REPORT
Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme: Environmental Statement
Chapter 16 Terrestrial Ecology
Client: North Ayrshire Council
Reference: PB4749-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0016 Status: Final/P01.01 Date: 31 January 2020
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Document title: Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme: Environmental Statement
Document short title: Reference: PB4749-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0016 Status: P01.01/Final Date: 31 January 2020 Project name: Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme Project number: PB4749 Author(s): Jen McMillan
Drafted by: Jen McMillan
Checked by: Gordon Campbell
Date / initials: 12/11/2019
Approved by: Frank Fortune
Date / initials: 10/12/2019
Classification Project related
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Table of Contents
16 Terrestrial Ecology 1 16.1 Introduction 1 16.2 Legislation, Policy and Guidance 1 16.3 Consultation 8 16.4 Methodology 8 16.5 Existing Environment 15 16.6 Impact Assessment 22 16.7 Interactions 38 16.8 References 44
Table of Tables
Table 16-1 Summary of key legislation and policy relevant to this proposed scheme 2 Table 16-2 Relevant local planning policies 5 Table 16-3 Consultation responses 8 Table 16-4 Study areas 10 Table 16-5 Definitions of importance levels for terrestrial ecology 11 Table 16-6 Definitions of magnitude levels for terrestrial ecology 12 Table 16-7 Impact significance matrix 14 Table 16-8 Impact significance definitions 14 Table 16-9 Non Statutory Designated Sites 16 Table 16-10 Embedded mitigation measures for terrestrial ecology 24 Table 16-11 Embedded mitigation through Best Practice and Policy 24 Table 16-12 Potential Cumulative Impacts 34 Table 16-13 Summary of projects considered for the CIA in relation to terrestrial ecology 35 Table 16-14 Inter-topic relationships 38 Table 16-15 Potential interactions between impacts on terrestrial ecology 39 Table 16-16 Potential Impacts Identified for Terrestrial and Coastal Ecology 42
Table of Figures
Figure 16-1 Project Infrastructure and Study Boundaries Figure 16-2 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Figure 16-3 Designated Sites
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Figure 16-4 Otter and Polecat records Figure 16-5 Bat records Figure 16-6 Reptile records Figure 16-7 Invasive non- native species records
Appendices
Appendix 16.1: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey (EP1HS)
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Acronyms
Acronym Acronym description
AJPU Ayrshire Joint Planning Unit
BCT Bat Conservation Trust
BSBI Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland
CARS Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme
CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan
CIA Cumulative Impact Assessment
CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
CIRIA Construction Industry Research and Information Association
DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges
EAP Ecological Action Plan
EcIA Ecological Impact assessment
ECoW Ecological Clerk of Works
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EP1HS Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey
EPS European Protected Species
ES Environmental Statement
EU European Union
ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone Management
ILP Institute of Lighting Engineers
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JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee
LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan
LDP Local Development Plan
LNCS Local Nature Conservation Sites
MAGIC Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside
NALBAP North Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan
NBN National Biodiversity Network
NPF National Planning Framework
NPMS National Plant Monitoring Scheme
NPPG National Planning Policy guidelines
OS Ordnance Survey
PANS Planning Advice Notes
PEA Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
SAC Special Area of Conservation
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment
SNH Scottish Natural Heritage
SPA Special Protection Area
SPP Scottish Planning Policy
SSSI Special Site of Scientific Interest
SWSEIC South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre
SWT Scottish Wildlife Trust
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TPO Tree Preservation Order
UKBAP United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan
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Glossary
Glossary Term Glossary Text
Bats Study Area 5km from Terrestrial Ecology Study Area
Desk Study Area 2km from Terrestrial Ecology Study Area
Ecological Impact EIA specifically for ecological receptors (i.e. habitats and species) which may be Assessment (EcIA) affected, following guidance published by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine (2018) as amended
Environmental A statutory process by which certain planned projects must be assessed before a Impact Assessment formal decision to proceed can be made. It involves the collection and (EIA) consideration of environmental information, which fulfils the assessment requirements of the EIA Directive and EIA Regulations, including the publication of an Environmental Statement.
Environmental A document reporting the findings of the EIA and produced in accordance with the Statement (ES) EIA Directive as transposed into UK law by the EIA Regulations.
Holt Resting place for otter
The scheme consists of offshore rock armour structures which will be built in the Millport Coastal vicinity of the rock islets within Millport Bay. Onshore works will include flood Flood Protection walls, improvement works to existing coast protection structures, and works to Scheme raise the level of existing grass areas. Works on the foreshore include shore- connected rock armour breakwaters and rock armour revetments.
Terrestrial Ecology 250m from the footprint of the proposed scheme Study Area
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16 Terrestrial Ecology
16.1 Introduction 1. This chapter of the Environmental Statement (ES) considers the potential impacts of the proposed Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme (the ‘proposed scheme’) on terrestrial ecology. Potential impacts on birds are discussed in full in Chapter 11 Offshore and Coastal Ornithology . Impacts on the intertidal ecology are discussed in full in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology .
2. This chapter provides an overview of the existing baseline environment in respect to terrestrial ecology within a study area (see Section 16.4.1.4) around the proposed scheme’s infrastructure (Figure 16-1a and 16-1b). This chapter then provides the findings from an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) that has been undertaken of the potential impacts of construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed scheme based on this baseline environment. This EcIA also considers cumulative impacts of existing and proposed projects in respect to terrestrial ecology.
3. The potential effects on terrestrial ecology are assessed conservatively using realistic worst-case scenarios for the proposed scheme.
4. All figures referred to in this chapter are provided in Volume II of this ES.
5. Other chapters which this chapter interacts with are identified in Section 16.6.8.
6. The assessment of potential effects has been made with specific reference to Scotland’s National Planning Framework and Planning Policy. These are discussed further in Chapter 2 Policy and Legislation and outlined below in Section 16.2. These are the principal decision-making documents for flood protection schemes.
7. This Chapter has been prepared by Royal HaskoningDHV, using information obtained from a suite of ecological field surveys that have been undertaken by Royal HaskoningDHV ecologists. The assessment follows guidance published by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine (2018) as amended.
8. Additional information to support the assessment of impacts on terrestrial ecology is provided separately in the following appendices:
• Appendix 16.1: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey (EP1HS) (Volume III of this ES).
16.2 Legislation, Policy and Guidance
16.2.1 Legislation 9. There are a number of pieces of legislation applicable to terrestrial ecology, with the following key pieces of International, UK and Scottish legislation being relevant to this chapter. Further on the following legislation is provided in Chapter 2 Policy and Legislation .
10. Table 16-1 below provides a brief summary of the key legislation and policy relevant to the scheme.
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Table 16-1 Summary of key legislation and policy relevant to this proposed scheme
Legislation Relevance
This Directive provides protection for specific habitats listed in Annex I and species listed in Annex II of the Directive. The Directive sets out decision making procedures for the protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Habitats Directive - Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Special Protection Areas (SPA), implemented in Scotland Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and through the Flora Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended), and in England and Wales through The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
This Directive provides a framework for the conservation and management of wild birds in Europe (also see Chapter 11 Offshore and Coastal Ornithology ). The most relevant provisions of the Directive are the identification and classification of SPAs for rare or vulnerable species listed in Annex I of the Directive and for all regularly occurring migratory species (required by Birds Directive - Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Article 4). It also establishes a general scheme of Conservation of Wild Birds protection for all wild birds (required by Article 5). The Directive requires national Governments to establish SPAs and to have in place mechanisms to protect and manage them. The SPA protection procedures originally set out in Article 4 of the Birds Directive have been replaced by the Article 6 provisions of the Habitats Directive.
Codifies the EU Directive 2009/147/EC (the Birds Directive) into UK law. This Act makes it an offence (with exception to species listed in Schedule 2 and with additional penalties for species listed in Schedule 1) to intentionally: kill, injure, or take any wild bird; take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest i s in use or being built; and take or destroy an egg of any wild bird. The Act makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (includes take any animal listed in Schedule 5 of the act and protects amendments made via the Wildlife and Natural occupied and unoccupied places used for shelter or Environment (Scotland) Act 2011) protection. The Act makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy any wild plant listed in Schedule 8 of the Act. The Act makes it a criminal offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow any non-native, invasive species listed under Schedule 9 of the Act. The Act makes provision for the notification and confirmation of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 duties on public bodies in relation to the conservation of biodiversity, increases protection for Sites of Special
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Legislation Relevance
Scientific Interest (SSSI) from that set out in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), amends legislation on Nature Conservation Orders, provides for Land Management Orders for SSSIs and associated land, strengthens wildlife enforcement legislation (to include ‘reckless’ acts).
Codifies the EU Directive 92/43/EEC (The Habitats Directive) into UK law. The Regulations transpose the Council Directive 92 / 43 / EEC the ‘Habitats Directive’ in to national law (in respect of Scotland) and requires the state to designate SACs. The Regulations make it an offence (subject to exceptions) to deliberately capture, kill, disturb, or trade in the animals listed in Schedule 2, or pick, collect, cut, uproot, destroy, or trade in the plants listed in Schedule 4. Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1 994 (as The Regulations require competent authorities to consider amended) or review planning permission, applied for or granted, affecting a European site, and, subject to certain exceptions, restrict or revoke permission where the integrity of the site would be adversely affected. The Regulations details the protection given to European protected species of animals and plants. This section also describes the licensing system, which is used to permit certain activities that would otherwise be illegal.
Scotland has devolved power under Marine and Coastal Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 Access Act 2009 for marine planning, licencing, designated MPAs and seal protection.
16.2.2 Policies and Plans 11. The policies and plans outlined below have also been reviewed for their relevance to terrestrial ecology when undertaking the EcIA for the proposed scheme.
16.2.2.1 National Plans National Planning Framework: 12. Scotland’s third National Planning Framework (NPF) (Scottish Government, 2014a) includes the following ambitions relevant to terrestrial ecology at Millport and these have been considered when undertaking the EcIA for the proposed scheme:
• Para 4.10 The 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity aims to promote and enhance Scotland’s nature, and to better connect people with the natural world. Maintaining our natural capacity to provide services makes economic sense – to help achieve this, biodiversity in Scotland needs to be viewed at a landscape scale;
13. And:
14. The coast and islands will capitalise on their world-class environment.
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• Para 4.29 The environment of our coastal areas, on land and at sea, is an outstanding, internationally important resource. These natural assets support quality of life and underpin important economic sectors like tourism, outdoor recreation and food and drink. • Para 4.30 The marine environment, and its natural resources, are central to this. National and Regional Marine Plans will provide policies to achieve sustainable development, protection and, where appropriate, enhancement of the marine area. Onshore, land management practices, including crofting in the north and west and on the islands, help to sustain unique cultural and natural environments. • Para 4.31 As climate change impacts on Scotland’s coastline, there will be a need to address the long-term resilience of some island and coastal communities.
Natural Environment White Paper 2011 15. The paper was the first White Paper produced by the government in 20 years. The paper contains plans to reconnect nature, connect people and nature for better quality of life and capture and improve the value of nature.
A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment 2018 16. The plan sets out 10 goals and a range of high-level policies aimed at helping “the natural world regain and retain good health”. The key policies within the plan relevant for this chapter are: • Embedding an ‘environmental net gain’ principle for development, including housing and infrastructure; • Focusing on woodland to maximise its many benefits; and • Protecting and recovering nature (including improving biosecurity to protect and conserve nature).
Scottish Planning Policy 17. Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) (Scottish Government, 2014b) contains the following Policy Principles with regards to Valuing the Natural Environment and these have been taken into consideration when undertaking the EcIA for the proposed scheme:
18. The planning system should: • Facilitate positive change while maintaining and enhancing distinctive landscape character; • Conserve and enhance protected sites and species, taking account of the need to maintain healthy ecosystems and work with the natural processes which provide important services to communities; • Promote protection and improvement of the water environment, including rivers, lochs, estuaries, wetlands, coastal waters and groundwater, in a sustainable and co-ordinated way; • Seek to protect soils from damage such as erosion or compaction; • Protect and enhance ancient semi-natural woodland as an important and irreplaceable resource, together with other native or long-established woods, hedgerows and individual trees with high nature conservation or landscape value; • Seek benefits for biodiversity from new development where possible, including the restoration of degraded habitats and the avoidance of further fragmentation or isolation of habitats; and • Support opportunities for enjoying and learning about the natural environment.
19. The presence (or potential presence) of a legally protected species is an important consideration in decisions on planning applications. If there is evidence to suggest that a protected species is present on site or may be affected by a proposed development, steps must be taken to establish their presence. The level of protection afforded by legislation must be factored into the planning and design of the development and any impacts must be fully considered prior to the determination of the application. Certain activities – for example those involving European Protected Species as specified
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in the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 and wild birds, protected animals and plants under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – may only be undertaken under licence. Following the introduction of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011, Scottish Natural Heritage is now responsible for the majority of wildlife licensing in Scotland.
Planning Advice Notes (PANS) 20. Planning Advice Note (PAN) 1/2013: Environmental Impact Assessment explains the role of individual planning authorities and that of the Consultation Bodies in EIA, as well as providing guidance on the ways in which EIA can be integrated into the overall development management process.
21. PAN 60: Planning for Natural Heritage provides advice on how development and the planning system can contribute to the conservation, enhancement, enjoyment and understanding of Scotland's natural environment and encourages developers and planning authorities to be positive and creative in addressing natural heritage issues. It complements the National Planning Policy Guideline on Natural Heritage (NPPG 14), with examples of good planning practice in relation to natural heritage drawn from across Scotland highlighted in a number of case studies.
16.2.2.2 Local Plans 22. The proposed scheme falls within the North Ayrshire Council local authority boundaries. North Ayrshire adopted its new Local Development Plan 2 in November 2019 (North Ayrshire Council, 2019).
23. For the purpose of the new Local Plan, Millport and the footprint of the proposed scheme is categorised to be within ‘Developed Coast’. A number of policies which primarily relate to the management of water resources, and which are inter-linked with terrestrial ecology are discussed in Chapter 7 Marine Water and Sediment Quality .
24. The Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan ‘Growing A Sustainable Ayrshire’ (North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council, 2007) establishes a framework that brings together the aspirations of communities with those of business and industry, and the area’s many supporting agencies and organisations, to provide a strategic land use context to the year 2025. The Plan classes Great Cumbrae as a ‘potential area’ for a woodland strategy. For woodland management and expansion.
25. Table 16-2 provides details of the local planning policy documents and the relevant policies in respect to terrestrial ecology. These policy document have been considered when undertaking the EcIA for the proposed scheme.
Table 16-2 Relevant local planning policies Policy / Document Policy / Guidance purpose Guidance
Policy 16: North Ayrshire To support development which would not have an unacceptable adverse Protection of Council Local effect on our valuable natural environment as defined by the following our Designated Development legislative and planning designations Plan, November Sites 2019 (North Policy 18: Where the loss of trees, hedgerows or woodlands of merit is unavoidable Ayrshire Council, Forestry, and compensatory planting is required, replacement trees should be of a 2019) Woodland,
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Policy / Document Policy / Guidance purpose Guidance
Trees and similar scale and massing to the loss or if smaller there should be Hedgerows additional tree planting committed to ensure a net gain is achieved.
Policy 22: Protecting and enhancing the ecological status and riparian habitat, Water natural heritage, landscape values and physical characteristics of water Environment bodies (including biodiversity and geodiversity); Quality
Protecting and preventing loss of wildlife habitats, flora and fauna; North Ayrshire Challenge 3: To Supporting the creation of new habitats and habitat networks in both the Council protect and rural and urban environment through local biodiversity action planning; Environmental enhance the Conserving and enhancing the quality and character of the landscape; Policy, 2012 natural Promoting the value of ecosystem services, including green engineering (North Ayrshire environment technology; and Council, 2012a) Encouraging sustainable public access to and enjoyment of the outdoors.
North Ayrshire Council Tree and To set out how the Council will effectively manage trees and woodlands Woodland for which it is responsible ensuring that they positively contribute to the Management - area and achievement of the corporate priorities of the Council whilst Policy (North meeting legal obligations Ayrshire Council, 2012b)
The three Ayrshire Councils shall: Recognise international and national natural heritage designations and the statutory protection afforded by them; ENV 7 Natural Support the identification of additional local natural reserves and continue Heritage to work with other stakeholders to implement the Ayrshire Local Designations Biodiversity Action Plan Local plans shall include policies based on the Scottish Executive Model Ayrshire Joint Policies for the protection for all sites of recognised international and Structure Plan national natural heritage importance. (2014) ENV 9 Water The three Ayrshire councils shall work with other agencies to introduce the Framework Water Framework Directive into Planning Policy. Directive
ENV 10 Integrated North and South Ayrshire Councils shall bring forward proposals for a Coastal Zone coastal zone management plan for the Ayrshire coastline. Management
16.2.2.3 Biodiversity Action Plan 26. At the Rio summit in 1992 world leaders pledged to fight against wildlife’s extinction and strive to protect the variety of living nature on earth and the Convention on Biological Diversity was signed.
27. The UK generated the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) in response to this agreement. Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP) were adopted at the county level to generate action on the ground and help meet UK targets.
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28. Ayrshire is comprised of the three unitary authorities of East, North and South Ayrshire, including a range of islands (Arran, Great Cumbrae, Little Cumbrae and Ailsa Craig, etc.). It is a cohesive bio- geographical unit from an environmental perspective as it is bounded by the sea and by watersheds. The delivery of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) within Ayrshire was historically a joint project with the neighbouring authorities of South and East Ayrshire and led by the Ayrshire Joint Planning Unit (AJPU).
29. With the closure of the AJPU in the summer of 2013, a revised approach was required to address North Ayrshire Council’s statutory biodiversity duty and address the Scottish Government’s 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland. As such, the following revisions were made:
• Ayrshire LBAP 2012-2017 Revision; • North Ayrshire LBAP 2015-2018 Revision; and • North Ayrshire LBAP 2019-2031
16.2.3 Guidance 30. The impact assessment has been based upon the following guidance and standards: • Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (2018) as amended Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine (Version 1.1); • CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Report Writing (2nd Edition, December 2017). • A Handbook on Environmental Impact Assessment (Version 5) (Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), 2018); • British Standard 42020:2013 –Biodiversity. Code of Practice for planning and development (British Standard, 2013); • CIRIA Guidance note C741 Environmental Good Practice on Site Guide (4th edition) (CIRIA, 2015); • Scottish Biodiversity List (Biodiversity Scotland, undated); • Scottish Natural Heritage website: Protected Species https://www.nature.scot/professional- advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and-species/protected-species Accessed 29.01.20 (SNH, 2019a); • Scottish Natural Heritage website: Otters: licences for surveys and research (2019) https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and- species/licensing/species-licensing-z-guide/otters-and-licensing/otters-licences-surveys-and) (SNH, 2019b); • Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat survey –A technique for environmental audit (JNCC, 2010); • GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2015) Species Information; • British Standard 5837: 2012 – Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction; • Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) and Institute of Lighting Engineers (ILP) (2018) Bats and Artificial Lighting in the UK; • Dean et al. (2016) The Water Vole Mitigation Handbook (The Mammal Society Guidance Series); • Edgar et al. (2010) Reptile Habitat Management Handbook; • English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines; • Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) (2003) Herpetofauna Worker’s Manual; • Strachan and Moorhouse (2011) Water Vole Conservation Handbook, 3rd Edition; and • SNH survey guidance and standing advice on individual protected species.
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16.3 Consultation 31. To inform the ES, North Ayrshire Council has undertaken a thorough pre-application consultation process, which has included the following key stages: o Screening and Scoping Reports submitted to Marine Scotland and North Ayrshire Council (Royal HaskoningDHV 2017); and o Scoping Opinion received from Marine Scotland and North Ayrshire Council.
32. Full details of the proposed scheme’s consultation process to date is presented within Chapter 3 EIA Methodology and Consultation.
33. A summary of the consultation carried out at key stages throughout the proposed scheme, of particular relevance to terrestrial and coastal ecology, is presented in Table 16-3. Although invited to respond to the proposed scheme’s Scoping Report, no responses were received from Marine Conservation Society, RSPB Scotland, National Trust Scotland or World Wildlife Fund (Scotland).
Table 16-3 Consultation responses Consultee Date/ Comment Response / Where Document addressed in the ES
The report correctly identifies the key areas of concern to this organisation and these issues have been adequately described. Baseline is described in Scottish Scoping Report: The proposed measures for baseline Section 16.5 and Impact Natural 05/05/17 surveys and completing the assessment of Assessment is described Heritage the potential impacts on the natural heritage in Section 16.6. should lead to a fair assessment of the project.
16.4 Methodology 34. This section describes the methodology used to obtain baseline data, characterise the terrestrial ecology of the area and undertake the EcIA. The primary study area is the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area (which extends 250m from the footprint of the proposed scheme) however due to the buffer caused by the buildings of the town, the majority of impacts are considered to occur in the coastal area. Species or data-specific deviations from this are discussed in Section 16.4.1 and Section 16.4.1.2, and summarised in Section 16.4.1.4. Baseline data was obtained through a number of sources, namely:
• Desk study; • An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey (EP1HS); and • An Otter Presence / Absence Survey.
35. An Intertidal Survey was also undertaken and is reported in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology .
16.4.1 Baseline Data
16.4.1.1 Data Sources – Desk Study 36. Biological records were obtained from the South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre (SWSEIC) in November 2017 and is provided in Annex C of Appendix 16.1. The data search returned
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all records of statutory and non-statutory designated sites for nature conservation within 2km of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area boundary. The data search also searched for records of protected and notable species within 2km of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area boundary (5km for bat species). The data search was repeated in December 2019 to capture any recent records within the EcIA and has been incorporated into this assessment. The updated search is in digital format and is available on request.
37. The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website (www.magic.gov.uk) and the Scottish Natural Heritage website (www.nature.scot) were reviewed for information on statutory and non-statutory designated sites and notable habitats (e.g. ancient woodlands) of nature conservation importance within 2km of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas was also reviewed for recorded of protected or notable species and habitats within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area.
38. A search for water bodies within 250m of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area was made using Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. A search area of 250m was chosen having taken into account the habitats around the survey area. Although great crested newts can use suitable terrestrial habitat up to 500m from a breeding pond (Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, Froglife, 2001), research suggests that newts are likely to travel no more than 250m from ponds where suitable habitats for foraging and hibernation exist 1. 16.4.1.2 Data Sources – Site Specific Surveys and Reports 39. An EP1HS and an Otter Presence/Absence Survey was conducted (Appendix 16.1, Royal HaskoningDHV 2018a). These surveys were completed in conjunction with an Intertidal Survey (Appendix 8.2 Royal HaskoningDHV, 2018b) which focussed on the intertidal habitats offshore and adjacent to the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area in the EP1HS (Royal HaskoningDHV, 2018a). Intertidal ecology is reported in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology .
40. The EP1HS and Otter Presence/Absence Survey covered the terrestrial habitats within the footprint of the proposed scheme plus an additional 250m buffer, as presented in Figure 16-2. It was designed to cover all terrestrial areas which may be impacted by the proposed scheme and extends from the old Lido in the west through Newtown Bay and Kames Bay and out towards Farland Point in the east. Habitats on the far side of houses and streets with no connectivity to the footprint of the proposed scheme were not surveyed and it is assumed the buildings will provide screening for noise/air quality related impacts. The EP1HS comprised three components, which collectively enabled a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area to be undertaken. These components included:
• A desktop review that summarised information on existing protected species records and nature conservation designations in the area; • An assessment of the habitats recorded within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area obtained from the ecological walkover survey; and • An assessment of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area for its likelihood of supporting protected species or species of conservation concern.
41. Further details on the EP1HS are set out in Appendix 16.1 .
1 Cresswell & Whitworth, 2004, An assessment of the efficiency of capture techniques and the value of different habitats for great crested newt Triturus cristatus, ENRR Number 576
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42. The Otter Presence/Absence Survey involved looking for evidence to confirm the presence/absence of otters within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area and the presence/absence of holts and/or resting places that may be impacted by the scheme. Further details on the survey are set out in Appendix 16.1.
43. Additional ad hoc otter data was gathered during bird surveys (Atlantic Ecology, 2019) during observations of Millport Bay and included access to the Eileans. This additional data has been included within this assessment. Details of the bird surveys can be found in Appendix 11.1.
16.4.1.3 Assumptions and Limitations 44. The EP1HS focussed on the footprint of the proposed scheme as access was not possible to the wider Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. Areas not directly accessed have been assessed using desk review and aerial imagery. Access was also not possible to the Eileans during the EP1HS or otter presence/absence survey, however information gathered from access during the bird surveys has also informed this assessment.
16.4.1.4 Summary of Study Areas 45. A summary of the study areas outlined in Section 16.4.1 and Section 16.4.1.2 is presented below in Table 16-4.
Table 16-4 Study areas Study Area Distance from scheme boundary Data type obtained
Terrestrial Ecology Study Area: EP1HS, otter, reptiles, amphibians, 250m Desk study and field survey badger, red squirrel, pine martin, invasive non-native species
Desk Study Area: All habitats and 2km from Terrestrial Ecology Study species, including nature Desk study Area conservation designated sites
5km from Terrestrial Ecology Study Bats Study Area Desk study Area
16.4.2 Impact Assessment Methodology
16.4.2.1 EcIA Methodology 46. General methods for EIA are discussed in Chapter 3 EIA Methodology and Consultation . The EcIA methodology proposed in relation to terrestrial ecology is based on the Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal and Marine (CIEEM, 2018). These guidelines aim to predict the residual impacts on important ecological features affected, either directly or indirectly by a development, once all the appropriate mitigation has been implemented.
47. The approach to determining the significance of an impact follows a systematic process for all impacts. This involves identifying, qualifying and, where possible, quantifying the sensitivity, importance and magnitude of all ecological receptors which have been scoped into this assessment.
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Using this information, a significance of each potential impact has been determined. Each of these steps is set out in the remainder of this section.
48. The EcIA has used professional judgement to ensure the assessed significance level is appropriate for each individual receptor, taking account of local importance for biodiversity to avoid a subjective assessment wherever possible as per the CIEEM guidelines. As a result, the assessed significance level may not always be directly attributed to the guidance matrix detailed below.
Importance 49. The first stage of an EcIA is determining the ‘importance’ of ecological features or ‘receptors’. CIEEM identifies the important ecological features as those key sites, habitats and species which have been identified by European, national and local governments and specialist organisations as a key focus for biodiversity conservation in the UK. These include: • Statutory and non-statutory designated sites for nature conservation; • Species occurring on national biodiversity lists; • UK Habitats of Principal Importance; • SNH Priority habitats and species; and • Red listed, rare or legally protected species.
50. Importance is also qualified by the geographic context of an ecological receptor, i.e. a species which may be not recognised on a national biodiversity list may be locally in decline, and therefore its local importance is greater than its national importance.
51. For this EcIA, the guidelines outlined in Table 16-5 will be followed to provide the relative importance of different ecological features.
Table 16 -5 Definitions of importance levels for terrestrial ecology Importance Definition
An internationally designated site or candidate site or an area which the statutory nature conservation organisation has determined meets the published selection criteria for such designation, irrespective of whether or not it has yet been notified; A nationally designated site or a discrete area, including ancient woodlands, which the statutory nature conservation organisation has determined meets the published selection criteria for national designation (e.g. SSSI selection guidelines) irrespective of whether or not it has yet been notified; High A viable area of a habitat type listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, or smaller areas of such habitat which are essential to maintain the viability of a larger whole; A viable area of a UK Habitat of Principal Importance or smaller areas of such habitat which are essential to maintain the viability of a larger whole; A European protected species listed in Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended); or A regularly occurring, nationally significant population / number of any internationally important species.
Local Authority designated sites and other sites which the designating authority has determined meet the published ecological selection criteria for designation, including Local Nature Reserves selected on defined ecological criteria and Wildlife Trust sites; Medium Viable areas of habitat identified in a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP); Semi-natural woodland greater than 0.5 hectares (ha) which is considered to be in ‘good condition’;
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Importance Definition
Any regularly occurring population of a nationally important species which is threatened or rare in the region; or A regularly occurring, locally significant number of a species identified as important on a regional basis.
Semi-natural woodland greater than 0.25ha which is considered to be in ‘good condition’ or greater than 0.5ha in unfavourable condition; Network of inter-connected hedgerows including some species-rich hedgerows; Individual Important hedgerows or other ancient-countryside linear features; Viable areas of habitat identified in a sub-county (District / Borough) BAP; Low Any regularly occurring population of a nationally important species which is not threatened or rare in the region or county; Sites / features that are scarce within the District / Borough or which appreciably enrich the District / Borough habitat resource; or Other features identified as wildlife corridors or migration routes.
Negligible Features of importance to the immediate area only e.g. within the site.
52. In addition to the features listed in Table 16-5, ecological features which play a key functional role in the landscape or are locally rare have been considered. The importance of such features has been determined by professional judgement.
53. CIEEM places the emphasis on using professional judgement when considering importance of ecological receptors, based on available guidance, information and expert advice (CIEEM, 2018). Different aspects of ecological importance should be taken into account, including designations, biodiversity importance, potential importance, secondary or supporting importance, social importance, economic importance, legal protection and multi-functional features.
Magnitude 54. The magnitude of the impact is assessed according to: • The extent of the area subject to a predicted impact; • The duration the impact is expected to last prior to recovery or replacement of the resource or feature; • Whether the impact is reversible, with recovery through natural or spontaneous regeneration, or through the implementation of mitigation measures or irreversible, when no recovery is possible within a reasonable timescale or there is no intention to reverse the impact; and • The timing and frequency of the impact, i.e. conflicting with critical seasons or increasing impact through repetition.
55. Table 16-6 summarises the definitions of magnitude that have been used for the terrestrial ecology receptors.
Table 16-6 Definitions of magnitude levels for terrestrial ecology Magnitude Definition
Major impacts on the feature / population, which would have a sufficient effect to alter the nature High of the feature in the short to long term and affect its long-term viability. For example, more than 20% habitat loss or damage.
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Magnitude Definition
Impacts that are detectable in short and long-term, but which should not alter the long-term Medium viability of the feature / population. For example, between 10 - 20% habitat loss or damage.
Minor impacts, either of sufficiently small-scale or of short duration to cause no long-term harm to Low the feature / population. For example, less than 10% habitat loss or damage.
Negligible / A potential impact that is not expected to affect the feature / population in any way, therefore no No Impact effects are predicted.
Duration 56. The definitions of duration used within this EcIA are dependent on the individual ecological receptor, and how sensitive it is to effects over different timescales. However, in general terms the following definitions have been used: • Short term : effects which at most occur over a part of, or over a part of a key period of, a species’ active season or a habitat’s growing season, i.e. typically effects which occur over a matter of days or weeks; • Medium term : effects which occur over the full duration of a species’ active season or a habitat’s growing season, i.e. typically effects which occur over a matter of months or one year; and • Long term : effects which occur over the multiple active or growing seasons, i.e. typically effects which occur over more than one year.
57. Where deviations from these definitions are used within Section 16.6, this is explained within the text.
Impact Significance 58. Following the identification of receptor importance and magnitude of the effect, it is possible to determine the significance of the impact.
59. Ecologically significant impacts are defined as:
60. ‘…impacts on structure and function of defined sites, habitats or ecosystems and the conservation status of habitats and species (including extent, abundance and distribution)’ (CIEEM, 2018).
61. Impacts are unlikely to be significant where features of low importance are subject to small scale or short-term effects. If an impact is found not to be significant at the level at which the resource or feature has been valued for its importance, it may be significant at a more local level.
62. CIEEM recommend that the following factors are taken into account when determining significance for selected ecological receptors:
• Designated/defined sites and Ecosystems o Designated sites: is the proposed scheme and associated activities likely to undermine the site’s conservation objectives, or positively or negatively affect the conservation status of species or habitats for which the site is designated, or may it have positive or negative effects on the condition of the site or its interest/qualifying features? Ecosystems: is the proposed scheme likely to result in a change in ecosystem structure and function?
• Habitats and Species
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o Habitats: conservation status is determined by the sum of the influences acting on the habitat that may affect its extent, structure and functions as well as its distribution and its typical species within a given geographical area. o Species: conservation status is determined by the sum of influences acting on the species concerned that may affect its abundance and distribution within a given geographical area (CIEEM, 2018).
63. Following the identification of receptor importance and magnitude of effect, the significance of the impact has been considered using the matrix presented in Table 16-7 below and knowledge of the ecological features affected.
64. The assessment of potential impacts has been undertaken assuming implementation of embedded mitigation and commitments for the proposed scheme (Section 16.6.2). Residual impacts include any additional mitigation measures required. An assessment of residual impacts is then made, after assuming implementation of additional mitigation measures where required, i.e. the significance of the effects that are predicted to remain after the implementation of all committed mitigation measures.
Table 16-7 Impact significance matrix Negative Magnitude Beneficial Magnitude
High Medium Low Negligible Negligible Low Medium High
High Major Major Moderate Minor Minor Moderate Major Major
Medium Major Moderate Minor Minor Minor Minor Moderate Major
Low Moderate Minor Minor Negligible Negligible Minor Minor Moderate
Sensitivity Sensitivity Negligible Minor Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Minor Minor
65. The impact significance categories are defined as shown in Table 16-8.
Table 16-8 Impact significance definitions Impact Definition Significance
Very large or large change in receptor condition, both adverse or beneficial, which are likely to be important considerations at a regional or district level because they contribute to achieving Major national, regional or local objectives, or, could result in exceedance of statutory objectives and / or breaches of legislation.
Intermediate change in receptor condition, which are likely to be important considerations at a Moderate local level.
Small change in receptor condition, which may be raised as local issues but are unlikely to be Minor important in the decision making process.
Negligible No discernible change in receptor condition.
No Change No impact, therefore no change in receptor condition.
66. Note that for the purposes of the EcIA, major and moderate impacts are deemed to be significant. In addition, whilst minor impacts are not significant in their own right, it is important to distinguish these from other non-significant impacts as they may contribute to significant impacts cumulatively or through interactions.
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67. Embedded mitigation has been referred to and included in the initial assessment of impact. If the impact does not require mitigation (or none is possible) the residual impact remains the same. However, if mitigation is required, an assessment of the post-mitigation residual impact is provided.
Cumulative Impact Assessment 68. For an introduction to the methodology used for the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA), please refer to Chapter 3 EIA Methodology and Consultation . This chapter includes those cumulative impacts that are specific to terrestrial ecology.
69. The key consideration used is whether there is spatial or temporal overlap of effects from different projects on the same receptors. Therefore, for habitats and non-mobile species, unless there is a spatial overlap there is no pathway for cumulative impact between spatially separated projects. There is however a potential for a cumulative impact upon the overall habitat resource at a regional or national level. Where potential regional or national level impacts are identified and considered to be relevant they are highlighted in the CIA.
70. For mobile species there is only a pathway for cumulative impact if there is spatial overlap of potential receptor ranges in addition to temporal overlap with the activity or its resultant impact i.e. where developments follow on from one another before the species has recovered from displacement or other impact. In addition, whilst it is assumed that any consented development would be subject to mitigation and management measures which would reduce impacts to non-significant unless there were exceptional circumstances, it is accepted that such projects may contribute to a wider cumulative impact.
71. Finally, in cases where this proposed scheme has negligible or no impact on a receptor (through for example avoidance of impact through routeing or construction methodology) it is considered that there is no pathway for a cumulative impact.
Habitats Regulations Appraisal 72. As detailed in Section 16.5 and on Figure 16-3, due to the distances to any Nature 2000 sites and the lack of connectivity of terrestrial species, there are no impacts anticipated upon Nature 2000 sites or their qualifying features, and as such a Habitats Regulations Appraisal for terrestrial ecology is not required.
16.5 Existing Environment 73. This section describes the existing environment and baseline characterisation of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area and wider Desk Study Areas, including nature conservation designated sites, and legally protected or notable species or habitats.
16.5.1 Statutory and Non Statutory Nature Conservation Designated Sites 74. There are no internationally designated sites on Great Cumbrae or within 2km of the proposed scheme.
75. There is one Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within the footprint of the proposed scheme, and two SSSIs within a 2km buffer. There are no National Nature Reserves or Local Nature Reserves on Great Cumbrae or within 2km of the proposed scheme.
76. The statutory designated sites are considered to be of high ecological importance and are discussed below and shown on Figure 16-3.
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Kames Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 77. Kames Bay SSSI is located within the footprint of the proposed scheme and is designated for its biological (marine and intertidal) coastline habitat, namely its sandflats. It has been studied for over one hundred years and is the classic Scottish site for the study of intertidal marine biology, having contributed more to the understanding of marine biology than any other stretch of beach in Scotland (SNH, 1985). This site is therefore considered further in Chapter 8 Benthic Ecology and is not assessed in this chapter.
Ballochmartin Bay SSSI 78. Ballochmartin Bay SSSI is located approximately 1.7km north east from the proposed scheme on Great Cumbrae, and is also designated for its intertidal sandflat habitat. It contains a number of habitat types and is the most varied section of coastline in Great Cumbrae, and the fauna and flora of the intertidal areas have been intensively surveyed and studied (SNH, 2000). The beach is backed by herb-rich grassland and the roadside verges support slow worm Anguis fragilis . The site is also an important feeding area for waders (considered in Chapter 11 Offshore and Coastal Ornithology ), common seal Phoca vitulina and grey seal Halichoerus grypus (considered in Chapter 10 Marine Mammals and Basking Shark ). Marine ecology features are considered further in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology.
Southannan Sands SSSI 79. Southannan Sands SSSI is located approximately 2km south east of the scheme, on the Scottish mainland coastline, south of Largs. Southannan Sands comprises three discrete areas which together support one of the best examples of intertidal sandflats habitat, alongside associated flora and fauna including dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltei . This site is considered further in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology and is not assessed in this chapter.
Non Statutory Designated Sites 80. There are ten non-statutory sites on Great Cumbrae, seven of which fall within a 2km buffer of the scheme, but none are within the footprint of the scheme (Table 16-9). These sites are designated as Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) Wildlife Sites, and/or as ancient, semi natural or nearly native woodlands and are shown on Figure 16-3. The SWT sites are considered to be of medium ecological importance, whilst ancient woodland is considered to be of high importance ecologically.
Table 16-9 Non Statutory Designated Sites Distance from Grid Site Name Designation type proposed reference scheme
Barbay Hill SWT Wildlife Site NS171569 1.4 km
Bell Bay to Whitebay SWT Wildlife Site NS166586 2.4 km
Farland Point SWT Wildlife Site NS172542 0.3 km
Fintray Bay to Portachur Point SWT Wildlife Site NS151555 0.4 km
Ninian Brae Wood SWT Wildlife Site / Ancient Woodland NS174552 0.04 km
Ballochmartin Ancient and Semi-natural Woodland NS175584 1.7 km
Ballochmartin Bay, Great SWT Wildlife Site NS179570 1.7 km Cumbrae
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Distance from Grid Site Name Designation type proposed reference scheme
Horse Hill Wood Ancient and Semi natural Woodland NS181577 2.4 km
Great Brae Ancient and Semi-natural Woodland NS155544 0.2 km
Ballihewan Wood Ancient and Semi-natural Woodland NS175584 3.2 km
16.5.2 Habitats and Species Protected habitats 81. There are no terrestrial habitats from the Scottish Biodiversity List (Scottish Government, 2007) or NALBAP 2019-31 list within the footprint of the proposed scheme.
82. Inland of the small town, the ground gently rises in altitude and the land opens out to fields with arable field margins, hedgerows, small watercourses and lowland mixed deciduous woodlands. These habitats are listed on the Scottish Biodiversity List and within NALBAP 2019-31. These habitats are of greater ecological importance to the terrestrial habitats on the sea front, and extend into the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area however are set back from the coastline, behind rows of houses, gardens and other buildings within the town. As such there is not considered to be ecological connectivity between these habitats and the proposed scheme.
83. Marine ecology features are considered further in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology .
Built-up areas - Millport 84. Millport is a coastal town with properties extending down to the waterfront. The built-up areas within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area consist of: residential housing, public pathways and roads. Built up areas have limited potential to support protected species and are considered to be of negligible ecological importance.
Amenity grassland - Millport 85. There are several areas of amenity grassland, with ornamental flower pots and scattered planted New Zealand cabbage trees Cordyline australis within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area, alongside a football field and recreational park to the west of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. These areas are characterised with short sward, regularly mown grass species. Daisy Bellis perennis and broad leave dock Rumex obtusifolius were recorded here. Amenity grassland is quick to recover and considered to be of negligible importance ecologically. The cabbage trees are non-native to Scotland, however are not considered to be invasive and are of negligible ecological importance, despite being well established and contributing to the local character of the town.
86. NBN Atlas records silverweed Potentilla anserina, scurvygrass Cochlearia spp , orache Atriplex spp. and curled dock Rumex crispus at Crocodile Rock (Figure 16-2) during the 2016 National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS). Mountain scurvygrass Cochlearia micacea and Scottish scurvygrass Cochlearia officinalis subsp.scotia are both listed on the Scottish Biodiversity List although not specifically recorded within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area.
Semi-improved grassland and scrub - Millport 87. There are areas of poor semi-improved grassland, with patches of scrub vegetation, to the east and west of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. Key species noted include the following:
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• Clover Trifoleum spp ; • Broad leaf dock; • Dog rose Rosa canina ; • Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare ; • Bramble Rubus fruticosus ; • Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata ; • Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare ; and • Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris .
88. To the west of the proposed scheme, along West Bay Road on the western headland, an area of scrub land and deciduous trees are present. These habitats are likely to support greater biodiversity than the amenity grassland and are considered to be of low to medium ecological importance locally. Direct impacts to these habitats are not anticipated.
Scrub habitat - The Eileans 89. The Eileans, two small, low-lying islands located in Millport Bay, were not accessed during the EP1HS but have been historically surveyed by a number of organisations, with results reported on the online resource, NBN Atlas. A number of species were recorded, including gorse Ulex europaeus , yarrow Achillea millefolium , common chickweed Stellaria media , thrift Armeria maritima , rowan Sorbus aucuparia , meadow buttercup Ranunclus acris , common nettle Urtica dioica , curled dock and scurvygrass on the northern Eilean island in 2016 during the National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) (NBN Atlas, undated).
90. Sea plantain Plantago maritima , broad buckley fern Dryopteris dilatate , thrift, silverweed, ragged robin Silene flos-cuculi , bell heather Erica cinerea , yellow iris pseudacrus , soft rush Juncus effuses , bracken Pteridium aquilinum , sea milk-wort Glaux maritima , procumbent pearlwort Sagina procumbens and elder Sambucus nigra were recorded by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) in 1985 on the southern island (NBN Atlas, undated). Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum was recorded in 2002 by BSBI at grid reference NS1654 on the southern Eilean island.
91. The Eileans contain a good level of species diversity compared to the rest of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area, and are considered to be of medium importance locally.
92. No survey data is available for the Leug or Spoig rock outcrops, although these islands are mostly intertidal in nature, with limited opportunity for terrestrial plants to establish.
Flora 93. No legally protected terrestrial flora species were noted within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area during the 2017 survey, however it should be noted that the survey was conducted outside the flowering plant season and as such, the absence of any observations of legally protected or notable flora species during the survey is not an indication that none are present. The records for flora returned by the SWSEIC mainly relate to the SWT Wildlife Sites and Ancient Woodlands, outwith the footprint of the proposed scheme, for which there is not anticipated to be any ecological connectivity. There are no Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) on Great Cumbrae (North Ayrshire Council, undated).
94. Pioneer saltmarsh was recorded during the intertidal survey (Appendix 8.2) as the western extreme of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area near to the lido. The saltmarsh habitat is fully assessed in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology .
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Nesting birds 95. No active nests were observed during the ecological walkover survey; however the survey was conducted outside of the nesting bird season (March to August). All scrub and semi-improved grassland present within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area were assessed as having suitable habitat to support ground-nesting birds. Impacts to birds are considered in Chapter 11 Offshore and Coastal Ornithology.
Otter 96. The European otter is a semi-aquatic mammal, which is common around the freshwater and coastal areas of Scotland. UK Populations are internationally important, especially since their widespread decline across much of their western European range (JNCC, 2004). Populations in coastal areas utilise shallow, inshore marine areas for feeding and require fresh water for bathing and terrestrial areas for resting and breeding holts (JNCC, 2004). Where otters live in coastal area (particularly in Scotland) they tend to have a largely diurnal habitat, live in group territories, and have comparatively small home ranges, typically below 5km (Kruuk, 1995).
97. Otters are EPS, and protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). They are subject to the provisions of Regulation 43 of those Regulations. Otters are also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and are listed as an SNH Priority Species. Otters are also listed on the LBAP. As such, otter are considered to be of high importance.
98. Millport is a busy tourist town, there is potential for otters to traverse the Millport coastline as they move between the headlands and records of the species have been made in the area. NBN Atlas (NBN Atlas, undated) shows 11 records of otter on Great Cumbrae, three of which are within Millport Bay (Figure 16-4). SWSEIC identify 21 records of otter within the Desk Study Area (Figure 16-4).
99. The Terrestrial Ecology Study Area comprised a variety of shore habitats, including shingle, boulder, rocky outcrops and sand, alongside areas of scrub and grassland. Freshwater inputs (i.e. pipes or streams) were observed towards the eastern and western extremities of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area.
100. During the dedicated otter survey undertaken on the coastland of Great Cumbrae, no evidence of otter (such as; spraints, feeding remains, pathways, couches or holts) was noted throughout the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area, and no otter were observed.
101. During the bird surveys (Atlantic Ecology, 2019) access was also gained on The Eileans. On the basis of the field evidence and direct sightings it seemed likely that at least one otter was resident on The Eileans through the survey period. It was also deemed likely that this individual had been resident for at least several months previously.
102. Several large latrines of otter spraints representing several months of accumulation were found in a restricted area in the north-east corner of South Eilean on the 30 April 2018 survey visit (Figure 16- 4). These were located along a grassy rock-ledge that forms a ramp from the sea and a pathway leading for about 15m to a runnel into dense bushy undergrowth. It is considered likely that this runnel leads to an otter holt in the undergrowth (the undergrowth was too dense to investigate further).
103. Individual otter spraints of varying ages were also found at a number of widely spread locations on both North Eilean and South Eilean. A fresh spraint was also found on South Island on the 2 July visit. Two fresh spraints were also found on the Great Cumbrae mainland on the 17 May 2018 visit on rocky shore at Port Loy, the part of the coast closest to South Eilean.
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104. On the 17 May 2018 visit an adult otter was watched at close range foraging in the middle of the day close to the southern shore of North Eilean. Later the same afternoon what was presumably the same individual was seen foraging on and around The Spoig, the rocky skerry approximately 200m south- west of South Eilean.
105. The only otter seen between August 2018 and March 2019, was an actively foraging animal seen on South Eilean on the 24 January 2019 survey. It should be noted that no visits were made to The Eileans to search for otter signs after 2 July 2018. Details of these otters recorded are provided in Appendix 11.1 .
Bats 106. Scattered trees observed in the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area, however there were no cracks/crevices and no linear habitats for commuting and/or foraging bats was observed during the 2017 survey. No suitable buildings were recorded. Nevertheless, bats records from NBN Atlas and SWSEIC are present within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area and Bat Study Area (Figure 16-5) and the coastline may provide suitable foraging habitat for these populations. Bats are EPS, and protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). Bats also have protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Some species of bats are UK BAP priority species listed on the NALBAP. Bats are considered to be of high ecological importance and the coastal habitat is considered to be of medium importance for foraging bats. The species of bat recorded within the Bat Study Area are:
• Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri ; • Lesser noctule Nyctalus leisleri ; • Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus ; • Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus ; and • Brown long eared bat Plecotus auritus .
Reptiles and Amphibians 107. No sightings of common reptile or amphibian species were observed during the 2017 survey, however it should be noted that the survey was conducted towards the end of the reptile active season (March to October). A historic record for slow worm Anguis fragilis was provided for Millport by the SWSEIC in 1833 but the lack of further records suggests habitat is limited for this species in the footprint of the proposed scheme in the current day and there is not anticipated to be connectivity to the population of slow worm at Ballochmartin Bay SSSI due to distance. Suitable habitats for reptiles are present within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area (i.e. areas of scrub and grassland, Figure 16-2), however these areas are limited and fragmented and no potential refugia was observed during the survey. SWSEIC data includes records of common lizard Zootoca vivipara and slow worm at Fairland point in 2017 and 2019, just outside the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area (Figure 16-6). Palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus was recorded within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area but the records appear to be associated with private gardens and there is not suitable habitat within the footprint of the proposed scheme or an obvious line of connectivity for this species. Reptiles and amphibians have protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and all native reptiles are UK BAP priority species and listed as Scottish Priority Species. Reptiles are considered to be of medium importance.
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Other protected species 108. No suitable habitat was observed during the survey for the following protected species, and as such the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area is considered sub-optimal, therefore these species are concluded as being absent and not considered further within this assessment:
• Polecat – no signs of polecat were observed within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area and no habitat is present within the footprint of the proposed scheme. Two records were provided by SWSEIC – one for the west coast of Great Cumbrae in 2017 and one for Farland Point in 2019 (Figure 16-4) but are likely to be associated with more rural habitat and agricultural fields and unlikely to use the footprint of the proposed scheme as habitat. • Water vole – no rivers or ditch systems with suitable berm for burrowing are present. • Great crested newt – no suitable freshwater waterbodies were identified within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area, or within a 250m buffer of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area and as such no breeding aquatic habitat is present. Furthermore, the terrestrial habitats within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area is largely fragmented and considered sub-optimal for foraging/commuting great crested newt. • White-clawed crayfish – no suitable freshwater waterbodies were identified within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. • Badger – no field signs for badger were observed within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area, furthermore no suitable habitat for badger is present within the footprint of the proposed scheme or within the areas immediately adjacent. • Pine martin – no field signs or suitable habitat for pine martin were observed within the footprint of the proposed scheme and no records are provided by SWSEIC or NBN Atlas within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. • Red squirrel – no field signs or suitable habitat for pine martin were observed within the footprint of the proposed scheme and no records are provided by SWSEIC or NBN Atlas within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. • Insects – a number of records of insects were provided by SWSEIC within the Desk Study Area however given the non-urban habitat within the footprint of the proposed scheme is mown amenity grassland, limited habitat potential for insects is anticipated in the areas which will be directly impacted during construction activities.
Invasive non-native species 109. No invasive non-native species were noted during the 2017 survey. Invasive non-native species are listed under Schedule 9 Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum was recorded in 2002 by BSBI at grid reference NS1654 on the southern Eilean island (NBN Atlas, undated) on the boundary of the proposed scheme. The biological records obtained from the SWSEIC show that Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica was recorded in 1999 at Farland Point NS172542 (Appendix 16.1) 650 m from the proposed scheme. Japanese Rose Rosa rugosa , Monbretia Crososmia pottsii x aurea and rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum have also been recorded within the Desk Study Area (Figure 16-7). Canadian waterweed Elodea canadensis was recorded in house ponds but these ponds are not expected to be impacted by construction of the proposed scheme. Invasive non-native species and the ecological risk they pose is considered to be of medium importance.
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16.5.3 Anticipated Trends in Baseline Conditions 110. It is important to recognise that the baseline environment is not static, but instead will exhibit considerable variability due to cycles or trends of natural change. These can include natural succession and the longer term effects of sea-level rise associated with global climate change.
111. As the majority of the habitat at Millport is associated with amenity grassland, it is assumed management of the land will continue and therefore unlikely the general habitat type will change to any great extent. The Eileans will continue to be influenced by exposure salt spray, and the species here are also expected to continue to be similar to those currently established, although the area colonised by terrestrial plants may decrease over time with expected sea-level rise. Pioneer saltmarsh habitat is anticipated to mature and is discussed in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology . Otter and nesting birds will continue to use the coastline as suitable habitat will continue to be available, however ongoing human disturbance on the coastal and marine environment is likely to continue to the same level or greater. Other protected species are not anticipated to move in to the area due to limited suitable habitat. Given non-native invasive species are already recorded within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area and in the vicinity, there is strong likelihood the presence of these plants will spread over time, unless actively managed.
16.5.4 Biodiversity 112. Following the publication of the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, an EcIA must consider the potential impact not upon ‘flora and fauna’ but instead upon ‘biodiversity, with particular attention to species and habitats protected under the Habitats Directive and Birds Directive’. This EcIA has considered potential impacts upon biodiversity through considering the potential impacts on those sites, habitats and species protected through EU and UK law or through local policy, as representing the elements of UK biodiversity most at risk of loss, isolation or degradation.
16.6 Impact Assessment 113. This section discusses the impact assessment for terrestrial ecology during construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed scheme. Cumulative impacts and inter-relationships are also considered.
16.6.1 Overview of Potential Impacts 114. The outcome of the desk study and ecological surveys is that the area provides suitable habitat for reptiles and otters, with a number of otter sightings made within the vicinity of the proposed works. As such, there is potential for direct (habitat loss, injury or death) or indirect impacts (from increased noise and human activity, lighting, reduced air quality or pollution events during construction and maintenance activities) of otter and reptiles. These impacts are scoped in to the assessment. Breeding bird habitat is also present and birds are assessed in Chapter 11 Offshore and Coastal Ornithology.
115. The construction of the proposed scheme will give rise to temporary and permanent habitat loss of terrestrial vegetation.
116. Non-native invasive species are already recorded in the vicinity of the proposed scheme and there is potential for these plants to be spread during activities on site, or for further invasive non-native seeds
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to be brought to Millport through contaminated vehicles, machinery or equipment. This impact is scoped in to the assessment.
117. There is one statutory designated site within the footprint of the scheme, and two statutory designated sites within a 2km buffer. Ten non-statutory designated sites are present on Great Cumbrae. With the exception of otter, which may commute the coastlines of Millport and the Eileans, there is no significant connective or corridor habitat for terrestrial species between the designated sites and the footprint of the proposed scheme to allow an observable pathway of potential impact.
118. Kames Bay SSSI is located within the footprint of the proposed scheme and is designated for its biological (marine) habitat. As such, the impact is considered within C hapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology and not repeated here.
119. No other statutory or non-statutory sites are within the direct footprint of the areas of proposed works, and are not considered to be functionally connected. Therefore, there will be no impact to statutory or non-statutory designated sites designated for terrestrial ecology and impacts to designated sites are scoped out of further assessment.
120. Terrestrial habitats in the footprint of the landside elements of the proposed scheme are limited to areas of mown amenity grassland and non-native trees, of limited ecological importance and providing limited habitat potential for other protected species. Consequently, there is not anticipated to be direct (habitat loss, species injury or death) or indirect (from increased noise and human activity, lighting, reduced air quality or pollution events during construction and maintenance activities) impacts on other terrestrial species (excluding otters and reptiles discussed below and breeding birds discussed in Chapter 11 Offshore and Coastal Ornithology ). Therefore all other impacts have been scoped out of further assessment.
121. Impacts from the development could arise from the following activities:
• Vegetation removal; • Excavation of foundation footprints; • Construction of the breakwaters; • Construction of sea walls; • Temporary working areas; • Construction access; • Storage of arisings; • Storage of other materials; • Creation of site compounds; and • Disturbance caused by noise, dust or artificial lighting.
122. At worst case, these potential impacts are anticipated to be greatest during the construction phase of the proposed scheme, with very limited disturbance anticipated during the operational phase.
123. This work has the potential to give rise to impacts on habitats through:
• Direct permanent or temporary loss or fragmentation of habitat features; • Temporary disturbance of habitats or species (such as light, dust, noise or pollution events); • Spread of non-native invasive species; and • Mortality or disturbance to individuals of certain species.
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124. Impact risk is considered below in Section 16.6.4 with respect to habitats and protected species, with recommendations for mitigation or further pre-construction survey where appropriate and proportionate to do so.
16.6.2 Embedded Mitigation 125. Embedding mitigation into the proposed scheme during design development is a type of primary mitigation and is an inherent aspect of the EcIA process. A full account of embedded mitigation measures is contained in Chapter 5 Project Description . 16.6.2.1 Scheme design 126. Where embedded mitigation measures have been developed into the design of the proposed scheme with specific regard to terrestrial ecology, these are described in Table 16-10.
Table 16-10 Embedded mitigation measures for terrestrial ecology Parameter Mitigation measures embedded into the scheme design
Construction footprint and working area minimised as far as practical, to minimise Footprint impacts to the habitats on The Eileans and Millport
Reinstatement Habitat reinstatement following the construction phase to the same condition.
Best practice including Avoidance of harm to nesting birds and protected species though adopting specific timing of works working practices, including the timing of the work to avoid sensitive periods
Within Millport Bay, project vessels will restrict their maximum speed to <10 knots, thus Disturbance giving birds and other wildlife time to take evasive behaviour and generally reduce the potential for disturbance to occur.
Within Millport Bay, project vessels will restrict their activity to within a 200m buffer Disturbance around construction sites, thus spatially limiting the potential for vessel based disturbance to affect otters and other wildlife.
Signage on Millport beach/promenade that describes the high value of The Eileans for Disturbance wildlife (breeding and wintering birds, seals and otter), the issue of disturbance and discourages landings, esp. in nesting season.
Consultation Ongoing consultation with local community and other relevant stakeholders
16.6.2.2 Standard Best Practice 127. Additional mitigation measures are also included to follow best practice and policy requirements. These best practice documents will be adhered to during construction of the proposed scheme. These documents are described in Table 16-11.
Table 16-11 Embedded mitigation through Best Practice and Policy Parameter Mitigation measures through Best Practice and Policy
Guidance for Pollution Prevention GPP 5: Works and maintenance in or near water Pollution prevention (Netregs, undated)
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Parameter Mitigation measures through Best Practice and Policy
GPP5: Works and maintenance in or near water (Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Department for Agriculture the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA, SEPA and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), 2018); Pollution prevention GPP21: Pollution incident response planning (NIEA, SEPA and NRW, 2017); and, GPP22: Dealing with spills (NIEA, DAERA, SEPA and NRW, 2018a).
The following Pollution Prevention Guidance (PPG) will be used as industry best practice in the absence of any formal guidance, or updated equivalent (Netregs, undated): Pollution prevention PPG 6: Working at construction and demolition sites; PPG 1 Understanding your environmental responsibilities – good environmental practices; PPG 14: Marinas and crafts
Construction good CIRIA Coastal and marine environmental site guide (2nd edition) (C744) practice
Construction good CIRIA Guidance note C741 Environmental Good Practice on Site Guide (4th Edition) practice
Pollution prevention SEPA Pollution Prevention Guidelines
Invasive non-native SEPA guidance: Biosecurity and management of invasive non-native species for species construction sites and controlled activities
Biosecurity measures compliant with Scotland’s Environmental and Rural Services Invasive non-native biosecurity protocol. In particular aimed at preventing introduction of non-native species invasive plant and animal species to The Eileans.
16.6.3 Ecological Action Plan 128. All mitigation measures proposed in relation to the impacts identified for each receptor below will be incorporated and detailed in an overarching Ecological Action Plan (EAP). Where mitigation or management plans are mentioned in the mitigation sections below, these will be incorporated into the EAP also.
129. The EAP will form part of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and will cover the ecological requirements of the pre-, during and post-construction stages of the proposed scheme. The EAP will be a live document and will be updated throughout each of these phases. The EAP will take into account any planning obligations and conditions attached to the proposed scheme should consent be granted. The EAP will be submitted to and agreed with the North Ayrshire Council, SNH and other stakeholders, where appropriate, based upon the final design of the proposed scheme. The EAP will include the principal requirements of mitigation, including:
• Pre-construction ecological surveys; • Habitats or species directly affected by the proposed scheme; • Method statements (where necessary); • Tool box talks; • Licensing requirements (where necessary); • Habitat re-instatement plan; • Overall strategy for delivery of the mitigation proposed in this EcIA; including
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o Programme for delivery of mitigation; and o Responsibilities attributed to the relevant parties to deliver the plan.
130. An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will audit the implementation of the EAP. This would be both a desk-based and site-based role. It should be noted that the mitigation measures presented below are based on the individual receptor, therefore in some cases there may be a conflict between the requirements of one receptor over another (or indeed with other priorities, e.g. tourism and recreation). The ECoW will have suitable expertise to develop and find pragmatic solutions to any potential conflicts in consultation with the relevant consultees.
16.6.4 Potential Impacts During Construction 131. This section discusses the potential impacts which may occur to terrestrial ecology receptors during activities associated with the construction of the proposed scheme. Impacts to nesting and overwintering birds are considered in Chapter 11 Offshore and Coastal Ornithology . Impacts to marine mammals are considered in Chapter 10 Marine Mammals and Basking Shark . Impacts to other intertidal and marine habitats and species are considered in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology .
16.6.4.1 Construction Impact 1: Temporary or Permanent Habitat Loss 132. The majority of the footprint of the proposed scheme consists of existing hard standing, road network and pavement. Temporary habitat disturbance (and potentially limited permanent habitat loss) will occur on low importance amenity grassland to enable the improvements to existing sea walls, construction of flood walls, increased ground levels and improvements to other defence structures, of which 17,784m 2 is located within the footprint of the proposed scheme. Impacts to amenity grassland will be focused around eastern end of the footprint of the proposed scheme, bordering Kames Bay and Newtown Bay. Species recorded here are ruderal in nature, including field daisy and broad leave dock, with low species diversity. The grasslands will be reinstated and are anticipated to be quick to recover, re-establishing the current level of biodiversity within a growing season or two.
133. As detailed in the embedded mitigation, North Ayrshire Council already commit to maintaining a strict footprint of works throughout the construction period, and habitat reinstatement upon the completion of the works. The working methodology will also follow construction industry good practice guidance, as detailed in Table 16-11, such as having spill kits on site at all times, checking equipment regularly to ensure leakages do not occur, and limiting refuelling of construction plant to designated impermeable areas.
134. Impacts to the amenity grassland is considered to constitute an impact of high magnitude, temporary in nature and reversible upon re-establishment of habitat reinstatement. As the amenity grassland is considered to be of negligible ecological importance, this constitutes an impact of minor adverse .
135. There will be no removal of the trees during construction activities, however there is potential for damage to be made to existing trees or their underground root systems during construction activities. This is considered to be an impact of medium magnitude upon the trees, which are considered to be of negligible ecological importance due to being non-native species. Overall, a minor adverse impact is anticipated upon the trees during construction activities.
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136. This assessment is based on the results of survey visits by an ecologist and desk study and is made with medium confidence. Impacts to saltmarsh are discussed in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology .
137. The Eileans are floristically diverse and relatively undisturbed with limited opportunity for direct anthropogenic impact. There is potential for disturbance of the habitats upon the islands during construction of the offshore breakwaters. The breakwaters will be constructed by barge and as such, should not require the access onto the islands in the bay, however it is possible that some access may be required by construction workers to secure the breakwaters, which may cause trampling upon the vegetation. 280m 2 of terrestrial habitat on the southern Eilean island and The Spoig is located within the footprint of the offshore breakwater, and 1965m 2 of terrestrial habitat is located within the working footprint of the proposed scheme across the two islands (Figure 16-1). Impacts to the habitats on the Eileans would be short term, temporary and reversible, with replanting of any disturbed habitats and recovery from the seedbank is likely to occur quickly. Overall, this is assessed to be of low magnitude, constituting a minor adverse impact on habitats of medium ecological importance locally.
Mitigation 138. The roots of retained trees along the edge of the working width would be protected from soil compaction by the enforcement of Root Protection Areas that would be fenced off from the construction (the extent of which would be calculated using guidance from BS5837: 2012).
139. Access onto the small islands in Millport Bay will be restricted as far as practically possible. Where access is required, there will be demarcation of narrow acceptable working areas, and checks of these areas by the ECoW.
140. Good topsoil management practices will be followed. Topsoil will be stripped, stored and capped to minimise water erosion within the easement whilst works are conducted. The practices to be followed will be detailed in the EMP), the details and content of which will be agreed with stakeholders.
141. Existing tracks, roadways and hardstanding will be utilised for access and storage where possible. Where temporary accesses are needed, topsoil and surface water management measures will be employed as defined in the EMP.
142. Geotextile, or other suitable material, will be used to allow the safe storage and movement of vehicles within the area, maintain required drainage, and prevent soil erosion and increased surface runoff.
Residual Impact 143. Following implementation of the mitigation measures proposed, protecting trees and managing the disturbance to the amenity grassland, the impact of temporary and permanent habitat loss will be negligible .
16.6.4.2 Construction Impact 2: Habitat Loss, Disturbance or Killing of Otter 144. The Terrestrial Ecology Study Area comprised mostly of a shingle and boulder shore, with sandy beaches in places. To the eastern and western edges of the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area, scrub and improved grassland was recorded, with freshwater inputs.
145. Suitable habitat for otter was recorded throughout the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area and the species is highly mobile with a potential home range of up to 5km, and may commute the Millport coastline to
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reach the quieter headlands or other nearby coastlines in the Clyde catchment. Evidence gained during site visits to the Eileans during the bird surveys (Atlantic Ecology, 2019) suggest a resident otter is present, with a number of sightings made of an otter foraging around the islands in Millport Bay.
146. As detailed in the embedded mitigation, North Ayrshire Council already commit to maintaining a strict footprint of works throughout the construction period, and habitat reinstatement upon the completion of the works. Toolbox Talks will also be provided to all construction staff regarding otters, their protection and the agreed mitigation. The working methodology will also follow construction industry good practice guidance, as detailed in Table 16-11, such as having spill kits on site at all times, checking equipment regularly to ensure leakages do not occur, and limiting refuelling of construction plant to designated impermeable areas.
147. There are no Special Areas of Conservation designated for otter which have direct connectivity with the Clyde, and no impacts are anticipated upon site integrity of designated sites for which otter is an interest feature. Any otters in the vicinity of the proposed scheme are unlikely to be associated with a designated population. However, as an EPS, otters are considered to be of high importance.
148. Construction of the onshore infrastructure, including seawall construction, will bring additional volume of traffic to the area for a temporary period (weeks). Whilst the nature of the site would tend to result in slow moving vehicles, there remains some potential for otters to be hit by construction vehicles. In addition, there is potential for animals to be injured through falling into open excavations and becoming trapped. However, vehicles will be travelling slowly. The potential for this impact to occur is considered to be of low magnitude, and unlikely to affect the long-term status of the otter population. The potential impact is anticipated to be of moderate adverse significance.
149. Construction materials are also anticipated to be brought to site via barge. There is a potential for otters foraging or commuting in the water to be hit by construction vessels or disturbed by underwater noise. Information provided by Marine Traffic (2020) identifies moderate levels of commercial and recreational vessels off the coastline at Millport. There are also several important navigation routes within the study area, particularly the Hunterston and the Firth of Clyde channels, which are major shipping routes. (see Figure 13-1 and Figure 13-2). A review of the Marine Scotland MAPS NMPI shows that the area around Millport is relatively high for vessel numbers, with between 20 and 50 vessels within Millport Bay every week, up to 150 vessels each week travelling east past Great Cumbrae Island, and more than 150 a week passing east of the island (Marine Scotland, 2019). This gives an indication that any marine mammals and basking shark in the area will be well used to high vessel presence. The vessels used in construction activities are generally slow moving with noise emitted at a low frequency. This risk of collision is anticipated to be low magnitude, due to otter’s habitualisation to the existing local levels of vessel movements in the bay and wider areas, and the low speeds that any construction vessels would be travelling in the vicinity of the coastline. Studies into the noise levels associated with rock placement have shown that they are not often discernible over and above the noise of the associated vessel, and otters are considered to be of low sensitivity to underwater noise. Overall, the potential impacts associated with vessels is anticipated to be of moderate adverse significance.
150. There is potential for otters within Millport Bay to be disturbed by loud or sudden noise during construction activities. This may cause disturbance of resting otters, interruption of foraging behaviour or fright. These impacts would be of greater magnitude in the immediate vicinity of the islands in the bay and associated with the construction of the breakwaters. Results of the site visits indicate regular use of the Eileans, and there is potentially a resting site upon the Eileans where
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access was unavailable to surveyors. As this site has not been accessed, details of it are unknown and there is potential it could be a natal holt, of particular sensitivity to noise disturbance. Otters may breed at any time of the year. The maximum duration of the dredging works is estimated to be completed over two weeks with the works be intermittent in nature, and will require limited access onto the Eileans to connect the breakwaters to the islands. Vessel noise will be generated by the barges and construction vessels, however there is an existing level of vessel activity in the bay already, to which the local otter population will be habituated. Impacts are considered to be of medium magnitude and intermittent in the short term, but will cease upon completion of the works. Due to the potential importance of the Eileans to the local otter population, a precautionary impact of major adverse significance is predicted on noise disturbance and disturbance of potential resting sites on the Eileans during this period.
151. On Great Cumbrae, potential effects arising from changes in noise are considered in Chapter 18 Noise and Vibration , including embedded mitigation measures to minimise effects from construction phase road traffic and best practice and policy measures to minimise effects of construction noise. Measures to reduce the impacts of noise and vibration will be included in the CEMP, and with the implementation of the measures, any impacts will be negligible in significance, temporary, short term and local and there is not anticipated to be a significant impact to otters along the Millport coastline from works on Great Cumbrae.
152. Negligible impacts on water quality are anticipated during construction of the proposed scheme (Chapter 7 Marine Water and Sediment Quality ). The potential impact of a pollution event to fish (otter prey) has been assessed in Chapter 14 Fish and Shellfish as being of no adverse significance following embedded mitigation of development of a Marine Pollution Contingency Plan and Vessel Management Plan, and implementation of the EAP. Should a pollution event occur it is likely to be localised, short-term, temporary, and potentially reversible. This impact could have a secondary effect on otter’s food resource, however the abundance of food resource in the seas surrounding Great Cumbrae and the short term/localised nature of any spill event, an impact of negligible magnitude is anticipated. Given the unlikeliness of the impact occurring, an impact of minor adverse significance is predicted on prey resource.
153. Chapter 21 Air Quality discusses potential impacts from dust and particulate matter from earthworks, construction activities and trackout. With implementation of the mitigation outlined in Chapter 21 Air Quality , there is not anticipated to be a significant impact to otter from air-borne sources during construction.
154. Otter is considered to be of high ecological importance with potentially resident individual(s) on the Eileans. Impacts associated with this species are most likely to be regarding disturbance of individuals which may be commuting along the coastline during construction activities. The magnitude of impact to otter is anticipated to be low in the medium term during construction activities, up to medium magnitude particularly around the construction of the offshore breakwaters and islands in the bay, and temporary and reversible in nature. Overall a potential major adverse impact is anticipated to otter. This impact is informed by desk study, consultation and field survey, and is made with medium confidence.
Mitigation 155. The following mitigation will be implemented to prevent injury or death to otter should any animal roam in the vicinity of the proposed scheme during construction:
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• All otter mitigation measures for the site will be agreed with SNH prior to construction; • Given otters are very mobile species, a pre-construction survey 8 weeks before construction commences should be undertaken, to re-assess otter activity. Prior to the commencement of operations an otter survey should be undertaken, within the proposed footprint of construction plus a 250m buffer zone, to determine current use at the time of construction (otters may increase their use of the site in the interim period between the current survey and the commencement of construction). The surveys should be undertaken in appropriate weather condition and following guidance in the ‘New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook’ (Holmes et al, 1994), Chanin (2003) and Strachan & Jefferies (1996), and SNH Standing Advise for Planning Consultations, Otter (SNH, undated).
156. Should an active resting site be found, an European Protected Species (EPS) Licence is likely to be required to undertake work on this site. Consultation will be undertaken with SNH to discuss the mitigation required under this licence. This will include the following: o Construction vehicles and equipment should not be active on, or stored by, the coastline for longer than is essential; o Works undertaken adjacent to the islands in Millport Bay will be done in as short a time frame as practical. Equipment should not be stored on the islands in the bay; o The risks can be further reduced by following best practice and guidance including SNH Standing Advise for Planning consultations (otter), SNH, undated), as well as guidance produced by Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB Volume 10 section 4); o If any otter fatalities occur during construction, carcases should be retained and SNH should be notified, if non-fatal injuries occur as a result of construction then SNH should be notified immediately; o Where artificial light is required, lights should be directed away from the coastal area and watercourses to allow otters to migrate through the area undisturbed. Any lighting required at these areas will be low-intensity; o An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be present during the works. Work should stop should an otter holt or resting place be found within 250m (SNH 2007), and SNH consulted, as a licence may be necessary before works can continue; o A temporary ramp will be placed in trenches over 0.5 m deep in order to allow a potentially trapped animal to exit the trench; o Any open pipes will be capped to prevent animals gaining access; o All excavations and pipe systems will be checked at the start of each working day; o Site construction fencing will not interfere with the passage of animals through coastal corridors; and o Existing vegetation will be retained wherever possible.
Residual Impact 157. Following the implementation of mitigation, which minimises the magnitude of impact to otters through management of construction works and potential licence application if required, the residual impact to otters is anticipated to be temporary minor adverse during the period of construction.
16.6.4.3 Construction Impact 3: Habitat Loss, Disturbance or Killing of Reptiles 158. No common reptile species were observed during the survey, however the 2017 survey was conducted towards the end of the reptile active season (typically March to October but is weather and temperature dependent). A very historic record was provided by SWSEIC for slow worm at Millport, although this record is nearly 200 years old. Suitable habitats for reptiles exist within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area (i.e. areas of scrub and grassland), however these areas are limited and
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fragmented and outwith the footprint of the proposed scheme. A strong slow worm population is known to exist at Ballochmartin Bay, 1.7 km from the proposed scheme, where habitat is greater in extent and with more extensive ecological connectivity than the habitat at Millport. No potential refugia was observed during the survey. These areas of scrub and grassland (to the east and west of the area of the proposed scheme), are outside the working footprint and as such should not require any specific mitigations. Tool box talks are included within the embedded mitigation, which will be delivered by the ECoW and will illustrate key habitat, any risk areas on site for reptile, what the penalties are for killing or injuring reptiles, and the procedure to follow should any reptiles be found on site during construction.
159. Reptiles are considered to have medium ecological importance. Due to the limited potential for reptiles to present within the working footprint, the magnitude of impact is considered to be low, and of short to medium term, temporary and reversible in nature. Overall, a minor adverse impact in anticipated.
Mitigation 160. If construction takes place within the reptile active period (March – October inclusive) and long grass is present within the footprint of the proposed scheme at the time of construction, habitat manipulation will be undertaken of the working area to ensure it is unfavourable to reptiles during the works. This will include a vegetation strim down to 150mm of all vegetation in areas of vehicle tracking or construction works at least 48 hours prior to construction and all cut vegetation removed outside the footprint of the proposed scheme, to give any reptiles present time to leave the area. After this time the vegetation can be strimmed to a closer cut if required. A check of the area of potential reptile hibernacula will also be undertaken, and any features observed will be removed by hand. Pre- construction vegetation clearance and hibernacula dismantling will be supervised by a suitably qualified ecologist.
Residual Impact 161. Following the implementation of these best practice mitigation measures to reduce the magnitude of effect, the impact to reptiles is anticipated to be negligible .
16.6.4.4 Construction Impact 4: Disturbance of Foraging Bats 162. Potential impacts to foraging and commuting bats could result from night-time working or night-time lighting of the construction site. Night-time lighting will disrupt bat foraging and commuting routes which may to cross the proposed scheme. This has the potential to disturb the species by impairing their ability to survive. This would occur if bats have to avoid lit areas and thus travel further to reach the same areas for roosting or foraging; or else have to forage in poorer quality areas. The coastal habitat is considered to be of medium importance for foraging bats. The coastal habitat at Millport are already subject to existing lighting associated with the town. The potential impact to foraging and commuting bats is considered to be negative, temporary and of short duration. The magnitude of the impact is assessed to be low due to the exposure, limited habitat potential and low activity of bat species. A minor adverse impact is predicted.
Mitigation 163. To minimise impacts to foraging bats, night-time lighting of construction sites should be avoided where possible. If night-time working is necessary, then lighting will be designed in accordance with Bats and artificial Lighting in the UK (BCT, ILE, 2018); and Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light ILE (2011).
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Residual Impact 164. Following mitigation the magnitude of impact will be reduced and the impacts to foraging bats are considered to be negligible.
16.6.4.5 Construction Impact 4: Spread of Non-Native Invasive Species 165. Marine non-native species are discussed in Chapter 8 Benthic Ecology . Although no terrestrial non- native invasive species have been recorded within the boundary of the proposed scheme, Japanese knotweed has been recorded at Farland Point, 650 m from the proposed scheme Area, and giant hogweed has been recorded on the southern Eilean island on the boundary of the proposed scheme. These records are both historic and there is potential for both species (or indeed other non-native invasive species) to have become established in other locations on the island in the meantime. In addition, the construction works will involve bringing in plant and equipment to the Eileans, including plant which will be used in other areas of the country where there is potential presence of invasive species. There is therefore a risk of releasing non-native species into the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area during the construction phase.
166. As detailed in the embedded mitigation, North Ayrshire Council already commit to maintaining a strict footprint of works throughout the construction period. The working methodology will also follow construction industry good practice guidance, as detailed in Table 16-11, and a Toolbox Talk detailing invasive non-native species, the risks involved, and the agreed mitigation will be provided to all construction workers.
167. The risk of introducing non-native species over the long term is anticipated to have an effect of medium magnitude on a medium importance receptor, and results in an impact of at worst moderate adverse significance. This assessment is based upon survey and desk study, and is considered to be made with medium confidence.
Mitigation 168. Mitigation measures to minimise risks will include the following: • A pre-construction survey will be undertaken to ascertain up-to-date locations of any non-native invasive species within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area; • If stands of invasive non-native species are identified within the footprint of the proposed scheme during this survey, an Invasive Species Management Plan will be drawn up and included in the EMP. This Plan will include the following: o Fencing off a 10m buffer around all areas of non-native invasive species to avoid cross- spread.
Residual Impact 169. Following mitigation, the magnitude of the potential impact of risk if spread of non-native invasive species is reduced through management measures to minor adverse significance.
16.6.5 Potential Impacts During Operation and Maintenance 170. Once construction has been completed and restoration of habitats has occurred, the footprint of the operational scheme will be minimal on terrestrial habitats and their species. Operation of the proposed scheme is not anticipated to cause temporary or permanent habitat loss or contribute to the spread of invasive non-native species within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area.
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16.6.5.1 Operation Impact 1: Habitat Loss, Disturbance or Killing of Otter 171. Maintenance works will be low level and will be the responsibility of North Ayrshire Council. Maintenance will be undertaken as required to check the integrity of the flood walls, sea walls and breakwater, and conduct any remedial works required. Maintenance of surface water drainage will require regular inspection and work as required. Maintenance activities may cause disturbance to otters, through human presence or noise, however, given the existing background level of activities in Millport Bay, maintenance works associated with the proposed scheme are anticipated to be of negligible magnitude, constituting an impact of minor adverse significance.
172. The presence of the offshore breakwater is likely to create artificial habitat for otters to rest or feed on whilst foraging in the bay of limited minor beneficial significance.
Mitigation 173. None required.
Residual Impact 174. No additional mitigation is proposed beyond best practice identified in Section 16.6.2. As such the impact to otter during operation and maintenance activities remains at worst minor adverse in significance.
16.6.5.2 Operation Impact 2: Spread of Invasive Non-Native Species 175. As discussed above, maintenance works will be low level, however may give rise to opportunities for spread of invasive non-native species through contaminated machinery or other equipment.
176. As detailed in the embedded mitigation, North Ayrshire Council already commit to maintaining a strict footprint of works throughout the construction period. The working methodology will also follow construction industry good practice guidance, as detailed in Table 16-11, and a Toolbox Talk detailing invasive non-native species, the risks involved, and the agreed mitigation will be provided to all construction workers.
177. The risk of spread is considered to be low magnitude during operation on a receptor of medium importance, and as such, an impact of minor adverse significance is anticipated.
Mitigation 178. Should maintenance works be required, mitigation measures to minimise risks will include the following: • A pre-works survey will be undertaken to ascertain up-to-date locations of any non-native invasive species within the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area; • If stands of invasive non-native species are identified within the footprint of the proposed scheme during this survey, an Invasive Species Management Plan will be drawn up and included in an EMP. This Plan will include the following: • Fencing off a 10m buffer around all areas of non-native invasive species to avoid cross-spread.
Residual Impact 179. Following mitigation, the magnitude of the potential impact of risk if spread of non-native invasive species is reduced through management measures to negligible significance.
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16.6.6 Potential Impacts During Decommissioning 180. The structures forming the proposed scheme will be designed to have a life of at least 50 years. As the purpose of the proposed scheme is for flood protection, it is unlikely that it will be decommissioned in entirety; it is more likely that the scheme will be repaired, or sections replaced or improved if needed in the future. To ease the process of decommissioning should it be required, the project design will aim to avoid excavation or drilling into the bedrock for the toe of the rock structures. Decommissioning of the flood walls are anticipated to require a similar process to that discussed above for the construction phase. Prior to any decommissioning activities taking place, consultation will take place will all relevant statutory stakeholders and any potential impacts will be assessed using best practice and guidance relevant at that time.
16.6.7 Cumulative Impacts 181. This section describes the CIA for terrestrial ecology, taking into consideration other plans, projects and activities. This has been undertaken as a two-stage process, with the first stage comprising assessing all the impacts from the previous sections for the potential to act cumulatively with other projects. This summary assessment is set out in Table 16-12 below.
Table 16-12 Potential Cumulative Impacts Potential for Data Impact Rationale Cumulative confidence Impact
Construction
Loss of habitat due to other projects may Impact 1: Temporary or permanent No Medium increase the cumulative loss of habitat in habitat loss the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area
The proposed scheme does not impact on Impact 2: Habitat loss, disturbance or No Medium any significant areas of reptile habitat in killing of reptiles the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area
Impact to species due to other projects Impact 3: Habitat loss, disturbance or Yes Medium may increase the cumulative impacts to killing of otter otter in the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area
Impact to species due to other projects Impact 4: Disturbance of foraging Yes Medium may increase the cumulative impacts to bats bats in the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area
Other projects may exacerbate the risk of Impact 5: Spread of non-native introducing invasive non-native species Yes Medium invasive species within in the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area
Operation
Impact to species due to other projects Impact 1: Habitat loss, disturbance or may increase the cumulative impacts to No Medium killing of otter otter in the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area during operation
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Potential for Data Impact Rationale Cumulative confidence Impact
Other projects may exacerbate the risk of Impact 2: Spread of non-native introducing invasive non-native species Yes Medium invasive species within in the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area
Decommissioning
As a flood prevention scheme, the proposed scheme is anticipated to be maintained rather than removed, and therefore decommissioning activities are currently unknown. This will be assessed at the time of any decommissioning activities required.
182. The second stage of the CIA is an assessment of whether there is spatial or temporal overlap between the extent of potential effects of the proposed scheme, and the extent of potential effects of other projects scoped into the CIA on the same receptors. To identify whether this may happen, the potential nature and extent of effects arising from all projects scoped into the CIA have been identified, and any overlaps between these and the effects identified above have been noted. Where there is an overlap, an assessment of the cumulative magnitude of effect is provided, and the result cumulative impact identified.
183. Marine impacts are covered within Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology and ornithological impacts are considered in Chapter 11 Offshore and Coastal Ornithology . In addition, due to the small-scale nature of the proposed scheme and its island location in respect of terrestrial ecology receptors, those projects at a greater distance than 10km away have also been scoped out.
184. Table 16-13 summarises those projects which have been scoped into the CIA due to their temporal or spatial overlap with the potential effects arising from the proposed scheme. The remainder of the section details the nature of cumulative impacts against all those receptors scoped in for cumulative assessment.
Table 16-13 Summary of projects considered for the CIA in relation to terrestrial ecology Distance from Project data Project Status the proposed Included in CIA Rationale status scheme (km)
No EIA or planning permission required for Potential for works, however Hunterston cumulative EIA screening 2km Low Yes PARC impacts with opinion and otter population licence being sought for associated dredging
Great Cumbrae Permission Potential for 1.5 km Medium Yes Solar farm granted cumulative
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Distance from Project data Project Status the proposed Included in CIA Rationale status scheme (km)
impacts with otter population
Potential for Mill Burn, Option Within proposed cumulative Millport Flood Low Yes Appraisal scheme Area impacts with Scheme otter population
185. As identified in Table 16-13, three other proposed projects have the potential to impact cumulatively with the proposed scheme upon the local otter population and spread of invasive non-native species. These potential impacts are discussed below and are based on the proposed scheme commencing construction in Autumn 2021.
16.6.7.1 Cumulative impacts during construction Cumulative Impact 1: Habitat loss, disturbance or killing of otter
Hunterston PARC 186. The majority of the works associated with the proposed Hunterston PARC (Peel Ports Group, 2019) are terrestrial, however dredging activities will be required and a Marine Licence will be sought for these works. There is potential for otters at Millport to travel to the mainland and the vicinity of the PARC, however coastal otters generally have much smaller home ranges than their riverine counterparts, because of the abundance of fish and crustacean prey in inshore waters (SNH, 2019). Assessments for the master plan will be subject to site specific surveys and assessments, and liaison with stakeholders including SNH. EIAs will be undertaken as required. A timeframe for commencement of construction is currently unknown.
Great Cumbrae Solar Farm 187. The Environmental Report for the Great Cumbrae Solar Farm (Rambol Environ, 2016) states that no evidence of protected and/or notable species were recorded during the survey (conducted August 2015). No specific mention of otter is made. Habitats recorded at the site are stated to include basin mire, marginal vegetation, flush, marshy grassland and open water.
188. The Ecological Appraisal (Starling Learning, 2015) provided with the Environmental Report states no evidence of protected and/or notable species was recorded during the survey. However, it is possible the site may attract otter during the spring to hunt for amphibians. The Appraisal recommends that, if the development is likely to affect the pond in any way e.g. run-off into the pond, suitable surface water management measures such as attenuation ponds and silt nets will be required to minimise impacts to protected species. No further mention is made of otter in the appraisal, the Planning Statement, responses from SNH, SWT or the Decision Notice.
189. An otter sighting record is present on NBN Atlas (Figure 16-4) in the vicinity of the Great Cumbrae Solar Farm. There is potential for otters utilising Millport Bay to travel up to the habitats in the vicinity of the solar farm to forage for amphibians, and therefore there is potential for connectivity between the projects and therefore potential cumulative impacts during construction should the construction periods overlap. Works are required to start on the solar farm before 29 th March 2020 but as none of
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the pre-start conditions have been discharged there is no indication of the realistic programme for this project, should it be built.
Mill Burn, Millport Flood Scheme Option Appraisal 190. Two options are currently being considered within the Mill Burn, Millport Flood Scheme Option Appraisal, both of which involve works to the Mill Burn which feed into Newtown Bay (North Ayrshire Council , pers comm . As a freshwater source, there is potential for the burn to provide habitat and resource for otters in the vicinity to clean and wash salt from their fur, drink, forage or rest. The programme for Option 1 is for completion within 2020, whilst for Option 2, works are anticipated to occur end of 2020 and complete summer 2021. The two proposed schemes would therefore only overlap in time should Option 2 of the Mill Burn, Millport Flood Scheme be progressed and there is a delay in the construction work programme.
Summary 191. Considering the three other proposed projects, there remains potential for spatial or temporal overlap of the otter population in Millport Bay and their potential home range. The mitigation outlined for the proposed scheme reduces the potential impacts to otter to an acceptable level and all impacts will be short term, temporary and reversible upon otter and otter habitat. The total area disturbed even if this occurs over all 3 projects is very small compared to a home range. Should any of the other developments have potential to cause an adverse impact upon otter, it is assumed they will be subject to similar mitigation measures to minimise any potential affects. Based on the current status of the other proposed projects, constructions works for the Mill Burn are not anticipated to occur at the same time as those for the proposed scheme, reducing temporal overlap between projects. There is potential the PARC project may commence construction at a similar time, however it is unlikely otters will be travelling between the two sites due to there being ample food resource in the coastal waters around both areas. As such, the proposed scheme is not anticipated to cause impacts worse than minor adverse when considered cumulatively with the other projects. No additional mitigation is therefore proposed.
Cumulative Impact 2: Spread on non-native invasive species 192. The construction of the proposed projects listed in Table 16-13 will involve bringing in plant and equipment to the study area, including plant which will be used in other areas of the country, there is a risk of releasing non-native species to the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. The risk of introducing non-native species over the long term is anticipated to have an effect of medium magnitude. It is assumed that the other proposed projects will be subject to similar best working practices as the proposed scheme so as to minimise risk, and therefore potential cumulative impacts are anticipated to be of minor adverse significance, i.e. the same as the impact anticipated to arise due to the proposed scheme occurring in isolation.
16.6.7.2 Cumulative impacts during Operation and Maintenance Cumulative Impact 3: Habitat loss, disturbance or killing of otter 193. Operation and Maintenance works will be low level for the proposed scheme, the Mill Burn and the solar farm and may cause disturbance to otters, through human presence or noise, however, given the existing background level of activities in Millport Bay, these are anticipated to be of negligible magnitude, constituting an impact of minor adverse significance. A greater level of disturbance is likely to occur during operation of the PARC Project, however this project will be subject to its own conditions in relation to this species and the proposed scheme is not anticipated to increase the potential impacts which may occur from PARC activities.
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194. No additional mitigation is considered necessary for the proposed scheme, and therefore potential cumulative impacts are anticipated to be of minor adverse significance, i.e. the same as the impact anticipated to arise due to the proposed scheme occurring in isolation.
Cumulative Impact 4: Spread on non-native invasive species 195. The construction of the proposed projects listed in Table 16-13 will involve bringing in plant and equipment to the study area, including plant which will be used in other areas of the country, there is a risk of releasing non-native species to the Terrestrial Ecology Study Area. The risk of introducing non-native species over the long term is anticipated to have an effect of medium magnitude. It is assumed that the other proposed projects will be subject to similar best working practices as the proposed scheme so as to minimise risk, and therefore potential cumulative impacts are anticipated to be of negligible significance, i.e. the same as the impact anticipated to arise due to the proposed scheme occurring in isolation.
16.6.8 Inter-relationships 196. Table 16-14 lists out the inter relationships between other chapters within the ES.
Table 16-14 Inter-topic relationships Where Related addressed Topic Rationale Chapter in this chapter
Benthic and intertidal Section Both chapters consider the potential effects of the proposed 8 ecology 16.6.4 scheme on habitats at the coastal fringe.
Offshore and coastal Section Both chapters consider the potential effects on habitats 11 ornithology 16.6.4 which may support birds.
The Terrestrial Ecology chapter takes account of the assessments made in Chapter 17, Water Resources and Water resources and Section 17 Flood Risk which consider potential impacts to groundwater flood risk 16.6.4 to assess any associated impacts to designated sites and habitats.
The Terrestrial Ecology chapter takes account of the Section assessments made in Chapter 21, Noise and Vibration for Noise and vibration 18 16.6.4 considering potential impacts of noise and vibration to designated sites and species.
The Terrestrial Ecology chapter takes account of the Section assessments made in Chapter 22, Air Quality for Air quality 20 16.6.4 considering potential impacts of air quality to designated sites, habitats and species.
Seascape, landscape and 21 Both chapters consider any potential replanting schemes. visual impact assessment
16.7 Interactions 197. The impacts identified and assessed in this chapter have the potential to interact with each other, which could give rise to synergistic impacts as a result of that interaction. The worst case impacts assessed within this chapter take these interactions into account and for the impact assessments are
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considered conservative and robust. For clarity, the areas of interaction between impacts are presented in Table 16-15 along with an indication as to whether the interaction may give rise to synergistic impacts.
Table 16-15 Potential interactions between impacts on terrestrial ecology Potential interaction between impacts
Construction
Impact 1: Impact 2: Impact 3: Impact 4: Impact 5: Spread on non-native invasive Temporary Habitat Habitat Disturbance species or loss, loss, of foraging permanent disturbance disturbance bats habitat or killing of or killing of loss otter reptiles
Impact 1: Temporary or Yes Yes Yes No permanent habitat loss
Impact 2: Habitat loss, Yes No No No disturbance or killing of otter
Impact 3: Habitat loss, Yes No No No disturbance or killing of reptiles
Impact 4: Disturbance Yes No No No of foraging bats
Impact 5: Spread on non-native No No No No invasive species
Operation
Impact 1: Habitat loss, Impact 2: Spread on non-native invasive species disturbance or killing of otter
Impact 1: Habitat No loss, disturbance
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or killing of otter
Impact 2: Spread on non-native No invasive species
Decommissioning
As a flood prevention scheme, the proposed scheme is anticipated to be maintained rather than removed, and therefore decommissioning activities are currently unknown. This will be assessed at the time of any decommissioning activities required.
16.7.1 Summary 198. The main potential impacts of the proposed scheme on terrestrial ecological receptors have been identified within this chapter.
199. No potential impacts to statutory and non-statutory sites designated for the terrestrial ecology they support have been identified. The assessment of impacts on statutory and non-statutory sites designated for the intertidal and marine ecology they support are considered in Chapter 8 Benthic and Intertidal Ecology.
200. No trees will be removed during construction of the proposed scheme. The majority of works will be constructed upon amenity of grassland of negligible ecological importance, which will be re-instated upon completion of the construction works with limited permanent habitat loss. More floristically diverse grassland habitat is present on the Eileans in Millport Bay, and access will be restricted here as far as practically possible.
201. Precautionary methods (habitat manipulation) will be used to ensure no impacts to reptiles.
202. Otters are known to be present in Millport Bay and there is potential for a resting site in the vicinity of the proposed scheme. A pre-construction survey will be undertaken and an EPS licence will be applied for, in consultation with SNH, should there be deemed potential to disturb a resting site. Access to the Eileans in the bay will be minimised.
203. The proposed scheme may cause disturbance to bats foraging along the coast. This will be mitigated through implementation of a sensitive lighting regime.
204. There is potential for the spread of terrestrial invasive non-native species during the construction of the proposed scheme. A pre-construction survey will be undertaken and an Invasive Species Management Plan will be prepared prior to construction works. Any known stands will be fenced off to avoid the spread of seeds or plant material and best practice working methods will be followed.
205. During operation and maintenance of the proposed scheme, there is some limited potential for disturbance to otters through noise or human presence, which is unlikely to represent a significant adverse impact upon the local otter population. The offshore breakwaters will, by default, create artificial habitat for otters which, if utilised, may have limited beneficial impacts. There may be opportunity for spread of non-native invasive species through operation and maintenance regimes which will be controlled through best practice measures.
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206. Following the adoption of the recommended best practice guidance and mitigation measures set out in Table 16-16, the residual impacts to ecological receptors from construction of the proposed scheme will be no greater than minor adverse in the short to medium term. All mitigation measures will be detailed in an overarching EAP, which will form part of the EMP.
207. Cumulative impacts with other proposed schemes have been considered and no significant adverse cumulative impacts have been predicted.
208. A summary of the potential impacts and proposed mitigation is presented in Table 16-16.
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Table 16-16 Potential Impacts Identified for Terrestrial and Coastal Ecology Potential Summary of Mitigation Residual Receptor Importance Magnitude Significance Impact Measures Impact
Construction
Topsoil management, surface water management, use of existing Amenity grassland Negligible High Minor adverse Negligible hardstanding where possible, Impact 1: geotextiles. Temporary or permanent Tree RPAs will be defined and Trees Negligible Medium Minor adverse Negligible habitat loss works will be avoided within these.
Reduced access onto islands in Eileans grasslands Low Medium Minor adverse Negligible the bay.
Impact 2: Habitat loss, Precautionary methods (habitat Reptiles Medium Low Minor adverse Negligible disturbance or manipulation). killing of reptiles
Pre-construction survey. Agreement with SNH, Potential Impact 3: EPS licence. Habitat loss, Otter High Up to Medium Up to Major adverse Minimising works on the islands in Minor adverse disturbance or the bay, Best practice guidance, killing of otter sensitive lighting regime, ECoW, and ramps in trenches.
Impact 4: Disturbance of Bats Medium Low Minor adverse Sensitive lighting regime Negligible foraging bats
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Potential Summary of Mitigation Residual Receptor Importance Magnitude Significance Impact Measures Impact
Impact 5: Pre-construction survey; Spread on non- Non-native invasive Invasive Species Management Medium Medium Moderate adverse Minor adverse native invasive species Plan (if required); and species Fencing off of identified stands.
Operation
Impact 1: Habitat loss, Otter Medium Negligible Minor adverse None Minor adverse disturbance or killing of otter
Impact 2: Pre-construction survey; Spread on non- Non-native invasive Invasive Species Management Medium Low Minor adverse Negligible native invasive species Plan (if required); and species Fencing off of identified stands.
Decommissioning
As a flood prevention scheme, the proposed scheme is anticipated to be maintained rather than removed, and therefore decommissioning activities are currently unknown. This will be assessed at the time of any decommissioning activities required.
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16.8 References
Atlantic Ecology (2019) Millport Bay Bird Survey 2018-19 Technical Report prepared by Atlantic Ecology on behalf of Royal HaskoningDHV Limited and North Ayrshire Council.
Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) and Institute of Lighting Engineers (ILP) (2018) Bats and Artificial Lighting in the UK
British Standard, (2013): British Standard 42020:2013 –Biodiversity. Code of Practice for planning and development
Chanin P (2003). Ecology of the European Otter. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 10. English Nature, Peterborough
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (2018) as amended Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine. Available at: https://cieem.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ECIA-Guidelines-Sept-2019.pdf Accessed 29.01.20
CIEEM (2017) Guidelines on Ecological Report Writing. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester.
Construction Industry Research and Information Association (2015) Guidance note C741 Environmental Good Practice on Site Guide (4 th edition)
Construction Industry Research and Information Association (2015) Coastal and marine environmental site guide (2nd edition) (C744)
Dean, M., Strachan, R., Gow, D. and Andrews, R. (2016). The Water Vole Mitigation Handbook (The Mammal Society Mitigation Guidance Series). Eds Fiona Mathews and Paul Chanin. The Mammal Society, London
Edgar et al. (2010) Reptile Habitat Management Handbook
English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines
GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2015) Species Information. Available at: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/home/index.cfm Accessed 29.01.20
Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat survey –A technique for environmental audit (JNCC, 2010);
Holmes, N, Ward, D, Jose, P (1994). The New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook. Published by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. ISBN 10: 0903138700 ⁄ ISBN 13: 9780903138703
ILE (2011) Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light. Available at: https://www.theilp.org.uk/documents/obtrusive-light/ Accessed 29.01.20
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2004) Otter Lutra lutra . Available at: https://sac.jncc.gov.uk/species/S1355/ Accessed 29.01.20
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat survey –A technique for environmental audit (revised 2016)
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) (2003) Herpetofauna Worker’s Manual;
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Kruuk H. 1995.Wild otters. Predation and populations. Oxford University Press, Oxford: 1–290.
Marine Scotland (2019) Marine Scotland MAPS NMPI Available at:: https://marinescotland.atkinsgeospatial.com/nmpi/ Accessed 29.01.20
Marine Traffic (2020) Available at: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ports/4631/United_Kingdom_port:CUMBRAE%20SLIP Accessed 29.01.20
Natural Environment White Paper (2011).
NBN Atlas, (undated, a). Available at: https://records.nbnatlas.org/occurrences/search?q=*:*&fq=species_group:Plants&lat=55.7505&lon=- 4.9256&radius=0.05 Accessed 29.01.20
NBN Atlas, (Undated, b), Available at: https://records.nbnatlas.org/occurrences/search?taxa=&q=*%3A*&fq=species_group%3APlants&wkt=& lat=55.749&lon=-4.9253&radius=0.05&dir=&offset=140&max=20 Accessed 29.01.20
Netregs (undated) Guidance for Pollution Prevention, Available at: http://www.netregs.org.uk/environmental-topics/pollution-prevention-guidelines-ppgs-and-replacement- series/guidance-for-pollution-prevention-gpps-full-list/ Accessed 29.01.20
NIEA, SEPA and NRW (2017) GPP 21: Pollution Incident Response Plans. July 2017
NIEA, DAERA, SEPA and NRW (2018) Guidance for Pollution Prevention: Works and maintenance in or near water: GPP5. Version 1.2. February 2018
NIEA, DAERA, SEPA and NRW (2018a) Guidance for Pollution Prevention. Dealing with spills: GPP 22. Version 1. October 2018
North Ayrshire Council (2015) North Ayrshire LBAP 2015-2018 Revision Available at URL: https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Documents/CorporateServices/Finance/draft-lbap.pdf
North Ayrshire Council (undated) Nature Conservation Sites. Available at: https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Documents/CorporateServices/LegalProtective/LocalDevelopmentPlan/nature- conservation-sites.pdf Accessed 29.01.20
North Ayrshire Council, (undated) Tree Preservation Orders. Available at: https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-standards/conservation-natural-environment/tree-preservation- orders.aspx Accessed 29.01.20
North Ayrshire Council, (2012a.) Environmental Policy. Available at: https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Documents/CorporateServices/LegalProtective/Planning/NACEnvironmentalPolicy.pdf Accessed 29.01.20
North Ayrshire Council, 2012b. Tree and Woodland Management Policy. Available at: https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Documents/CorporateServices/LegalProtective/Planning/tree- woodlands-policy.pdf Accessed 29.01.20
North Ayrshire Council, 2019 Local Development Plan 2. Available at: https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-standards/ldp/ldp2.aspx Accessed 29.01.20
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North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council 2007. Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan. Available at: https://www.south- ayrshire.gov.uk/documents/ayrshire%20joint%20structure%20plan%202007.pdf Accessed 29.01.20
Peel Ports Group (2019) Hunterston PARC Available at: https://www.peelports.com/news/2019/peel- ports-sets-out-future-for-hunterston-parc Accessed 29.01.20
Rambol Environ (2016) Great Cumbrae Solar Farm environmental report. Available at: https://www.eplanning.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/OnlinePlanning/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=O2L9BCLE03P00 Accessed 29.01.20
Royal HaskoningDHV (2017), Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme Environmental Scoping Report
Royal HaskoningDHV (2018a), Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme: Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report.
Royal HaskoningDHV (2018b), Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme: Intertidal Survey.
Scottish Biodiversity List (Biodiversity Scotland, undated);
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (undated): Biosecurity and management of invasive non-native species for construction sites and controlled activities.
Scottish Government (2014) Ayrshire LBAP 2014-2017. Available at: https://www2.gov.scot/seag/seagDocs/SEA-00998/16001.pdf Accessed 29.01.20
Scottish Government, (1999). National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) 14 Natural Heritage
Scottish Government, (2007). Scottish Biodiversity List. Available at: https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20160402063428/http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environ ment/Wildlife-Habitats/16118/Biodiversitylist/SBL Accessed 29.01.20
Scottish Government, (2008). Planning Advice Note (PAN) 60 (Planning for Natural Heritage)
Scottish Government, (2013). Planning Advice Note 1/2013: Environmental Impact Assessment .
Scottish Government, (2014a) Scotland’s third National Planning Framework. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-planning-framework-3/ Accessed 29.01.20
Scottish Government, (2014b) Scotland’s Planning Policy. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-planning-policy/ Accessed: 29.01.20
Scottish Natural Heritage (1985) Available at: https://apps.snh.gov.uk/sitelink- api/v1/sites/825/documents/1 Accessed 29.01.20
Scottish Natural Heritage (2002): A Handbook on Environmental Impact Assessment
Scottish Natural Heritage (2019a): Protected Species https://www.nature.scot/professional- advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and-species/protected-species Accessed 29.01.20
Scottish Natural Heritage (2019b): Otters: licences for surveys and research. Available at: https://www .nature.scot/professional-advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and- species/licensing/species-licensing-z-guide/otters-and-licensing/otters-licences-surveys-and Accessed 29.01.20
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SNH (1985) Kames Bay SSSI Citation Available at: https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/825 Accessed 29.01.20
SNH (2000) Ballochmartin Bay SSSI Citation available at URL: https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/132 Accessed 29.01.20
SNH (2005) A Handbook on Environmental Impact Assessment (Version 5) Available at: https://www.nature.scot/handbook-environmental-impact-assessment-guidance-competent-authorities- consultees-and-others Accessed 29.01.20
SNH (2019) information on otter. Available at: https://www.nature.scot/plants-animals-and- fungi/mammals/land-mammals/otter Accessed 29.01.20
SNH (undated) Standing Advise for Planning Consultations : Otter . Available at: https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2019-10/Species%20Planning%20Advice%20-%20otter.pdf Accessed 29.01.20
Starling Learning (2015) Preliminary ecological appraisal, Ballochmartin Farm, Cumbrae. Available at: https://www.eplanning.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/OnlinePlanning/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=O2L9BCLE03P00 Accessed 29.01.20
Strachan, R. & Jefferies, D.J. (1996). Otter survey of England 1991-1994. The Vincent Wildlife Trust, London.
Strachan, R., Moorhouse, T., and Gelling, M., (2011). Water Vole Conservation Handbook, Third Edition.
A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment 2018
The Highways Agency, The Scottish Executive Development Department, The National Assembly for Wales and The Department for Regional Development (2001) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB Volume 10 section 4). Available at: http://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/ha/standards/dmrb/vol10/index.htm Accessed 29.01.19
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210000 215000 220000 ± ± 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 6 6
Legend Redline Boundary Terrestrial Ecology Study Area Desk Study Area Bat Study Area 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 6 6
See Figure 16.1b Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2019 Client: Project: Millport Flood North Ayrshire Council Protection Scheme - EIA Report
Title: Project infrastructure and study boundaries
Figure: 16.1a Drawing No:
Revision: Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: Scale: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 5 0 07/11/2019 TC AS A3 1:50,000 6 6 Co-ordinate system: British National Grid
ROYAL HASKONINGDHV Marlborough House 0 3 Kilometres Marlborough Crescent Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 4EE +44 (0)191 211 1300 www.royalhaskoningdhv.com 210000 215000 220000 216000 217000 ± ±
Legend Redline Boundary Terrestrial Ecology Study Area Potential Site Compound Potential Materials Storage Flood Walls 0 0 0 0
0 0 Rock Breakwater 5 5 5 5 6 6 Rock Revetment Modifications to existing coast protection structures Modifications to existing promenade and grass areas
Lido Offshore Breakwater Crocodile Rock
© HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2019 © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100023393. Use of this data is subject to terms and conditions.
Client: Project: Millport Flood North Ayrshire Council Protection Scheme - EIA Report
Title: Project infrastructure and study boundaries
Figure: 16.1b Drawing No:
Revision: Date: Drawn: Checked: Size: Scale:
0 0 1 04/02/2020 TC AS A3 1:8,000 0 0 0 0 4 4
5 5 0 19/11/2019 TC AS A3 1:8,000 6 6
Co-ordinate system: British National Grid
ROYAL HASKONINGDHV Marlborough House 0 200 400 Metres Marlborough Crescent Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 4EE +44 (0)191 211 1300 www.royalhaskoningdhv.com 216000 217000 215500 216000 216500 ± ± 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 6 6
Legend Redline Boundary Terrestrial Ecology Study Area H Target Notes ! Scattered Broadleaved Tree Phase 1 Survey A A Amenity Grassland A! A ! ! ! Hard Standing !I! I! ! Improved Grassland I I Scrub
© HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. © 2019 Microsoft Corporation © 2019 DigitalGlobe ©CNES (2019) Distribution Airbus DS Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2019
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5 5 - EIA Report 4 4 5 5 6 6 Title: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Area
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Client: Project: Southannan Sands SSSI Millport Flood North Ayrshire Council Protection Scheme - EIA Report
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REPORT
Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme: Environmental Statement
Appendix 16.1 Millport FPS Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report
Client: North Ayrshire Council
Reference: PB4749-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-00016.1 Status: Final/F01 Date: 31 January 2020
ECOLOGICAL REPORT
Millport FPS Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report
Client: North Ayrshire Council
Reference: I&BPB4749R001F0.1 Revision: 0.1/Final Date: Thursday, 01 March 2018
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HASKONINGDHV UK LTD.
2 Abbey Gardens Great College Street London
SW1P 3NL Industry & Buildings VAT registration number: 792428892
+44 207 2222115 T [email protected] E royalhaskoningdhv.com W
Document title: Millport FPS Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report
Document short title: Reference: I&BPB4749R001F0.1 Revision: 0.1/Final Date: Thursday, 01 March 2018 Project name: Millport FPS Project number: PB4749 Author(s): Charlotte Clements
Drafted by: Charlotte Clements
Checked by: Claire Smith
Date / initials: 08/02/18 CS
Approved by: Kerrie Craig
Date / initials: 27/03/2018 KC
Classification Open
Disclaimer No part of these specifications/printed matter may be reproduced and/or published by print, photocopy, microfilm or by any other means, without the prior written permission of HaskoningDHV UK Ltd.; nor may they be used, without such permission, for any purposes other than that for which they were produced. HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. accepts no responsibility or liability for these specifications/printed matter to any party other than the persons by whom it was commissioned and as concluded under that Appointment. The integrated QHSE management system of HaskoningDHV UK Ltd. has been certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007.
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1 1.1 Site Description 1 1.2 Scope of Works 1 1.3 Purpose of this Report 2
2 Legislation and Policy 2
3 Methodology 3 3.1 Survey Area 3 3.2 Desk Study 3 3.3 Field Survey 3 3.3.1 Survey methodology 3 3.3.2 Otter 4 3.3.3 Surveyors 4 3.3.4 Weather conditions 4 3.3.5 Survey limitations 4
4 Results 5 4.1 Desk Study 5 4.1.1 Statutory and non-statutory designated sites 5 4.1.2 UK Habitats of Principal Importance 5 4.1.3 Legally protected and notable species 5 4.2 Field Survey 6 4.2.1 Habitats 6 4.2.2 Protected species 7 4.2.3 Otter 8 4.2.4 Invasive non-native species 8
5 Recommendations 8 5.1 Statutory and non-statutory sites 8 5.2 Habitats 8 5.3 Protected Species 8 5.3.1 Nesting and over-wintering birds 8 5.3.2 Reptiles 9 5.3.2.1 Other notable protected species 9 5.4 Otter 9
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6 Summary 10
7 References 11
Table of Tables
Table 2.1 Summary of key legislation and policy relevant to this project 2 Table 4.1 Non statutory designated sites within 2km of the scheme 5 Table 4.2 Protected species records within 2km of the scheme (5km for bat species) 6 Table 6.1 Summary of findings 10
Appendices
Appendix A – Figures Appendix B – Target Notes Appendix C – Biological Records
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1 Introduction
Royal HaskoningDHV was commissioned by North Ayrshire Council to undertake a coastal flood risk assessment and provide a subsequent appraisal of management options for Millport (herein referred to as ‘the scheme’). As part of this work an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and an Otter Presence/Absence Survey was required to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The findings of these ecological surveys are provided in this document, which were carried out concurrently on 10th October 2017.
The scheme includes works on land, works on the foreshore and one of three options for works within the coastal waters at Millport Bay. The onshore works include the establishment of new flood defence walls, works to existing coastal defences and the installation of rock revetment and a rock breakwater.
There are three options currently being considered for offshore flood protection works:
• Option 1: a rock armour breakwater extension to Millport Pier; and • Option 2 and 3: offshore rock armour structures in the vicinity of the rock islets within the bay (two alternative alignments of offshore breakwaters are being considered).
1.1 Site Description The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Otter Presence/Absence Survey covered the terrestrial habitats within the scheme area plus an additional 250m buffer, as presented in Figure 2 and Figure 3, Appendix A – Figures. This was designed to cover all terrestrial areas which may be impacted by the proposed scheme. The survey area extends from the old Lido in the west through Newton bay and Kames bay and out towards Farland Point in the east. The surveys focussed on the area immediately adjacent to the foreshore, taking into consideration the natural barrier of the housing, pavements and roads directly behind the coastline.
1.2 Scope of Works This report includes the results of an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Otter Presence/Absence Survey, which were undertaken by a Royal HaskoningDHV ecologist on 10th October 2017.
The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey comprises three components, which collectively enable a preliminary ecological assessment of the survey area to be undertaken. These components include:
• a desktop review that summarises information on existing protected species records and nature conservation designations in the area; • an assessment of the habitats recorded within the survey area obtained from the ecological walkover survey; and • an assessment of the survey area for its likelihood of supporting protected species or species of conservation concern.
The Otter Presence/Absence Survey involved looking for evidence to confirm the presence/absence of otters within the survey area and the presence/absence of any holts and/or resting places that may be impacted by the scheme.
This report has been prepared in line with the guidelines set out in the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s (CIEEM) Guidelines for Ecological Report Writing (2nd Edition, December 2017).
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These surveys were completed in conjunction with an Intertidal Survey (Royal HaskoningDHV, 2017), which focussed on the intertidal habitats offshore and adjacent to the area surveyed as the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey.
1.3 Purpose of this Report The purpose of this report is to present the findings of the 2017 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Otter Presence/Absence Survey, providing an overall understanding of the existing ecological value of the survey area.
This report also clearly identifies the potential for the survey area to support legally protected species (including otters) alongside the requirement for any species specific ‘Phase 2’ surveys, and hence the potential hazards, restrictions and obligations which may be required to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation.
2 Legislation and Policy
This section summarises the relevant information of the legal protection afforded to habitats and species mentioned in this report and identified during the Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Otter Presence/Absence Survey. However, it should be noted that this is for information only and is not intended to be comprehensive or to replace specialised legal advice.
Table 2.1 below provides a brief summary of the key legislation and policy relevant to the scheme.
Table 2.1 Summary of key legislation and policy relevant to this project
Legislation Relevance
Codifies the EU Directive 2009/147/EC (the Birds Directive) into UK law; provides legal protection for European designated sites (Special Protection Areas (SPA), Wildlife and Countryside Act Ramsar sites) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); outlines legal 1981 (as amended) offences in relation to wild birds, animals, and invasive species; provides lists of species which are protected under the Act.
The Conservation of Habitats Codifies the EU Directive 92/43/EEC (The Habitats Directive) into UK law; and Species Regulations 2017 provides legal protection for European designated sites (Special Areas of (as amended) Conservation (SAC)).
Natural Environment and Rural Details a list of UK habitats and species of ‘principle importance’ which require Communities Act 2006 protection within the UK.
Policy Relevance
Supersedes the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP), which fulfilled legal UK Post-2010 Biodiversity obligation under the Convention on Biological Diversity to identify and produce Framework action plans for produce priority habitats and species.
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3 Methodology
3.1 Survey Area The Phase 1 Habiat survey covered the terrestrial habitats within the scheme area plus an additional 250m buffer, as presented in Figure 2 and Figure 3, Appendix A. It was designed to cover all terrestrial areas which may be impacted by the proposed scheme and extends from the old Lido in the west through Newton bay and Kames bay and out towards Farland Point in the east.
3.2 Desk Study Biological records were obtained from the South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre (SWSEIC) in November 2017. The data search returned all records of statutory and non-statutory designated sites for nature conservation within 2km of the survey area boundary. The data search also searched for records of protected and notable species within 2km of the survey area boundary (5km for bat species).
The Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website (www.magic.gov.uk) and the Scottish Natural Heritage website (www.nature.scot) were reviewed for information on statutory sites and notable habitats (e.g. ancient woodlands) of nature conservation value within 2km of the survey area.
A search for water bodies within 250m of the survey area was made using Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. A search area of 250m was chosen having taken into account the habitats around the survey area. Although great crested newts can use suitable terrestrial habitat up to 500m from a breeding pond (Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, Froglife, 2001), research suggests that newts are likely to travel no more than 250m from ponds where suitable habitats for foraging and hibernation exist1.
3.3 Field Survey
3.3.1 Survey methodology An ecological walkover survey of the survey area and its immediate surrounds was undertaken on 10th October 2017.
This survey broadly followed the ‘Extended Phase 1’ methodology as set out in Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment (Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995). This method of survey provides information on the habitats in the survey area and assesses the potential for legally protected species to occur on or adjacent to the survey area.
The main habitats within the survey area are shown on Figure 2 and Figure 3, Appendix A.
Preliminary investigations were undertaken in respect of the presence of the following legally protected species within the survey area: • searching for suitable habitats for breeding populations of great crested newts within the immediate area and up to 250m from the survey area. Also searching for suitable terrestrial habitat within the immediate area surrounding the survey area; • searching for signs of badger activity including setts, tracks, snuffle holes and latrines within the immediate area surrounding the survey area and up to 30m from its boundary;
1 Cresswell & Whitworth, 2004, An assessment of the efficiency of capture techniques and the value of different habitats for great crested newt Triturus cristatus, ENRR Number 576
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• searching for suitable habitat for water voles, otters and white clawed crayfish in water bodies within or immediately adjacent to the survey area; • searching for signs of potential roosting sites for bats, particularly within trees within the survey area; • searching for suitable habitats for reptiles within the survey area; • searching for signs of bird nests and identifying any suitable nesting habitats within the survey area; • searching for suitable habitat for any other protected species such as dormice; and • the presence of invasive species within and up to 10m from the survey area boundary. The list of invasive plant species included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) is extensive and these plants are found in a range of different habitats. The ecological constraints survey checked, in particular, for the presence of Japanese knotweed, giant knotweed, hybrid knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam, rhododendron and cotoneaster
3.3.2 Otter The Otter Presence/Absence Survey was undertaken in accordance with the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) guidance (Scottish Wildlife Series: Otters and Development, online) and was designed to confirm the presence/absence of otters and to ascertain the presence/absence of any holts and/or resting places that may be impacted by the scheme.
A search was made for any other signs of otter, including:
• paw-prints; • spraint (otter faeces); • anal jelly (jelly-like secretion); • pathways; • couches/lie-ups (above ground resting place); and • holts (below-ground resting places).
3.3.3 Surveyors The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Otter Presence/Absence Survey was conducted by Charlotte Clements (lead Phase 1 and Otter surveyor), and David Tarrant (lead Intertidal surveyor) both Royal HaskoningDHV ecologists. Charlotte has 3 years’ experience of Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveying and 2 years’ experience of undertaking Otter Presence/Absence Surveys.
3.3.4 Weather conditions Weather conditions were fair to good for the duration of the survey, with some light and heavy rain during the early afternoon. Wind conditions were slight throughout the morning with increasing wind speed during the afternoon. The conditions did not inhibit the surveyor in any way.
3.3.5 Survey limitations The survey was conducted during October 2017, which is outside of the optimal survey period for identifying ground flora species and hence habitat communities. Despite this, sufficient evidence was found during the survey to successfully identify habitat communities.
Whilst the utmost effort was made to cover each habitat and pick up all field signs present during the field survey, on occasion due to human error some field signs can be missed or overlooked.
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However, despite this, the data presented in this report is considered to provide an accurate description of the habitats within the survey area.
4 Results
4.1 Desk Study
4.1.1 Statutory and non-statutory designated sites There is one statutory designated site within the footprint of the scheme, and two statutory designated sites within a 2km buffer. The statutory and non-statutory designated sites are shown on Figure 1, Appendix A.
Kames Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Kames Bay SSSI is located within the footprint of the scheme and is designated for it’s biological (marine) habitat.
Ballochmartin Bay SSSI Ballochmartin Bay SSSI is located approximately 1.7km north east from the scheme, and is also designated for its biological habitats. Of note is that it supports slow worm (Anguis fragilis) within grassland areas and roadside verges.
Southannan Sands SSSI Southannan Sands SSSI is located approximately 2km south east of the scheme, on the Scottish coastline south of Largs. Southannan Sands comprises three discrete areas which together support one of the best examples of intertidal sandflats habitat, alongside associated flora and fauna.
In addition, there are four non-statutory sites within a 2km buffer of the scheme, but none are within the footprint of the scheme.
Table 4.1 Non statutory designated sites within 2km of the scheme Wildlife Site Name Grid Reference Distance from proposed scheme (km)
Barbay Hill NS171569 1.8
Bell Bay to Whitebay NS166586 2.4
Farland Point NS172542 0.9
Fintray Bay to Portachur Point NS151555 0.4
Ninian Brae Wood NS174552 0.4
4.1.2 UK Habitats of Principal Importance There are no UK Habitats of Principal Importance, as set out in S41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, or habitats from the Scottish Biodiversity List within the survey area, or within the 2km buffer.
4.1.3 Legally protected and notable species The following species have been recorded within 500m of the survey area, a full list of records of species within the wider 2km search buffer is included in Appendix C – Biological Records.
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Table 4.2 Protected species records within 2km of the scheme (5km for bat species) Distance from Species scheme Main legal protection and conservation status (metres)
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Tree sparrow (Passer montanus) 0m Species UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority bird species Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (BoCC4) Red list
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) 0m Species UK BAP priority bird species BoCC4 Red list
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Grasshopper warbler (Locustella 0m UK BAP priority bird species naevia) BoCC4 Red list
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Curlew (Numenius arquata) 0m Species UK BAP priority bird species BoCC4 Red list
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (As amended) Schedule 1 Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) 0m Species UK BAP priority bird species BoCC4 Yellow list
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan Priority House sparrow (Passer domesticus) 150m Species UK BAP priority bird species
West European hedgehog (Erinaceus 350m Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 europaeus)
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Dunnock (Prunella modularis) 500m BoCC4 Yellow list
4.2 Field Survey
4.2.1 Habitats The terrestrial habitat inshore of the coastal area compromises predominately of built up areas (i.e. areas of hard-standing, housing, public pathways and roads). There are also areas of amenity grassland with ornamental flower pots and scattered trees, alongside smaller areas of semi-improved grassland and scrub.
Built-up area The built-up areas within the survey area consist of: residential housing, public pathways and roads.
Amenity grassland There are several areas of amenity grassland, with ornamental flowers and scattered broadleaved trees within the survey area, alongside a football field and recreational park to the west of the survey area. These
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areas are characterised with short sward, regularly mown grass species and the scattered broadleaved trees are all palm trees (Arecaceae).
Semi-improved grassland and scrub There are areas of semi-improved grassland, with patches of scrub vegetation, to the east and west of the survey area. Key species noted include the following:
• Clover (Trifoleum spp); • Broad leaf dock (Rumex obtusifolius); • Dog rose (Rosa canina); • Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare); • Bramble (Rubus fruticosus); • Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata); • Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare); and • Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris).
4.2.2 Protected species Flora No legally protected flora species were noted within the survey area during the 2017 survey, however it should be noted that the survey was conducted outside the flowering plant season and as such, the absence of any observations of legally protected or notable flora species during the survey is not an indication that none are present.
Nesting birds No active nests were observed during the ecological walkover survey; however the survey was conducted outside of the nesting bird season (March to August). All scrub and semi-improved grassland present within the survey area were assessed as having suitable habitat to support ground-nesting birds.
Other protected species No suitable habitat was observed during the survey for the following species, and as such the survey area is considered sub-optimal, therefore these species are concluded as being absent and not considered further within this report:
• Water vole – no rivers or ditch systems with suitable berm for burrowing are present. • Bats – scattered trees observed in the survey area, however there were no cracks/crevices and no linear habitats for commuting and/or foraging bats was observed during the 2017 survey. • Dormice – dormice prefer successional woody vegetation, scrub and hedgerows. These habitats were not recorded during the survey. • Great crested newt (GCN) – no freshwater waterbodies were identified within the survey area, or within a 250m buffer of the survey area and as such no breeding aquatic habitat is present. Furthermore, the terrestrial habitats within the survey area is largely fragmented and considered sub-optimal for foraging/commuting GCN. • White-clawed crayfish – no suitable freshwater waterbodies were identified within the survey area. • Badger – no field signs for badger were observed within the survey area, furthermore no suitable habitat for badger is present within the survey area or within the areas immediately adjacent. • Reptiles – no sightings of common reptile species were observed during the 2017 survey, however it should be noted that the survey was conducted towards the end of the reptile active season (March to October). Suitable habitats for reptiles are present within the survey area
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(i.e. areas of scrub and grassland), however these areas are limited and fragmented and no potential refugia was observed during the survey.
4.2.3 Otter The survey area comprised a variety of shore habitats, including shingle, boulder, rocky outcrops and sand, alongside areas of scrub and grassland. Freshwater inputs (i.e. pipes or streams) were observed towards the eastern and western extremities of the survey area.
No evidence of otter (such as; spraints, feeding remains, pathways, couches or holts) was noted throughout the survey area, and no otter were observed.
4.2.4 Invasive non-native species No invasive non-native species were noted during the 2017 survey.
5 Recommendations
5.1 Statutory and non-statutory sites There is one statutory designated site within the footprint of the scheme, and two statutory designated sites within a 2km buffer.
Kames Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located within the footprint of the scheme and is designated for it’s biological (marine) habitat.
Given the proximity of the Kames Bay SSSI to the proposed scheme, the proposed works will be in accordance with CIRIA best practice guidelines for coastal and marine site working alongside SEPA Pollution Prevention Guidelines
No other statutory or non-statutory sites are within the direct footprint of the areas of proposed works, and are not considered to be functionally connected; therefore, no further surveys and/or mitigation measures are made for the purposes of this report.
5.2 Habitats No UK Principal habitats are located either immediately adjacent to, or are considered to be functionally connected to the areas of proposed works. However, due to the proximity of the Kames Bay SSSI, and as a precautionary approach, CIRIA best practice guidelines for coastal and marine site working and SEPA Pollution Prevention Guidelines will be adhered to during construction to ensure there is no pollutant release to this sensitive habitat.
5.3 Protected Species
5.3.1 Nesting and over-wintering birds The areas of scrub and improved grassland within the survey area provide optimal nesting habitat for common breeding birds. If vegetation clearance is required and is to be undertaken during the active season (March – August inclusive, although weather dependant), a pre-construction nesting bird check should be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist no more than 24-48 hours prior to vegetation clearance. If a nest is found, a 10m buffer must be set up and no works are to take place within this buffer until the young have fledged.
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5.3.2 Reptiles No common reptile species were observed during the survey, however the 2017 survey was conducted towards the end of the reptile active season (typically March to October but is weather and temperature dependent). Suitable habitats for reptiles exist within the survey area (i.e. areas of scrub and grassland), however these areas are limited and fragmented. No potential refugia was observed during the survey. These areas of scrub and grassland (to the east and west of the area of the scheme), are outside the working footprint and as such should not require any specific mitigations. However, the following precautions are included in order to minimise any potential adverse impact to reptiles:
• Provision of a tool box talk to site operatives prior to works adjacent to the areas highlighted on Figure 2 and Figure 3, Appendix A (scrub and semi-improved grassland) illustrating any risk areas on site for reptile, what the penalties are for killing or injuring reptiles, and the procedure to follow should any reptiles be found on site during construction; • Habitat manipulation of the working area to ensure it is unfavourable to reptiles during the works. This will include a vegetation strim down to 150mm of all vegetation in areas of vehicle tracking or construction works at least 48 hours prior to construction and all cut vegetation removed outside the proposed works area, to give any reptiles present time to leave the area. After this time the vegetation can be strimmed to a closer cut if required. Pre-construction vegetation clearance will be supervised by a suitably qualified ecologist.
5.3.2.1 Other notable protected species No suitable habitat for water vole, bat, badger, dormice, GCN or white-clawed crayfish were observed during the ecological walkover survey; therefore no further surveys and/or recommendations are made with regard to these species.
5.4 Otter The survey area comprised mostly of a shingle and boulder shore, with sandy beaches in places. To the eastern and western edges of the survey area, scrub and improved grassland was recorded, with freshwater inputs.
No evidence of otter presence was recorded during the survey, and no otter were recorded. Furthermore, no records of otters, up to 2km from the survey area, was returned during the desk study exercise. However, suitable habitat for otter was recorded throughout the survey area. Should any evidence of otters be discovered during construction, the following mitigation measures will be adhered to:
• A temporary ramp to be placed in trenches over 0.5 m deep in order to allow a potentially trapped animal to exit the trench; • Any open pipes should be capped to prevent animals gaining access; • All excavations and pipe systems should be checked at the start of each working day; • Site construction fencing should not interfere with the passage of animals through river corridors; • Lighting to be directed away from watercourses and any lighting on bridges or within 30m of burns to be low-intensity lighting; and • Existing vegetation along the watercourses should be retained wherever possible.
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6 Summary
Table 6.1 summaries the findings of the 2017 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Otter Presence/absence Survey detailed in Section 4, and the recommendation set out in Section 5.
Table 6.1 Summary of findings Ecological feature Ecological constraint or opportunity Recommendations
Kames Bay SSSI The Kames Bay SSSI is located directly adjacent to the area of proposed works to Works to be undertaken in accordance with CIRIA the west of the survey area. best practice guidelines for coastal and marine site working, alongside SEPA Pollution Prevention It is designated for its biological (marine) Guidelines. habitat
Vegetation clearance should be undertaken outside Scrub, trees and grassland within the survey the bird nesting season (March to August inclusive). Nesting and over- provide suitable habitat for common nesting If vegetation clearance is undertaken within the wintering birds birds. nesting season, a pre-construction check is required.
Reptiles Suitable habitat, such as areas of scrub and • Provision of a Toolbox talk; and grassland, is present within the survey area. • Habitat manipulation. However these areas are limited and fragmented and no potential refugia was observed during the survey.
Otter • Temporary ramp in excavations over 0.5m No evidence of otter was recorded within deep; the survey area, furthermore no records of • Open pipes to be capped; otters utilising the survey area (plus a 2km • Excavations and piping to be checked daily; buffer) were shown during the desk study. • Construction fencing placed so not interfere with the passage of animals to/from the shoreline; Recommendations are made in the event of • Lighting to be directed away from the shoreline any evidence of otter be discovered during and of a low intensity; and construction • Existing vegetation to be retained where possible.
Other protected or No constraints with respect to any other legally protected or notable species have been identified. notable species This includes water vole, badger, GCN, rare flora, dormice and white-clawed crayfish
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7 References
Bat Conservation Trust, 2016. Collins, J.(ed.) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edn). The Bat Conservation Trust, London
CIEEM (2017) Guidelines on Ecological Report Writing. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester.
Dean, M., Strachan, R., Gow, D. and Andrews, R. (2016). The Water Vole Mitigation Handbook (The Mammal Society Mitigation Guidance Series). Eds Fiona Mathews and Paul Chanin. The Mammal Society, London
Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995. Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment.
Langton, T.E.S., Beckett, C.L., and Foster, J.P. (2001), Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, Froglife, Halesworth.
Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M., 2000. Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetological Journal 10(4), 143-155.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Protected Species Advice for Developers
Strachan, R., Moorhouse, T., and Gelling, M., 2011. Water Vole Conservation Handbook, Third Edition.
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Appendix A – Figures
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Appendix B – Target Notes
Target note number Details Ep1hs0011 Area of scrub between shore and amenity grassland.
Species including: bramble, nettle, ragwort, meadow daisy, thistle, Ep1hs001 Strip of improved grassland adjacent to roadside, with benches, mown. Small strip of longer sward.
Species including: clover, broad leaf dock, thistle, dog rose, bramble, field buttercup, ribwort plantain, ragwort, fescue spp, field daisy Ep1hs003 Pipe, freshwater outlet Ep1hs004 Ornamental flower garden Ep1hs005 Small patches of grasses.
Species including: field daisy, broad leaf dock at top of upper shore, adjacent to sea wall Ep1hs006 Freshwater pipe/outlet Ep1hs007 Freshwater outlet
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Appendix C – Biological Records Biological records obtained from the South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre (SWSEIC) of species recorded within a 2km buffer of the proposed works (5km for bat species) are shown in the table below.
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Cladonia chlorophaea lichen 14/04/1975 Great Cumbrae: Lion Rock NS1754 1015 Cladonia chlorophaea lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Millport Marine Station NS1754 2050 Cladonia chlorophaea lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Sherriffs Port - wood nearby NS153554 1427 Cladonia chlorophaea lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 1015 Cladonia chlorophaea lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Standing Stone wood NS176565 1811 Cladonia chlorophaea lichen 15/06/2003 Great Cumbrae: Sherriffs Port - wood nearby NS153554 1427 Cladonia caespiticia lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Millport Marine Station NS1754 1015 Cladonia cervicornis subsp. cervicornis lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 2050 Cladonia ciliata var. ciliata lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 2050 Cladonia ciliata var. tenuis lichen 15/06/2003 Great Cumbrae: Millport Marine Station NS1754 1015 Cladonia coniocraea lichen 15/06/2003 Great Cumbrae: Sherriffs Port - wood nearby NS153554 1427 Cladonia diversa lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 2050 Cladonia fimbriata lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Millport Marine Station NS1754 2050 Cladonia fimbriata lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Standing Stone wood NS176565 1811 Cladonia fimbriata lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 1015 Cladonia floerkeana lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 2050 Cladonia furcata lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Sherriffs Port - wood nearby NS153554 1015 Cladonia furcata lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 2050 Cladonia furcata lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Millport Marine Station NS1754 1427 Cladonia furcata lichen 15/06/2003 Great Cumbrae: Millport Marine Station NS1754 1015 Cladonia macilenta lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 2050 Cladonia macilenta lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Standing Stone wood NS176565 1811 Cladonia portentosa Reindeer Moss June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 1015 Cladonia portentosa Reindeer Moss June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Millport Marine Station NS1754 2050 Cladonia portentosa Reindeer Moss 15/06/2003 Great Cumbrae: Millport Marine Station NS1754 1015 Cladonia ramulosa lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 2050
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Cladonia squamosa lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 1811 Cladonia squamosa lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Standing Stone wood NS176565 2050 Cladonia uncialis subsp. biuncialis lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Glaid Stone NS168570 2050 Hypotrachyna taylorensis lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Standing Stone wood NS176565 1811 Micarea alabastrites lichen June 2002 Great Cumbrae: Millport NS1555 1657 Ramalina fraxinea lichen 15/06/2003 Great Cumbrae: Sherriffs Port - wood nearby NS153554 1427 Nephroma laevigatum lichen 14/04/1975 Great Cumbrae: Lion Rock NS1754 1015 Varicellaria hemisphaerica lichen 15/06/2003 Great Cumbrae: Sherriffs Port - wood nearby NS153554 1427 Cumbrae between the 'Wishing Well' and Sargassum muticum Wireweed 10/06/2005 NS182555 1637 Keppel pier Sargassum muticum Wireweed 22/05/2009 Survey 359 a NS179545 1325 Sargassum muticum Wireweed 24/07/2015 Keppel Pier, Isle of Cumbrae NS177545 1139 Sargassum muticum Wireweed 25/07/2015 Butter lump/Davy's rock, Isle of Cumbrae NS183556 1766 Sargassum muticum Wireweed 25/07/2015 Butter lump/Davy's rock, Isle of Cumbrae NS183556 1766 Sargassum muticum Wireweed 24/07/2015 Keppel Pier, Isle of Cumbrae NS177545 1139 Sargassum muticum Wireweed 24/07/2015 Keppel Slip, Isle of Cumbrae NS176543 1149 Sargassum muticum Wireweed 25/07/2015 Lion Rock, Isle of Cumbrae NS181548 1452 Sargassum muticum Wireweed 13/03/2016 Marine Parade dive survey NS175542 1132 Sargassum muticum Wireweed 13/03/2016 Farland Point dive survey NS171543 791 Asparagopsis armata Harpoon Weed 22/05/2009 Survey 359 a NS179545 1325 Sphagnum Bog Moss 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS171567 1801 Sphagnum Bog Moss 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167567 1746 Sphagnum Bog Moss 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167566 1646 Sphagnum Bog Moss 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Sphagnum Bog Moss 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Sphagnum Bog Moss 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Sphagnum magellanicum Magellanic Bog-moss 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Archangelic Thread- Bryum archangelicum 1983 Great Cumbrae NS1855 1345 moss Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17505652 1778 Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17555648 1768 Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17335515 702 Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17415572 1074 Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17425549 933 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 04/09/1999 NS15295436 1490 Cumbrae Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Montbretia 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17475596 1293 crocosmiiflora Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Montbretia 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17415433 979 crocosmiiflora Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Montbretia 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 crocosmiiflora Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Montbretia 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17125446 678 crocosmiiflora Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Montbretia 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17275413 1028 crocosmiiflora Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Montbretia 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 crocosmiiflora Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Montbretia 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 crocosmiiflora Cumbrae Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Montbretia 04/09/1999 NS14995462 1699 crocosmiiflora Cumbrae
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Montbretia 04/09/1999 NS15475639 1862 crocosmiiflora Cumbrae Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 1980 ns15Y NS1856 1702 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17605641 1734 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17555648 1768 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17475661 1844 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17535658 1845 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17505652 1778 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17485606 1378 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17335515 702 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17415572 1074 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17475596 1293 Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17425549 933 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 04/09/1999 NS15475611 1655 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Baldellia ranunculoides Lesser Water-plantain 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Baldellia ranunculoides Lesser Water-plantain 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Potamogeton alpinus Red Pondweed 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Various-leaved Potamogeton gramineus 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Pondweed Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167567 1746 Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17015680 1879
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17155700 2104 Trichophorum caespitosum Deergrass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17155700 2104 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Trichophorum caespitosum Deergrass 04/09/1999 NS15475639 1862 Cumbrae Trichophorum caespitosum Deergrass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Trichophorum caespitosum Deergrass 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Trichophorum caespitosum Deergrass 04/09/1999 NS15355590 1612 Cumbrae Trichophorum caespitosum Deergrass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Carex echinata Star Sedge 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167567 1746 Carex echinata Star Sedge 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Carex echinata Star Sedge 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Carex echinata Star Sedge 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16965695 2018 Carex echinata Star Sedge 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Carex echinata Star Sedge 04/09/1999 NS15655657 1903 Cumbrae Carex echinata Star Sedge 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Nardus stricta Mat-grass 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Nardus stricta Mat-grass 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17245423 931 Nardus stricta Mat-grass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Nardus stricta Mat-grass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Nardus stricta Mat-grass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Nardus stricta Mat-grass 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17155700 2104
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167567 1746 Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS171567 1801 Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167566 1646 Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 04/09/1999 NS14995462 1699 Cumbrae Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16965695 2018 Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17335515 702 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17225415 983 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17245423 931 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17125446 678 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17455544 930 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17425549 933 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Potentilla erecta Tormentil 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Potentilla erecta Tormentil 04/09/1999 NS14995462 1699 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Potentilla erecta Tormentil 04/09/1999 NS15295436 1490 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Potentilla erecta Tormentil 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Potentilla erecta Tormentil 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17155700 2104
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Potentilla erecta Tormentil 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Potentilla erecta Tormentil 04/09/1999 NS15355590 1612 Cumbrae Potentilla erecta Tormentil 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16965695 2018 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Potentilla erecta Tormentil 04/09/1999 NS15475639 1862 Cumbrae Potentilla erecta Tormentil 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Potentilla erecta Tormentil 04/09/1999 NS15655657 1903 Cumbrae Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167567 1746 Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17275413 1028 Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17225415 983 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil 04/09/1999 NS14995462 1699 Cumbrae Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17015680 1879 Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil 04/09/1999 NS15015490 1647 Cumbrae Veronica scutellata Marsh Speedwell 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167566 1646 Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167567 1746 Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16965695 2018 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort 04/09/1999 NS15475639 1862 Cumbrae Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Myrica gale Bog-myrtle 04/09/1999 NS15355590 1612 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Myrica gale Bog-myrtle 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Rhododendron ponticum flowering plant 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Rhododendron ponticum flowering plant 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17475661 1844 Rhododendron ponticum flowering plant 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Rhododendron ponticum flowering plant 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17225415 983 Calluna vulgaris Heather 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17425549 933 Calluna vulgaris Heather 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17125446 678 Calluna vulgaris Heather 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Calluna vulgaris Heather 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17245423 931 Calluna vulgaris Heather 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17225415 983 Calluna vulgaris Heather 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Calluna vulgaris Heather 04/09/1999 NS15655657 1903 Cumbrae Calluna vulgaris Heather 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Calluna vulgaris Heather 04/09/1999 NS15355590 1612 Cumbrae Calluna vulgaris Heather 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Calluna vulgaris Heather 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Calluna vulgaris Heather 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Calluna vulgaris Heather 04/09/1999 NS14995462 1699 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Calluna vulgaris Heather 04/09/1999 NS15475639 1862 Cumbrae Calluna vulgaris Heather 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17155700 2104 Erica cinerea Bell Heather 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 22 2018
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Erica cinerea Bell Heather 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Erica cinerea Bell Heather 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17425549 933 Erica cinerea Bell Heather 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17245423 931 Erica cinerea Bell Heather 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Erica cinerea Bell Heather 04/09/1999 NS14995462 1699 Cumbrae Erica cinerea Bell Heather 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17155700 2104 Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17245423 931 Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17225415 983 Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Andromeda polifolia Bog-rosemary 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Andromeda polifolia Bog-rosemary 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16965695 2018 Fallopia japonica Japanese Knotweed 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17275413 1028 Fallopia japonica Japanese Knotweed 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17415433 979 Fallopia japonica Japanese Knotweed 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved Sundew 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17015680 1879 Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved Sundew 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved Sundew 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved Sundew 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17475661 1844 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17605641 1734 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17505652 1778
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 23 2018
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17555648 1768 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17535658 1845 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17475596 1293 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17335515 702 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17425549 933 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17485606 1378 Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17455544 930 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 04/09/1999 NS15655657 1903 Cumbrae Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 04/09/1999 NS15475611 1655 Cumbrae Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17155700 2104 Campanula rotundifolia Harebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17455544 930 Campanula rotundifolia Harebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17475596 1293 Campanula rotundifolia Harebell 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Campanula rotundifolia Harebell 04/09/1999 NS15655657 1903 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Campanula rotundifolia Harebell 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167567 1746 Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17015680 1879 Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17425549 933
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 24 2018
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Senecio aquaticus Marsh Ragwort 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17275413 1028 Senecio aquaticus Marsh Ragwort 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17475661 1844 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17415433 979 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17125446 678 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17225415 983 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17245423 931 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17425549 933 Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 04/09/1999 NS15475639 1862 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 04/09/1999 NS14995462 1699 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 04/09/1999 NS15025424 1785 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 04/09/1999 NS15355590 1612 Cumbrae Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16965695 2018 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167567 1746 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS167566 1646 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17225415 983
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 25 2018
O p e n
Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17245423 931 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 04/09/1999 NS15475639 1862 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 04/09/1999 NS15355590 1612 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 04/09/1999 NS15475611 1655 Cumbrae Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17015680 1879 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16965695 2018 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Sanicula europaea Sanicle 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS17555648 1768 Sanicula europaea Sanicle 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Parsley Water- Oenanthe lachenalii 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 dropwort Parsley Water- Oenanthe lachenalii 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17125446 678 dropwort Apium inundatum Lesser Marshwort 07/07/1996 Site name unavailable NS168568 1851 Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS17125446 678 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 04/09/1999 NS15655657 1903 Cumbrae
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 26 2018
O p e n
Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS17035703 2108 Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16965695 2018 Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS16875698 2036 Arthurdendyus triangulatus New Zealand Flatworm 01/01/1993 Site name unavailable NS1656 1234 Arthurdendyus triangulatus New Zealand Flatworm 20/03/2000 Site name unavailable NS1755 347 American Slipper Crepidula fornicata 22/05/2009 Survey 359 b NS179545 1325 Limpet November Nucella lapillus Dog Whelk Millport NS176545 1048 1986 Nucella lapillus Dog Whelk 16/07/2005 Keppel Pier, Millport NS177545 1139 Nucella lapillus Dog Whelk 16/07/2005 Lion Rock NS180550 1345 Nucella lapillus Dog Whelk April 2012 Ballochmartin Bay, Isle of Cumbrae NS182567 2330 Nucella lapillus Dog Whelk 13/03/2016 Littoral Survey NS174541 1133 Nucella lapillus Dog Whelk 13/03/2016 Clashfarland Point dive survey NS186562 2308 Atrina fragilis Fan Mussel Unknown Skelmorlie Bank (nr. Largs) NS183559 1896 Arctica islandica Icelandic Cyprine Unknown Cyprina islandica record NS150534 2272 Arctica islandica Icelandic Cyprine 1962 Cyprina islandica record NS178544 1272 Arctica islandica Icelandic Cyprine 06/03/1995 Tan Buoy NS147535 2438 Arctica islandica Icelandic Cyprine 13/03/2016 Trawl Survey NS182544 1641 Achaeus cranchii Cranch's Spider Crab 04/08/2010 LL04#1 Video NS183554 1703 Palinurus elephas Spiny Lobster Unknown Palinurus elephas records NS161538 1282 Palinurus elephas Spiny Lobster Unknown Palinurus elephas record NS178544 1272 insect - beetle Stictonectes lepidus 1909 Millport, Cumbrae NS1655 658 (Coleoptera) insect - beetle Chaetarthria seminulum 11/06/1986 Millport Marine Station, Cumbrae NS173544 850 (Coleoptera) insect - beetle Cercyon littoralis 15/06/1986 Farland Point, Cumbrae NS172542 931 (Coleoptera)
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 27 2018
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) insect - true fly Nephrotoma scurra 07/08/1900 Irvine NS1655 658 (Diptera) insect - true fly Tipula truncorum 07/08/1900 Hawkhead (15 Armadale St.) NS1655 658 (Diptera) insect - true fly Dactylolabis sexmaculata 07/08/1900 Fiddler's Gill SSSI NS1655 658 (Diptera) Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 01/03/1977 Lion Rock Millport NS180548 1353 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 12/08/1978 Keppell Port NS178545 1231 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 12/08/1978 Keppell Pier NS178545 1231 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 20/10/1979 Keppel Pier NS179545 1325 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 1981 Near Keppel pier NS179545 1325 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin June 1981 Millport Bay NS164538 1183 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 1982 Near Keppel pier NS179545 1325 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 1983 Near Keppel pier NS179545 1325 Sewage Pipe Bay, Farland Point, Great Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 07/08/2004 NS171543 791 Cumbrae Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 06/08/2004 Keppel Pier, Great Cumbrae NS177545 1139 The Wishing Well / The Butter Lump, Great Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 07/08/2004 NS183555 1732 Cumbrae Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 08/08/2004 Farland Point (W Side), Great Cumbrae NS172543 851 Sewage Pipe Bay, Farland Point, Great Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 07/08/2004 NS171543 791 Cumbrae Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 16/07/2005 Lion Rock NS180550 1345 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 16/07/2005 Keppel Pier, Millport NS177545 1139 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 08/08/2005 Point south of Fintray Bay NS155565 1930 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 07/08/2005 Farland Point, NS171543 791 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 07/08/2005 Farland Point, NS171543 791 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 07/08/2005 Farland Point, NS171543 791
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 28 2018
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 21/01/2006 Farland Reef, Milport Bay NS171543 791 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 22/09/2007 Hawk Craig Bay Wall, Little Cumbrae NS153528 2546 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 04/08/2010 LL03#3 Video NS179545 1325 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 04/08/2010 LL03#1 Video NS179545 1325 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 26/07/2015 Port Loy (South), Isle of Cumbrae NS167542 756 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 26/07/2015 Port Loy North, Isle of Cumbrae NS170544 653 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 26/07/2015 Port Loy (South), Isle of Cumbrae NS167542 756 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 24/07/2015 Keppel Slip, Isle of Cumbrae NS176543 1149 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 24/07/2015 Keppel Slip, Isle of Cumbrae NS176543 1149 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 25/07/2015 Butter lump/Davy's rock, Isle of Cumbrae NS183556 1766 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 24/07/2015 Keppel Pier, Isle of Cumbrae NS177545 1139 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 24/07/2015 Keppel Pier, Isle of Cumbrae NS177545 1139 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 25/07/2015 Lion Rock, Isle of Cumbrae NS181548 1452 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 25/07/2015 Lion Rock, Isle of Cumbrae NS181548 1452 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 25/07/2015 Butter lump/Davy's rock, Isle of Cumbrae NS183556 1766 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 13/03/2016 Marine Parade dive survey NS175542 1132 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 13/03/2016 Trawl Survey NS182544 1641 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 13/03/2016 Clashfarland Point dive survey NS186562 2308 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 13/03/2016 Littoral Survey NS174541 1133 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 13/03/2016 Farland Point dive survey NS172543 851 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 13/03/2016 Farland Point dive survey NS171543 791 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 13/03/2016 Farland Point dive survey NS171543 791 Echinus esculentus Edible Sea Urchin 14/03/2016 Clashfarland Point dive survey NS186562 2308 Paracentrotus lividus Rock urchin 22/05/2009 Survey 359 a NS179545 1325 Paracentrotus lividus Rock urchin 22/05/2009 Survey 359 b NS179545 1325 Styela clava Leathery Sea Squirt 13/03/2016 Farland Point dive survey NS172543 851
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 29 2018
O p e n
Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Cetorhinus maximus Basking Shark 29/09/2015 Millport NS1654 1159 Gadus morhua Atlantic Cod 21/01/2006 Farland Reef, Milport Bay NS171543 791 Gadus morhua Atlantic Cod 26/07/2015 Port Loy (South), Isle of Cumbrae NS167542 756 Gadus morhua Atlantic Cod 26/07/2015 Port Loy North, Isle of Cumbrae NS170544 653 Gadus morhua Atlantic Cod 13/03/2016 Trawl Survey NS182544 1641 Merlangius merlangus Whiting 12/08/1978 Keppell Port NS178545 1231 Pomatoschistus microps Common Goby 22/09/2007 Hawk Craig Bay Wall, Little Cumbrae NS153528 2546 Pomatoschistus minutus Sand goby 16/07/2005 Keppel Pier, Millport NS177545 1139 Pomatoschistus minutus Sand goby 07/08/2005 Farland Point, NS171543 791 Pleuronectes platessa Plaice 07/08/2005 Farland Point, NS171543 791 Pleuronectes platessa Plaice 13/03/2016 Trawl Survey NS182544 1641 Lissotriton helveticus Palmate Newt 1833 Millport NS1655 658 Lissotriton helveticus Palmate Newt 1957 Millport-Cumbrae NS1655 658 Anguis fragilis Slow-worm 1833 Millport,Cumbrae NS1655 658 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Cygnus olor Mute Swan 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Red-breasted Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Mergus serrator 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Merganser Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Somateria mollissima Eider 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Anser anser Greylag Goose 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Ardea cinerea Grey Heron 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Phasianus colchicus Pheasant 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 30 2018
O p e n
Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Morus bassanus Gannet 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk 2009 Site name unavailable NS168552 284 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Buteo buteo Buzzard 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Buteo buteo Buzzard 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Falco tinnunculus Kestrel 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2003 Site name unavailable NS15T Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2004 Site name unavailable NS15M Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2004 Site name unavailable NS15L Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2004 Site name unavailable NS15T Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2005 Site name unavailable NS15L Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2005 Site name unavailable NS15M Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2005 Site name unavailable NS15T Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2006 Site name unavailable NS15L Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2006 Site name unavailable NS15M Vanellus vanellus Lapwing 2006 Site name unavailable NS15T Gallinago gallinago Snipe 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Gallinago gallinago Snipe 2003 Site name unavailable NS15T
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 31 2018
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Gallinago gallinago Snipe 2004 Site name unavailable NS15T Gallinago gallinago Snipe 2006 Site name unavailable NS15M Numenius arquata Curlew 2003 Site name unavailable NS15L Numenius arquata Curlew 2003 Site name unavailable NS15T Numenius arquata Curlew 2004 Site name unavailable NS15T Numenius arquata Curlew 2004 Site name unavailable NS15L Numenius arquata Curlew 2004 Site name unavailable NS15M Numenius arquata Curlew 2004 Site name unavailable NS15S Numenius arquata Curlew 2004 Site name unavailable NS15R Numenius arquata Curlew 2005 Site name unavailable NS15S Numenius arquata Curlew 2005 Site name unavailable NS15R Numenius arquata Curlew 2005 Site name unavailable NS15L Numenius arquata Curlew 2005 Site name unavailable NS15T Numenius arquata Curlew 2006 Site name unavailable NS15T Numenius arquata Curlew 2006 Site name unavailable NS15S Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Tringa totanus Redshank 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Tringa totanus Redshank 2004 Site name unavailable NS15L Tringa totanus Redshank 2005 Site name unavailable NS15L Larus argentatus Herring Gull 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Larus argentatus Herring Gull 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Great Black-backed Larus marinus 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Gull Columba livia Rock Dove 2009 Site name unavailable NS168552 284 Columba palumbus Woodpigeon 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Columba palumbus Woodpigeon 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 32 2018
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Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Columba palumbus Woodpigeon 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler 2003 Site name unavailable NS15T Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler 2004 Site name unavailable NS15T Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler 2006 Site name unavailable NS15M Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler 2006 Site name unavailable NS15S Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler 2006 Site name unavailable NS15T Alauda arvensis Skylark 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Hirundo rustica Swallow 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Hirundo rustica Swallow 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Anthus petrosus Rock Pipit 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Anthus petrosus Rock Pipit 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Motacilla alba subsp. yarrellii Pied Wagtail 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Troglodytes troglodytes Wren 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Troglodytes troglodytes Wren 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Troglodytes troglodytes Wren 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Prunella modularis Dunnock 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Prunella modularis Dunnock 2009 Site name unavailable NS169554 508 Erithacus rubecula Robin 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Erithacus rubecula Robin 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Erithacus rubecula Robin 2009 Site name unavailable NS168552 284 Erithacus rubecula Robin 2009 Site name unavailable NS169554 508 Erithacus rubecula Robin 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 33 2018
O p e n
Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Turdus merula Blackbird 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Turdus merula Blackbird 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS157546 1020 Turdus merula Blackbird 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS157546 1020 Turdus merula Blackbird 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS157546 1020 Turdus merula Blackbird 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS168554 468 Turdus merula Blackbird 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS167551 152 Turdus merula Blackbird 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS167551 152 Turdus merula Blackbird 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS157546 1020 Turdus merula Blackbird 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Turdus merula Blackbird 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Turdus merula Blackbird 2009 Site name unavailable NS168552 284 Turdus merula Blackbird 2009 Site name unavailable NS168552 284 Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit 2009 Site name unavailable NS169554 508 Parus major Great Tit 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761 Fintray Bay to Portachur Point, Great Parus major Great Tit 04/09/1999 NS151555 1649 Cumbrae Parus major Great Tit 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Parus major Great Tit 2009 Site name unavailable NS169554 508 Periparus ater Coal Tit 2009 Site name unavailable NS169554 508 Periparus ater Coal Tit 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Certhia familiaris Treecreeper 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783 Corvus monedula Jackdaw 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Corvus frugilegus Rook 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Corvus corone Carrion Crow 05/06/1999 Craigenour Wood, Great Cumbrae NS175565 1761
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 34 2018
O p e n
Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Corvus corone Carrion Crow 09/09/1999 Barbay Hill, Great Cumbrae NS171569 1995 Sturnus vulgaris Starling 10/08/1999 Farland Point, Great Cumbrae NS172542 931 Sturnus vulgaris Starling 2008 Isle of Cumbrae, Buteshire NS157546 1020 Passer domesticus House Sparrow 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS157546 1020 Passer domesticus House Sparrow 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS157546 1020 Passer domesticus House Sparrow 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS167551 152 Passer domesticus House Sparrow 2008 Isle of Cumbrae Buteshire NS168554 468 Passer domesticus House Sparrow 2009 Site name unavailable NS169554 508 Passer domesticus House Sparrow 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Passer montanus Tree Sparrow 2004 Site name unavailable NS15S Passer montanus Tree Sparrow 2005 Site name unavailable NS15S Passer montanus Tree Sparrow 2006 Site name unavailable NS15S Chloris chloris Greenfinch 2009 Site name unavailable NS157547 989 Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2004 Site name unavailable NS15T Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2004 Site name unavailable NS15M Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2004 Site name unavailable NS15S Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2005 Site name unavailable NS15T Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2005 Site name unavailable NS15S Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2005 Site name unavailable NS15M Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2006 Site name unavailable NS15M Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2006 Site name unavailable NS15S Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting 2006 Site name unavailable NS15T West European Erinaceus europaeus 1966 Great Cumbrae,Ballock Bay,above NS1856 1702 Hedgehog West European Erinaceus europaeus 1968 Great Cumbrae NS1755 347 Hedgehog Halichoerus grypus Grey Seal 26/07/2015 Port Loy (South), Isle of Cumbrae NS167542 756
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O p e n
Grid Distance from Scientific Name Common Name Date Location Name Reference centroid (m) Halichoerus grypus Grey Seal 26/07/2015 Port Loy North, Isle of Cumbrae NS170544 653 Phoca vitulina Common Seal 13/03/2016 Littoral Survey NS174541 1133 Lepus europaeus Brown Hare 20/08/1999 Ninian Brae Wood, Great Cumbrae NS174552 783
Thursday, 01 March I&BPB4749R001F0.1 36 2018