Pucks Hill Farm East Grimstead Salsibury Wiltshire

David Leach Ecology Ltd. Environmental Consultants

Phase 1 and 2 Bat Surveys. Final report. Date: July 2015 - Updated March 2016 Report compiled by D. V. Leach. M.C.I.E.E.M

Worth Lulworth Rd Wool Phone: 01929 462179 Dorset Mobile: 07756 855212 BH20 6BU E-mail: [email protected]

Registered Office: Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset, BH18 8AT

Contents Page number Executive Summary 2 1.0 Introduction. 3 1.1 Background 3 1.2 Aims of Survey. 3 1.3 Site Description. 3 2.0 Methodology. 4 2.1 Desk Study 4 2.2 Site Survey 4 2.3 Activity Surveys 4 2.4 Tree Assessment for bats 5 3.0 Results. 6 3.1 Desk Study 6 3.2 Site Survey 6 3.3 Bat Activity Surveys 8 4.0 Assessment 9 5.0 Recommendations 10 6.0 Limitations 11 7.0 Appendices 12 A) Legislation 12 B) References 13 C) Photographs 14 D) DNA test results 20 E) Design of bat and bird boxes 21 F) Bat Mitigation Plan 26 G) Location of new bat and bird features. 29

1 Executive summary

 This survey was commissioned to check the site for bats to support a planning application to extend the existing building which will involve works to the roof. It is also proposed to demolish a garage/outbuilding and build a new dwelling on the site.

 The main building has a confirmed brown long eared bats roost. As the roost will be destroyed during the works a European Protected Species Licence is required to allow work to proceed without committing an offence.

 The outbuilding had insignificant potential for bats due to lack of roosting features.

 A number of old house martin nests were seen under the eaves of the house.

 With appropriate mitigation and habitat management the proposed works are unlikely to have a significant effect on the local population of bats or other protected species.

 A site visit in February 2016 to check trees which may be removed found no potential bat roosting features.

2 1.0 Introduction.

1.1 Background

Client: Mr. C. Bulman

Property Surveyed: Pucks Hill Farm, East Grimstead, Salsibury SP5 3RT

Grid reference: SU 22492 27725

Dates of Survey(s): Initial phase 1 survey: 22nd May 2016 Dusk bat emergence survey 1: 26th May 2015 Dusk bat emergence survey 2: 26th June 2015 Tree assessment: 26th February 2016

Lead Surveyor: David Leach BSc. (Hon), CBiol., M.S.B., M.C I.E.E.M. (Natural England WML CL18 registered bat worker).

1.2 Aims of the Survey. It is planned to demolish a single storey extension at the south west of the main house, remove a chimney and reroof the house. A detached garage/outbuilding will be demolished and a new dwelling built in its place. A survey was commissioned to check for bat or potential for bats that would be affected by the proposed works.

1.3 Site Description. The site is located near the center of the village of East Grimstead, 8km east of Salisbury. There are a number of residential dwellings and agricultural buildings within 500m of the site. Further afield the surrounding area is mainly cultivated fields and pasture with a large wood <750m to the east.

3 2.0 Methodology 2.1 Desk Study The Magic.gov web site was accessed to determine whether there were any nature reserves or protected areas local to the site that would be affected by the proposed works.

Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale maps were accessed to identify ponds within 500m of the site with potential to support Great Crested Newts.

If signs or potential for protected species was found then a data search may be undertaken to look for records of protected species in the area around the site.

2.2 Site Survey This looked at the external and internal areas of any building and tree on site and followed guidelines set out in the BCT Bat Survey Guidelines 2nd ed. (Hundt. L. 2012) and the JNCC Bat Workers’ Manual (Mitchell-Jones A. J). The presence of bats or signs of bats and possible entry points into building was looked for. External signs of bats or potential use by bats were looked for. These included:-  Bat droppings on walls, floors, window cills and in covered areas such as porches.  Gaps in the woodwork of the eaves, soffits, fascias etc. and behind barge boards.  Gaps in the brickwork and between door and window frames.  Gaps around lead flashing and loose, slipped or missing hanging and roof tiles.  Urine stains or grease marks around any gaps mentioned above.

All accessible areas of any internal space were carefully inspected for bats (live or dead) or signs of bats such as droppings, urine stains, signs of feeding such as moth wings, etc. Cobwebs which indicate no or infrequent use by bats were also looked for. Equipment available included 3.8m telescopic ladder, Leica 8x42 binoculars, digital camera, head torch and Clulite CB2 high powered torches, See snake inspection camera.

2.3 Activity Surveys  Emergence and re-entry activity surveys were carried out following guidelines set out in the BCT Bat Survey Guidelines 2nd ed. (Hundt L (2012) and the JNCC Bat Workers’ Manual (Mitchell-Jones A. J).  Equipment used for the surveys included Elekon Batlogger and Batbox Griffin bat detectors. All recordings made were analysed using BatSound software.

4 2.4 Tree assessment  Any trees which may be removed or affected as part of development of the site were inspected for potential bat roosting features following guidelines set out in the Bat Tree Habitat key Andrews H et al. 2013.

The site was also surveyed for other protected species following recognized guidelines: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

The survey was carried out by David Leach an experienced ecological surveyor who is a Natural England WML CL18 registered bat worker, a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and a Chartered Biologist. David Leach is a Registered Consultant under the new Low Impact Bat Class Licence.

5 3 Results. 3.1 Desk Study  There is one designated site within 1km of the site – Bentley Wood, Site of Special

Scientific Interest (SSSI).  Review of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps revealed one pond within 500m. A full data search is not required in this instance.

3.2 Site Survey Weather for initial survey: Dry and sunny at time of survey 10:30. The external temperature was 15°C. 3.2.1 Building 1: The main house.  The detached house had brick walls, a clay tiles gable roof and wooden eaves and soffits. There was a single storey extension at the rear and at both sides of the house.  There were gaps under roof tiles in a number all areas around the building, under some lead flashing and around the soffits.  A number of old house martins nests were seen under the eaves of the south and east side of the house.  There was a single roof void which had been lined with bitumen felt on the underside of the roof timbers. The felt was in poor condition and there were a number of gaps where the felt had sagged or been poorly fitted.  A few dozen bat droppings were found in small groups and scattered around the void. DNA analysis of the droppings confirmed these as being from a brown long eared bat. The droppings were of varying age and some appeared to be from this season. No bats were seen in the roof void.

3.2.2 Building 2,  The single storey outbuilding situated at the back of the plot was built from rendered cement block walls with a clay tiled gable roof. The roof tiles were covered with moss and there were no obvious gaps under the tiles.  There was a single roof void which was above the garage part of the outbuilding. There was bitumen felt under the tiles which was in good condition and tightly fitted. There were thick cobwebs over the ridge board and at the apex of the wooden trusses. The floor was boarded and there were no signs of bats in the void.

6 3.2.3 Habitat survey.  The garden behind the house was mainly gravel or bare earth.  There area around the outbuilding was bare ground or grass which had been cut recently but appeared to have been regularly mown as there were no signs of tussock grasses in the area.  There is a medium sized walnut tree to the northeast of the garage which had no potential bat roosting features (PBRF’s).  There was a hedge of mainly conifers at the north east of the house which had suitable bird nesting habitat but no PBRF’s.  A poor quality conifer tree will be removed at the north east of the house. This had no PBRF’s.  There was a group of trees at the south west corner of the site which will not b affected by the proposed works.  There was a section of ornamental shrubs along the drive and a section of this will be removed to create a new access to the house. This area provided potential nesting habitat. No nests were seen in this section of vegetation.  There were no signs of a badger sett or badger activity on the site or nearby.  The pond, 200m north of the site, identified during the desk study was inspected and found to be choked with emergent vegetation and have very little open water. It was not

considered likely that any great crested newts would be present in the pond  There are no ponds on site and the habitat had been regularly maintained until recently and it is unlikely there will be any great crested newts present on the site due to a lack of suitable foraging or commuting habitat.

The house had a confirmed roost due to the presence of bat droppings. Therefore, following BCT guidelines, two dusk and dawn survey were undertaken to determine the number of bats and the access points.

Conditions within the outbuilding at the rear of the plot were considered unsuitable for roosting bats and no signs of bats were found.

7 3.3 Bat Activity Surveys.

Date 26th May 2015 26th June 2015 21st July 2015 Sunset 21:05 21:26 - Sunrise - - 05:16 Start Time 21:00 21:15 03:45 End Time 22:35 23:00 05:15 Start Temperature 13°C 18°C 13°C End Temperature 11°C 16°C 12°C Cloud clear 50% Clear at the start – 100% at the end Wind No breeze Slight Breeze No breeze Precipitation Dry Dry Dry

Dusk emergence survey 26th May 2015  Common and soprano pipistrelle, myotis, natterers, serotine and brown long eared bats were recorded or seen foraging around the garden or commuting over the site.  A brown long eared bat appeared to emerge from a gap in the north east gable end.

Dusk emergence survey 26th June 2015  Common and soprano pipistrelle, myotis, natterers and brown long eared bats were recorded or seen foraging around the garden or commuting over the site.  A brown long eared bat emerged from an area of roof at the north of the building.

Dawn re-entry survey 21st July 2015  Common and soprano pipistrelle and brown long eared bats were recorded or seen foraging around the garden or commuting over the site.  No bats were seen to re-enter the building

Sample of dropping found in the roof void were sent for DNA analysis which confirmed the dropping were from brown long eared bats (see appendix D).

8 4.0 Assessment.  The site is not situated within, adjacent to, or within 500m of any site of statutory conservation designation that will be significantly affected by the proposed development.  Bats. The proposed works to the existing house will result in the destruction of confirmed and active bat roosts. This constitutes offence under a number of sections of legislation but the work can lawfully be carried out under a Natural England European Protected Species Licence. A licence can only be applied for after planning permission has been granted. Natural England aim to give a decision within 30 working days of receiving the application. The site can be registered under the Bat Low Impact Class licence which aims to reduce the time taken to give a decision on the licence once the application has been received. A mitigation plan has been produced to allow work to proceed without harm or significant disturbance to the bat.  Great crested newts. It is not considered likely that any great crested newts will be present on site and affected by the development.  Badgers. There were no badger setts on site and no signs of badger activity.  Nesting birds. There were a number of old house martin nests under the eaves on the house but at the time of the survey no house martins were seen using the nests.  Reptiles. The habitat where the works to the house will be carried out is sub optimal for reptiles and it is thought unlikely that there is a significant population of reptiles such as slow worms on the site. The grass around the out building could provide potential reptile habitat if allowed to grow unmanaged. However precautions set out below should be followed to prevent harm to any slow worms or other reptiles which may be present on the site.  Trees. The proposed removal of some trees will not affect any potential bat roosts.  A site visit in February 2016 found no significant change in the buildings or the site.

9 5.0 Recommendations. Birds  Birds’ nests, when occupied or being built, receive legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is highly advisable to undertake clearance of potential bird nesting habitat (such as hedges, scrub, trees, suitable outbuildings etc.) outside the bird nesting season, which is generally seen as extending from March to the end of August, although may extend longer depending on local conditions. If there is absolutely no alternative to doing the work in during this period then a thorough, careful and quiet examination of the affected area must be carried out by a qualified ecologist before clearance starts. If occupied nests are present then work must stop in that area, a suitable (approximately 5m) stand-off maintained, and clearance can only recommence once the nest becomes unoccupied of its own accord.  The building should also be checked for nesting house martins in the areas where the extensions will be built. If nesting birds are found, no works may be conducted in the affected areas until the young have fledged the nest of their own accord.

Reptiles  The ground level vegetation within the plot around the outbuilding and the proposed site of the new garage must be cut to below 50mm and the cuttings removed from the site. The vegetation must be maintained below 50mm to render it sub-optimal habitat for reptiles throughout the duration of works. A ‘buffer’ area of a minimum of 1m between boundary hedgerows and scrub and the construction zone must be maintained at all times.  All construction and building materials must be stored on areas of hard standing or on raised pallets or sealed-based containers at least 5m away from suitable reptile habitat to prevent reptile colonisation during works.

Bats A mitigation plan has been produced (Appendix F). A summary is below.  Timing works to the roof to be carried out between September and April when it is unlikely bats will be present.  A licence bat ecologist will check the building for bats and supervise the stripping of the roof tiles around any access points identified.  Moving any bats found to a suitable Schweglar bat box which will be situated on a

10 mature tree on site before work starts.  Using type 1 bitumen felt under the tiles of the new extensions.  Installing new access points into the roof voids.  Extra care should be taken to ensure that external lights are kept to a minimum and will not illuminate new bat access points or flight paths to nearby trees. Lighting should be aimed to illuminate only the immediate area required by using as sharp a downward angle as possible. A shield or hood will be used to control or restrict the area to be lit and limit “light spillage” on the site.

Enhancement In accordance with Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and paragraph 118 of the National Planning Policy Framework the following should be implemented to enhance the biodiversity.

Biodiversity enhancements will be achieved at the site through the inclusion of Forticrete bat boxes or similar on each building and fitting three pairs of No. 11 Schwegler House Martin Terraces under the eaves of the cottage as shown in Appendices G. Suggested models are provided in Appendix E.

6.0 Limitations of the survey. Bats such as crevice dwelling bats are often difficult to detect and external signs of bats are can be washed away by wind and rain and so are not present. In addition bats often move between roosts during and between seasons and so numbers can fluctuate during the year.

A survey of this type only provides a snapshot of what was found at the time of the survey and it is sometimes necessary to carry out a number of activity surveys to show the presence or absence of bats.

If any bats are unexpectedly found during construction then work must stop immediately and a licenced bat worker of Natural England consulted who will advise on how to proceed.

11 7.0 Appendices

A) Legislation.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Countryside and Rights of Way (CroW) Act 2000, all bats have legal protection. In addition any structure which shows signs of use by bats either currently or in the past, for shelter or protection, is classed as a bat roost and both the roost and any bats using it are protected by law which makes it an offence to:

 Intentionally or recklessly kill or injure or take any bat.  Intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy any bat roost and to obstruct access to that roost.  Intentionally or recklessly to disturb any bat using a structure as a roost. Protection is also afforded to bats under the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994 (the Habitats Regulations) Amended 2007 Annex IV lists all bats Regulation 39 makes it an offence to:  Deliberately kill or capture a bat.  Deliberately disturb a bat.  Damage or destroy a resting place or breeding site of any bat. If any proposed development would result in the otherwise illegal acts above, a licence must be obtained from Natural England prior to any work being carried out. A licence will only be granted if there is no satisfactory alternative and the authorised action will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) also protects all reptiles from killing, injury and sale.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) makes it an offence to damage or destroy the nests of birds of breeding birds (with the exception of certain pest species). The bird nesting season is generally defined as being between mid-February and August inclusive although nesting outside of the period is not unusual if conditions are favorable.

12 B) References

 Andrews H et al. 2013. Bat Tree Habitat Key. AEcol, Bridgwater

 ARG UK 2010. ARG UK Advice Note 5: Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index. Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the United Kingdom.

 English Nature 2001. Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. Natural England, Peterborough.

 English Nature 2004. Bat Mitigation Guidelines.

 Hundt L, 2012 BCT Bat Survey Guidelines 2nd ed. Bat Conservation Trust, London, United Kingdom.

 IEEM 1995. Institute of Environmental Assessment: Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment. E & FN Spon, London.

 IEEM 2006. Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (version 7 July 2006), Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management [online]. Available: http://www.ieem.org.uk/ecia/index.html [accessed February 2011]

 JNCC 2004. Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Mammals. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

 JNCC 2007. Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey: A technique for environmental audit. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

 Mitchell-Jones A. J. & McLeish, 2004. Bat Workers’ Manual. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

 Natural England and Countryside Council for Wales, 2007. Disturbance and protected species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales. – A view from Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales. United Kingdom

 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.

 Strachan, R., 1998. Water Vole Conservation Handbook. University of Oxford, Oxford.

 Stebbings R.E., 1986. Which bat is it? The Mammal Society and the Vincent Wildlife Trust, London.

13 C). Photographs Plate 1) South east view of the house.

Plate 2) View of the north side of the site showing chimney to be removed and section of building to be demolished.

14 Plate 3) View of north roof showing gaps under tiles.

Plate 4) Roof void with poorly fitted bitumen felt.

15 Plate 5) Moss covered roof of the outbuilding

Plate 5) Roof of the outbuilding with tightly fitted tiles.

16 Plate 7) Roof void of outbuilding.

Plate 8) Walnut tree to the side of the Annexe which may be removed

17 Plate 9) Poor quality conifer to be removed.

Plate 10) Conifers at front of the house to be reduced in height

18 Plate 11) Area of shrubbery where new drive will cut through.

D) DNA Results

20 E) Design of bat features and bird boxes

Bitumen underfelt or water proof and breathable wood fibre boards must be used in all areas where bat have access to as breathable membranes are unsafe for bats and so not suitable.

No. 11 Schwegler House Martin Terrace

25 F) Summary of bat mitigation plan A1.1 No work on the roof and roost area will be undertaken until a Protected Species licence has been issued by Natural England.

A1.2 A Schweglar 2F bat box will be erected in the mature tree at the west of the site and within 75m of the existing roost before work to the roof starts. This will provide temporary roost areas for any bats which may be present when the main roost areas are destroyed.

A1.3 The new roof will have Type 1F bitumen felt under the tiles. There will be a ridge tile access point into the roof void and an access point through the gable walls into the void. There will be a ridge tile access point to gaps under the ridge tiles and two roof tile access points on each side of the roof to allow bats to access gaps between the tiles and the bitumen felt.

A1.4 On the day of deconstruction of the roof the consultant (David Leach) will check the existing roost for bats. If a bat is found it will be moved to one of the bat boxes installed at the west of the site.

A1.5 The soft stripping of the north west facing roof area and removal of the chimney stack will be undertaken in dry, mild weather conditions under the supervision of D Leach.

A1.6 Prior to soft deconstruction works on the roof of the house commencing, a demonstration will be given to all site operatives and contractors to explain bat biology, their responsibilities and the required work methods. The site operatives will be informed that they need to be continually aware of potential bat presence during the work. In addition, all contractors on site will be made aware of their responsibilities under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and will be required to adhere to advice given this method statement.

A1.7 Extra care will be taken to ensure that external lights are kept to a minimum and will not illuminate the bat access points or flight paths to nearby trees. The light will be aimed to illuminate only the immediate area required by using as sharp a downward angle as possible. A shield or hood will be used to control or restrict the area to be lit and limit “light spillage” on the site.

26 B WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE ECOLOGIST B1 Capture and Exclusion B1.1 Work on deconstruction of the house roof will begin only in the presence of David Leach

B1.2 A pre-works survey of the house will be undertaken by David Leach, a licenced ecologist, to check for presence of bats. It is anticipated that individual bats will be found due to timing of the works and any found will be moved individually using gloves and cloth bags and relocated to a bat box at the west of the site. Once the building is deemed clear of bats then roof deconstruction works will proceed using a ‘soft’ approach.

B1.3 The roof tiles where access points and roost areas have been identified will be removed by hand under a watching brief by a licensed bat worker. The external soft strip will only be undertaken in dry, mild conditions to prevent any bats which are discovered from getting cold and wet.

B1.4 If, during the remaining works, the building is found to contain solitary bats, work will be halted until the bat(s) vacate the building or until a licensed bat handler removes the bat(s). Once the area is clear of bats then works will proceed. If any bats are discovered they will be removed by a licensed bat handler using gloves and a cloth bag and relocated to one of the newly erected bat boxes.

B1.5 Prior to soft deconstruction works on the roof of the house commencing, a demonstration will be given to all site operatives and contractors to explain bat biology, their responsibilities and the required work methods. The site operatives will be informed that they need to be continually aware of potential bat presence during the work. In addition, all contractors on site will be made aware of their responsibilities under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and will be required to adhere to advice given this method statement.

B1.6 Builders and contractors are explicitly forbidden from handling bats.

B1.7 In the unlikely event that a sick or injured bat is found it will be carefully placed in a small ventilated box with a secure lid and with a rough cloth along one side and the bottom. The bat will then be taken to a Wiltshire Bat Care worker who will look after it. When the bat is fully recovered, they will arrange for its release at the site when weather conditions are suitable.

27 C WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY THE LANDOWNER

C1 Bat and Bird Roosts C1.1 A Schweglar 2F bat box will be erected on a suitable tree on site to provide a temporary roosting opportunity while the works to the existing roost is undertaken.

C1.2 The new roof will have Type 1F bitumen felt under the tiles. There will be a ridge tile access point into the roof void and an access point through the gable walls into the void. There will be a ridge tile access point to gaps under the ridge tiles and two roof tile access points on each side of the roof to allow bats to access gaps between the tiles and the bitumen felt.

C1.3 A Forticrete bat box will be installed in the north-east and south east elevation of the new extensions.

C1.4 Schweglar No. 11 house martin terraces will be installed under the eaves of the north- west, north east and south-west elevations as shown on the elevations below.

28 G). Location of bat loft and access points in existing cottage.

Ridge Access Tiles Bat Access Tiles (on both sides of roof) Gap in gable wall into roof void (50mm x 20mm) Forticrete bat boxes

Type 1F Bitumen Felt must be used under the roof tiles as breathable membranes have been shown to cause the deaths of bats

29 Location of house martin terraces.

30 Location of bat features in the new house.

Bat brick/tube

David Leach BSc (Hons) CBiol. MSB MCIEEM. David is a professional ecologist with over thirty years’ research and fieldwork experience in many aspects of ecology and for the past six years in environmental consultancy work.

David is an experienced bat surveyor with competency in activity surveys, bat roost assessments, daytime surveys for bat field signs, assessments of trees as potential bat roosts and the production of reports providing advice on best practice, mitigation and compensation works relating to bats as may be required.

David holds a Natural England licence to disturb bats for the purposes of science and education or conservation and is a Registered Consultant for the Bat Low Impact Class Licence. David and has been involved in obtaining many Protected Species Licences to permit development works affecting bats and also Badgers.

David also has experience in surveying for birds, reptiles, amphibians, Barn Owls and Badgers and also carries out extended Phase 1 habitat surveys, BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes assessments.

David Leach BSc. (Hons), C.Biol., M.S.B., M.C.I.E.E.M.

Disclaimer.

All reasonable effort has been made to provide accurate information at the time of the survey. However weather conditions and the timing of surveys can affect the results. Some species or signs of that species will only be visible at certain times of the year e.g. the nesting season for birds is usually between March and September. The absence of certain species or signs of use at the time of a survey does not mean that they are not present at other times of the year and does not imply that a species might not use the site at some time in the future.

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