paragraph 28 of that Annex, prior to the submission of an updated RIS. b) Describe briefly any major changes to the ecological character of the Ramsar site, including in the application of the Criteria, since the previous RIS for the site:

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7. Map of site included: Refer to Annex III of the Explanatory Notes and Guidelines, for detailed guidance on provision of suitable maps, including digital maps. a) A map of the site, with clearly delineated boundaries, is included as: i) hard copy (required for inclusion of site in the Ramsar List): yes 9 -or- no ; ii) an electronic format (e.g. a JPEG or ArcView image) Yes iii) a GIS file providing geo-referenced site boundary vectors and attribute tables yes 9 -or- no ; b) Describe briefly the type of boundary delineation applied: e.g. the boundary is the same as an existing protected area (nature reserve, national park etc.), or follows a catchment boundary, or follows a geopolitical boundary such as a local government jurisdiction, follows physical boundaries such as roads, follows the shoreline of a waterbody, etc. The site boundary is the same as, or falls within, an existing protected area.

For precise boundary details, please refer to paper map provided at designation 8. Geographical coordinates (latitude/longitude): 52 54 11 N 02 50 25 W 9. General location: Include in which part of the country and which large administrative region(s), and the location of the nearest large town. Nearest town/city: Chester, Shrewsbury, Stafford 16 component sites are located in the Shropshire/Cheshire Plain, south-west of Manchester and north- west of Birmingham. Administrative region: Cheshire; Shropshire; Staffordshire

10. Elevation (average and/or max. & min.) (metres): 11. Area (hectares): 510.88 Min. 43 Max. 120 Mean 73 12. General overview of the site: Provide a short paragraph giving a summary description of the principal ecological characteristics and importance of the wetland. The Meres & Mosses form a geographically discrete series of lowland open water and peatland sites in the north-west Midlands of England. These have developed in natural depressions in the glacial drift left by receding ice sheets which formerly covered the Cheshire/Shropshire Plain. The 16 component sites include open water bodies (meres), the majority of which are nutrient-rich with associated fringing habitats; reed swamps, fen, carr & damp pasture. Peat accumulation has resulted in nutrient poor peat bogs (mosses) forming in some sites in the fringes of meres or completely infilling basins. In a few cases the result is a floating quaking bog or schwingmoor. The wide range of resulting habitats support nationally important flora & fauna.

13. Ramsar Criteria: Circle or underline each Criterion applied to the designation of the Ramsar site. See Annex II of the Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for the Criteria and guidelines for their application (adopted by Resolution VII.11). 1, 2

14. Justification for the application of each Criterion listed in 13 above: Provide justification for each Criterion in turn, clearly identifying to which Criterion the justification applies (see Annex II for guidance on acceptable forms of justification). Ramsar criterion 1 The site comprises a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog.

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Ramsar criterion 2 Supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates (three endangered insects and five other British Red Data Book species of invertebrates).

15. Biogeography (required when Criteria 1 and/or 3 and /or certain applications of Criterion 2 are applied to the designation): Name the relevant biogeographic region that includes the Ramsar site, and identify the biogeographic regionalisation system that has been applied. a) biogeographic region: Atlantic b) biogeographic regionalisation scheme (include reference citation): Council Directive 92/43/EEC

16. Physical features of the site: Describe, as appropriate, the geology, geomorphology; origins - natural or artificial; hydrology; soil type; water quality; water depth, water permanence; fluctuations in water level; tidal variations; downstream area; general climate, etc.

Soil & geology acidic, basic, sand, clay, alluvium, peat, nutrient-rich, nutrient-poor, sandstone, sandstone/mudstone, gravel Geomorphology and landscape lowland, hilly, floodplain, escarpment Nutrient status eutrophic, mesotrophic, oligotrophic pH acidic, circumneutral, strongly acidic Salinity fresh Soil mainly mineral, mainly organic Water permanence usually permanent Summary of main climatic features Annual averages (Shawbury, 1971–2000) (www.metoffice.com/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites /shawbury.html) Max. daily temperature: 13.4° C Min. daily temperature: 5.2° C Days of air frost: 61.8 Rainfall: 655.7 mm Hrs. of sunshine: 1398.1

General description of the Physical Features: The Meres and Mosses of the north-west Midlands comprise a series of open water and peatland sites, most of which developed in natural depressions left by the retreating ice sheets at the end of the last Ice Age. There are over 60 open water sites, or 'meres', as well as a smaller number of peatland sites, known as 'mosses'.

17. Physical features of the catchment area: Describe the surface area, general geology and geomorphological features, general soil types, general land use, and climate (including climate type). The Meres and Mosses of the north-west Midlands comprise a series of open water and peatland sites, most of which developed in natural depressions left by the retreating ice sheets at the end of

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the last Ice Age. There are over 60 open water sites, or 'meres', as well as a smaller number of peatland sites, known as 'mosses'.

18. Hydrological values: Describe the functions and values of the wetland in groundwater recharge, flood control, sediment trapping, shoreline stabilization, etc. Sediment trapping, Recharge and discharge of groundwater, Flood water storage / desynchronisation of flood peaks 19. Wetland types: Inland wetland Code Name % Area U Peatlands (including peat bogs swamps, fens) 36.2 O Freshwater lakes: permanent 35 Other Other 13 Tp Freshwater marshes / pools: permanent 7.7 W Shrub-dominated wetlands 6.1 Ts Freshwater marshes / pools: seasonal / intermittent 2

20. General ecological features: Provide further description, as appropriate, of the main habitats, vegetation types, plant and animal communities present in the Ramsar site, and the ecosystem services of the site and the benefits derived from them. The site's primary interest is its wide range of lowland wetland types and successional stages within a distinct biogeographical area. Waters are generally circumneutral or acidic depending on the component site's soil type, catchment size and usage. Substantial areas of open water remain in some sites, and in many cases this is fringed by extensive and varied swamp, fen and carr communities. Some basins have become peat-filled, leading in some circumstances to development of ombotrophic conditions; of particular importance are the quaking bogs or schwingmoors. Ecosystem services

21. Noteworthy flora: Provide additional information on particular species and why they are noteworthy (expanding as necessary on information provided in 12. Justification for the application of the Criteria) indicating, e.g. which species/communities are unique, rare, endangered or biogeographically important, etc. Do not include here taxonomic lists of species present – these may be supplied as supplementary information to the RIS. Nationally important species occurring on the site. Higher Plants. Elatine hexandra, Eleocharis acicularis, Cicuta virosa, Thelypteris palustris, Carex elongata 22. Noteworthy fauna: Provide additional information on particular species and why they are noteworthy (expanding as necessary on information provided in 12. Justification for the application of the Criteria) indicating, e.g. which species/communities are unique, rare, endangered or biogeographically important, etc., including count data. Do not include here taxonomic lists of species present – these may be supplied as supplementary information to the RIS. Birds

Species Information Nationally important species occurring on the site. Invertebrates.

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Hagenella clathrata, Limnophila fasciata, Cararita limnaea, Lathrobium rufipenne, Donacia aquatica, Prionocera pubescens, Gonomyia abbreviata, Sitticus floricola

23. Social and cultural values: Describe if the site has any general social and/or cultural values e.g. fisheries production, forestry, religious importance, archaeological sites, social relations with the wetland, etc. Distinguish between historical/archaeological/religious significance and current socio-economic values. Aesthetic Archaeological/historical site Environmental education/ interpretation Livestock grazing Non-consumptive recreation Scientific research Sport fishing b) Is the site considered of international importance for holding, in addition to relevant ecological values, examples of significant cultural values, whether material or non-material, linked to its origin, conservation and/or ecological functioning? No

If Yes, describe this importance under one or more of the following categories: i) sites which provide a model of wetland wise use, demonstrating the application of traditional knowledge and methods of management and use that maintain the ecological character of the wetland: ii) sites which have exceptional cultural traditions or records of former civilizations that have influenced the ecological character of the wetland: iii) sites where the ecological character of the wetland depends on the interaction with local communities or indigenous peoples: iv) sites where relevant non-material values such as sacred sites are present and their existence is strongly linked with the maintenance of the ecological character of the wetland:

24. Land tenure/ownership: Ownership category On-site Off-site Non-governmental organisation + (NGO) Local authority, municipality etc. + + National/Crown Estate + + Private + +

25. Current land (including water) use: Activity On-site Off-site Nature conservation + Recreation + + Current scientific research + + Commercial forestry + Fishing: recreational/sport + + Arable agriculture (unspecified) + Grazing (unspecified) + + Hay meadows +

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Hunting: recreational/sport + + Sewage treatment/disposal + Irrigation (incl. agricultural water + supply) Mineral exploration (excl. + hydrocarbons) Transport route + Urban development + Non-urbanised settlements +

26. Factors (past, present or potential) adversely affecting the site’s ecological character, including changes in land (including water) use and development projects:

Explanation of reporting category: 1. Those factors that are still operating, but it is unclear if they are under control, as there is a lag in showing the management or regulatory regime to be successful. 2. Those factors that are not currently being managed, or where the regulatory regime appears to have been ineffective so far.

NA = Not Applicable because no factors have been reported. Adverse Factor Category Description of the problem (Newly reported Factors only) Reporting Category On-Site Off-Site Major Impact? Eutrophication 1 + + + Introduction/invasion of 1 + + non-native plant species

For category 2 factors only. What measures have been taken / are planned / regulatory processes invoked, to mitigate the effect of these factors?

Is the site subject to adverse ecological change? NO

27. Conservation measures taken: List national category and legal status of protected areas, including boundary relationships with the Ramsar site; management practices; whether an officially approved management plan exists and whether it is being implemented.

Conservation measure On-site Off-site Site/ Area of Special Scientific Interest + (SSSI/ASSI) National Nature Reserve (NNR) + Land owned by a non-governmental organisation + for nature conservation Management agreement + + Site management statement/plan implemented + Other +

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Special Area of Conservation (SAC) + b) Describe any other current management practices: The management of Ramsar sites in the UK is determined by either a formal management plan or through other management planning processes, and is overseen by the relevant statutory conservation agency. Details of the precise management practises are given in these documents. 28. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: e.g. management plan in preparation; official proposal as a legally protected area, etc. No information available 29. Current scientific research and facilities: e.g. details of current research projects, including biodiversity monitoring; existence of a field research station, etc. Habitat. Catchment management planning Peatland restoration & monitoring Fen rehabilitation. Limnology. Hydrology. Environment. Water chemistry. Trophic status / nutrient budgets. Peat palaeo-ecology. Impacts of fish. 30. Current communications, education and public awareness (CEPA) activities related to or benefiting the site: e.g. visitor centre, observation hides and nature trails, information booklets, facilities for school visits, etc. Areas owned by the Local Authority and National Nature Reserves are used by schools and universities for site-base projects and individual dissertations. National Nature Reserves are used as sites to demonstrate management-practice and use of machinery. 31. Current recreation and tourism: State if the wetland is used for recreation/tourism; indicate type(s) and their frequency/intensity. Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality. Variable use of sites depending on their accessibility to the general public. No major tourism or recreational use apart from some angling and boating and motor sports (water-skiing) in one or two cases. Many sites are accessible through a network of public footpaths. 32. Jurisdiction: Include territorial, e.g. state/region, and functional/sectoral, e.g. Dept. of Agriculture/Dept. of Environment, etc. Head, Natura 2000 and Ramsar Team, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, European Wildlife Division, Zone 1/07, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6EB 33. Management authority: Provide the name and address of the local office(s) of the agency(ies) or organisation(s) directly responsible for managing the wetland. Wherever possible provide also the title and/or name of the person or persons in this office with responsibility for the wetland. Site Designations Manager, English Nature, Sites and Surveillance Team, Northminster House, Northminster Road, Peterborough, PE1 1UA, UK

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Produced by JNCC: Version 3.0, 13/06/2008 COUNTY: STAFFORDSHIRE/CHESHIRE SITE NAME: BETLEY MERE DISTRICT: Newcastle-under-Lyme/Crewe & Nantwich SITE REF: 15WBA Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended Local Planning Authority: STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL/CHESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council/Crewe & Nantwich, Borough Council National Grid Reference: SJ 747482 Area: 37.5 (ha.) 92.8 (ac.) Ordnance Survey Sheet: 1:50,000: 118 1:10,000: SJ 74 NW, NE Date Notified (Under 1949 Act): 1963 Date of Last Revision: 1979 Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1986 Date of Last Revision: – Other Information: Site boundary alteration (extension & reduction). Formerly known as Betley Meres. Description and Reasons for Notification: The meres & mosses of the north west midlands form a nationally important series of open water and peatland sites. These have developed in natural depressions in the glacial drift left by the ice sheets which covered the Cheshire-Shropshire plain some 15,000 years ago. The majority lie in Cheshire and north Shropshire with a small number of outlying sites in adjacent parts of Staffordshire and Clwyd. The origin of most of the hollows can be accounted for by glaciation but a small number have been formed at least in part by more recent subsidence resulting from the removal in solution of underlying salt deposits. There are more than 60 open water bodies known as ‘meres’ or ‘pools’ and a smaller number of peatland sites or mires known as ‘mosses’. They range in depth from about one metre to 27 metres and have areas varying between less than a hectare to 70 hectares. Although the majority of the meres are nutrient rich (eutrophic) the water chemistry is very variable reflecting the heterogeneous nature of the surrounding drift deposits. Associated fringing habitats such as reedswamp, fen, carr and damp pasture add to the value of the meres. The development of these habitats is associated with peat accumulation which in some cases has led to the complete infilling of the basin. During this process the nutrient status of the peat surface changes and typically becomes nutrient poor (oligotrophic) and acidic thus allowing species such as the bog mosses Sphagnum spp. to colonise it. The resulting peat bogs are the 'mosses'. In a few cases colonisation of the water surface by floating vegetation has resulted in the formation of a quaking bog known as a 'schwingmoor'. Betley Mere is one of the few natural standing waters in Staffordshire. It occupies a shallow valley in glacial deposits overlying Triassic strata and is bounded on three sides by extensive peat deposits on which a wide range of vegetation types have developed. The zonation from open water with floating-leaved aquatic plants through emergent reedswamp, fen and carr to mature fen woodland is as complete an example of a wetland hydrosere as occurs in the county. Betley is highly rated among the meres for the diversity of plant communities, the variety of higher plant species and the large areas of reedswamp, alder- willow woodland and species-rich tall fen. The last community and an acidic marshy grassland type found in the wettest parts of the adjoining pastures, are now of very restricted distribution in Staffordshire. It is also an important site for the study of vegetational history. Investigations of peat stratigraphy and pollen analysis have demonstrated the nature of environmental changes for the locality over the last 10,000 years. Betley Mere is shallow and eutrophic (nutrient rich) with a sparse submerged aquatic vegetation mostly of Canadian waterweed Elodea canadensis but including the nationally rare autumnal water-starwort Callitriche hermaphroditica and regionally scarce blunt-fruited water-starwort C. obtusangula. Yellow water-lily Nuphar lutea is the most abundant floating-leaved aquatic plant, forming a discrete zone around the western-side. Broad beds of common reed Phragmites australis flank the mere, with locally frequent lesser bulrush Typha angustifolia and occasional grey club-rush Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp tabernaemontani – a county rarity. Common reed also dominates the site of the former Betley Little Mere, now drained. The reedswamp of Betley Mere grades into mixed tall fen formed of many species such as lesser pond-sedge Carex acutiformis, greater tussock- sedge Carex paniculata, yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, gipsywort Lycopus europaeus, common marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre and bittersweet Solanum dulcamara. The presence of the regionally uncommon blunt-flowered rush Juncus subnodulosus indicates localised calcareous ground water conditions. To the south the fen is invaded by scattered shrubs of grey willow Salix cinerea and purple willow Salix purpurea. Where the ground becomes drier this community gives way to rushy pastures of variable floristic composition. A nationally uncommon type of wet alder-willow woodland abuts the northern and western sides of Betley Mere and surrounds most of the former Little Mere. Alder Alnus glutinosa and grey willow are the main dominants, locally with crack willow Salix fragilis and bay willow S. pentandra. The shrubs include alder buckthorn Frangula alnus, guelder rose Viburnum opulus and black currant Ribes nigrum. The field layers vary markedly with differences in soil moisture. Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, tufted sedge Carex elata and marsh-marigold Caltha palustris are typical of wetter situations; reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea and common nettle Urtica dioica the drier ground. Fringing woodland of pedunculate oak Quercus robur and downy birch Betula pubescens is the final stage of the present day vegetation succession. The pastures north of Betley Mere occupy the site of a former raised bog and comprise a range of semi-natural grassland types reflecting differences in peat nutrient status, drainage and management treatments. The least agriculturally improved parts have pockets of dry acidic grassland and larger areas of acidic marshy grassland. These are rich in sedges, such as brown sedge Carex disticha, star sedge C. echinata and carnation sedge C. panicea; other noteworthy species include marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris, bog pimpernel Anagallis tenella and bristle club-rush Isolepis setacea. The water courses and field ditches provide additional habitats for aquatic plants and animals such as water vole Arvicola terrestris and the freshwater mussel Anodonta cygnea. The site attracts many birds throughout the year and more than 50 species breed including little and great crested grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis and Podiceps cristatus, grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea and seven species of warbler. There is a representative and diverse aquatic invertebrate fauna associated with Betley Mere including the rare water flea Daphnia magna. Caddis flies Trichoptera, mayflies Ephemeroptera, snails Mollusca and water bugs Hemiptera are prominent groups, whilst the fen and fen woodland are important habitats for spiders Arachnida and ground beetles Coleoptera respectively.

Betley Mere Ecological Survey Report

CONFIDENTIAL

(Given that this report relates to the general location of badger setts, it should be treated as strictly confidential and only released to individuals and parties with a bona fide interest in the precise details of the proposals)

Unit B1.1 Clarence Mill Clarence Road Bollington Macclesfield SK10 5JZ

Tel: 01625 560789 E-mail: [email protected]

July 2013

Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 2 1.1 Background...... 2 1.2 Report Aim and Structure...... 2 1.3 Survey Location...... 2 2.0 METHODOLOGY...... 3 2.2 Desk Study ...... 3 2.3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 4 2.4 National Vegetation Classification ...... 4 2.5 Bats (Tree Assessment)...... 5 2.6 Badgers...... 7 2.7 Riparian Mammals ...... 7 2.8 White-Clawed Crayfish...... 7 2.9 Great Crested Newts...... 9 2.10 Reptiles ...... 10 2.11 Terrestrial Invertebrates ...... 10 2.12 Breeding Birds ...... 10 3.0 RESULTS...... 12 3.1 Desk Study ...... 12 3.2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 12 3.3 National Vegetation Classification ...... 14 3.4 Bats ...... 15 3.5 Badgers...... 15 3.6 Riparian Mammals ...... 16 3.7 White-Clawed Crayfish...... 16 3.8 Great crested Newts...... 16 3.9 Reptiles ...... 17 3.10 Terrestrial Invertebrates ...... 17 3.11 Breeding Birds ...... 17 4 EVALUATION AND SUMMARY IMPACTS...... 19 4.1 Habitats...... 19 4.2 Fauna...... 19 5 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MITIGATION ...... 21 6 REFERENCES ...... 22 APPENDICES...... 23 Appendix 1: Figures ...... 23 Appendix 2: Wildlife Legislation ...... 34 Appendix 3: Breeding Bird Status Codes ...... 37 Appendix 4: Phase 1 Habitat Survey Target Notes ...... 38 Appendix 5: NVC Tables...... 41 Appendix 6: Terrestrial Invertebrate Report ...... 43

Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Executive Summary United Utilities (UU) propose to install a new 1.1km pipeline extending from Betley Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) to an outfall location at Mere Gutter. The proposed pipeline runs adjacent to Betley Mere RAMSAR and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is designated for its internationally and nationally important wetland habitats. The proposed pipeline relative to the designated area is shown on UU drawing 6410/80019727/01/01/2001, Rev A (Appendix 1).

To identify potential ecological impacts associated with the proposed pipeline, NLG Ecology Limited (Ltd) undertook a suite of ecological surveys between 2011 and 2013. This has included a Phase 1 Habitat and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) between 2011 and 2013, a bat tree roost assessment in 2012 and targeted survey effort for otter (Lutra lutra) and water vole (Arvicola amphibius), badgers (Meles meles), white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) between 2011 and 2013. A terrestrial invertebrate survey has also been completed by Andy Godfrey (Entomological Consultant) in 2013.

From Betley WwTW the proposed pipeline initially dissects through closely grazed species poor semi-improved neutral grassland and passes under a small brook before entering into a swath of semi-improved grassland that has a more diverse floristic assemblage, primarily resulting from the hydrological influence of the adjacent designation. Before the pipeline outfalls at Mere Gutter, it dissects through line of semi-mature alder (Alnus glutinosa) trees along a field boundary.

Whilst Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI will not be directly impacted by the works, it is recommended that a Precautionary Working Method Statement (PWMS) is adopted to ensure best working practice with respect to the protection of Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI. The PWMS would detail best practice for soil management and habitat reinstatement of the moderately species rich neutral grassland that functions as an important buffer habitat to the designation.

The PWMS would also detail best working practice for fauna, to prevent accidental mortality and disturbance to protected species confirmed as present, or potentially present. This includes avoiding trees with bat potential, finger tip searches and bank side vegetation clearance in respect of otter (confirmed presence), water vole and white-clawed crayfish. The latter two species have not been confirmed as present during recent survey effort, although the desk study has identified records for these species.

Measures to avoid impacts on badgers will also need to be included in the PWMS, with any information relating to badger setts to be treated as strictly confidential. This is necessary because despite the legal protection afforded to badgers, illegal digging of badger setts still persists.

The PWMS will also cover best practice in relation to bird assemblages, to include ground nesting species. A terrestrial invertebrate survey undertaken by Andy Godfrey (Entomological Consultant) confirmed the presence of two Red Data Book and two IUCN Lower Risk and five Notable insect species. As such, the sampled areas within the pipeline route are high nature conservation value for their invertebrates. Specific mitigation for invertebrates combined with best general working practice as outlined in the PWMS will offer a robust approach to maintain the ecological integrity of the habitats to be temporary disturbed by the proposed works.

1 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background United Utilities (UU) propose to install a new 1.1km pipeline that runs from Betley Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) to an outfall location at Mere Gutter. The proposed pipeline runs adjacent to Betley Mere RAMSAR and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is designated for its internationally and nationally important wetland habitats. The proposed pipeline relative to the designated area is shown on UU drawing 6410/80019727/01/01/2001, Rev A (Appendix 1). It is currently anticipated that construction works will commence in March 2014 running until September 2014

To identify potential ecological impacts associated with the proposed pipeline, NLG Ecology Limited (Ltd) undertook a suit of ecological surveys between 2011 and 2013. This has included a Phase 1 Habitat survey in 2011, with updates in 2013 and a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey in 2012. Protected species surveys for otter (Lutra lutra), water vole (Arvicola amphibious), white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and great crested newts (GCN), (Tritusus cristatus) where undertaken in 2012, with further updates in 2013 and a bat tree assessment for roosting bats was also completed in 2013. A terrestrial invertebrate survey has been completed by a Andy Godfrey, who is an independent Entomological Consultant.

A summary of wildlife legislation afforded to the species included in the survey is presented as Appendix 2.

1.2 Report Aim and Structure This reports aims to identify potential ecological constraints and opportunities in respect of the proposed pipeline. In achieving this aim, the report is structured as follows:  Methods: describes the standard field survey methodology and techniques employed for the suit of surveys undertaken between 2011 and 2013.  Results: presents the findings from the suit of surveys.  Evaluation and Summary Impacts: Evaluates the survey findings for both flora and fauna and identifies potential direct and indirect impacts on Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI, as well as adjacent habitats.  Recommendations for Mitigation: summaries a generic overview of suggested best practice in respect of the survey findings.

1.3 Survey Location The proposed pipeline extends from Betley WwTW and traverses through grazed pasture before it outfalls at Mere Gutter (SJ 7423 4850). Appendix 1 shows the route of the pipeline.

Ecological surveys incorporated an area of approximately 250m either side of the pipeline, with the particular extent of area covered depending on the ecological receptor being surveyed.

2 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

2.0 Methodology

2.2 Desk Study To help provide context for field survey, a preliminary desk study has been undertaken, using the following sources of information:

 A review of the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase1 Review RAMSAR information sheet, which encompasses Betley Mere at http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1389;

 Using Natural England’s Local Nature Reserves search at http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_search.asp and a search of Betley SSSI condition assessment units for favourability status using http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&active layer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271002384%27;

 A search of other land designations such as ancient woodland using Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) www.magic.gov.uk;

 A search of Google Earth (www.google.co.uk/maps) to help determine the extent of habitats occurring on and close to the site and habitat connectivity to the wider landscape;

 Review of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and Staffordshire LBAP at http://www.sbap.org.uk/index.php. In Staffordshire the LBAP is replaced with Ecosystem Action Plans to help achieve conservation targets at a landscape level;

 Ordnance Survey (OS) maps were reviewed to search for water bodies occurring within 250m of the proposed pipeline.

 Review of a white-clawed crayfish report encompassing Mere Gutter (Environmental Agency, August 2010)

 Anecdotal evidence through consultation with the landowner of Betley Court Farm, who has been resident for 20 years.

3 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

2.3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey The Phase 1 Habitat survey was undertaken in 2011, with further updates in 2013 to encompass a wider area. The survey broadly followed the standard methodology as detailed in the JNCC publication Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey. A technique for Environmental Audit (2007) and further developed in Guidance for Baseline Ecological Assessment (Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995).

The site was walked and each habitat type mapped and described. A general plant species list was also compiled and target notes (tn) were used to illustrate areas of ecological interest that were otherwise considered too small to map, or to highlight the location of an invasive plant species.

Whilst targeted survey has been employed for certain protected species, field evidence attributed with such species during the Phase 1 Habitat survey was also noted. The extent of the Phase 1 Habitat survey is shown on Figure 1a and b (Appendix 1).

2.4 National Vegetation Classification Areas identified as having botanical interest during the Phase 1 Habitat survey were subject to more detailed assessment using the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system (Rodwell, 1992). The survey was undertaken over two days during September 2012. The timing of this survey means that species early vernal species may have been missed, although this in not considered to have affected the findings.

Four locations were identified for NVC survey and analysis, incorporating an area of approximately 20m either side of the proposed pipeline. The four survey locations encompass species rich semi-improved grassland as shown on Figure 2 (Appendix 1) and include:

 Survey location A: a large field that is grazed by cattle, with the area subject to sampling being the more grazed zone. The remaining part of the field are less intensively grazed. This area is referred to as Unit 8 of the SSSI and defined as neutral grassland that is in favourable condition (http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/identify.aspx, accessed 20/02/2013).

 Survey location B: a small field compartment that is currently ungrazed and dominant by tussock grass forming species. This area is referred to as Unit 8 as described above, although is separated by an intact fence to exclude grazing.

 Survey location C: a field unit that has a variable grass and herbaceous sward height and structure. This area is referred to as Unit 12 of the SSSI and defined as unfavourable recovering.

 Survey location D: a closely regularly grazed grassland and falls outside of the SSSI site designation boundary.

Within each survey location five quadrats (2 x 2m) were used to record the presence and abundance of plant species in accordance with the DOMIN scale:

1 Few Individuals; 2 Several Individuals; 3 Many Individuals; 4 4 – 10%; 5 11 – 25%;

4 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

6 26 – 33%; 7 34 = 50%; 8 51 – 75%; 9 76 –90%; 10 91 – 100%.

In addition, a habitat description was obtained for each survey location, including incidental records of plant species present outside of the quadrat sample areas.

The Modular Analysis of Vegetation Information System (MAVIS, www.ceh.ac.uk/products/software/CEHSoftware-MAVIS.htm) was used to analyze quadrat data. MAVIS is a programme for analysing vegetation data using different types of classifications developed for Great Britain. MAVIS also includes classification programmes for the National Vegetation Classification (NVC).

2.5 Bats (Tree Assessment) A preliminary visual inspection of the mature trees on site was undertaken on 10th July 2013 to identify the possible use of the trees as bat roosts. Features for roosting were searched for as described in Table 1.

Table 1: Features in trees used by roosting bats (Hundt, L, 2012).

Features of trees used as bat roosts Signs indicating possible use by bats Natural holes Tiny scratches around entrance points

Woodpecker holes Staining around entrance points

Cracks/splits in major limbs Bat droppings in, around or below entrance

Loose bark Audible squeaking at dusk or in warm weather

Hollows and cavities Flies around entrance point

Dense epicormic growth Distinctive smell of bats

Bird and bat boxes Smoothing of surfaces around cavity

5 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Trees with features or bat signs were put into the categories, as shown in Table 2, which is based on the tree assessment Table 1 from Hundt, L, (2012).

Table 2: Categories applied to assessing trees for their potential to support roosting bats

Tree Category and Stage 1- Initial Stage 2-Further Stage 3- Likely description survey measures to mitigation requirements inform mitigation Confirmed Roost Establish the extent to which bats use the Tree felled under site European Protected Species Licence only following habitat replacement Category Further Avoid disturbance Felling undertaken using assessment to to trees where reasonable avoidance

(high value) 1* provide best possible measures such as soft judgement on the felling to avoid harm to potential use of bats Trees with multiple cavities highly suitable features capable of Dusk and pre-dawn supporting large Consultant survey required roosts required Confirmed roosts to be felled under EPS licence as above Category 1 Further Avoid disturbance Confirmed roosts to be assessment to to trees where felled under EPS licence (Moderate value) provide best possible as above Trees with definite judgement on the bat potential with potential use of cavities less features than 1 and more single bat Dusk and pre-dawn No confirmed roost. Tree occupancy Consultant survey required may be downgraded to required category 2 below Category 2 (Low Consultant Avoid disturbance Trees felled using value) Trees with no unlikely to be to trees where reasonable avoidance

obvious potential required possible, no further measures surveys required

Stop works and seek

advice if bats found or suspected Category 3 Consultant not None No mitigation required (Negligible) Trees required unless with no bat potential fresh evidence and change

6 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

2.6 Badgers The site was searched for badger setts and associated activity in 2011 and further updated in 2013. The survey adhered to the standard approach as detailed in Harris et al. (1989) and used during the National Badger Survey (Cresswell et al. 1990). This involved searching for field signs associated with badgers including setts, runs, foraging activity, latrines and footprints. Other signs searched for included scratching posts near the sett and hairs caught on fences.

2.7 Riparian Mammals Riparian mammal surveys were undertaken in August 2012 and repeated again on the 6th and 12th June 2013. The surveys were undertaken during a dry spell of weather, with water levels being constant, thus enabling for all discernable field signs to be fully distinguishable. Figure 3 (Appendix 1) shows the location for where the riparian mammal surveys have taken place.

The survey adhered to the standard methodology as outlined in the ‘New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook’ (RSPB et al, 1994) and the water vole survey methodology as set out in the ‘Water Vole Conservation Handbook’ (Strachan, 2006). The specific survey approach for individual riparian species is summarised below.

Water vole: a search of the bank side and water-edge habitat for evidence of water vole, including:

 burrows;  feeding platforms and evidence of feeding;  food remains;  latrines; and  footprints.

Otter: a search for signs indicative of the presence of otters, including:

 otter spraint (faeces);  footprints within soft sediment;  feeding remains e.g. fish carcasses  actual or potential resting sites such as underground ‘holts’ e.g. beneath the roots of bankside trees; or above ground ‘couches’ e.g. in riparian vegetation, and;  slides or other well-used access points to watercourses.

2.8 White-Clawed Crayfish The methodology for the white-clawed crayfish survey followed Natural England’s Mitigation Guidelines (English Nature 2000), to establish the presence/absence of white clawed crayfish. Survey methods also followed guidance within the White- clawed Crayfish, Monitoring Series 1 (Peay 2003). Due to crayfish not being naturally found uniformly spread along the channel, 5 survey locations of suitable white- clawed crayfish habitat were selected along the water course (Figure 4). The locations were positioned upstream from a previous Environmental Agency (EA), (August, 2010) survey. The survey involved two daytime and evening survey visits employing a combination of three survey methods, including the following:

 Manual search for field signs to indicate the presence of crayfish in the water course and to identify potential crayfish habitat. 50m sections of optimal crayfish habitat were searched on both sides of the bank for bank side refuges. This method primarily involves searching suitable refugia

7 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

and, where present, catching individual crayfish by hand. Also identifying tree roots to identify potential burrows and refuges. Any remains of crayfish in riparian mammal/ large bird faeces are also recorded.  Netting (sweeping a net under woody debris and other in channel features). 10 netted sweeps in suitable crayfish habitat to be undertaken at 5 survey points along water course.  Night viewing using a high powered torch (1,000,000 candlepower) to search the water course for adult white clawed crayfish at the designated 5 survey locations where possible.  Trapping. Twelve ‘Trappy’ crayfish traps were set on the evening of 23rd July and removed on morning of 24th July 2013 under EA consent B/SO/04072013/4E4 within Mere Gutter, with six traps at 30m intervals set and baited with smoked mackerel either side of the proposed outfall location.

Table 3 provides a brief description of the water course location points and their 12 figure grid references, see also Figure 4 of Appendix 1. Table 3: Description of White-Clawed Crayfish Survey Locations

Survey Grid Description Survey Methods location Ref S1 374209 Located upstream from previously Manual search, 348406 conducted surveys. Highly vegetated Netting and night area of water course choked with viewing aquatic and marginal vegetation. Very shallow banks, submerged by water at time of survey. Silt base, wetted channel 1m wide and less than 50cm deep. Area colonised by floating grass and tall herb species. Water course flooding onto adjacent farmland. S2 374201 Located upstream from previously Manual search, 348554 conducted surveys. Area of Netting and night watercourse with connections to farm viewing ditches. Very little water flow. Steep banks covered with bramble and tall herb species. Water course densely vegetated and in some areas inaccessible. Silt base, wetted channel 1m wide and less than 50cm deep. S3 374141 Located upstream from previously Manual search, 348896 conducted surveys. Very steep banks Netting and night with dense scrub and tall herb species. viewing Difficult to access water course in areas. Densely vegetated wetted channel 1m wide and less than 50cm deep. Deep silt (more than 0.5cm) base and run off from surrounding farmland. S4 373945 Area has previous records of crayfish Manual search, 348896 (2010, EA). Water course very shallow Netting and night (less than 40cm deep), as water course viewing widens to access stone road bridge. Bottom substrate comprises of silt, gravel and rocks. Greatly reduced vegetation in wetted channel. Banks consist of stone walls and eroded soil banks. Area shaded by over hanging trees. Water flow moderate at time of survey.

8 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

S5 373504 Area has previous records of crayfish Manual search, 349394 (2010, EA). Water flow greatly Netting and night increased at exit point from under viewing bridge. Other side of bridge consists of a concrete reinforced base and bank. Small waterfall approximately 1 m high. At the bottom of the water fall, wetted channel approximately 2 meters wide. Water depth approx 1.5m at time of survey. Banks consist of improved grassland and some tall herb species. Water course flow greatly decrease as concrete bottom ends and wetted channel becomes highly vegetated. Banks become moderately steep and highly vegetated.

2.9 Great Crested Newts Two ponds (Figure 5) were identified for the amphibian survey, which adhered to Natural England’s Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (English Nature, 2001) to establish the presence/absence of great crested newts (GCN). This involved four survey visits to each of the ponds employing a combination of three survey methods, including the following:

 Direct daylight observations to search for frog and toad spawn and tadpoles, as well as newt eggs.  Night searching using a high powered torch (1,000,000 candlepower) to search the edge of each pond for adult amphibians at a rate of 20 minutes per 50 linear metres.  Bottle-traps set at approximately 2m intervals around the accessible shoreline of the ponds. These were then checked and removed the following morning. The traps used were 2 litre bottle-traps with green canes tipped with high visibility marker tape to aid relocation.

Table 4 below provides a brief description of the ponds and their 12 figure grid references.

Table 4: Summary Description of Survey Ponds

Pond Grid Ref Description Survey Methods P1 (374,834 Medium pond with marginal vegetation, Egg search, 348,181) water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), torch, bottle trap soft rush (Juncus effusus) and yellow flag (20) iris (Iris pseudacorus). Diverse invertebrate population with tadpoles present. P2 (375, Small linear pond adjacent to the Mere with Egg search, 066 348, in-flow. Fish present and containing some torch, bottle trap 001) algal blooms. (30)

Habitat Suitability Index The ponds were also assessed using the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), a measure of habitat suitability for GCN based upon a variety of indices. The likely presence of GCN in ponds can be predicted by examining the habitat suitability of the ponds using the Oldham evaluation technique or Habitat Suitability Index (HSI; after Oldham et. al, 2000). This method assumes that habitat determines population size and assigns qualitative and quantitative measurements to each feature and uses the

9 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013 figures to calculate the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI). The HSI is determined as a geometric mean, the tenth root of the product of all the suitability indices. The ten key habitat features for which suitability indices were assigned were - geographic location, pond area, pond permanence, water quality, shade, waterfowl presence, fish presence, pond density, terrestrial habitat availability and area and macrophyte cover.

The HSI is represented by a number from 0 to 1; the higher the number the more likely the pond is to be occupied by great crested newt. From data collected over several years by qualified ecologists it has been confirmed that the HSI is a tool that can be used to accurately predict the likely presence of great crested newt and is now utilised by Natural England as part of their licensing procedure for the species.

HSI Scores In order to help with the interpretation of a pond's HSI, ponds can be classified based on their apparent suitability for great crested newt.

HSI Score Predicted Presence <0.5 Poor 0.50 - 0.59 Below average 0.60 - 0.69 Average 0.70 - 0.79 Good >0.80 Excellent

The HSI is a measure of habitat suitability for great crested newt and is not a substitute for presence / absence surveys for the species. Generally ponds with high HSI scores (good - excellent) are more likely to support great crested newt than ponds with relatively low HSI scores (poor - below average). The HSI has been calculated for all 94 ponds present within the study area unless ponds were absent at the time of survey or access was restricted.

2.10 Reptiles No targeted survey has been employed for reptiles, although as part of wider survey effort the habitats have been assessed for supporting reptile species. This has included recoding features in which reptiles could utilise for basking, foraging and hibernation.

2.11 Terrestrial Invertebrates A terrestrial invertebrate survey has been undertaken by Andy Godfrey, Entomological Consultant. The report setting out the survey approach is presented as Appendix 4.

2.12 Breeding Birds A Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) was completed between May and July 2013. The survey adhered to BBS methodology devised jointly by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Joint Nature Conservancy Council (JNCC) (Gilbert et al. 1998). This methodology requires three visits to be made between late March and early July, with each visit being at least four weeks apart. The survey route (Figure 6a) was determined in advance as part of a desk review and based on current knowledge of the site, developed following habitats surveys. The route predominantly follows the alignment of the proposed pipeline, although incorporating adjoining habitats to allow for wider site context of the bird assemblages present. The survey dates, timing and weather conditions of the BBS are summarised in Table 5 below:

10 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Table 5: Breeding Bird Survey Dates and Weather Conditions.

Date Timing Weather conditions 9th May 6.30-9.30 am Overcast, patchy rain with moderate wind. 11th June 6.30-9.30 am Clear sky, moderate wind. 10th July 6.30-9.30 am Warm, clear shy, absent of wind.

The survey incorporated a transect route and point observations. The transect route was followed applying a slow walking pace and time spent at the point observations ranged between 15-30 minutes, depending on the levels of bird activity. The information recorded throughout the surveys was as follows:

 bird species, numbers, age and sex where visible;  habitats being utilised by the bird species observed, and;  bird behaviour to include singing and contact calls, feeding/foraging, nest building and territorial conflicts.

The breeding status of each species can be classified into four categories: confirmed breeder, probable breeder, possible breeder and non-breeder. The behaviour, sex, age and location of individual birds allow conclusions to be drawn about breeding status, based on categories devised by the European Ornithology Atlas Committee (EOAC 1979) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Breeding evidence used in this report follows EOAC guidelines 1997 and BTO guidelines (see Appendix 3).

It should be noted, however, that although the chosen method may provide a reasonable level of accuracy of the breeding status of the majority of species present, it cannot successfully survey for every species. For example, it is unlikely that nocturnal species such as tawny owl (Strix aluxo), would be detected. However, physical signs of these species were searched for, such as pellets.

11 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

3.0 Results

3.1 Desk Study General information relating to Betley Mere as a RAMSAR is presented on the Midland Meres and Mosses Phase1 Review RAMSAR information sheet (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1389) and specific site information is on the SSSI citation.

As detailed on the SSSI citation Betley Mere is one of the few natural standing waters in Staffordshire. It occupies a shallow valley in glacial deposits overlying Triassic strata and is bounded on three sides by extensive peat deposits on which a wide range of vegetation types have developed. The zonation from open water with floating-leaved aquatic plants through emergent reed swamp, fen and carr to mature fen woodland is as complete an example of a wetland hydrosere as occurs in the county. Betley is highly rated among the meres for the diversity of plant communities, the variety of higher plant species and the large areas of reedswamp, alder willow woodland and species-rich tall fen. The last community and an acidic marshy grassland type found in the wettest parts of the adjoining pastures, are now of very restricted distribution in Staffordshire.

The primary reason for RAMSAR designation relates to a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog and a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates (three endangered insects and five other British Red Data Book species of invertebrates).

The SSSI citation also makes reference to the presence of more than 50 species of breeding birds, to include species associated with open water, reed, woodland and grassland communities. The watercourses are also noted to be of value for species such as water vole and freshwater mussel (Anodonta cygnea).

Surveys of Mere Gutter by the Environmental Agency (August, 2010) confirmed the presence of white-clawed crayfish, stating the population to be a well established and widely distributed along the water course. It was noted that Mere Gutter is intending to be designated as a Site of Biological Interest (SBI) for its white-clawed crayfish population.

Analysis of aerial photography showed that Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI has good habitat connections with the wider landscape, both in terms of terrestrial habitats and hydrology, along watercourses. This habitat connectivity allows for the free movement of species for population expansion.

There is anecdotal evidence of grass snake (Natrix natrix) within the survey area, as reported by the landowner of Betley Court Farm.

3.2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey The Phase 1 Habitat survey findings are presented on Figure 1 of Appendix 1, with the corresponding target notes listed in Appendix 5. The habitat are further summarised below.

Grassland communities The majority of the survey area is characterised by grassland communities, to include species rich semi-improved neutral grassland (tn2, 4, 12, 17) lying adjacent to the Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI, which are likely to be influenced by hydrological

12 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013 processes and distribution of local plant communities attributed with the designation. Based on the plant communities present, the grasslands reflect a variation between acid to neutral species. Amongst the grasslands are frequent species indicative of damp conditions, with tn 16 being the largest extend of marshy grassland.

Grassland areas tn2, 4, 12 and 17 are roughly grazed and comprise of a varying sward structure, with local variations in plant assemblages to reflect local conditions, such as changes in soil ph and hydrological influence. The commonly occurring grass species include sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), annual meadow grass (Poa annua), red fescue (Festuca rubra) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), crested dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus), perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne). Herbacous plants include ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), common knapweed (Centaurea nigra), red clover (Trifolium pratense), white clover (Trifolium repens), soft rush (Juncus effuses), Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa).

The survey area also encompasses species poor semi-improved grassland, which is closely grazed by livestock to a very short sward. Grass species dominate over herbaceous plants, with a dominance of perennial rye-grass, crested dogstail, yarrow, white clover, common mouse-ear and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) in localised areas.

Woodland Wet woodland dominated by alder (Alnus glutinosa) and different willow species (Salix spp) surrounds the mere and other areas of open water, such as along water courses. In the majority of cases these woodland areas are inaccessible due to the ground being saturated. The arrangement of trees form a dense canopy cover, giving rise to a shady woodland with swamp communities integrated with areas of open water and fallen tree limbs that are moss covered.

Outside of the Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI is a small plantation, which is dominated by coniferous trees and poplar (Poplar sp.). The trees are planted in dense rows resulting in a ground to be covered in coniferous needles. Surrounding the plantation is an area of dense scrub and tall herb, which also links to a wet ditch that has hydrological connections with Betley RAMSAR and SSSI.

Standard trees and scrub There are numerable trees throughout the survey area, which have also been assessed for their bat potential. Alder is the most frequently occurring tree along wetted channels and mature pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) occurs along field boundaries to the east, adjacent and within the cattle grazed semi-improved grasslands.

Scattered scrub occurs along field boundaries and occasionally along wetted channels. Young developing alder is the main species, together with hawthorn.

Wetland habitat Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI is designated for its mosaic of wetland habitats, to include open water associated with the mere, adjoining wet woodland and marshy grassland communities that are influenced by a series of interconnected wetted channels. Mere Gutter (tn1 and 15) is densely vegetated, with no discernable flow and a water depth greater then 1.5m in some areas. Species include reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), common reed (Phragmites communis), branched bur reed (Sparganium erectum), marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre), greater pond sedge (Carex riparia) and fools water cress (Apium nodiflorum).

13 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Mere Gutter also links into other channels, which are more likely to fluctuate in water flow relative to rainfall levels. In the majority of cases, rush species and alder trees occur along the length of these channels. Adjacent grassland is influenced by the hydrological fluctuations associated with the wetted channels.

3.3 National Vegetation Classification Table 6 shows the best fit four NVC communities for Sample Areas A-D, which are further illustrated on Figure 2. The findings are further discussed in the text below. Appendix 6 lists the species associated with the sample areas.

Table 6: Best fit four NVC communities for Sample Areas A-B NVC Community A B C D MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus grassland, sub-communities * * * a and b  Typical sub-community MG6a * * *  Sub-community MG6b * * * MG8 Cynosurus cristatus-Caltha palustre grassland * MG9 Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa grassland *  Typical sub-community MG9a * MG10 Holcus lanatus-Juncus effuses rush-pasture, including * sub-community a  Typical sub-community MG10a * * *

All sample areas show affinity with MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus grassland, with a marginally higher percentage fit with the relative sub-communities a and b. The association with these sub-communities relates to the presence of red fescue (Festuca rubra) and common bent (Agrostis capillaris), which indicate a longer established pasture that is less intensively managed than the general MG6 community. Herbaceous species also indicative of less intensively managed meadows and present in the sample areas include common knapweed, (Centuarea nigra) bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis).

The sample areas also contain species of damp pasture, associated with NVC communities MG8, MG9 and MG10. MG8 Cynosurus cristatus-Caltha palustre grassland is a species rich community where no single species consistently dominates. This community most typically fits with Sample Area A, which comprises of range of grasses and sedges, together with the tall herbaceous species such as meadow sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and common knapweed. This grassland area reverts into a swamp community as it merges with an area of wet woodland and a brook to the west, although this area lies beyond the proposed pipeline location.

Association with MG9 Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa grassland and MG10 Holcus lanatus-Juncus effuses further reflects the damp nature of all surveyed samples areas. The presence of rush species (Juncus sp.), sedge species (Carex sp.) and grasses such as Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus) and creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) are all indicative of damp conditions.

The grassland communities included in the NVC survey form buffer habitats (excluding sample area D) to the main mere and are reflective of a transitional habitats that retain species of longer established meadows, combined with species indicative of slight agricultural improvement (i.e. crested dogs-tail and perennial rye- grass (Lolium perenne)).

All of the sampled areas reflect underlying neutral soil conditions, although possibly leaning towards slightly localised acidic areas and with varying levels of soil moisture.

14 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Within the context of Betley Mere SSSI, the grasslands represent the buffer areas from the core hydrologically saturated habitats, to include open water, swamp habitats. As such the grasslands represent a transition habitat from open water to terrestrial habitat, with the wider surrounding land outside of the SSSI becoming increasingly well drained as the topography changes.

3.4 Bats The bat survey findings are presented on Figures 1 a and b as tree species/reference number eg, Qr/2 and summarised in Table 7. High and medium value trees fall within Category 1 as defined by Hundt, L, (2012). Trees referenced as 1, 2, 3 and 7 are located within 15m of the proposed pipeline.

Table 7: Bat Tree Assessment Findings

Ref Species Description Aspect Height Value Pollarded tree with large girth that has many splits, internal rot and Crack willow cavity holes. Canopy poles are All 1 (Salix fragilis) young, with no bat potential. aspects 0-6m High Mature boundary tree, adjacent to Pedunculate other mature trees. Tagged as oak (Quercus 03045. Minor hole present, 2 robur) otherwise tree wall sealed. East 10m Low Pedunculate Mature specimen with broken off oak (Quercus trunk and small holes. Tree tagged 3 robur) as 03051 West 8m Low Mature specimen with split in main leading trunk and is broken off. Two woodpecker and bigger holes Pedunculate present. Value of tree enhanced oak (Quercus due to proximity to brook. Hole All 4 robur) large enough for owl. aspects NA High Mature specimen with canopy die back and lifting bark. Woodpecker Pedunculate activity present. Possible internal oak (Quercus decay indicated by woodpecker All 5 robur) activity. aspects NA Moderate Sycamore (Acer Small hole within broken branch, pseudoplatan cobwebs and cavity hole. Mature 6 us) prominent tree within landscape. North 3m Low Lateral split towards top of tree which has broken off tree. Approx size of split is 10x50cm Split of Alder (Alnus suitable size to accommodate 7 glutinosa) larger owl species. West 9m High Pedunculate oak (Quercus The main trunk is split at base of 8 robur) tree. Possible internal decay. West At base Low Pedunculate oak (Quercus 9 robur) Small split on canopy branch. West 12m Mature but stunted specimen, thick bark with complex folds and Yew (Taxus possible crevices. Tagged as 10 bacata) 03055 Moderate

3.5 Badgers Badger setts indicated by tn 10, 11 and 27. The more well established (8 holes) sett is tn11, which may function as either a main or subsidiary sett. tn 10 and 27 are

15 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013 active single hole outliers. Badger paths are evident between the separate setts, along which there is evidence of foraging. A latrine was located along the edge of woodland adjacent to the main mere, indicating that badgers are traversing in the direct of Betley WwTW.

3.6 Riparian Mammals Otter has been confirmed as present during the 2012 and 2013 surveys. Evidence of a fresh spraint, deposited on a discarded plank of wood was located on Mere Gutter adjacent to wet woodland (see Figure 3). During 2013 this same area had a number of runs leading through swamp vegetation along Mere Gutter. A second spraint was located in 2013 on a walkway surrounding the main mere. This walkway leads through wet woodland and extensive swamp vegetation.

No evidence was found to confirm the presence of water vole. However, evidence of bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), in the form of droppings, feeding stations and runs was located along the surveyed sections of the water courses. The most extensive bank vole activity has been marked on Figure 3.

3.7 White-Clawed Crayfish No white clawed crayfish or American signal crayfish evidence was found during the trapping, manual search, netting or torchlight surveys along the watercourses.

Survey points 1-3 are upstream from the previously surveyed areas, (EA, 2010). Survey points 4 and 5 have identified white-clawed crayfish populations but showed no evidence on the surveys.

Invertebrate fauna present included species of aquatic habitat including the water flea (Daphnia magna), Caddis flies (Trichoptera), mayflies (Ephemeroptera), snails (Mollusca) and water bugs, predominantly Hemiptera are the prominent groups.

3.8 Great crested Newts No great crested newt adults, larvae or eggs were found in any of the two ponds surveyed over the four survey visits. Similarly, no other amphibian species were noted. Pond 2 contained only sticklebacks after sufficient bottle trapping. The findings are presented in Table 8.

Table 8: Amphibian Survey Findings

Pond Survey dates Minimum Great Other HSI temperature crested newt amphibians results

P1 10/02/12 14 0 0 0.70 15/05/12 14 0 0 0.70 17/05/12 14 0 0 0.70 22/05/12 14 0 0 0.70

P2 10/02/12 14 0 0 0.70 15/05/12 14 0 0 0.70 17/05/12 14 0 0 0.70 22/05/12 14 0 0 0.70

Based on the findings above GCN are not considered further in this report.

16 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

3.9 Reptiles Habitats within and surrounding Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI have the potential to accommodate reptiles species, particularly grass snake, which is a species that favours wetland habitat for foraging and will traverse up to approximately 4km in a single day. Anecdotal evidence from an adjacent land owner, has indicated the presence of this species.

3.10 Terrestrial Invertebrates A total of 205 invertebrate taxa were recorded and these are listed in Terrestrial Invertebrate Report (Appendix 6). Two Red Data Book, two IUCN Lower Risk and five Notable insect species were recorded. The two Red Data Book species are cryptic species associated with Carex paniculata tussocks and Carex beds and were found in these microhabitats on site.

3.11 Breeding Birds The BBS identified a total of 43 bird species over the three separate survey visits. The species recorded reflect a varied breeding bird assemblage, associated with woodland, open water / swamp, grassland, hedgerows and trees. These assemblages reflect the diverse mosaic of habitats across the site, to include ground nesting species such as lapwing.

Table 9 lists the species observed during each survey visit. Species with an astrix* indicates an observation as part of wider ecological survey effort. The table also highlights Birds of Conservation Concern 3 (Eaton et al. 2009). Under this approach bird populations are assessed using quantitative criteria to determine the population status of each species, and then placed on one of three lists: red, amber or green. Red list species are of high conservation concern, having declined by 50% or more in population or breeding range in the last 25 years. Amber listed species are of medium conservation concern, having suffered between 25% and 49% reduction in breeding or non-breeding populations, breeding or wintering ranges. Green list species have a favourable conservation status.

Table 9: Breeding Bird Survey Findings

Common Scientific name Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 3 Breeding status name Black bird Turdus merula + + + Confirmed Black cap Sylvia atricapilla - + + Probable Blue tit Parus caeruleus + + + Probable Buzzard Buteo beteo + + + Confirmed Canadian Branta canadensis + - - goose Carrion crow Carvus corone + + + Probable Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs + + + Possible Chiff chaff Phylloscopus collybita + + + Probable Coot Falica atra + + + Confirmed Dunnock Prunella modularis - + + Probable Great tit Parus major + + + Confirmed Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis + - - Non-breeding Grey heron Ardea cinerea - - + Possible Grey wagtail Greenfinch Chloris chloris + - - Possible Green Picus viridus - - - Possible woodpecker* Great Dendrocopus major + - + Probable Spotted Woodpecker Gold crest Regulus regulus - - + Probable Great Podiceps cristatus + + + Probable crested

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grebe Jay Garrulus glandarius - - + Possible Kingfisher* Alcedo atthis - - + Possible Kestrel Falco tinnunculus + - + Probable Lapwing Vanellus vanellous + - - Possible Linnet Carduelis cannabina - + - Non-breeding Magpie Pica pica + + + Probable Mallard Anas platyrhy nchos + + + Probable Moorhen Callinula chloropus + + - Probable Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus - - + Possible Nuthatch Sitta europaea - - + Possible Pied wagtail Motacilla alba - + - Possible Pheasant Phasianus colchicus + + - Probable Reed Emberiza schoeniclus - - + Possible bunting Robin Erithacus rubecula + + + Probable Song thrush + + - Possible Swallow Hirundo rustica + + + Confirmed Snipe Gallinage gallinago - - + Possible Starling Sturnus vulgaris + + + Possible White throat Sylvia communis + - - Possible Willow Phylloscopus trochilus + + - Possible warbler Wren Troglodytes troglodytes + + + Probable Woodpigeon Columba palumbus + + + Probable Yellow Motacilla flava - - + Possible wagtail Tawny owl* Strix aluco - - - Probable TOTAL (43) 27 24 29

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4 Evaluation and Summary Impacts

4.1 Habitats The most notable habitats within the survey area are those associated with Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI, which is attaining favourable status through sympathetic management. Habitats that fringe the designated site also have botanical value in terms of their species composition and vegetative structure, despite being agriculturally improved as identified during the NVC survey. Of particular note are grassland areas tn2, 4 and 12 and their associated field boundaries. These buffer habitats are likely to play an important role in protecting the integrity of the designated site, whilst also providing opportunity for expansion of local plant populations.

Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI and the surrounding landscape fall within Staffordshire’s Plain National Character Area, which recognises landscape features that have developed from natural physical influences, including wetland habitats as a natural progression from open water to swamp and fen and then to wet woodland. The surveyed area also falls within two of Staffordshire’s Ecosystem Action Plans for Meres and Mosses and Wood Quarter, thus reflecting the diverse mosaic of habitats of the surveyed landscape. Conservation targets seek to maintain and enhance the extent of these landscape features, through protection and appropriate management.

Whilst the proposed pipeline will not result in a direct impact on Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI, wider indirect impacts may arise, which will require consideration for adopting best working practice. Potential indirect impacts include:

 disturbance and loss of local plant populations;

 colonisation of invasive and less desirable plant species, resulting from soil disturbance and movement of construction traffic;

 temporary habitat fragmentation and severance of continuous habitat patches and wildlife corridors;

 general construction impacts (including noise, dust and pollution) which may affect adjacent habitats.

4.2 Fauna Ecological surveys between 2011 and 2013 have confirmed presence / potential presence of the following species:

 Bats: 10 trees have been noted for their bat potential, four (1, 2,3 and 7) of which lie within 15m of the proposed pipeline. Grasslands areas and boundary features offer suitable commuting and foraging habitat for bats;

 Badgers: three active badger setts have been located, as indicated by tn10, 11 and 27 on Figure 1a. Badgers are likely to traverse across a range of habitats for foraging and territorial marking;

 Riparian mammals: the presence of otter has been confirmed on Mere Gutter and this species is likely to utilise all other wetland habitat within the surveyed area, as well as watercourses that link with the wider

19 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

landscape. Whilst no evidence of water vole has been found, there is reference to this species on Betley Mere SSSI citation;

 White-clawed crayfish: no evidence of WCC has been confirmed during the surveys, although a survey by the EA (August, 2010) confirmed populations of this species along Mere Gutter;

 Reptiles: there is anecdotal evidence of grass snake within the surveyed area and the complexity of habitats have potential to accommodate this species;

 Invertebrates: A total of 205 invertebrate taxa were recorded during the survey. Two Red Data Book, two IUCN Lower Risk and five Notable insect species were recorded, which could utilise habitats within the pipeline route.

 Breeding birds: different bird assemblages were observed during the surveys, to include ground nesting species and ground dwellers over the winter period. There is also potential for other notable species to be present such as barn owl;

Potential impacts on fauna resulting from the pipeline works relates to direct mortality or disturbance to species, thus resulting in contravention to wildlife legislation as summarised in Appendix 2. Due to the temporary nature of the works, longer term impacts that could affect the viability of faunal populations are not envisaged. Section 5 summarises the approach for addressing impacts on ecology.

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5 Recommendations for Mitigation

To reduce and avoid potential impacts on habitats and fauna, it is recommended that a Precautionary Working Method Statement (PWMS) is adopted, which will detail best working practice for all contractors / operatives involved in the works. The general principals to be included in the PWMS area summarised below:

 to highlight the location (boundaries) of Betley RAMSAR and SSSI on a plan, to ensure working activities remain outside this area;

 to indicate features of interest of Betley RAMSAR and SSSI and significance of its value for protection during the works;

 to define acceptable working areas through appropriate temporary fencing, thus avoiding unnecessary disturbance to adjacent habitats;

 to adopt measures for separation and storage of soil, backfilling measures and reinstatement of vegetation;

 to ensure recognition is given to tree root protection areas in accordance with arboricultural recommendations;

 to identify the location through pre construction surveys and subsequent protection of notable faunal features such as trees with bat potential and the location of badger setts, which is to be notified as confidential information;

 to detail best practice measures for avoiding impacts on mobile faunal species, including breeding birds, riparian mammals, white-clawed crayfish, badgers, reptiles, invertebrates and other wider fauna that contribute to the sites wider biodiversity. This includes recognition of the following:

o undertaking works outside certain seasonal times, i.e. removing vegetation outside of the breeding bird season (end of September to beginning of February) or avoiding key hibernation features for reptiles; o to adopt precautionary measures when affecting watercourses such as finger tip searches, strimming vegetation down to ground level prior to starting works and preventing changes in water levels, flow and disturbance of sediments; o to ensure excavations incorporate boards to prevent animals becoming trapped or are graded on one side to allow safe egress. o Methods for relocating fauna to safe areas during the works.

 It is also recommended that bio security measures are adopted on site, to reduce the risk of non-desirable species colonising. This would include ensuring use of clean tools and machinery.

 In some instances it maybe required for ecological works to be overseen by an ecologist.

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6 References

Eaton, M. A., Brown, A. F., Musgrove, A. J., Hearn, R., Aebischer, N. J., Gibbons D. W., Evans, A. andGregory, R. D., 2009. Birds of Conservation Concern 3: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds. 102: 296-341.

English Nature (2001). Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines.

Environment Agency White-clawed Crayfish Survey of Basford Brook & Mere Gutter, Nr. Crewe, 10-11th August 2010

Holdich. D (2000) – Ecology of the White Clawed Crayfish; English Nature 2000.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1993). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A technique for environmental audit. JNCC.

Oldham, R.S, Keeble, J, Swan, M.J.S & Jeffcote, M; (2000); Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the great crested newt. The Herpetological Journal Vol 10, No 4, pages 143 – 156.

Rodwell. J.S (1992). British Plant Communities Volume 3 – Grasslands and Montane Communities. Cambridge.

Peay, S., 2003. Monitoring of the White-clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No.1, English Nature Peterborough.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust; (2001);Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

Strachan, R., and Moorhouse, T., 2006. Water vole conservation handbook, Second edition. Environment Agency.

Internet www.magic.gov.uk www.ukbap.org.uk http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/

22 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Appendices

Appendix 1: Figures

List of Figures

United Utilities WwTW New Outfall, Key Plan, Revision A: 6410/80019727/01/01/2001

Figure 1a-b: Habitat Survey Findings

Figure 2: National Vegetation Classification Findings

Figure 3: Riparian Mammal Survey Findings 2013

Figure 4: White-clawed Crayfish Survey Location Points 2012

Figure 5: Great Crested Newts 2012

Figure 6a-c: Breeding Bird Survey Results 2013

Figure 7: Terrestrial Invertebrate Sample Locations

23

Track

Drain

Yew Tree Betley Common Farm House

Yew Tree Cottage nlg ecology ltd Oak Tree Farm

The Bungalow Bluebell Lodge Hawthorn Cottage Betley WwTW 65.5m

64.0m Phase 1 Habitat Cedar Cottage

Green Valley Farm 77.1m QrQr Broadleaved woodland QrQr COMMON LANE Plantation woodland Pahang Bungalow

66.4m Standard tree Scattered scrub SxSxSx SI Semi improved neutral grassland SI AgAgAg SI SI Species poor semi improved grassland

Drain Sxf/1Sxf/1Sxf/1 SI SI ApApAp Marshy grassland Tall ruderal 11 22 SxfSxfSxf Swamp 2727 SI Open water AgAgAg SI AgAgAg CmCm QrQr Running water QrQr FeFeFe QrQr Species poor hedgerow 66 QrQr QrQr SxSxSx 66 QrQr  QrQr SI QrQr Species rich hedgerow with trees SI 77 DgDg 77 ApApAp Inundated ditch ApAp 1010 ApAp Fence SI  QrQr AgAgAg Sxf SxfSxf ApApAp  Target note 55 88 1111 3  1111 Qr/2Qr/2 ApApAp AgAg SxfSxf ApApAp AgAg SxfSxf QrQr 1919 AgAgAg Drain QrQr QrQr AgAgAg 44 QrQr QrQr ApApAp QrQr Drain 44 QrQr 1414  QrQr QrQr QrQr  33 99 1212  SI 1212 SI Ag Alnus glutinosa Alder  PsylPsylPsyl 1313 1313 Cm Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Drain Dg Dactylis glomerata Drain Cocksfoot 1515  Fe Fraxinus excelsior Ash 1616 Drain Pop Poplar sp Poplar Mere Gutter FB Psyl Pinus sylvestris Scotts pine FB SI Qr Quercus robur English oak ApApAp Drain FeFeFe Sambucus nigra Qr/3Qr/3 FeFeFe Sn Elder Drain PopPopPop  Sxf Salix fragilis Crack willow FeFeFe 2020 AgAgAg FeFeFe 2020 FB Tb Taxus baccata Yew 2121 SxfSxfSxf 1717 2121

Weir Drain SI SI Drain 1818 NGR SCALE 374560 348400 REVISION Foot Bridge NTS DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE A Lk MC 25/07/13 Drain DRAWING NUMBER Figure 1a

COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE Drain CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT Boat House THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN 66 QrQr QrQr  QrQr QrQr QrQr SI QrQr Path SI 77 DgDg 77 ApApAp ApApAp 1010 ApApAp 1010 QrQr 2626  QrQr 2626 88 AgAgAg Sxf SxfSxf ApApAp 55 88 1111 QrQr  1111 QrQr Qr/2Qr/2 ApApAp AgAg SxfSxf QrQr AgAg SxfSxf QrQr 1919 QrQr QrQr Drain QrQr QrQr QrQr 1414 ApApAp nlg ecology ltd  QrQr QrQr QrQr 99 Pond 99 1212 SI Betley WwTW SI  ApApAp Sluice  PsylPsylPsyl ApApAp 1313 Phase 1 Habitat

Drain SI Broadleaved woodland 1515  1616 FeFeFe Plantation woodland Drain Standard tree FB Qr/4Qr/4 Scattered scrub FB SI Track SI ApApAp Weir Semi improved neutral grassland ApApAp FeFeFe Drain FeFeFe SI Species poor semi improved grassland Qr/3Qr/3 FeFeFe Marshy grassland Drain PopPopPop  QrQr  QrQr FeFeFe 2020 QrQr AgAgAg FeFeFe 2020 Tall ruderal FB QrQr SxfSxfSxf Swamp 1717 2121 Qr/5Qr/5 1717 Open water Weir Drain SI SI Running water SI Drain 1818 Species poor hedgerow 2222 SI Betley Court Farm Foot Bridge 2222 Species rich hedgerow with trees Inundated ditch Ap/6Ap/6Ap/6 QrQr Ap/6Ap/6Ap/6 QrQr Fence Drain SI QrQr  Target note AgAgAg 3 Tb/10Tb/10Tb/10 AgAgAg Tb/10Tb/10Tb/10 Boat House PopPopPop Sn SnSn ApApAp Boat House Drain TbTbTb Boat House TbTbTb 2424 2424 QrQr

QrQr Ag Alnus glutinosa Alder Betley Mere Cm Crataegus monogyna Drain 2525 Hawthorn 33 Betley Mere Track Dg Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Qr/9Qr/9 SI Qr/9Qr/9 Fe Fraxinus excelsior Ash Qr/8Qr/8 SI Betley Mere Sewage Works Pond Poplar sp Poplar Ag/7Ag/7Ag/7 Pop AgAgAg 2323 AgAgAg SI Psyl Pinus sylvestris Scotts pine Sewage Qr Quercus robur English oak Works Tank Betley Mere Sn Sambucus nigra Elder Sxf Salix fragilis Crack willow Taxus baccata Drain Tb Yew

Betley Mere NGR SCALE REVISION 374880 348110 NTS DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE A Lk MC 25/07/13 Drain DRAWING NUMBER Figure 1b

COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT Drain THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN Drain

Drain

Track

Drain

Yew Tree Betley Common Farm House nlg ecology ltd

Yew Tree Cottage Oak Tree Farm Betley WwTW The Bungalow Bluebell Lodge NVC Survey Findings Hawthorn Cottage 65.5m

64.0m AA NVC location A Cedar Cottage Green Valley Farm BB NVC location B CC NVC location C COMMON LANE CC

Pahang Bungalow DD NVC location D 66.4m

SxSxSx

Drain NVC Community A B C D

MG6 Lolium perenne- Cynosurus pasture grassland, sub-communities a and b AA - Typical sub-community MG6a - Sub community MGb

MG8 Cynosurus cristatus- Caltha BB palustre grassland BB MG9 Holcus lanatus- Deschampsia

Drain cespitosa grassland AgAgAg Drain -Typical sub-community MG9a

MG10- Holcus lanatus- Juncus CC effuses rush pasture, including PhaPhaPha sub-community a Drain Drain DD -Typical sub community MG10a

Drain

Mere Gutter FB

FB SI

Drain

Drain

FB

Weir NGR SCALE Drain REVISION 374560 348400 NTS

Drain DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE A Foot Bridge Lk NLG 25/07/13 DRAWING NUMBER Figure 2

Drain COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS Drain PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN Boat House Mere Gutter

80.1m

Senne n House

Betl ey Hal l Cottage

Yew Tr ee Cottage

Atl ast Beech

Twemlow Cottage Cottage Pond Pond

Ivy Dene

Pond

Whitegates

Bryanston

Newlands

Rose Cotta ge

Tudor Cott age T ollet House

Drain Beeches Dra in

D rain

The

Willows Su nni ngd ale nlg ecology ltd

Balranal d

Highfield House Track

Recreation House Solarias House

12

Laburnum Cottage Drai n Betley Meadow Cottage Meadow Cottage Yew Tree Betley Common Farm House Chamberlain House Mere House Path (um) Betley WwTW Black Horse Cottage

Black Horse

Yew Tree CHAMBERLAIN Cottage COURT

Oak Tree Farm Orchard House Byrne Cottage

leell Bluebe Riparian Mammal Surveyed Areas Bluebell Lodge Cottage The Bungalow

H awthorn Cottage

Ashling

odgeLo 65.5m The Track Conifers Cullins The Gables Briarwood 75.9m 71.6m 64.0m

Cedar Cottage Peace -Haven

Willhope Rostherne Swan Inn 77.1m Green Valley Farm COMMO N LANE Brooklands

(PH)

Hillside Farm COMMON L ANE House Surveyed area Little Manor Pahang Bungalow

66.4m Saddler's

Cottage The Barn 65.8m

Gardeners Otter Lutra lutra spraint Cottage

Sha de House The Old Post Office

Dra in Co nifer Co ttage

Summerhouse Roche Rose View House Abundant bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus

68.9m Swit hland FB

Cornerstones activity

Orchard House Dukes

Pa th COURT WAL K 67.4m Tra ck

Drain Sundial

Dr ain

Betley Court Pond Coppice Bank Coppice Bank Sluice

Spreads

Drain

Drai n

Dr ain

74.4m

Drain

Mere Gutter FB

FB Pond Track

Weir

Drain Lower Den Farm

Drain

82.9m FB

Tank Weir

Dr ai n

Lower Den Farm Dr ain

Betley Court Farm Foot Bridge

Brook

Cottage

Dra in

Boat House

MP.5 Boat House Drain

Boat House

Fields

View

Betley Mere Shelter

Dr ai n Hall Betley Mere Tenni s T rack C ourt

Bowling Green Betley Mere Sewage Works Pond

Issues

Sewage

Tank Works Betley Mere

Drain Well House

Betley Mere

84.4m

Raven's Brook Dra in

heT The Owl

The The Swallow tridgePar Lark

The

Kestrel 82.3m

Drai n 84.7m Den Bridge

MP

153.25

Higher Den Drai n House

D ra in

Drai n NGR SCALE REVISION Ravenscroft Mast House 79.2m 374744 348230 NTS FB Willow Tree Farm A Drain SB Drain Dra in DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE Pond

2 Moss Cottages 1 23/07/13 Ravenshall FB LK Dr ain Drain MC

Drai n Sinks

Drain

Pond

Drain Pond DRAWING NUMBER FB Drain SP Drai n Figure 3

Quarry Cracow Moss

79.6m Yewcr oft COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Fog FB

Cottages D rain 1 Cracow Moss D rain Modesty THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF Dra in

D rai n Drain FB 5 THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT

MAIN ROAD

Drai n

Holly Cottage THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION

Spring Cottage Drai n Leach THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS Drai n Cottage DEN LANE PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN Drain Moss Gardens Ravenshall The House

White Cottage Drai n

SP5

SP4

nlg ecology ltd

Drai n Betley Mere WwTW Issues Crayfish Survey Location

Elmer Riddings

Mere Gutter

T rack Survey point 2012

SP1 Survey point number 2012

Pond

Mere Gutter Crayfish trapping 2013 12 baited traps at 15-30m intervals Pond

Pond Pond

T rack Pond

Track

Drain Dra in

D rain

MP 154

Track

Drai n

Yew Tree Betley Common SP3 Farm House Yew Tree

Cottage

The Bungalow

H awthorn Cottage

65.5m Track

Po nd 64.0m Cedar Cottage Ponds Green Valley Farm

Pahang Bungalow

65.8m SP2

Dra in

68.9m

67.4m Tra ck

MP.75 SP1

Drain Dr ain NGR SCALE REVISION 374209 348406 NTS Coppice Bank Coppice Bank Spreads DATE Drain DRAWN BY CHECKED BY

Drai n Dr ain LK NLG 23/07/13

D rai n Drain Tank

FB DRAWING NUMBER Mere Gutter

FB Figure 4 Pond

Lower Den Farm COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

82.9m THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE

Ponds Drain CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT

Tank

Dr ai n THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION Lower Den Farm THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS 77.7m PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN Foot Bridge Highfield House Track

Drain Betley Meadow Cottage Meadow Cottage Yew Tree Betley Common Farm House Chamberlain House Path (um)

Yew Tree Cottage

Oak Tree Farm Orchard House

The Bungalow Bluebell Lodge STSTST Hawthorn Cottage nlg ecology ltd STSTST 65.5m Cullins Briarwood 75.9m 71.6m 64.0m Cedar Cottage Rostherne 77.1m Green Valley Farm COMMON LANE Brooklands

C. x3 Hillside COMMON LANE Betley WwTW

Pahang Bungalow B.B. B.B. 66.4m Breeding Bird Survey GTGT GTGT CHCH Gardeners Visit 1 Cottage

Drain SWSWSW RR Bird sighting GFGF Bird singing (territorial/ contact call) C. Swithland FB Bird displaying breeding (nest building/ WRWR carrying food) B.B. WRWR x Indicate number of birds seen WP Path WPWP B.B. WPWP Diection of flight Feeding MAMA Transect route WRWR MGMG C.C. MGMG C.C. Drain Point counts Drain CGCG GSGS CGCG Pond Woodland

PHPHPH Sluice PHPHPH BTBT Grassland C.C. GOGO x6x6 C.C. GOGO x6x6 Drain Tall ruderal/ scrub Drain Wetland C.C. WRWR Drai n Mere Gutter FB Open water B.B. Lapwing FB B.B. L Track Weir Drain B. Blackbird M Mistle thrush

Drain FB BT Blue tit MA Mallard

Weir Drain BZ Buzzard MG Magpie

K.K. Drain SLSLSL K.K. BZBZ LLL Betley Court Farm Foot Bridge LLL C. Carrion crow MH Moorhen

Canadian goose Drain GTGT CG R Robin WWWW SWSWSW Chaffinch SWSWSW STSTST CH SG Starling STSTST Boat House

Boat House Drain Boat House CO Coot SL Swallow Great crested grebe Song thrush SGSGSG GG ST Betley Mere

Drain Betley Mere Goldfinch Sedge warbler Track GO SW Great spotted Betley Mere Sewage Works GS woodpecker WP Wood pigeon Pond

Issues MHMH COCO GT Great tit Wren Sewage WR Tank Works MAMA Betley Mere MAMA K Kestrel WW Willow warbler WRWR B.B. Drain NGR SCALE REVISION 374744 348230 NTS A DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE GGGG Betley Mere LK MC 22/07/13 DRAWING NUMBER Figure 6a Visit 1- 11th June 2013 Drain COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 6.30-8.30 THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE Weather- High winds, rain at first CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT

with patchy sunshine Drain THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION 84.7m Den Bridge THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS MP PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN 153.25 Pond

Sluice

in ra D Betley Pipeline

T rac Weir k n i Pond plan a r

D

Drain

FB Pond

Weir

D P1 Pond number r a i n P1 Betley Court Farm

Drain

Boat House

Boat House

Boat House

Betley Mere

D ra in Betley Mere ck Tra

Betley Mere P2 Sewage Works Pond

Issues

Sewage Works Tank Betley Mere

NGR SCALE REVISION 375,020 348,100 NTS Betley Mere DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE LB NLG 29/05/2012 A DRAWING NUMBER

COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN Highfield House Track

Drain Betley Meadow Cottage Meadow Cottage Yew Tree Betley Common Farm House Chamberlain House Path (um)

Yew Tree Cottage

Oak Tree Farm Orchard House

The Bungalow Bluebell Lodge STSTST Hawthorn Cottage nlg ecology ltd STSTST 65.5m Cullins Briarwood 75.9m 71.6m 64.0m Cedar Cottage Rostherne 77.1m Green Valley Farm COMMON LANE Brooklands

C. x3 Hillside COMMON LANE Betley WwTW

Pahang Bungalow B.B. B.B. 66.4m Breeding Bird Survey GTGT GTGT CHCH Gardeners Visit 1 Cottage

Drain SWSWSW RR Bird sighting GFGF Bird singing (territorial/ contact call) C. Swithland FB Bird displaying breeding (nest building/ WRWR carrying food) B.B. WRWR x Indicate number of birds seen WP Path WPWP B.B. WPWP Diection of flight Feeding MAMA Transect route WRWR MGMG C.C. MGMG C.C. Drain Point counts Drain CGCG GSGS CGCG Pond Woodland

PHPHPH Sluice PHPHPH BTBT Grassland C.C. GOGO x6x6 C.C. GOGO x6x6 Drain Tall ruderal/ scrub Drain Wetland C.C. WRWR Drai n Mere Gutter FB Open water B.B. Lapwing FB B.B. L Track Weir Drain B. Blackbird M Mistle thrush

Drain FB BT Blue tit MA Mallard

Weir Drain BZ Buzzard MG Magpie

K.K. Drain SLSLSL K.K. BZBZ LLL Betley Court Farm Foot Bridge LLL C. Carrion crow MH Moorhen

Canadian goose Drain GTGT CG R Robin WWWW SWSWSW Chaffinch SWSWSW STSTST CH SG Starling STSTST Boat House

Boat House Drain Boat House CO Coot SL Swallow Great crested grebe Song thrush SGSGSG GG ST Betley Mere

Drain Betley Mere Goldfinch Sedge warbler Track GO SW Great spotted Betley Mere Sewage Works GS woodpecker WP Wood pigeon Pond

Issues MHMH COCO GT Great tit Wren Sewage WR Tank Works MAMA Betley Mere MAMA K Kestrel WW Willow warbler WRWR B.B. Drain NGR SCALE REVISION 374744 348230 NTS A DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE GGGG Betley Mere LK MC 22/07/13 DRAWING NUMBER Figure 6a Visit 1- 11th June 2013 Drain COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 6.30-8.30 THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE Weather- High winds, rain at first CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT

with patchy sunshine Drain THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION 84.7m Den Bridge THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS MP PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN 153.25 Track

Drain Betley Meadow Cottage Meadow Cottage Yew Tree Betley Common Farm House Chamberlain

Path (um) House

Yew Tree Cottage

Oak Tree Farm Orchard House

The Bungalow Bluebell Lodge B.B. Hawthorn Cottage B.B. 65.5m Cullins 75.9m 71.6m 64.0m Cedar Cottage nlg ecology ltd Rostherne 77.1m Green Valley Farm COMMON LANE Brooklands

COMMON LANE

Pahang Bungalow 66.4m Betley WwTW DD WHWH DD Breeding Bird Survey B.B. SWSWSW SWSWSW Drain Visit 2 Bird sighting GTGT WRWR C.C.C. FB Bird singing (territorial/ contact call) Bird displaying breeding (nest building/ CHCH SLSLSL GTGT carrying food) GTGT Path STSTST x Indicate number of birds seen Diection of flight TW MHMH Feeding

BCBC Drain MGMG BCBC Drain B.B. MGMG Transect route

LILILI x4 x4x4 Pond Point counts

Sluice SLSLSL SLSLSL MGMG x2x2 Woodland

Drain Grassland Drain Tall ruderal/ scrub JS Drai n Mere Gutter FB SGSGSG x3 x3x3 Wetland

FB Track Weir Open water

Drain STSTST Drain BTBT MG C. x2 FB B. Blackbird Magpie

Weir BC MH Moorhen Drain SL Blackcap

Drain WPWP Betley Court Farm BT Blue tit PH Pheasent Foot Bridge

BZ BZBZ BZ Buzzard PW Pied wagtail Drain BZBZ B.B. WWWW C. Carrion crow SG Starling

Boat House

Boat House Drain CH Chaffinch ST Song thrush BZBZ Boat House BZBZ SWSWSW PHPHPH SWSWSW D Dunnock SW Sedge warbler PWPWPW Betley Mere Drain C.C. x3x3 Betley Mere C.C. x3x3 CO Coot TW Tawny owl MAMA Track WWWW GG Great crested grebe WH Whitethroat Betley Mere Sewage Works GGGG Pond GT Great tit WP Wood pigeon COCO Sewage Tank Works Betley Mere Linnet SWSWSW LI WR Wren

Drain MA Mallard WW Willow warbler WRWR NGR SCALE REVISION GGGG 374744 348230 NTS Betley Mere A DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE LK MC 22/07/13

Drain DRAWING NUMBER Figure 6b Visit 2- 11th June 2013 COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 6.30-8.30 THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE Drain 84.7m Den Bridge CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT MP 153.25 THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS Drai n PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN

Drain Drain Betley Meadow Cottage Meadow Cottage Yew Tree Betley Common Farm House Chamberlain House Path (um)

Yew Tree Cottage

Oak Tree Farm Orchard House

The Bungalow Bluebell Lodge

Hawthorn Cottage 65.5m Cullins Briarwood 75.9m 71.6m 64.0m Cedar Cottage

Green Valley Farm 77.1m Rostherne COMMON LANE Brooklands nlg ecology ltd

Hillside COMMON LANE

Pahang Bungalow

66.4m

DD Betley WwTW

Gardeners CHCH Cottage Breeding Bird Survey WRWR Drain WRWR WPWP Visit 3

GCGCGC Bird sighting Swithland FB C.C. x3x3 Bird singing (territorial/ contact call) B.B. SGSGSG Bird displaying breeding (nest building/ SWSWSW SWSWSW Path WPWP x2x2 carrying food) x Indicate number of birds seen RR GTGT RR TWTWTW Diection of flight Feeding Drain MGMG Drain MGMG GSGS Transect route Pond Point counts MM x4x4 Sluice KK Woodland

Drain Drain MM x7x7 MM x7x7 Grassland BCBC GTGT SGSGSG x6 x6x6 Drai n Tall ruderal/ scrub Mere Gutter FB H Heron GTGT FB GTGT Wetland Track CHCH Weir J Jay Drain Open water K Kestrel Drain SLSLSL FB B. Blackbird M Mistle thrush C.C. x2x2

Weir Drain BTBT SNSNSN BC Blackcap MA Mallard Drain SNSNSN

Betley Court Farm Foot Bridge BT Blue tit R Robin ??

Drain BZ Buzzard RB Reed bunting SLSLSL x3 x3x3 SWSWSW SLSLSL x3 x3x3 Carrion crow SG Starling Boat House C. MAMA MAMA Boat House Drain Boat House CH Chaffinch SL Swallow RBRB SLSLSL x2 x2x2 B.B. SLSLSL x2 x2x2 JJJ x4 x4x4 Snipe Betley Mere CO Coot SN

Drain Betley Mere Track Goldcrest Sedge warbler COCO GC SW BZBZ Betley Mere Sewage Works Goldfinch Tawny owl Pond GO TW

Issues YWYWYW B.B. Sewage GG Great crested grebe WP Wood pigeon Tank Works Betley Mere COCO KFKF GT Great tit WR Wren H.H. Drain H.H. Great spotted WRWR GS woodpecker YW Yellow wagtail GGGG GGGG NGR SCALE REVISION Betley Mere 374744 348230 NTS A DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE MAMA LK MC 25/07/13

Drain DRAWING NUMBER Figure 6c Visit 3- 10th July 2013 COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

6.30-8.30 Drain THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF 84.7m Den Bridge THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE MP CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT 153.25

THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION Drai n THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN Drain Drain Drain

Drain

Track

Drain Yew Tree Betley Common Farm House nlg ecology ltd

Yew Tree Cottage Oak Tree Farm Betley WwTW

The Bungalow Terrestrial Invertebrate Sample

Hawthorn Cottage 65.5m Location 64.0m Cedar Cottage Green Valley Farm 1 Terrestrial invertebrate survey location

COMMON LANE Carex bed Pahang Bungalow

66.4m Greater tussock sedge Carex paniculata

Survey location 1 Drain 1 Western field

2 Survey location 2 Central field

3 Survey location 3 Eastern field 1

2 Drain

Drain 3

Drain Drain

Drain

Mere Gutter FB

FB

Drain

Drain

Weir Drain

Drain NGR SCALE REVISION 374744 348230 NTS Foot Bridge A DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE LK MC 23/07/13

Drain DRAWING NUMBER Figure 7

COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THIS PLAN IS BASED UPON THE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP BY UNITED UTILITIES WITH THE SANCTION OF THE CONTROLLER OF H.M STATIONER OFFICE Drain CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED. UNALTHORISED REPRODUCTION INFRINGES COPYRIGHT THIS PLAN IS ISSUED BY UNITED UTILITIES PLANNING AND VALUATION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT IT IS NOT COPIED EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART OR DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES UNLESS PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Appendix 2: Wildlife Legislation The text below provides a summary of the legislation in relation to protected species and the original Acts and amendments should be referred to for complete details.

Bats Bats receive full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They are also protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. The legislation makes it an offence to:

­ Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bat. ­ Intentionally damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place that a wild bat uses for shelter or protection. This is taken to mean all bat roosts whether bats are present or not. ­ Intentionally disturb any wild bat while it is occupying a structure or place that it uses for shelter or protection.

In this sense a bat roost has been interpreted to mean any structure or place which is used for shelter or protection whether or not bats are present at the time. Bat roosts may be defined (Hunt, L, 2012) as either:

(i) Transition Roosts (ii) Maternity roosts (iii) Satellite Roosts (iv) Mating Roost (v) Hibernation roosts (vi) Night Roost (vii) Day Roost (viii) Feeding Roost (ix) Swarming Sites

Badgers Although the badger is not a rare mammal over most of England, it benefits from specific legal protection under the provisions of the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).. Under this Act it is unlawful to:

 Willfully kill, injure or take a badger or attempt to do so.  Cruelly ill-treat a badger.  Interfere with a sett by doing any of the following:- (i) damaging a badger sett or any part of it (ii) destroying a badger sett (iii) obstructing access to a badger sett (iv) causing a dog to enter a sett (v) disturbing a badger while it is occupying a sett.

Otter Otters are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981, which has also been amended by various later legislation including the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, and this legislation is applicable to England and Wales. Otters are listed on Schedule 5 of the WCA and, are therefore, subject to some the provisions of Section 9 which, with the amendments, make it an offence to:

34 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

 Intentionally or recklessly disturb an otter while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection (S9:4b).  Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection by an otter (S9:4c).

There are additional offences in relation to buying and selling (S9:5) any live or dead animal of this species or anything derived from them.

Otters are also listed on The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010), where it is an offence to:

 deliberately capture, injure or kill any wild animal of a European protected species;  deliberately disturb wild animals of any such species, in such a way as to impair their ability to survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear their young, or in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate;  to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong;  damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal.

Water vole Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended, and this legislation is applicable to England and Wales. Water voles are listed on Schedule 5 of the Act and are, therefore, subject to some the provisions of Section 9 which, with the amendments, make it (in brief) an offence to:  Intentionally kill, injure or take a water vole (S9:1);  Intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy or a structure or place used for shelter or protection by a water vole (S9:4a);  Intentionally or recklessly disturb a water vole while it is occupying such a place (S9:4b);  Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure or place a water vole uses for shelter or protection (S9:4c).

There are additional offences in relation to possessing, controlling (S9:2), and buying and selling (S9:5) any live or dead animal of this species or anything derived from them.

Water voles are also listed as a ‘Priority Species’ in the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). UK BAP Priority Species are also referred to as ‘species of principal importance’ for the conservation of biodiversity in England and Wales within Section 74 of the CRoW Act 2000, and Sections 41 (England) and 42 (Wales) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.

Breeding Birds All wild species of breeding birds and their nests are protected under Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981, as amended by later legislation including the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. This legislation applies in England and Wales. Part 1 (Section 1:1) of the WCA states that: 'If any person intentionally, (a) kills, injures or takes any wild bird; (b) takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built; or (c) takes or destroys an egg of any wild bird, he shall be guilty of an offence.'

35 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Part 1 (Section 1:5) of the WCA (amended by the CRoW Act 2000) refers to specific birds listed on Schedule 1 of the WCA, and states that:

'If any person intentionally or recklessly, (a) disturbs any wild bird included in Schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or (b) disturbs dependent young of such a bird, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a special penalty.’

Schedule 1 includes birds such as barn owl Tyto alba, black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros, woodlark Lullula arborea and Cetti’s warbler Cettia cetti. Please refer to the WCA for a complete list of Schedule 1 species.

White-clawed crayfish The white-clawed, or Atlantic stream, crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes is afforded protectionunder the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981. This species is listed on Schedule 5 of theAct and is afforded part protection under Section 9(1) making it an offence to intentionally kill,injure or take any of these species. There are additional offences in relation to buying, selling orexchanging any live or dead animal of this species or anything derived from a white-clawedcrayfish, under Section 9(5).

WCC are listed on Annex II(a) of the EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats andof Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the ‘Habitats Directive’. This means that the UK is required to establish Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to protect the habitat of this species. These sites form part of the Natura 2000 network across Europe. In addition, its inclusion on Annex V of this Directive also restricts the taking, capture or killing of this species in the wild.

WCC are listed as ‘Priority Species’ under UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). UK BAP PrioritySpecies are also referred to as ‘species of principal importance’ for the conservation of biodiversity in England and Wales within Section 74 of the CRoW Act 2000, and Sections 41 (England) and 42 (Wales) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. In the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), local authorities in England are required to take measures to protect the habitats of these species from further decline, protect the species from the adverse effect of development and refuse planning permission for development that harms these species unless the need for, or benefit of, the development clearly outweighs that harm. The commitment to preserving, restoring or enhancing biodiversity is further emphasised for England and Wales in Section 40 of the NERC Act 2006.1

Great Crested Newt Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) are a European protected species receiving full protection under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and the CROW Act 2000. This means it is illegal to:

 Intentionally or deliberately capture, injure or kill great crested newts.  Deliberately disturb great crested newts or intentionally or recklessly disturb them in a place used for shelter or protection.  Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place.  Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a place used for shelter or protection.  Possess, sell or offer for sale a great crested newt.

36 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Appendix 3: Breeding Bird Status Codes

37 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Appendix 4: Phase 1 Habitat Survey Target Notes TARGET DESCRIPTION Comments oN Potential NOTE faunal and habitat value 1 Mere Gutter choked with vegetation at proposed Water vole surveys carried outfall location. No discernable flow. Species out, old burrows no latrines include reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), present within 50m of outfall common reed (Phragmites communis), blackberry location. Vegetation along (Rubus fruticosus), branched bur reed (Sparganium banks very dense, pre erectum), marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre), construction surveys greater pond sedge (Carex riparia) and fools water recommended following cress (Apium nodiflorum). Banks fenced with rank strimming of banks. semi improved neutral grassland and tall ruderal, species include false oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), nettles (Urtica dioica), couch grass (Elytrigia repens), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata).

2 Semi-improved neutral grassland including Southern part of field within perennial rye grass(Lolium perenne), ribwort Betley Mere RAMSAR and plantain (Plantago lanceolata), crested dog’s-tail SSSI. (Cynosurus cristatus), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), common knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Carex sp, red clover (Trifolium pratense), white clover (Trifolium repens), soft rush (Juncus effuses), Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), annual meadow grass (Poa annua), red fescue (Festuca rubra) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus). The grassland can be split into two halves, with the southern half falling within Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI. In this half of the grassland it is more species rich and give rise to species also indicative of swamp vegetation. 3 Refers to wet woodland surrounding the main mere Betley Mere RAMSAR and and a smaller mere adjacent to Mere Gutter. The SSSI. characteristic trees species include goat willow (Salix caprea), grey willow (Salix cinerea), alder (Alnus glutinosa), crack willow (Salix fragilis) with nettle (Urtica dioica) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Interior swamp community with reed canary grass. Inaccessible to survey thoroughly. 4 Grassland managed by mowing. Species include Betley Mere RAMSAR and Yorkshire fog, ribwort plantain (Plantago SSSI. lanceolata), red fescue (Festuca rubra), common knapweed, creeping buttercup, common sorrel, Carex sp and nettle. 5 Wet ditch with mature alder, grey willow, Salix sp Betley Mere RAMSAR and and reed canary grass. Localised open water. SSSI. 6 Semi improved neutral grassland with perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne), Yorkshire fog, creeping buttercup, meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) and a moderately sized patch of soft rush and

38 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

meadow brome (Bromus erectus). 7 Planted early mature Poplar sp (Populus spp), alder Trees of low value to roosting (Alnus glutinosa), Salix sp, with understory bats, except the mature dominated by nettles and broad buckler fern crack willow and mature (Dryopteris dilitata). Bounded by wet ditch to the alder being of moderate west and the south. The western ditch has value to roosting bats. occasional mature crack willow (Salix fragilis) and alder, with localised standing water with nettles and reed canary grass. 8 Row of mature alder and crack willow with Trees of negligible value to occasional hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) roosting bats. bounding the wet ditch. Ground flora includes nettles and reed canary grass. 9 Wet ditch choked with vegetation. Species include Betley Mere RAMSAR and reed canary grass, branched bur weed and soft SSSI. rush. Ditch is hydrologically linked with Mere Gutter. 10 Active two plus hole badger sett, probably links to Badger sett main sett. 11 Active eight plus hole badger sett during 2011 and Badger sett, possible main. 2013. Appears to have been subject to digging. 12 Diverse closely grazed semi improved neutral Species rich grassland – UK grassland. Species include crested dogs tail, sweet BAP Broad Habitat Type vernal grass, perennial rye grass, Annual meadow grass (Poa annua), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), cut leaved geranium (Geranium dissectum), mouse eared chickweed (Cerastium fontanum), white clover (Trifolium repens), ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), creeping buttercup, creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), common sorrel and curled dock (Rumex crispus). Locally damp with rush pasture including soft rush, jointed rush (Juncus articulatus), alder seedling, marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre), meadow buttercup, Yorkshire fog, creeping buttercup and Carex sp. 13 Row of mature English oak (Quercus robur) and Mature trees being a typically two scotts pine (Anthriscus sylvestris). Occasional god example of their type. hawthorn. Assessed for bat potential with two specimens having potential roost value and potential commuting / foraging route. 14 Active four single entrance hole badger sett noted Potential for badgers. in 2011 and no longer occupied in 2013. Gently sloping well drained boundary features offers a good location for badger sett excavation. 15 Densely vegetated ditch with no flow of water at the Betley Mere RAMSAR and time of survey. Species include Carex sp, yellow SSSI. flag (Iris pseudacorus), floating sweet grass (Glyceria fluitans), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), soft rush, reed canary grass, bulrush (Typha latifolia), Fools Watercress (Apium nodiflorum) and common duckweed (Lemna minor). Redshank (Polygonum maculosa). 16 Marshy grassland community (rush pasture) Betley Mere RAMSAR and included within RAMSAR site. Species include SSSI. yellow flag, soft rush, nettles common sorrel, creeping buttercup, ragwort, alder and ribwort plantain. 17 Wetland community along drain. Species include Betley Mere RAMSAR and

39 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

greater pond sedge (Carex riparia), meadowsweet, SSSI. marsh thistle, soft rush, greater willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), common bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and lesser water parsnip (Berula erecta).

18 Pond with marginal vegetation, water forget-me-not Potential amphibian breeding (Myosotis scorpioides), soft rush and yellow flag habitat. iris. 19 Species poor semi improved grassland, heavily grazed by sheep. Species present include perennial rye grass, annual meadow grass, white clover and Geranium sp. 20 Ditch with slow flowing water. Occasional mature Ash trees have some minor and immature English elm (Ulmus procera) on the cavities of potential moderate banks. value to roosting bats. Aerial inspection would verify 21 Black poplar hybrids on the edge of broadleaved Betley Mere RAMSAR and woodland with locally frequent Himalayan balsam SSSI. (Impatiens glandulifera), mature ash (Fraxinus excelsior), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and crack willow.

22 Semi improved neutral grassland grazed to very Grassland support mature short sward. Species include perennial rye grass, trees of a farm landscape. annual meadow grass, crested dogstail, yarrow, white clover, curled dock, creeping thistle, Geranium sp and mouse eared chickweed. 23 Small pond on the line to the ditch adjacent to the Potential amphibian breeding mere. Species include fools watercress and large habitat. bitter cress (Cardamine amara) 24 Semi-improved neutral grassland grazed to very Grassland support mature short sward. Species include perennial rye grass, trees of a farm landscape. annual meadow grass, crested dogstail, yarrow, white clover, curled dock, creeping thistle, Geranium sp and mouse eared chickweed. 25 Open water associated with the mere and fringed Varied bird assemblage, may with swamp vegetation. Supports varied bird also offer opportunities for assemblage, to include wildfowl and warblers. otter (Lutra lutra). 26 A shed with an open door and used for storage by Evidence of tawny owl (Strix local farm. The shed is wooden and approximately aluco) confirmed and 5 x 10m. An owl box is placed in the supporting potential for barn owl (Tyto beams of the shed, which is suited for large owl alba). species.

40 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Appendix 5: NVC Tables

Sample Area A Species 1 2 3 4 5 Agrostis stolonifera 3 3 3 4 2 Agrostis capillaris 2 5(15%) 5(15%) 6(26%) 5(15%) Anthoxanthum odoratum 2 2 2 2 2 Centaurea nigra 2 1 - - 2 Cynosurus cristatus 4(4%) 4(4%) 4(4%) 3 3 Cerastum fontanum 3 - 4(4%) 2 - Carex acutiformis 1 2 4(4%) 4(4%) 4(4%) Carex panicea - 1 - - - Festuca rubra 5(15%) 5(11%) 5(11%) - 1 Filipendula ulmaria - 1 4(4%) - 2 Holcus lanatus 8(55%) 8(60%) 7(34%) 6(33%) 5(25%) Juncus articulatus 1 2 3 3 3 Juncus conglomeratus 1 - - 1 - Juncus effuses 2 2 3 3 3 Latheris pratensis - - 2 - 2 Lotus corniculatus 1 2 - - - Lotus pedunculatus - 2 - - - Lolium perenne - 2 - 2 2 Rumex acetosela 3 1 2 2 - Ranunculus acris - 1 2 - - Plantago lanceolata 2 2 2 1 2 Ranunculus flammula - - 2 - - Ranunculus repens - 2 2 1 - Rumex acetosa 1 - - - - Trifolium repens 2 3 3 3 3 Trifolium pratense - 2 2 - 2 Results obtained through MAVIS most fitting the plant community on site and highest percentage of similarity – NVC Grassland Community: MG6b (55.89%) Sample Area B Species 1 2 3 4 5 Agrostis capillaris 2 2 2 2 2 Arrhenatherum elatius 6 (26%) 6(26%) 7(35%) 7(35%) 7(35%) Centaurea nigra 1 2 - 3 - Cirsium palustre - - - 1 - Cerastum fontanum 2 - 2 1 1 Festuca rubra 3 3 3 3 3 Holcus lanatus 4(10%) 3 5(25%) 3 5(25%) Juncus articulatus - 1 - 1 - Juncus effuses 5(15%) 5(15%) - 5(15%) - Lolium perenne 3 3 3 3 3 Plantago lanceolata 2 - - 2 1 Ranunculus repens 5(12%) 6(26%) 6(26%) 5(15%) 4(4%) Ranunculus acris 5(11%) 4(4%) 4(4%) 5(11%) 3 Rumex acetosa - 1 2 4(4%) 4(10%) Rumux sanguineus - - 1 - - Trifolium repens 1 - 2 2 2 Results obtained through MAVIS most fitting the plant community on site and

41 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

highest percentage of similarity – NVC Grassland Community?? (??%) Sample Area C Species 1 2 3 4 5 Agrostis stolonifera 3 4(4%) 4(4%) 5(11%) 5(11%) Agrostis capillaris - 3 1 1 - Alopecurus pratensis - - 3 3 4(4%) Achillea millefolium 2 2 - 3 3 Cerastum fontanum - - 1 - - Festuca rubra 8(51%) 7(34%) 7(34%) 7(34%) 8(51%) Dactylis glomerata - - - 1 1 Holcus lanatus 9(76%) 9(80%) 7(34%) 8(51) 8(51%) Juncus acutifloris - 3 3 - 2 Juncus effuses - 3 6(26%) 5(15%) 4(4%) Lotus corniculatus - - 1 - - Plantago lanceolata 2 1 2 - - Ranunculus repens 3 3 4(4%) 4(4%) 4(4%) Ranunculus acris 3 3 - 2 - Rumex acetosa 4(4%) 3 3 - - Senecio jacobaea 3 3 1 - 1 Taraxacum spp. 3 1 - - 1 Trifolium repens 1 1 - 2 2 Trifolium pratense 1 1 1 1 1 Urtica dioica - 1 - 1 - Results obtained through MAVIS most fitting the plant community on site and highest percentage of similarity – NVC ????? MG??? (???%)

Sample Area D Species 1 2 3 4 5 Achillea millefolium - 1 1 3 - Agrostis stolonifera - 1 - 1 - Agrostis capillaris 1 - - 1 - Anthoxanthum odoratum 1 - 4 (10%) 4 (10%) - Centaurea nigra - - 1 - - Cerastum fontanum 1 - - 1 1 Carex panicea - 1 1 - - Cirsium arvense 1 - - 2 - Holcus lanatus 5 (25%) 7 (50%) 6 (33%) 7 (50%) 7(50%) Juncus articulatus - 1 - 1 - Juncus effuses - - 1 - 2 Lolium perenne 7(34%) 8(51%) 7(50%) 4(10%) 7(50%) Ranunculus acris 1 - - 1 - Plantago lanceolata 3 3 2 3 3 Ranunculus flammula - 1 - 1 - Ranunculus repens 6 (26%) 5(11%) 4(4%) 4(4%) 5(11%) Rumex acetosa 2 2 2 - 1 Senecio jacobaea - 1 - - - Taraxacum spp. - 1 - - - Trifolium repens 5(11%) 6(26%) 4(4) 4(8%) 4(4%)

Results obtained through MAVIS most fitting the plant community on site and highest percentage of similarity – NVC MG??: ?? (??%)

42 Betley Mere, Ecological Survey Report July 2013

Appendix 6: Terrestrial Invertebrate Report

43 BETLEY MERE, STAFFORDSHIRE: INVERTEBRATE SURVEY

Report to NLG Ecology Ltd

June 2013

ANDY GODFREY Entomological Consultant 90 Bence Lane Darton Barnsley South Yorkshire S75 5DA

Tel: 01226 384022 Mobile: 07502364511 Email: [email protected]

BETLEY MERE, STAFFORDSHIRE: INVERTEBRATE SURVEY

CONTENTS

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION METHODS SAMPLING WEATHER CONDITIONS IDENTIFICATION RARITY ASSESSMENT RESULTS SPECIES RICHNESS AND RARITY REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE HABITAT ASSESSMENT OVERALL ASSESSMENT MITIGATION MEASURES CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

TABLE 1: WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE SURVEY DATES

APPENDIX 1: INVERTEBRATES RECORDED FROM BETLEY MERE, STAFFORDSHIRE: JUNE 2013

APPENDIX 2: DETAILS OF THE ECOLOGY, STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE INVERTEBRATES OF HIGH NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE RECORDED

APPENDIX 3: INVERTEBRATE STATUS CATEGORIES

BETLEY MERE, STAFFORDSHIRE: INVERTEBRATE SURVEY

SUMMARY

NLG Ecology requested an invertebrate survey of three grassland parcels within Betley Mere SSSI and RAMSAR site, Staffordshire. The survey is to inform pipeline modifications related to Betley Wastewater Treatment Works. The scheme involves the construction of a relatively narrow diameter outfall pipe and the pipeline dissects through Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI. The results of two surveys undertaken in May and June 2013 are presented. A total of 205 invertebrate taxa were recorded and these are listed in Appendix 1. Two Red Data Book, two IUCN Lower Risk and five Notable insect species were recorded. The two Red Data Book species are cryptic species associated with Carex paniculata tussocks and Carex beds and were found in these microhabitats on the site. The three fields are clearly of high nature conservation value for their invertebrates. The records would suggest that the SSSI designation is in favourable condition and that the designation is warranted. Various mitigation measures for the proposed pipeline are suggested.

BETLEY MERE, STAFFORDSHIRE: INVERTEBRATE SURVEY

INTRODUCTION NLG Ecology requested an invertebrate survey of three grassland parcels within Betley Mere SSSI, Staffordshire. The survey is to inform pipeline modifications related to Betley Wastewater Treatment Works. The scheme involves the construction of a relatively narrow diameter outfall pipe and the pipeline dissects through Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI.

METHODS SAMPLING Sampling methods included the following:

 Sweep netting of low-growing vegetation and scrub. This is a standard method for aculeate Hymenoptera, Diptera, phytophagous Coleoptera, Hemiptera and several other groups.  Direct searching on bare ground, flower-heads, etc and including the field recording of butterflies and other conspicuous invertebrates.  Use of garden vacuum with a muslin bag held over the inlet pipe by strong rubber- bands. This was operated for short periods amongst Carex paninculata tussocks and in Carex beds in the central and eastern field. The contents of the muslin bag were emptied into a sweep net and individual insects were pooted from here.

WEATHER CONDITIONS Weather conditions on the two survey visits are shown in Figure 1. The second visit was initially planned for 20th June 2013 but was postponed due to a weather forecast which predicted rain.

IDENTIFICATION Target groups for terrestrial invertebrates have been identified which are considered by the surveyor to be good habitat indicators. These include Orthoptera (grasshoppers and allies), Odonata (damselflies and dragonflies), shieldbugs and grassbugs, selected Coleoptera (beetles), butterflies, day-flying moths, selected Diptera and selected aculeate Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps). These have generally been identified to species.

Vouchers of rare and uncommon species have been retained. All material was collected by and identified by Andy Godfrey.

RARITY ASSESSMENT A main aim of the survey was to establish if there are any invertebrate species of high nature conservation interest present on the site. These include UK and local Biodiversity Action Plan species, IUCN, Red Data Book and Nationally Scarce species. A list of UK BAP invertebrates may be viewed on the UK BAP website at www.ukbap.org.uk. Rarity statuses such as Red Data Book, Nationally Scarce (previously Notable) and Local have been developed and heavily used by Natural England, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and associated organisations and are defined in Appendix 3. Since 1995, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) categories has been adopted by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee as the new standard for Red Lists in Britain. JNCC aims to work towards assessing the status of all native species against standard criteria based on the internationally accepted guidelines developed by the IUCN (see IUCN, 2001, 2003). Only a few taxonomic groups have been given IUCN codes but these include the water beetles (Foster 2010) and Diptera belonging to the Empidoidea (Falk and Crossley 2005).

RESULTS SPECIES RICHNESS AND RARITY A total of 205 invertebrate taxa were recorded and these are listed in Appendix 1. No UK BAP species but two Red Data Book, two IUCN Lower Risk and five Notable were also recorded. These are summarised below and brief comments on their ecology, status and distribution are provided.

Red Data Book 2 Antichaeta brevipennis Sciomyzidae

Red Data Book 3 Stenomicra cogani Stenomicridae

IUCN Lower Risk (Nationally Scarce) Lonchoptera scutellata Lonchopteridae Rhamphomyia albitarsis Empididae

Notable Cheilotrichia imbuta Limoniidae Beris fuscipes Stratiomyidae Vanoyia tenuicornis Stratiomyidae Anagnota bicolor Anthomyzidae Elachiptera uniseta Chloropidae

The Red Data Book sciomyzid Antichaeta brevipennis has only been recorded from a handful of sites in the UK. The larvae appear to feed on the egg masses of amber snails (Succineidae) and possibly freshwater snails. The adults have poorly developed wings and consequently are rarely swept, a fact which may explain the apparent rarity of the adults. However, the recent adoption of portable vacuums by entomologists has probably led to an increase in species such as this that live deep in sedge or grass tussocks or in fen litter.

The specimens at Betley Mere were obtained from Carex paniculata tussocks using the portable vacuum. The species was recorded in the eastern field.

Stenomicra cogani This Red Data Book 3 stenomicrid is associated with emergent vegetation in fens, by waterbodies, etc. It was only described as new to science in 1982. Like the above species, it is a poor flier and is most likely to be found by vacuuming Carex paniculata tussocks or emergent vegetation. Its minute size, may also lead to it being overlooked and under- recorded.

The specimens at Betley Mere were obtained from Carex beds using the portable vacuum. The species was recorded in the central field.

Cheilotrichia imbuta This minute and delicate cranefly is easy to overlook because it stays close to vegetation and doesn’t fly far. It is associated with Phalaris or Phragmites beds beside rivers and streams in sheltered situations. The early stages are unknown. This species was recorded at Betley Mere by sweep netting from the central and eastern fields.

Beris fuscipes This soldierfly is widespread but local and has been recorded in damp woodland and adjacent fens and marshes especially on calcareous soil.

This species was recorded at Betley Mere by sweep netting from the eastern field.

Vanoyia tenuicornis Stratiomyidae This small soldierfly is widespread and has been mainly been recorded from fens and seepage meadows as well as from coastal sites. The larvae are aquatic or semi-aquatic.

This species was recorded at Betley Mere by sweep netting from the eastern field.

Rhamphomyia albitarsis Empididae This species is widespread and has been recorded from fenland and old broadleaved woodland. The early stages are unknown but may develop in soil, litter or dead-wood.

This species was recorded at Betley Mere by sweep netting from the central field.

Lonchoptera scutellata Lonchopteridae This widespread species is usually associated with sedges (mainly Carex riparia and C. acutifolius) at water margins, in fens and in damp woods. It was recorded from Betley Mere from the eastern field.

This species was recorded at Betley Mere by sweep netting from the eastern field.

Anagnota bicolor Anthomyzidae This minute anthomyzid is usually found by the surveyor in Carex paniculata tussocks but also occurs in emergent vegetation. It can be locally frequent (as at Betley Mere) in the surveyor’s opinion and may be overlooked or under-recorded because of its minute size.

This species was recorded at Betley Mere from the central and eastern fields.

Elachiptera uniseta Chloropidae This minute chloropid occurs in wetlands including fens, damp woods, gravel pits and coastal marshes.

This species was recorded at Betley Mere by sweep netting from the eastern field.

Further details of the ecology, status and distribution of the above species are provided in Appendix 2.

The presence of two Red Data Book, two IUCN Lower Risk and five Notable species recorded on only two survey visits suggests that the three fields are of high nature conservation value for their invertebrates. It was not possible to identify all the material collected during the survey and 1-2 additional Notable species may be present in the samples. Further species of high nature conservation value may occur in taxonomic groups not covered in the survey (notably the moths), or in taxa present at other times of the year. The aquatic invertebrates may support species of interest although this was outside the remit of the work and watercourses are restricted on the site.

REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE The Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (SBAP) http://www.sbap.org.uk/ was accessed to determine if any of the species recorded from Betley Mere are local BAP species. None of the species in the SBAP were recorded from the survey.

SITE ASSESSMENT The survey was restricted to three field parcels located within Betley Mere SSSI and RAMSAR site. These are shown on the aerial photograph provided by the client in spring 2013. Proposed Outfall Option 3 passes straight through the centre of all three fields. A later revised pipeline route plan (sent to the author on 3rd June 2013) has the preferred route to the north of these fields and outside the Ramsar and SSSI boundary. This route goes through sheep pasture and would clearly have a much lower impact on the SSSI. Consequently it is much preferred to the previous Proposed Outfall Option 3 route.

The SSSI citation for Betley Mere was provided by the client and is available online on the Natural England website http://www.naturalengland.org.uk. Betley Mere is one of a large number of meres that occur in the northwest Midlands and these form important open water and peatland sites. Betley Mere is one of the few natural standing waters in Staffordshire and the acidic grassland associated with it is now very rare in the county. The citation mentions that the SSSI supports range of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate groups.

More sampling effort was given to the eastern and central field because of the presence of Carex paniculata tussocks in the former and sedge beds (in the latter). Sedge beds were also present in the western field parcel but were more limited in extent. The western field had also been partially cut for hay by the time of the second survey visit and was being grazed by cattle which meant that there was a limited extent of rank grassland present. The likelihood is that the eastern and central fields have the highest invertebrate interest, but the western field is of high value also.

The tussock sedge Carex paniculata and Carex beds are clearly of high value for invertebrates and efforts should be made not to disturb these during the proposed works. Disturbance of the tussock sedge is perhaps unlikely given that these occur in the brook which is some distance away from the proposed pipeline routes.

Other features that make the site of high interest to invertebrates include the high water table, present of mature willows and alders, fringing woodland and carr, good botanical species richness and diversity (most apparent in the central field which was ungrazed during the period of the survey), occasional woody scrub, and so on. None of these should be permanently damaged by the works and preferably should be temporarily disturbed at best.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT The three fields are clearly of high nature conservation value for their invertebrates and suggest that the SSSI is in favourable condition. The records would suggest that the SSSI designation is warranted.

MITIGATION MEASURES Avoid disturbance of the watercourses in the eastern field including the tussock sedge which grows in these. Avoid disrupting the water supply in the watercourses – there should be no reduction of water levels by pumping unless expressly authorised by Natural England and this should be restored as soon as possible after the works are completed. Avoid sediment input into the watercourses and the resultant discoloration and/or increased turbidity. Biological water quality should be maintained in the watercourses and should be the same after the works as before.

Avoid excessive trampling and compaction of the soils. Do not permit non-essential vehicles to drive onto the fields (essential vehicles are here defined as diggers and pipe-laying machinery). Construction compounds should be located off the SSSI where possible to avoid damage to the vegetation.

Mature trees (such as alders or willows) should not be removed.

CONCLUSIONS The results of a terrestrial invertebrate survey of three field parcels at Betley Mere SSSI, Staffordshire are presented. A total of 205 invertebrate taxa were recorded and these are listed in Appendix 1. Two Red Data Book, two IUCN Lower Risk and five Notable insect species were recorded. The two Red Data Book species are cryptic species associated with Carex paniculata tussocks and Carex beds and were found in these microhabitats on the site. The three fields are clearly of high nature conservation value for their invertebrates. The records would suggest that the SSSI designation is warranted and that the SSSI is in favourable condition. Various mitigation measures for the proposed pipeline are suggested.

REFERENCES Ball, S.G. (1986) Terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates with Red Data Book, Notable or Habitat Indicator status. Invertebrate Site Register report No. 66. Nature Conservancy Council. Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000). The Stationery Office. Eversham, B. (1983) Defining rare and notable species – a discussion document. Invertebrate Site Register report No. 49. Nature Conservancy Council. Falk, S.J. (1991) A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain (Part 1). Research & Survey in Nature Conservation No. 39. Nature Conservancy Council. Falk, J.J. & Chandler, P.J. (2005) A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain. Part 2: Nematocera and Aschiza. Species Status No. 2. JNCC Falk, J.J. & Crossley, R. (2005) A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain. Part 3: Empidoidea. Species Status No. 3. JNCC Falk, S. J. & Ismay, J. (in prep.) A review of the scarce and threatened Diptera of Great Britain: Acalypterata. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Hyman, P. & Parsons, M. (1992) A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain. Part 1. UK Nature Conservation No. 3. JNCC Hyman, P.S. & Parsons, M. (1994) A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain. Part 2. UK Nature Conservation No. 12. JNCC Roháček, J. (2006) A monograph of Palaearctic Anthomyzidae (Diptera). Part 1. Sleské Zemské muzeum, Opava. IUCN (2001) IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN, Gland and Cambridge. IUCN (2003) Guidelines for the Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Levels: Version 3.0. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN, Gland and Cambridge. Shirt, D.B. (1987) British Red Data Books. 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council. Wells, S.M., Pyle, R.M., and N.M. Collins (1983) The IUCN Invertebrate Red Data Book. IUCN.

SURVEY DATE WEATHER CONDITIONS

20th May 2013 Overcast, humid, cool and with a cool breeze on arrival. Occasional sunny periods during the survey.

29th June 2013 100% cloud cover with a cool breeze at the start of the survey. Sunny and warm by mid- day and during the afternoon.

TABLE 1: WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE SURVEY DATES

APPENDIX 1: TERRESTRIAL INVERTEBRATES RECORDED FROM BETLEY MERE, STAFFORDSHIRE: 2013

Red Data Book and Nationally Scarce/Notable species have been emboldened in the spreadsheet.

NLG Field numbers refer to the aerial photograph provided by the client in spring 2013 with the field numbers given on the photograph.

APPENDIX 2: DETAILS OF THE ECOLOGY, STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE INVERTEBRATES OF HIGH NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE RECORDED

Up-to-date distribution maps for the species mentioned below (and others mentioned in the report) may be found on the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway website at: http://data.nbn.org.uk/

Red Data Book 2 Antichaeta brevipennis Sciomyzidae This species was known from about a dozen sites in the UK according to Falk (1991). These were concentrated in six English counties and one Scottish county. This author stated that this species is very rare with seven post 1960 records. It has been recorded from almost thirty 10km squares on the distribution map for this species on the NBN Gateway. These include several records for Wales and Cumbria where it had not been recorded previously. This species is usually associated with lush vegetation beside waterbodies in wetlands. In Denmark, the eggs and larvae have been found in the egg masses of amber snails (Succineidae) and they also attacked Galba truncatula in the laboratory.

Red Data Book 3 Stenomicra cogani Stenomicridae This minute fly was only described as new to science in 1982. Records are widely dispersed throughout England and Wales (Falk and Ismay in prep.). This species has been recorded from fens, coastal levels and from the marginal vegetation of water-bodies. The early stages are unknown but the larvae may mine the stems of monocotyledons or develop in decaying plant matter. The adults have been recorded from July and August.

IUCN Lower Risk (Nationally Scarce) Rhamphomyia albitarsis Empididae Records for this species are scattered widely in England (nine counties) and Wales (Montgomeryshire only). There is an old record for Aviemore. English sites include fenland and old broadleaved woodland. Falk and Crossley (2005) stated that there were over twelve post 1960 sites. At Aviemore, adults were obtained by sweeping birch bushes and surrounding herbage in damp areas. The early stages are unknown, and larvae of this genus have been reared from a range of situations including soil, leafy earth and dead wood, where they are probably predatory. The adults have been recorded in May and June.

Lonchoptera scutellata Lonchopteridae Records for this small fly are widely scattered in England (eighteen counties) although it predominates in southern England and East Anglia. There are Welsh records for only three sites. This species is associated sedges (mainly Carex riparia and C. acutifolius) at water margins, in fens and in damp woods. It is also found in tussocks of Carex paniculata in the winter months. Falk and Chandler (2005) knew of 46 post 1960 sites.

Notable Cheilotrichia imbuta Limoniidae This minute yellow cranefly is very local with records widely scattered in England, Wales and Scotland. Falk (1991) stated that there were about 25 post 1960 sites. This species is usually associated with Phalaris or Phragmites beds beside rivers and streams in sheltered situations. The early stages are not known. The adults have been recorded from May to August.

Beris fuscipes Stratiomyidae Records of this soldierfly are widely dispersed in southern England and extending up the west coast, Wales, northwest England and Scotland as far as Argyll-shire. This species has been recorded in damp woodland and adjacent fens and marshes especially on calcareous soil. On the continent, larvae have been found under the bark of a tree trunk lying in a spring. The adults have been recorded from May to September. This is a local but widespread species with about a dozen post 1960 sites according to Falk (1991).

Vanoyia tenuicornis Stratiomyidae Records of this small soldierfly are widely dispersed throughout England as far north as Norfolk and Northamptonshire and it has also been recorded from South Wales. Falk (1991) stated that he knew of about 30 post 1960 sites. Most sites are fens and seepage meadows, with additional records from coastal landslips, coastal marshes and dune slacks. The larvae probably develop in damp soil or litter, possibly including that away from standing water.

Anagnota bicolor Anthomyzidae Records for this minute anthomyzid are widely dispersed in England (thirteen counties), also Wales (four counties) and Scotland (five counties). It is usually associated with stands of Phragmites in marshes and on coastal levels according to Falk and Ismay (in prep.) although the surveyor usually finds this species in Carex paniculata tussocks. Falk and Ismay (in prep.) knew of 16 post 10960 sites. Roháček (2006) suggested that the larvae may be phytophagous to phytosaprophagous and can develop on monocotyledons and dicotyledons, even in a rotten state.

Elachiptera uniseta Chloropidae This minute fly has been recorded from scattered localities throughout England and South Wales (two counties only however here). It occurs in wetlands including fens, damp woods, gravel pits and coastal marshes. The early stages are unknown; the larvae probably develop in decaying vegetable matter although they may invade grass or reed stems. The adults have been recorded virtually throughout the year and appear to be associated with reeds and tussocks of grasses and sedges according to Falk and Ismay (in prep.) although the surveyor has found the species frequently in marginal or emergent vegetation such as Glyceria.

APPENDIX 3: INVERTEBRATE STATUS CATEGORIES

For the purposes of evaluating invertebrate faunas and priorities for conservation action, invertebrates are attributed various rarity status categories, the meanings of which are given below. Criteria for the selection of species into Red Data Book categories one to five follow Shirt (1987), with minor modifications derived from Hyman & Parsons (1992) and Hyman & Parsons (1993). Categories RDBI (Indeterminate) and RDBK (Insufficiently Known) are based on the criteria used by Wells, Pyle and Collins (1983). Criteria for the selection of Nationally Scarce species follow Eversham (1983) and Ball (1986).

Red Data Book Category 1. RDB1 - ENDANGERED

Definition. Taxa in danger of extinction in Great Britain and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating.

Included are taxa whose numbers have been reduced to a critical level or whose habitats have been so dramatically reduced that they are deemed to be in immediate danger of extinction. Also included are some taxa that are possibly extinct.

Criteria. Species, which are known or believed, to occur as only a single population within one 10km square of the National Grid.

Species, which only occur in habitats known to be especially vulnerable.

Species, which have shown a rapid and continuous decline over the last twenty years and are now estimated to exist in five or fewer 10km squares.

Species which are possibly extinct but have been recorded this century but which if rediscovered would need protection.

Red Data Book Category 2. RDB2 - VULNERABLE

Definition. Taxa believed likely to move into the Endangered category in the near future if the causal factors continue operating.

Included are taxa of which most or all of the populations are decreasing because of over-exploitation, extensive destruction of habitat or other environmental disturbance; taxa with populations that have been seriously depleted and whose ultimate security is not yet assured; and taxa with populations that are still abundant but are under threat from serious adverse factors throughout their range.

Criteria. Species declining throughout their range.

Species in vulnerable habitats.

Red Data Book Category 3. RDB3 - RARE

Definition. Taxa with small populations in Great Britain that are not at present Endangered or Vulnerable, but are at risk.

These taxa are usually localized within restricted geographical areas or habitats or are thinly scattered over a more extensive range.

Criteria. Species, which are estimated to exist in only 15 or fewer 10km, squares. This criterion may be relaxed where populations are likely to exist in over 15 10km squares but occupy small areas of especially vulnerable habitat.

Red Data Book Category 4. RDB4 - OUT OF DANGER

Definition. Taxa formerly meeting the criteria of one of the aforementioned categories but which are now considered relatively secure because effective conservation measures have been taken or the previous threat to their survival in Great Britain has been removed.

Red Data Book Category 5. RDB5 - ENDEMIC

Definition. Taxa, which are not known to occur naturally outside Great Britain. Taxa within this category may also be in any of the other RDB categories or not threatened at all.

There are few truly endemic species in Great Britain. Most that have been identified are in fairly obscure groups, which are relatively poorly known, and the species may well eventually be discovered elsewhere in Europe.

Red Data Book Appendix. RDBApp. - EXTINCT

Definition. Taxa which formerly had breeding populations in Great Britain but which are now believed to have died out. (Taxa not recorded since 1900)

Red Data Book Category I. RDB I - INDETERMINATE

Definition. Taxa considered being Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare, but where there is not enough information to say which of the three categories (RDB1 to 3) is appropriate.

Red Data Book Category K. RDBK - INSUFFICIENTLY KNOWN

Definition. Taxa that are suspected, but not definitely known, to belong to any of the aforementioned categories, because of lack of information.

Criteria. Taxa recently discovered or recognised in Great Britain, which may prove to be more widespread in the future (although some recent discoveries may be placed in other categories if the group to which they belong is thought not to be under- recorded).

Taxa with very few or perhaps only a single known locality but which belong to poorly recorded or taxonomically difficult or unstable groups.

Species with very few or perhaps only a single known locality, inhabiting inaccessible or infrequently sampled but widespread habitats, such as some northern moorland species, species associated with some agricultural situations and species which are adult only during the winter.

Species with very few or perhaps only a single known locality and of questionable native status, but not clearly falling into the category of recent colonist, vagrant or introduction.

Provisional Red Data Book. pRDB

Definition. The prefix ‘p’ before any Red Data Book category implies that the grading is provisional. In the majority of cases this means that the species' status has been reconsidered and changed in a Species Group Review produced subsequent to the publication of the relevant Red Data Book. The statuses so given are described as provisional, pending the publication (continued) of a future edition of that Red Data Book. These statuses are however, based upon a greater amount of evidence than was available for the original Red Data Book and therefore are more likely to be a true representation of the species' actual status. The prefix ‘p’ is also used for RDB status categories in groups where a Red Data Book has not yet been produced but is in preparation, or is used for species in groups covered by the original Red Data Book, where it is considered that there is evidence that the original grading was incorrect or that there has been a genuine change in status of the taxon.

Nationally Scarce (Notable) Species

The term ‘Nationally Scarce‘ was adopted and replaced the term ‘Notable‘ during the compilation of the Guidelines for the Selection of Biological SSSIs. The two terms are thus interchangeable but ‘Nationally Scarce‘is preferable.

Ball (1986) discusses the allocation of species to Nationally Scarce categories:

‘’The Invertebrate Site Register project includes the preparation of National Species Reviews which seek to identify and document uncommon species. The criteria used have been based directly on those evolved by botanists and two levels of 'National Notability’ has been used. These are Notable A, for species known to occur in 30 or less 10km squares of the National Grid and Notable B for those known from 100 or less squares.

Although this system can be used directly with well-recorded groups like Dragonflies, Butterflies and Grasshoppers; when dealing with many other groups of insects, the level of recording is not sufficient to apply the criteria rigorously. A combination of three alternative approaches has been employed:

1. The approximate number of squares in which a species may occur can be estimated by looking at the number it has been recorded from as a proportion of the total in which the whole group (e.g. its family) has been recorded.

Coarser measurements such as the number of vice-counties in which a species has 2. occurred can be used (7 or less for Notable A, 20 or less for Notable B).

Experts can be asked to use their field experience to judge the status of species in their particular specialist group against others with a better-established status. By 3. consulting as many people as possible and taking a consensus of their views, geographical and personal biases can be minimized.

In some groups in which widespread interest and recording is a rather recent phenomenon, no attempt has yet been made to separate Notable A and Notable B species, and all Nationally Notable species are simply graded 'Notable’.’’

Nationally Scarce (Notable). N - NOTABLE

Definition. Species, which are estimated to occur in 16 to 100 10km, squares in Great Britain. The subdividing of this category into Nationally Scarce A and Nationally Scarce B has not been attempted for some species because of either the degree of recording that has been carried out in the group to which the species belongs, or because there is some other reason why it is not sensible to be so exact.

Nationally Scarce (Notable) Category A. Na - NOTABLE A

Definition. Taxa which do not fall within RDB categories but which are uncommon in Great Britain and thought to occur in 30 or fewer 10km squares of the National Grid or, for less well recorded groups, within 7 or fewer vice- counties.

Nationally Scarce (Notable) Category B. Nb - NOTABLE B

Definition. Taxa which do not fall within RDB categories but which are uncommon in Great Britain and thought to occur in between 31 and 100 10km squares of the National Grid or, for less well recorded groups, between 8 and 20 vice- counties.

Regionally Scarce (Notable). Nr - NOTABLE

Definition. Species which are considered to occur in 5 or less 10km squares in an area equivalent in size to a region of the old Nature Conservancy Council or larger, approximately one eighth the total area of England.

Such statuses were worked out during the compilation of the Invertebrate Site Registers. They cover various groups in Scotland, in northern England as a whole, in northeast and northwest England, in vice-county Yorkshire and in the east Midlands and East Anglia. They were worked out by local entomologists.

LOCAL

Definition. The term is not rigidly defined, but loosely means species confined to a particular habitat type (usually associated with better quality examples of that habitat), a particular geographic area, or species that are too widespread to warrant Nationally Scarce (Notable) status but are nevertheless infrequently encountered.

COMMON

Definition. Common or very widespread species, frequently recorded.

SYNANTHROPIC SPECIES

Definition. Species dependent upon man, his buildings, livestock or crops.

UNKNOWN

Definition. Species where no status has been attributed. There may be confusion over the species’ taxonomy, it may belong to a poorly recorded group or may occur in an infrequently sampled habitat. As a species is entered into the Invertebrate Site Register or RECORDER, the status automatically defaults to ‘Unknown’. Certain common or local species may therefore occasionally appear in this category if there has been no necessity to use the species record.

Betley WwTW New Outfall

Outline methodology for the execution of Betley WwTW New Outfall

Produced: Paul Quinn / A Mann / M Shone

Rev B

Date: 14th November 2013

CMSD 213 rev 2

Betley WwTW New Outfall

Preparation of Method Statements

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Box 1 Scope of Works:

Purpose of the Project:

To relocate the WwTW outfall (both final effluent and storm water flows) outside the SSSI and RAMSAR site boundary to ensure Betley Mere meets “favourable” condition status by 31st March 2015.

Scope of Works:

This method statement outlines the methodology to complete the execution of the 450mm dia Betley Outfall pipe work (approx. 1.1km) across agricultural land. As shown on drg 6410/80019727/01/01/2001 below:-

The scope of works will involve the following activities:

 Preparation of working easement & compound areas  Pre entry ground treatment using soil mixing techniques ( CH 0-200 and 320-450m)  External well pointing for dewatering of trenches (Remaining Ch.)  Excavation of trench  Installation of 450dia concrete pipework and associated manholes  Backfilling  Final Reinstatement

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Compound Areas

Compound areas for the storage of pipes / welfare and plant will be found at the below locations: -

 Betley Court Farm - Land adjacent to Betley WwTW  Green Valley Farm - Land off Common Lane

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Box 3 Programme of Operations and Potential Interface with Others. Refer to:-

Site Programme and Allotted Time

The works detailed in this method statement will be carried out beginning no earlier than March 2014 with a duration of approx. 6 months

Health and Safety Policy

GCAJV health and safety policy is available on request. All work shall be carried out in strict accordance with GCA SHE procedures as instructed by GCA representatives. Policies include mandatory eye wear and no mobile phone usage on site. Only dedicated first aiders are allowed to use mobile phones on site. When answering a mobile phone, the user must move away from the working area, preferably to outside the easement and ensure that they have a clear view of all areas prior to using their phones. Ideally, the user should position them against a hedge / tree so that they have a clear view in front of them with no chance of impact from behind. GCA to provide ‘’ safe areas’’ within hoardings.

NOTE :- Mobile phone use and smoking to be contained within the hoardings to prevent unnecessary attention and disturbance to the public

Activity Isolation

The works will be isolated from other site traffic/personnel working in the surrounding area as far as is practicably possible.

The site foreman will ensure no conflict of work areas occur through discussions held during the stop shift meeting and co-ordination of works on site. Management of the vehicle movements will take place at all times.

Operations which may/will affect others

Operations will be planned with the interest of working as far away from others as possible, with safety in mind at all times.

Inductions and toolbox/safety awareness talks

A toolbox talk detailing the contents of the RAMS will be given to and signed off by every operative involved in the task by the Foreman/Works Manager. If deemed necessary further related toolbox talks may be carried out at the discretion of the Foreman/Works Manager.

Services

Drawings will be consulted with regards to services within the sections in question and it will be at the discretion of the site team as to whether or not they sub out the service detection to Sumo. A permit to dig will be prepared and issued and will indicate any known services within the area. The area will be fully CAT scanned by the site engineers and the CAT is to be made available at all times of the excavation for further CAT scanning as the excavation progresses.

There are no overhead services along the line of the proposed pipeline. Overhead services crossing approach roads (Eg Common Lane and Betley WwTW approach lane) will be marked by warning marker posts and bunting set to a height and position as detailed by the service provider. The goal posts will be removed at such time as to when all works except seeding works are completed.

Ground Conditions

Boreholes and window samples have been taken across various locations along the pipeline route. With reference to the Geotechnical Solutions Report this shows 2 sections namely CH 0m – 200m as shown drg 6410/80019727/00/17/1001 and CH 320m – 450m as shown on 6410/80019727/00/17/1002 which are CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

problematic for pipe laying activities due to presence of deep peat layers which will are unstable and which do not provide a suitable formation for the proposed pipeline without treatment.

Excavation methods using traditional trench support and dewatering in these locations have been discounted and therefore it is proposed to install soil mixing techniques as a pre-entry treatment in order to provide both structural support to the permanent pipework and to provide a safe and stable working corridor for personnel to work within.

The process of soil mixing uses a relatively small proportion of the binder in relation to the volume of soil to be improved and introduces it to the soil in a controlled manor, at low pressure. The binder is introduced as either dry cement or cement grout, both of which are relatively immobile, and are mixed with the soil immediately. The binder can be pure cement/cement grout, or can include additives such as gypsum, lime or PFA depending on the ground conditions.

It would take a significant flow of water through the ground during mixing to ‘wash out’ the binder prior to it reacting with and binding to the mixed soil. The soil to be stabilised in this case is peat which forms over a long time period in static water. Peat tends to hold onto water, which can move only very slowly through it, if at all. The rate of water movement would be unlikely to be great enough to result in the binder being removed. Even if binder were to be put into solution the distance it could migrate before ‘going off’ would be very small. For these reasons very little migration of the binder would be expected to occur as a result of this treatment and the technique generally creates a clear, visual boundary between treated and un-treated ground. Once the mixed soil has ‘gone off’ we would expect no further potential for leaching of cement into the surrounding soils/water.

The installation of the soil stabilised material should not have any detrimental effect on the hydrology of the area. Although there will be some loss of permeability of the ground section across the treated area, the combination of low net water migration through the peat and flow under simple differences in hydrostatic head should ensure that the natural flow of water is not impeded following construction. It should be noted that the treated ground does not form a continuous barrier to ground water movement through the peat. Only the intermittent bearing columns will penetrate the full depth of the peat, with the remainder of the pipe line corridor mixed to approximately 500mm below pipe formation.

Trial mixes will be undertaken in the laboratory using samples taken from site to enable appropriate mix design prior to mobilising on site. This will be further tested using on site trials prior to starting the main works. During soil mixing operations the rate at which the binder is injected and the rate of rotation of the blades/auger will be closely monitored and recorded to ensure that the laboratory mixes are replicated. It should therefore be apparent if the binder begins to be lost, and the process adjusted accordingly.

With a properly designed soil mixed solution we feel it is highly unlikely that the scheme will have a negative impact on the nearby SSSI, and will have the benefit of minimising generated spoil and requirements for imported aggregates.

As a precautionary measure during soil stabilisation activities, a designated person will undertake pH sampling of the adjacent watercourses, using a hand held monitor. This will be undertaken to confirm there is no detrimental effect.

The following file is attached as a presentation, and which provides an introductory guide on the deep soil mixing technique proposed for this project.

DSML Soil Mixed Columns For Pipe Line Installation.pdf

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Section CH 0m – 200m (PEAT ZONES INDICATED IN BROWN)

CH 320m -450m (PEAT ZONES INDICATED IN BROWN)

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

In the remaining sections of the proposed pipeline, there are bands of loose dense to medium dense sands. The ground to be excavated will be dewatered by installing external dewatering well points along the line of the pipe trench, creating dry and safe working conditions for personnel.

Once installed, both methods described above, will allow the pipe work and manholes to be installed within the capabilities of conventional plant and machinery. Given the nature of the pipeline route and the expected excavation depth, trench support will be required in order to maintain personnel safety; the extent and adequacy of these measures will be monitored on site on a daily basis.

Data gathered from the boreholes undertaken to date suggest that the risk of noxious gas is not a high risk, however gas detector will be deployed to monitor the excavation at any point where a operative is required to enter the excavation. Personnel entry will follow standard GCA procedures.

Access/ Egress to Easement

Working in open farmland is weather dependent, and the likelihood of waterlogged ground is high. Plant will be selected to suit the prevailing ground conditions and will include tracked excavators and dumpers. Through the peat areas described previously, plant will deployed on timber bog mats, laid on Terram. If due to excessive rain the farmland becomes saturated and is likely to be adversely affected by any works, the work will be stopped until the ground returns to stable condition that will be unaffected by normal agricultural and tracked vehicles.

Adjacent structures including buildings, roads, and watercourses.

Care will be taken not to adversely affect any structures in or adjacent to the working area. New Culverts / pipe crossings will be designed by GCA and approved by the Environment Agency. Removal of any existing culverts / pipeline will be done in a manner so as to restore the existing land to its original state.

All personnel will be briefed on the procedures for safely dealing with fuel or chemical spills. Spill kits will be CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

deployed at all work locations and in the vent of a spill the nominated trained GCA personnel will attend the incident to contain the spill, prevent further contamination and arrange for a specialist environmental e management company to attend site and safely remove the contaminated materials to a licenced tip. A record of the location and date of the incident will then be passed to GCA.

Silt fencing will be erected adjacent to watercourses in close proximity to the working areas In order to prevent silt run off from entering them.

Contaminated areas / Existing pollution

No known existing areas of pollution or contamination are known at this time but should they be encountered during construction work will stop and they will be immediately reported to GCA and the Environment Agency.

Interface with local communities

GCA to notify all members of the community likely to be affected by the works the start and finish times and dates and to implement any precautions or restrictions needed to keep any disruption to a minimum. All construction traffic shall follow the traffic management and access plan set out by GCA. All personnel to be constantly aware of the presence of the general public and if needed politely escort any unauthorised persons away from the working area.

Access to the pipeline easement shall be via private land. GCA will liaise and agree delivery schedules with the affected landowners to avoid conflict of traffic on the farm.

Storage of Chemicals

Chemicals required to undertake the construction of the works will be stored in designated compound locations in lockable stores, fitted with an internal bund.

Adjacent areas: SSSI / RAMSAR

Betley Mere is a designated SSSI and RAMSAR site. The primary reason for the RAMSAR designation relates to a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog and a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates (three endangered insects and five other British Red Data Book species of invertebrates). The SSSI citation also makes reference to the presence of more than 50 species of breeding birds, to include species associated with open water, reed, woodland and grassland communities. The watercourses are also noted to be of value for species such as water vole and freshwater mussel (Anodonta cygnea).

Ecological surveys have identified the following interest features potentially affected by works.

Several trees have been noted for their bat potential (tn7 and 13); 3 active badger setts are located (tn10, 11 and 27) within close proximity to the working area. Badgers are also likely to traverse across the easement. Otters and white-clawed crayfish (downstream of the proposed outfall) are both present along Mere Gutter. A total of 205 invertebrate species including 2 Red Data Book, 2 IUCN Lower Risk and 5 Notable insect species were recorded within the section of RAMSAR immediately adjacent to the proposed working area. Several assemblages of breeding birds were observed during the surveys, to include ground nesting species.

This method statement deals with the procedures required to ensure that the SSSI/ RAMSAR is not affected by the pipe line installation and associated works.

Archaeological Constraints

The Staffordshire County Historic Environment Record office has confirmed that there are unlikely to be any significant archaeological implications in terms of buried remains and thus no formal watching brief is required.

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Consents

GCA will apply for and adhere to any permanent and temporary consent needed to be implemented by them to safely and legally carry out the works. E.g. Land drainage consents, flood defence, footpath diversions etc.

Aspects that may impact on the surrounding environment such as noise / vibration and dust.

Noise and vibration will not exceed normal agricultural operations and should not adversely affect the surrounding environment.

Refuelling

Where possible the refuelling of machinery will be carried out on site at designated areas which shall be sited a minimum of 10m from a watercourse. A spill kit and fire extinguisher is always available with every machine.

All fuel bowsers will be double skinned, lockable with access only on agreement with the Foreman. Spill kits will be stationed with the bowser at all times.

House keeping

The work areas will be kept tidy and free from any unused imported materials. Any waste material will be removed and transferred to the site compound for disposal at licensed landfill or recycling facilities. The work area will be checked by all personnel at the end of each shift and will be left tidy and litter free.

Designated storage

Materials will be stored at the designated compound areas and distributed to the work face as the programme dictates. All fuels/ chemicals etc. will be stored in lockable and bunded cages.

Lighting

It is not envisaged that lighting of the work area will be required as the Works will be undertaken during the Summer months. GCA will provide and maintain lighting in the site compound and welfare facilities as required

Waste Arrangements

Waste shall be kept to a minimum and removed from site daily to our site compound for recycling. All muck away will be taken to a registered tip. All copy of all tickets and documents will be provided to and kept by GCA.

Land Drainage

All land drainage works carried out during the installation of the pipeline should comply with the Standards laid down in ‘The Technical Note on Workmanship and Materials for Land Drainage Schemes’ (ADAS 1995).

Approximately 50% of the proposed pipeline route has well-drained soils that may have no existing drains and under normal conditions should restore well. In this instance the installation of new remedial drains should not be required as part of the post construction field reinstatement.

The remainder of the land contains soil subject to prolonged water-logging and the peaty soils in particular may be particularly susceptible to damage from construction activities. Special measures will be used in these areas to limit damage. Remedial drainage may be appropriate in these areas.

Installing some remedial drainage as pre-construction works is likely to provide better ground working conditions, meaning pipeline laying works could be easier, quicker and less likely to cause pollution from silt mobilisation. This could lead to a more effective land restoration and thereby reduce the likelihood of dispute, the level of compensation or any bad publicity from the project.

Pre-construction drainage can be beneficial to pipeline installations both during the summer, when peak storms generally occur, and during the winter, when soils contain excess water and existing drains severed by the pipeline are likely to be flowing. In this project preconstruction drains may be particularly useful to aid pipeline trench stability, which could be otherwise by very vulnerable to collapse in waterlogged sandy soils. CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

If pre-construction drains are to be installed, they should ideally be installed immediately before topsoil stripping. The topsoil storage mound should then be placed upon the line of the drain to prevent any silt-laden water generated on the working strip from discharging to a watercourse via the drain. This method will also protect the drain from damage during construction.

During the pipeline installation period the track sheet log recording existing land drains, geological features and ground conditions should be reviewed. The implications of previously unknown drainage detail can then be taken into account prior to the installation of any post construction drainage.

Existing Works Constraints

Part of the working area is within Betley WwTW. GCA will liaise with the WwTW operatives and ensure that operational plant and flows are maintained throughout the duration of the works.

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Box 5 Safe System of Work to be Adopted:-

A site induction must be carried out for all the personnel along with the briefing of the contents of this method statement and associated risk assessment.

Preparation Of Working Easement & Compound areas

1. Civilising of the working easement

A tracked machine will work from one end of the easement to the other end civilising the working area. All heavily rutted areas will be re-profiled and sealed. Any areas where the topsoil is contaminated will be removed and taken off site to a suitable registered waste disposal facility.

2. Installation of stock fencing & silt fencing

GCA will mark and peg out the proposed line of temporary fence and locations of any alterations and repairs. GCA will provide drawings of all existing underground and overhead services. All services will be marked out and protected to to avoid any disruption or damage to either plant or services.

Timber straining posts will be put in place at the required position at each change of direction and a string line run between them.

The tractor / post knocker and trailer will then drive along the line and drive the intermediate posts into the ground at 3.5m centres. The quad bike and wire trailer will then lay the wire alongside the posts ready for attaching. The wire will then be tensioned and fastened to the posts using 40mm staples. Any gates will then be hung and fastened with either rope or chain as preferred by the farmer.

In addition silt fencing shall be erected at all watercourse crossings such as ditches to ensure the potential for any site run off does not pollute them.

All waste material will be removed from site to the site compound for recycling. No surplus materials are to be left on site.

3. Erection of Gates

All gates will be hung onto strainer posts at the locations specified by GCA after discussions with landowners. Gates will be hung after brackets are fixed into position. All nuts and bolts will then be attached. The gates will be fastened by rope or chain as preferred by the farmers.

4. Tree Removal/ Protection Fencing

As part of the permanent route of the pipeline it is necessary that a number of trees are to be removed. These are shown drg 6410/80019727/01/01/1004 below .This shall be carried out outside of the nesting season. Trees which are to remain and are within the easement shall be protected as per UU standard fencing panel.

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5. Installation of header drains

Land drainage is integral to land condition and use, whether it be highly productive arable land or wetland habitat. It is vital therefore that the drainage status of the land is maintained in order to achieve a successful restoration and to allow a land use capability matching that before construction.

A trencher will proceed along the route of the header drain to the required depth. The header drain pipe will be inserted into the trench simultaneously. All existing land drains intercepted during installation of the header drain will then be connected. The outfall of the header drain will be agreed on site with GCA and the farmers. If possible an existing watercourse will be utilised. Once all drainage work is completed, the entire length of the header drain including any spurs will be backfilled.

6. Installation / removal of temporary culverts / ditch crossings

All consents for culvert works are to be applied for by GCA. All culverts are to be designed by GCA and approved by the Environment Agency/ Staffordshire CC prior to installation. All culverts to be installed are to be marked out by a GCA representative.

Temporary culverts / ditch crossings will be installed in order to minimise disruption, and release of silt in to the watercourse. The working area will be isolated from the water course by installing impermeable barriers at the upstream and downstream ends. Over-pumping or fluming will be set up in order to allow the works to be undertaken in dry conditions. At the delivery end of the flume/pump hose, the watercourse will be protected with Visqueen and straw bales placed in the watercourse to further limit riverbed disturbance and the transport of silt. The installation of the culvert/pipe will be undertaken approved granular backfill material placed over it. The exposed faces of the ditch crossing will be lined with sand bags to prevent erosion and transport of silt along the watercourse. Over-pumping/fluming will be removed once the works are complete taking care to ensure that any trapped material and silt is removed from the working area in a controlled manner prior to allowing the flows back through the watercourse.

A dedicated resource will undertake regular water quality sampling and testing will be undertaken throughout the installation period to confirm no detrimental effects are observed in the watercourse. CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Removal of culverts to be carried out on request by GCA. Stone from culvert to be stockpiled at the nearest delivery area for removal at a later date. The culvert materials are to be lifted out of the ditch and taken to the storage compound near Betley WwTW. The banks of the ditch are then to be re-graded and made good and any spoil in the ditch to be removed and the ditch returned to its original condition.

7. Topsoil Strip

In order to achieve a good restoration it is important to strip, store and replace soils with care. The rooting depth of many crops is at least 1 m and the aim should be to return the land, where possible, with a total depth of 1 m of soils that are relatively free from compaction. This is necessary to allow rainfall to percolate through the soil profile and to permit crop root penetration for the extraction of moisture and nutrients.

Topsoil and subsoil/overburden shall be stored separately and ‘like on like’ to minimise contamination and loss of material. This means that topsoil heaps should overlie topsoil. Topsoil’s shall be stripped and removed from the area where subsoil/overburden is to be stored.

In order to achieve good restoration it is important to pay special attention to soil stripping. Topsoil’s shall be stripped from the temporary working strip along the length of the proposed pipeline route and from any additional working areas using a 360 tracked excavator. Any vegetative growth higher than 150 mm should be cut and removed from the land surface prior to topsoil stripping. This will reduce the risk of anaerobic zones developing in the topsoil heaps.

Animal diseases and soil borne plant pests can easily be transferred from one field (or farm) to another. This can happen when stripped soil is moved and placed in a different area or when transported by machinery working on the project. This shall be avoided by adhering too ‘Preventing the spread of plant and animal diseases’ (MAFF 1991, PB 0486), produced by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

8. Compound areas/ crossing points

Following topsoil stripping the compound footprint will be overlaid with a geotextile membrane to prevent ingress of stone into the subsoil and to aid structural capability of the existing strata. Using a 360 tracked excavator and an operator using a sit on vibratory roller imported granular stone will be placed and compacted in layers typically to a thickness of 300mm.

Installation Pre Entry Deep Soil Mixing

Prior to installing the pipework in CH 0m – 200m and CH 320m – 450m, the existing strata will be treated using cement binders in order to turn the trench line into a solid material thus providing suitable support for the pipework in the permanent state and providing a temporary works solution of a safe, dry and stable corridor to which the trench can be safely excavated within without risk of collapse and inundation of groundwater’s.

Following the treatment it is advised that a curing period of 14days is allowed, prior to commencing pipeline installation.

A presentation is included - DSML Soil Mixed Columns For Pipe Line Installation.pdf For easy reference which provides an introductory guide on the deep soil mixing technique proposed for this project.

Installation Pre Entry External Shallow Dewatering WellPoint’s

As discussed previously in the remaining length of the pipeline the ground investigation show areas of loose to medium dense sands with a high water table. In order to provide a safe, stable and dry environment for our operatives we propose to install a line of shallow well points parallel with the trench line. These are typically installed at 5m centres, and following commissioning of the well points, the groundwater will be discharged to either existing land drain manholes, directly to adjacent grassland or to existing ditches/watercourses. All water will pass through a filtration system designed to remove suspended solids (Pegasus de-silter or Siltbuster type units) prior to discharging and daily water quality checks will be made by a dedicated person in order to ensure ongoing discharge water quality.

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Close monitoring of the discharge area will be undertaken in order that the filtration is effective and the receptor area is not damaged either by erosion of silt build up. The receptor area will be protected if necessary using appropriate materials Eg Visqueen, straw bales, sand bags.

Procedure for WellPoint Installation:-

1. Preparation

GCA is to carry out site preparation works, ensure each location is free of buried services and set out each line of well points. GCA is to dig a slit trench approximately 0.5 m deep along the line of well points to control the jetting water.

A permit to dig system is in operation, a permit will be issued by GCA prior to jetting installation. GCA shall agree with the installation supervisor the location of any ramps or access points into the excavation so the WellPoint locations can be varied to suit.

2. Water Supply for Jetting

A water supply is required to allow jetting to proceed. Initially this can be provided by a hydrant supply, bowser or by pumping from a nearby watercourse. The water supply needs to be within 50 m of the proposed WellPoint installation area. GCA shall arrange for this supply including obtaining any permissions or permits required.

Once several WellPoint’s have been installed it may be possible to commission them and use the generated ground water as the jetting supply for further well point installation.

3. Jetting Installation using Light Duty Placing Tube

If required the placing tube will be extended or reduced in length by welding or cutting

The placing tube will be picked up and supported by wire strops and linked to the excavator in the place of the bucket. Jetting hoses will link the top of the tube to the jetting pump and (if used) air hoses will link the tube to the 250 cfm compressor.

The tube will be held vertically over each WellPoint location and the jetting pump will be used to pump water down the tube. The excavator will slowly lower the tube allowing it to penetrate into the ground under its own weight and the action of the jetting water.

To assist penetration the tube may be intermittently raised and lowered a few hundred millimetres to flush the hole out thoroughly. If penetration stops the excavator bucket may be used to push or hammer on the top of the tube. The compressor may also be used to inject compressed air into the tube to give a more forceful jetting action.

When the tube has penetrated to the required depth below installation level the jetting water will be allowed to continue to flush any loose material out of the bore. The jetting pump valve should then be closed and the pressure allowed dissipating.

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

4. Well point Installation

The cap of the placing tube will be removed and the well point installed inside the tube. The tube will be raised slightly by the excavator and a check will be made that the well point is free and has not risen with the casing. The cap will be refitted to the tube and if necessary a low flow of jetting water added to help keep the well point in place during withdrawal of the tube.

5. Placement of Filter Sand The placing tube will be slowly extracted by the excavator. Filter sand will be shovelled into the wash-out annulus around the tube as it is withdrawn. Sufficient filter sand will be added to backfill the annulus to close to installation level.

6. Connection of well point Equipment

A 150 mm diameter header main will be laid alongside the line of well points and each well point will be connected to the header main by a flexible swing connection. Duty (and if required, standby) well point pumps will be connected into the header main at agreed locations. GCA will provide a flat, stable area for each pump, bunded to contain any minor oil or fuel spillages. Discharge pipe will be laid out from each pump to the agreed discharge point. V-notch settlement tanks will be installed at suitable locations in the discharge lines.

7. Commissioning of well point System

Each well point pump will be started individually against a closed gate valve and the vacuum generated noted on the pump pressure gauge. The gate valve will then be opened so the pump draws from its allocated section of header main. Once the vacuum has developed in the header main it should be checked for leaks or any "bumping" WellPoint’s which may be drawing air. The discharge pipework should be checked for leaks and the water quality checked visually in the discharge tank; the water should be clear within approximately 3 hours pumping.

When the pump is giving an adequate vacuum and any leaks are sealed the process will be repeated by starting the next duty pump until all duty pumps are running.

As groundwater levels are lowered during the first few days of pumping some of the WellPoint’s may begin to draw air resulting in reduced vacuum and surging of the pumps. The WellPoint’s drawing air will be trimmed by throttling the individual control valve on each swing connector.

8. Operation of well point System

Once the commissioning period is complete the dewatering system will be monitored by GCA site staff. The nominated person must carry out DAILY ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE. This involves:  Checking adequate pump vacuum is maintained  Fuelling of pumps and/or generators  Topping up pump oil and cooling water levels as required  Ensuring discharge lines and tanks do not become blocked or damaged  Test running standby pumps and generators periodically  Record groundwater levels and flow rate (on V-notch) daily.

Excavation of trench

Working under a permit to dig a 360 deg excavator (typically 20t tracked excavator) will excavate the trench; the permit to dig will detail all known services under no circumstances must a excavation commence until a permit is issued and the area CAT scanned with any services located sprayed on the running surface within the easement.

The excavation shall be supported using either trench boxes or sheets as required and installed as the CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

excavation progresses. Average depth of excavation is around 2-2.5m deep.

Care shall be taken when handling the subsoil’s removed from the excavated trench. Ideally, the subsoil should be stored in a separate heap from the deeper overburden so that each material can be replaced at its original depth within the reinstated profile. If it is not possible to store differing subsoil’s separately within the constraints of the working area, it is recommended that the subsoil/overburden storage heap is constructed so that the subsoil forms the base layer of a single heap. Overburden should then be placed sequentially on top of it.

During the pipeline trench excavations the site engineer is to ensure that full details of all existing drains are recorded in a track sheet log and that the drains are managed effectively, additionally, should there be ingress of water to the trench from a permeable geological layer rather than a drain, then it is equally important to record the chainage, depth and nature of the water bearing layer in the track sheet log. On site the site engineer should mark existing drains and any points of seepage. Any damaged land drains shall be repaired in the approved manner.

The use of dumpers will be made available throughout for importing and exporting of materials; seat belts must be worn when driving the dumpers at all times and under no circumstances must the dumper be loaded whilst the operator is still on the dumper.

A gas detector must be utilised throughout the excavations within the excavation as personnel access it.

All open excavations on an evening will be securely fenced using suitable fencing.

The foreman will conduct excavation inspections as the work proceeds throughout the duration of the works. Daily monitoring of the work area shall take place with the GF and ganger.

Any groundwater ingress will generally be dealt with by the external well pointing however if any additional control is required this will be supplemented by a 2" to 4" pump lowered directly into the trench.

Installation of 450 ID Concrete Pipes

The outfall pipe will consist of 450 ID spigot socket concrete pipes for the full length of the pipeline; the pipes will be delivered and stored within the site compounds from which they will be distributed to the workplace and strung out within the easement adjacent to the stockpiled stripped top soil ready for installation.

When the correct length has been excavated and the correct formation dug as per the site engineer’s levels, a 150mm layer of granular pipe bedding shall be placed for the pipe to be laid upon, the pipe will then be offered into the excavation. The use of the excavators will assist in the safe moving of the pipe into the trench.

 Installation of Manholes

Along the pipeline there are various locations where manholes are required to satisfy maximum lengths for maintenance and change in directions. These shall be excavated and supported as above listed methodology and formed using precast manhole rings, cover slab together with an insitu concrete base and surround. These will be finished off with typically 2-3 courses of engineering brickwork and a ductile iron cover & frame.

 Crossing Of Ditches

The route of the pipeline requires the crossing of 3no ditches namely at CH 0m, CH 380m and CH1110m.Work at these locations will be undertaken during dry weather windows if possible. The works are of a minor nature and at each location. .

Ditch crossings will be installed in order to minimise disruption, and release of silt in to the watercourse. The working area will be isolated from the water course by stanking the flows using sandbags at the upstream and downstream ends. An over-pumping arrangement will be installed to transport flowing water from around the working area in order to allow the works to be undertaken in dry conditions. The receiving downstream watercourse will be protected against erosion by lining with Visqueen, straw bales or sand bags as appropriate placed in the watercourse to inhibit riverbed disturbance and the propagation of silt.

The installation of the pipe will be undertaken to the approved construction detail and the surfaces of the watercourse reinstated and protected to minimise the release of silt.

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

If appropriate the over-pumping will be removed outside of working hours and a flume arrangement installed between the stanks to provide a more environmentally friendly solution.

Over-pumping/fluming will be removed once the works are complete taking care to ensure that any trapped material and silt is removed from the working area in a controlled manner prior to allowing the flows back through the watercourse.

A dedicated resource will undertake regular water quality sampling and testing throughout the installation period to confirm no detrimental effects are observed in the watercourse.

As a result the methodology will include stanking the watercourse at each end of the proposed crossing using sandbags and temporarily over pumping the section during the working day, After completion of the shift the over pumping will be replaced with a temporary twin wall pipe to flume any water through the working area

Backfill Of Trench

Spoil will be stocked as per the recommendations made under ‘Excavation of trench’ section ready for backfill once the pipe is installed. Redundant remaining as dug material will be stock piled in an area ready to be taken off site where is shall be disposed to licensed facilities for processing; 20t wagons will be coordinated for the removal of any unwanted material.

Once the pipe is in place pipe bedding will be imported into the trench to the level given by the engineers; typically 300mm above the crown level of the highest pipe, then the remaining stockpiled as dug material can be backfilled ensuring that maker tape has been put into place and correct compaction is achieved. During pipeline trench backfilling the overburden should be replaced first, followed by the subsoil, on a ‘first out - last back’ basis

Care should be taken to ensure that there is no diversion of groundwater flow along the pipeline trench. This is most likely to occur when the pipeline has:  a granular bedding  been laid on a steep and/or long constant slope  severed water bearing strata  the water table height lays above the base of the new pipeline trench

Where there is a risk of this occurring, an impermeable barrier (a ‘waterstop’) may be required at strategic or regular intervals across the pipeline trench to minimise the risk of the trench acting as a drain. This shall be undertaken using puddle clay formed around the pipe and the full width of the trench.

Final Reinstatement

1. Removal Of Hard standing Areas

The hard standing areas are to be removed using a 360 mechanical excavator along with a banks man. The stone is to be stockpiled in a specified location and then loaded into muck away wagons for removal to a registered waste disposal facility. The geotextile is then rolled up and removed to the storage area.

2. Removal of stock fencing / Gates

Fencing will be removed once reinstatement is complete or when requested by GCA. Tension from the wire and mesh will be removed from one end and all staples subsequently removed. The mesh and wire will then be rolled up and taken away or given to farmers. The timber posts will then be lifted out of the ground using a mechanical excavator. The timber posts will be removed off site or offered to farmers. Any holes at the locations of all posts are then to be filled with soil. When gates are to be removed, the gate is to be offered to the farmer or removed to the site compound. All brackets are then to be removed.

3. Permanent land reinstatement

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Once all remedial works are completed and the ground conditions are suitably dry, the permanent reinstatement works will commence again a 360 tracked excavator.

Following backfilling of the trench subsoil, the subsoil in the temporary working area along the whole pipeline length should be thoroughly loosened, but only in dry conditions. A winged tine subsoiler should be used, working to a depth of 250 mm below the surface of the subsoil and with tine spacing not more than 500 mm. Subsoil loosening shall only be carried out before topsoil replacement and special care should be taken to avoid damage to services and any shallow drains.

There may be areas where construction works have caused particularly deep soil structural damage e.g. by rutting or ground works during very poor ground conditions. It may be possible in some of these areas to carry out a second phase of subsoil loosening at a greater depth, but only where it is certain that there are no drains, services or stone/rock that would be damaged or brought to the surface. Such subsoil loosening works could be carried out with a maximum depth of 0.45 m below the current surface level and at no greater than 0.9 m centres.

Subsoiling should be carried out at an angle to the line of the pipeline and, where possible, extend into the undisturbed soil on the lower side of the temporary working area. This is to allow the dissipation of excess drainage water into the undisturbed and uncompacted soils.

The topsoil will be sprayed with round up to kill all vegetation. Once all the vegetation has been removed, the topsoil will be placed onto the subsoil using a 360 tracked excavator in such a way as to avoid recompaction of the loosened subsoil by minimising machinery movement. The mechanical excavator replacing the topsoil should ideally track along the working strip once only, lifting the topsoil from the linear heap and depositing it evenly across the reinstated subsoil. Nothing other than a light combing action by the excavator bucket should be done to level uneven topsoil

The topsoil will then be power harrowed and then seeded. On completion of seeding the ground will be rolled and the vegetation allowed returning to its original condition.

Any stone with a dimension greater than 100 mm, brought to the surface during subsoiling operations, should be collected and removed from the working strip.

All plant movements and lifts are to be controlled by banksmen and slinger/signalers.

All plant will adhere to the 10mph speed limit at all times.

All excavators will be in good working order and have as a minimum three mirrors to aid all round visibility. All operators will be trained to CPCS standard and all operatives registered with the CSCS.

Wagons to be fitted with reverse warning features and movements to be controlled by a banksman.

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Box 6 Plant, Equipment and Welfare Arrangements:

Work equipment

All plant and accessories will have up to date certification and the machine operator to hold the relevant CPCS card. Thorough examinations of all plant will be made and records kept by the Foreman. All plant will be inspected and tested as per the PUWER regulations. All lifting equipment and accessories will be inspected and tested as per the LOLER regulations.

Welfare

Full welfare facilities are available at the main compound and site transport will be made available to carry operatives to and from the work face. These include toilets, showers, and drying rooms and sit down areas for meals. There is no on site canteen but facilities are available for warming food and making warm drinks. Personnel should use the facilities for all meal breaks and changing clothes. All operatives are to be reminded of the need for good hygiene due to the risk if Weils disease and the presence of sewerage on site.

A mobile toilet block will be set up at the actual work face.

Smoking is permitted on site only in the designated areas clearly visible but caution must be taken when placing exposed hands to the mouth due to the risk of infection.

PPE

The minimum PPE to be worn on site is a Hard Hat, High visibility clothing such as waist coat or jacket and safety boots with steel toe cap and mid sole protection, gloves, and glasses. Operatives must wear gloves and glasses at all times. Additional PPE must be worn as specified in the task specific risk assessments and safe system of work.

Dependant on location welfare facilities will be provided at Betley WwtW site plus use mobile welfare will be used where deemed necessary.

Plant

The plant required for the works will include the following but not limited to:

 JCB 3cx 180 degree excavator  13te / 20 te tracked excavators  Trench support equipment  Manhole shutters  Air pokers  Lifting chains  Muck skip  Fencing  Road plates  Gen set  Puddle pumps  Silt buster / Pegasus ant-siltation unit  Mobile welfare facilities  Fuel bowers  Water bowser  Crew cab  Pipe stoppers  Hand tools  CAT SCAN  Gas detector  Radios  PPE; hi visibility vest, safety helmet, safety boots, trousers, safety eye wear, gloves. CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

 Jetting pump  Water pumping equipment  Quad bike Tractor and trailer  trencher  Quad bike and wire trailer  Land Rover and trailer  Harrow  Seed roller  subsoiler  Rotivator  Deep soil mixing equipment silo, excavator with mixing attachment, pumping equipment , mixer  Bog mats

Materials

The materials required for the works will include but is not limited to:

 450 ID concrete spigot socket pipes  Single size granular pipe bedding  Concrete  Granolithic dust  Manhole rings  Manhole cover slabs  Engineering bricks  Sand/cement for mortar  Ductile iron cover & frames  Sharp sand  Cement binders  Seed mix

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Box 7 Emergency Procedures and First Aid Arrangements

ACTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY

THOSE DIRECTLY INVOLVED SHOULD :  Make the area safe for themselves and others who may be exposed (where safe to do so)  Raise the alarm and instigate Site Incident Response Plan / Fire Plan as necessary  Treat those who may need attention  DO NOT make changes to the scene apart from those making the area safe – evidence will be required to aid investigation

TAKING COMMAND OF THE SITUATION

The following should occur:

1 RAISE THE ALARM

In a major emergency contact the emergency services on 999 by the nearest phone and direct them to site.

To a member of GCA JV Site Management OR To your manager or supervisor who should then report to a member of GCA JV Site Management

GCA JV Site Management will then put into action the Incident Response Plan and report to the associated enforcing authorities and/or others as appropriate.

ACTION IN THE EVENT OF FIRE

1 RAISE THE ALARM

Alert GCA JV site management Alert your manager or supervisor who should then report to a member of GCA JV Site Management Shout "Fire, Fire"

2 CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE

If site management have been contacted, tell them to call 999.

Use mobile phone if available to call 999.

3 ON HEARING THE SITE FIRE ALARM

 All personnel to leave the site and assemble at the Muster Point  Contractor's Site Managers to check off employees against labour register and report to GCA JV Fire Marshall with list of names.  Do not stop to collect personal belongings  Turn off generators, compressors and other powered equipment.  Turn off heat producing equipment and shut cylinder valves.  Report locations of any cylinders or fuel containers to GCA JV management.  Attack fire with the equipment provided if it is safe to do so.  Obey instructions from the Site Fire Marshall or supervisory staff.  Do not re-enter site until told it is safe to do so.

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Box 7 Emergency Procedures and First Aid Arrangements

ACTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENT

In the event of an actual or suspected pollution incident involving:  spillage of oils or chemicals;  or a discharge of silty water or other pollutant into a watercourse;  flood;  fire (emissions to air); firewater runoff  discovery of potentially contaminated land

The following should occur:

1 REPORT IMMEDIATELY:

 To a member of GCA JV Site Management OR  To your manager or supervisor who should then report to a member of GCA JV Site Management

GCA JV Site Management will then put into action the Pollution Incident Response Plan and report to the Environmental Agencies and/or sewerage undertaker and others as appropriate.

PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED FOR NEAREST HOSPITAL DIRECTIONS –

Leighton Hospital Middleweight Road Crewe CW1 4QJ

GCA JV SITE CONTACTS

Site Agent:TBC General Foreman: TBC Senior Engineer: TBC Site Engineers: TBC Working Foreman: TBC At each compound area contact details can be found along with the site induction card given out during the site induction.

MAIN SITE ADDRESS

Betley WwTW, Main Road , Crewe , CW3 9BH

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Box 8 Audit & Review Procedure

RAMS will be monitored regularly by engineering and supervisory staff and any alterations to the process method or resources will be issued in the form of an amendment as soon as is practicably possible. All operatives involved with the task will be re-briefed on these changes via a toolbox talk completed by the Foreman.

The Manager responsible for the task and author of the RAMS are to be informed of the changes to the work as soon as is practicably possible so that they can amend the RAMS. If deemed necessary the work activity will be stopped until this is completed and the re-brief has been undertaken.

CMSD 213 rev 2 Betley WwTW New Outfall

Receipt Acknowledgements Acknowledge your supervisor has received a copy of this document Yes

Signed Date

Print Name

Box 9

The Method Statement resulting from this document must be brought to the attention of:- a) Main or Principal Contractor

b) Site Operatives/Personnel

c) Other Relevant Person (print name) …………………………………………………………………….

NOTE: The Method Statement may be explained to site operatives during safety awareness talks

Comments/Remarks By Principal/Main Contractor

CMSD 213 rev 2 United Utilities Water PLC Appropriate Assessment

Record Betley WwTW Outfall Relocation Date:29/11/2013 Appropriate Assessment Betley Mere RAMSAR ( RAMSAR Code: UK11043) This is a record of the Appropriate Assessment, required under regulation 21 of the Conservation and Species Regulations 2010, undertaken by United Utilities Water PLC in respect of the above plan/project, in accordance with the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC). 1. Site Name: Betley WwTW

2. Type of activity: United Utilities (UU) are proposing to replace an existing outfall at Mere Gutter, which currently discharges from Betley WwTW into Betley Mere RAMSAR and SSSI, via Mere Gutter. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 UU are required to carry out works to ensure Betley Mere meets favourable condition status by 31st March 2015.

The proposal to replace the existing outfall has been agreed in principal with the Environmental Agency (EA), which involves relocating the WwTW outfall (both effluent and storm water flows) outside of the designated site to ensure favourable condition status of Betley Mere by 31st March 2015.

3. Location/National Grid ref: Betley WwTW (375130, 347953) to relocated outfall (374232, 348484) 4. Brief description of Relocation of outfall, involves construction of replacement proposal: outfall and associated pipeline 5. European site name(s) Betley Mere RAMSAR and Site of Special Scientific Interest and status (SSSI).

6. List of interest features: The primary reason for RAMSAR designation includes:

 The site comprises a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog.

 The site supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates (three endangered insects and five other British Red Data Book species of invertebrates).

 Birds are also included as noteworthy fauna

7. Is the proposal directly Yes – relocation of the outfall of the designated site to connected with or necessary ensure favourable condition status of Betley Mere by 31st to the management of the March 2015. site for nature conservation?

8. What potential hazards Potential Pathway Proposed mitigation might affect the interest Hazard Pollution Pollution  All personnel will be briefed on the features, and what mitigation incident procedures for safely dealing with measures will be put in during works fuel or chemical spills. Spill kits will place? be deployed at all work locations and in the event of a spill the nominated trained GCA personnel will attend the incident to contain the spill, prevent further contamination and arrange for a specialist environmental management company to attend site and safely remove the contaminated materials to a licensed tip.

 Refuelling of machinery will be carried out on site at designated areas which shall be sited a minimum of 10m from a watercourse. A spill kit and fire extinguisher is always available with every machine. All fuel bowsers will be double skinned, lockable with access only on agreement with the Foreman. Spill kits will be stationed with the bowser at all times.

 Chemicals required to undertake the construction of the works will be stored in designated compound locations in lockable stores, fitted with an internal bund.

Siltation Siltation of  Silt fencing shall be erected at all watercourses watercourse crossings such as during works ditches to ensure the potential for any site run off does not pollute them.  Temporary culverts / ditch crossings will be installed in order to minimise disruption, and release of silt in to the watercourse.  The working area will be isolated from the water course by installing impermeable barriers at the upstream and downstream ends.  Over-pumping or fluming will be set up in order to allow the works to be undertaken in dry conditions. At the delivery end of the flume/pump hose, the watercourse will be protected with Visqueen and straw bales placed in the watercourse to further limit riverbed disturbance and the transport of silt.  The installation of the culvert/pipe will be undertaken with approved granular backfill material placed over it.  The exposed faces of the ditch crossing will be lined with sand bags to prevent erosion and transport of silt along the watercourse.  Over-pumping/fluming will be removed once the works are complete taking care to ensure that any trapped material and silt is removed from the working area in a controlled manner prior to allowing the flows back through the watercourse.  A dedicated resource will undertake regular water quality sampling and testing will be undertaken throughout the installation period to confirm no detrimental effects are observed in the watercourse.

 Removal of culverts to be carried out on request by GCA. Stone from culvert to be stockpiled at the nearest delivery area for removal at a later date. The culvert materials are to be lifted out of the ditch and taken to the storage compound near Betley WwTW.

 The banks of the ditch are then to be re-graded and made good and any spoil in the ditch to be removed and the ditch returned to its original condition.

Soil Mixing Affects on  Although there will be some loss of soil pH and permeability of the ground section hydrology across the treated area, the from soil combination of low net water mixing migration through the existing peat and flow under simple differences in hydrostatic head should ensure that the natural flow of water is not impeded following construction.  The treated ground does not form a continuous barrier to ground water movement through the peat.

 Soil mixing will have the benefit of minimising generated spoil and any requirements for imported aggregates.  As a precautionary measure during soil stabilisation activities, a designated person will undertake pH sampling of the adjacent watercourses, using a hand held monitor to confirm there is no detrimental effect.

Disturbance Timing of Construction works are to be carried works out during the summer months Nest Timing of Devegetation works to be carried out Destruction, works between September and February Disturbance inclusive

9. Is the predicted scale or No magnitude of any effect on the integrity of the SPA likely to be significant? 10. Can it be ascertained that Yes the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of the European Site(s)? 11. Appropriate Assessment Record Signed on behalf of United NAME: Stuart Shaw Utilities Water PLC (the Competent Authority) POSITION: United Utilities North West SIGNATURE:

On behalf of United Utilities Water PLC Registered Office: Lingley Mere, Warrington, WA5 3LP

12. Natural England (statutory conservation agency)

11 a) Summary of Natural England comments on the appropriate assessment.

Is there agreement with the Yes/No conclusion? 12 a) Name and contact details of Natural England Officer

13. Environment Agency (competent authority in respect of land drainage consent)

12 a) Summary of Environment Agency comments on the appropriate assessment.

Is there agreement with the Yes/No conclusion? 12 b) Name and contact details of Environment Agency Officer

14. Newcastle under Lyme District Council (competent authority in respect of planning consent)

14 a) Summary of Newcastle under Lyme District Council comments on the appropriate assessment.

Is there agreement with the Yes/No conclusion? 14 b) Name and contact details of Newcastle under Lyme District Council Officer