September 2013

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge

Ecological Appraisal

Prepared by CSa Environmental Planning

On behalf of Januarys (Cambridge) Ltd

( (88 (8 Report: CSa/2025/02A

September 2013

Land North & South of

Barton Road, Cambridge

Ecological Appraisal

Prepared by CSa Environmental Planning

On behalf of Januarys (Cambridge) Ltd

Date Prepared by Authorised by File Ref

First Issue 19.09.12 SS LC CSa/20251/02 Second Issue 24.09.13 SS SS CSa/2025/02A Report: CSa/2025/02A

CONTENTS Page

Executive Summary 2

1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 Methodology 4 Desk Study 4 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey 4 Site Evaluation and Assessment 5 Legislation and Guidance 6

3.0 Results and Evaluation 9 Site Location 9 Designated Nature Conservation Sites 9 Other Notable Habitats 12 General Site Description 12 Habitats and Flora 12 Fauna 17 Evaluation of Ecological Features 22

4.0 Discussion and Recommendations 25 Potential Impacts and Recommendations 25 Opportunities for Ecological Enhancement 33

5.0 Summary and Conclusions 35

Appendices

Appendix A: Initial L&VIA Assessment of Land Parcel Suitability for Development

Appendix B: MAGIC Database Site Check Report and Plan

Appendix C: Data Search Response from Cambridge & Peterborough ERC

Appendix D: Habitats Plan

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A Page 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The c.166ha site spanning the A603 Barton Road is one of several candidates being considered for development as part of the review of Local Plans for Cambridge City Council and for South Cambridgeshire District Council. This appraisal was initially undertaken in September 2012 to identify potential ecological issues in respect of potential development at the site, and has been updated in September 2013 in recognition of the Land Use Plan (ref. 5352-L_03 Rev D, Option A, FPCR) that was subsequently devised for the land north of Barton Road.

A desk study and extended Phase 1 habitat survey were completed in 2012 and the ecological features of the site have been initially valued using this baseline data. The site is dominated by arable farmland, which is largely managed under Environmental Stewardship. Hedgerows in the north west of the site are designated as a CWS, as is the Bin Brook, which flows through the north east. These two CWS and the hedgerow network are attributed to be of County importance. The semi-improved grassland, uncultivated margins, plantation woodland, mature trees and scrub are considered to be of value at least at the Local/Parish level, whilst areas under arable cultivation and the amenity grassland pitches are of value at the Site level. Protected and notable species known to be present on site include water vole, brown hare, various Schedule 1 and UK BAP listed birds, GCN and brown trout, although the extent to which such species utilise the site is not yet known. The site also has potential for supporting a range of other protected species or species-groups, known to be present in the locality, such as bats, reptiles and invertebrates.

As set out in the Land Use Plan, development north of Barton Road incorporates residential development, a school, local centre and associated transport infrastructure. The public open space incorporates retained existing woodland, hedgerows and trees as well as new planting.

Further scoping and detailed surveys have been recommended to fully assess potential ecological impacts. Broad recommendations for mitigation and for enhancement are also set out. Subject to the results of such further surveys and the subsequent agreement and implementation of appropriate mitigation, it is anticipated that there is potential for sensitively designed development to proceed without significant ecological impact on these receptors.

Opportunities for enhancement for the principally relate to the sensitive design and long term management of the semi-natural habitats that extend through the development plots and across the public open space. This is central to the avoidance of impacts on designated sites and could secure enhancement for biodiversity across the wider site.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This report has been prepared by CSa Environmental Planning on behalf of Januarys (Cambridge) Ltd. It sets out the findings of an Ecological Appraisal of Land North and South of A603 Barton Road, to the west of Cambridge, (central grid reference TL 4277 5748), totalling c.166ha in area. The site is one of several candidates being considered for development as part of the review of Local Plans for Cambridge City Council and for South Cambridgeshire District Council. This appraisal was initially undertaken in September 2012 to identify potential ecological issues in respect of potential development at the site, and has been updated in September 2013 in recognition of the Land Use Plan (ref. 5352-L_03 Rev D, Option A, FPCR) that was subsequently devised for the land north of Barton Road. Further survey recommendations are set out, and broad recommendations for mitigation and for ecological enhancement measures have been provided where appropriate.

1.2 An Initial Landscape and Visual Assessment (report ref. CSa/2025/01) was carried out in July 2012 to assess the suitability of the site for development. Ten land parcels were identified on site and the ability of each to accommodate development was assessed (relevant extracts provided in Appendix A). This initial assessment has been used as a basis on which to set out the potential ecological constraints and opportunities.

1.3 This ecological appraisal aims to:

 undertake a desktop search for relevant biological records and assess their significance;  review the site in relation to its wider ecological context;  describe and map the habitats present;  identify potential protected or notable species issues;  assess potential impacts, and  recommend broad mitigation and biodiversity enhancement measures.

1.4 This report presents the ecological appraisal information in a format accepted by ecological consultees across the country, adopting various best-practice procedures and methodologies.

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2.0 METHODOLOGY

Desk Study

2.1 The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) online database was searched to identify relevant statutory sites within 5km of the red line boundary (using a search radius of 6km from the central site grid reference.

2.2 Cambridge & Peterborough Environmental Records Centre (ERC) was contacted for records of non-statutory wildlife sites and protected/notable species within 1km of the site. The results of the record search are discussed within the report where appropriate. Biological records provide a useful indication of the species present within a searched locality. However, it should be noted that the absence of a given species from the dataset cannot be taken to represent actual absence. Furthermore, species distribution patterns should be interpreted with caution, particularly for mobile species such as bats that readily travel beyond the 1km search radius.

2.3 Waterbodies within a 0.5km of the site were identified using Ordnance Survey mapping, the MAGIC database and aerial photography such that these may be considered in line with Natural England guidance (NE, 20011).

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

2.4 An extended Phase 1 Habitat survey site was carried out on 12 September 2012. The survey was completed during broadly clear, bright weather conditions with intermittent showers. This survey technique is at a level intermediate between the Phase 1 (JNCC, 20102) survey (where standardised habitat mapping is undertaken together with making notes on dominant and notable species) and the more detailed Phase 2 survey techniques that may be used to specifically record or survey particular habitats or species. In this survey, plant species observed are recorded and habitats are classified and mapped according to the abundance of vascular species present. Species are identified in accordance with Stace (20103). Note is also taken of any evidence of, or potential for, the presence of protected or notable species.

2.5 The botanical descriptions within this report are based on a survey visit undertaken late in the seasonal window for survey when species, particularly vernal species, may not be visible above ground. Further, the survey was conducted following harvest and the majority of arable field margins had been closely cropped. Whilst this is unlikely to compromise the objective of broadly

1 English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough 2 Joint Nature Conservation Council (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough 3 Stace, C. (2010) New Flora of the British Isles. 3rd Ed. Cambridge University Press

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categorising the habitat types present, it is possible that some species could be missed.

Site Evaluation and Assessment

2.6 Ecological features are valued based on the IEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment 20064. These guidelines promote a standardised, scientifically rigorous and transparent approach to the assessment process, which is then further informed by professional judgment and interpretation. The process of valuing ecological features can be complex and subjective.

2.7 A number of factors need to be taken into account when applying professional judgement to value ecological features. Those addressed in this report include:

 designated sites and features;  biodiversity value;  potential value, specifically in relation to statutory designated sites and S41/BAP habitats and species;  secondary or supportive value to SSSI; and  legal issues, such as may arise as a result of designated sites and features being affected.

2.8 Parameters such as the size, conservation status and viability of any given feature are all relevant in determining biodiversity value. Furthermore the value of a species and/ or habitat may vary depending on the location within its range.

2.9 Legal protection needs to be considered separately from biodiversity value. Our assessment and reporting will highlight legal issues and the appropriate mechanism for dealing with any such constraint. However not all legally protected species are rare, such as badger; hence, legal requirements and ecological value form separate considerations.

2.10 Assessment of social or community and economic value should be undertaken by a sociologist or economist respectively; similarly multi- functional features require an integrated assessment. This lies beyond the scope of this ecological appraisal.

Geographic Frame of Reference 2.11 In assigning value to an ecological feature/ resource the following geographic frame of reference are used:

 international;

4 Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom

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 national (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales);  regional;  county (or metropolitan in London);  district (or borough or unitary authority);  local (or parish); and  site (less than local or parish).

2.12 The size, conservation status and the quality of features or species are all relevant in determining value. Furthermore the value of a species and / or habitat may vary depending on its geographical location.

Legislation and Guidance

2.13 There are several pieces of legislation relating to wildlife and biodiversity. Those of particular relevance to ecology and development are the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended), which enacts the Habitats and Birds Directives5 into UK law, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and, regarding specific protection of badgers, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. In addition, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 sets the requirement for planning authorities to consider impacts on “species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity” when determining planning applications. This is described under ‘Biodiversity and Priority Species’ below. These pieces of legislation and the species and habitats they afford protection to have been addressed, as appropriate to the development site, in the production of this report.

2.14 Natural England Standing Advice6 regarding protected species aims to support local authorities and forms a material consideration in determining applications in the same way as any individual response received from Natural England following consultation (except where applications require EIA or may affect a Natura 2000 site).

Biodiversity Action Plans 2.15 The NERC Act 2006 Section 40(1) states that each public authority “must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity”. This legislation makes it clear that planning authorities should consider impacts to biodiversity when determining planning applications, with particular regard to the Section 41 list of 56 habitats and 943 species of principal importance, irrespective of whether they are covered by other legislation. The S41 list was taken forward for action under the UK BAP (first published in 1994). The

5 Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, and Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds, respectively. 6 www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/planningtransportlocalgov/spatialplanning/standingadvice/default.aspx

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UK BAP has now been superseded by the Biodiversity 2020 Strategy7, which continues to prioritise the S41 list, setting national targets for the period to 2020, and the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework8, which shows how these contribute to targets at the European level. Whilst BAP are therefore no longer formally recognised, many of the tools and resources originally developed for the BAP remain in use, such as the background information which still forms the basis of work at national level.

2.16 The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biodiversity Action Plan9 includes 29 Habitat Action Plans including arable land, arable field margins, hedgerows, traditional orchards, various grasslands, reedbeds, rivers and streams, and managed greenspace (the latter encompasses parks, amenity grassland, domestic gardens, planting associated with public buildings and developments, and allotments). It is worthy of note that, unlike the national BAP, the county BAP for hedgerows is not confined to ancient or species-rich hedgerows but encompasses the entire hedgerow stock. The 18 Species Action Plans include, for example, brown hare, water vole, pipistrelle bat, grey partridge, sky lark and song thrush and great crested newt.

National Planning Policy Framework 2.17 The National Planning Policy Framework (2012)10 (NPPF) sets out the government planning policies for England and how they should be applied. With regards to ecology and biodiversity, Chapter 11: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment, paragraph 109, states that the planning system and planning policies should:

 minimise impacts on, and provide net gains in, biodiversity where possible, “contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures”; and  recognise the wider benefits of ecosystem services.

2.18 Under these aims, paragraph 117 states the need to plan for biodiversity at a landscape scale, linked to national and local targets. Paragraph 118 sets out the principles that local planning authorities should apply when determining planning applications:

 refuse planning permission if significant harm cannot be avoided, adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for;  encourage opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments;

7 Defra (2011) Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services. Defra, London 8 JNCC and Defra (2012) UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework (on behalf of the Four Countries’ Biodiversity Group). July 2012. 9 http://www.cpbiodiversity.org.uk/downloads 10 Department for Communities and Local Government (2012) National Planning Policy Framework

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 permission should not normally be permitted where an adverse effect on a nationally designated Site of Special Scientific Interest is likely, either individually or in combination with other developments; and  refuse planning permission if development will result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, such as ancient woodland and the aged or veteran trees, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss.

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3.0 RESULTS AND EVALUATION

Site Location

3.1 The site is centred at grid reference TL 4277 5748, flanking the A603 Barton Road, on the south western edge of Cambridge. Newnham and the city of Cambridge lies to the east of the site, including college sports pitches, residential properties and Newnham Lake (also known as Barton Road Pool). Agricultural land extends north of the site and south towards Grantchester. The west of the site is bordered by the M11, with further arable land beyond.

Designated Nature Conservation Sites

3.2 The results of the MAGIC database search are provided in Appendix B. No statutory wildlife site designations were identified on or immediately adjacent to the site.

3.3 No internationally designated nature conservation sites occur within 5km of the site. Four nationally designated Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lie within 5km of the site, as summarised in Table 1.

Table 1. Summary of SSSI within 5km of the red line boundary

Site Location Citation summary (closest point from red line boundary) Traveller’s Rest c.1.4km north A geological SSSI designated for the Pit SSSI Observatory Gravels. Madingley Wood c.2.25km north west Ash-maple woodland type characteristic of the SSSI beyond the M11 chalky Boulder Clay of eastern England. The older primary woodland (western sector) holds standards of pedunculate oak Quercus robur with ash Fraxinusexcelsior and field maple Acer campestre being common. Old hazel Coryllus avellana coppice, and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna dominate the shrub layer. The secondary woodland holds a mixture of elm Ulmus sp. and ash with a shrub layer of elm suckers and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. The ground flora is typically of dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis-bluebell Hyacinthoides non- scripta type. The woodland has also been noted for its moss flora. The SSSI is in favourable condition (report compiled August 2012). Aside of the SSSI designation, barbastelle is known to roost within Madingley Wood. Histon Road SSSI c.2.9km north A geological SSSI designated as a key Pleistocene stratigraphic site.

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Site Location Citation summary (closest point from red line boundary) Cherry Hinton Pit c.4.9km south east Principally designated for the presence of four SSSI beyond Cherry nationally uncommon plants – perennial flax Hinton Linum perenne ssp. anglicum, pignut Bunium bulbocastanum, moon carrot Seseli libanotis and grape hyacinth Muscari neglectum (the latter three are also Red Data Book listed11) which occur within the quarry and along road verges. Areas of herb-rich chalk grassland also present (a habitat which has almost disappeared from the eastern counties), dominated by the upright brome Bromus erectus. Nationally rare plants present as well as typical chalkland species – wild thyme Thymus praecox, yellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata and kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria. Hedgerows, scrub and woodland provide additional habitats of general wildlife value. Three units form the SSSI – one in favourable condition, one unfavourable recovering and the final (also designated a Protected Roadside Verge) unfavourable no change.

3.4 A single Local Nature Reserve (LNR) lies within 1km of the site – Paradise LNR located c.1km east, alongside the Cam. Eight County Wildlife Sites and eight City Wildlife Sites (CWS; both are attributed equal value in local planning policy) occur within the 1km search area as summarised in Table 2. Two CWS overlap the site – Bin Brook and Hedgerows East of M11, and two further CWS lie within 0.25km – Barton Road Pool and Coton Path Hedgerow. A map of the designated wildlife sites within 1km of the red line boundary is provided in Appendix C (agreed with the ERC). Note that the map does not indicate public access with reference to any of the sites shown; some lie within private ownership.

Table 2. Summary of County and City Wildlife Sites within 1km of the red line boundary (CWS on site or within the immediately vicinity are highlighted)

Site Location Description (closest point from red line boundary) County Wildlife Sites

Bin Brook On site, flowing Supports breeding populations of a mammal north through north species (water vole) protected by the Wildlife east of site and Countryside Act 1981. Also qualifies for its group of at least five mature pollard willows in association with other semi-natural habitat.

11 Perring, F.H & Farrell, L. (198). British Red Data Books: 1 Vascular Plants (2nd Edition). Lincoln, Royal Society for Nature Conservation

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 10

Site Location Description (closest point from red line boundary) Hedgerows East On site and Supports populations of Nationally Scarce of M11 extending north vascular plant species (slender tare and east spreading hedge parsley Torilis arvensis) and a vascular plant species which is rare in the county (cyperus spurge Euphorbia cyparissias). Also qualifies under hedgerow criterion. Site qualifies for neutral grassland with five or more neutral grassland indicators – agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria, meadow brome Bromus commutatus, black knapweed Centaurea nigra, greater knapweed C. scabiosa, lady’s bedstraw verum, field scabious Knautia arvensis, meadow vetchling Lathrys pratensis, ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, wild parsnip Pastinaca sylvestris, yellow oat-grass Tristeum flavescens. Barton Road Pool <50m east Grade C site in the JNCC Invertebrate Site boundary of section Register south of Barton Road

Coton Path c.0.25km north, part Supports populations of two Nationally Scarce Hedgerow of same hedgerow vascular plant species - yellow vetchling network extending Lathyrus aphaca and slender tare Vicia across the site parviflora. Skaters' Meadow c.0.65km south Supports three or more strong neutral grassland Group east, alongside the indicator species in frequent numbers. Qualifies Cam as part of the riparian habitat in the River Cam valley.

Barton Orchard c.0.75km south Qualifying criteria: has at least 20% veteran west beyond the trees, contains a group of five or more top fruit M11 trees, is in association with semi-natural habitat and is managed with traditional orchard management practices. River Cam c.0.75km south east A major river, together with adjacent semi- natural habitat, that has not been grossly modified by canalisation and/or poor water quality. Additionally it has areas with concentrations of mature pollard willows. Sheep's Green c.0.8km east Supports a population of a vascular plant rare in flanking the Cam Cambridgeshire (Catabrosa aquatica). Supports at least 20 mature pollard willows.

Paradise LNR c.1km south east, At least 0.5ha of NVC community W6 (alder - alongside the Cam stinging nettle woodland) and NVC community S6 (greater pond sedge swamp). City Wildlife Sites

Adams Road c.0.4km north east Recent woodland more than 1ha in area with five Sanctuary or more woodland plants. Supports breeding populations of common frog, common toad and great crested newt. Trinity Meadow c.0.5km north east, Supports grassland with two or more strong on west bank of the neutral grassland indicator species and four or Cam more strong calcareous grassland indicator species in frequent numbers.

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 11

Site Location Description (closest point from red line boundary) Drain at Garret c.0.75km north east Unmodified drain joining River Cam. Hostel Lane feeding into the Supports mammal species protected by the Cam Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Meadow and c.0.6km east, on Area of undeveloped floodplain directly Ditch Opposite west bank of the associated with the River Cam County Wildlife King's College Cam Site. Meadows and c.0.75km south Undeveloped floodplain directly associated with Drains east, on south east the River Cam County Wildlife Site. Principal bank of the Cam interest is the groups of mature and young pollard willows lining the eastern bank of the River Cam.

Scrub East of M11 c.0.75km north west At least 0.5ha scrub in area with four or more Verge woody species. Hedgerow more than 100m long and 2m wide at widest point with four or more woody species. Bird Sanctuary, >0.9km north Supports: S6 greater pond sedge swamp and S7 Conduit Head lesser pond sedge swamp. 0.5-1ha woodland with five or more woodland plants and 10% or more mature woodland.

3.5 Results of the ERC species records search are discussed under the relevant species subheadings below.

Other Notable Habitats

3.6 Fen and reedbed habitats, both BAP priority habitats, are shown on the MAGIC database to occur within 1km of the site, clustered on the east and west banks of the Cam (due east of the site) at Sheep’s Green CWS.

General Site Description

3.7 The site is centred at grid reference TL 4277 5748, flanking the A603 Barton Road, on the south western edge of Cambridge. The red line boundary north of Barton Road totals c.107.5ha, and the south c.58.5ha. The landscape to the north and south is dominated by arable farmland, with the M11 bordering the west. The majority of the site comprises open arable fields under Environmental Stewardship, interlinked by a network of hedgerows and ditches. University sports facilities lie to the south of Barton Road, extending west from Newnham.

3.8 Habitats present in the site are illustrated on the Habitats Plan in Appendix D.

Habitats and Flora

Notable Flora 3.9 Records of notable flora associated with the designated CWS described above (Table 2) include species associated with hedgerows; yellow vetchling,

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 12

spreading hedge parsley and slender tare (nationally scarce) and cyperus spurge (county rarity), as well as grassland indicators (agrimony, meadow brome, black knapweed, greater knapweed, lady’s bedstraw, field scabious, meadow vetchling, ox-eye daisy, bird’s-foot trefoil, wild parsnip and yellow oat-grass). In addition, records of tubular water-dropwort were identified along the Cam and associated habitats, >0.7km south east of the site.

3.10 Records of invasive species listed on Wildlife & Countryside Act (as amended) Schedule 9 provided by the ERC within 1km of the site include Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica, giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum, Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera, few-flowered garlic Allium paradoxum, false acacia Robinia pseudoacacia, false Virginia- creeper Parthenocissus inserta and the aquatic water fern Azolla filiculoides.

Arable 3.11 The site is dominated by arable farmland. The desk study reveals that the majority of farmed land is managed under Environmental Stewardship, and the majority of field boundaries were noted to support an uncultivated margin of c.5m wide. At the time of survey, cultivated fields had been harvested (stubble remains) or ploughed, and the majority of field margins close- cropped. Arable field margins are described under the grassland Phase 1 habitat types below.

Grassland Habitats 3.12 Field margins were typically short-cropped at the time of survey. Several margins comprised semi-improved grassland composed of a reasonable diversity of grasses with herb species such as black knapweed and lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium. Elsewhere, margins dominated by rank grasses and coarse herbaceous species occur which have a character closer to the improved grassland Phase 1 habitat type. Grassland margins over 6m wide are mapped as distinct habitats on the Habitats Plan.

3.13 The field margin alongside the hedgerow CWS which overlaps the north west corner of the site, was noted to include a number of species associated with arable habitats such as poppy Papaver sp. and scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis.

3.14 A belt of tall sward semi-improved grassland flanked three sections of wet ditch at Dumpling Farm – one running approximately east-west dividing Dumpling and Laundry Farms, the second perpendicular passing close to Dumpling Farm buildings, and the third to the rear of the mixed plantation belt north of Barton Road. Each created a belt of semi-natural habitat c.10m wide, including the ditch. False oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, Timothy grass Phleum pratensis, Yorkshire fog and cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata were abundant, with figwort Scrophularia sp., black knapweed, lady’s bedstraw Galium verum, hedge bindweed, bittersweet Solanum dulcamara, a ragwort

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 13

Senecio sp., bristly oxtongue Helminthotheca ehioides, hogweed, yarrow Achillea millefolium, smooth hawk’s-beard Crepis capillaris and scentless mayweed Triplospermum inodoratum also present. Species recorded within the ditches are described under ‘Ditches and Streams’ below.

3.15 Semi-improved grassland east of Bin Brook comprised a tall sward with mixed abundance of false oat-grass, meadow-grass, Yorkshire fog, cock’s-foot, perennial rye-grass, red fescue Festuca rubra and Timothy grass, with sterile brome Broumus sterilis and a Hordeum sp. at rare occurrence. Herbaceous species present included creeping buttercup Ranuculus repens, thistles Cirsium spp., ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, long-stalked crane’s-bill Geranium columbinum, and at the periphery, common mallow Malva sylvestris and lesser burdock Arctium minus. Bramble and common nettle Urtica dioica were encroaching from the field boundaries, and Salix scrub was noted in the east. Immediately west of Bin Brook, semi-improved grassland was establishing across an area previously cultivated. The short sward was dominated by ready-colonising herbaceous species, such as yarrow, bristly oxtongue, dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg., white deadnettle Lamium album, common field speedwell Veronica persica, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, nipplewort Lapsana communis, common mallow and creeping thistle, and the grasses sterile brome, Yorkshire fog and red fescue.

3.16 Semi-improved grassland extended across the small fields east of Laundry Farm, immediately north of Barton Road. In the absence of management the herb-poor sward was developing a tussocky structure, with small stands of vigorous weeds such as common nettle, prickly sowthistle and common nettle.

3.17 Pasture surrounding the Laundry Farm maintenance buildings comprised an improved sward of perennial rye-grass, red fescue, couch grass Elytrigia repens, cock’s-foot, with a Hordeum sp. at rare occurrence. Stands of vigorous weeds had established at the margins, such as common nettle and creeping thistle. Herbaceous species were infrequently recorded, such as common mallow, cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, curled dock and hogweed Heracluem sphondylium.

3.18 Amenity grassland was restricted to the University sports pitches south of Barton Road.

Hedgerows 3.19 The majority of hedgerows across the site are dominated by blackthorn Prunus spinosa and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, with ash Fraxinus excelsior, elder Sambucus nigra, sycamore Acer psuedoplatanus, hornbeam Carpinus betulus, hazel Corylus avellana, elm Ulmus sp. and field maple Acer campestre also present. Climbers included bramble, rose Rosa sp., hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium and ivy Hedera helix. Associated standards were most frequently ash, with horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum,

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 14

pedunculate oak Quercus robur, lime Tilia sp., sycamore and to a lesser extent, willow Salix sp. A similar species mix was recorded within the hedgerow CWS which overlaps the north west corner of the site.

3.20 In general terms, the hedgerows across, north and east of Laundry Farm were intact and included several well-established tall and wide hedgerows with trees, for example, dividing the pasture fields of Laundry Farm from the arable farther north, and along the northern site boundary. Planting had been carried out to maintain connectivity, although this largely comprised of hawthorn and blackthorn alone. In contrast, Dumpling Farm included a higher proportion of defunct hedgerows, and across the farmland south of Barton Road, defunct hedgerows accounted for the majority. The hedgerows, and associated ditches and verges, south of Barton Road were noted to be particularly heavily flailed at the time of survey.

3.21 Dead and decaying wood was recorded throughout the field boundaries, as ground level stumps and occasionally as standing deadwood or a veteran feature on standing trees.

3.22 Hedgerows in and around the sports facilities south of Barton Road were closely manicured, and the vast majority, entirely comprised of yew Taxus baccata, hawthorn or hornbeam.

Woodland, Trees and Scrub 3.23 A number of mature trees line the entrance drive to Laundry Farm and occur scattered across the field immediately east. These have developed the spreading, even canopy associated with parkland trees. Species included small-leaved lime Tilia cordata, horse chestnut, walnut Juglans sp., ash and sycamore, with single pine Pinus and redwood Sequoia sp. Orchard trees recorded here, and across the fields farther east, include various apples Malus spp. and pear Pyrus sp.

3.24 Broad-leaved plantation woodland has been established (estimated within the last 25 years) on previously arable land in the north east of the site. The dense canopy was dominated by ash, with pedunculate oak, sweet chestnut Castanea sativa, rowan Sorbus aucuparia, hawthorn and hazel also present. The woodland was surveyed only from the periphery; no thinning appeared to have been carried out, and few open areas were seen.

3.25 A dense belt of mixed plantation woodland flanks the western half of Barton Road. With the exception of abundant spruce Picea sp., species recorded are broadly similar to the broad-leaved plantation described above.

3.26 Small areas of scrub have naturally established on site, principally in association with the hedgerows. A linear belt of scrub c.2m wide with scattered trees runs along eastern site boundary, north of Barton Road, between the canalised watercourse and the residential properties beyond.

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 15

Ornamental species associated with the private gardens as well as self sown bramble, elder, ash, horse chestnut, gorse Ulex europaeus were recorded.

Ditches, Streams and Reedbed 3.27 Bin Brook is a shallow watercourse flowing north through the north east of the site over a substrate of gravels, pebbles, small cobbles and silt. The earth banks support a defunct hedgerow with trees to the east and narrow uncultivated margin to the west with scattered scrub. Submerged aquatic flora was occasional along the watercourse.

3.28 Giant hogweed occurs along Bin Brook, although signs indicate this is under management. It was also recorded along the northern site boundary, and a large stand noted behind the hedgerow immediately west of the reedbed.

3.29 The network of ditches which traverse the site includes several sections holding standing or running water. The wet ditch feeding into Bin Brook which flows north along the eastern site boundary is canalised (square, concrete banks and substrate) for c.550m before the confluence with the brook. Upstream, a section c.50m long has a naturalised profile on emerging from below the access track off Gough Road. Aquatic vegetation included water- plantain Alisma sp., fool’s water-cress Apium nodiflorum, water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides, sweet-grass Glyceria sp., jointed rush Juncus articulatus and brooklime Veronica beccabunga. The c.45o earth banks support a rough semi-improved grassland sward, with uncultivated field margin beyond. Upstream, along Barton roadside ditch, Himalayan balsalm was recorded.

3.30 The three sections of wet ditch at Dumpling Farm flanked by semi-improved grassland together support in-channel bulrush Typha latifolia, common reed Phragmites australis, fool’s water-cress, and sweet-grass. The ditch between Dumpling and Laundry Farm held flowing water.

3.31 South of Barton Road, wet ditches ran along the southern site boundary. Although the margins were heavily flailed, aquatic vegetation recorded included frequent fool’s water-cress, occasional bulrush, with water mint Mentha aquatica, a water starwort Callitriche sp. and common duckweed Lemna minor at rare occurrence.

3.32 A small area of reedbed extends north, off the northern site boundary, dominated by bulrush and common reed. Shallow standing water was present at the time of survey but this may be only seasonally wet. This is apparently part of a private garden, surrounded by manicured lawn and hedgerow.

Built Structures 3.33 Laundry Farm farmhouse is a two-storey brick building with tile roof of various dormer pitches. It is surrounded by a cluster of outbuildings to the north and

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 16

west (of similar brick construction with tiled roofs), and two large agricultural barns which lie east of the entrance driveway. A small corrugated metal shed in a state of disrepair lies in the east-most field abutting the north of Barton Road.

3.34 The Laundry Farm maintenance buildings lie c.300m north of the farm house. These relatively modern brick and panel buildings are surrounded by hardstanding car parks and maintenance yards. The access drive to the buildings is lit by street lighting at c.2m height.

3.35 Dumpling Farm farmhouse is a two storey brick building with tiled roof. Agricultural outbuildings to the north and west include two single-storey and one two-storey brick barns with tiled roof, a single-storey stable block/store with pitched corrugated panel roof, a large corrugated metal barn and an open sided vehicle store. A pair of semi detached houses sits away from the farmhouse, at the entrance to Dumpling Farm off Barton Road.

3.36 The relatively modern buildings associated with the University sports facilities south of Barton Road are constructed of brick, panel and weatherboard construction.

Fauna

Bats 3.37 Records of six confirmed species of bat within 1km of the site were provided by the ERC as follows (records relate to bat activity on the wing or are ‘unspecified’):

 Common and soprano pipistrelles Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P.pygmaeus respectively;  Brown long-eared Plecotus auritus – within the 1km2 that overlaps the east of the site, north of Barton Road;  Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii – records relate to the Cam and to Sheep’s Green;  Noctule Nyctalus noctula – including Coton Path and Adams Road Sanctuary c.0.15km north of the site;  Serotine Eptesicus serotinus – associated with the Cam, east of the site; and  Further records of unspecified bat species include those at Barton Road Pool CWS immediately east of the site boundary south of Barton Road.

3.38 Trees and standing deadwood, including individual specimens, those within hedgerows and those within wooded areas, offer potential habitat to roosting bats. Buildings at Laundry Farm, Dumpling Farm and the sports centre also offer potential roost opportunities of varying suitability. The hedgerows, ditches and stream, plantation woodland, mature trees, scrub, and grassland

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 17

habitats offer areas suitable for foraging and commuting bats across the site, particularly where these comprise structurally diverse and species-rich vegetation. Habitat connectivity extends beyond the site into the wider landscape, for example, the hedgerows extending north. Bats are highly mobile and species beyond those identified in the 1km desk study records search radius may utilise the site.

Water Vole 3.39 Several records of water vole Arvicola aquaticus were identified by the ERC, including those on site at Barton Road roadside ditch (Bin Brook).

3.40 Water vole is known to occur within the site, both north and south of Barton Road, and in the wider catchment. Wet ditches and watercourses extend widely across the site and connect to surrounding habitats known to support further records. Those comprising slow flowing water through well vegetated banks are considered most suitable for the species.

Other Mammals 3.41 Records of two terrestrial mammal species were provided by the ERC:

 Badger Meles meles – numerous records, all of which relate to the 10km2 that encompasses the site;  Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus.

3.42 The agricultural landscape including a mosaic of woodland, scrub, hedgerows, arable and grassland offers habitat suitable to badger for foraging and dispersal. There is also some opportunity for sett construction associated with areas of plantation woodland and wide hedgerows. These habitats extend beyond the red line boundary and as such, badger may use, or move through, the site as part of a more extensive range.

3.43 Brown hare Lepus europaeus was recorded during the field survey of September 2012 as follows:

 Three hare flushed from the two west-most fields, south of Barton Road, moving north east to south west across the wet ditch crossing;  Single hare running north across the south-most amenity grassland sports pitch.

3.44 The open arable and improved grassland fields offer habitat for the species. Scarcity of brown hare on arable farms is typically caused by lack of summer grazing, and exacerbated by fox predation; tall summer crops force hares and leverets out to field boundaries where they forage but can easily be picked off by predators. The vast majority of the site is managed under Environmental Stewardship, including provision of uncultivated margins, which therefore benefit the species.

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 18

3.45 No records of dormouse were identified in the desk study. As stated in the County dormouse BAP, “there are now no known naturally occurring populations of dormouse”, although “in areas where woodland cover is very low, as in Cambridgeshire and neighbouring counties, hedgerows may be important sites for dormice in their own right”. Defunct, closely flailed or manicured hedgerows on site are not considered suitable for dormouse. Several intact hedgerows north of Barton Road offer a vegetation structure that may be suitable for the species, however, in the absence of connectivity to long-established woodlands that may support source populations, it is considered unlikely that dormice are present at the site.

Birds 3.46 The following records of bird species were provided within the ERC dataset:

 Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Schedule 1 – barn owl Tyto alba, black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros, brambling Fringilla montifringilla, quail Coturnix coturnix, kingfisher Alcedo atthis, common crossbill Loxia curvirostra, redwing Turdus iliacus, fieldfare Turdus pilaris, firecrest Regulus ignicapilla, grasshopper warbler Locustella naevia, wryneck Jynx torquilla, greenshank Tringa nebularia, green sandpiper Tringa ochropus, ruff Philomachus pugnax, little plover Charadrius dubius, and the raptors hobby Falco subbuteo, peregrine Falco peregrinus, red kite Milvus milvus goshawk Accipiter gentilis, merlin Falco columbarius, honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus and marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus;  UK BAP – bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhul,a common starling Sturnus vulgaris, corn bunting Emberiza calandra, curlew Numenius arquata, tree sparrow Passer montanus golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, turtle dove Streptopelia turtur, grey partridge Perdix perdix, hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes, hedge accentor Prunella modularis, house sparrow Passer domesticus, lesser redpoll Carduelis cabaret, lesser spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos minor, northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus, reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, ring ouzel Turdus torquatus, sky lark Alauda arvensis, song thrush Turdus philomelos, spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata, tree pipit Anthus trivialis, turtle dove Streptopelia turtur, wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, yellow wagtail Motacilla flava subsp. flavissima and yellowhammer Emberiza citronella.

3.47 The open arable and improved pasture fields offer habitat suitable to ground nesting species such as skylark (example ERC records relate to the north west of the site), as well as wintering species such as golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (record at Laundry Farm of 150 count) and lapwing Vanellus vanellus (records relate to the farmland north of Barton Road and to amenity pitches south east of the site).

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 19

3.48 Hedgerows, trees, woodland and scrub offer suitable nesting and foraging opportunities for a range of bird species associated with these habitat types. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, wren Trogoldytes troglodytes and long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus were incidentally recorded foraging within the hedgerows and associated ditches during the September survey. Buzzard Buteo buteo was recorded calling over the farmland to the south of Laundry Farm and over the mixed plantation woodland north of Barton Road. House martin Delichon urbica was recorded foraging close to the wet ditch and associated tall semi- improved grassland between Dumpling Farm and Laundry Farm.

3.49 Wetland habitats on site enhance the habitat mosaic for birds, such as Bin Brook (record of kingfisher) and associated wet ditches, and the small area of reedbed extending of the northern site boundary.

Amphibians 3.50 Records of amphibians provided by the ERC included common frog Rana temporaria, common toad Bufo bufo and great crested newt (GCN). The nearest GCN record relates to the north east boundary of the site.

3.51 Review of Ordnance Survey mapping did not identify any waterbodies on site beyond Bin Brook and the network of wet ditches which traverse the farmland. Within the surrounding 0.5km, the following waterbodies were identified (distances listed are approximate):

 Waterbody at Adams Road Sanctuary c.0.4km north east of the site (location of known breeding GCN population);  On line waterbody (Bin Brook), c.0.25km north east;  Cluster of waterbodies north and south of Coton Path, c.0.4km north; and  Barton Road Pool, almost adjacent to the east site boundary, south of Barton Road.

3.52 The network of ditches which traverse the site includes several sections holding standing water. Where standing water is present, this is typically shallow, possibly ephemeral, with little or no true aquatic or marginal vegetation suitable for GCN egg laying. A small area of reedbed extending north from the north boundary ditch also held shallow standing water at the time of survey. Dry ditches and associated hedgerows provide suitable terrestrial habitat to GCN dispersal, which extend to areas known to support GCN.

Reptiles 3.53 Records of reptiles provided by the ERC included grass snake Natrix natrix (including records c.0.14km north east of the site at Adams Road Sanctuary and c.0.6km south east beyond Granchester Road) and slow worm Anguis fragilis (also c.0.6km south east).

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 20

3.54 The closely manicured amenity pitches and cultivated arable fields are generally considered to be of limited suitability to reptiles. However, several linear features including planting and hedgerows with associated scrub and uncultivated margins (where a closely cropped sward is not maintained) offer opportunities for reptiles to forage and bask. Examples include the broad strip of semi-improved grassland to the rear of the mixed plantation woodland north of Barton Road which flanks a wet ditch, similar broad uncultivated verges which flank wet ditches across Dumpling Farm, and rough grassland around the agricultural buildings of Laundry Farm. Areas of rough semi- improved grassland in the north east of the site, beyond Bin Brook, also offer more favourable habitat, being interspersed with scrub and hedgerows. Use of such habitats by reptiles will depend on connectivity to source population(s).

Invertebrates 3.55 Barton Road Pool CWS, designated for its invertebrate value, lies <50m east of the site south of Barton Road. The following records of UK BAP listed invertebrates were provided by the ERC:

 Moths – blood-vein Timandra comae, centre-barred sallow Atethmia centrago, cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae, dark-barred twin-spot carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata, dot moth Melanchra persicariae, ghost moth Hepialus humuli, grey dagger Acronicta psi, large nutmeg Apamea anceps, latticed heath Chiasmia clathrata, mottled rustic Caradrina Morpheus, mouse moth Amphipyra tragopoginis, rosy minor Mesoligia literosa, rustic Hoplodrina blanda, shaded broad-bar Scotopteryx chenopodiata, small emerald Hemistola chrysoprasaria and small square- spot Diarsia rubi.  Butterflies – small heath Coenonympha pamphilus, wall Lasiommata megera and white-letter hairstreak Satyrium w-album; and  Hymenoptera – large garden bumble bee Bombus ruderatus.

3.56 The closely manicured amenity pitches and cultivated arable fields are generally considered to be of limited suitability to terrestrial invertebrates. Areas of plantation woodland do not appear to have been thinned, creating a dense and unvaried internal structure. As such, these are not considered to be of notable value to invertebrates. However, hedgerows across the site include a number of well-established trees, areas of scrub and dead/decaying wood features which together offer a more complex habitat structure suitable to terrestrial invertebrates. Sections of hedgerow known to be botanically-rich include those in the north west of the site, as part of the CWS. Grassland verges, which at the time of survey had a taller more structurally diverse sward, included those along the wet ditches of Dumpling Farm and to the rear of the plantation woodland shelterbelt, north of Barton Road. East of Bin Brook, tall sward semi-improved grassland, scrub, tall ruderal herbs and

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 21

remnant hedgerows offer also offer a more naturalised habitat mosaic in the north east of the site, albeit of relatively limited extent.

3.57 In addition to the wet ditches mentioned above, the tributary to the Bin Brook flowing north along the eastern site boundary (north of Barton Road) has section of naturalised profile with a range of aquatic plants that may support aquatic invertebrates. White-clawed crayfish Austropotammobius pallipes is known to be present in the Cam catchment, although the extent of natural profile watercourses on site is relatively limited in extent and isolated in nature. It is therefore considered unlikely that white-clawed crayfish occur on site.

Fish 3.58 Bin Brook and The Mill Pond down stream of the site are known to support brown trout Salmo trutta subsp. fario.

3.59 Approximately 300m of the Bin Brook flows through the north east of the site. Semi-natural grassland, scrub and hedgerow lie east of the brook, with arable to the west and a narrow uncultivated margin along the bank top. The wet ditch feeding into the brook, along the rear of residential properties that neighbouring the eastern site boundary initially has a naturalised profile (c.50m length) but is subsequently canalised for c.550m before the confluence with the brook.

Evaluation of Ecological Features

3.60 With reference to the evaluation criteria set out in the methodology, a range of factors have to be considered when evaluating the ecological features of the site. Table 3 provides a consideration of the features of the site against a checklist of potentially relevant factors as set out in the IEEM evaluation guidelines.

Table 3. Evaluation Checklist

Factors Status Notes Designated Sites and Features  Internationally Absent None present within 5km of the site. important sites  Nationally important Absent The closest biologically designated SSSI is sites Madingley Wood, c.2.25km north west.  Sites of lower level Present Four CWS occur on site or in the importance immediate vicinity. Seven further CWS and one LNR occur within 1km. Hedgerows Regulations Present Select hedgerows are considered ‘important’ based on ecological criteria of the Regulations (overlap CWS). Biodiversity value  Habitat designations Present See CWS above.

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 22

Factors Status Notes  Non designated Absent None beyond CWS (above) and BAP habitats of value or habitats (below). Roadside ditches at potential value Barton Road known to support water vole (addressed under protected species below).  BAP habitats Present Fen and reedbed (UK BAP) habitats within within 1km, associated with the Cam. vicinity  Ancient woodland Absent None identified in desk study within 1km.

 Protected species Present Habitat suitable for roosting, foraging and commuting bats present. Water vole previously recorded on site. Habitat suitable for badger present. Habitat suitable for a range of nesting and wintering birds present. Some suitable terrestrial habitat for reptiles, and GCN present.  Rare species Potentially A number of BAP invertebrate records present relate to the private property immediately north east of the site south of Barton Road.

 Species records Present Records of water vole, badger, kingfisher and GCN relate to the site and immediate surrounds.  BAP species Present Brown hare present. Records of golden plover and brown trout relate specifically to the site.

Large populations/important Potentially None recorded, although species-specific assemblages of species present surveys yet to be completed. Injurious and legally controlled Present Giant hogweed recorded along Bin Brook weeds and the wet ditch running along the northern site boundary. Himalayan balsam present along Barton roadside ditch. Potential value Potentially Principally relate to potential extension of present Environmental Stewardship measures.

Secondary or supporting value Present Semi-natural habitats on site, to some extent, support the terrestrial and aquatic CWS present. Social/community value Not - assessed Economic value Not - assessed Legal issues Present Protected species issues as identified above and further discussed in Section 4.0.

3.61 The c.166ha site flanks Barton Road, c.2/3 to the north and 1/3 to the south. The northern portion is dominated by arable farmland, interspersed by a network of hedgerows and ditches. The County BAP for hedgerows encompasses all of those on site, irrespective of whether these are species- rich or ancient; these features are therefore recognised to be of County importance, with particular value attributed to those designated as CWS. Bin Brook is designated as a CWS and accordingly is of County importance

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 23

3.62 Mature trees occur in association with the hedgerow network with notable specimens also present along the roadside fields at Laundry Farm. Semi- improved grassland occurs in the north east of the site, along the roadside fields at Laundry Farm and association with some of the wet ditches and hedgerows that cross the site. Plantation woodland occurs in the north of the site and flanks Barton Road. The southern portion encompasses closely manicured sports facilities and arable farmland. At the time of survey, the network of hedgerows and ditches had been relatively recently flailed. Nevertheless, uncultivated margins were evident and the desk study revealed these lie with Environmental Stewardship. Beyond the County-level features identified above, the semi-improved grassland, uncultivated margins, plantation woodland, mature trees and scrub are considered to be of value at least at the Local/Parish level. Areas under arable cultivation and the amenity grassland pitches are of value at the Site (less than Local/Parish level).

3.63 Protected and notable species known to be present on site as a result of the desk study or incidentally recorded during the September 2012 field survey include water vole, brown hare, various Schedule 1 and UK BAP listed birds, GCN and brown trout, although the extent to which such species utilise the site is not yet known. The site also has potential for supporting a range of other protected species or species-groups, known to be present in the locality, such as bats, reptiles and invertebrates.

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 24

4.0 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 As set out in the Land Use Plan (ref. 5352-L_03 Rev D, Option A, FPCR), the proposed development north of Barton Road (totalling 108.1ha) incorporates 32.8ha of residential development, a school (2.2ha), local centre (0.7ha) and associated transport infrastructure. Depending on density, the development I anticipated to yield between 1148 and 1476 new dwellings (between 2870 and 3690 head population based on an average occupancy rate of 2.5/household). The public open space incorporates retained existing woodland, hedgerows and trees as well as new planting.

4.2 This section sets out the potential impacts associated with proposed development at the site, alongside recommendations for appropriate further species-specific survey. Broad recommendations for avoidance as well as opportunities for enhancement are also provided. A detailed Ecological Assessment, incorporating the findings of the further surveys recommended below, should be undertaken to inform any future planning application.

Potential Impacts, Recommendations for Avoidance and Further Survey Requirements

Designated Wildlife Sites 4.3 Madingley Wood SSSI lies c.2.25km north west of the site. This is privately owned by the University; hence, impacts associated with increased public recreational pressure during the operational phase of development are considered unlikely. Cherry Hinton Pits SSSI lies c.4.9km south east of the site, beyond Cherry Hinton and the railway line; there is no direct pedestrian or cycle access to the SSSI from the site. The Land Use Plan includes a substantial area of public open space. Sensitive detailed design of any future scheme will be required to accommodate the additional recreational demand associated with the future residents. Coupled with landscape planting, such as that buffering the M11, the design of the green space should seek to maximise habitat connectivity across site and into the wider landscape. It should be possible for the development design to avoid any significant detrimental on the SSSI but a detailed review of impacts will be required at the time of any future planning application, taking into account cumulative impacts with other local developments.

4.4 Four CWS lie within the site or immediate vicinity, and seven further CWS occur within the surrounding 1km. Each CWS on site or in the immediate vicinity should be retained within any future scheme design, along with an appropriate buffer of adjacent habitats which would serve to protect the designated features from indirect impacts. The Land Use Plan shows the riparian corridor of Bin Brook to be largely buffered by open green space and

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 25

verges are retained close to the existing hedgerow network around the north western site boundary. Of particular concern is fragmentation or isolation of valuable hedgerows, potential loss of rare and scarce plants and encroachment into the riparian zone of Bin Brook – either through direct habitat loss to development or to excessive or insensitive recreational use. Each CWS should be buffered by the creation of semi-natural habitats, such as supplementary planting of defunct hedgerows and extension of species- rich and structurally diverse grasslands and verges to the hedgerows. Key principals to sensitive development to avoid detrimental impacts on retained ecological features, including the CWS, entail control of recreational access, use of locally appropriate species of local provenance in any planting strategy, and avoidance of insensitive lighting.

4.5 A sensitive lighting strategy during both construction and in the long term during operation will be required to ensure the retained and created habitats remain functional, and that use by nocturnal and crepuscular species is not deterred. This is of particular importance where development parcels abut or come close to hedgerows, woodland edge habitats and wetland habitats. Proposed road and lit pedestrian/cycle routes are also of concern where these pass alongside, or sever such habitat types. Measures to minimise impacts may include, for example, sensitive location and direction of lights, minimised hours of use, use of low intensity light sources and those with low/no UV component.

4.6 At the construction phase, best practice methods will be required throughout works, such as the control of surface water run off and the protection of trees in accordance with ‘BS5387:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction: Recommendation’.

Habitats and Flora 4.7 The network of hedgerows with associated ditches, verges and reedbed, the mature trees and Bin Brook form the principal ecological interest on site, both in terms of inherent value, habitat connectivity and opportunities for protected species (addressed in turn below). Areas of semi-improved grassland also contribute to the habitat mosaic. It is recommended that these features be retained across the site.

4.8 Some loss of semi-natural habitats is anticipated, associated with the accesses from Barton Road (severance of hedgerows, mixed woodland, ditch and associated grassland) or within the site (severance of the hedgerow spanning the CP boundary, for example). Fragmentation of the establishing broad-leaf woodland in the north of the site would result from the proposed transport infrastructure. Where possible, such matters would be addressed as the scheme design evolves. On balance, the Land Use Plan indicates the areas of such habitat types that will be create exceed the areas of loss or fragmentation. Provision of open green space across the site provides

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 26

opportunity to increase the area and diversity of the semi-natural habitat mosaic, particularly of grassland, wetland and orchard habitats (see ‘Opportunities for Ecological Enhancement’ below).

Recommendations for further survey 4.9 An assessment of hedgerows across the site against the ecological criteria of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 should be carried out to determine whether any of these, beyond those of the designated CWS, would be considered ‘important’ under the Regulations. Important hedgerows should be given particular consideration for retention and protection within any future development proposal.

4.10 At the time of survey, the majority of field margins were cropped short or recently flailed and no notable species were recorded. However, rare and scarce species are known to occur in association with the hedgerow CWS on and immediately adjacent to the site, and may also occur more widely. As and when a development proposal is brought forward and more detailed ecological assessment is carried out, targeted searches for arable weeds are recommended to determine the botanical community of the uncultivated margins and to map the distribution of any notable species present. The optimal period for grassland botanical survey typically extends from May to July, with flowering of the scarce and notable species known to extend into August.

4.11 It is also suggested that the extent of giant hogweed on site is carefully mapping so that any future management can be effectively targeted.

Bats 4.12 British bats and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Under this legislation it is an offence to capture, injure or kill a bat, to deliberately disturb bats where this would impair their ability to survive, breed or reproduce their young and to damage or destroy or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost.

4.13 Buildings and trees on site offer potential roosting habitat to bats, whilst the network of hedgerows, ditches and stream, associated woodland, former orchard, scrub, and grassland habitats are suitable for foraging and dispersal. As indicated on the Land Use Plan, future development will retain the majority of the semi-natural habitats and indeed extend the area of grassland, woodland and scrub as part of the public open space. However, potential impacts include building demolition and localised habitat loss as well as indirect impacts of lighting and physical severance of flight lines.

Recommendations for further survey 4.14 Further bat survey is recommended to determine which species of bat occur and the level of activity on site. The potential presence and conservation

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 27

status of any roosts will need to be determined. This baseline information can then be used to inform the scheme design to avoid, or where this is not possible minimise, any impacts on bats during works, and to optimise opportunities for enhancement through the design of open space.

4.15 Survey should entail an initial detailed daytime inspection of all buildings and trees potentially affected by the proposed development. This would seek to systematically locate and categorise all features with bat roost potential. The findings would be used to target any subsequent roost and activity surveys effectively; the methodologies for which are set out in the Bat Conservation Trust’s Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines (BCT, 201212). The daytime inspection is not seasonally constrained but greater visibility is achieved when trees are out of leaf. If a bat roost were to be identified within a tree or building which will be unavoidably affected by the proposed development, a detailed mitigation strategy would need to be formulated and an European Protected Species (EPS) licence obtained from Natural England.

4.16 In addition to the specific bat roost identification checks above, bat activity transects and static detector surveys are recommended, again in line with BCT (2012) to identify key flight lines and foraging areas to inform future development proposals.

Water Vole 4.17 Water vole is fully protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) from killing or injury, from damage, destruction or obstructing access to a place of shelter, and from disturbance whilst occupying a place of shelter.

4.18 Water vole is known to occur on site and in the wider catchment. Wet ditches and watercourses, of varying suitability for the species, extend widely across the site. The field boundaries, including wet ditches and the Bin Brook, form part of the current informal recreational access across the site. Any future development should respect watercourses in and around the site. Appropriate pollution and siltation control measures should be implemented during construction and, in accordance with best practice hydrological design for the operational phase, SuDS provided to avoid detrimental impact to water quality and flow rates. However, potential indirect impacts include risk of encroachment and erosion of the riparian corridor associated with recreational access.

4.19 Opportunities for enhancement, such as the extension of wetland habitats throughout the existing riparian network and restoration of a natural channel profile in the canalised stretch along the eastern site boundary are described below.

12 Bat Conservation Trust (2012) Bat Surveys: good practice guidelines. BCT London

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 28

Recommendations for further survey 4.20 Targeted survey for water vole is recommended, to determine the extent of water vole activity on site. An assessment of habitat suitability of wet ditches and watercourses would be carried out to identify key areas that may be sensitive to development and to identify opportunities for enhancement. In parallel, searches for field signs would be completed, guided by Strachan & Moorhouse (2006)13. The survey would be informed by detailed records for the species provided by the ERC. Water vole survey may be carried out March to October but is ideally timed to coincide with the May or August activity peaks.

4.21 If water vole was found to use habitat that would be unavoidably affected by proposed development, an appropriate mitigation strategy would be required to avoid illegal impacts, including mitigation and enhancement measures to maintain the favourable conservation status of the species.

Badger 4.22 Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badger Act 1992 from killing or injury, from damage, destruction or obstructing access to a sett and from disturbance whilst occupying a sett.

4.23 The hedgerow and woodland habitats offer habitat suitable to badger for foraging, dispersal and potentially for sett construction. Potential impacts of development include loss of, or disturbance to, a sett if present and severance of habitat corridors used for dispersal across the farmland west of the city.

Recommendations for further survey 4.24 To determine whether badger is present on site, and if so, to determine the level of activity, a targeted search for signs of badger activity should be carried out. Such survey is not seasonally constrained but greater visibility may be achieved when vegetation has died back during the winter.

4.25 The findings will be used to inform any future scheme design. If a sett was identified which will be unavoidably affected by the proposed development, a Natural England licence would be required to allow the works to be undertaken. The licence will require mitigation and enhancement measures to be clearly set out.

Brown Hare 4.26 Brown hare is listed as priority species in the UK BAP. The arable fields offer habitat suitable to brown hare and the species is likely to use the site as part of the wider pastoral landscape. The national hare survey (Hutchings & Harris, 199614) calculated the mean hare density for arable landscapes as

13 Strachan, R. & Moorhouse, T. (2006) Water vole conservation Handbook, 2nd Ed. Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford 14 Hutchings, M.R. & Harris, S. (1996) The Current Status of the Brown Hare Lepus europaeus in Britain. JNCC

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 29

14.44 hares per km2 (100ha) +/– 1.59. It is recognised that arable habitats will be lost to the development, either to the built footprint or to other semi- natural habitats as part of the open space, although similar habitats currently exist across the wider agricultural landscape both to the north and the south.

Recommendations for further survey 4.27 Further survey for brown hare is likely to be required to determine the population size and so inform any detailed assessment of ecological impacts. The scope of survey should ideally be agreed in advance with consultees but typically entails walked transects conducted on three occasions between mid October and mid January.

Birds 4.28 Birds and their nests are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which gives protection to all species of bird with regard to killing and injury, and to their nests and eggs with regard to taking, damaging and destruction. Additional protection (special penalties and additional constraints) is given to species listed in Schedule 1 of the Act.

4.29 The arable land that forms the majority of the site will be lost the development, which may be used by species associated with open field habitats. Similar habitats currently exist across the wider agricultural landscape, which some birds may displace into – something that will need to be assessed in detail at the time of any future planning application, taking into account cumulative impacts with other local developments.

4.30 The majority of hedgerows, mature trees and plantation woodland strips are anticipated to be retained as part of any future development, although some localised loss may occur. As illustrated in the Land Use Plan there is also significant opportunity to extend the area of semi-natural habitat, particularly grassland and woodland habitats, as part of the open space (see ‘Opportunities for Ecological Enhancement’ below).

4.31 Where the clearance of habitat suitable for nesting is necessary to facilitate development, this should be programmed to avoid the period between March and August (inclusive) when nesting birds are most likely to be present. If this is not possible then the vegetation should be checked for nesting birds by a suitably qualified person to check that none are present immediately prior to the works. If nesting birds were present, clearance works would need to be delayed until all chicks had fledged.

Recommendations for further survey 4.32 Given the nature of the habitats present, wintering and breeding bird surveys are recommended to determine the species present, the areas of habitat used by each and the conservation value of the bird assemblage on site. The findings will be used to inform any future scheme design and to determine any appropriate mitigation. A number of survey visits will be required across the

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 30

winter period (December-February) and across the main breeding period (March-July) to make an adequate assessment.

Great Crested Newt 4.33 GCN and their habitats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, which makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take a GCN or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to a place of shelter (defined as a ‘resting place’) or to disturb a GCN whilst it is occupying such a place.

4.34 GCN is known to breed in waterbodies in the vicinity of the site. Several wet ditches on site hold standing water, as well as a small area of reedbed extending north from the north boundary ditch. Dry ditches and associated hedgerows provide suitable terrestrial habitat to GCN dispersal, which extend to areas known to support GCN.

Recommendations for further survey 4.35 Where access permission can be obtained, an initial Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)15 assessment of the wet ditches on site and of waterbodies within the surrounding 0.5km is recommended to determine the suitability of these to support breeding GCN (not seasonally constrained). Any waterbodies identified to be suitable and with habitat connectivity to the site should be subject to a standard presence/probable absence survey between mid March and early June (English Nature, 200016) to ascertain whether these ponds support GCN, and if present, population size class survey. The survey findings should be used to inform the scheme design and determine whether mitigation and EPS licensing is required.

Reptiles 4.36 Common lizard, slow worm, grass snake and adder are afforded protection against intentional killing and injury under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). They are also listed as UK BAP priority species.

4.37 Habitats within the site that are potentially suitable for widespread reptile species include areas of rough grassland, particularly where these interface scrub, hedgerow or woodland, and where connectivity to source population(s) is favourable. Potential impacts on reptile species associated with the proposed development include localised habitat loss and risk of killing and injury during works. In the long term, provision of open green space offers numerous opportunities for habitat creation for these species (see below).

15 Based on methodology set out in: Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M. (2000). Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus. Herpetological Journal 10 (4), 143-155 16 English Nature (2000) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 31

Recommendations for further survey 4.38 Reptile survey is recommended to determine whether such species are present and if they are, to gain an understanding of population size. The reptile survey window typically extends between March and October, and entails checking of artificial refugia deployed throughout areas of suitable habitat to be affected, naturally occurring refugia and direct observation of reptiles (as a walked transect between refugia). The findings should be used to inform any future scheme design and to determine any appropriate mitigation.

Invertebrates 4.39 Several UK BAP-listed moths, butterflies and hymenoptera were identified in the desk study.

4.40 Areas of more complex habitat structure suitable to terrestrial invertebrates identified on site include the taller sward grassland, particularly where this occurs in juxtaposition with wet ditch, intact hedgerows or scrub, and dead/decaying wood features. Potential impacts on invertebrates associated with development include habitat loss, which assuming the retention of semi- natural boundary features as part of the open space should be relatively localised.

Recommendations for further survey 4.41 The need or otherwise for specific invertebrate surveys should be determined once the masterplan for the site is further developed. If impacts to the more structurally and botanically diverse habitats are limited then further invertebrate survey work may not be necessary. However, if impacts to habitats that could support notable invertebrate species become proposed then further survey of the invertebrate interest of these areas should be undertaken, broadly between March and October. Any survey should be tailored to the habitats proposed to be impacted and timed with due consideration of harvest and flailing.

Brown Trout 4.42 Brown trout, known to be present within Bin Brook and The Mill Pond downstream of the site, is listed in the UK BAP.

4.43 Approximately 300m of the Bin Brook flows through the north east of the site. As described above, it is anticipated that any future development will respect watercourses in and around the site, with pollution and siltation control measures implemented during construction and sensitive hydrological design to avoid potential detrimental impacts on water quality or flow rates during operation.

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 32

Recommendations for further survey 4.44 On the basis that watercourses and the associated riparian habitat will be protected from potential detrimental impacts, no further surveys are considered necessary at this stage.

Opportunities for Ecological Enhancement

4.45 In accordance with the NERC Act 2006 and NPPF (refer to Section 2), all planning decisions should aim to maintain and enhance, restore or add to biodiversity and geological conservation interests. In addition to the recommendations made for specific habitats and species above, opportunities for enhancement listed below should be explored as part of the future evolving design. It is envisaged that such opportunities would be refined through consultation with the planning authorities:

 Extension of semi-natural habitats, optimising habitat connectivity through the site and into the wider landscape, as illustrated in the Land Use Plan. This may form part of the open space on site and landscape screening. Management prescriptions for retained and created habitats should be clearly set out in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan (see below).

 Provision of species-rich and structurally diverse grassland habitats would benefit the habitat mosaic, particularly in association with the hedgerow network. Careful consideration of locally appropriate sowing mixes is required to ensure these complement the any existing botanical value on site, for example, vigorous species tolerant to recreational access may be detrimental to the rare and scarce species present.

 Supplementary planting of defunct and gappy hedgerows with range of native species, to increase overall diversity.

 Woodland planting, as illustrated in the Land Use Plan, and introduction of management to areas of plantation woodland may encourage ground flora and/or introduce small rides and glades. Orchard planting would further complement the semi-natural habitat mosaic and local character through promoting significant area(s) of this BAP habitat type.

 In general terms, landscape planting should incorporate a range of native tree, shrub and herbaceous species of local provenance. Flowering and fruiting plants of benefit to invertebrates, would be appropriate.

 Retention of dead and decaying wood at appropriate locations, either laid, standing and/or partially buried. Deadwood may, for example, be used to create reptile hibernacula positioned close to hedgerows or to newly created wetland features.

 Regarding wetland habitats, the Land Use Plan indicates a number of lakes and ponds through the development and public open space. The design of such waterbodies should incorporate a variety of wetland

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 33

habitats – reedbed, wetland meadow and wetland thicket as well as open water, with marginal and aquatic planting beneficial to wildlife. The existing riparian network could be significantly enhanced, for example, widening semi-natural bank side habitats and, where practicable, reinstatement of a natural channel profile to canalised stretches.

 Recreational access should be carefully managed on site to ensure that retained and created features maintain their value for wildlife in the long- term. Rare and scarce flora are of particular concern, as is the Bin Brook. Access may be guided, for example, by mown or natural surfaced paths, dense thorn planting, sunken deadwood and other measures of soft landscaping which incorporate natural play.

 Production of a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan clearly and concisely setting out the maintenance and monitoring requirements for the site. The objective would be to ensure that value to biodiversity and recreation is achieved in the long term.

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 34

5.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

5.1 The c.166ha site is dominated by arable farmland, the majority managed under Environmental Stewardship, interspersed by a network of hedgerows and ditches. Hedgerows in the north west of the site are designated as a CWS, as is the Bin Brook, which flows through the north east. Mature trees occur in association with the hedgerow network with notable specimens also present along the roadside fields at Laundry Farm. Semi-improved grassland occurs in the north east of the site, along the roadside fields at Laundry Farm and association with some of the wet ditches and hedgerows that cross the site. Plantation woodland occurs in the north of the site and flanks Barton Road. University sports facilities occupy the south east portion of the site, west of Newnham. The two CWS and the hedgerows are attributed to be of County importance. The semi-improved grassland, uncultivated margins, plantation woodland, mature trees and scrub are considered to be of value at least at the Local/Parish level, whilst areas under arable cultivation and the amenity grassland pitches are of value at the Site level.

5.2 Protected and notable species known to be present on site include water vole, brown hare, various Schedule 1 and UK BAP listed birds, GCN and brown trout, although the extent to which such species utilise the site is not yet known. The site also has potential for supporting a range of other protected species or species-groups, known to be present in the locality, such as bats, reptiles and invertebrates. Further scoping and detailed surveys have therefore been recommended to fully assess any potential impacts.

5.3 Future development at the site is anticipated to incorporate the majority of hedgerows, associated grassland and ditches as well as the mature trees and plantation woodland. Indeed, the Land Use Plan for development north of Barton Road incorporates a substantial area of open space, particularly in the south west of the site. Some broad principles of mitigation and opportunities for enhancement have been set out. It is recognised that arable habitat will be lost, although there is opportunity to increase the extent and diversity of the semi-natural habitat mosaic, particularly with regard to grassland and woodland habitats.

5.4 Subject to the results of such further surveys and the subsequent agreement and implementation of appropriate mitigation, it is anticipated that there is potential for sensitively designed development to proceed at this site without significant ecological impact on these receptors. Sensitive design of the open space and SUDS is required to accommodate future recreational use and could secure enhancement for biodiversity across the wider site. It is recommended that the management of retained and newly created habitats is set out in a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan to ensure the goals for biodiversity, recreation and landscape are achieved in the long term.

Land North & South of Barton Road, Cambridge Ecological Appraisal CSa/2025/02A P age 35

Appendix A

Initial L&VIA Assessment of Land Parcel Suitability for Development



 

0 

  3  

4  6 



  2 5

1

                         environmental planning

Summary of Ability to Accommodate Development Parcel Sensitivity Ability Notes 1 Low to Medium to Area is well related to existing urban edge and does not Medium High extend as far to the west as existing development along Madingley Road. Encroachment into the countryside would be limited. Possible pedestrian/cycle links to Cranmer Road. 2 Low to Medium to Enclosed field close to the existing urban edge. Medium High Encroachment into the countryside would be limited. Mature trees alongside Barton Road should be retained. 3 Low to Medium to Area is to the east of the University buildings north west of Medium High Laundry Farm, which affect the existing landscape character. Encroachment into the countryside would be limited. Mature trees alongside Barton Road should be retained. 4 Low to Medium to Northern part of parcel is already developed and contains Medium High University buildings and yard - sensitivity of this part is lower. Existing buildings of Laundry Farm are in the southern part - these could perhaps be retained as part of any development. Some local benefit as a result of removing unsightly buildings and yard. 5 Medium Medium Area does not extend as far as the M11, so would leave some open land between the new urban edge and the motorway, but would need structure planting along its western and southern sides to provide containment. Encroachment into the countryside would be greater. 6 Medium to Low to Development of this area would significantly extend the High Medium urban edge up to the motorway, and would be highly visible from adjacent roads. It would remove the open foreground from views to the City skyline. Significant encroachment into the countryside would result. One option would be to restrict development to the eastern part only, as indicated by the dotted line on the Figure in Appendix B, with land to the west retained in agricultural use and structure planting to enclose the development. 7 High Low Development of this area, to the south of Barton Road, would appear out of place within the more rural local context, as the urban edge is less visible and this area is not visually related to the large scale development at West Cambridge. Significant encroachment into the countryside would result. Development here would also extend the urban edge towards Grantchester. As for Parcel 6, an option would be to restrict development to the eastern part only, as indicated by the dotted line. 8 High Low As Parcel 7, though to a lesser extent as this parcel is closer to the existing urban edge. 9 Medium Medium College playing fields are well enclosed, and development would therefore be contained, but would still be somewhat out of place. Playing fields would need to be relocated elsewhere on an appropriate site. 10 Low to Medium to As Parcel 9, though this area is more enclosed and better Medium High related to the existing urban edge.

Land north and south of Barton Road, Cambridge Landscape and Visual Appraisal CSa/2025/01 P age 13

Appendix B

MAGIC Database Site Check Report and Plan

Land N&S of Barton Road: 5km buffer around site (6km from TL 427 574) Page 1 of 1

Land N&S of Barton Road: 5km buffer around site (6km from TL 427 574)

http://magic.defra.gov.uk/servlet/com.esri.esrimap.Esrimap?ServiceName=magoverview&Form=True&Encode=False 06/09/2012 Site Check Report Page 1 of 1

Site Check Report Report generated on September 6 2012.

You clicked on the point: Grid Ref: TL427574 Full Grid Ref: 542700 , 257400

The following features have been found within 6,000 metres of your search point:

Counties, Metropolitan Districts and Unitary Authorities (GB) Name Geographic Level CAMBRIDGESHIRE COUNTY

NUTS1 - Government Office Regions (GB) Name Reference Hotlink EAST OF ENGLAND UKH http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/geography/beginner-s-guide/european/east-of-england/index.html

Ancient Woodland (England) Grid Reference Wood Name Theme ID Theme Name tl400596 MADINGLEY WOOD 1116405 ANCIENT & SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND

Local Nature Reserves (England) Reference Name 1084816 NINE WELLS 1008762 BARNWELL 1084814 BYRON'S POOL 1009264 PARADISE 1009844 BRAMBLEFIELDS 1008999 LIMEKILN CLOSE (AND WEST PIT) 1009453 BARNWELL II 1084815 LOGAN'S MEADOW

National Nature Reserves (England) There are no features within your search area.

Ramsar Sites (England) There are no features within your search area.

Special Protection Areas (England) There are no features within your search area.

Special Areas of Conservation (England) There are no features within your search area.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (England) Reference Name Citation 1002823 MADINGLEY WOOD 1001393 1002799 CHERRY HINTON PIT 1000331 1002848 TRAVELLER'S REST PIT 1002443 1003083 HISTON ROAD 1004066

To save the report, select "Save" or "Save As" from the File menu. You should save the file with a .html extension and give it a name of your choice. You can then open your report using your web browser software.

Print Report | Close Window

http://magic.defra.gov.uk/servlet/com.esri.esrimap.Esrimap?ServiceName=magicall&... 06/09/2012

Appendix C

Biological Data Search from Cambridge & Peterborough ERC

CSa Environmental CPERC Land off Barton Road, The Manor House Broad Street Cambridge Cambourne Cambridgeshire CB23 6DH

Traveller's Rest Pit

Bird Sanctuary, Conduit Head

River Cam Scrub East of M11 Verge Adams Road Coton Path Sanctuary Hedgerow Trinity Meadow Drain at Garret Hostel Lane Bin Brook Hedgerows East of M11

Meadow and Ditch Opposite King's College

Barton Road Sheep's Pool Green

Paradise Skaters' LNR Meadow Group

Meadows and Barton Drains Orchard

0 250 500 metres

Search Area SSSI

Site Boundary LNR

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf County Wildlife Site of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. City Wildlife Site (Cambridge City) Cambridgeshire County Council 100023205 (2012)

Appendix D

Habitat Plan

® South West Cambridge

Key A Broad-leaved woodland semi-natural

I SI Broad-leaved woodland plantation I A A SI A C Scattered coniferous tree A SI Mixed woodland plantation A Scattered broad-leaved tree

107.450ha (265.44ac) Dense scrub A Scattered scrub

I A I Improved grassland A SI Neutral semi-improved grassland

A Tall ruderal herbs I I Reedbed A I A I I A Amenity grassland I A Arable I A I SI A

C C Hedge intact species-poor I A I I Hedge defunct species-poor

A I Hedge species-poor with trees A A A Allotments A SI Wet ditch

Dry ditch

A Hardsurfacing 58.458ha (144.44ac) I I Buildings

Site boundary A I A A I I

SI

A

Dixies Barns  Land North and South of Barton Road, Cambridge Date September 2012   2025103        Habitats Plan Scale NTS           Januarys (Cambridge) Ltd  TB  SS environmental planning  

O.S. Licence No: ES 100017734 This plan is based on Ordnance Survey data with sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office. Crown Copyright Reserved.

Note: This plan is published for convenience only and although believed to be correct its accuracy is not guaranteed and it shall not be deemed to form part of the contract.

Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 9LD t: 01223 841841 f: 01223 845150 bidwells.co.uk

Scale: 1:10,000 @ A3 O.S. Ref: TL 4257 Drawing No: B.9747k Date: 27/07/2012