BREEDING BIRD
SURVEY 2015
Rufford Colliery
Harworth Estates
Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House, Ramshaw County Durham AES-LTD DL14 0NG
[email protected] 01388 835084
AES-LTD
Field Investigations and Data Where field investigations have been carried out these have been restricted to a level of detail required to achieving the stated objectives of the work. Where any data supplied by the client or from other sources have been used it has been assumed that the information is correct. No responsibility can be accepted by AES - Ltd for inaccuracies in the data supplied by any other party.
Copyright © Applied Ecological Services Ltd (AES-LTD 2015). All rights reserved. This document has been provided for your reference by Applied Ecological Services Ltd . No material from this document may be otherwise copied, altered, republished, transmitted or distributed in any way without permission.
Third Party Disclaimer Any disclosure of this report to a third party is subject to this disclaimer. The report was prepared by AES – Ltd at the instruction of, and for use by, our client named on the front of the report. It does not in any way constitute advice to any third party who is able to access it by any means. No other warranty, expressed or implied is made as to the professional advice included in this report
Report Reference & History: Document 1, version 1
Name Signature Date
Originators Alan Jones (AJ) April / July 2015
Authors AJ July 2015
Approved By AES - Ltd July 2015
2 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 4
2.0 Legislation and policy background ...... 5
THE UK BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN ...... 6 THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN ...... 6
3.0 Methods...... 7
DATA SEARCH ...... 7 WALKOVER SURVEYS ...... 7
4.0 Results ...... 9
DESK STUDY ...... 9 Table 1: NBN Gateway Records ...... 9 HABITATS ...... 11 BREEDING BIRD SURVEY 2015 ...... 11 TABLE 2: WALKOVER SURVEY DETAILS ...... 11 TABLE 3: SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE BREEDING SEASON 2015 (Part 1) ...... 12 TABLE 3: SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE BREEDING SEASON 2015 (Part 2) ...... 13 BREEDING STATUS KEY ...... 14 BREEDING SPECIES ACCOUNTS 2015 ...... 15
5.0 Discussion & recommendations ...... 24
List of Figures: Figure 1: Rufford Breeding Bird Survey Visit 1 Figure 2: Rufford Breeding Bird Survey Visit 2 Figure 3 Rufford Breeding Bird Survey Visit 3 Figure 4: Rufford Breeding Bird Survey Visit 4 Figure 6: Rufford Breeding Bird Territory Map 2015 Figure 7: Rufford Woodlark Sightings 2015 Figure 8: Rufford Walkover Route
3 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This report details the results of monthly breeding bird surveys undertaken by Alan Jones, ornithologist with AES Ltd. during April through to July 2015 at the former Rufford Colliery, Rainworth, Mansfield. The site, situated at grid reference SK 593 603 (approximate central point), exists mainly as large areas of hard standing, spoil heaps and bare ground with some mixed woodland, scrub, heath land and a reed lined lake.
1.2 Areas within the site are currently being developed and these areas as well as the less disturbed areas and parts of restored site were subject to surveys.
4 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
2.0 LEGISLATION AND POLICY BACKGROUND
2.1 Birds are afforded various levels of protection and levels of conservation status on a species by species basis, with the inclusion of a number of species on the following legislation or lists of conservation concern:
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) [Department of the Environment (1981)].
EC Birds Directive 1979 (79/409/EEC).
UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1995) lists of globally threatened or declining species
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Red and Amber Lists of species of conservation concern (RSPB, 2002).
2.2 The most significant general legislation for British birds lies within Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Under this legislation it is an offence to:
Kill, injure or take any wild bird;
Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built;
Take or destroy an egg of any wild bird.
2.3 In addition to the above protection for breeding birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, Schedule 1 of the Act lists a number of species which are protected by special penalties at all times.
2.4 Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive also lists rare and vulnerable species of wild birds that are subject to special conservation measures.
2.5 The RSPB (2002) has published Red and Amber Lists of species of conservation concern. Red List species are those whose breeding population or range is rapidly declining (50% or more in the last 25 years), recently or historically, and those of global conservation concern. Amber List species are those whose breeding population is in moderate decline (25 – 49% in the last 25 years), rare breeders, internationally important and localised species and those of unfavourable conservation status in Europe.
5 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
THE UK BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
2.6 The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) (2007) lists 59 bird species as priority species requiring conservation action, and consequently action plans have been developed for the conservation of these species.
THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
2.7 The Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) lists 32 bird species as priority species requiring conservation action.
6 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
3.0 METHODS
3.1 Survey design, methodology, fieldwork and assessment has been carried out in accordance with standard guidance Bibby et al. 19921 and Gilbert et al. 19982
DATA SEARCH
3.2 A data search was carried out for all faunal/ floral groups and statutory and non- statutory protected sites. This included the following contacts with respect to birds:
National Biodiversity Network Gateway (NBN)
Information from the Survey Area and the surrounding area (up to 2km distance from the survey boundary) was requested.
WALKOVER SURVEYS
3.3 During survey visits, a predetermined transect route, was walked at a slow pace so that all birds can be located, identified and recorded using standard British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) notation. Also two vantage points (VP`s) were located and a period of 30 minutes was spent on each VP recording bird activity in the viewable area. Binoculars and telescopes were used throughout to scan the open for the presence of birds. All species are identified by their common name followed by their Latin equivalent. Bird species are listed with their BTO Code and their Conservation Status3, if they have red or amber status they are listed as species of conservation concern (SCC). UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species (UKBAP) and Local Biodiversity Action Plan Species (LBAP) are also identified. All birds that were observed during the surveys were recorded including breeding species, passing individuals and species on migration.
3.4 Optimal times for breeding bird survey occur between dawn and mid-morning (approximately 10.30am) and from early evening (approximately 5.30pm) to dusk.
1 Bibby, C.J., N.D. Burgess & D.A. Hill (1992): Bird Census Techniques. London: Academic Press. 2 Gilbert et. al. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods. RSPB. Sandy. 3 The UK's birds can be split in to three categories of conservation importance - red, amber and green. Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action. Amber is the next most critical group, followed by green. 7 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
During these times, breeding birds are more active and can be detected in song more frequently.
3.5 Nesting and territorial behaviour (singing, nest building, carrying food, fighting, copulation, nest locations, alarm calling, carrying faecal sacs) were noted by standard codes, as were the age and sex of the birds concerned where observed. Non-nesting behaviour such as over-flying the site was also noted, together with the direction of movement. Birds not considered likely to be nesting on site were still noted where observed.
3.6 Results obtained from the walkover survey allowed breeding bird territory distribution and quantity to be estimated. This was achieved by isolating the registrations recorded for a single, selected species in each survey visit, and then plotting all of those registrations together on a single map. The resulting clusters of registrations are then interpreted by an experienced ornithologist to define distinct territories.
3.7 One survey per month was undertaken over the breeding season April 2015 to July 2015 for terrestrial habitats. Information obtained from the surveys will help towards building a picture of the general use of the site and its surroundings by all bird species during the non-breeding months.
8 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
4.0 RESULTS
DESK STUDY
4.1 The NBN Gateway square SK 56 which has the Rufford area within it returned a total of 117 records as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: NBN Gateway Records
Species Latin Name Species Latin Name
Barn Owl Tyto alba Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
Black Swan Cygnus atratus Great Tit Parus major
Blackbird Turdus merula Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Green Woodpecker Picus viridis
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Buzzard Buteo buteo Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Canada Goose Branta canadensis Herring Gull Larus argentatus
Carrion Crow Corvus corone House Martin Delichon urbicum
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
Coal Tit Periparus ater Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Jay Garrulus glandarius
Common Gull Larus canus Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Coot Fulica atra Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret
Curlew Numenius arquata Less. Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor
Dunnock Prunella modularis Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Linnet Linaria cannabina
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Goldcrest Regulus regulus Little Owl Athene noctua
Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Magpie Pica pica
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
9 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
Table 1: Continued
Species Latin Name Species Latin Name
Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Snipe Gallinago gallinago Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Mute Swan Cygnus olor Starling Sturnus vulgaris Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Stock Dove Columba oenas Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Swallow Hirundo rustica Nuthatch Sitta europaea Swift Apus apus Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Tawny Owl Strix aluco Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba Teal Anas crecca Pintail Anas acuta Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Pochard Aythya ferina Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Quail Coturnix coturnix Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Redshank Tringa totanus Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Redwing Turdus iliacus Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Whitethroat Sylvia communis Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Wigeon Anas penelope Robin Erithacus rubecula Willow Tit Poecile montana Rock Pigeon Columba livia Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Rook Corvus frugilegus Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Sand Martin Riparia riparia Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Woodlark Lullula arborea Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Siskin Spinus spinus Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Skylark Alauda arvensis
10 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
HABITATS
4.2 The site which is the cleared remains of Rufford Colliery is situated at grid reference SK 593 603 (approximate central point) and exists mainly as large areas of hard standing, spoil heaps and bare ground with some immature mixed woodland/scrub, heathland and a reed lined lake located within it. Several disused railway/bridleway paths run through the site and areas of Clipstone Forest surround the north, east and western parts with the A617 running alongside the southern boundary in an east west direction. An off-road 4x4/motorbike track previously located within the northern area of the site had now been removed and with extra security and fencing the site was found to have less human disturbance than during the 2013 survey and therefore proved more beneficial to certain bird species such as Woodlark despite the close proximity to working areas.
BREEDING BIRD SURVEY 2015
4.3 Breeding bird surveys were undertaken over one season during 2015. Details of dates times and weather conditions are given in Table 2. The number of hours detailed below is listed per surveyor, for example four hours x two surveyors = total of eight hours survey undertaken.
TABLE 2: WALKOVER SURVEY DETAILS
Date Start Time End Time Hours Surveyors. Weather Conditions 29/04/2015 09:00 14:00 10 2 8 SW / 75% Cloud / 8 c 20/05/2015 08:00 12:15 9 2 10 NW / 25% Cloud / 12 c 10/06/2015 19:00 23:00 8 2 6 E / 20% Cloud / 15 c 02/07/2015 19:15 23:15 8 2 6 W / 75% Cloud / 16 c
4.4 During the 2015 breeding bird survey period 46 bird species were recorded nine were red listed, 14 amber listed and 23 green listed. See Table 3 below for details.
11 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
TABLE 3: SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE BREEDING SEASON 2015 (Part 1)
BTO No of Birds Recorded Breed Species Latin Name Conservation Status Code 29/4 20/5 10/6 02/7 Status Gadwall Anas strepera GA 1 0 0 0 M Amber Mallard Anas platyrhynchos MA 4 2 3 0 P Amber Red Legged Partridge Alectoris rufa RL 1 2 0 0 H Green Grey Partridge Perdix perdix P. 1 0 0 0 H Red, UKBAP, NBAP Pheasant Phasianus colchicus PH 1 1 0 0 H Green Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus GG 1 0 0 0 M Green Common Buzzard Buteo buteo BZ 1 1 0 0 H Green Coot Fulica atra CO 1 2 2 2 ON Green Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius LP 0 2 1 1 DD Green Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L. 0 4 4 3 FL Red, UKBAP, NBAP Stock Dove Columba oenas SD 1 0 0 0 F Amber Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus WP 15 14 14 11 FL Green Tawny Owl Strix aluco TO 0 0 2 2 H Green Long Eared Owl Asio otus LE 0 0 0 1 H Green Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus NJ 0 0 2 2 T Red, UKBAP, NBAP Swift Apus apus SI 0 0 8 4 F Amber Woodlark Lullula arborea WL 8 9 12 3 FL Amber, UKBAP, NBAP Skylark Alauda arvensis S. 2 5 0 2 FL Red, UKBAP, NBAP Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica SL 1 0 0 0 F Amber Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis TP 2 2 1 1 T Red, UKBAP Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis MP 1 1 2 4 FL Amber Pied wagtail Motacilla alba PW 0 1 0 0 H Green Wren Troglodytes troglodytes WR 5 4 1 3 ON Green
12 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
TABLE 3: SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE BREEDING SEASON 2015 (Part 2)
BTO No of Birds Recorded Breed Species Latin Name Conservation Status Code 29/4 20/5 10/6 02/7 Status Dunnock Prunella modularis D. 1 0 0 0 H Amber, UKBAP, NBAP Robin Erithacus rubecula R. 5 8 6 5 ON Green Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe W. 4 0 0 0 M Amber Blackbird Turdus merula B. 4 3 4 10 FL Green, NBAP Song Thrush Turdus philomelos ST 0 1 1 2 T Red, UKBAP, NBAP Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus M. 1 1 1 0 H Amber Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus SW 1 2 1 1 T Green Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla BC 5 4 3 3 ON Green Garden Warbler Sylvia borin GW 1 3 1 3 FL Green Whitethroat Sylvia communis WH 3 4 3 5 ON Amber Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita CC 2 2 2 4 FL Green Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus WW 12 16 4 8 FL Amber Blue Tit Parus caeruleus BT 2 2 0 0 H Green Great Tit Parus major GT 3 1 0 0 H Green Magpie Pica pica MG 2 2 1 1 H Green Carrion Crow Corvus corone C. 4 8 2 9 N Green Starling Sturnus vulgaris SG 0 0 140 200 UH Red, UKBAP Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs CH 10 6 3 8 FL Green Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis GO 2 1 1 2 H Green Linnet Carduelis cannabina LI 19 9 4 6 FL Red, UKBAP, NBAP Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula BF 0 1 0 0 H Amber, UKBAP, NBAP Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Y. 1 0 1 3 FL Red, UKBAP, NBAP Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus RB 1 3 2 5 FL Amber, UKBAP, NBAP
13 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
BREEDING STATUS KEY
Confirmed Breeder
DD Distraction display or injury feigning UN Used nest or eggshells found from this season FL Recently fledged young or downy young ON Adults entering or leaving nest site in circumstances indicating occupied nest FF Adult carrying faecal sac or food for young NE Nest containing eggs NY Nest with young seen or heard
Probable Breeder – Evidence accumulated during the survey indicates that the bird species is probably breeding on site
P Pair in suitable nesting habitat T Permanent territory (defended over at least 2 survey occasions) D Courtship and display N Visiting probable nest site A Agitated behaviour I Brood patch of incubating bird (from bird in hand) B Nest building or excavating nest-hole
Possible Breeder – Evidence accumulated during the survey indicates that the bird species could be breeding on site, but the evidence is less conclusive than that obtained for probable breeders.
H Observed in suitable nesting habitat S Singing male
Non-breeder
F Flying over M Migrant U Summering non-breeder UH Observed in unsuitable nesting habitat
14 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
BREEDING SPECIES ACCOUNTS 2015
4.5 Nine Species of Conservation Concern were confirmed breeding, four were probable breeders, four possible breeders and six were non breeders. See Figure 6: Rufford Breeding Bird Territory Map 2015.
Gadwall (Anas strepera): Non breeder; wetland; (Amber): low site value;
A single was noted on the lake during the first survey on 29th April.
Mallard: (Anas platyrrynchos): Probable breeder; wetland; (Amber); high site value;
Up to four birds were recorded onsite with the majority of the sightings being made on the lake where a pair where seen together on several occasions.
Red Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa): Possible breeder; farmland; (Green); moderate site value;
Between one and two birds were occasionally seen on the bare ground area found within the eastern half of the site where breeding possibly took place close by.
Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix): Possible breeder; farmland / upland; (Red, UKBAP, NBAP); high site value;
A single was noted during the first survey on 29th April within the open grassland area found just north of the lake.
Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): Possible breeder; farmland; (Green); moderate site value;
Single birds were noted during the first two surveys within the bare grassland areas found in the northern half of the site but there was no evidence to support breeding success.
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus): Non breeder; wetland / rivers; (Green); moderate site value;
A single adult was noted on the lake during the first survey on 29th April.
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo): Possible breeder; woodland /farmland / upland; (Green); moderate site value;
During the first two surveys single birds were seen flying over the western half of the site.
15 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
Coot (Fulica atra): Confirmed breeder, one pair; wetland; (Green); moderate site value;
Two birds were recorded on the lake throughout most of the survey period and also seen nesting within the reeds.
Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius): Confirmed breeder, one pair; wetland / gravel-pits / reservoirs; (Green); high site value;
During the survey visit on 20th May a pair showing distraction displays were found next to a small pool located in the northern area that was previously used as a moto- cross track. Also a single juvenile was seen nearby during the last two surveys.
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus): Confirmed breeder, two pair; wetland / upland / farmland; (Red, UKBAP, NBAP); high site value;
From the second survey on 20th May two pair where found displaying within the grassland area just north of the lake with two juveniles recorded there during the last survey on 2nd July.
Stock Dove (Columba oenas): Non breeder; farmland / woodland; (Amber); low site value;
A single bird was seen flying over the site in a southerly direction during the first survey on 29th April.
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus): Confirmed breeder, six pair; farmland / woodland; (Green); moderate site value;
Common bird onsite and encountered in double figures throughout the survey period. Several active nests were located within the scrub and woodland areas around the site and numerous juveniles were recorded from June onwards.
Tawny Owl (Strix aluco): Possible breeder; woodland / farmland; (Green); moderate site value;
During the last two evening surveys an adult was heard calling from the woodland areas located in the eastern half of the site.
Long Eared Owl (Asio otus): Possible breeder; woodland; (Green); high site value;
During the last evening survey on 2nd July an adult bird was recorded in the south east corner of the site leaving a stretch of woodland edge and flying low across the site in a westerly direction.
16 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus): Probable breeder; heathland/ clear-fell/ woodland edge; (Red, UK BAP, NBAP); very high site value;
Two churring (singing) males were heard/seen during the last two evening surveys at the same locations from the scrub and woodland edge to be found within the south east corner of the site.
Swift (Apus apus) Non breeder; urban / farmland; (Amber); low site value;
During the last two surveys up to eight birds were seen flying around the site.
Woodlark (Lullula arborea): Confirmed breeder, four pair; woodland edge / heathland/ clear-fell; (Amber, UK BAP, NBAP); very high site value;
29th April
Two birds were seen together on the ground at the following four locations
Close to the northern perimeter within the old moto-cross area.
On a bare area of land close to woodland edge found in the north-east corner.
On a bare area of land close to woodland edge next to the eastern perimeter.
On a small area of grassland found very close to the central working carpark Note:- No further sightings were made from this area.
20th May
There were five records as follows
A single on the ground in the south west corner of the old moto-cross area.
A single on the ground and another singing overhead in the south east corner of the old moto-cross area.
Two birds close together on bare ground alongside woodland edge found in the north-east.
Three birds together including at least one juvenile on bare ground close to woodland edge next to the eastern perimeter.
A single bird on bare ground close to scrub alongside the south east perimeter.
17 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
10th June
There were six records as follows
A single on the ground and another singing overhead alongside the southern edge of the old moto-cross area.
A family of four on a bare area of land close to woodland edge found in the north-east corner.
A single bird singing overhead close to woodland edge next to the eastern perimeter.
A family of three on a bare area of land close to woodland edge next to the eastern perimeter.
A single bird singing overhead close to scrub alongside the south east perimeter.
A single bird feeding on the ground close to scrub alongside the south east perimeter.
2ndJuly
There were three records as follows
A single bird singing above an area of bare land found within the eastern boundary.
A single was flushed from an area of bare ground close to woodland edge next to the eastern perimeter.
A single bird singing overhead close to scrub alongside the south east perimeter.
Summary
Apart from two records all of the sightings were made from within four distinct breeding areas, See Figure 6: Rufford Woodlark Sightings 2015 map for further details.
18 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
Skylark (Alauda arvensis): Confirmed breeder, two pair; farmland/ grassland; (Red, UKBAP, NBAP); high site value;
Up to three singing birds were located in the grassland area just north of the lake where also two juveniles were recorded during the last survey on 2nd July.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica): Non breeder; farmland; (Amber); moderate site value;
A single adult was noted at the main carpark flying west over the site during the first survey on 29th April.
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis): Probable breeder; woodland clearings / heaths; (Red, UK BAP); high site value;
Between one and two birds were seen and heard singing from saplings located in the north-east corner of the site during the entire survey period.
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis): Confirmed breeder, two pair; farmland / upland; (Amber); high site value;
Up to four birds were noted in and around the gorse area located just north of the lake during all of the survey visits with juveniles seen there on 2nd July.
Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba): Possible breeder; farmland / urban; (Green); low site value;
During the second survey on 20th may a single was noted feeding on the ground close to a small pond located within the area that was previously used as a moto- cross track
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes): Confirmed breeder, four pair; farmland / woodland / urban; (Green); high site value;
Up to five were heard singing from within the scrub/wooded habitat found across the site with birds also seen visiting nest sites.
Dunnock (Prunella modularis): Possible breeder; farmland / woodland / urban; (Amber, UKBAP, NBAP); moderate site value;
A single bird was recorded moving through a scrub area located in the north-east corner of the site during the first survey on 29th April but there were no further sightings thereafter.
19 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
Robin (Erithacus rubecula): Confirmed breeder, five pair; woodland / urban; (Green); high site value;
Several were heard singing on territory from the wooded/scrub areas found around the site during all of the surveys with birds seen visiting nest sites.
Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe): Non breeder; moorland / upland / passage migrant; (Amber); moderate site value;
Four birds were seen together during the first survey on 29th April foraging on the sandy ground located in the northern area that was previously used as a moto-cross track.
Blackbird (Turdus merula): Confirmed breeder, three pair; woodland / farmland / urban; (Green, NBAP); high site value;
Found in the wooded/scrub habitat located across the site with total survey counts of between three and ten birds. Several juveniles were noted from June onwards.
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos): Probable breeder; woodland / farmland; (Red, UKBAP, NBAP); high site value;
Single males were heard singing consistently from an area of trees located alongside the site office and also from trees found in the south-west corner of the site but there was no further evidence to confirm breeding success.
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus): Possible breeder; woodland / farmland; (Amber); high site value;
Individuals were recorded during the first three surveys feeding on the ground close to the eastern perimeter of the site but there was no further evidence to confirm breeding onsite.
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus): Probable breeder; wetland / farmland; (Green); high site value;
Up to two singing birds were noted in the reeds surrounding the lake during all of the survey visits but there was no further evidence to confirm breeding success.
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla): Confirmed breeder, three pair; woodland / scrub; (Green); high site value;
Between three and five singing birds were noted from the wooded areas located across the site during all of the survey visits with several seen entering and leaving nest sites. 20 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin): Confirmed breeder, two pair; woodland; (Green); high site value;
Up to three birds were occasionally noted singing from the woodland scrub areas found in the eastern half of the site with two juveniles seen there during the last survey on 2nd July.
Whitethroat (Sylvia communis): Confirmed breeder, three pair; scrub / farmland; (Amber) high site value;
Between three and five were recorded singing during all of the survey visits from within the scrub areas found across the site with birds seen entering and leaving nests from May onwards.
Chiffchaff: (Phylloscopus collybita): Confirmed breeder, two pair; woodland; (Green); high site value;
Up to two birds were noted singing during all of the survey visits from the woodland areas located in the eastern half of the site also a juvenile was seen during the final survey on 2nd July.
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus): Confirmed breeder, eight pair; woodland / scrub; (Amber); high site value;
Commonest warbler species across the site and found from within the wooded/scrub areas with a survey total of 16 recorded during the second visit on 20th May. Juveniles were seen from June onwards.
Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus): Possible breeder; woodland / urban; (Green); moderate site value;
Possibly due to the lack of mature woodland onsite the only records were of just two birds seen during April and May with no further sightings thereafter.
Great Tit (Parus major): Possible breeder; woodland; (Green); moderate site value;
As with Blue Tit the only sightings were made during the first two visits with three birds recorded in April and only one in May.
Magpie (Pica pica): Possible breeder; woodland/ scrub/ urban; (Green); low site value;
Up to two birds were seen flying around and foraging across the entire site but there was no evidence to support breeding.
21 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone): Probable breeder; woodland / farmland; (Green); low site value;
Noted in small numbers of up to nine birds and usually recorded foraging on the open ground found across the site. No nests were located but breeding still remained a possibility due to the ideal habitat.
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris): Non breeder; urban / woodland; (Red, UKBAP); medium site value;
No birds were recorded until the third survey on 10th June when a large flock of 140 were seen resting on overhead wires found close to the old moto-cross area and also during the last evening survey on 2nd July approximately 200 were seen grouping together over the lake and going to roost in the reeds.
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs): Confirmed breeder, five pair; woodland / farmland / urban; (Green); high site value;
Fairly common finch onsite and recorded during all of the visits within the wooded/hedgerow habitat found across the site with the highest count of ten birds being noted during the first survey visit on 29h April with several juveniles seen from June onwards.
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis): Possible breeder; scrub / farmland; (Green); moderate site value;
Between one and two birds were recorded during all of the survey visits from the north-eastern section of the site where breeding possibly took place.
Linnet (Arduelis cannabina): Confirmed breeder, four pair; farmland / scrub; (Red, UKBAP, NBAP); high site value;
Another fairly common finch onsite with the highest survey count being 19 during the first survey on 29th April and usually found within the gorse areas located across the site. Family groups were seen from June onwards.
Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula): Possible breeder; scrub / farmland; (Amber, UKBAP, NBAP); high site value;
A single was recorded moving through scrub located within a wooded area at the centre of the site during the second survey visit on 20th May but there were no further sightings thereafter.
22 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella): Confirmed breeder, one pair farmland / heathland; (Red, UKBAP, NBAP); high site value;
During the first survey in April an individual was seen singing within a gorse area located in the south-east corner of the site and then during the third survey on 10th June another singing bird was seen in an area of gorse found within the north-east corner where also three juveniles were seen together on the last survey in July.
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus): Confirmed breeder, two pair; wetland/ farmland/ heathland; (Amber, UKBAP, NBAP); high site value;
Up to five birds where recorded during all of the survey visits with the majority of sightings being made close to the lake and also a small reed lined pond located close to the access road in the south. Juveniles where seen during the last survey on 2nd July.
23 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
5.0 DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 A total of 46 species (49 in 2013) were recorded on site during the survey period between April and July 2015. Bird species diversity was considered to be fairly good due to the area being comprised of a mixture of habitats such as the mainly immature woodland, heath, wetland and grassland, which apart from the working area was normally found to be free from human disturbance.
5.2 Species recorded were predominately woodland, heathland and farmland birds with confirmed breeding of the following species of conservation concern Lapwing, Woodlark, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Linnet, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. Mallard, Nightjar, Tree Pipit and Song Thrush were probable breeders with Grey Partridge, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush and Bullfinch possibly breeding. Other confirmed breeders included Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff and Chaffinch. The only raptor species noted was Common Buzzard which was occasionally seen flying overhead but Tawny Owl and Long Eared Owl were recorded during the two evening surveys when also two churring (singing) male Nightjars were located within the scrub and woodland edge found in the south-east corner of the site. A good population of Woodlark were found with four successfully breeding pairs located (two in 2013) within the eastern half of the site.
5.3 The number of breeding pairs of woodlark has increased in the site since 2013, this appears to have been related to the closure of the ‘off road driving facility’ which was causing excessive levels of disturbance to all wildlife and particularly nesting birds. Numbers of breeding pairs of woodlark have increased despite the presence of the ongoing working areas, site clearance in places and vehicle movement through and between different areas of the site. The closest woodlark breeding area to the application area is situated to the north of a haul road, this breeding area is identified by the numbers 5, 6 and 10 on the Rufford Woodlark Sightings 2015 Plan. The breeding area is centred on land situated to the north of the haul road and to the north of existing woodland / scrubland stand. This breeding area has been maintained by woodlark since 2013 despite vehicle movements being maintained along the haul road.
24 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
AES-LTD
5.4 Mitigation in this area is not required but the woodland / scrubland habitat along the route of the access road will be managed and maintained for the benefit of woodlark and the access route will not be widened into habitat located along the north edge of the road.
25 Applied Ecological Services Ltd
RUFFORD BREEDING BIRD SURVEY WW
WP 29th April 2015 TP CH 2 LI BC 8 SW / 75% Cloud / 8 c 2 LI 2 B. TP 2 WL
MG WP WW R. R. M. D. 6 LI B. Blackbird 2 WL 4 W. BC Blackcap BF Bullfinch PH WH BT Blue Tit GT BZ Buzzard C. Carrion Crow 2 C. CH CC Chiffchaff 2 WP 2 BT 2 GO 2 LI CH Chaffinch B. CH CO Coot D. Dunnock GA Gadwall CH GG Great Crested Grebe 5 LI BC GT WW P. WW GO Goldfinch SD CC GT Great Tit BC GW Garden Warbler 4 WP WR L. Lapwing 2 S. WW CH LE Long Eared Owl WR 2 WP LI Linnet R. 2 WL LP Little Ringed Plover R. GT WR M. Mistle Thrush BZ BC MA Mallard WP B. WH MG Magpie RB WR MP Meadow Pipit WW SL RL CH NJ Nightjar CH P. Grey Partridge MG GW PH Pheasant PW Pied Wagtail SW WW CO C. R. Robin 4 MA R. RB Reed Bunting MP WR GA RL Red Legged Partridge 2 LI CC GG BC S. Skylark SD Stock Dove WH WW SG Starling C. WW SI Swift 2 WL Y. SL Swallow ST Song Thrush 4 WP SW Sedge Warbler WW TO Tawny Owl TP Tree Pipit CH W. Wheatear WH Whitethroat WL Woodlark WP Wood Pigeon 2 CH WR Wren WW Willow Warbler Y Yellowhammer
Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House,Ramshaw County Durham. DL14 0NG Tel: 01388 835084 AES-LTD email: [email protected] RUFFORD BREEDING BIRD SURVEY GW
2 WW 20th May 2015 WH GW WR WW 10 NW / 25% Cloud / 12 c 2 WP R. 2 TP WW
GO 4 WP 2 MA
2 LP 2 WL B. Blackbird BC Blackcap PW BF Bullfinch B. 2 WP BT Blue Tit BZ Buzzard WL C. Carrion Crow CC Chiffchaff WW BT 2 WL CH Chaffinch CH WW CO Coot D. Dunnock GA Gadwall 2 L. 2 L. BZ GG Great Crested Grebe R. GT GO Goldfinch PH GT Great Tit 2 S. BT GW Garden Warbler 2C. B. WR 2 CH L. Lapwing WR LE Long Eared Owl 2 LI CH WW B. 3 WL 3 S. CH LI Linnet LP Little Ringed Plover BC M. WW WW BC M. Mistle Thrush MP WW MA Mallard R. BF WH MG Magpie R. MP Meadow Pipit 2 WP 2 RL NJ Nightjar R. R. RB BC P. Grey Partridge PH Pheasant PW Pied Wagtail 2 SW BC MG R. Robin WW WW 2 CO CC 2 C. ST RB Reed Bunting WW RL Red Legged Partridge R. CH S. Skylark RB 4 C. WR SD Stock Dove SG Starling 4 WP WL WH WW 4 LI SI Swift CC SL Swallow WW WW R. GW ST Song Thrush SW Sedge Warbler TO Tawny Owl MG TP Tree Pipit RB W. Wheatear WH Whitethroat WL Woodlark WW WP Wood Pigeon WR Wren WW Willow Warbler Y Yellowhammer 3 LI
Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House,Ramshaw County Durham. DL14 0NG Tel: 01388 835084 AES-LTD email: [email protected] RUFFORD BREEDING BIRD SURVEY
10th June 2015 TP 6 E / 20% Cloud / 15 c
4 LI TO
CH 5 WP 140 SG WH WW Y.
B. Blackbird 2 WP 4 WL R. BC Blackcap BF Bullfinch GW BT Blue Tit BZ Buzzard WH C. Carrion Crow 2 WL CC Chiffchaff B. CH Chaffinch GO CO Coot R. WR D. Dunnock GA Gadwall WR GG Great Crested Grebe CH WP R. BC WP LP GO Goldfinch GT Great Tit 4 L. 2 MP WL GW Garden Warbler GW L. Lapwing B. LE Long Eared Owl WW 3 WL LI Linnet LP Little Ringed Plover WW WW M. Mistle Thrush BC NJ R. MA Mallard 8 SI MG Magpie 2 WP ST CC MP Meadow Pipit MG M. NJ Nightjar R. 2 RB BC P. Grey Partridge PH Pheasant SW PW Pied Wagtail CH R. Robin 3 MA R. RB Reed Bunting RL Red Legged Partridge 2 CO 2 C. CC S. Skylark 3 WP B. B. SD Stock Dove NJ WL SG Starling WH SI Swift WL SL Swallow ST Song Thrush SW Sedge Warbler TO Tawny Owl TP Tree Pipit W. Wheatear WH Whitethroat WL Woodlark WP Wood Pigeon WR Wren WW Willow Warbler Y Yellowhammer
Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House,Ramshaw County Durham. DL14 0NG Tel: 01388 835084 AES-LTD email: [email protected] RUFFORD BREEDING BIRD SURVEY
2 GO 2nd July 2015 TP 6 W / 75% Cloud / 16 c 2 LI WH CH 3 Y. WH WW L. 4 SI MG C. WP B. Blackbird R. WH BC Blackcap BF Bullfinch 4 WP BT Blue Tit C. 2 GW BZ Buzzard WH C. Carrion Crow CC Chiffchaff LP CH Chaffinch B. 3 CH CO Coot D. Dunnock GA Gadwall B. R. WR GG Great Crested Grebe S. S. WL GO Goldfinch 3 C. GW TO GT Great Tit GW Garden Warbler WR L. Lapwing 3 B. LE Long Eared Owl MP 3 WP WL 3 CH B. LI Linnet LP Little Ringed Plover 2 L. WW CC BC M. Mistle Thrush 2 MP RB MA Mallard 2 R. BC MP NJ MG Magpie 2 WP MP Meadow Pipit R. WP CC NJ Nightjar 2 RB 2 WP P. Grey Partridge R. ST PH Pheasant SW BC WW PW Pied Wagtail 200 SG R. Robin RB Reed Bunting WW CC B. WR RL Red Legged Partridge LE WW 2 CO S. Skylark 2 C. CH SD Stock Dove WL B. SG Starling WH 2 B. SI Swift 2 C. CC NJ SL Swallow ST ST Song Thrush SW Sedge Warbler 2 WW TO Tawny Owl TP Tree Pipit W. Wheatear 2 RB WH Whitethroat WW WL Woodlark WP Wood Pigeon WR Wren WW Willow Warbler 4 LI Y Yellowhammer
Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House,Ramshaw County Durham. DL14 0NG Tel: 01388 835084 AES-LTD email: [email protected] RUFFORD BREEDING BIRD GO TERRITORY MAP WW 2015 TP
LI TO
WH AB Confirmed breeder Y. CH WW AB Probable breeder PW D. AB Possible breeder WP LI LP B. Blackbird R. WL BC Blackcap BF Bullfinch GW BT Blue Tit BZ Buzzard C. Carrion Crow CC Chiffchaff WP BT WL CH Chaffinch CO Coot CH D. Dunnock GA Gadwall L. P. L. PH BZ GT GG Great Crested Grebe GO Goldfinch S. B. GT Great Tit S. WP MG GW Garden Warbler WR GW CH L. Lapwing WR C. B. LE Long Eared Owl CH WW WL M. LI Linnet MP WP LP Little Ringed Plover BC MP WW WR M. Mistle Thrush R. BF BC MA Mallard NJ R. MG Magpie WP R. RL MP Meadow Pipit ST CC NJ Nightjar P. Grey Partridge RB BC PH Pheasant PW Pied Wagtail SW WW CO R. Robin CC RB Reed Bunting LE WR RL Red Legged Partridge WW S. Skylark R. CH MA B. SD Stock Dove WH NJ WH SG Starling WL LI SI Swift SL Swallow ST ST Song Thrush WP SW Sedge Warbler WW TO Tawny Owl TP Tree Pipit W. Wheatear RB WH Whitethroat WL Woodlark WW WP Wood Pigeon WR Wren LI WW Willow Warbler Y Yellowhammer
Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House,Ramshaw County Durham. DL14 0NG Tel: 01388 835084 AES-LTD email: [email protected] RUFFORD WOODLARK SIGHTINGS 2015
1
Breeding Area
2 7 11
5 10 6 29/04/2015
1. Two birds together on the ground 16 2. Two birds together on the ground 3. Two birds together on the ground 12 4. Two birds together on the ground 17 20/05/2015 3 8 13 5. Single bird on the ground 6. One bird on the ground and another singing overhead 7. Two birds together on the ground 8. Three birds including at least one juvenile together on the ground 9. Single bird on the ground
18 10/06/2015 15 4 9 10 One bird on the ground and another 14 singing overhead 11 Family of four on the ground 12 Single bird singing overhead 13 Family of three on the ground 14 Single bird singing overhead 15 Single feeding on the ground
02/07/2015
16 Single bird singing overhead 17 Single flushed from the ground 18 Single bird singing overhead
Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House,Ramshaw County Durham. DL14 0NG Tel: 01388 835084 AES-LTD email: [email protected] RUFFORD ROUTE MAP
Route
Applied Ecological Services Ltd Ramshaw House,Ramshaw County Durham. DL14 0NG Tel: 01388 835084 AES-LTD email: [email protected]