DOCSLIB.ORG

Atmos Consulting Report Template

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Atmos Consulting Report Template 20604-02 R3 Rev2 Technical Report Habitats Regulations Assessment Land to the south of Brandon Road, Watton, Norfolk Tesni Properties Ltd April 2015 Contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Terms of Reference 1 1.2 Site Description 1 1.3 Structure of the Report 1 2 Legislation and planning policy 2 2.1 The Habitats Regulations Assessment Process 2 2.2 Local Planning Policy Context 3 2.2.1 Breckland Council Core Strategy 3 2.2.2 Implementation of CP10 in Breckland 4 2.2.3 Summary of Implications of CP10 for the Project 6 2.2.4 Further research undertaken by Footprint Ecology 6 3 Background Information 7 3.1 Description of the Project 7 3.1.1 Design Features of the Project to Minimise Effects on Stone Curlews 8 3.2 Characteristics of the Breckland SPA 8 3.2.1 Conservation Objectives of the Breckland SPA 9 3.2.2 Breckland Farmland SSSI 9 3.3 Stone Curlew Distribution near Watton 9 3.3.1 RSPB Data Search 10 3.4 Habitat Suitability 11 3.4.1 Habitats within the Proposed Development Site 11 3.4.2 Habitats between the Project and the SPA 13 4 Habitats Regulations Assessment 14 4.1 Introduction 14 4.2 Statement to inform an Appropriate Assessment of the 15 4.2.1 Impacts on the Extent and Distribution of Stone Curlew Habitats associated with the Breckland SPA 16 4.2.2 Impacts on the Structure and Function of Stone Curlew Habitats associated with the Breckland SPA 17 4.2.3 Impacts on the Supporting Processes on which Stone Curlew Habitats within the SPA Rely 20 4.2.4 Impacts on the Stone Curlew Population of the Breckland SPA 20 4.2.5 Impacts on the Distribution of Stone Curlews of the Breckland SPA 21 April 2015 │ Tesni Properties Ltd │ 20604-02 R3 Rev2 Contents 4.3 Cumulative Impacts 21 5 Conclusions 22 6 References 23 Appendix A. Breckland SPA Description 25 Appendix B. Phase 1 Habitat Survey Target Notes 26 Appendix C. Policy CP10 of Breckland Council Core Strategy 30 Tables Table 1: Phase 1 Habitat Survey Habitat Target Notes 26 Table 2: Hedgerow Target Notes 28 Table 3 Phase 1 Habitat Survey Species List 29 April 2015 │ Tesni Properties Ltd │ 20604-02 R3 Rev2 Habitats Regulations Assessment Document Prepared For Tesni Properties Ltd Linden House Mold Business Park Wrexham Road Mold, CH7 1XP Document Prepared By Document Approved By Dr Jon Huckle Matthew Hopkins Technical Director Regional Director [email protected] [email protected] Version Date Reason 20604-02 R3 Rev1 March 2015 Initial draft for client review 20604-02 R3 Rev2 April 2015 Final report for issue Copyright © 2015 Atmos Consulting Ltd Rosebery House, Moray House, Durham Dales Linden House Keystone 9 Haymarket 16-18 Bank Street, Centre, Mold Business Park Innovation Centre Terrace, Inverness, Castle Gardens, Wrexham Road Croxton Road Edinburgh, IV1 1QY Stanhope, Mold, Thetford EH12 5EZ County Durham, CH7 1XP Norfolk DL13 2FJ IP24 1JD Habitats Regulations Assessment 1 Introduction 1.1 Terms of Reference Atmos Consulting Ltd was commissioned by Tesni Properties Ltd to undertake an ecological assessment of land to the south of Brandon Road in Watton, Norfolk (hereafter referred to as the “proposed Site”) to inform a proposal for a 177-unit residential housing development (hereafter referred to as the “project”). An Ecological Assessment report has been prepared (Ref Atmos 20604-02 R2 Rev2) to support an outline planning application to Breckland Council, and which describes the ecological baseline information relating to the proposed Site, including the findings of an Extended Phase 1 habitat survey (JNCC 2010) undertaken in October 2014. The Ecological Assessment also included mitigation and enhancement feature that have been embedded into the outline design of the project, and which are considered to be integral features of the scheme. To accompany the planning application it is recognised that a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) is required to consider the implications of the proposed development in the context of the designation of the Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA), with particular reference to Stone Curlew, Burhinus oedicnemus. 1.2 Site Description The proposed Site comprises a total of three fields centred on National Grid Reference TF 9088 0045, and covers an area of approximately 8.44 ha. All three fields have been more or less unmanaged for agricultural use for a number of years, and it is understood that the fields form part of the ‘set aside’ contribution for the larger landholding to the south as part of a whole farm agri-environment package. The habitats present within and adjacent to the Site, as recorded during the Phase 1 habitat survey are presented at Appendix B. The fields are located immediately adjacent to previously developed areas of Watton. To the north of the proposed Site, a residential development is located between the proposed Site and Brandon Road, comprising housing built in approximately 2000. To the west of the Site, there is an area of open amenity green space associated with the Bridle Road housing development. To the east are a number of school fields and a small area of green space. To the southeast of the Site (and south of the eastern most field, Field 3), lies a residential development associated with Jubilee Road. The three fields are bounded by relatively intact hedgerows, many supporting mature broadleaved trees, and are relatively small compared to the larger arable fields located to the south of the proposed Site; the westernmost field (Field 1) measures approximately 2.33 ha, the central field (Field 2) measures approximately 3.8 ha and the easternmost field (Field 3) measures approximately 2.19 ha. 1.3 Structure of the Report This report provides an assessment of the potential effects of the proposed development on the Breckland SPA in accordance with the Conservation of Habitats April 2015 │ Tesni Properties Ltd │ 20604-02 R3 Rev2 1 Habitats Regulations Assessment and Species Regulations 2010, as amended, hereafter referred to as the ‘Habitats Regulations’. The structure of this report follows the following outline: Summary of the Legal Framework and Local Policy Context, including a review of the HRA methodology to be used; Background Information relating to the project, the Breckland SPA and data regarding Stone Curlew records and habitats; The Habitats Regulations Assessment It is considered that the proposed development site is sufficiently distant from habitat likely to support breeding nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus or woodlark Lullula arborea to discount potential adverse effects on these features of the Breckland SPA. 2 Legislation and planning policy 2.1 The Habitats Regulations Assessment Process A Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) is required under the ‘Habitats Regulations’, and the general process is outlined in guidance issued by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS 2012). There are a number of stages within the HRA process, which reflect the protection conferred on European Sites by the EU Habitats Directive. These are outlined in flow charts within the Planning Inspectorate guidance as well as in ODPM Circular 06/2005 (ODPM 2006), which remains current valid guidance at the time of writing, notwithstanding that it accompanied Planning Policy Statement 9 that has now been superseded by the National Planning Policy Framework (DCLG 2012). The first stage is to establish whether the Project is directly connected to nature conservation management of the SPA. This is not the case in relation to a proposed housing development, and therefore further consideration is needed. The second stage is to determine whether the Project is likely to have a significant effect on the internationally important interest features of the SPA, either alone or in combination with other Plans and Projects. In the event that a potential significant effect cannot be ruled out, the third stage is to undertake an ‘Appropriate Assessment’ of the implications of the proposal for the site’s conservation objectives. An Appropriate Assessment, if required for a particular plan or project, is undertaken to fulfil regulation 61 of the Habitats Regulations, which states: 61. (1) A competent authority, before deciding to undertake, or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for, a plan or project which— (a)is likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), and . (b)is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of that site, . must make an appropriate assessment of the implications for that site in view of that site’s conservation objectives. (2) A person applying for any such consent, permission or other authorisation must provide such information as the competent authority may reasonably require for the purposes of the assessment or to enable them to determine whether an appropriate assessment is required. April 2015 │ Tesni Properties Ltd │ 20604-02 R3 Rev2 2 Habitats Regulations Assessment (3) The competent authority must for the purposes of the assessment consult the appropriate nature conservation body and have regard to any representations made by that body within such reasonable time as the authority specify. (4) They must also, if they consider it appropriate, take the opinion of the general public, and if they do so, they must take such steps for that purpose as they consider appropriate. (5) In the light of the conclusions of the assessment, and subject to regulation 62 (considerations of overriding public interest), the competent authority may agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the European site or the European offshore marine site (as the case may be). (6) In considering whether a plan or project will adversely affect the integrity of the site, the authority must have regard to the manner in which it is proposed to be carried out or to any conditions or restrictions subject to which they propose that the consent, permission or other authorisation should be given.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • D1: Swaffham Heath
    D1: SWAFFHAM HEATH B6 B6 B7 E9 B7 E9 B6 A4 B7 F1 B7 E7 E8 B6 F1 F1 B6 A5 E6 D1 B5 E5 B5 B4 B4 A2 B4 B5 B8 E4 A3 B2 B3 E3 D2 D3 E2 B2 C1 A1 E2 E1 D3 B1 D1: SWAFFHAM HEATH Location and Boundaries D1.1 A large area of the Breckland Heathland with Plantation landscape type located to the north-west, west and south west of Swaffham, with character defined primarily by the land use of arable farmland, historic parklands and plantation woodland and distinctive Scot’s pine belts. To the north the character area boundary is marked by the adjacent River Nar character area and to the west by the district boundary and a change in character to a more settled area of farmland and plantations. To the south and east the landform falls towards the River Wissey. Key Characteristics • Drift deposits of sand, clay and gravel create a gently undulating landscape, with topography ranging from 10-70m AOD across the character area. • Free draining sandy soils support the functional land cover of arable cultivation, pig farming and plantation woodland. • Ancient, contorted scots pine shelterbelts and screening belts of trees provide shelter to the easily eroded brown soils and are a prominent landscape feature. • At Cockleycley Heath and Swaffham Heath, the woodland plantation blocks create a visually prominent feature in the landscape. • The large scale arable fields are delineated by hedgerows in variable condition from occasional species rich intact hedgerows with hedgerow trees, thorn hedges and pine lines. • Breckland Farmland SSSI covers a large part of the character area – the cultivated land proving a habitat for stone curlew.
    [Show full text]
  • Forest Heath District Council
    Forest Heath District Council Single Issue Review Policy CS7 of the Core Strategy Document Habitats Regulations Assessment, (HRA), Screening Stage July 2012 Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 Overview of the process to date 1.2 Background to Habitats Regulations Assessment 1.3 Outline of Habitats Regulations Assessment process 1.4 Introduction to the HRA screening process 2. European sites potentially affected by the Single Issue Review 3. Baseline conditions affecting European sites 4. Is it necessary to proceed to the next HRA stage? Which aspects of the document require further assessment? 4.1 Screening of the Single Issue Review 1 1. Introduction 1.1 Overview of the process to date: In order to ensure that the Single Issue Review is compliant with the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, Forest Heath District Council has embarked upon an assessment of the ‘Reviews’ implications for European wildlife sites, i.e. a Habitats Regulations Assessment of the plan. This report sets out the first stage of the HRA process for the Single Issue Review, the Screening Stage. To establish if the ‘Review’ is likely to have a significant adverse effect on any European sites it is necessary to consider evidence contained in the original HRA of the Forest Heath Core Strategy DPD that was produced in March 2009. For a number of policies within the Core Strategy, including the original Policy CS7, it was considered either that significant effects would be likely, or that a precautionary approach would need to be taken as it could not be determined that those particular plan policies would not be likely to have a significant effect upon any European Site.
    [Show full text]
  • Habitats Regulations Assessment of the South Norfolk Village Cluster Housing Allocations Plan
    Habitats Regulations Assessment of the South Norfolk Village Cluster Housing Allocations Plan Regulation 18 HRA Report May 2021 Habitats Regulations Assessment of the South Norfolk Village Cluster Housing Allocations Plan Regulation 18 HRA Report LC- 654 Document Control Box Client South Norfolk Council Habitats Regulations Assessment Report Title Regulation 18 – HRA Report Status FINAL Filename LC-654_South Norfolk_Regulation 18_HRA Report_8_140521SC.docx Date May 2021 Author SC Reviewed ND Approved ND Photo: Female broad bodied chaser by Shutterstock Regulation 18 – HRA Report May 2021 LC-654_South Norfolk_Regulation 18_HRA Report_8_140521SC.docx Contents 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Purpose of this report ............................................................................................................................................... 1 2 The South Norfolk Village Cluster Housing Allocations Plan ................................................................... 3 2.1 Greater Norwich Local Plan .................................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 South Norfolk Village Cluster Housing Allocations Plan ................................................................................ 3 2.3 Village Clusters ..........................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Habitats Regulation Assessment East Cambridgeshire Local Plan
    Habitats Regulation Assessment East Cambridgeshire Local Plan June 2018 (Supersedes the November 2017 Screening Report) Contents Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................... 1 Non-Technical Summary .................................................................................................................. 1 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1 Background to the East Cambridgeshire Local Plan ..................................................................... 1 Key Components of the Emerging East Cambridgeshire Local Plan ............................................. 2 Potential Impacts Arising from the Local Plan ............................................................................... 5 Report Purpose and Overview ...................................................................................................... 6 2. Habitats Regulation Assessment - Legislation and Requirements ................................................ 8 HRA Guidance and Best Practice ................................................................................................. 8 Main Stages of HRA ..................................................................................................................... 9 Consultation with Natural England .............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • David Tyldesley and Associates Planning, Landscape and Environmental Consultants
    DAVID TYLDESLEY AND ASSOCIATES PLANNING, LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS Habitat Regulations Assessment: Breckland Council Submission Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Document Durwyn Liley, Rachel Hoskin, John Underhill-Day & David Tyldesley 1 DRAFT Date: 7th November 2008 Version: Draft Recommended Citation: Liley, D., Hoskin, R., Underhill-Day, J. & Tyldesley, D. (2008). Habitat Regulations Assessment: Breckland Council Submission Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Document. Footprint Ecology, Wareham, Dorset. Report for Breckland District Council. 2 Summary This document records the results of a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) of Breckland District Council’s Core Strategy. The Breckland District lies in an area of considerable importance for nature conservation with a number of European Sites located within and just outside the District. The range of sites, habitats and designations is complex. Taking an area of search of 20km around the District boundary as an initial screening for relevant protected sites the assessment identified five different SPAs, ten different SACs and eight different Ramsar sites. Following on from this initial screening the assessment identifies the following potential adverse effects which are addressed within the appropriate assessment: • Reduction in the density of Breckland SPA Annex I bird species (stone curlew, nightjar, woodlark) near to new housing. • Increased levels of recreational activity resulting in increased disturbance to Breckland SPA Annex I bird species (stone curlew, nightjar, woodlark). • Increased levels of people on and around the heaths, resulting in an increase in urban effects such as increased fire risk, fly-tipping, trampling. • Increased levels of recreation to the Norfolk Coast (including the Wash), potentially resulting in disturbance to interest features and other recreational impacts.
    [Show full text]
  • 233 08 SD50 Environment Permitting Decision Document
    Environment Agency permitting decisions Bespoke permit We have decided to grant the permit for Didlington Farm Poultry Unit operated by Mr Robert Anderson, Mrs Rosamond Anderson and Mr Marcus Anderson. The permit number is EPR/EP3937EP. We consider in reaching that decision we have taken into account all relevant considerations and legal requirements and that the permit will ensure that the appropriate level of environmental protection is provided. Purpose of this document This decision document: • explains how the application has been determined • provides a record of the decision-making process • shows how all relevant factors have been taken into account • justifies the specific conditions in the permit other than those in our generic permit template. Unless the decision document specifies otherwise we have accepted the applicant’s proposals. Structure of this document • Key issues • Annex 1 the decision checklist • Annex 2 the consultation, web publicising responses. EPR/EP3937EP/A001 Page 1 of 12 Key Issues 1) Ammonia Impacts There are two Special Areas for Conservation (SAC) within 3.4km, one Special Protection Area (SPA) within 850m, seven Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within 4.9km and six Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) within 1.4km of the facility, one of which is within 250m. Assessment of SAC and SPA If the Process Contribution (PC) is below 4% of the relevant critical level (CLe) or critical load (CLo) then the farm can be permitted with no further assessment. Initial screening using Ammonia Screening Tool (AST) v4.4 has indicated that the PC for Breckland SAC, Norfolk Valley Fens SAC and Breckland SPA is predicted to be greater than 4% of the CLe for ammonia.
    [Show full text]
  • Norfolk & Suffolk Brecks
    NORFOLK & SUFFOLK BRECKS Landscape Character Assessment Page 51 Conifer plantations sliced with rides. An abrupt, changing landscape of dense blocks and sky. Page 34 The Brecks Arable Heathland Mosaic is at the core of the Brecks distinctive landscape. Page 108 Secret river valleys thread through the mosaic of heaths, plantations and farmland. BRECKS LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 04 Introduction Page 128 Local landscapes Context Introduction to the case studies Objectives Status Foulden Structure of the report Brettenham Brandon Page 07 Contrasting acidic and calcareous soils are Page 07 Evolution of the Mildenhall juxtaposed on the underlying Lackford landscape chalk Physical influences Human influences Page 146 The Brecks in literature Biodiversity Article reproduced by kind permission of Page 30 Landscape character the Breckland Society Landscape character overview Page 30 The Brecks Arable Structure of the landscape Heathland Mosaic is at the Annexes character assessment core of the Brecks identity Landscape type mapping at 1:25,000 Brecks Arable Heathland Mosaic Note this is provided as a separate Brecks Plantations document Low Chalk Farmland Rolling Clay Farmland Plateau Estate Farmland Settled Fen River Valleys Page 139 Brettenham’s Chalk River Valleys landscape today, explained through illustrations depicting its history 03 BREAKING NEW GROUND INTRODUCTION Introduction Context Sets the scene Purpose and timing of the study How the study should be used Status and strategic fit with other documents Structure of the report BRECKS LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION Introduction Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2013 Context Study Area (NCA 85) Study Area Buffer This landscape character assessment (LCA) County Boundary Castle Acre focuses on the Brecks, a unique landscape of District Boundary heaths, conifer plantations and farmland on part Main Road of the chalk plateau in south-west Norfolk and Railway north-west Suffolk.
    [Show full text]
  • Site Improvement Plan Breckland
    Improvement Programme for England's Natura 2000 Sites (IPENS) Planning for the Future Site Improvement Plan Breckland Site Improvement Plans (SIPs) have been developed for each Natura 2000 site in England as part of the Improvement Programme for England's Natura 2000 sites (IPENS). Natura 2000 sites is the combined term for sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protected Areas (SPA). This work has been financially supported by LIFE, a financial instrument of the European Community. The plan provides a high level overview of the issues (both current and predicted) affecting the condition of the Natura 2000 features on the site(s) and outlines the priority measures required to improve the condition of the features. It does not cover issues where remedial actions are already in place or ongoing management activities which are required for maintenance. The SIP consists of three parts: a Summary table, which sets out the priority Issues and Measures; a detailed Actions table, which sets out who needs to do what, when and how much it is estimated to cost; and a set of tables containing contextual information and links. Once this current programme ends, it is anticipated that Natural England and others, working with landowners and managers, will all play a role in delivering the priority measures to improve the condition of the features on these sites. The SIPs are based on Natural England's current evidence and knowledge. The SIPs are not legal documents, they are live documents that will be updated to reflect changes in our evidence/knowledge and as actions get underway.
    [Show full text]
  • Forest Heath District Council April 2016
    Forest Heath District Council Evidence paper for Single Issue Review (SIR) of Core Strategy Policy CS7 and Site Allocations Local Plan Accessible Natural Greenspace Study April 2016 1 Accessible Natural Greenspace Study 1. Introduction 2. Context and Growth Agenda 3. Planning Policy Context 4. Evidence on Recreation Pressure and mitigation options 5. Developing a Recreation Mitigation Strategy for Forest Heath District 6. Proposed recreation Mitigation and Monitoring Strategy 7. Appendix 1 2 1. Introduction 1.1. This study has been prepared to support Forest Heath District Councils Single Issue Review of Core Strategy Policy CS7 and separate Site Allocations Local Plan. The purpose of the study is to provide evidence on appropriate accessible open space that will support the planned growth in the district. The study is required because there is concern that increased development in the district has the potential to contribute to recreational pressure on Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA) and Breckland Special Area of Conservation (SAC) The SPA and SAC are shown on figure 1 1.2. Natural England, in their response to the Regulation 18 Consultation for the 2015 issues and options documents, remarked in relation to the potential for recreational disturbance: we recommend that, effort is placed into ensuring that each area has an appropriate level of green infrastructure, including sufficient amenity grasslands, improvements in access for walkers and cyclists and facilities for dog walkers. In our view there are areas, such as in Lakenheath for example, that are lacking local green infrastructure. The provision of an appropriate level of green infrastructure within local communities is likely to alleviate pressure on designated sites, as well as supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of the Ornithological Interest of Sssis in England
    Natural England Research Report NERR015 A review of the ornithological interest of SSSIs in England www.naturalengland.org.uk Natural England Research Report NERR015 A review of the ornithological interest of SSSIs in England Allan Drewitt, Tristan Evans and Phil Grice Natural England Published on 31 July 2008 The views in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Natural England. You may reproduce as many individual copies of this report as you like, provided such copies stipulate that copyright remains with Natural England, 1 East Parade, Sheffield, S1 2ET ISSN 1754-1956 © Copyright Natural England 2008 Project details This report results from research commissioned by Natural England. A summary of the findings covered by this report, as well as Natural England's views on this research, can be found within Natural England Research Information Note RIN015 – A review of bird SSSIs in England. Project manager Allan Drewitt - Ornithological Specialist Natural England Northminster House Peterborough PE1 1UA [email protected] Contractor Natural England 1 East Parade Sheffield S1 2ET Tel: 0114 241 8920 Fax: 0114 241 8921 Acknowledgments This report could not have been produced without the data collected by the many thousands of dedicated volunteer ornithologists who contribute information annually to schemes such as the Wetland Bird Survey and to their county bird recorders. We are extremely grateful to these volunteers and to the organisations responsible for collating and reporting bird population data, including the British Trust for Ornithology, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Joint Nature Conservancy Council seabird team, the Rare Breeding Birds Panel and the Game and Wildlife Conservancy Trust.
    [Show full text]
  • Surface Water Catchment Mapping for Natura 2000 Diffuse Water Pollution Plans
    Improvement Programme for England’s Natura 2000 Sites (IPENS) – Planning for the Future IPENS067 Surface water catchment mapping for Natura 2000 Diffuse Water Pollution Plans Covers multiple Natura 2000 sites within England First published 05 April 2016 www.gov.uk/government/publications/improvement-programme-for- englands-natura-2000-sites-ipens This project is part of the IPENS programme (LIFE11NAT/UK/000384IPENS) which is financially supported by LIFE, a financial instrument of the European Community. Foreword The Improvement Programme for England’s Natura 2000 sites (IPENS), supported by European Union LIFE+ funding, is a new strategic approach to managing England’s Natura 2000 sites. It is enabling Natural England, the Environment Agency, and other key partners to plan what, how, where and when they will target their efforts on Natura 2000 sites and areas surrounding them. As part of the IPENS programme, we are identifying gaps in our knowledge and, where possible, addressing these through a range of evidence projects. The project findings are being used to help develop our Theme Plans and Site Improvement Plans. This report is one of the evidence project studies we commissioned. Diffuse Water Pollution (DWP) is a significant contributor to the unfavourable condition of a large number of water dependent Natura 2000 sites. DWP plans have been identified to provide a catchment-based approach to target and deliver reductions in DWP at impacted Natura 2000 sites. Accurate surface water catchment information is required for sites where DWP is an issue in order to understand the potential catchment area contributing diffuse pollution to the site. This project looked to identify the contributing surface water catchment boundaries for 50 individual Natura 2000 sites throughout England.
    [Show full text]
  • Breckland SAC Citation
    EC Directive 92/43 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora Citation for Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Name: Breckland Unitary Authority/County: Norfolk, Suffolk SAC status: Designated on 1 April 2005 Grid reference: TL862948 SAC EU code: UK0019865 Area (ha): 7548.06 Component SSSI: Barnhamcross Common SSSI, Berner’s Heath, Icklingham SSSI, Bridgham and Brettenham Heaths SSSI, Cavenham - Icklingham Heaths SSSI, Cranwich Camp SSSI, Deadman’s Grave, Icklingham SSSI, East Wretham Heath SSSI, Field Barn Heaths, Hilborough SSSI, Foxhole Heath, Eriswell SSSI, Gooderstone Warren SSSI, Grime’s Graves SSSI, Lakenheath Warren SSSI, RAF Lakenheath SSSI, Stanford Training Area SSSI, Thetford Golf Course and Marsh SSSI, Thetford Heaths SSSI, Wangford Warren and Carr SSSI, Weather and Horn Heaths, Eriswell SSSI, Weeting Heath SSSI Site description: Breckland in the heart of East Anglia is a gently undulating plateau underlain by bedrock of Cretaceous Chalk, covered by thin deposits of sand and flint. The conditions during the last glaciation have given rise to the patterned ground features and ice depressions (pingos) that we see today and that are of high geological and biological importance. The continental climate, with low rainfall and free-draining soils, has led to the development of dry heath and grassland communities. Relatively lush river valleys provide a gentle contrast to the drier harsher surroundings. Occasional woods with alder Alnus glutinosa and willow Salix sp.the most dominant trees occur beside rivers and streams in the floodplains. These woods rely on high water levels and sometimes surface flooding as both river flooding or spring flows can be very important.
    [Show full text]