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ANNEX C: Breeding Survey, Coxford Abbey Quarry

Report prepared by Wildlife Services Ltd on behalf of Longwater Gravel Ltd. November 2012

Reference: 2012/022

Table of contents

1. Background ...... 1 2. Methodology ...... 1 2.1. Desktop Study...... 1 2.2. Bird Survey ...... 2 3. Results ...... 2 3.1. Bird habitats present ...... 2 3.2. Desktop survey ...... 3 3.3. Bird Survey ...... 3 Bird species of principal biodiversity concern ...... 5 Protected bird species ...... 6 Species of local significance ...... 6 3.4. Limitations ...... 7 4. Summary ...... 7 5. References ...... 7 6. Appendices ...... 8

NORFOLK WILDLIFE SERVICES 2 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY / BACKGROUND / DESKTOP STUDY CURRENT VERSION DATE :18/12/12

1. Background Report produced by Client details Chris Smith / John Williamson Simon Smith Norfolk Wildlife Services Longwater Gravel Co. Ltd. Longwater Business Park Bewick House Costessey 22 Thorpe Road Norwich NR5 0JS NR1 1RY NORFOLK NORFOLK Tel 01603 743767 Tel 01603 625540 Fax 01603 747302 Fax 01603 598300 1.1. Norfolk Wildlife Services was contacted by Longwater Gravel Co. Ltd. in May 2012 with regard to undertaking a bird survey at Coxford Abbey quarry near which is proposed for extension. The proposed extension areas surround the existing main quarry and are divided into 4 separate zones: West extension, North extension, East extension and South extension. 1.2. Following the initial ecological assessment of the quarry owned by Longwater Gravel Co. Ltd. (NWS 2010) it was recommended that full bird surveys were carried out if works were to be conducted during the bird breeding season, particularly considering the site’s proximity to Syderstone SSSI. 1.3. The work was completed by John Williamson between the 6th and 21st July 2012. The contract was managed by Chris Smith of Norfolk Wildlife Services. Norfolk Wildlife Services is a member of the Association of Wildlife Trust Consultancies (AWTC) which is also a corporate member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). 1.4. The work involved the following elements:  Conduct a modified Common Bird Census survey of site to identify bird interest;  Make recommendations for enhancement for wildlife;  Complete a report detailing the above 2. Methodology 2.1. Desktop Study 2.1.1. A review of the existing reports from prior to commencement of work on the planning application was made. 2.1.2. Desktop records for protected species were searched from three sources:  Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) record systems  Norfolk Biological Information Services (NBIS) records www.nbis.org.uk  National Biodiversity Network www.nbn.org.uk 2.1.3. Any records from within 1km of the site were included for the assessment of possible presence of bird species on the site.

NORFOLK WILDLIFE SERVICES 1 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY / BACKGROUND / DESKTOP STUDY CURRENT VERSION DATE :18/12/12

2.2. Bird Survey 2.2.1. A visual assessment was made of the habitats on site. These are described below and on Map 2 ‘Key Features’. 2.2.2. A bird survey was completed to identify species present in the area surrounding the main Coxford Abbey quarry. The survey used a modified Common Bird Census method. 2.2.3. Three separate surveys were made of the site, each comprising two day’s field work. The surveys were timed to be 7-10 days apart, and each commencing at 06.00 BST. Table 1 : Summary of survey visits to land surrounding Coxford Abbey quarry

Date Areas covered Weather

06/06/12 N, E & W 90-100% cloud cover, mod S wind, 13ºC 07/06/12 S 90% cloud cover, light/mod S wind, 13ºC 13/06/12 N, E & W 10% cloud cover, light SW wind, 6 - 15 ºC 14/06/12 S 90% cloud cover, light SE wind, 8 ºC 20/06/12 N, E & W 30-40% cloud cover, 0-1 variable wind, 10-17 ºC 21/06/12 S 100% cloud cover, 3-4 S wind, 12 ºC

3. Results 3.1. Bird habitats present 3.1.1. The site is located less than 1km south of the village of Syderstone, and 8km West of the town of Fakenham, grid reference TF828310. The main quarry is accessed from the B1454. Existing sites 3.1.2. The main existing workings consist of bare sand and gravel as well as areas of ruderals and weeds. North Extension 3.1.3. This was largely planted Corsican pines Pinus nigra with some beech Fagus sylvatica along the southern edge. Leylandii were present in variable numbers. There was an extensive understorey present comprising largely of mixed rowan, sycamore, oak, birch and sweet chesnut. The ground cover was mostly comprised of fern with some bramble and grasses. South Extension 3.1.4. Mature open Corsican pine woodland was present in the northern most part of this area, with similar semi-mature woodland in the southern part. There was also some elder understorey present across the extension. Ground cover comprised of fern, nettles and bramble. A rough grass strip of approximately 40m across divided the woodland. West Extension 3.1.5. This extension area was bare pig fields at about 70% occupancy. East Extension 3.1.6. This section comprised of approximately 90% haylage with a small close conifer plantation in the south-east corner with some elder understorey and ground cover of nettle. A narrow strip of bare ploughed land was present along the north-east perimeter.

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Adjacent habitats 3.1.7. The North extension area directly borders with SSSI to the NE, separated from the site by the B1454. The South extension area borders directly with County Wildlife Site 589 – Coxford Meadows. The area also has a number of other County Wildlife Sites within 1.5km of the site, including CWS 591 – Sydestone Common North, CWS 1270 – Wicken Pond and CWS 1255 – Tattersett Marsh. 3.2. Desktop survey 3.2.1. The following species records were found during the desktop survey conducted for the planning application (NBIS 2012). Table 2 : Desktop Search results – Protected Species

Protected Species Location details Source Barn Owl 2009 Location in Syderstone village TF831326 and Syderstone National Biodiversity Network Common TF8232 between 2003 and 2008. Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Nightjar Syderstone Common SSSI; a regular breeder at the site in small Norfolk Wildlife Trust site numbers; of Conservation Concern (BoCC) red listed, and management plan (2009) listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 Woodlark Syderstone Common SSSI; a regular breeder at the site in small Norfolk Wildlife Trust site numbers; BoCC red listed and listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife management plan (2009) and Countryside Act, 1981. Willow Recorded on Syderstone Common at TF8232 between 2003 and NBIS 2010. BoCC Red Listed and Priority BAP species.

Marsh Tit Recorded on Syderstone Common at TF8232 during 2010. BoCC NBIS Red Listed and Priority BAP species

Lesser Recorded on Syderstone Common at TF8232 during 2008. BoCC NBIS Red Listed and Priority BAP species

Common Bullfinch Recorded on Syderstone Common at TF8232 in 1995 and 2005. NBIS Priority BAP species.

3.3. Bird Survey 3.3.1. The results of the bird survey are summarised in Table 3. 3.3.2. Thirty-one bird species were observed displaying breeding bird behaviour on site e.g. singing, territorial displays or disputes, or carrying food, building materials or faecal sacs. 3.3.3. In addition to the confirmed breeding species listed in Table 3, a further twenty species w ere observed on site. A list of these species can be seen in Table 4. Table 3 : Confirmed breeding species, Coxford Abbey quarry.

Common Latin Name Estimated Conservation Observations Name Number of Status Territories on Site Blackbird Turdus merula 3 - 5 Recorded in conifer woodland in the North and South extension areas. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 10 - 14 Frequently recorded in North, East and South extension areas, particularly along the NW woodland edge in the South extension, facing the main quarry. Blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus 2 - 3 One territory located in N extension area, with another possible 1-2 in South area.

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Common Latin Name Estimated Conservation Observations Name Number of Status Territories on Site Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 Potential breeding pair with fledged young in South extension area. Carrion Crow Corvus corone 1 - 3 Observed in North and South extension areas. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 15 - 21 Large number of territories recorded in North and South extensions, and occasional records from the East extension. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 3 - 7 Recorded in Northern extension. Periparus ater 3 - 5 Recorded in North, East and South extension areas. Goldcrest Regulus regulus 4 - 5 Recorded in North and South extension areas. Goldfinch carduelis 1 Breeding territory in West extension area. Great Spotted Dendrocopos major 1 Breeding territory in North extension area. Woodpecker Great Tit major 0 - 3 Possible breeding territories in North extension area. Grey Perdix perdix 0 - 1 Red List, UK Recorded in West extension pig fields. Partridge BAP Species Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 Recorded in South extension. Linnet Carduelis cannabina 1 - 2 Red List, UK Recorded in West extension pig fields. BAP Species Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 0 - 1 Recorded in South extension. Magpie Pica pica 0 - 1 Recorded in South extension. Anas platyrhynchos 0 - 1 Recorded in North extension. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 1 Recorded in West extension pig fields. Oystercatcher Haematopus 2 - 3 Recorded in West extension pig fields. ostralegus Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 2 - 4 Recorded in both the North and West extension. Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba 0 - 1 Recorded in West extension pig fields. Red-legged Alectoris rufa 1 - 4 Recorded in West and East extension. Partridge Robin Erithacus rubecula 9 - 15 Recorded over a large area of the site, including the North, East and South extension areas. Skylark Alauda arvensis 5 - 7 Red List, UK Recorded over the North, East and South BAP Species extension areas. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 2 - 4 Red List; UK Recorded over the North, West and South BAP Species extension areas. Stock Dove Columba oenas 0 - 1 Recorded in North extension. Tawny Owl Strix aluco 0 - 1 Recorded in North extension. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 0 - 1 Red List ; UK Possible breeding pair in West extension BAP Species area. Wood pigeon Columba palumbus 19 - 25 Large number of territories recorded in North and South extensions. Wren Troglodytes 17 - 22 Large number of territories recorded in North troglodytes and South extensions.

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Table 4 : Species unconfirmed as breeding on site

Common Name Latin Name Conservation Status Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Common Gull Larus canus Luxia curvirostra Dunnock Prunella modularis Chloris chloris Herring Gull Larus argentatus Red List; UK BAP Species Jackdaw Corvus monedula Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Red List; UK BAP Species Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Long-eared Owl Asio otus Flushed from a roost in suitable breeding habitat in the South extension area.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea Rook Corvus frugilegus Sand Martin Riparia riparia Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Starling Sturnus vulgaris Red List; UK BAP Species Swift Apus apus Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Red List; UK BAP Species Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Red List; UK BAP Species

Bird species of principal biodiversity concern 3.3.4. UK BAP priority species were those identified as being the most threatened and requiring conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). However, as a result of changes in approach the UK BAP is now focussed at a country-level, and the UK BAP was succeeded in July 2012 by the 'UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework'. 3.3.5. In terms of biodiversity habitats the site is assessed as being associated with the following UK Priority Species, based on the England list (JNCC 2012) and descriptions given in BRIG (2008):  Grey Partridge,  Linnet,  Skylark,  Song Thrush,  Turtle Dove. 3.3.6. Grey Partridges, Linnets, Skylarks, Song Thrushes and Turtle Doves are all UKBAP species due to significant population declines in the last 30 years. There are a number of factors which are thought to have resulted in such declines, specifically changes in agricultural practices, increased use of herbicides and insecticides, and decreases in the availability of suitable habitat such as scrub and hedgerows.

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Table 5 : UK BAP birds found on site, and the reason for their inclusion as a BAP priority species

Latin Name SAP species Reason for inclusion as a BAP species Grey Partridge Perdix perdix No 87% decline over 25 years Linnet Carduelis cannabina Yes 23% decline over 10 years Skylark Alauda arvensis Yes 59% decline over 10 years Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Yes 25% decline over 25 years Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Yes 79% decline over 25 years

3.3.7. The West extension contained the sole location for three of the five Red List UK BAP species recorded on site, with Grey Partridge, Linnet and Turtle Dove being observed nowhere else on site. Unusually Skylark were not present. A family of Tree Sparrows, an additional Red List species, w as also observed to the w est of the site, just outside the survey area. 3.3.8. The following UK Priority Species were noted on adjacent Syderstone Common (Natural England 2012):  Nightjar  Woodlark  Willow Tit  Marsh Tit   Common Bullfinch Protected bird species 3.3.9. Three species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 as amended) were present on the adjacent Syderstone Common (Norfolk Wildlife Trust 2009):  Barn Owl  Nightjar  Woodlark 3.3.10. It is not seen as likely that any of these species are presently breeding on the site, although they are likely to colonise if there is extensive tree felling. None of the species are listed in this location as part of an SPA feature. Species of local significance 3.3.11. Of particular interest in the confirmed breeders were the presence of Buzzard and Turtle Dove on the site and Tree Sparrow on adjacent areas, all of which are very localised species within Norfolk, although Buzzard is rapidly increasing. 3.3.12. Of particular interest in the unconfirmed breeding list is a record of a Long-eared Owl, which was flushed from a roost in suitable habitat in the South extension area, and may be indicative of a possible breeding pair on the site. 3.3.13. During 2010 entrance holes of nests of sands martins were observed in at least one of the exposed vertical faces within the active quarry. The site manager informed the surveyor that the nests had been active during the summer. It is understood that members of the Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association monitor the colony annually and that birds successfully double-brooded in 2010. Sand martins have the status Amber in the list of birds of conservation concern. It is likely that sand martins use different banks within the site to nest in each year.

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3.4. Limitations 3.4.1.There were no limitations to the surveys completed. 4. Summary 4.1. Longwater Gravel Ltd. is proposing to extend its quarrying activities into the land surrounding the main quarry at Coxford Abbey. The proposed extension areas comprise of blocks of conifer woodland to the north and south, bare pig fields to the west and a small hay field to the east. The site lies in close proximity to SSSI Syderstone Common and several County Wildlife Sites. 4.2. Breeding bird surveys of the extension areas were carried out between the 6th June 2012 and the 21st June 2012, in accordance with RSPB guidelines. 4.3. A total of thirty-one different species of birds were identified on site displaying breeding bird behaviour, along with a further separate twenty species observed on site or flying overhead. 4.4. There were five England BAP species confirmed as breeding on the site: Grey Partridge, Linnet, Skylark, Song thrush and Turtle dove. The West extension area appeared to be of particular value to several Red List arable species. 4.5. The Schedule 1 species Barn Owl, Woodlark and Nightjar are noted as being present within adjacent areas, in particular Syderstone Common for the rare BAP species Woodlark and Nightjar, but none are nesting within the site itself. However if the site is cleared they may colonise. 4.6. Four species of local interest in Norfolk are present breeding on the site: Buzzard, Tree sparrow, Turtle dove and Sand martin. Long-eared owl may also be present on the site. 4.7. Overall the site holds a number of moderately interesting species and is of significance for its breeding farmland birds, and furthermore its woodlands support a good diversity of typical species. The adjacent Syderstone Common is of greater significance due to the presence of Woodlark and Nightjar.

5. References Joint Nature Conservancy Council ( 2012) UK BAP priority bird species. Available online at http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5163. Checked 12/10/12. Nature Conservancy Council (1990) Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – Field Manual. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough Norfolk Biodiversity (2004), Biodiversity supplementary planning guidance for Norfolk. Norfolk Wildlife Trust (2009 ) Management plan for NWT Syderstone Common. Internal Norfolk Wildlife Trust report. Statutory Instrument (1983) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. HMSO Statutory Instrument (1994) Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 (SI 1997/1166). HMSO Statutory Instrument (2000) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. HMSO

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6. Appendices

Map 1. Proposed Extension Areas

Syderstone Common SSSI

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Map 2. Key Features of Extension Areas

Mature open conifer woodland with small number of specimen deciduous. Extensive understorey of mixed rowan, sycamore, oak, birch and sweet chesnut. Ground cover of fern with some grass and Pig field and rough bramble. grassland.

Haylage

Close conifer plantation with some elder understorey. Ground cover of nettle.

Mature open conifer woodland with some elder Bare pig fields (70% understorey. Ground occupied). cover of fern, nettle and bramble.

Rough grass strip approx. 40m wide.

Semi-mature open conifer woodland with some elder understorey. Ground cover of fern, nettle and bramble.

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