Hazelwood Farm, Sutton Benger

Ecological Impact Assessment

Gleeson Developments Ltd

December 2012

3 Colleton Crescent Exeter EX2 4DG Tel: 01392 260420 Fax: 01392 434603 Email: [email protected] www.eadconsult.co.uk

Contents

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Approach 1

2 Ecological baseline 4 2.1 Designated sites of nature conservation value 4 2.2 Previous records of protected/notable species 4 2.3 Site survey 5 2.4 Ecological evaluation 10

3 Assessment of ecological impacts 12 3.1 The proposed development 12 3.2 Impacts during construction 12 3.3 Impacts post-construction 14

4 Mitigation and enhancement 17 4.1 Mitigation and enhancement during construction 17 4.2 Mitigation post-construction 18

5 Residual impacts 19 5.1 Impacts during and post-construction 19

6 References 21

Figures Figure 1: Site location plan Figure 2: Site layout Figure 3: Phase 1 habitat plan and target notes Figure 4: Bat survey plan Figure 5: Landscape plan

Appendices Appendix 1: Phase 2 surveys Appendix 2: Baseline evaluation criteria Appendix 3: Designated sites of nature conservation value Appendix 4: Previous records of protected/notable species Appendix 5: Species legislation and conservation status Appendix 6: Species list Appendix 7: Photographs

1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction EAD was commissioned by Gleeson Developments Ltd to undertake an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) of a proposed development Hazelwood Farm, Sutton Benger, Wiltshire; approximate NGR ST945789; refer to Figures 1 and 2 (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’). The ecological baseline for the site was determined through desk study and ecological site surveys. This report documents the EcIA, which was undertaken following Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) Guidelines (2006) and includes the following sections: · Existing ecological baseline; · Assessment of the impacts of the proposals during and post-construction; · Provision of mitigation measures for adverse impacts; and · Summary of residual ecological impacts (i.e. those occurring after mitigation). The work was carried out by Members of IEEM in accordance with IEEM’s Code of Conduct.

1.2 Approach 1.2.1 Ecological baseline The ecological baseline was determined through desk study and site survey.

1.2.2 Desk study Biodiversity information was requested for a study area of 2km radius around the site (hereafter referred to as the ‘study area’) from Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC). Information requested included the location and details of the following: · Designated sites of nature conservation value (statutory and non-statutory; the study area extended to 10km for European Protected Sites); and · Previous records of protected and/or notable species, including UK and Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Species; the study area was extended to 4km for previous records of bats.

Information was also obtained from the following websites: · www.magic.gov.uk – information on protected sites; · www.naturalengland.co.uk – information on protected sites, Natural Area profiles and BAP Priority Habitats; and · www.nbn.org.uk – information on protected species distribution. The UK and Wiltshire BAPs were also reviewed.

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1.2.3 Site survey Extended Phase 1 survey An Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey of the site was undertaken on 7 March 2012 following IEA guidelines (1995) and JNCC methodology (2010). This identified the habitat types on the site and the presence/potential presence of protected and notable1 species. The results of the survey were detailed on a Phase 1 Habitat plan. Target notes were used to identify specific features of ecological interest.

The survey was undertaken at a sub-optimal time of year for habitat survey as certain plant species cannot be identified. This was not considered a significant limitation as the quality and extent of habitats on the site and their potential to support protected/notable species could be reliably ascertained.

The Extended Phase 1 survey identified potential habitat for legally protected species. The following further (Phase 2) surveys were undertaken in 2012 following standard methods (refer to Appendix 1 for survey methodologies and results): · Reptile survey; · Badger survey; · Otter survey; · Water vole survey · Bat activity survey; and · Bat roost survey of trees

1.2.4 Baseline evaluation An ecological evaluation of habitats and species within the zone of influence of the development was undertaken using the framework provided by IEEM (2006). This provides a value for ecological features on an eight point geographic scale from ‘Site’ (low) to ‘International’ (high) value (refer to Appendix 2).

1.2.5 Assessment of impacts An assessment of the ecological impacts of the development was undertaken following IEEM (2006) guidelines. Confidence in predictions was given as: · Certain; · Probable; · Unlikely; and · Extremely unlikely.

1 1 Notable species are those which hold a specific conservation status e.g. Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species, IUCN Red Data Species. Some notable species may also be legally protected.

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The impact timescale was given as: · Acute, immediate and discrete; · Short-term: 0-3 years; · Medium term 3-10 years; and · Long-term: 10 years +. Impacts identified at ‘Site’ level or below were not considered ‘Significant’.

1.2.6 Mitigation and enhancement measures The layout and design of the development were informed by the ecological baseline; therefore the impact assessment was of a partially mitigated scheme. Additional mitigation measures for the construction and post-construction phases of the development were identified to avoid, reduce or compensate adverse impacts.

1.2.7 Residual impacts Impacts that were predicted to occur after mitigation were also assessed using the above method.

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2 Ecological baseline

2.1 Designated sites of nature conservation value The proposed development site does not lie within or adjacent to any designated site of nature conservation value; refer to Table 1 and Appendix 3. The closest statutory designated site (Sutton Lane Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest) occurs approximately 1.1km from the site. Seven non-statutory designated sites occur within 2km of the site (refer to Table 1 and Appendix 3). There are no European Protected Sites within 10km of the proposed development area.

Table 1: Nature conservation designated sites within the study area Site name Nature Reason for designation Approximate conservation distance and designation direction from site Statutory designated sites Sutton Lane Site of Special Species-rich grassland. 1.1km south Meadows Scientific Interest (SSSI) Non-statutory designated sites The Shrubbery County Wildlife Small woodland set in parkland. 0.4km west Site (CWS) North Draycot CWS Old parkland with a high concentration of 0.7km north- Park Oak trees. west Sutton Lane CWS Wildflower meadows 0.9km south Meadows Bristol Avon river CWS Main river system 0.9km east Ell Wood CWS Semi-natural ancient woodland. 1.2km north- west Seagry Wood CWS Mixed conifer and Sweet Chestnut 1.4km north- and Oak Hill plantation on an ancient woodland site. west Railway reed CWS Reed beds 1.9km east beds

2.2 Previous records of protected/notable species There are no previous records of protected/notable species from the site, although there are records from the study area. These are summarised below and detailed in Appendix 4; the legislation and conservation status that applies to the species listed is provided in Appendix 5.

Plants The Nationally Rare species, fly honeysuckle, has been previously recorded within the study area. A further seven County Notable species; great burnet, short-styled field-rose, narrow-fruited water-cress, thread-leaved water-crowfoot, great yellow-cress, blinks and bulbous rush have also previously been recorded.

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The UK BAP species, tubular water dropwort has also been recorded within the study area.

Invertebrates Notable invertebrates recorded within the study area include the UK BAP Priority Species small heath, wall, and white admiral, as well as the County Notable Microrhagus pygmaeus.

Amphibians There are a number of previous records of great crested newt in the study area, the closest of these being approximately 1km from the site. Great crested newt is a legally protected species and a UK BAP Priority Species. Common toad, which is a UK BAP Priority Species, has also been recorded within the study area.

Reptiles Slow-worm and grass snake have been recorded within the study area. These are legally protected and UK BAP Priority Species.

Birds Kingfisher and red kite, which are Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and RSPB Amber list species, have been previously recorded within the study area. Song thrush and marsh tit, which are RSPB Red list species, have also been recorded. All birds, their nests, eggs and young are legally protected.

Mammals There are numerous records for the legally protected species, badger, within the study area.

There are a number of bat species recorded within the area, with the data search divided into both 2km and 4km radius.

Table 2: Bat records within a 2km radius Species Roost Detected Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) N Natterer’s (Myotis nattereri) Y Noctule (Nyctalus noctula) N Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) Y (maternity roost) Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) Y Brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus) Y

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Table 3: Bat records within a 4km radius Species Roost Detected Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) Y Brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus) Y Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) Y (maternity roost) Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) Y Brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus) Y Lesser horseshoe (Rhinolophus hipposideros) Y Greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus Y Natterer’s (Myotis nattereri) Y Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) Y Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) N

Due to the low resolution of grid references, it is not possible to identify exactly the position of bat roosts, although it is likely that at least one is within 1km. All bats are legally protected and Wiltshire BAP Priority Species. Noctule, brown long- eared and soprano pipistrelle bats are UK BAP Priority Species. There are numerous records for water vole and one record of otter within the study area; these species are legally protected and UK BAP Priority Species. The UK BAP Priority Species harvest mouse and hedgehog have also been previously recorded.

2.3 Site survey 2.3.1 Habitats within site boundary The location of the habitats within the site is shown on Figure 3. Habitat descriptions are provided below; plant species are referred to using their English names. Appendix 6 lists the species including their scientific names; nomenclature follows Stace (2010). Photographs are provided in Appendix 7.

Bare ground This was an area with no vegetation, but was intermittently used for storing hay bales manure.

Buildings Agricultural buildings occurred in the south of the site (Appendix 7, Photographs 1-3). These included animal barns and storage buildings (refer to Figure 3; Buildings numbered 1-7).

Dry ditch This habitat was situated along the southern site boundary and occurred with the off-site broadleaved woodland. It was dominated by nettle and ivy.

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Hardstanding Within the complex of farm buildings was an area of hardstanding with no associated vegetation.

Improved grassland The large field in the north of the site was horse-grazed improved grassland. The field was flat and dominated by perennial rye-grass, with creeping buttercup.

Poor semi-improved grassland This habitat was scattered throughout the site and consisted of unmanaged, rank grassland. This had low botanical diversity, which mainly consisted of Yorkshire- fog, perennial rye-grass and false oat-grass. The large area of poor semi- improved grassland south of the improved grassland field contained old farm machinery and brash.

Scattered broadleaved and coniferous trees There were a number of scattered broadleaved trees along hedgerows and field boundaries. These included mature crack willows, European larch and alder (refer to Photograph 4; Target note 1, Figure 3).

Species-poor hedgerow This comprised an immature beech hedge along the southern boundary of Hazelwood house, and a hawthorn and English elm hedge along the north- eastern site boundary. Both contained a low number woody species, with limited ground flora.

Species-poor, defunct hedgerow without trees This occurred on the western site boundary and was dominated by English elm and bramble. The hedgerow contained gaps up to 10m in length.

Species-rich hedgerow with trees This habitat was outgrown and unmanaged with crack willow, blackthorn, dog- rose, elder, English elm and hawthorn recorded. The ground flora contained cow parsley, dog’s-mercury, ground-ivy and ivy. ‘Hedgerow’ is a UK BAP Priority Habitats; ‘Species-rich hedgerow’ is a Wiltshire BAP Priority Habitat.

Standing water A slurry pit was present in the east of the site (Target note 3, Figure 3). This habitat contained no associated vegetation, but was surrounded by tall ruderal and poor semi-improved grassland.

Tall ruderal This habitat was generally dominated by common nettle, with other species including hogweed and willowherb species. An area to the south of the site contained wood and brash piles.

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Surrounding habitats A stream flowed adjacent to the northern boundary and a road occurred along the eastern boundary; streams are UK and Wiltshire BAP Priority Habitats. Industrial buildings and hardstanding were situated to the west and south of the site. A residential building, Hazelwood House, and associated amenity grassland and road occurred to the east of the site.

Broadleaved plantation woodland that consisted of a line of poplar species occurred immediately off-site along the southern boundary. Scattered scrub also occurred, which was dominated by bramble. The ground flora was dominated by cock’s-foot, with common nettle and rosebay willowherb. Woodland is a Wiltshire BAP Priority Habitat.

2.3.2 Protected and Notable Species Plants No notable plants were recorded and the presence of such species was considered unlikely.

Invertebrates No notable invertebrates were recorded, although the mature trees (particularly willow) within the site are likely to provide suitable habitat for a diverse range of species.

Amphibians Terrestrial habitat for common and widespread amphibians, such as common toad, was present in the form of grassland and hedgerows.

No amphibian breeding habitat occurred within the site. The slurry pit (Target note 3, Figure 3) was considered unsuitable for great crested newt due to poor water quality and lack of aquatic vegetation (Habitat Suitability Index= 0.36). The OS 1:10,000 map and aerial photos of the site and surroundings indicated that no ponds were present within 500m of the site boundary.

Reptiles A ‘low’ population of slow-worm was recorded in the grassland and woodland edges during the survey (refer to Target note 2, Figure 3 for location and Froglife, 1999 for population size estimates).

Birds During the Phase 1 survey, twelve species were recorded. These included: · House sparrow, which is a UK BAP Priority Species and RSPB Red-listed; · Dunnock (hedge accentor), which is a UK BAP Priority Species, and RSPB Amber-listed; and · Grey wagtail which is RSPB Amber-listed

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The agricultural buildings were also considered to be suitable for nesting swallows, house martins and house sparrows.

Mammals Badger No signs of badger activity were recorded during the survey.

Water vole and otter Despite suitable habitat along the stream, no evidence of water vole was recorded along the ditches and stream.

No evidence of otter was recorded along the stream. However, given the known presence of the species in the locality, this watercourse is likely to be periodically used by otters moving through their territory.

Roosting bats All buildings were surveyed externally and internally for bats, and were considered to have low or negligible bat roosting potential (refer to Figure 4 and Appendix 1). The majority of the buildings were unsuitable due to their simple corrugated steel construction and open, exposed nature. The exception was Building 6, which is a brick building with a dilapidated slate roof without underfelt. This building was in a poor state of repair and no suitable bat roosting areas were recorded. Absence of roosting bats in this building was confirmed through two precautionary bat emergence surveys.

Eight trees were considered to have suitable features capable of supporting larger bat roosts (Category 1* according to BCT Guidelines, 2012) and two trees were considered to have features capable of supporting smaller bat roosts (Category 1 according to BCT Guidelines, 2012). Refer to Target notes 1 and 2, Figure 3 for locations. These trees are being retained and would not be impacted by the development. Consequently, no further bat detector survey was undertaken.

Foraging and commuting bats At least five bat species were recorded during the bat activity surveys. Overall, the site is regularly used by foraging common and soprano pipistrelles, and occasionally by Myotid, noctule and serotine bats. This species assemblage is considered to be typical for the locality and habitats present. The agricultural buildings and land by the stream are considered to be the most important for foraging bats within the site.

Hazel dormouse The hedgerows and (off-site) broadleaved woodland were considered sub- optimal for dormouse, due to the lack of connectivity within the site and to the wider area.

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Hedgehog The site provided suitable habitat for hedgehog; the presence of this species is assumed.

2.4 Ecological evaluation

Table 4: Ecological evaluation of ecological receptors within the zone of influence Habitat Ecological Reason for valuation valuation Designated sites of nature conservation value Designated sites County to Valuations reflect the level of designation. within the study area National Habitats on the site Bare ground Site Common and widespread species-poor habitat Buildings and Negligible Common artificial habitats with limited value to faunal hardstanding species. Dry ditch Site Common and widespread habitat Improved grassland Site Common and widespread species-poor habitat

Poor semi-improved Site Common and widespread species-poor habitat. grassland Scattered Site to A number of large, mature trees provided an important broadleaved and Parish habitat for other species. coniferous trees Species-poor Site Comprised solely of immature beech, but had value as hedgerow an ecological corridor, linking the site with other hedgerows/woodland in the vicinity. Hedgerow is a Priority Habitat under the UK BAP.

Species-poor defunct Site Dominated by English elm and bramble. Had value as hedgerow an ecological corridor, linking the site with other hedgerows/woodland in the vicinity. Hedgerow is a Priority Habitat under the UK BAP. Species-rich Site to This habitat was unmanaged but contained a variety of hedgerow with trees woody species and a well-developed ground flora. Parish Standing water Site A slurry pit with very little ecological interest. Tall ruderal Site Common and widespread habitat.

Surrounding habitats Broadleaved Site to Range of woody species but habitat limited in extent. plantation woodland Parish Forms part of ecological network within the site boundary. Woodland is a Wiltshire BAP Priority Habitat. Running water County Stream contained aquatic and riparian habitat and had value as an important ecological corridor. Streams are UK and Wiltshire BAP Priority Habitats Urban Site Common artificial habitat.

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Table 4: Ecological evaluation of ecological receptors within the zone of influence Habitat Ecological Reason for valuation valuation Species within the site Plants Site The presence of notable species was considered unlikely. Invertebrates Parish The mature trees are likely to provide habitat for a diverse range of species. Amphibians Site The site contained suitable terrestrial habitat for common toad in the form of grassland and hedgerows. Too isolated from surrounding great crested newt breeding habitat to support this species. Reptiles Site A low population of slow worm was recorded in the grassland and woodland edges on the site. Birds Site The site contains suitable nesting and foraging habitat for common and widespread species only. Bats Site No roosts were recorded, although the mature trees had high bat roosting potential. The site is regularly used by foraging common and soprano pipistrelles, and occasionally by Myotid, noctule and serotine bats. Badgers Negligible No signs of badger activity were recorded during the survey Water vole Site No signs recorded, although this species is present in the locality. Otter Site No signs recorded, although otter may periodically move along the stream. Hazel dormice Negligible The site was not considered suitable for this species. Hedgehog Site The hedgerows and (off-site) woodland provided suitable habitat and the presence of the species was assumed. Other suitable habitat abundant in the vicinity.

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3 Assessment of ecological impacts

3.1 The proposed development The proposed development comprises 21 residential houses with associated gardens and access (refer to Figure 2). All proposed construction would take place to the south of the site with the exception of a small utilities building in the northeast (refer to Figure 2 for position). The landscape plan includes a 4m buffer along the stream to act as a wildlife corridor, creation of two wildlife ponds, and native hedgerow and understory planting (refer to Figure 5).

3.2 Impacts during construction 3.2.1 Designated sites of nature conservation value No adverse impacts on any designated sites of nature conservation importance are predicted during construction.

3.2.2 Habitats on the site Construction would result in the removal of 0.5 ha of hardstanding, 0.07 ha of poor semi-improved grassland and all seven of the existing buildings on site. The loss of these habitats is considered to be a negligible impact. All other habitats would be retained.

Dust created during the construction works could impact upon these retained habitats. Without mitigation, impacts would be a probable, short-term, adverse impact and significant at the Site level. Construction activities could also lead to adverse impacts on retained trees, particularly the plantation woodland, through compaction of root protection zones. Without mitigation, this would be a probable, long-term adverse impact that would be significant at the Parish level (refer to proposed mitigation in Section 4.1.1).

Run-off from construction activities would be minimised through working in accordance with Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidance Note 5, 2007. Consequently, it is highly unlikely that pollutants would enter the stream on the edge of the site.

3.2.3 Habitats adjacent to the site No significant impacts are predicted.

3.2.4 Protected/Notable Species Plants No significant impacts are predicted.

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Invertebrates All mature willow trees (which contain suitable habitat for notable invertebrate species) would be retained; therefore no significant impacts are predicted.

Amphibians There is the potential for individual common toad to be killed or injured during site clearance. This would decrease the population on the site and would be a probable, acute and adverse impact at the Site level. The removal of small areas of grassland would reduce the amount of suitable habitat on the site for common toad. This would be a certain, long-term, adverse impact and significant at the Site level.

Reptiles Site clearance would result in the loss of habitat for slow-worm, although the extent of habitat loss is limited (less than 0.1ha) and alternative habitat occurs in the vicinity. Loss of habitat is a certain, adverse, long-term impact and significant at Site level. Without mitigation, site clearance would also result in death or injury to any individual reptiles present. This would be a probable, short-term adverse impact and significant at Site level. Mitigation measures are proposed to ensure legal compliance; refer to Section 4.1.3.

Birds Site clearance would result in the loss of bird nesting and foraging habitat, although the extent of habitat loss is limited and suitable alternative habitat occurs in the vicinity. In particular, the demolition of all buildings on site would remove nesting habitat for species such as swallow, house martin and house sparrow. Without mitigation, loss of foraging and nesting habitat is a probable, long-term adverse impact and significant at Site level.

Construction also has the potential to disturb any other birds nesting within the site. Without mitigation, this would be a probable, short-term adverse impact and significant at Site level.

Bats There would be no impacts to roosting bats, as all trees with bats roosting would be retained. The removal of poor semi-improved grassland and improved grassland is considered a negligible impact on bat foraging habitat due to the limited extent of the habitat, and the presence of alternative habitat in the immediate vicinity.

Otter As the stream would not be affected by the proposed development, no impacts to otter are predicted.

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Water vole As the stream would not be affected by the proposed development, no impacts to water vole are predicted.

Hedgehog Removal of poor semi-improved grassland would reduce the area of foraging habitat for hedgehog and hedgehogs may also be directly affected during site clearance. This is a probable, long-term adverse impact and significant at Site level.

3.3 Impacts post-construction 3.3.1 Designated sites of nature conservation value No adverse impacts on any designated sites of nature conservation importance are predicted.

3.3.2 Habitats on the site Post-construction the retained habitats are likely to be subject to increased recreational pressures. However, this is likely to be a negligible impact due to the small increase in the number of residents using the site.

The proposed habitat creation within the site includes the creation of two wildlife ponds; additional planting of native species in the defunct hedgerow along the western boundary; 110m of new native species-rich hedgerow;, native understory planting adjacent to the existing (off-site) plantation woodland and the creation of a 4m wide wildlife corridor to the south of the stream (refer to Figure 2). The wildlife corridor would be marked out with a post and wire fence, and both this and the wildlife ponds (plus surrounding grassland) would be maintained by a management company.

Standing water is a UK and Wiltshire BAP Priority Habitat, and species-rich hedgerow is a UK BAP Priority Habitat. Once these habitats had matured, these measures would result in a probable, long-term beneficial impact and significant at Parish level.

3.3.3 Habitats adjacent to the site Post-construction adjacent habitats are likely to be subject to increased recreational pressures. The habitats are considered unlikely to be sensitive so this is a negligible impact.

3.3.4 Species Plants No significant impacts are predicted.

Invertebrates No significant impacts are predicted.

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Amphibians Residential gardens, the wildlife corridor to the north of the site and hedgerow planting would increase suitable terrestrial habitat for amphibians in the medium to long-term. Creation of two wildlife ponds would provide suitable breeding habitat for amphibians. This is a probable, long-term beneficial impact and significant at Site level.

Reptiles No significant impacts are predicted. Residential gardens and the wildlife corridor to the north of the site would provide a significantly larger area of suitable habitat for reptiles than currently exits on the site. Wildlife pond creation would provide potential foraging habitat for grass snake. This is a probable, long-term beneficial impact and significant at Site level.

Birds The proposed residential development would be likely to result in an increase of approximately seven cats within the site (Underhill-Day 2005). Birds within the site and in adjacent habitats would therefore be subject to increased predation from cats. Given that the habitats are already likely to be subject to cat predation from the adjacent urban area, this is not considered to be a significant impact.

The wildlife corridor to the north of the site, hedgerows, ponds and residential gardens are likely to provide suitable foraging habitat for common bird species as they mature and, in the medium to long-term, the value of the site for birds is likely to increase. Overall, impacts are probable long-term, beneficial and significant at Site level.

Bats No significant impacts are predicted. The majority of the species recorded during the survey have relatively low sensitively to lighting. Therefore, it is considered unlikely that bat foraging and commuting within the site would be adversely affected by an increase in lighting. Myotid bats were the only recorded bats with high sensitivity to lighting. These bats were recorded at low abundance throughout the surveys (only six calls were recorded during the three bat surveys), and the majority were recorded in the northern half of the site, which would not be subject to any increase in lighting. In addition to this, the residential gardens (particularly in the north of the site), wildlife corridor, ponds and new hedgerows are likely to provide suitable foraging and commuting habitat for bats as they mature. In the medium to long-term it is likely that there will be an increase in the value of the site for bats. This is a probable, long-term beneficial impact and significant at Site level.

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Otter The 4m wide wildlife corridor along the stream would assist the movement and dispersal of this species. This is a probable, long-term beneficial impact and significant at Site level.

Water vole The 4m wide wildlife corridor along the stream would provide burrowing habitat and assist the movement and dispersal of this species. This is a probable, long-term beneficial impact and significant at Site level.

Hedgehog No significant impacts are predicted. As they mature, gardens and hedgerows are likely to provide suitable habitat and increase the value of the site for hedgehogs. The presence of a road within the site is considered unlikely to result in an increase in hedgehog mortality as the site already has roads in close proximity and the road within the site is likely to be subject to low traffic volumes. Overall, impacts to hedgehogs are probable, long-term beneficial and significant at Site level.

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4 Mitigation and enhancement

4.1 Mitigation and enhancement during construction 4.1.1 Habitats Retained trees and hedgerows would be protected from potential damage during construction through the use of temporary barriers (e.g. Heras fencing), which would be installed prior to the start of construction. Construction would be undertaken in accordance with BS 5837 ‘Trees in relation to construction’. All contractors’ compounds would be located away from hedgerows and mature trees to minimise potential lighting and disturbance impacts.

4.1.2 Amphibians The mitigation measures proposed for reptiles would also ensure that no amphibians were killed or injured.

4.1.3 Reptiles As there is only a small area of reptile habitat to be removed (less than 0.1ha) and the majority of the habitat would be retained, a reptile translocation is not proposed. To ensure that no reptiles were killed or injured during construction, the area of poor semi-improved grassland to be removed would be strimmed to 15cm on a between April-September. A week later this area would be strimmed to ground level. This would allow any reptiles to move into adjacent suitable habitat before ground works commence. Vegetation in this area would be maintained at this level until ground works commenced, which would subsequently be undertaken through an ecological watching brief.

4.1.4 Birds Site clearance would be undertaken outside of the main bird-breeding season (i.e. between October and February) to ensure that there were no impacts to nesting birds. If this was not possible, a pre-demolition check for nesting birds would be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist.

Bird nesting boxes would be integrated into the proposed residential buildings (refer to Figure 2 for locations). This would include: · Five Schwegler 1SP Sparrow terraces; · Six Schwegler Swift nest boxes; and · Six House martin nest boxes.

These nest boxes would be built into the residential houses during construction.

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4.1.5 Bats Six Ibstock bat bricks (Type B) boxes would be integrated into the proposed residential buildings (refer to Figure 2 for locations). The bat bricks would be built into the buildings during construction.

4.2 Mitigation post-construction 4.2.1 Habitats within the site Areas of Public realm, the ponds and the riparian wildlife corridor would be managed in accordance with a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan, which would be produced prior to the start of construction. The Plan would detail actions for pre, during and post-construction phases and would be agreed in advance with Wiltshire Council. The Plan would also detail responsibilities for management and monitoring protocols.

4.2.2 Bats Lighting along roads and footpaths would be kept to the minimum required for security and public health and safety purposes; low-level directional lighting would be used where possible and low-pressure sodium lights would be used in preference to high pressure sodium or mercury lights.

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5 Residual impacts

5.1 Impacts during and post-construction 5.1.1 Designated sites of nature conservation No impacts to designated sites of nature conservation value are predicted.

5.1.2 Habitats Net habitat changes are detailed in Table 5. Overall the proposals would provide ‘biodiversity gain’. Loss of habitats within the site would be compensated by the proposed habitat creation, which would include the creation of UK and Wiltshire BAP Priority Habitats pond/standing water and species-rich hedgerow. The 4m wide buffer zone along the stream would enhance the value of this ecological corridor and understory planting adjacent to the (off-site) plantation woodland would improve the value of this habitat. This would be a probable, long-term beneficial impact and significant at Parish level. All habitats would be managed in accordance with a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan.

Table 5: Proposed habitat changes Habitat Removed during site Created as part of Net change clearance (ha)* development (ha)* (ha) Semi-improved 0.07 (poor semi- 0.3 (to be managed as +0.23 grassland (ha) improved grassland) hay meadow) Standing water 0 (slurry pit excluded) 2 (wildlife ponds) +2 no. (number) Native species-rich 0 110m (plus additional +110m hedgerow (m) reinforcement planting along the western hedgerow)

5.1.3 Species Residual impacts on species are detailed in Table 6. The proposed mitigation would ensure legal compliance with regard to protected species (including reptiles and nesting birds) during construction. Overall, there would also be an increase in the extent and quality of habitat for reptiles, amphibians, birds, otter, water vole, bats and hedgehog within the site. This would be a probable, long-term beneficial impact and significant at Site level.

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Table 6. Residual significant effects of proposed development: construction and post-construction phases combined. Ecological Phase Characterisation of Significance without Mitigation and enhancement Residual significance feature or unmitigated impact on the mitigation and and confidence level resource feature confidence level Habitats Post Removal of hardstanding, poor Negligible impact. Creation of two wildlife ponds, Long-term beneficial at construction semi-improved grassland and hedgerows and wildflower meadow Parish level. agricultural buildings. planting. Amphibians Construction Removal of a small area of Adverse, probable, Habitat manipulation to reduce value of Negligible impact. and reptiles reptile and amphibian terrestrial short-term at Site habitat for reptile and amphibians habitat leading to killing and/or level. followed by ecological watching brief injury. during topsoil strip. Amphibians Post Removal of a small area of Negligible impact. New habitat creation in the form of Long-term beneficial at and reptiles construction reptile and amphibian terrestrial residential gardens, hedgerows, Site level. habitat. wildlife ponds and wildflower meadow Birds Construction Removal of a small area of Adverse, probable, Clearance undertaken outside of Negligible impact. potential bird nesting habitat short-term at Site breeding season or after pre-start leading in impacts on breeding level. survey by an ecologist to confirm birds, nests, eggs and young. absence. Birds Post Removal of a small area of Adverse, probable, New habitat creation and nesting Long-term beneficial at construction potential bird nesting habitat. long-term at Site level. boxes. Site level. Bats Post Removal of a small area of bat Negligible impact. New habitat creation and bat boxes. Long-term beneficial at construction foraging habitat. Site level. Hedgehog Post Removal of a small area habitat. Adverse, probable, New habitat creation. Long-term beneficial at construction long-term at Site level. Site level.

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6 References

Barratt, D.G., 1997. Home range size, habitat utilisation and movement patterns of suburban and farm cats Felis catus. Ecography, Vol 20, 271-288. Bat Conservation Trust 2009. Bats and Lighting in the UK. Bats in the Built Environment series. Bat Conservation Trust, London Bat Conservation Trust, 2012. Bat Surveys- Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London Bright, P., Morris, P., Mitchell-Jones, T., 2006. The Dormouse Conservation Handbook 2e. English Nature, Peterborough. English Nature, 1994. Species Conservation Handbook. JNCC. Environment Agency, 2007. Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG5). Froglife, 1999. Reptile survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Froglife Advice Sheet 10. Froglife. Harris, S., Morris, P., Wray. S., and Yalden, D. 1995. A review of British mammals population estimates and conservation status of British mammals other than cetaceans. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee IEEM, 2006. Guidelines for ecological impact assessment, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995. Guidelines for baseline ecological assessment. Chapman and Hall (Spon). JNCC 2010. Handbook for Phase-1 Habitat Survey: a technique for environmental audit. JNCC, Peterborough. RSPB, 2002. The Population Status of Birds in the UK: Birds of Conservation Concern: 2002-2007. RSPB, Sandy. Underhill-Day, J. C. 2005. A literature review of urban effects on lowland heaths and their wildlife. English Nature Research Report No 623, English Nature, Peterborough

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Websites www.naturalengland.org.uk (Natural England) www.magic.gov.uk (MAGIC) www.nbn.org.uk (National Biodiversity Network) www.ukbap.org.uk (UK Biodiversity Action Plan)

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Figure 1: Site location plan

Reproduced under EAD O.S. Licence 100046104

Figure 2: Site layout

Figure 3: Phase 1 Habitat plan

Target notes 1 Mature crack willow with features capable of supporting large bat roosts (Category 1*according to Bat Survey Guidelines, 2012). 2 Location of slow worm (all semi-improved grassland and woodland edge is suitable slow-worm habitat). 3 Slurry pit.

Figure 4: Bat survey plan

Figure 5: Landscape plan

Appendix 1: Phase 2 surveys

Reptile survey methods and results

Methodology A reptile survey was undertaken according to standard methodology (English Nature 1994; Froglife 1999). 70 artificial refuges (0.5x0.5m roofing felt tiles) were deployed within suitable habitat (semi-improved grassland, woodland edges and field boundaries) and checked on seven occasions in appropriate weather conditions from April to June 2012. Tiles were deployed on 7 March 2012.

Results Slow worm were recorded within the semi-improved grassland and woodland edge (refer to Table A1.1).

Table A1.1: Reptile survey results Visit Date Start Weather Temp. Results Time ('C) 1 13/04/12 11.00 Wind 1; 5/8 cloud cover 15.6 No reptiles 2 17/04/12 12.00 Wind 2-3; 3/8 cloud cover 18 No reptiles 3 24/04/12 12.00 Wind 3; 3/8 cloud cover No reptiles 14 4 31/05/12 11.00 Wind 3-4; 8/8 cloud cover. No reptiles 12 5 14/05/12 12.00 Wind 3; 5/8 cloud cover. 1 female slow worm 16 6 25/05/12 09:00 Wind 1; 0/8 cloud cover. No reptiles 16 7 23/06/12 10:00 Wind 2; 5/8 cloud cover. 2 female and 1 sub- 15 adult slow worm

Badger survey methods and results

Methodology A badger survey was undertaken on 7 March 2012. This involved a search for setts and other evidence of badger, such as pathways, hair, prints and snuffle holes. Where scrub was dense, a billhook was used to gain access and where possible. There were no significant survey limitations.

Results No badger setts were recorded within the site boundary.

Bat survey methods and results

Methodology Bat roost survey Buildings An external and internal inspection all the buildings was undertaken on 7 March 2012 to search for evidence of, and potential for, roosting bats. The inspection was undertaken by a licensed bat surveyor, using a high-powered torch, binoculars, endoscope and ladder. Building 6 (refer to Figure 4 for building numbers and inspection results) was considered to have some bat roosting potential (albeit low), and therefore two precautionary emergence surveys were undertaken by one surveyor, as part of the bat activity transects (on 20/06/2012 and 02/07/2012). The remaining buildings were considered to be of negligible bat potential, so no further survey was considered necessary.

Trees All trees within the site were assessed for their potential for roosting bats following BCT 2012 Guidelines (refer to Table A1.2).

Table A1.2: Tree classification system (BCT, 2012) Tree category and Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 description Initial survey Further measures to inform Likely mitigation requirements proposed mitigation Known or confirmed Follow SNCO guidance and these guidelines wherever The tree can be felled roost possible, to establish the extent to which bats use the site. only under EPS licence This is particularly important for roosts of high risk species following the installation and/or roosts of district or higher importance and above of equivalent habitats as a replacement. Category 1* Tree identified on a map Avoid disturbance to trees, Felling would be Trees with multiple, and on the ground. where possible. undertaken taking highly suitable features Further Further dusk and pre-dawn reasonable avoidance capable of supporting assessment to provide a survey to establish more measures such as ‘soft larger roosts best expert judgement accurately the presence, felling’ to minimise the on the likely use of the species, numbers of bats risk of harm to roost, present and the type of roost, individual bats. numbers and species of and to inform the requirements for bat, mitigation if felling is required. by analysis of droppings

Table A1.2: Tree classification system (BCT, 2012) Tree category and Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 description Initial survey Further measures to inform Likely mitigation requirements proposed mitigation or other field evidence. A consultant ecologist is required

Category 1 Tree identified on a map Avoid disturbance to trees, Trees with confirmed Trees with definite bat and on the ground. where possible. More detailed, off roosts following further potential, supporting Further the ground visual assessment. survey are upgraded to fewer suitable features assessed to provide a Further dusk and pre-dawn Category 1* and felled that category 1* trees or best survey to establish the under licence as above. with potential for use by expert judgement on the presence of bats, and if Trees with no confirmed single bats potential use of suitable present, the species and roosts may be cavities, based on the numbers of bats and type of downgraded to Category habitat preferences of roost, to inform the 2 dependent on survey bats. requirements for mitigation if findings A consultant ecologist felling is required. required Category 2 None. Avoid disturbance to trees, Trees may be felled Trees with no obvious A consultant ecologist where possible. taking reasonable potential, although the is unlikely to be No further surveys. avoidance measures. tree is of a size and age required Stop works and seek that elevated surveys advice in the event bats may result in cracks or are found, in order to crevices being found; or comply with relevant the tree supports some legislation. features which may have limited potential to support bats. Category 3 None. None. No mitigation for bats Trees with no potential to A consultant ecologist required. support bats is not required unless new evidence is found

Bat activity surveys Bat activity surveys were carried out by, or under the supervision of licensed bat ecologists on from May to August 2012. For each visit, two surveyors walked twice round predefined transects within the site boundary. Surveys started at sunset and lasted for approximately two and a half hours. The starting points of each transect, and direction in which it was walked, was varied between visits in order to reduce bias in the survey. Surveyors carried Frequency Division bat detectors with MP3 players or a Batbox Griffin detector in order to capture any echolocation calls for subsequent analysis. All recorded bat passes were downloaded to a computer and analysed using ‘Batsounds’. The identification of recorded bat calls was carried out using data from known bat roosts, as well as stock recordings from other bat workers, and relevant literature (Russ, 1999).

Results Weather for bat activity surveys

Table A1.3 Weather during bat activity survey Data at start/end Cloud Date of survey period Sunset (Octas) Wind Speed(Beaufort) Temperature Deg (C) Activity surveys 24/05/2012 Start 21:15 0 0 20 End 0 0 19 20/06/2012 Start 21.28 8 2-3 19 End 8 2-3 15 02/07/2012 Start 21.28 8 3-4 15 End 8 0-1 17

Bat roost surveys No evidence of bat roosting was found in and of the buildings on site. Building 6 had low bat roosting potential and during the precautionary surveys no evidence of roosting was recorded.

Trees Eight trees were considered to have highly suitable features capable of supporting larger bat roosts (Category 1* according to BCT Guidelines, 2012) and two trees were considered to have features capable of supporting smaller bat roosts (Category 1 according to BCT Guidelines, 2012). Refer to Target notes 1 and 2, Figure 3 for locations.

Bat activity summary of results Refer to Figure 4 and Graph A1.1 for bat survey results. At least six bat species were recorded during the bat activity surveys. These species recorded were common pipistrelle (total number of recordings over the three surveys= 321; relative species abundance=64%), soprano pipistrelle (131; 26%), noctule (10; 2%), Myotid species (6; 1.2%), serotine (3; 0.6%) and long-eared bat (1; 0.5%). From analysis of the Myotis echolocation calls a definitive identification cannot be made to species level, and there appeared from the variety of calls, that more than one species from this genus were present. Due to the geographic location, the long-eared bat is presumed to a brown long-eared bat, although this could not be confirmed by the calls.

Overall, the site is regularly used by foraging common and soprano pipistrelles, and occasionally by Myotid, noctule and serotine bats. The listening point results show that majority of the bat foraging activity was around the agricultural buildings (refer to Graph A1.1). The highest species diversity was also observed around these buildings, although the Myotid bats were only recorded by the

stream along the northern boundary. The agricultural buildings and land by the stream are considered to be the most important for foraging bats within the site.

Otter and water vole Methodology The survey for otter and water vole followed general survey guidelines published by Strachan and Moorhouse (2006). The survey was undertaken on 7 March 2012 by two ecologists. Evidence of either species was noted on channel recording forms, which included the following:

Otter. · Holts/couches. · Riparian pathways, tail slides and footprints. · Feeding signs (tables). · Spraint and jelly.

Water vole · Burrows and lawns. · Riparian pathways.

· Feeding signs. · Latrines.

Results No evidence of otter or water vole was recorded.

Appendix 2: Baseline evaluation criteria

Baseline Evaluation criteria

Key evaluation categories are as follows:

· International value (internationally designated sites, or sites meeting criteria for international designation. Sites supporting populations of internationally important species); · National value (nationally designated sites (e.g. SSSIs) or sites meeting SSSI selection criteria. Sites containing viable areas of threatened habitat identified in the UK BAP or supporting a viable population of Red Data Book species or supplying critical elements of their habitat requirements); · Regional value (sites exceeding county-level designations but not meeting SSSI criteria. Sites containing viable areas of threatened habitats on the Regional BAP, supporting viable populations of species that are nationally scarce or included in the regional BAP due to rarity); · County value (sites meeting criteria for county or metropolitan designations. Site containing a viable area of a threatened habitat identified on the county BAP or supporting viable populations of county or metropolitan rarities e.g. county BAP or county ‘Red Data Book’ species); · District value (undesignated sites or features that are considered to appreciably enrich the habitat resource within the context of the Borough or District); · Parish value (areas of habitat considered to appreciably enrich the habitat resource within the context of a parish or neighbourhood); · Site (ecological resource not meeting any of the above criteria).

Additional criteria employed were from the following:

· Schedules and Annexes of UK and European wildlife legislation (e.g. Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012; · International conventions on wildlife (e.g. Bern Convention, Bonn convention); · UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK Biodiversity Group 2006); · Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan; · Taxi-specific conservation lists (e.g. Red Data Lists; Red/Amber Lists).

Appendix 3: Designated sites of nature conservation value

Local Wildlife Sites

File code Grid Ref. Site name Area (Ha) Site Description Selection Source Main Habitat Latest Recorded Habitats criteria ST96.043 ST905643 Bristol Avon 150.35 One of the main Criteria 6 WWT (10km); River [Phase 1 Habitat River river systems WSP(1) 1996 Classification - November draining north- 1996] G23 Open water: west Wiltshire. running, oligotrophic ST97.056 ST939788 The Shrubbery 2.23 Small woodland Criteria 1 NCC AWI Broadleaved [National Vegetation set in parkland 1987; WSP(2) woodland Classification - 19/09/2000] with a stream 2000 W8 Fraxinus excelsior- running along Acer campestre- the southern Mercurialis perennis wo boundary. ST97.060 ST946778 Sutton Lane 1.51 Criteria 3 EN 1992 (G); Neutral Meadows WSP(0) grassland ST97.064 ST962778 Railway Reed 1.36 Criteria 5 WSP(1) 1994 Fen, marsh and Beds, Bremhill swamp ST97.067 ST939798 North Draycot 13.55 Old parkland - a Criteria 2 WSP(5) 2000 Parkland [Phase 1 Habitat Park high Classification - 02/10/1998] concentration of A31 Parkland/scattered very old oak trees: broad-leaved trees (many pollards) in semi- improved grassland. ST98.038 ST940815 Seagry Wood 37.95 Mixed conifer Criteria 1 WWT (10km); Conifer [Phase 1 Habitat and Oak Hill and Sweet WTNC 1984- woodland Classification - 01/05/2007] Chestnut 85 (W); NCC A112 Woodland: plantation on an AWI 1987; broadleaved, plantation ancient WSP(4) 2007 woodland site. Located on gently sloping land on clay and greensand with a rich ground flora including abundant Bluebells. ST98.039 ST938803 Ell Wood 12.94 Mostly semi- Criteria 1 WTNC 1984- Broadleaved [Peterken Woodland Stand natural ancient 85 (W); NCC woodland Types - 30/04/1985] 3AA woodland on AWI 1987; Acid pedunculate oak- Kellaways sands WSP(2) 1997 hazel-ash woods: Heavy

File code Grid Ref. Site name Area (Ha) Site Description Selection Source Main Habitat Latest Recorded Habitats criteria and clay. soil form; 7C Plateau alderwoods

Statutory Sites

Site Type Grid Ref. Site name Area (Ha) Designation status Main Habitat SSSI ST945776 Sutton Lane Meadows 3.40171 Notified Species-rich grassland

Data held by WSBRC is validated as fully as possible to ensure such factors as geographical and temporal accuracy of each record as well as formatting or inputting errors. Validation is done by manual checking as well as by automated routines within our database system. In addition, WSBRC staff and County Recorders, in particular, undertake verification of records ensuring that notable species or new records for an area are correctly identified. However, errors cannot be completely eliminated.

Appendix 4: Previous records of protected/notable species (WSBRC 2012)

WILTSHIRE & SWINDON BIOLOGICAL RECORDS CENTRE

Data Search for 2 km area around Sutton Benger

Protected & Notable Species

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status amphibian Bufo bufo Common Toad ST9580 Seagry, garden 1976 Live at tap Sect.41, UKBAP amphibian Rana temporaria Common Frog ST931778 Draycot Cerne, pond 1979 Spawn HSD5 amphibian Rana temporaria Common Frog ST964786 Christian Malford, 01/12/2001 Regularly seen in HSD5 Church Street surrounding gardens [Recorded Location: Christian Malford, Church Street RA 2008] amphibian Rana temporaria Common Frog ST9580 Seagry 1975 Getting scarce HSD5 amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST927795 02/08/2006 From old database, HabRegs2, HSD2p, pre-2006 record HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST931795 02/08/2006 From old database, HabRegs2, HSD2p, pre-2006 record HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST933794 29/11/2007 1 Adult Female GCN HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST935792 13/05/2010 6 surveys, max count HabRegs2, HSD2p, of 18 GCNs found in HSD4, Sect.41, one survey UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST937793 13/05/2010 6 surveys, max count HabRegs2, HSD2p, of 10 GCNs found in HSD4, Sect.41, one survey UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST957797 29/09/2007 2 Adult Female GCNs, HabRegs2, HSD2p, 3 juvenille GCNs HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST957797 01/11/2007 2 Adult Female GCNs HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41,

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST957797 01/11/2007 2 Adult Female & 1 HabRegs2, HSD2p, Adult Male GCN HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST957797 28/11/2007 3 Adult Male, 2 Adult HabRegs2, HSD2p, Female & 4 Juvenille HSD4, Sect.41, GCNs UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST957798 01/11/2007 1 Adult Female GCN HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST960799 02/08/2006 From old database, HabRegs2, HSD2p, pre-2006 record HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST961792 Christian Malford 24/06/2002 Seen in garden ditch HabRegs2, HSD2p, which flows into Avon HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST9379 Draycot Park 05/04/1982 Male in pond HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST962785 Christian Malford, 16/06/1998 Netted adult [Recorded HabRegs2, HSD2p, School pond, Location: School pond, HSD4, Sect.41, RA 2008] UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST961784 Christian Malford 16/06/1998 Bottle trapped adults HabRegs2, HSD2p, [Recorded Location: HSD4, Sect.41, The Old Rectory RA UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c 2008] amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST963787 Christian Malford, 04/12/2001 In garden pond HabRegs2, HSD2p, Pipers Ash [Recorded Location: HSD4, Sect.41, Christian Malford, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Pipers Ash RA 2008] amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST962785 Christian Malford, 16/06/1998 Netted adult [Recorded HabRegs2, HSD2p, Garden pond, Church Location: Garden pond, HSD4, Sect.41, Road, Church Road, RA UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c 2008] amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST931778 Draycot Cerne, pond 1979 Introduced HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST961786 Garden pond, Church 01/05/1998- HabRegs2, HSD2p, Road, Christian 31/05/1998 HSD4, Sect.41, Malford UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST961786 School pond, Church 01/05/1998- HabRegs2, HSD2p, Road, Christian 31/05/1998 HSD4, Sect.41, Malford UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c amphibian Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST960784 The Old Rectory, 01/05/1998- Large pond HabRegs2, HSD2p, Church Road, 31/05/1998 HSD4, Sect.41, Christian Malford UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c bird Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher ST955773 River Avon, nr 03/03/2004 2 Displaying BD1, WCA1i Christian Malford bird Milvus milvus Red Kite ST97 Draycot Cerne, 01/04/2007 Grid reference BD1, WCA1i Chippenham estimated from site description. Viewed from SN15 5LD flying in an easterly direction. Mobbed by 3 crows. First time recorder has seen species in this area. bird Poecile palustris Marsh Tit ST938803 Ell Wood 30/04/1985 BRed bird Turdus philomelos Song Thrush ST962778 Railway Reed Beds, 27/06/1994 BRed Bremhill bird Turdus philomelos Song Thrush ST927782 Draycot Cerne 01/01/2009 In garden BRed flowering plant Anthemis cotula Stinking Chamomile ST9280 Stanton St Quentin 1984 [No date recorded: RA RLGB.VU RA 2008] [Site added from GR: RA RA 2008] flowering plant Bromus commutatus Meadow Brome ST946778 Sutton Lane Meadows 14/06/1992 County SSSI flowering plant Bromus commutatus Meadow Brome ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 1987 County SSSI flowering plant Bromus commutatus Meadow Brome ST944777 Sutton Lane Meadows 06/06/1987 County flowering plant Cardamine amara Large Bitter-cress ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 04/06/1989 Wilts Flora Mapping County SSSI Scheme Team flowering plant Clinopodium acinos Basil Thyme ST9376 ST97I 1984 - 1991 RLGB.VU, Sect.41, UKBAP flowering plant Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 04/06/1989 Wilts Flora Mapping RLGB.Lr(NT) SSSI Scheme Team flowering plant Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron ST946778 Sutton Lane Meadows 14/06/1992 RLGB.Lr(NT) SSSI flowering plant Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 10/11/1987 RLGB.Lr(NT) SSSI flowering plant Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 1987 RLGB.Lr(NT)

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status SSSI flowering plant Colchicum autumnale Meadow Saffron ST9477 ST97N 1984 - 1991 RLGB.Lr(NT) flowering plant Epilobium palustre Marsh Willowherb ST936793 Draycot Park 16/06/1986 Pond top of hill near County wood flowering plant Epipactis purpurata Violet Helleborine ST939806 Seagry Wood 01/01/2003- Oakhill end of Seagrey County 31/12/2003 Wood, by little red brick bridge which is v overgrown. Came up after soil disturbed for several years, several plants on both sides of the path. flowering plant Euphorbia exigua Dwarf Spurge ST9678 ST97U 1984 - 1991 RLGB.Lr(NT) flowering plant Hyacinthoides non- Bluebell ST938803 Ell Wood 30/04/1985 WCA8 scripta flowering plant Hyacinthoides non- Bluebell ST939788 The Shrubbery 19/09/2000 WCA8 scripta flowering plant Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush ST936793 Draycot Park 16/08/1986 Pond top of hill near County wood. flowering plant Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle ST942794 Sutton, stream north 04/05/1987 Quite a number of NR(vp) of, nearby specimens on the edge of the wood. flowering plant Lonicera xylosteum Fly Honeysuckle ST942794 Wood North of Sutton 04/05/1987 On edge of wood quite NR(vp) Benger a number of shrubs. [NGR is near Wood North of Sutton Benger, not Wood North of Sutton Berg as recorded RA 2008] flowering plant Montia fontana Blinks ST934797 Draycot Park, near 20/06/1986 On bare sand nr. County Motorway. Subsp. chondrosperma (Fenzl) flowering plant Oenanthe fistulosa Tubular Water- ST958775 ST97N 1984 - 1991 RLGB.VU, Sect.41, dropwort UKBAP flowering plant Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 1987 RLGB.Lr(NT) SSSI flowering plant Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows Unknown RLGB.Lr(NT) SSSI flowering plant Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 10/11/1987 RLGB.Lr(NT) SSSI

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status flowering plant Orchis morio Green-winged Orchid ST946777 SUTTON LANE GATE 25/05/1986 QUITE A FEW RLGB.Lr(NT) FARM PLANTS c100. [VERY GOOD FIND. I WILL LOOK AT THIS FIELD IN 87. DG RA 2008] flowering plant Ranunculus Thread-leaved Water- ST946777 Sutton Benger 1987 Pond in pasture County trichophyllus crowfoot flowering plant Rorippa amphibia Great Yellow-cress ST956791 Avon Christian Malford 1986 County flowering plant Rorippa microphylla Narrow-fruited Water- ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 1987 County cress SSSI flowering plant Rorippa microphylla Narrow-fruited Water- ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 10/11/1987 County cress SSSI flowering plant Rorippa microphylla Narrow-fruited Water- ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows Unknown County cress SSSI flowering plant Rorippa microphylla Narrow-fruited Water- ST946777 Sutton Benger Pond May 1987 County cress flowering plant Rosa stylosa Short-styled Field-rose ST934802 Track Scotland Hill July 1987 County flowering plant Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's-broom ST939788 The Shrubbery 19/09/2000 HSD5 flowering plant Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's-broom ST9678 ST97U 1984 - 1991 HSD5 flowering plant Sanguisorba officinalis Great Burnet ST931798 M4 Motorway East July 1986 1 plant County bound flowering plant Stachys arvensis Field Woundwort ST944789 Sutton Benger, north 04/05/1987 Situated above RLGB.Lr(NT) of stream.Good record. flowering plant Stachys arvensis Field Woundwort ST944789 Sutton Benger north of 04/05/1987 ON ridge above stream RLGB.Lr(NT) with distinctive rounded tip to leaves flowering plant Veronica catenata Pink Water-Speedwell ST956803 LOWER SEAGRY, 1989 County south of insect - beetle Microrhagus insect - beetle ST939798 North Draycot Park 22/05/2000 County (Coleoptera) pygmaeus (Coleoptera) insect - beetle Microrhagus insect - beetle ST939798 Draycot Park, north 22/05/2000 1 in dead oak after County (Coleoptera) pygmaeus (Coleoptera) climbing ladder! insect - butterfly Apatura iris Purple Emperor ST9480 Seagry, near to 1982 [Abundance data field RLGB.Lr(NT) suspect RL 17/12/09] [Site name from nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] insect - butterfly Coenonympha Small Heath ST9476 Kellaways, near to - 2006 [Abundance data field RLGB.Lr(NT), Sect.41, pamphilus suspect RL 17/12/09] UKBAP

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status [Site name from nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] insect - butterfly Coenonympha Small Heath ST9477 Sutton Benger 1998 [Abundance data field RLGB.Lr(NT), Sect.41, pamphilus Meadows suspect RL 17/12/09] UKBAP insect - butterfly Coenonympha Small Heath ST9478 Sutton Benger, near to - 2006 [Abundance data field RLGB.Lr(NT), Sect.41, pamphilus suspect RL 17/12/09] UKBAP [Site name from nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] insect - butterfly Coenonympha Small Heath ST9280 Stanton St Quentin, - 2006 [Abundance data field RLGB.Lr(NT), Sect.41, pamphilus near to suspect RL 17/12/09] UKBAP [Site name from nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] insect - butterfly Coenonympha Small Heath ST9477 Sutton Lane Meadows 06/07/2010 1 RLGB.Lr(NT), Sect.41, pamphilus (NT) UKBAP insect - butterfly Coenonympha Small Heath ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows 01/09/2010 1 RLGB.Lr(NT), Sect.41, pamphilus (NT) UKBAP insect - butterfly Lasiommata megera Wall ST9277 Kington Langley 26/07/2008 1 (Recorded as SPBF RLGB.Lr(NT), Sect.41, garden from book!) UKBAP insect - butterfly Limenitis camilla White Admiral ST9380 Seagry Wood 23/07/1997 [Abundance data field RLGB.VU, Sect.41, suspect RL 17/12/09] UKBAP insect - butterfly Limenitis camilla White Admiral ST9380 Seagry Parish 17/07/1986 [Abundance data field RLGB.VU, Sect.41, suspect RL 17/12/09] UKBAP Also ST93-81- (8 in 1 hour) lichen Dirina massiliensis lichen ST960784 All Saints Church, 02/10/2005 Lichen growing on NS, RLGB.Lr(NT) forma sorediata Christian Malford church. Total of 64 species recorded at this site. lichen Hymenelia prevostii lichen ST960784 All Saints Church, 02/10/2005 Total of 64 species NS Christian Malford recorded at this site. lichen Verrucaria elaeina lichen ST960784 All Saints Church, 02/10/2005 Lichen growing on NS Christian Malford church. Total of 64 species recorded at this site.

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status lichen Verrucaria fuscella lichen ST960784 All Saints Church, 02/10/2005 Lichen growing in NR(vp), RLGB.DD Christian Malford churchyard. Total of 64 species recorded at this site. reptile Anguis fragilis Slow-worm ST9480 Seagry 1960 Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.1k/I reptile Anguis fragilis Slow-worm ST9580 Seagry, garden 1975 Live Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.1k/I reptile Anguis fragilis Slow-worm ST963787 Christian Malford, 04/12/2001 In garden [Recorded Sect.41, UKBAP, Pipers Ash Location: Christian WCA5/9.1k/I Malford, Pipers Ash RA 2008] reptile Natrix natrix Grass Snake ST9480 Seagry, house 21/08/1974 Climbing ramp to sun Sect.41, UKBAP, room WCA5/9.1k/I reptile Natrix natrix Grass Snake ST963786 Christian Malford, 6 04/12/2001 Large snake once seen Sect.41, UKBAP, Church Street disappearing into WCA5/9.1k/I orchard [Recorded Location: Christian Malford, 6 Church Street RA 2008] reptile Natrix natrix Grass Snake ST955789 Christian Malford, nr 06/08/2002 WIO records - 2 or 3 Sect.41, UKBAP, River Avon sightings [Recorded WCA5/9.1k/I Location: Christian Malford, nr River Avon RA 2008] reptile Natrix natrix Grass Snake ST9480 Seagry 1960 Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.1k/I terrestrial mammal Arvicola amphibius European Water Vole ST965788 River Avon tributary, 16/04/2004 Several in stream Sect.41, UKBAP, Christian Malford WCA5/9.1k/I, WCA5/9.1t, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Arvicola amphibius European Water Vole ST964789 Christian Malford 13/06/2002 Seen in stream Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.1k/I, WCA5/9.1t, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Arvicola amphibius European Water Vole ST954791 Draycot Brook 1989 Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.1k/I, WCA5/9.1t, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Arvicola amphibius European Water Vole ST96157920 Bristol Avon, small 24/06/2002 1feeding,burrowing in Sect.41, UKBAP,

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status tributary ditch garden 4 2wks WCA5/9.1k/I, WCA5/9.1t, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Chiroptera terrestrial mammal ST935785 Draycot Cerne Church, 10/08/1995 Architect noticed County Draycot Cerne, droppings & thought Chippenham, Wilts they might be bats.Roof is to be renovated.Not likely to be a problem as v. little evidence of recent bats.. terrestrial mammal Chiroptera terrestrial mammal ST9678 Christian Malford, Nr 12/10/1988 pro-bat Want advice on County Chippenham, Wiltshire access holes as well. terrestrial mammal Chiroptera terrestrial mammal ST964786 Christian Malford 04/12/2001 Med sized bat County droppings found under centre beam of barn terrestrial mammal Chiroptera terrestrial mammal ST940800 Upper Seagry, 01/12/1988 no report rec'd Moving County Chippenham, Wilts to house soon needs T/T for Death Watch Beetle.Advice+visit needed. terrestrial mammal Eptesicus serotinus Serotine ST9478 High Street, Sutton 07/10/2011 County, HabRegs2, Benger, SN15 4RE HSD4, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Erinaceus europaeus West European ST9580 Seagry 19/01/1975- live in garden Sect.41, UKBAP Hedgehog 18/02/1975 terrestrial mammal Erinaceus europaeus West European ST964788 Christian Malford, The 30/03/2002 Large adult seen in Sect.41, UKBAP Hedgehog Red House garden [NGR changed from SU964788 to ST964788 RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Erinaceus europaeus West European ST9579 Christian Malford, 21/05/1984 DOR Sect.41, UKBAP Hedgehog Summerlands Farm terrestrial mammal Erinaceus europaeus West European ST944805 Upper Seagry 28/09/1979 DOR Lane Sect.41, UKBAP Hedgehog terrestrial mammal Lutra lutra European Otter ST956790 Christian Malford 28/01/2007 1 crossed road at HabRegs2, HSD2p, bridge over Avon HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST938803 Ell Wood 30/04/1985 PBA terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST946777 Sutton Lane Meadows Unknown PBA SSSI

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST955775 Langley Burrell Farm 27/08/2002 1 seen at 10pm PBA nr Sutton Benger terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST958776 Langley Burrell Farm 27/08/2002 1 seen at 10pm PBA nr Sutton Benger terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST9580 Lower Seagry Summer 1976 occupied sett PBA terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST954774 Langley Burrell Farm 02/08/2002 1 seen at 10.15pm PBA nr Sutton Benger terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST927778 Bowldown - 2006 [place name not found PBA on map RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST9277 Kington Langley, 3m N March 1966 At end of old farm lane, of Chippenham North of Kington Langley PBA terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST9531478567 Wessex Water 16/03/2003 . PBA Landholding terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST930798 Seagry Parish, near to 01/11/1982 [Site name from PBA nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST949801 Upper Seagry, near to 02/12/1988 [Site name from PBA nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST949778 Sutton Benger, near to 06/06/2001 [Site name from PBA nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST930790 Draycot Park, near to 09/10/1981 [Site name from PBA nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST94877957 Upper Seagry, near to 15/03/2006 Recorder: SSQ - PBA Highways Agency. [Site name from nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST936803 Draycot Park, near to, 18/11/1987 [Site name from PBA north nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008]

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST936804 Seagry Wood, near to 22/01/1985 [Site name from PBA nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST948803 Upper Seagry, near to 24/11/1982 [Site name from PBA nearest NGR in Grose, Flora of Wiltshire RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST946796 Upper Seagry, near to 24/11/1986 [Site name from PBA nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST939804 Ell Wood, near to 29/07/1982 [Site name from PBA nearest NGR on WSBRC database RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST954774 02/08/2002 1 seen at 10.15pm PBA terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST946778 06/06/2001 1 Cub. [gr given: PBA ST7846-778. Prob ST746778 RA 2008] terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST958776 27/08/2002 1 seen at 10pm PBA terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST942807 16/01/1992 PBA terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST941788 16/01/1993 PBA terrestrial mammal Meles meles Eurasian Badger ST955775 27/08/2002 1 seen at 10pm PBA terrestrial mammal Micromys minutus Harvest Mouse ST9578 Sutton Benger 25/09/1982 Infants , 2 live , some Sect.41, UKBAP dead terrestrial mammal Micromys minutus Harvest Mouse ST9478 Sutton Benger 1974 Live Sect.41, UKBAP terrestrial mammal Micromys minutus Harvest Mouse ST950782 Sutton Benger 1974 4 Nests Sect.41, UKBAP terrestrial mammal Myotis nattereri Natterer's Bat ST9378 St James's Church, 02/07/1997 Work planned for County, HabRegs2, Draycot Cerne, church tower. Seems a HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Chippenham night roost but should be no problem. ID: Signs (drops/roost) terrestrial mammal Neomys fodiens Eurasian Water Shrew ST935792 Within grounds of 06/05/2010 Unfortunately this County Draycott Park farm, in water shrew was found pond dead in a bottle trap. The pond is extremely poached by cattle and the water quality is poor; habitat deemed

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status sub-optimal for water shrew. Bottle trapping has now ceased due to trapping of shrew. terrestrial mammal Nyctalus noctula Noctule Bat ST9580 Seagry 30/11/1975 Flying above garden, County, HabRegs2, daylight HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Nyctalus noctula Noctule Bat ST944786 Sutton Benger 14/10/1986 Male grounded - fed, County, HabRegs2, released later HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Pipistrellus terrestrial mammal ST9679 Main Road, Christian 12/07/2002 Smell & staining in County, HabRegs2, Malford spare bedroom.Live WCA5/9.4c bat found & returned to roost. Owner v. tolerant but needs to sort out smell.Almost certainly maternity roost.. ID: Signs (drops/roost) terrestrial mammal Pipistrellus terrestrial mammal ST9478 Sutton Benger, 18/08/1996 Bat hanging in County, HabRegs2, Chippenham, Wilt stairwell.Owners WCA5/9.4c worried about guests reaction and wanted its removal ASAP.Bat removed to outbuilding.No roost known.. ID: by expert terrestrial mammal Pipistrellus pipistrellus terrestrial mammal ST9277 Kington Langley 30/11/1971 Summer roost County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Pipistrellus pipistrellus terrestrial mammal ST9478 Bell Piece, Sutton 22/08/2006 County, HabRegs2, Benger HSD4, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Pipistrellus pipistrellus terrestrial mammal ST9580 Seagry 31/05/1976 Seen frequently County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Pipistrellus pygmaeus Soprano Pipistrelle ST9478 Bell Piece, Sutton 22/08/2006 Identified by County, HabRegs2, Benger echolocation using a HSD4, Sect.41, Petterson 200. UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Droppings on window sill. Roost suspected for c.5 years by owner. Recommendations given re structural

Taxon group Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Location Date Comment Status work. terrestrial mammal Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9478 High Street, Sutton 01/06/2011 droppings County, HabRegs2, Benger, SN15 4RE HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9678 Christian Malford 28/08/1995 1 found dead by house. County, HabRegs2, Probably roosting in HSD4, Sect.41, roof UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c terrestrial mammal Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9478 Seagry Road, Sutton 14/11/2000 T.Treatment needed. County, HabRegs2, Benger No bats seen but HSD4, Sect.41, recent droppings. UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Recommend treatment delayed to spring. ID: Signs (drops/roost) terrestrial mammal Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9478 Sutton Benger 30/11/1973 Live/mist net County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c

Bat Records within 4km

Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Date Comment Status Eptesicus serotinus Serotine ST9478 07/10/2011 County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9478 01/06/2011 droppings County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle ST9777 31/07/2009 Roost in roof and belfry County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus pygmaeus Soprano Pipistrelle ST9777 31/07/2009 Foraging County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus ST9180 23/06/2009 82 -Have reappeared after two County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c year absence following replacement of fascia boards. Much larger bats now also present but no firm ID yet - will try to photograph Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9581 27/09/2007 A few droppings found under County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c roost and on first floor poss. Pipistrelles? Brown long-eared

Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Date Comment Status bats also sighted at this site. Bats roosting (probably summer roost) inside a building under construction (since Summer 2006). Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9581 27/09/2007 Three bats seen at 6pm. County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, Droppings also seen including a WCA5/9.4c few that look like they could be Pipistrelles? Bats roosting (probably summer roost) inside a building under construction (since Summer 2006). Owners due to move into house so access routes for bats Eptesicus serotinus Serotine ST9375 25/09/2007 Bats heard during survey. County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Myotis Unidentified Bat ST9375 25/09/2007 Bats heard during survey. County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9375 25/09/2007 Bats heard during survey. County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c Rhinolophus Lesser Horseshoe Bat ST9375 25/09/2007 8 Bats counted as emerging from County, HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, hipposideros roof. UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Rhinolophus Lesser Horseshoe Bat ST9375 11/09/2007 12 Bats counted in roof space, County, HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, hipposideros along with 4 dead specimens. UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Significant droppings throughout the loft both old and fresh. Eptesicus serotinus Serotine ST9176 08/09/2007 Bats identified by droppings of County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c which there wer comparitively few for the number of bats that have been observed by the owners (in excess of 100). Pipistrelle sp. also identified by droppings. Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9176 08/09/2007 Bats identified by droppings of County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c which there wer comparitively few for the number of bats that have been observed by the owners (in excess of 100). Serotine bats also identified by droppings. Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus ST9478 22/08/2006 9 Bell Piece, Sutton Benger, County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c House, Bat RECORDID 123215 Pipistrellus pygmaeus Soprano Pipistrelle ST9478 22/08/2006 36 Identified by echolocation County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, using a Petterson 200. Droppings WCA5/9.4c on window sill. Roost suspected

Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Date Comment Status for c.5 years by owner. Recommendations given re structural work. Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9180 18/07/2002 Roof need repairing & concerned County as they thouhgt they had bats.3 areas of droppings in roof space.. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9482 12/07/2002 2 bats found during building work. County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, Fallen rubble obscured any WCA5/9.4c evidence of droppings. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9679 12/07/2002 Smell & staining in spare County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c bedroom.Live bat found & returned to roost. Owner v. tolerant but needs to sort out smell.Almost certainly maternity roost.. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9678 04/12/2001 Med sized bat droppings found County under centre beam of barn Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9478 14/11/2000 T.Treatment needed. No bats County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, seen but recent droppings. WCA5/9.4c Recommend treatment delayed to spring. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9276 01/01/2000 ID: Signs (drops/roost) County Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9481 06/10/1999 Very few droppings. Say there is County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c a problem with urine staining but cant see any. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Eptesicus serotinus Serotine ST9481 06/10/1999 Very few droppings. Say there is County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c a problem with urine staining but cant see any. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9382 26/08/1999 Roof repairs need but owners County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, willing to wait until bats have WCA5/9.4c left. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Rhinolophus Greater Horseshoe Bat ST9275 16/04/1999 Fresh droppings County, HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, ferrumequinum UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9482 10/09/1998 Bats setting off burglar alarm in County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, the Tack Room. Barn may WCA5/9.4c eventually be converted into

Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Date Comment Status living area - but no immediate plans. (owners) generally interested & sympathetic.. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9482 10/09/1998 Bats setting off burglar alarm in County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c the Tack Room. Barn may eventually be converted into living area - but no immediate plans. (owners) generally interested & sympathetic.. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Myotis nattereri Natterer's Bat ST9378 02/07/1997 Work planned for church tower. County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Seems a night roost but should be no problem. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9478 18/08/1996 Bat hanging in stairwell.Owners County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c worried about guests reaction and wanted its removal ASAP.Bat removed to outbuilding.No roost known.. ID: by expert Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9382 25/04/1996 ID: by expert County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9678 28/08/1995 1 found dead by house. Probably County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, roosting in roof WCA5/9.4c Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9276 18/08/1995 Surveyor found signs of County bats.Needs to go ahead with roof repairs v. soon without fear of being stopped if bats found.One old dropping found.. Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9378 10/08/1995 Architect noticed droppings & County thought they might be bats.Roof is to be renovated.Not likely to be a problem as v. little evidence of recent bats.. Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9877 29/10/1993 Access not established, many County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, possibilities. Roost in roof apex. WCA5/9.4c Sparse scatter of mostly old droppings through- out roof space.

Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Date Comment Status Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9180 07/07/1992 Access unknown; roost under County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c eaves. No bats seen on visit but light scattering of fresh droppings visible. Baby pip. in very weak condition had been kept warm and fed milk Rhinolophus Lesser Horseshoe Bat ST9275 02/12/1988 1750 house grade 2. Roost in County, HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, hipposideros cellar,Death watch beetle. UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c alarms,T/T to be delayed until bats go. ID: by expert Rhinolophus Lesser Horseshoe Bat ST9275 02/12/1988 7 seen in cellar. 1 seen on a later County, HabRegs2, HSD2p, HSD4, Sect.41, hipposideros visit on 3/3/89 UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9480 01/12/1988 no report rec'd Moving to house County soon needs T/T for Death Watch Beetle.Advice+visit needed. Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9678 12/10/1988 pro-bat Want advice on access County holes as well. Myotis mystacinus Whiskered Bat ST9779 16/08/1988 Rentokil reported signs of bats County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Permethrin in autumn/winter Owners sympathetic. ID: Signs (drops/roost) Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus ST9678 23/04/1987 Droppings in attic County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus Pipistrellus ST9678 08/04/1987 Interested and helpful. ID: Signs County, HabRegs2, WCA5/9.4c (drops/roost) Nyctalus noctula Noctule Bat ST9478 14/10/1986 Male grounded - fed, released County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, later WCA5/9.4c Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9778 22/02/1986 Droppings in attic County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9778 22/02/1986 County Myotis daubentonii Daubenton's Bat ST9474 07/07/1985 Flying over R.Avon. County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus ST9474 07/07/1985 R. Avon County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Nyctalus noctula Noctule Bat ST9574 07/07/1985 1 flying high above garden County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus ST9181 13/03/1985 Found in computer hall, died later County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9777 26/02/1985 Killed by cat County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Chiroptera Chiroptera ST9682 23/07/1982 County Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus ST9580 31/05/1976 Seen frequently County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Nyctalus noctula Noctule Bat ST9580 30/11/1975 Flying above garden, daylight County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c

Species Name Common Name Grid Ref Date Comment Status Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9478 30/11/1973 Live/mist net County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus ST9277 30/11/1971 Summer roost County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pipistrellus ST9381 - 2010 Foraging and commuting County, HabRegs2, HSD4, WCA5/9.4c Plecotus auritus Brown Long-eared Bat ST9381 - 2010 Foraging and commuting County, HabRegs2, HSD4, Sect.41, UKBAP, WCA5/9.4c

Appendix 5: Species legislation and conservation status

Invertebrates A number of UK invertebrates are protected by international and national legislation, including the EC Habitats Directive (1992) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In addition, numerous species are Priority Species under the UK BAP.

Plants All wild plants are protected against unauthorised removal or uprooting under Section 13 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Plants listed on Schedule 8 of the Act (e.g. stinking goosefoot, red helleborine, monkey orchid) are afforded additional protection against picking, uprooting, destruction and sale. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is protected against sale only. Further species are also protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012.

Notable plant species include those that are listed as: · Nationally vulnerable – A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A-E for Vulnerable, and is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild (Cheffings C M & Farrell L (Eds) (2005) Species Status No. 7 – The Vascular Red Data List for Britain, JNCC (online) · Nationally scarce – species recorded in 16-100 hectads in Great Britain · Nationally rare – species occurring in 15 or fewer hectads in Great Britain

Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) prohibits the planting of certain invasive plant species in the wild, or otherwise causing them to grow there. Prohibited plants are listed on Part 2 of Schedule 9 and include Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

Amphibians There are seven native amphibian species present in Britain. These are afforded varying degrees of protection under national and European legislation. Great crested newts and their habitat are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012. Together, this legislation makes it illegal to: · Deliberately capture, injure or kill a great crested newt. · Damage or destroy any place used for shelter or protection, including resting or breeding places; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to such a place. · Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb great crested newts.

Great crested newt and common toad are Priority Species under the UK BAP.

Reptiles Slow-worm, viviparous/common lizard, adder and grass snake are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) against intentional killing and injuring. These species are also UK BAP Priority Species.

Birds The bird breeding season generally lasts from March to early September for most species. All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and the Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. This legislation makes it illegal, both intentionally and recklessly, to: · kill, injure or take any wild bird; · take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or in use; · take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird

Furthermore, birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are protected against intentional or reckless disturbance whilst nest building and when at or near a nest containing eggs or young. Dependent young of Schedule 1 species are also protected against disturbance.

In addition to this legal protection, the leading governmental and non- governmental conservation organisations in the UK have reviewed the population status of the birds regularly found here and produced a list of birds of conservation concern. Of the 246 species assessed, 52 were placed on the Red List of high conservation concern, 126 on the Amber List of medium conservation concern and 68 on the Green List of low conservation concern: · Red list species are those that are Globally Threatened according to IUCN criteria; those whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery. · Amber list species are those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe; those whose population or range has declined moderately in recent years; and those with internationally important or localised populations.

Badgers Badger (Meles meles) is a widespread and common species. However, they are legally protected under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, due to animal welfare concerns. Under this legislation it is illegal to:

· Wilfully kill, injure, take, or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or attempt to do so · Intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett by disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, damaging or destroying a sett, or obstructing access to it.

A badger sett is defined in the legislation as “any structure or place, which displays signs indicating current use by a badger”.

Bats There are 17 species of bats found in the UK. The UK conservation status of these species is summarised in the table below:

Common name Scientific name UK conservation UK BAP status Priority Greater horseshoe Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Endangered Yes Lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros Endangered Yes Daubenton’s Myotis daubentonii Not threatened No Brandt’s Myotis brandtii Endangered No Whiskered Myotis mystacinus Endangered No Natterer’s Myotis nattereri Not threatened No Bechstein’s Myotis bechsteinii Rare Yes Greater mouse-eared Myotis myotis Status unknown No Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Not threatened No Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus Not threatened Yes Nathusius’s pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii Rare No Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Vulnerable No Noctule Nyctalus noctula Vulnerable Yes Leisler’s Nyctalus leisleri Vulnerable No Barbastelle Barbastellabarabastellus Rare Yes Brown long-eared Plectorus auritus Not threatened Yes Grey long-eared Plectorus austriacus Rare No

All bat species are afforded full protection under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012. Together, this legislation makes it illegal to: · Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat. · Damage or destroy a bat roost; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to bat roosts. · Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb bats.

A bat roost is defined in the legislation as “any structure or place which a bat uses for shelter or protection”. Roosts are protected whether or not bats are present at the time.

Otter Otters (Lutra lutra) are fully protected under UK and European legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and

Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012. Together, this legislation makes it illegal to: · Deliberately capture, injure or kill an otter · Damage or destroy any structure or place used for shelter or protection by an otter; or intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to such a place. · Deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb an otter whilst it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection Otter is listed as a Priority Species on the UK BAP.

Water vole Water vole are afforded full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which make it illegal to · Kill, injure or take a water vole. · intentionally or recklessly destroy, damage or obstruct access to any structure or place that is used by a water vole for shelter or protection. · intentionally or recklessly disturb a water vole whilst it is in a place used for shelter or protection. Water vole is also a Priority Species under the UK BAP.

Appendix 6: Species list

Scientific Name Common Name Trees Alnus glutinosa Alder Acer campestre Field maple Betula pendula Silver birch Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Fagus sylvatica Beech Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ilex aquifolium Holly Larix decidua European larch Populus spp Poplar Quercus sp. Oak species Salix fragilis Crack willow Ulmus procera English elm Shrubs Buddleja davidii Butterfly bush Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Euonymus europaeus Spindle Lonicera pericyclamen Honeysuckle Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog-rose Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble/Blackberry Salix cinerea Grey willow Sambucus nigra Elder Herbs Anthriscus sylvestris Cow parsley Apium nodiflorum Fool’s-watercress Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort Arum maculatum Arum lilly Asplenium scolopendium Hart’s-tongue Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed Centaurea nigra Common knapweed Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle Galium aparine Cleavers Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert Geum urbanum Wood avens Hedera helix Ivy Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Epilobium sp. Willowherb species Geranium molle Dove’s-foot crane’s-bill Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy Hypochaeris radicata Cat’s-ear Medicago lupulina Black medick Mercurialis perennis Dog’s-mercury Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain

Scientific Name Common Name Plantago major Greater plantain Ranunculis acris Meadow buttercup Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Rumex obtusifolius Broadleaved dock Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort Stellaria media Common chickweed Taraxacum sp. Dandelion Trifolium repens White clover Urtica dioica Common nettle Vicia sp. Vetch species Grasses, sedges and rushes Arrhenatherum elatius False oat-grass Bracypodium sylvaticum False brome Carex pendula Pendulous sedge Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot Glyceria fluitans Floating sweet-grass Juncus effusus Soft rush Juncus inflexus Hard rush Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog Lolium perenne Perennial rye-grass

Appendix 7: Photographs

Photograph 1: Building 1- Livestock barn.

Photograph 2: Building 3- livestock barn.

Photograph 3: Building 6 (background) and 7 (foreground).

Photograph 4: Mature crack willow along the stream