Breeding Bird Survey Report

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk September 2019

Registered Office Norwich Office

60 Norwich Road Office 14, Ber Street Central

Stoke Holy Cross 125 Ber Street

Norwich, NR14 8NX Norwich, NR1 3EY

Report For: TUFARRN LLP LUMANERI HOUSE BLYTHE GATE BLYTHE VALLEY PARK SOLIHULL WEST MIDLANDS, B90 8AH

Report Author Reviewed By Comments Date Version

Danny Thomas CEcol Abby Gretton Issued for 24/09/2019 V2.0 MCIEEM Comment

Danny Thomas CEcol Dr Graham Hopkins FRES ISSUED 04/10/2019 FINAL MCIEEM CEnv MCIEEM

LIABILITY

This report is prepared by Riverdale Ecology Limited for the sole and exclusive use of the commissioning party in response to their particular instructions. No liability is accepted for any costs claims or losses arising from the use of this report or any part thereof for any purpose other than that for which it was specifically prepared or by any party other than the commissioning party named within the report

Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background to Commission ...... 1 1.2 Scope of Report ...... 1 1.3 Site Description and Context ...... 1 1.4 Project Overview ...... 2 1.5 Relevant Legislation and Planning Policy ...... 2 2 Methodology ...... 4 2.1 Breeding Bird Surveys (CBC) ...... 4 2.2 Habitat Survey ...... 5 2.3 Woodlark Surveys ...... 5 2.4 Nightjar Surveys ...... 5 2.5 Survey and Assessment Limitations ...... 6 3 Results ...... 7 3.1 Breeding Bird Surveys (CBC) ...... 7 3.2 Woodlark Surveys ...... 8 3.3 Nightjar Surveys ...... 9 3.4 Habitat Assessment ...... 9 4 Discussion and Recommendations ...... 10 4.1 Breeding Birds ...... 10 4.2 Woodlark ...... 11 4.3 Nightjar ...... 13 4.4 Ecological Enhancement ...... 13 5 References ...... 15

Appendices Appendix 1 – Site Plans Appendix 2 – Photographs

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk

1 Introduction 1.1 Background to Commission Riverdale Ecology Ltd were commissioned by TUFARRN Ltd (Dr Farrukh M Bajwa and Dr Tuba H Bajwa) to carry out breeding bird surveys to determine the potential impacts to breeding birds of a potential development located in woodland adjacent to the A1065 Brandon Road, near Wangford, Suffolk; situated around Ordnance Survey Reference TL 75936 84598. The breeding bird surveys were recommended in a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of the site undertaken in November 2017 (Norfolk Wildlife Services, 2017). Additional surveys were also recommended in consultation responses received from Natural England, specifically requesting: i. Evidence of the breeding populations of the qualifying species of Breckland SPA (Breckland Forest component SSSI) (nightjar and woodlark);

ii. A map of the clearfell areas which represent habitat for woodlark and nightjar within 400m of the application site; and

iii. A report containing detailed impact assessment of the potential effects to nightjar and woodland and any planned mitigation.

The surveys were carried out in order to inform a planning application for a proposed retirement village comprising 30 timber lodges situated within the woodland around a main community building with reception and maintenance facilities. 1.2 Scope of Report The purpose of this report is to present the results of surveys carried out to determine the species and distribution of breeding birds within the site, the distribution of woodlark and nightjar within a radius of 1km from the site boundary and to evaluate the results of the surveys to determine any potential impacts to breeding birds, in particular the qualifying species for the Breckland SPA resulting from the proposed development of the site.

This assessment and report have been completed with reference to best practice as published by the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM, 2019) and to British Standard 42020:2013 (BSI, 2013). This report provides recommendations for enhancement of the site for biodiversity in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2019) and best practice guidelines.

The survey, assessment and report were conducted and written by Danny Thomas CEcol, MCIEEM, Principal Ecologist at Riverdale Ecology Ltd. Danny has over 15 years’ experience within professional ecological consultancy and as such is suitably qualified to undertake habitat surveys and protected species assessments. He is and experienced field ornithologist and also a Chartered Ecologist with a BSc (Hons) in Ecology with Biology and an MSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia. He holds current Natural England survey licences for great crested newts, bats, dormice and water vole and has a Schedule 1 licence for several protected bird species including but not limited to woodlark, barn owl and marsh harrier. 1.3 Site Description and Context The site is approximately 1ha in area comprising mixed semi-natural woodland and conifer plantation. The northern part of the site principally comprises deciduous woodland dominated by very large standards of beech Fagus sylvatica

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with occasional oak Quercus robur. Other species include sweet chestnut Castanea sativa, common lime Tilia × europaea, black locust Robinia pseudoacacia, silver birch Betula pendula, Scot’s pine Pinus sylvestris, Lawson cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii. The woodland forms a broad strip which runs broadly east to west from North Court to the A1065 parallel with the access track to the site. To the south of this the site comprises conifer plantation comprising Scot’s pine with occasional self-set beech, silver birch, holly Ilex aquifolium, elder Sambucus nigra, box Buxus sempervirens with ground flora comprising dense continuous bracken Pteridium aquilinum with localised dense patches of creeping St John’s wort Hypericum spp. and Oregon grape Mahonia spp. At the southern edge of the site is a felled clearing fringed by bamboo on the southern edge.

Plans of the site are included in Appendix 1 and Photographs are included in Appendix 2. 1.4 Project Overview The proposed development is for a retirement village consisting of 30 bespoke timber lodges/cabins (some semi- detached and some detached) in the woodland. The development would also include a community centre with leisure and health facilities (including a swimming pool), a reception and maintenance building and yard. It is proposed that the retirement villas will be timber framed, prefabricated cabins built on pile foundations, sympathetically distributed around the woodland site so as to cause as little disturbance as possible. Due to the nature of the proposal, all the cabins will be designed with full disabled access, both internally and externally.

The bespoke cabins will be specifically designed to assimilate into the woodland setting and be sympathetic to their surroundings. The layout will ensure that the best tree specimens are retained and only the trees that would otherwise be thinned, are in poor health or dangerous will be removed. Outdoor spaces in the village will be shared to help facilitate and foster a communal feel throughout the village. It is proposed that a man-made pond will be created as a focal point for the residents. There will also be the controlled discharge of surface rainwater into the lake with secondary rainwater attenuation crates for support.

The existing internal tracks and pathways are intended to be utilised for movement within the development. They will be improved with aggregate topping where necessary which blends into the woodland floor and naturally reduces vehicle speed. To reduce traffic movement around the village it is proposed that there will be a communal parking area close to the main access track. The main tracks through the site would be restricted to pedestrians and emergency vehicles only. Visitor parking will also be provided, for up to 20 cars near the entrance of the site to keep traffic away from the dwellings and reduce the disruption to the surrounding woodland. 1.5 Relevant Legislation and Planning Policy Birds With certain exceptions, all wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under Sections 1-8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Among other things, this makes it an offence to:

▪ Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird; ▪ Intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built; ▪ Intentionally take or destroy an egg of any wild bird: ▪ Sell, offer or expose for sale, have in his possession or transport for the purpose of sale any wild bird (dead or alive) or bird egg or part thereof. Certain species of bird, for example the barn owl, black redstart, hobby, bittern and kingfisher receive additional special protection under Schedule 1 of the Act and Annex 1 of the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (2009/147/EC). This affords them protection against:

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▪ Intentional or reckless disturbance while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; ▪ Intentional or reckless disturbance of dependent young of such a bird.

Implication for development works Works should be planned to avoid the possibility of killing or injuring any wild bird, or damaging or destroying their nests, in order to avoid breaching the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). To reduce the likelihood of nest destruction in particular, work should be undertaken outside the main bird breeding season (March to September1). Where this is not achievable any areas of habitat suitable for birds must be thoroughly checked for nests prior to vegetation clearance.

Species of bird listed on Schedule 1 are additionally protected against disturbance during the breeding season. It will therefore be necessary to ensure that no potentially disturbing works are undertaken in the vicinity of the nest. The most effective way to avoid disturbance is to postpone works until the young have fledged. If this is not achievable, it may be possible to maintain an appropriate buffer zone or standoff around the nest.

Nightjar and woodlark Nightjar and woodlark are two of the qualifying species for Breckland Special Protected Area (SPA):

Breckland SPA is a European Statutory Designated Site comprising approximately 30 component SSSIs totalling 39433ha; supporting habitats include plantation woodland with remnants of dry heath and grassland that provide important habitat for stone curlew; where grazing by sheep and rabbits is sufficiently intensive to create short turf and open ground. Stone curlew has also adapted to live in arable habitats; establishing nests on open ground provided by arable cultivation in the spring. The site is also designated for supporting internationally important breeding populations of woodlark and nightjar which breed in recently felled areas and open heath areas within the conifer plantations.

The qualifying features which are the primary reason for designation are the breeding populations of:

▪ Stone curlew Burhinus oedicnemus;

▪ European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus; and

▪ Woodlark Lullula arborea.

Breckland Forest SSSI is one of the two principal SSSI which make up the majority of Breckland SPA. The clearfell areas and young plantations alongside the heathland sites within Breckland Forest SSSI provide suitable breeding habitat for woodlark and nightjar.

The Breckland SPA is located 180m from the site at its closest point within Breckland Forest SSSI. Wangford Warren Component SSSI is located approximately 300m south of the proposed development site. Breckland Farmland Component SSSI is located over 600m from the proposed development site and screened by large areas of forestry woodland as such is considered beyond a distance where direct impacts to stone curlews would be likely from the development. As such, focussed surveys for stone curlew were not requested by Natural England.

1 It should be noted that this is the main breeding period. Breeding activity may occur out of this period (depending on the particular species and geographical location of the site) and as such due care and attention should be given when undertaking potentially disturbing works at any time of year.

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2 Methodology

2.1 Breeding Bird Surveys (CBC) Breeding bird surveys of the site were undertaken broadly following the standard Common Bird Census (CBC) methodology (Gilbert et al., 1998) which represents the only effective ‘whole site’ census approach available. Four daytime surveys were carried out at regular intervals throughout the breeding period (see Table 1 for details). Surveys commenced within one hour of sunrise in accordance with standard CBC methodology. The survey area comprised an area of approximately 2.5 hectares, which comprised the Application Site and the immediate surrounding area.

The status of species is taken directly from Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) (Eaton et al., 2015). The red and amber lists of Birds of Conservation Concern refer to bird species of particular conservation concern for a number of reasons. In general terms, Red list species are globally threatened showing severe recent declines in population. Amber list species are species either with unfavourable conservation status or those species showing moderate recent declines in population; they may also include particularly localised species.

Surveys were undertaken by Danny Thomas CEcol, MCIEEM who is an experienced ornithologist with over 25 years’ professional experience in undertaking ornithological surveys, with 15 years in ecological consultancy. Surveys were carried out using a range of optical equipment including Swarovski 8 x 32 binoculars and Swarovski ATS telescope with 25-50x zoom eyepiece.

Species and their distribution were recorded on large scale Ordnance Survey maps using standard British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) species codes and behaviour codes. Localised movement of birds between areas was noted to avoid recording the same birds. Incidental records of birds observed whilst undertaking other protected species surveys were also included in the bird assemblage for the site.

Data analysis to estimate the number of breeding territories present within the survey area was undertaken using the peak number of individuals of any species during any single survey visit.

Incidental records of species encountered during surveys for other protected species (reptiles and bats) were also included in the species list for the site.

Table 1: CBC Survey dates, times and weather conditions.

Date Time (24 hours) Sunrise Time Weather Conditions

19th April 2019 06:00 – 07:15 05:52 Dry/Sunny 5oC - 11 oC, wind 0-1 East

12th May 2019 05:15 – 08:30 05:06 Dry/Sunny – slight ground frost to start but warming quickly. 3.5oC - 13 oC, wind 0-1 East

27th May 2019 05:00 – 07:20 04:46 Dry/partly cloudy but clearing. 14oC, wind 1-2 Northeast

14th June 2019 05:00 – 07:25 04:34 Light misty rain to start. Moderate shower at 05:40 for 20 minutes then no further rain. 11.5oC-13 oC, wind 0-1 Southwest

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2.2 Habitat Survey

A survey of habitat within at least 1km of the proposed development site was carried out to identify specific habitat that could support the qualifying species for Breckland SPA. The habitats most frequently occupied by woodlark are burnt or heavily grazed heather or grass heaths, clearfell conifer woodland or recently cleared and replanted conifer plantations (up to eight years old), derelict farmland, areas of disturbed ground and set aside on acidic, sandy soil. Nightjars breed principally on lowland heath and in young conifer plantations (up to 10 years old) but may forage over a range of habitat types in the vicinity of their nesting area including woodland, woodland edge, wetland and heathland and may travel some distance from their nest-sites, depending on the availability and proximity of suitable or preferred feeding habitat (Sharps et al. 2015).

Aerial photographs were used to identify potential areas of habitat within 1km of the site and these areas were then visited to determine the suitability of the habitats. Areas of very recently cleared plantation were identified through field surveys, systematically walking all accessible land within the 1km radius of the site. 2.3 Woodlark Surveys

Woodlark surveys of the site and areas of suitable habitat within 1km of the site boundary were carried out to locate any woodlark in proximity to the proposed development site. The survey area was walked at a steady pace pausing at intervals to listen for singing by territorial males and/or scanning across suitable habitat for individual birds. Three surveys were carried out in early morning, in accordance with survey guidance (Gilbert et al. 1998). Information relating to survey dates and times are included in Table 2, below:

Table 2: Woodlark Survey dates, times and weather conditions.

Date Time (24 hours) Sunrise Time Weather Conditions

19th April 2019 07:15 – 11:05 05:52 Dry/Sunny 11oC - 18 oC, wind 0-1 East

10th May 2019 05:15 – 09:45 05:10 Dry/Sunny 7 oC – 19.5 oC, wind 0-1 Southwest

21st May 2019 05:00 – 09:00 04:53 Dry, partly cloudy 15 oC, wind 1-2 Southwest

2.4 Nightjar Surveys

Nightjar surveys were carried out in all areas of suitable habitat within 1km of the site boundary to locate any nightjars in proximity to the proposed development site. Surveys were undertaken within the approved survey period for nightjar from June to mid-July. Three surveys were carried out broadly in accordance with standard survey guidance (Gilbert et al. 1998) comprising two evening surveys carried out across all areas of suitable habitat and one additional evening survey carried out only at Wangford Warren SSSI following completion of a bat survey. The sites were walked systematically accessing all areas within 100-200m where possible and regular stopping points were included to listen for churring males. Nightjar calls were played intermittently and for short periods only, on a sound system to encourage response calls. Any churring males encountered were plotted on large scale Ordnance Survey maps. Information relating to survey dates and times are included in Table 3, below:

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Table 3: Nightjar Survey dates, times and weather conditions.

Date Time (24 hours) Sunset/Sunrise Time Weather Conditions

20th June 2019 21:00 – 23:45 21:22 Dry/clear 16oC, still/no wind

4th July 2019 21:00 – 23:45 21:21 Dry/clear 15.6 oC, 0-1 Southwest

14th July 2019 22:45 – 00:00 21:13 Dry, 60% cloud, 15.5 oC, wind 0-1 Northeast

2.5 Survey and Assessment Limitations

The data and conclusions presented here are an evidence-based assessment of the current status of the application site. Ecological surveys are limited by factors that affect the presence of plants and animals such as the time of year, migration patterns and behaviour. Therefore, the absence of evidence of any particular species should not be taken as conclusive proof that the species is not present or that it will not be present in the future.

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3 Results

3.1 Breeding Bird Surveys (CBC)

A total of 35 species was recorded within the survey area comprising the site boundary and immediate surrounds. The species recorded were all typical of woodland habitats and general comprised common and widespread species but included a small number of BoCC listed species. Red listed species recorded within the site included marsh tit and song thrush; amber listed species at less risk included dunnock, stock dove and tawny owl. A full list of species recorded within the survey area and an estimate of their approximate numbers is included in Table 4 below:

Table 4: Breeding Bird Survey Results

Recorded During Survey Yes/No Species Peak Count 19th April 12th May 27th May 14th June

Blackbird YES YES YES - 3 males

Blackcap YES YES YES YES 4 singing males

Blue tit YES YES YES YES 8

Buzzard YES - YES - 1

Carrion Crow - - - YES 1

Chiffchaff YES YES YES YES 3 singing males

Collared dove - - YES - 1

Chaffinch - YES - YES 2

Coal tit YES YES YES YES 5

Dunnock - - YES YES 1

Garden warbler - - YES - 1 Singing male

Goldcrest YES YES YES YES 5 Singing males

Goldfinch YES YES - YES 4

Great tit YES YES YES YES 5

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Recorded During Survey Yes/No Species Peak Count 19th April 12th May 27th May 14th June

Great spotted woodpecker YES - YES YES 2

Green woodpecker - - YES YES 1

Jay YES YES YES - 1

Long-tailed tit YES YES YES - 3

Magpie - - YES - 1

Marsh tit YES - YES - 2 (assumed to be breeding pair)

Nuthatch YES YES YES YES 4

Pheasant YES YES YES YES 1

Robin YES YES YES YES 4 Singing males

Stock dove - YES - - 1

Sparrow hawk - - YES YES 1

Siskin - - YES - 1

Song thrush YES YES YES YES 2 Singing males

Treecreeper YES YES - YES 2 Singing males

At least 2 heard calling during bat Tawny owl - - - - surveys.

Woodpigeon YES YES YES YES >20

Wren YES YES YES YES 5 Singing males

3.2 Woodlark Surveys Woodlark were only recorded on the first of the survey visits on 19th April 2019. A single singing male was heard initially singing from the top of a remaining tree within an area of recent clearfell in Brandon Country Park, approximately 700m southwest of the site entrance from the A1065 Brandon Road. A single singing male, presumed to be the same bird which

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had moved locations, was then heard singing from a tree on the edge of an area of grass heath approximately 540m southwest of the site entrance off Brandon Road (680m from the proposed development area). Subsequent surveys did not have any woodlark at this location, and this may represent an unsuccessful breeding attempt by a single territorial male woodlark.

Other species of conservation importance recorded locally while undertaking the woodlark surveys include tree pipit, nightingale, turtle dove (breeding pair), willow warbler, yellowhammer and linnet. 3.3 Nightjar Surveys No nightjars were recorded in any of the surveys carried out in areas of suitable habitat within 1km of the site boundary. 3.4 Habitat Assessment The habitat assessment identified several areas of appropriate habitat for nightjar and woodlark within 1km of the site boundary:

Wangford Warren and Carr SSSI is located approximately 300m to the south of the site at its closest point. The SSSI largely comprises grassland heath habitat with occasional small shrubs leading into woodland at the northern edge (Appendix 2, Photograph 1). The site does provide potential habitat for both nightjar and woodlark, although much of the grassland is long and rough therefore lacks some appropriate structure, and historic records from SBIS indicate that these species are only occasionally recorded within the SSSI. There is an area adjacent to Wangford Warren known as Sayer’s Carr which contains plantation woodland and formerly supported nightjar but is now relatively mature and so no longer meets the habitat requirements for either woodlark or nightjar. However, it is considered that future logging of this area may attract nesting within clearfell and young plantation. Furthermore, part of Breckland Farmland SSSI adjacent to Wangford Road was surrounded with construction hoarding during the period of survey in 2019 and this may have deterred nightjar and woodlark from using habitats nearby.

To the southwest of the proposed site, adjacent to North Court House is a small area of new plantation woodland (Appendix 2, Photograph 2 & 3) which meets the habitat criteria for nightjar and woodlark. The area of new plantation is approximately three hectares in area and located only around 50m from the edge of the proposed site. No woodlark or nightjar were recorded within this area during the surveys, but the habitat is suitable and could support woodlark, although is likely to be too small for nightjar which require larger areas of suitable habitat. The area of new plantation is approximately aged between five to seven years and so will provide potential nesting habitat for a few more years before it becomes too mature.

Brandon Country Park to the east of the site represents the largest continuous area of potential habitat locally. It is a managed forestry woodland site where rotational clearfell is implemented. The blocks of woodland are bounded by paths and tracks which are extensively used for public access and recreation. Within 1km of the site areas of clearfell or young plantation of suitable age to provide habitat for nightjar and woodlark are limited to an area approximately 7ha comprising part of two adjacent blocks (Appendix 2, Photographs 4 & 5). This section of habitat was confirmed to support a single woodlark territory extending to an area of grassland maintained for the Lakenheath Airfield runway approach lights. There were two other small areas of grass heath with scattered young conifers to the east of the site, within the 400m radius from the proposed development site (Appendix 2, Photograph 6). These areas of grassland exhibit a suitable habitat structure for woodlark and nightjar but are probably too small to support the latter. Neither species was recorded in these areas during the surveys.

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4 Discussion and Recommendations

4.1 Breeding Birds Within the site and immediate area comprising the breeding bird survey area a total of 35 species were recorded comprising species typical of woodland habitats.

The species recorded during the general breeding bird survey are considered typical woodland species that are common and widespread in woodland and parkland habitats, where mature trees are present. The assemblage of species recorded on site is fairly unremarkable and considered to be of site value only, with some species such as marsh tit and song thrust being BoCC red listed and therefore representing more vulnerable species or species with greater local interest.

Impact Assessment The proposed development is likely to require some localised tree clearance, mainly to accommodate the central building comprising the reception, offices, gym, swimming pool and treatment rooms, and as the woodland setting is a key feature of the retirement village the appropriate amount of care and attention will be put into the positioning of the cabins to ensure minimal tree removal. Any removal of trees has potential to impact the breeding bird assemblage of the site, but the extent of habitat loss is very small and unlikely to be significant. Furthermore, the trees that have been highlighted for removal are generally plantation conifers which are abundant locally and have less value as habitat to the majority of woodland bird species than broadleaved species such as oak and beech which principally occupy a strip lining the access road from the A1065 Brandon Road up to North Court House. This central strip has key value in supporting the diversity of woodland species recorded in the surveys by providing nesting habitat in foliage and are also of an age where damage and decay occur which provide rot holes, cracks and fissures supporting cavity nesting species for such as coal tit, blue tit, nuthatch and marsh tit. Furthermore, the deciduous trees are a better foraging resource than conifers, providing a variety of food through the year, from greater invertebrate numbers during the summer months to beech nuts, acorns and seeds during the winter period. Potential noise disturbance during construction is not likely to be high due principally to the use of pre-fabricated lodges which will be delivered in panel form for assembly onsite, not requiring the use of heavy machinery for installation or construction of extensive footings.

The presence of the lodges within the woodland is not considered likely to lead to significant disturbance to birds within the site after construction. Although the current levels of human activity on site are very low and therefore baseline disturbance is very low, the species present on site are generally arboreal passerines, present within the canopy of the woodland well away from any disturbance on the woodland floor. As such, general disturbance from human activity within the woodland is not a significant concern. In fact, there is a reasonable case to argue that many of the species present may in fact benefit from the presence of the development. The RSPB estimate that at least half of homeowners in the UK feed wild birds. Therefore, it is highly likely that as across the 30 lodges at least one occupant will provide winter seed for birds and in reality this number is likely to be higher as the type of person wanting to live in this development is likely to have an interest in wildlife, making them more likely to put feed out for birds. As most of the species recorded within the woodland feed on nuts and seeds, they are species which will also regularly visit bird tables. The extent to which supplemental food helps birds is well established and has a strong influence over winter survival. Studies indicate that birds with access to supplemental food were in better physiological condition and in better condition when entering the subsequent breeding season.

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On balance it is considered that potential impacts to the breeding bird assemblage within the site and wider woodland are not likely to be significant and there is credible potential for localised benefits brought about through unsolicited provision of wild bird feeding stations.

Mitigation Any clearance of suitable nesting habitat should be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season (from 1st March to the 31st August, inclusive) where appropriate. If this is not possible a detailed inspection for nesting birds should be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist no more than 48 hours prior to removal of vegetation capable of supporting nesting birds. Any active nests found must be retained with an appropriate buffer until young birds have fledged and the nest is no longer in use.

Nest boxes should be installed in the remaining areas of woodland to provide opportunities for nesting to compensate for any lost habitat and potential disturbance impacts. A combination of nest boxes should be installed to provide nesting opportunities for many of the breeding bird species recorded during the surveys:

▪ 15no. Standard hole-fronted nest boxes (either 28mm or 32mm diameter); ▪ 5no. Open fronted nest boxes suitable for robin, blackbird and other thrush species; ▪ 2no. Tawny owl boxes; ▪ 3no. Nuthatch boxes; ▪ 3no. Treecreeper boxes; ▪ 2no. Woodpecker boxes. 4.2 Woodlark Only one woodlark was recorded during the surveys. The single record was located within Brandon Country Park approximately 700m from the proposed development.

Impact Assessment The woodland within the site is not suitable habitat for woodlark and the site is not designated as part of Breckland SPA. Furthermore, there is little suitable habitat for woodlark located within 400m of the site, a distance in which the Forest Heath Local Plan HRA identified that direct impacts to woodlark from development are likely to occur.

The only areas of suitable habitat for woodlark within 400m are a small section of the northern edge of Wangford Warren and Carr SSSI and a small area of new plantation woodland to the southwest of the proposed development site. Neither site was shown to support woodlarks during the surveys and access to both these sites is restricted as the land surrounding the proposed development site is private with no landowner permission for access, as indicated in correspondence to West Suffolk Council from the owner of the land surrounding the site during the previous planning submission.

The rotational management of the forest within Brandon Country Park and across Breckland SPA is such that any areas of plantation woodland could periodically be harvested and produce suitable clearfell habitat, succeeding to young plantation woodland before again becoming unsuitable as habitat when mature. However, the creation of suitable habitat is never likely to be widespread, the process of the forestry management creates pockets of woodland at different stages of development across Breckland Forest SSSI. Looking at the different ages of woodland plots within Brandon Country Park it appears that plots chosen for clearfell are usually around 5-10 hectares which creates enough habitat to support small numbers of woodlark and nightjar but is never likely to provide enough habitat to support large numbers of either species. Furthermore, the plots are usually not adjacent to other plots where suitable clearfell or new plantation woodland exists, possibly to avoid disturbance impacts to woodlark from the process of logging itself.

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As a result, plots of suitable habitat are rather isolated and disjointed, but this protects the SPA qualifying species from localised impact events which may affect breeding success in a given area, as there will always be other pockets of suitable nesting habitat away from these potential impacts.

Wangford Warren itself also has limited access, the site is very rough and uneven with no formal paths and is not suitable for wheelchairs, as such it is most likely inaccessible for the majority of potential residents; there is also no public access permitted between March and July, the core breeding period when woodlark might be present. Furthermore, the site can only be accessed from a gate approximately 1km from the proposed development site, which would require walking at least 550m along the A1065 verge which is unmanaged and uneven and considered likely to deter all but the most adventurous walkers. Therefore, it is considered that the risk of recreational disturbance to suitable woodlark habitat in the immediate vicinity is minimised due to inaccessibility. The majority of recreational visitation originating from the development site is likely to be directed towards Brandon Country Park, only 275m east of the site, across the A1065. Although Brandon Country Park is part of Breckland SPA and Breckland Forest SSSI and managed as commercial woodland thus supporting suitable habitat for woodlark, it also promotes recreational visitation, providing and maintaining a vast network of footpaths and cycle tracks. Woodlark and nightjar both continue to nest within Brandon Country Park despite the high level of recreational visitation and any increase in recreational disturbance attributed to visitors from the proposed development is anticipated to be small and unlikely to lead to measurable impacts.

Other potential impacts to woodlark from the development, including construction disturbance and cat predation, are not considered likely to be significant based on the distance from suitable areas of habitat for woodlark and the low density of nesting. Construction methods used on site will not require the use of heavy machinery for installation or construction of extensive footings and so are unlikely to lead to widespread disturbance. Other sources of potential disturbance are thought unlikely, such as lighting and general construction noise by virtue of the design of the scheme, construction methods and the behaviour of the likely residents who will be retirees. Cat predation is not considered likely but potential impacts can be eliminated through restriction on cat ownership within the site. Although restricted covenants relating to cat ownership in freehold developments have been unsuccessful and overturned in the courts, this project is a leasehold development where owners of the lodges sign up to and are bound by the rules of the community, which allows greater enforcement of the community regulations.

On balance it is considered that potential impacts to woodlark from the development are unlikely to be significant.

Mitigation No specific mitigation is considered to be required, although an exclusion on cat ownership within the site will ensure that no common and widespread bird species are at risk of predation and this exclusion of cats will also protect woodlark from predation if they do nest in proximity to the site in future years.

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4.3 Nightjar No nightjars were recorded in areas of suitable habitat within 1km of the proposed development site.

Impact Assessment The potential impacts to nightjar are essentially the same as impacts identified for woodlark in paragraph 4.2. There are no credible opportunities for nesting nightjar within 400m of the site and only limited opportunities within 1km. Historic records of nightjar provided by SBIS identified only five previous records of nightjar locally, with four being located within Brandon Country Park. Studies into nightjar occupancy of clearfell and new plantation woodland demonstrated that they prefer replanted areas of between one and five years old and freshly felled areas up to eight years old, but the smallest continuous clearing occupied by nightjar within the Suffolk study population was 10ha (Ravenscroft, 1989). Within 1km of the site there are no areas of clearfell or new plantation woodland of this size, the largest within the radius being approximately 7ha, although this is supplemented by the presence of open grassland to the south and by the existence of wide paths between the woodland plots which are likely to influence occupancy of suitable sites Conway et al. (2007). Although there is little suitable habitat currently within 1km of the site, the creation of new clearfell areas within this radius cannot be ruled out in future which could attract nesting nightjar. However, much of the available plantation woodland within 1km of the site is in close proximity to the A1065 Brandon Road, a major road which is likely to represent high noise disturbance and a deterrent to breeding nightjar. The site is also close to Lakenheath Airfield, which is also a significant source of noise disturbance although only temporary and sporadic. Based on the absence of nightjars within the surveys and the limited suitable habitat within 400m of the site it is reasonable to conclude that direct impacts are not likely. Beyond this within a 1km radius there is potential for disturbance from recreational visitation but based on the small numbers of residents, current availability of suitable habitat and existing background disturbance levels, it is unlikely that the development will lead to significant impacts to nightjar. Mitigation Mitigation measures discussed in section 4.2 are also considered appropriate for nightjar. 4.4 Conclusion

Mitigation measures discussed in section 4.2 are also considered appropriate for nightjar. 4.5 Ecological Enhancement

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) encourages developers to incorporate habitat enhancement measures into development projects with the aim of providing tangible benefits for wildlife and achieving no net loss or where possible an observed gain in biodiversity within an individual site. Where opportunities exist, an individual development may provide enhancements to biodiversity which contribute to wildlife and habitat connectivity in the wider area. Enhancements act to improve the quality of the habitat for the flora and fauna on and within the vicinity of the site, although these enhancements may also provide aesthetic appeal

Possible opportunities to enhance the wildlife potential, appropriate to this site, are provided below. It is important that any measures adopted be clearly demonstrated to the Planning Authority through inclusion in design plans and accompanying documentation.

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▪ Creating large brash piles in woodland where there is an absence of a discernible shrub layer provides refuge and nesting opportunities for ground foraging species including thrushes, wren, robin and dunnock. A number of simple wood and brash piles should be created with any arisings from site clearance to create suitable habitat for nesting. ▪ Additional nest boxes should be installed within the woodland alongside the boxes recommended for mitigation in paragraph 4.1 above. Additional hole-fronted and open fronted boxes will provide suitable nesting habitat for many of the woodland species recorded in the surveys. ▪ Standing deadwood is an important feature of woodlands, providing invertebrate food for many of the woodland bird species. Typically, woodland in amenity settings is over-managed under the guise of heath and safety, and trees with areas of rot are pruned for felled with a loss of a valuable foraging resource. Where dead or dying trees within the site are not in immediately risk to residents and buildings they should be retained. It is also possible to recreate standing deadwood habitat, taking felled limbs and partially burying them vertically into the ground. It is also possible to create landscape features by placing several logs together to form a sculptural design.

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5 References

British Standards Institution (2013). Biodiversity. Code of practice for planning and development: 42020. BSI. London

CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal, 3rd edition. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester.

Conway, G., Wotton, S., Henderson, I., Langston, R., Drewitt, A. and Currie, F. 2007. Status and distribution of European Nightjars Caprimuigus europaeus in the UK in 2004. Bird Study, 54: 98–111.

Eaton, M. A., Aebischer, N. J., Brown, A. F., Hearn, R. D., Lock, L., Musgrove, A. J., Noble, D. G., Stroud, D. A. & Gregory, R.D. (2015). Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds 108, 708-746. Available online at britishbirds.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BoCC4.pdf

Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D. & Evans, J. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods: a manual of techniques for key UK species. RSPB. Sandy, Bedfordshire.

Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (2019). National Planning Policy framework. MHCLG, London.

Norfolk Wildlife Services (2017). Preliminary Ecological Appraisal: North Court, Brandon. Unpublished report for Clayland Architects.

Ravenscroft, N.O.M. 1989. The status and habitat of the Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus in coastal Suffolk. Bird Study 36: 161–169.

Sharps, K., Henderson, I., Conway, G., Armour-Chelu, N. & Dolman, P. (2015) Home-range size and habitat use of European Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus nesting in a complex plantation-forest landscape. IBIS 157: 260-272.

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Appendix 1: Site Plans

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Figure 1: Breckland SPA Location Plan

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk

Breckland SPA Location Plan

Date: August 2019

Originator: Danny Thomas

KEY: Unimproved grassland

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk

Figure 2: Woodlark and Nightjar Survey Results

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk

Woodlark and Nightjar Survey Results & SBIS Historic Records

Date: August 2019

Originator: Danny Thomas

2019 Woodlark Survey Record

KEY: Historic SBIS Woodlark Record Unimproved grassland

Historic SBIS Nightjar Record

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk

Figure 3: Habitat Distribution Plan

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk

Habitat Distribution Plan

Date: August 2019

Originator: Danny Thomas

Key:

Grassland and Grass heathKEY: Unimproved grassland

Clearfell

Young Plantation Woodland < 10 years

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk

Appendix 2: Photographs

North Court, Brandon, Suffolk

Photograph 1. Photograph 2. View south across Wangford Warren and Carr SSSI. Northern part of young conifer plantation to southwest of site.

Photograph 3. Photograph 4. Southern part of young conifer plantation to southwest of application site. Clearfell woodland in Brandon Country Park.

Photograph 5. Photograph 6. Large block of clearfell and location of singing woodlark. Grassland with young conifers and self-set birch in Brandon Country Park.