Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

Lafarge Aggregates Ltd

ECOLOGICAL BASELINE SURVEY OF LAND

AT FINNINGLEY QUARRY, SOUTH

FINAL- VERSION 2

FEBRUARY 2014

ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

DOCUMENT CONTROL

TITLE: Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire

VERSION: Final – Version 2

DATE: February 2014

ISSUED BY: Brian Hedley

AUTHORS: Peter Morrell and Brian Hedley

CHECKED BY: Andrew Malkinson

APPROVED BY: Vanessa Tindale

ISSUED TO: David Park Restoration Manager Lafarge Aggregates Ltd Thrislington Quarry West Cornforth County Durham DL17 9EY

Paul Clarke David L Walker Limited Albion House 89 Station Road Eckington Sheffield S21 4FW

This report has been prepared by ESL with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client. ESL accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known. No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of ESL.

CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 DESK STUDY 1

3 HABITATS, PLANT COMMUNITIES AND PLANT SPECIES 3

3.1 Survey Methods 3 3.2 Extension Phases 25-27, 29 and 31 3 3.3 Waterbodies and Drains 6 3.4 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 10 3.5 Recommendations 11

4 GREAT CRESTED NEWTS AND OTHER AMPHIBIANS 11

4.1 Survey Methods 11 4.2 Results 12 4.3 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 13 4.4 Recommendations 13

5 REPTILES 14

5.1 Survey Methods 14 5.2 Results 14 5.3 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 15 5.4 Recommendations 15

6 BATS 16

6.1 Survey Methods 16 6.2 Results 16 6.3 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 17 6.4 Recommendations 17

7 WATER VOLES 18

7.1 Survey Methods 18 7.2 Results 18 7.3 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 19 7.4 Recommendations 20

8 BADGERS 20

8.1 Survey Methods 20 8.2 Results 20 8.3 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 21 8.4 Recommendations 21

9 OTHER MAMMALS 22

9.1 Survey Methods 22 9.2 Results 22 9.3 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 22 9.4 Recommendations 23

CONTENTS continued

Page

10 BREEDING BIRDS 23

10.1 Survey Methods 23 10.2 Results 24 10.3 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 24 10.4 Recommendations 25

11 INVERTEBRATES 25

11.1 Survey Methods 25 11.2 Results 25 11.3 Discussion and Assessment of Biodiversity Importance 26 11.4 Recommendations 26

12 REFERENCES 27

TABLES

1 Dates and Weather Conditions of Great Crested Newt Surveys 2 Dates and Weather Conditions of Reptile Surveys 3 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions During Evening Bat Surveys 4 Trees with Potential for Use by Roosting Bats 5 Summary of Results for Evening Bat Surveys 6 Dates, Times and Weather Conditions of Breeding Bird Surveys 7 Total Counts for Extension Phase Areas During Each Breeding Bird Survey Visit 8 List of UK Bap Priority Bird Species, Their Habitat Preferences and Link to Restoration Plans

FIGURES

1 Site Location Plan 2 Habitat Map 3 Location of Waterbodies 4 Location of Reptile Refugia and Reptile Survey Results 5 Location of Trees Assessed for Bat Roosts and Transect Routes 6a Water Vole Survey Results: Clay Dike Area 6b Water Vole Survey Results: Deeps Drain Area 6c Water Vole Survey Results: Fiftyeights Drain Area 6d Water Vole Survey Results: Owl Drain Area 7 Badger Activity (April to July 2012)

APPENDICES

1 Species Recorded at Finningley Quarry, April to August 2012 2 Data search results 3 Summary of Legal Status for Relevant Species

ECOLOGICAL BASELINE SURVEY OF LAND AT FINNINGLEY QUARRY, SOUTH YORKSHIRE / NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd has been commissioned by Lafarge Aggregates Ltd to carry out an ecological baseline survey of land at Finningley Quarry situated on the South Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire border, particularly of proposed phases 25-27, 29 and 31, prior to the submission of a planning application to extract sand/gravel in those phases. For this report the ‘site or study area’ refers to phases 20 to 31 and the ‘wider study area’ includes all the application area and some adjacent land. ESL has been involved with annual ecology surveys at the Finningley Quarry site since 2002 (ESL, 2002), covering the now phases 20-24, 26 and 30 (formerly phases 20-25) and adjacent land, to satisfy planning conditions set by Nottinghamshire County Council (consent ref. 1/32/02/00017) and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (consent ref. 02/4515/P/MINA). This report therefore has two objectives, (1) to provide baseline ecological information for input into an Environmental Statement required for the proposed extension phases 25-27, 29 and 31 and (2) continue the annual ecological monitoring of all extension phases (to satisfy existing planning conditions).

1.2 Since 2002, ESL has undertaken specific surveys for bats, badgers, brown hares , water voles and great crested newts Triturus cristatus covering phases 20-24, 26 and 30 and adjacent land. The first four species have all been found on site but great crested newts have not. Breeding bird surveys have also been carried out annually since spring 2007 (ESL, 2011a-e).

1.3 This report describes the methods used and provides the findings of the surveys together with recommendations for further work or mitigation where appropriate. For plant species recorded on the site and for bird, mammal and invertebrate species recorded both on the site and in the wider area, English names are used throughout the text with a full species list including scientific names given in Appendix 1. Where plants and animals not recorded by the surveys are referred to, the scientific name is also given in the text. Both English and scientific names of higher plants are given according to Stace (2010) and by Atherton et al (2010) for higher plants and bryophytes respectively. A site location plan is given as Figure 1.

2 DESK STUDY

2.1 The Natural England and JNCC websites were consulted to obtain information pertaining to internationally protected sites and for citations of any Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within 5km of the site. Information was also gathered on any National Nature Reserves (NNR) within 5km and Local Nature Reserves (LNR) within a 2km radius of the site. Nottinghamshire

1 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

Biological and Geological Records Centre (NBGRC) and Doncaster Biological Records Centre (DBRC) were asked to provide locations of any Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) within 2km of the site and details of any protected species records.

Results

2.2 There is one site of international importance within 10km of the site; Humberhead Peatlands, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which is 4.7km north of the site. The SAC is designated for its lowland raised bog and importance as a breeding area for nightjars, and is also a NNR. Hatfield Moors SSSI forms part of this SAC, and there are four further SSSIs within 5km of the site. The nearest is Misson Training Area SSSI, 0.7km to the south-east, designated for its important and extensive area of damp scrub and woodland. Misson Line Banks SSSI is an example of standing open water and canals with associated lowland fen, marsh and swamp fauna and and flora, approximately 3.4km to the south-east. River Idle Washlands SSSI, approximately 4.5km west of the site, is designated for its wet grassland habitats. Haxey Grange Fen SSSI, 5km to the east, is designated for its wet woodland, fen and marsh.

2.3 DBRC and NBGRC provided details of 13 LWS situated within 2km of the site. Details of these sites, with their locations, are given in Appendix 2. These sites cover a wide range of habitats including semi natural woodland, flooded gravel pits and drainage systems.

2.4 The protected species records within 2km of the site provided by NBGRC are listed in Appendix 2 and summarised below: • Four records for great crested newt, dated between 1987 and 2005, all from Misson Carr. • Also from Misson Carr, records for common lizard dated between 2003 and 2009 and for grass snakes from 1991 to 2009. • One record for pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp, dated 1991, close to Finningley village. One unidentified bat record, dated 1985, from Spring Hill Farm, Misson. • Fifteen water vole records, all either within the site boundary or within 1km to the east and south-east of the site. • Three records for badger setts (probably all from the results of previous ESL surveys), one at Moizers Drain, west of the site, from 2005 and two setts recorded in 2009 north of the site. • One record for the 2km search area of a bird species, marsh harrier, which is listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act and could possibly breed on site or on adjacent land.

2.5 Records for two UK BAP Priority bird species were also provided by the DBRC and NBGRC. These were grey partridge and lapwing. Both these species could potentially breed on site.

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2.6 The DBRC and NBGRC provided records for three species of UK BAP Priority invertebrates, comprising two butterflies: wall Lasiommata megera and white letter hairstreak Satyrium w- album and one moth, scarce vapourer Orgyia recens.

2.7 The site is situated in the National Character Area No.39: The Humberhead Levels, which is a flat, mainly agricultural low-lying area. It contains several areas of high conservational value such as Thorne and Hatfield Moors and parts of the Humber Estuary. Locally, sandy soils give rise to lowland heathland and large field drainage systems are also characteristic.

3 HABITATS, PLANT COMMUNITIES AND PLANT SPECIES

3.1 SURVEY METHODS

3.1.1 A walkover survey of the whole application area and adjacent land was carried out by an experienced botanist on 9 July and 7 August 2012 and general notes on habitats and plant communities were made. More detailed notes were made for the proposed extension phases 25-27, 29 and 31, including mapping and characterising habitats by identifying the dominant and typical species and also compiling a plant species list for those phases, which is given in Appendix 1. Hedgerows within and bounding the proposed extension phases were specifically assessed against the criteria for importance set out in the Hedgerow Regulations (1997).

3.1.2 The current application area is relatively large and includes the quarry depot, aggregate storage areas, several silt lagoons (old and new) and the extension phases. Habitats within the application area comprise mainly arable land with smaller areas of wasteland vegetation, rough grassland, tall herbs, acid grassland, bare ground, silt lagoons, ditches, hedgerows, scrub, secondary broadleaved woodland and buildings associated with the depot area. The distribution of habitats is shown on Figure 2. Water bodies and ditches included in the great crested newt and water vole surveys, although mostly outwith the extension phases, are also described below.

3.2 EXTENSION PHASES 25-27, 29 and 31

3.2.1 Phase 25 is situated in the east of the application area and comprises six relatively small arable fields mainly divided by drains with a few hedgerows. The drains in the southern part of the phase are mainly dry and dominated by rough grassland and tall herbs comprising false oat-grass, barren brome, common couch, cleavers, common nettle and hogweed. The drains in the north are generally wetter and include Fiftyeights Drain and Owl Drain (described in paragraphs 3.3.12 and 3.3.14 respectively) and support species such as common reed, reed 3 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

sweet-grass, branched bur-reed, water-cress, common duckweed, yellow iris and water- starwort. The internal ditch in the northeast of the phase is marshy and fairly species-rich and supports square-stemmed St.John’s-wort, brookweed, common marsh-bedstraw, meadowsweet and greater bird’s-foot-trefoil.

3.2.2 Hedgerows within phase 25 are generally gappy and unmanaged with exceptions of the eastern boundary hedgerow and the hedgerow bounding Fiftyeights Track in the west. The former hedgerow is partly trimmed, intact and dominated by hawthorn with elder and occasional dog-rose. The latter hedgerow is large, intact, currently unmanaged and comprises mainly hawthorn and elder with field maple, dog-rose, buckthorn and frequent ash standards (some very large). The boundary hedgerow between phases 22 and 25 is gappy, currently unmanaged and dominated by hawthorn with elder, blackthorn, dog-rose, ash and occasional white willow (pollarded).

3.2.3 Phase 26 is situated in the north of the application area and comprises five small fields divided by dry drains and mainly gappy hedgerows. These fields have now been ploughed, but at the time of survey the field in the southeast corner of the phase was improved grassland dominated by perennial rye-grass with occasional common bent, Yorkshire-fog, common ragwort and loose silky-bent. The other four fields were a fairly species-rich mosaic of rough grassland, tall herbs and acid grassland (see Photograph 1) with scattered to dense scrub (mainly grey willow, ash and hawthorn) to the margins. Typically dominant species within these fields were Yorkshire-fog, false oat-grass, common couch, common ragwort, common bent, hogweed, creeping thistle and rosebay willowherb. Less frequent species included common cudweed, harebell, tufted vetch, perforate St.John’s-wort, lady’s bedstraw, hairy tare, wavy hair-grass, prickly poppy, corn spurrey and common centaury.

Photograph 1 Acid grassland area in phase 26 Photograph 2 Large layered hawthorn in phase 26

3.2.4 All the drains within phase 26 are dry and grassy with the exception of the boundary drain with Fiftyeights Track which is damp and supports reed canary-grass and great willowherb. The other drains are typically dominated by false oat-grass, common nettle, hogweed, cleavers, 4 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

common couch and barren brome. With the exception of the hedgerow sections bounding Fiftyeights Track all the phase 26 hedgerows are gappy and currently unmanaged and dominated by hawthorn with occasional elder, dog-rose, blackthorn and aspen. However, some have been managed in the past as several large laid hawthorns are present (Photograph 2). The hedge sections adjacent to the Fiftyeights Track are larger, more intact and have frequent standards present. They are dominated by hawthorn with frequent elder, dog-rose and ash (standards) and occasional field maple, white willow, osier and buckthorn.

3.2.5 Phase 27 is one large arable field, bordered to the northwest by Clay Dike which is described in section 3.3.10 below. A gappy, currently unmanaged, hedgerow of hawthorn and elder is present along Clay Dike here. On the north-eastern boundary of this phase is another gappy, unmanaged, hedgerow comprising mainly hawthorn with elder, dog-rose, blackthorn, field- rose and occasional ash standards. A dry grassy drain runs beside the hedge.

3.2.6 The southern boundary of phase 27 comprises a damp drain which supports great willowherb, meadowsweet, yellow iris, purple-loosestrife and greater pond-sedge. Frequent scrub (hawthorn, dog-rose, elder, field maple, dogwood and blackthorn) is present to both sides of the drain including a short section of hedge. Along the south-western boundary of phase 27 is another gappy, unmanaged, hedgerow comprising hawthorn and dog-rose with elder, field- rose and one ash standard. A dry grassy drain is present beside the hedge.

3.2.7 Phase 29 comprises two small arable fields bounded by hedgerows and drains to all sides. The two fields are separated by a mostly intact, currently unmanaged, hedgerow which is fairly species-rich and thought to meet the Hedgerow Regulations criteria. It comprises mainly hawthorn with dog-rose, elder, wych elm, hazel, blackthorn, wild privet, common lime, and standards of ash, sycamore, field maple and pedunculate oak. A dry drain is present beneath the hedge but only supports sparse vegetation dominated by common nettle and barren brome.

3.2.8 The smaller northern field of phase 29 has gappy, currently unmanaged hedgerows to its north-western and south-eastern sides, both comprising hawthorn and elder with occasional ash standards. Dry grassy drains are present beneath both of these hedges. On the north- eastern side of the field there is an intact, partly trimmed, hedgerow comprising hawthorn with dog-rose, ash, elder and blackthorn. Fiftyeights Drain runs beyond this hedge.

3.2.9 The larger, triangular-shaped, field is bounded to the south by a partly gappy, currently unmanaged, hedgerow dominated by hawthorn with elder, dog-rose, elm and frequent ash standards. Beyond this hedge is Deeps Drain. The eastern side of the field is bounded by a gappy, currently unmanaged, hedgerow dominated by hawthorn with elm, elder, dog-rose, wych elm and occasional ash standards. A dry grassy drain is present beside the hedge. 5 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

3.2.10 Phase 31 currently has ruderal vegetation with vegetated spoil heaps and bare earth patches. At the western end of this phase is temporary pond 1 which is described in paragraph 3.3.8. The ruderal vegetation is dominated by various thistles, willowherbs and barren brome.

3.3 WATER BODIES AND DRAINS

3.3.1 Seven water bodies, shown as Ponds 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and Temporary Pond 1 on Figure 3, were surveyed for newts during 2012. Pond 2 was in-filled several years ago and Pond 5 is now just a damp wooded area, so neither was included in the 2012 newt surveys.

3.3.2 Pond 1 is a roughly egg-shaped old slurry lagoon, approximately 60m long and 30–40m wide (Photograph 3). In 2012 the pond was dry on three of the four visits.

Photograph 3 Pond 1 Photograph 4 Pond 3

3.3.3 Pond 3 is an engineered rectangular slurry lagoon, approximately 100m long by 80m wide (Photograph 4), connected to Pond 4 by a 4m wide gap in the southern bank. Water clarity was moderate to good. Marginal vegetation was mainly soft-rush, hard rush, jointed rush and great willowherb in patchy clumps on the south and east banks but denser on the north bank. Access to the pond margins was generally good except on the northern bank where dense vegetation obscured the view. There is a slurry outlet pipe in the north east corner. Adjacent terrestrial habitat includes the grassy pond banks, strips of tall herbs and Pickle Wood.

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Photograph 5 Pond 4 Photograph 6 Pond 7

3.3.4 Pond 4 is a slurry lagoon very similar to Pond 3 and connected to it by a gap in the northern bank (Photograph 5). It is approximately 70m square. The sparse marginal vegetation comprises mainly rushes, making it possible to access almost the entire pond margin. Adjacent terrestrial habitat includes the grassy pond banks.

3.3.5 Pond 6 is a redundant slurry lagoon which is becoming terrestrialised. In the 2011 surveys this pond had contained water only after heavy periods of rain. In the wet summer of 2012, it contained shallow water throughout the surveys.

3.3.6 Pond 7 is a rectangular slurry lagoon, approximately 130m long and 70m wide (Photograph 6). There is very limited marginal of a few rush tussocks, no aquatic vegetation and the grass banks are partly mown and grazed by geese and rabbits. These banks are very steep in places, making at least 20% of the margin inaccessible for survey. There is a built up but flattened sandy area in the north-west half of the pond. Water clarity was moderate to poor. Adjacent terrestrial habitat included the pond banks and arable land.

Photograph 7 Pond 8 Photograph 8 Pond 8 common reed planting

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Photograph 9 Pond 8 Wind Pump Photograph 10 Temporary Pond 1

3.3.7 Pond 8 is a relatively new lake approximately 120m long and 100m wide, created as part of the landscaping scheme (Photograph 7). Since the 2011 survey water levels have again fallen dramatically, reducing the size of the pond by at least a half. Areas of new willow Salix species planting has taken place around the margin of the pond together with two areas of common reed (see Photograph 8). There is no obvious aquatic vegetation yet but sparse patches of curled dock and various other terrestrial species have survived inundation. Adjacent terrestrial habitat consists of former agricultural land and a recently planted mixed species deciduous plantation around the edge of about 40% of the pond. The pond has shallow margins around its whole length. Water clarity was mainly moderate, but poor where waterfowl had been present. A new wind pump installed at the edge of the pond was extracting water from the pond into the Deeps Lane Drain (Photograph 9).

3.3.8 Temporary Pond 1 (photograph 10) is approximately 15m long and 20m wide and was ‘created’ in 2008 to drain the nearby haul road. There is no aquatic or marginal vegetation in or immediately surrounding the pond. Adjacent terrestrial habitat consists of arable land, an unmanaged hedgerow, wasteland vegetation, scrubby woodland and quarry-related workings. The pond has shallow margins around its whole length. Water clarity was mainly poor.

3.3.9 Five drains were included in the water vole surveys. These were (1) Clay Dike, (2) a small section of Moizers Drain, (3) Fiftyeights Drain, (4) Deeps Drain and (5) Owl Drain. These are shown on Figures 6a to 6d. All apart from Fiftyeights Drain (which was mostly dry at the time of survey) had varying depths of still to slow-flowing water.

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Photograph 11 Clay Dike Photograph 12 Re-formed section of Clay Dike

3.3.10 Clay Dike varies from 1-2.5m wide and from 0.3-0.7m deep (Photograph 11). It supports frequent common reed at the southern end. At the time of the survey thick mats of water- starwort were present within the channel. Other species recorded occasionally along its length include reed sweet-grass, water-starwort, floating sweet-grass, common duckweed and celery-leaved buttercup. The newly re-formed section of Clay Dike associated with Phase 20 and 21 (Photograph 12) now has dense channel vegetation comprising mainly water-starwort species and celery-leaved buttercup. The banks have areas of bare earth and sparse vegetation. The water level in this section was less than 30cm deep.

3.3.11 Running off from Clay Dike, Moizers Drain is 1.5-2m wide and 0.3m deep with no channel vegetation and with large amounts of silt in the north eastern half of the drain.

3.3.12 Fiftyeights Drain varies from 0.75-1.5m wide. Water was absent along the majority of its length during the surveys and where present the depth was only 5-10cm. No aquatic vegetation was present in the channel. The banks are almost entirely covered with common nettle and bramble with frequent hedgerow sections above. The channel had been dredged out since the last survey in 2011.

3.3.13 Deeps Drain is 1-2m wide and 0.5-1.2m deep. Water was present along its entire length but again there was no obvious aquatic vegetation (Photograph 13) probably due to recent slubbing-out. The new drain running parallel to and about 10m to the north of Deeps Drain was discharging into it at the time of the survey.

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Photograph 13 Deeps Drain Photograph 14 Owl Drain

3.3.14 Owl Drain is 1.5-2m wide with a depth of 0.3 to 0.5m. At its western end it joins Fightyeights Drain. Reed sweet-grass and algae dominate the channel together with common reed and water-starwort (Photograph 14). Bank vegetation consists mainly of coarse grasses and also great willowherb, broad-leaved dock and celery-leaved buttercup.

3.4 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

3.4.1 As the main habitat present is arable land in proposed phases 25-27 and 29, most of the habitats and plant communities are common and widespread in a local and national context and therefore of low biodiversity value. Just one hedgerow within this area would seem to meet the criteria for Importance set out in the Hedgerows Regulations, 1997. This is the hedgerow that sub-divides phase 29. All of the hedgerows within the whole application area qualify as UK BAP habitats. The loss of the former acid grassland areas within phase 26 will be mitigated for in the restoration plans. The north-western boundary of phase 25, along Fiftyeights Track has some very large mature trees present, particularly ash.

3.4.2 No nationally rare or nationally scarce plant species, defined by Wigginton (1999) or Stewart, Pearman and Preston (1994) respectively and no UK BAP Priority Species of plant were recorded from phases 25-27, 29 and 31. However, five plant species noted within phase 26 are listed as ‘Near Threatened’ or ‘Vulnerable’ in the Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain (Cheffings et al, 2005). These species are common cudweed, corn spurrey, loose silky- bent, prickly poppy and wild pansy. All are uncommon arable weeds particularly associated

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with disturbed sandy soils and require periodic disturbance to ensure their survival. Similar habitats should be incorporated into the restoration plans (see 3.5.2 below).

3.5 RECOMMENDATIONS

3.5.1 As many of the hedgerows, mature trees and drains as possible should be incorporated into the design of the quarry development with suitable buffer zones. This would retain important wildlife corridors on site. Notable boundary features to be retained or protected should be the central hedge in phase 29 and also the drain in phase 25 parallel and to the north of Owl Drain which supports fairly species-rich marshy vegetation. Any hedgerows which are removed should be re-instated using native trees and shrubs of local provenance.

3.5.2 To mitigate for the loss of acid grassland within phase 26 acid grassland creation will form part of the post-extraction restoration scheme. Additionally, to encourage the continued presence of uncommon arable plants, such as prickly poppy and loose silky-bent, areas of sandy subsoil should be allowed to naturally regenerate within the restoration scheme area. These areas would need to be ploughed or scarified every year or two to prevent coarse grasses or scrub becoming dominant.

4 GREAT CRESTED NEWTS AND OTHER AMPHIBIANS

4.1 SURVEY METHODS

4.1.1 Seven water bodies within 500m of extraction phases 20-31, and considered to have suitable habitat connectivity, were surveyed for great crested newts. The locations of these water bodies are shown on Figure 3 and are described in Section 3.3 above. Four survey visits were made to each of these water bodies between 18 April and 18 June 2012 by a team of experienced ecologists led by Brian Hedley, Natural England great crested newt survey licence No: CLS00719.

4.1.2 All seven water bodies, together with their surroundings, were first assessed during the daytime for the potential to support breeding great crested newts and a standard pond assessment form was completed for each. This assessment included some pond-netting in order to establish the presence of aquatic invertebrates suitable as prey items and also to identify any potential predatory species. The assessment also included the provision of a quantitative measure of the ponds suitability for the species using the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) endorsed by Natural England (Oldham et al, 2000). Ten variables are evaluated; these take into account the aquatic habitat, the surrounding terrestrial habitat and local pond density to formulate a score that reflects overall habitat quality.

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4.1.3 Each water body was then surveyed for the presence of great crested newts, using a combination of standard methods (English Nature, 2001) as described below. The weather conditions recorded on each survey visit are shown in Table 1.

Egg Search 4.1.4 Where present, a representative sample of the aquatic plants was carefully examined for the presence of great crested newt eggs. To minimise disturbance no further searching is carried out in any water body once great crested newt eggs have been found.

Refuge Search 4.1.5 Margins and adjacent terrestrial habitat to 5-10m from the edge of the water were checked for the presence of stones, bricks and other rubble, planks, logs, etc, capable of being used for cover by amphibians. Where found, all such items were carefully lifted in order to scan beneath. After searching, each item was carefully returned to the original footprint. Potential refuges are sparse at the Finningley site.

Torchlight Survey 4.1.6 Each waterbody was searched by torchlight between dusk and midnight. The surveyors walked slowly around each pond margin, where accessible and safe to do so, shining a 500,000 cp Clulite torch onto the surface of the water. Particular attention was paid to areas around marginal vegetation and patches of open water, with potential for male newts to display. Certain wet drains adjacent or close to the extension phases, which appeared suitable for use by breeding amphibians, were also included in the evening torchlight surveys. These drains are also shown on Figure 3.

Netting 4.1.7 Where appropriate, evening pond-netting was carried out only following the torchlight search since it has the potential to disturb sediment. A long-handled dip-net of 2-4mm mesh was swept vigorously through the water at regular intervals over the perimeter of the waterbody, for a period of 15 minutes per 50m of accessible shoreline. All animals caught were examined and identified, aged and sexed, under low-power torchlight. They were returned to the pond as quickly as possible after capture.

4.2 RESULTS

4.2.1 No great crested newts were recorded by any method during the survey. Smooth newts were recorded in Pond 1 (peak count of six), Pond 3 (one), Pond 6 (four), Pond 7 (one) and Pond 8 (18). Common toads were recorded in Pond 1 (peak count of six), Pond 3 (five), Pond 4 (five) Pond 7 (three) and Pond 8 (15). Tadpoles (mostly of common toads) were recorded in the

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hundreds in Pond 4 and in the thousands in Ponds 3 and 6. Spawn of common toad was also recorded in Pond 1.

4.2.2 Large numbers of juvenile common toads and occasionally adults were found under refugia during the reptile surveys across the majority of the survey area.

4.3 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

4.3.1 Since no great crested newts have been found on site over the last ten years of surveys and none were found during the four visits in 2012 it is considered reasonably unlikely that they are present on site. Therefore there is no requirement for protective measures or mitigation for this species at the present time.

4.3.2 Weather conditions were good for great crested newt surveys on all visits, with the slight wind proving not to be a hindrance to visibility for the survey. Soft silt around Pond 1 made progress slow and steep banks in Ponds 3, 4 and 7, and in places dense bank vegetation around Pond 3, reduced the access to parts of the margins of these water bodies. Water clarity is dependent on pumping and wildfowl activity and was only moderate in some of the ponds but overall did not present any major problem with the torchlight surveys of the margins.

4.3.3 The application area, as a whole, taking into account the presence of large numbers of common toads (a UK BAP Priority Species) and less frequent common frogs and smooth newts, has local level biodiversity value for amphibians.

4.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

4.4.1 As part of the on-going site monitoring further great crested newt surveys in spring 2013, covered the existing waterbodies and any others created in the meantime. Great crested newts are now known to be present in the Misson Carr area, only about 1.5km from the quarry (Misson Carr Reserve Manager, pers comm). However, as great crested newts have not been recorded during surveys at the site for the last ten years, it is considered that two visits, during the late April to mid-May period (usually the peak newt breeding time), should be sufficient to determine whether great crested newts have found the site and are using it. This could be increased to the standard four-visit survey every 3-4 years as part of the monitoring scheme.

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5 REPTILES

5.1 SURVEY METHODS

5.1.1 The extension phases were assessed for their potential to support reptiles. Suitable habitat comprises structurally varied vegetation which supports good numbers of invertebrates and provides both open areas for basking, particularly on south-facing slopes, and denser patches that provide shelter from predators (Beebee and Griffiths, 2000).

5.1.2 In total, 120 artificial refugia (0.5m2 black corrugated bitumen sheets - Photograph 15) were then placed in areas of suitable habitat in order to determine the presence and distribution of reptile species. Reptiles may be found both on top of the sheets and under them as part of their thermoregulatory behaviour, absorbing heat both directly from the sun and by conduction from the sheet itself. Each sheet was inspected eight times in weather conditions when any reptiles present could reasonably be expected to be active (English Nature, 1994).

5.1.3 The direct observation survey method for reptiles was also undertaken in appropriate habitat. This involves walking slowly and quietly through all suitable habitats, watching and listening for animals or movement, particularly at the interface between open and dense vegetation. The weather conditions recorded on each survey visit are shown in Table 2. Locations of reptile refugia are shown on Figure 4.

Photograph 15 Reptile refugia Photograph 16 Common lizard on top of refuge

5.2 RESULTS

5.2.1 Certain field margins, major drains and a number of the dry ditches were identified as potential reptile habitat (particularly for grass snakes), providing both structural diversity and cover and connectivity with surrounding suitable habitat.

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5.2.2 Six common lizards (Photograph 16) and two juvenile grass snakes were recorded along the eastern bank of Clay Dike, at its northern end (along the northern boundary of phase 21). Three juvenile grass snakes and a common lizard were recorded on the northern bank of Owl Drain and three adult grass snakes were recorded on the northern bank of Fiftyeights Drain (both locations within phase 25). Further grass snake records came from land just northwest of phase 20. These survey results are also shown on Figure 4.

5.3 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

5.3.1 The results of the reptile survey show that small numbers of grass snakes and common lizards (including young animals, indicating local breeding) are present within the boundary features of phases 21 and 25, particularly along the banks of wet drains and these areas are of local biodiversity value for reptiles. It is likely that the railway corridor to the north is a good movement corridor for reptiles and may be the source for reptiles into the application area generally.

5.3.2 The grass snake and common lizard records for the phase 25 area all came from alongside internal wet drains (Fiftyeights Drain and Owl Drain), and protection measures will be needed to avoid killing or injuring reptiles if there is any possibility that these drains will be impacted during the extraction of this phase.

5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

5.4.1 Where areas of the proposed extension phases have been shown to support reptiles (i.e. banks of wet drains in particular) and are to be permanently or temporarily removed then measures should be taken to either physically remove the reptiles (involving reptile fencing and artificial refugia) or preferably encourage them to move by making the habitat less suitable for them by regular cutting/strimming.

5.4.2 As grass snakes and common lizards are now known in several areas of the application area it is recommended that monitoring of future extension phases continues so that habitat management and/or protection/mitigation measures can be taken in advance of extraction. It is envisaged that the proposed restoration scheme will create good habitats for reptiles, especially when compared to the existing arable fields over most of the proposed extension phases.

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6 BATS

6.1 SURVEY METHODS

6.1.1 Using close-focusing binoculars, a daytime assessment was made of all trees either on the boundary of or within extraction phases 20-31 for features with potential to support roosting bats, and the positions of such trees were recorded using a hand-held GPS receiver. Previous surveys had identified 30 trees in this area with potential to support roosting bats. Two of these trees have fallen since the earlier surveys and three trees were felled in spring 2011 and one in the spring of 2012. All 24 remaining trees were re-examined. Suitable features include disused woodpecker holes, delaminating bark, rot holes, cracks and splits in trunks and branches and ivy cladding (English Nature, 2004). During the daytime survey, the proposed extraction phases 25-27 and 29 were also assessed as potential bat foraging habitat. During the survey an additional tree was identified as having potential to support bats, and numbered T31.

6.1.2 From this assessment, two trees T31 and T36 were selected for evening emergence watches. Ecologists using heterodyne bat detectors were stationed close to the selected tree at dusk to determine whether bats emerged from them. Because of its many features, two emergence watches were undertaken on T31. After the emergence surveys, bat activity transects with 10-minute stationary points were walked, again using heterodyne detectors. The transects covered parts of phases 25-27 and 29, concentrating on areas with better habitat connectivity, e.g. hedgerows. The weather conditions recorded on each bat survey visit are shown in Table 3; all three evenings are considered suitable for bat survey work. Descriptions of the trees with bat roost potential are given in Table 4; their locations, and those of transect routes and stationary points are shown on Figure 5.

6.1.3 During the evening great crested newt surveys, all bats encountered, either by sight (usually by torchlight) or by using an electronic detector, were also noted.

6.2 RESULTS

6.2.1 During a great crested newt survey visit in May 2012, feeding Daubenton’s bats and common pipistrelles were identified in the area of the lagoons to the north, west and southwest of extraction phases 30 and 31.

6.2.2 No bats were recorded during any of the emergence watches on either of T31 and T36. The site has some good bat foraging areas along the larger field boundary features and trackways. During all three evening transects the majority of registrations were in the vicinity of linear features consisting of drains and hedgerows. 16 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

6.2.3 During the transect on 21 June 2012 there were 18 registrations of common pipistrelle, five of noctule and a single myotid species. These included both fly-through passes and foraging flights. On 19 July 2012 there were 15 registrations of common pipistrelle and a single soprano pipistrelle, together with four noctules and a single myotid species. These again included a mixture of fast passes and foraging flights. The transect on 6 August 2012 recorded 15 common pipistrelle and three myotid species registrations. The results of the evening transect surveys are summarised in Table 5.

6.3 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

6.3.1 Two trees present within phases 25 and 29 have potential for use by bats, but no current bat roosting site was confirmed and therefore the extraction phases currently have negligible biodiversity value for roosting bats. Low numbers of common bat species forage within the proposed extraction phase areas, especially along boundary hedgerows or tree lines, therefore the proposed extraction phases currently has low to moderate biodiversity value for foraging bats.

6.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

6.4.1 From the development plans, only T36, which is within the extraction phase 25, could be directly impacted by the works. Although no bats were noted emerging from T36 during the evening watches it has many features and our precautionary approach, taking into account the transitory nature of bats, is to recommend that the tree is soft-felled, under supervision of a bat-licensed ecologist as per the approach adopted in the extant planning permission. This would involve lowering limbs and the trunk gently to the ground and allowing a period of time for any bats roosting to leave, before the timber is disposed of. It is recommended that this felling is undertaken during the hibernation period (late October to early March, dependent upon cold weather). The supervised felling of any trees with bat roost potential was also suggested by Doncaster MBC Environmental Planning Dept (Helen Markland, pers comm.).

6.4.2 In compensation for the loss of T36 in particular, three Schwegler 1FD bat boxes should be erected on a tree that will not be affected by works. Most trees along the Fiftyeights Road would be suitable as this linear corridor provides excellent habitat connectivity.

6.4.3 The extraction phases should try and retain as many boundary features as possible, and allow adequate stand-offs from the trees and hedgerows alongside Fiftyeights Road and Low Deeps Lane to protect the trees and retain habitat connectivity.

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7 WATER VOLES

7.1 SURVEY METHODS

7.1.1 All drains which provide suitable habitat for water voles within or adjacent to extraction phases 20-31 were included in the survey. One surveyor worked in the channel searching with the second surveyor on the bank making notes and also providing health and safety cover. Pond edges were also searched for water vole signs during the great crested newt survey.

7.1.2 The published habitat requirements for water voles include a variety of plants for food, steep well-vegetated earth banks for burrows, and a water depth of at least 0.2m to allow escape from predators. However, not all water voles seem to require all these features and the animals do occasionally occur in apparently sub-optimal habitats.

7.1.3 Signs looked for included burrows, latrines, pathways and feeding remains (Strachan and Moorhouse, 2006) and these were noted, mapped and where relevant, photographed. The voles themselves are sometimes seen but more often heard, as a distinct ‘plop’ where the vole has jumped from the bank into the channel to escape. These ‘plops’ may also provide a warning of potential predators to other water voles nearby.

7.2 RESULTS

7.2.1 Signs of water vole activity, including active burrows, were found in Clay Dike, Moizers Drain, Deeps Drain, Fiftyeights Drain and Owl Drain. Results for the whole study area are shown in Figures 6a to 6d.

7.2.2 Activity in Clay Dike, comprising burrows, latrines, feeding signs, pathways and grazed lawns, was present along the majority of the drain. The first section of channel between the sewerage works and the first bridge, saw a reduction in field signs compared with previous surveys particularly on the western banks. Activity for the remainder of the channel up to the railway line showed a marked increase in comparison with the 2011 survey (ESL, 2011c).

7.2.3 Since the last survey water vole activity is now present in the re-formed section of drain where the channel has now vegetated over. A section of Clay Dike running for approximately 80 metres south west of the railway line, which held no signs of water vole in 2011 showed signs in 2012.

7.2.4 Water vole activity (latrines and active burrows) in the eastern and western sections of Deeps Drain showed a small reduction compared with the 2011 survey. The most significant

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reduction has occurred at the western end of the drain. At the time of the survey, discharge from the quarrying activity in phase 22 was entering Deeps Drain.

7.2.5 Water vole activity in Fiftyeights Drain had decreased dramatically compared to last year. Only one field sign was found and a small cluster of active burrow were present in the central section of the drain where a small area of water was present. Very few disused burrows were found, probably due to lack of water.

7.2.6 Owl Drain in extension phase 25, despite its choked channel, recorded water vole activity along the majority of its surveyed length.

7.2.7 A water vole entering the water was observed, together with evidence of feeding on the pond edge during the great crested newt survey at Pond 3 and a second time during the checking of bottle traps. No further signs were noted around the ponds in the adjacent land during the course of these surveys.

7.3 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

7.3.1 It is difficult to determine how many water vole colonies might be present in the study area, as the majority of activity was concentrated in certain sections. Activity overall in Clay Dike has increased since the 2011 survey, with new signs of activity to the north of the first bridge. The gradual increase in vegetation cover in the central and northern section of Clay Dike (compared to spring 2011), could be contributing to a rise in numbers of signs north of the first bridge. However, there was significant decrease in activity near the sewage works compared to 2011 probably due to an increase in silt and channel vegetation up to Moizers Drain.

7.3.2 The water vole activity recorded along Fiftyeights Drain shows a crash in the population compared with previous surveys. This is very likely to be a result of the drain drying out. It was not possible to ascertain why the water had stopped flowing. A small reduction in the activity along sections of Deeps Drain was recorded, which could have been due to varying water levels caused by the pumping operations from Phase 22, together with the recent slubbing out of the channel. However, since activity in other areas not subject to these changes was also reduced, it is equally possible that the population is reduced for other reasons, such as low levels of rainfall from January to mid April 2012. Water vole populations are subject to such fluctuations on a regular basis and the 2012 results may be such a fluctuation.

7.3.3 All the newly created drains (in the south of phases 23 and 24 and also just south of Low Deeps Lane) are not yet suitable for water voles due to lack of adequate vegetation cover but they are improving and should be covered by future surveys. 19 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

7.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

7.4.1 As many drains as possible should be retained within the extension phases. Where water voles are present, a stand-off buffer strip at least 5m wide should be established from the top of the drain bank and clearly marked on the ground, in accordance with good practice, to avoid excessive disturbance to water voles or impacts on their burrows.

7.4.2 If it is necessary to destroy sections of drain where water vole burrows are present, either permanently or temporarily with replacement after extraction, then a mitigation scheme will need to be devised at that time. The preferred approach for this is by encouraging the water voles to move voluntarily as a result of habitat management.

7.4.3 Within the restoration scheme for the quarry it would be advantageous to include creation or re-instatement of drains suitable for future use by water voles, which has already happened in some parts of the study area.

8 BADGERS

8.1 SURVEY METHODS

8.1.1 During the course of other fieldwork on site a search was made for signs of use by badgers. Such signs include setts, dung pits, pathways, paw prints, hairs and feeding signs such as snuffle holes and scratched logs. No separate badger activity survey was undertaken this year and the wider area, where known setts are located, was not surveyed in 2012.

8.2 RESULTS

8.2.1 Signs of badger activity found within the extension phases were sparse but comprised setts, latrines/dung pits, prints (Photograph 17) and feeding signs. Their locations are shown on Figure 7. Two small one-hole setts were located in proposed extension phases 25 and 29. One is in the bank of a damp drain in the northern part of phase 25 and was active on 18 April 2012 but disused by 9 July 2012. The other sett is in a dry drain bank beneath the hedgerow which sub-divides phase 29 and was active on 9 July 2012 (Photograph 18). Key boundary features which seem to be regularly used by badgers include Clay Dike and the northern drains of phase 25.

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Photograph 17 Fresh badger prints Photograph 18 Badger sett in phase 29

8.3 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

8.3.1 Although the level of badger activity is relatively low within the proposed extension phases 25- 27, 29 and 31 these areas are clearly used, with small setts present, and it is therefore of low to moderate biodiversity importance value for badgers.

8.3.2 The loss of badger foraging habitat to the extraction phases 25-27, 29 and 31 is considered to be minimal due to the arable nature of the sites, the current low level of usage and the phased nature of the operations. This loss will be mitigated by the proposed restoration scheme which aims to create a whole range of new habitats including new woodland, hedges, grassland, marsh and open water which would undoubtedly benefit badgers over time.

8.3.3 As the quarry will only be active during daylight hours when badgers should be inactive there will be no need for protection measures along access tracks or haul roads such as tunnels or fencing. There is no current evidence of illegal human interference of setts and therefore no special protection measures are required at this time. This issue will be reviewed following surveys in subsequent years.

8.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

8.4.1 As the survey results have shown, badgers use the extraction phases for foraging and sett creation and therefore monitoring should be continued. If it is shown that the two setts found in phase 25 and phase 29 are active prior to extraction then licences from Natural England must be in place during the extraction works. These licences will either be for the complete closure of the setts or for disturbance to the setts, depending on whether the ditches/hedgerows in which they occur will remain. If the setts can be shown to be disused (for at least several months) then no licence will be required.

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8.4.2 If a new active badger sett should appear within the boundary of an extraction phase or within approximately 30m of it, then advice should be sought from Natural England to determine whether or not a licence is required in order for works to continue. For disturbance only licences Natural England wish to see the badgers left in-situ for short term works in the July to November period. However, if the works are likely to carry on during the December to June period then the sett should be gated to prevent access, with the sett structure retained to enable re-opening upon completion. Works need to start in the period July to November but can continue beyond that period if necessary as long as the gates are well maintained throughout. Any works involving sett destruction must be completed between the beginning of July and the end of November. Sett destruction and some forms of severe disturbance would involve the standard sett closure procedures (Harris et al, 1994).

8.4.3 All drains, pits and trenches excavated within areas of known badger activity should include ramps in their design which will allow badgers to escape should they fall in. Similarly, the ramped vehicular access routes into the quarry excavations will provide badgers with a means of escape.

9 OTHER MAMMALS

9.1 SURVEY METHODS

9.1.1 During the course of all breeding bird and water vole surveys, a search was made for signs of otter Lutra lutra or mink activity (such as droppings, feeding remains and paw-prints) in suitable places Brown hare (a UK BAP Priority Species) sightings were mapped on all visits, and other mammals seen or identified from their signs were noted.

9.2 RESULTS

9.2.1 A large dead fish was noted on the bank of Pond 3 with a dropping nearby, both thought to be signs of mink activity. No signs of otter activity were noted within the application area. Brown hare sightings were frequent, especially in Phases 20, 21, 24 and 25, with up to four or five animals together. Other mammals noted within the application area included common shrew, grey squirrel, field vole, wood mouse, fox, roe deer and muntjac deer.

9.3 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

9.3.1 The probable presence of mink within the application area is worrying, particularly as they are known predators of water voles. Given the regular disturbance on this site, it may just have been a passing individual rather a sign of colonisation of the area by mink. With regard to otters, the application area certainly has potential to be used, especially as large lagoons full 22 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

of fish are present, and otters are now known to be using the Idle Valley which is relatively close.

9.3.2 The application area, particularly the larger arable fields, are very well used by brown hares and it is likely a sizeable population is present in the general area, making it of at least moderate biodiversity value for hares. The current phasing method of aggregate extraction, field by field, is likely to have little impact on brown hares as only relatively small areas are impacted at one time. No dead brown hares have ever been found on the haul roads through the application area, which are relatively busy during the day. The proposed restoration scheme, which aims to create a whole range of new habitats including new woodland, hedges, grassland, marsh and open water, would undoubtedly benefit hares over time. However, hare-coursing has been known in the general area and can impact on populations if sustained.

9.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

9.4.1 If it is confirmed that mink are regularly using the lagoons and drains in the application area, the Environment Agency should be contacted for advice on possible eradication methods.

10 BREEDING BIRDS

10.1 SURVEY METHODS

10.1.1 Six visits were made to the site to record and map all birds seen or heard, using Common Bird Census (CBC) species codes and activity symbols (Marchant, 1983). Survey route and direction walked were also recorded on the fieldwork maps to aid analysis. All surveys were carried out between 06.00 and 11.15 hours. Survey dates, weather conditions and start and finish times are shown in Table 6.

10.1.2 In addition to the six mapping surveys, birds seen or heard during the course of other surveys on site between April and August 2012 are also included on the bird species list in Appendix 1. These include nocturnal and crepuscular species (such as owls) recorded during the evening survey for great crested newts and bats.

10.1.3 All birds seen and heard on and immediately adjacent to the site were recorded. An assessment was made of the habitats on site for their potential to support breeding birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 and as amended).

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10.2 RESULTS

10.2.1 Fifty-six species of bird were recorded during the six breeding bird survey visits as using phases 20-31 and these are listed in Table 7. Of these, 14 are UK BAP Priority Species (www.ukbap.org.uk/NewPriorityList.aspx). These are grey partridge, lapwing, cuckoo, skylark, yellow wagtail, dunnock, song thrush, starling, tree sparrow, linnet, bullfinch, yellowhammer, reed bunting and corn bunting. Two Schedule 1 species were also noted, peregrine and little ringed plover. The peregrine was noted hunting over phase 26 on 18 June 2012 whilst a little ringed plover was noted calling in the northern part of phase 22 on 25 April 2012 where some shallow pools were present at the time.

10.2.2 The total number of species recorded using the proposed extension phases 25-27, 29 and 31 was 45 with 13 UK BAP species noted (the species listed above but excluding tree sparrow). Peregrine was the only schedule 1 species noted in these proposed extension phases.

10.2.3 From all fieldwork visits to the application area and wider area a total of 81 bird species were recorded. Notable species recorded during non-breeding bird survey visits included two further Schedule 1 species, marsh harrier and hobby, both hunting over land adjacent to the extension phases. Other species included ringed plover, little stint, curlew, turtle dove, little owl and tawny owl.

10.2.4 All habitats on site have the potential to support nesting birds, including all the BAP species, particularly the hedgerows, woodlands and rough grassland areas.

10.3 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

10.3.1 From the evidence noted during the six breeding bird survey visits it is considered likely that 39 species are possibly or probably breeding within phases 20-31. This compares to 40 possible/probable breeding species for phases 20-24 and 26 noted in 2011.

10.3.2 Given the habitats present and the number of UK BAP Priority Species recorded, this area is likely to have medium biodiversity importance value in a local context for its breeding bird community. The phased nature of the extensions and the re-instatement of most boundary features ensures that only relatively small areas of good breeding bird habitat are impacted at any one time. Within the restoration plans habitats will be created which will ensure continued available habitat for these species and Table 8 shows the habitat preferences for these species and the corresponding proposed habitat creation in the restoration plans for the site.

10.3.3 Of the Schedule 1 species recorded, there are certainly habitats present that could support nesting marsh harrier, hobby and little ringed plover although none of these species were 24 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

thought to be breeding within the extension phases in 2012. Little ringed plovers were thought to be nesting around Pond 7 and possibly also around Pond 8.

10.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

10.4.1 As many boundary features as possible should be retained or re-instated as part of the restoration scheme.

10.4.2 In order to avoid damaging or destroying bird nests, site clearance should be undertaken outside the breeding season, which typically runs from the beginning of March to the end of August. If this is not possible then a check must be made for nests by a suitably experienced individual prior to any clearance works. Any nests thought to be active should be identified and protected until the eggs have hatched and young have fledged. Active nests can be present outside this time and any found at any stage should be protected in the same way.

10.4.3 As a very good variety of wildfowl and waders have been noted using the lagoons to the south and west of the extension phases over the years (wintering, breeding and on passage) open water should be incorporated into the proposed restoration scheme if practicable. Islands within any water body created would be highly beneficial to nesting birds so that most mammal predators are excluded. Any water features will need to be designed/managed in consultation with Doncaster Robin Hood Airport to ensure appropriate measures are taken to reduce the risk of bird strike to aircraft.

11 INVERTEBRATES

11.1 SURVEY METHODS

11.1.1 All habitats on site were assessed by a highly experienced ecologist to identify any which may warrant further detailed surveys by an entomologist. Since the majority of the habitats on site were cultivated arable and the boundary habitats were largely managed or subject to chemical influence from agricultural practices no specific surveys were carried out for invertebrates. However during the course of all fieldwork visits to the site all readily identifiable species were recorded, particularly butterflies, dragonflies and moths.

11.2 RESULTS

11.2.1 Fourteen species of butterflies, including Essex skipper (Photograph 19), brown argus and common blue; 11 moth species (including ghost swift, narrow-bordered five-spot burnet and silver Y), seven dragonfly/damselfly species (including emerald damselfly and southern

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hawker) and several other invertebrates were noted during the fieldwork surveys. They are listed in Appendix 1.

11.2.2 A particular abundance of butterflies, day-flying moths and grasshoppers were noted within the relatively undisturbed habitats of extension phase 26. Several large ant hills were present in the open acid grassland areas there, indicating that the habitat there had not been managed for quite some time (Photograph 20).

Photograph 19 Essex skipper noted in phase 26 Photograph 20 Ant hill in phase 26

11.3 DISCUSSION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE

11.3.1 All of the species recorded are common and widespread with the exception of water stick insect and Essex skipper which are both fairly uncommon this far north in England (Tony Cook, pers comm. and Asher et al, 2001 respectively).

11.3.2 In the context of all the extension areas, the larger hedgerows, the wet or damp drains and the former mosaic of habitats in phase 26 have some interest for invertebrates, in particular for solitary bees and wasps for the latter habitat. Overall, the proposed extension phases (as most are currently actively farmed arable land) are of low biodiversity importance value for invertebrates.

11.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

11.4.1 To ensure that a wide variety of microhabitats for invertebrates are maintained, as many hedges and drains will be retained within the extension phases as possible, with any features lost re-instated. Timber from felled trees should be retained on site as log piles to provide a valuable resource for invertebrates reliant upon deadwood. Pickle Wood, just west of the application area is already well known for its deadwood invertebrate community.

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11.4.2 It is envisaged that the proposed restoration scheme for the quarry will have a wide variety of habitats created which will undoubtedly benefit invertebrates. The creation of waterbodies, woodland, grassland, open sandy areas and incorporation of deadwood will ensure that a wide range of species of invertebrate will benefit from the restoration plans.

12 REFERENCES

Asher J, Warren M, Fox R, Harding P, Jeffcoate G and Jeffcoate S. 2001. The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland. Oxford Univesity Press, Oxford.

Atherton I, Bosanquet S, & Lawley M. (eds). 2010. Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland – a Field Guide. British Bryological Society.

Beebee & Griffiths. 2000. Amphibians and Reptiles. New Naturalist, Glasgow.

Cheffings C M & Farrell L (Eds), Dines T D, Jones R A, Leach S J, McKean D R, Pearman D A, Preston C D, Rumsey F J, Taylor I. 2005. The Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain. Species Status 7:1-116. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

English Nature. 1994 (and as updated). Species Conservation Handbook. English Nature, Peterborough.

English Nature. 2001. Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough.

English Nature. 2004. The Bat Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough.

ESL 2002. Finningley Quarry Extensions: Ecological Baseline and Assessment of Impacts. Unpublished report to Lafarge Aggregates Ltd / MJCA.

ESL. 2011a. Bat Activity Survey of Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire, 2011. Unpublished report to Lafarge Aggregates Ltd.

ESL. 2011b. Badger Activity Survey of Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire, 2011. Unpublished report to Lafarge Aggregates Ltd.

ESL. 2011c. Water Vole Activity Survey of Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire, 2011. Unpublished report to Lafarge Aggregates Ltd.

27 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

ESL. 2011d. Great Crested Newt Survey of Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire, 2011. Unpublished report to Lafarge Aggregates Ltd.

ESL. 2011e. Breeding Bird Survey of Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire, 2011. Unpublished report to Lafarge Aggregates Ltd.

Harris S, Jefferies D, Cheeseman C and Booty C. 1994. Problems with Badgers? (3rd ed). RSPCA, Sussex.

Marchant J H. 1983. Common Bird Census Instructions. British Trust for Ornithology, Tring.

Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M. 2000. Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetological Journal 10 (4), 143-155.

Stace C. 2010. New Flora of the British Isles. 3rd Edition, CUP, Cambridge.

Stewart A, Pearman D A and Preston C D. 1994. Scarce Plants in Britain. JNCC, Peterborough.

Strachan R and Moorhouse T. 2006. Water Vole Conservation Handbook. Second Edition. Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford.

Wigginton M J. 1999. British Red Data Books. 1 Vascular Plants. 3rd edition. JNCC, Peterborough. http:/ /www.natureonthemap.org.uk/ accessed 16 July 2012 http://www.ukbap.org.uk accessed 16 July 2012 http://www.ukbap.org.uk/NewPriorityList.aspx Provides the updated list of UK Priority Species and Habitats agreed by the Governments of all four UK administrations in 2009, following the recommendations of the Working Group, 2007.

28 ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

TABLE 1 DATES AND WEATHER CONDITIONS OF GREAT CRESTED NEWT SURVEYS

Visit Date Ambient temp Weather Conditions 1 18.04.2012 7ºC Occasional light rain, wind F2-3 SE 2 03.05.2012 11ºC Dry, no wind 3 22.05.2012 14ºC Dry, no wind 4 18.06.2012 12ºC Dry, wind F1 NW

TABLE 2 DATES AND WEATHER CONDITIONS OF REPTILE SURVEYS

Visit Date Weather Conditions 1 04.5.2012 Dry, 14ºC, overcast, cloud 7/8 no wind 2 11.5.2012 Dry, 11ºC, broken cloud, cloud 6/8, wind F2-3 NE 3 21.5.2012 Dry, 12ºC, broken cloud, cloud 4/8, wind F1-2 NW 4 22.5.2012 Dry, 18ºC, sunny, cloud 1/8, no wind 5 18.6.2012 Rain at first then dry, 9 -13ºC, cloud 6/8, wind F1-2 SW 6 19.6.2012 Dry, 18ºC, sunny, cloud 4/8 -2/8, wind F1-2 SW 7 09.7.2012 Dry, 18ºC, overcast, cloud 8/8 -6/8, wind F1-2 8 19.7.2012 Dry, 16ºC overcast, cloud 8/8 – 6/8, wind F1-2

TABLE 3 DATES, TIMES AND WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING EVENING BAT SURVEYS

Date Times Weather Conditions Overcast, cloud 6/8, dry, 14°C, wind F2 SW, gradually 21.06.2012 21:45 – 23:55 easing 19.07.2012 21:18 – 23:00 Overcast, cloud 7/8, dry, 15°C, No wind 06.08.2012 21:17 – 23.41 Mainly clear, cloud 2/8, dry, 17ºC, wind F1-2 SW

TABLE 4 TREES WITH POTENTIAL FOR USE BY ROOSTING BATS

Tree # Grid reference Species Comments T1 SK 68390 98747 Ash Large tree with woodpecker holes & cracks T2 SK 68433 98807 Ash Large tree with rot holes & cracks T3 SK 68882 99324 Sycamore Large tree with woodpecker holes T4 SK 68882 99326 Sycamore Large tree with woodpecker holes T5 SK 68893 99375 Sycamore Large tree with woodpecker holes T6 SK 68557 98481 Pedunculate Oak Medium-sized tree with cracks Large tree with many small holes, bracket fungus, T7 SK 69078 68571 Ash developing lifting bark T13 SK 69518 98362 Ash Large tree with cracks Large tree with cracks & some ivy. Central trunk T14 SK 69729 68398 Ash dead T15 SK 69732 98394 Ash Large tree with a small hole T16 SK 69792 98514 Willow Very large tree with cracks & woodpecker holes T17 SK 69310 98982 Ash Large tree with woodpecker holes T18 SK 69595 99027 Pedunculate Oak Large tree with holes & some ivy

Tree # Grid reference Species Comments T19 SK 69061 98844 Ash Medium-sized tree with woodpecker hole & crack T20 SK 68797 98640 Ash Medium-sized tree with holes T21 SK 68531 98465 Ash Large tree with holes Large tree with holes & some ivy, second lower T22 SK 68287 98443 Ash branch fallen T23 SK 68271 98449 Ash Large tree with crack & some ivy T24 SK 68264 98560 White willow Large tree with cracks T25 SK 67983 98098 Alder Large tree with dense ivy T26 SK 67983 98098 Alder Large tree with dense ivy T27 SK 69359 99060 Ash Large tree with woodpecker holes T28 SK 69349 99041 Ash Very large tree with rot holes & cavities T29 SK 69071 98266 Ash Large ash with woodpecker holes & splits T30 SK 69319 98994 Ash Large ash with woodpecker hole T31 SK 6799198095 Sycamore Dense ivy clad, on central leader Large rot holes in main trunk at 2m + 4m, rotten T32 SK 6950999118 Ash bough, lifted bark and lateral fissures Semi-occluded rot hole at 2.5m possibly opening T33 SK 6952399117 Ash into hollow trunk, another rot hole at 6m SE trunk T34 SK 6954099131 Ash Woodpecker hole on E trunk at 3m Woodpecker holes S trunk, large rotten bough E T35 SK 6955399139 Ash trunk plus cavities and splits. Semi-occluded rot hole W trunk at 6m Large tree with extensive rot in trunk from base to T36 SK 6982298755 Willow 5m T37 SK6942299072 Ash Snapped trunk, three woodpecker holes SE trunk Note: Trees T8-T12 have been removed in earlier years

TABLE 5 SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR EVENING BAT SURVEYS

Species No of Passes Time of First Pass Time after Sunset

21.06.2012 TRANSECT 1 Sunset: 21.31hrs Common pipistrelle 18 22.30 59 min Noctule 5 22.22 53 min Myotid sp 1 22.59 90 min Total 23

19.07.2012 TRANSECT 2 Sunset: 21.33 hrs Common pipistrelle 15 21.58 25 min Noctule 4 22.18 45 min Soprano pipistrelle 1 22.21 48 min Myotid sp 1 23.41 140 min Total 21

06.08.2012 TRANSECT 3 Sunset: 20.47 hrs Common pipistrelle 15 21.32 45 min Soprano pipistrelle 3 21.32 45 min Total 18

TABLE 6 DATES, TIMES AND WEATHER CONDITIONS OF BREEDING BIRD SURVEYS

Date Survey Period Weather Conditions Wind F2-3 E, mainly overcast (7/8 -8/8 cloud cover), 18.04.2012 07.45 – 11.15hrs rain, 4-6˚C Wind, F2-3 SW/NE occasional sunny periods (5/8-8/8 25.04.2012 06.50 – 10.30hrs cloud cover), dry at first then rain, 6-9˚C Wind F2-3 N, overcast (7/8-8/8 cloud cover), dry, 7- 03.05.2012 06.55 – 10.55hrs 9˚C 21.05.2012 07.00 – 09.50hrs Wind F1-2 N, overcast (8/8 cloud cover), dry, 9-12˚C Wind F1-2 NW, overcast (8/8-6/8 cloud cover), rain at 18.06.2012 07.30 – 10.00hrs first then dry, 9-13˚C Wind F2-3 E, overcast (8/8-6/8 cloud cover), dry, 09.07.2012 07.30 – 10.45hrs occasional light shower, 14-18˚C

TABLE 7 TOTAL COUNTS FOR EXTENSION PHASE AREAS DURING EACH BREEDING BIRD SURVEY VISIT SURVEY DATES 18.04.2012 25.04.2012 03.05.2012 21.05.2012 18.06.2012 09.07.2012 SPECIES Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases 25- 25- 25- 25- 25- 25- 20-31 20-31 20-31 20-31 20-31 20-31 27,29,31 27,29,31 27,29,31 27,29,31 27,29,31 27,29,31 shelduck 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 11 5 13 5 12 3 6 2 12 3 16 0 red-legged 7 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 partridge grey partridge 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 pheasant 3 3 6 4 3 1 3 2 1 1 1 0 sparrowhawk 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 buzzard 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 kestrel 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 peregrine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 moorhen 3 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 oystercatcher 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 little ringed 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 plover golden plover 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 lapwing 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 4 1 0 0 stock dove 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 woodpigeon 56 9 37 31 42 27 30 18 41 14 58 14 cuckoo 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 swift 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 green 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 woodpecker great spotted 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 woodpecker

SURVEY DATES 18.04.2012 25.04.2012 03.05.2012 21.05.2012 18.06.2012 09.07.2012 SPECIES Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases Phases 25- 25- 25- 25- 25- 25- 20-31 20-31 20-31 20-31 20-31 20-31 27,29,31 27,29,31 27,29,31 27,29,31 27,29,31 27,29,31 skylark 13 4 19 7 17 7 0 0 25 10 9 2 sand martin 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 swallow 0 0 0 0 4 0 9 5 5 5 8 6 house martin 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 meadow pipit 5 4 5 3 5 5 6 4 0 0 0 0 yellow wagtail 1 0 4 1 4 0 6 2 3 1 2 0 pied wagtail 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 wren 8 5 10 6 6 2 12 6 13 7 13 5 dunnock 5 2 2 1 2 1 5 2 5 0 5 2 robin 4 1 5 3 1 0 3 0 2 1 6 4 wheatear 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 blackbird 14 9 9 5 5 3 12 4 9 4 6 2 song thrush 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 blackcap 0 0 4 3 5 2 4 1 7 2 4 3 garden warbler 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 lesser 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 whitethroat whitethroat 1 1 5 3 7 2 13 5 16 11 9 8 chiffchaff 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 3 3 2 1 willow warbler 0 0 5 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 long-tailed tit 3 0 1 0 7 2 1 0 5 4 5 5 blue tit 2 1 5 5 3 3 6 4 7 3 3 1 great tit 6 4 7 4 5 1 3 1 10 3 3 1 treecreeper 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1

KEY Bold text: Species on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981, and as amended) Red text: UK BAP Priority Species

TABLE 8 LIST OF UK BAP PRIORITY BIRD SPECIES, THEIR HABITAT PREFERENCES AND LINK TO RESTORATION PLANS

UK BAP PRIORITY BIRD SPECIES HABITAT PREFERENCE HABITAT CREATION IN RESTORATION SCHEME

Grey partridge Farmland with hedges and pasture Arable cropping, Agricultural grassland, Hedges

Lapwing Pasture or arable fields Arable cropping, Agricultural grassland, Acidic grassland

Cuckoo Farmland and woodland Existing and Proposed woodland and hedges

Skylark Meadows, heaths and cultivated land Arable cropping, Agricultural grassland, Acidic grassland

Yellow wagtail Marshy pastures and meadows Agricultural grassland

Dunnock Parks, gardens, woodland and heaths Existing and Proposed woodland and hedges

Song thrush Woodland, parks and gardens Existing and Proposed woodland and hedges

Existing and Proposed woodland and hedges, Arable cropping, Starling Farmland, woodland and gardens Agricultural grassland

Linnet Scrub, gardens and heaths Existing and Proposed woodland and hedges

Bullfinch Woodland, parks and gardens Existing and Proposed woodland and hedges

Yellowhammer Farmland, woodland edge and heaths Arable cropping, Agricultural grassland, Hedges

Reed bunting Reedbeds, tall rushes and scrub Reeds and Proposed willow carr

Corn bunting Open farmland and arable fields Arable cropping, Agricultural grassland, Hedges

Lafarge Aggregates

APPENDIX 1 Species Recorded at Finningley Quarry, April to August 2012

PLANT SPECIES RECORDED AT FINNINGLEY QUARRY, PHASES 25-27, 29 and 31 IN 2012

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DAFOR

alder Alnus glutinosa R alsike clover Trifolium hybridum R amphibious bistort Persicaria amphibia R annual meadow-grass Poa annua F annual pearlwort Sagina apetala R apple Malus pumila R ash Fraxinus excelsior F aspen Populus tremula R barren brome Anisantha sterilis A beaked hawk's-beard Crepis vesicaria R bittersweet Solanum dulcamara R black-bindweed Fallopia convolvulus O black-grass Alopecurus myosuroides A blackthorn Prunus spinosa O bramble Rubus fruticosus O branched bur-reed Sparganium erectum R broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius F brookweed Samolus valerandi R buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica R bugloss Anchusa arvensis R Canadian fleabane Conyza canadensis O cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata R celery-leaved buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus R charlock Sinapis arvensis O cleavers Galium aparine A clustered dock Rumex conglomeratus R cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata O colt's-foot Tussilago farfara O common bent Agrostis capillaris O common centaury Centaurium erythraea R common chickweed Stellaria media O common couch Elytrigia repens A common cudweed Filago vulgaris O common duckweed Lemna minor O common field-speedwell Veronica persica O common hemp-nettle Galeopsis tetrahit R common lime Tilia x europaea R common mallow Malva sylvestris R common marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre R common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum R common nettle Urtica dioica A common poppy Papaver rhoeas A common ragwort Senecio jacobaea O common reed Phragmites australis F common vetch Vicia sativa R compact rush Juncus conglomeratus R corn spurrey Spergula arvensis R cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris F creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera F creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens O creeping soft-grass Holcus mollis R creeping thistle Cirsium arvense F curled dock Rumex crispus O cut-leaved crane’s-bill Geranium dissectum F dandelion Taraxacum sp R

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DAFOR dog-rose Rosa canina F dogwood Cornus sanguinea R dove's-foot crane's-bill Geranium molle R elder Sambucus nigra F elm Ulmus sp O false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius A fat-hen Chenopodium album R field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis O field forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis F field horsetail Equisetum arvense O field maple Acer campestre O field pansy Viola arvensis O field-rose Rosa arvensis R floating sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans R fox-and-cubs Pilosella aurantiaca R garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata O goat willow Salix caprea R goat's-beard Tragopogon pratensis R great lettuce Lactuca virosa R great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum F greater bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus R greater burdock Arctium lappa R greater plantain Plantago major O greater pond-sedge Carex riparia R grey willow Salix cinerea O ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea R groundsel Senecio vulgaris R hairy bitter-cress Cardamine hirsuta R hairy tare Vicia hirsuta O hard rush Juncus inflexus O harebell Campanula rotundifolia R hawthorn Crataegus monogyna F hazel Corylus avellana R hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium O hedge mustard Sisymbrium officinale F hedge woundwort Stachys sylvatica O hemlock Conium maculatum F hogweed Heracleum sphondylium A holly Ilex aquifolium R hop trefoil Trifolium campestre O ivy Hedera helix O jointed rush Juncus articulatus R knotgrass Polygonum aviculare O lady's bedstraw Galium verum R lesser burdock Arctium minus O lesser swine-cress Lepidium didymum R lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium O lime Tilia x europaea R long-headed poppy Papaver dubium R loose silky-bent Apera spica-venti R meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis R meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria R mugwort Artemisia vulgaris O nipplewort Lapsana communis F osier Salix viminalis R parsley-piert Aphanes arvensis O pedunculate oak Quercus robur R perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne F ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DAFOR perennial sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis O perforate St John's-wort Hypericum perforatum R pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea R prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola O prickly poppy Papaver argemone R prickly sow-thistle Sonchus asper F procumbent pearlwort Sagina procumbens R purple-loosestrife Lythrum salicaria R red fescue Festuca rubra R redshank Persicaria maculosa O reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea O reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima O rosebay willowherb Chamerion angustifolium R rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis A scarlet pimpernel Anagallis arvensis O scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum F sheep's sorrel Rumex acetosella R silver birch Betula pendula R silver hair-grass Aira caryophyllea R small nettle Urtica urens O small-flowered crane's-bill Geranium pusillum R smooth hawk's-beard Crepis capillaris O smooth meadow-grass Poa pratensis F smooth tare Vicia tetrasperma R soft-rush Juncus effusus O soft-brome Bromus hordeaceus O spear thistle Cirsium vulgare O square-stalked St John's-wort Hypericum tetrapterum R squirreltail fescue Vulpia bromoides O sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum R swine-cress Lepidium squamatum R sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus O three-nerved sandwort Moehringia trinervia R thyme-leaved sandwort Arenaria serpyllifolia R timothy Phleum pratense O toad rush Juncus bufonius R tufted vetch Vicia cracca O upright hedge-parsley Torilis japonica O wall speedwell Veronica arvensis O water figwort Scrophularia auriculata R water-cress Nasturtium officinale R water-starwort Callitriche sp R wavy hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa R weld Reseda luteola R white bryony Bryonia dioica O white campion Silene latifolia O white clover Trifolium repens R white dead-nettle Lamium album O white willow Salix alba R wild pansy Viola tricolor R wild plum Prunus domestica O wild privet Ligustrum vulgare R wild teasel Dipsacus fullonum R wild-oat Avena fatua F winter-cress Barbarea vulgaris R wood avens Geum urbanum O wych elm Ulmus glabra R yellow iris Iris pseudacorus R ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME DAFOR Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus F

KEY TO DAFOR (An estimate of plant relative abundance at a site) D Dominant F Frequent R Rare A Abundant O Occasional

FINNINGLEY QUARRY EXTENSIONS: FAUNA RECORDED APRIL TO AUGUST 2012

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME P W A BIRDS mute swan Cygnus olor  greylag goose Anser anser   shelduck Tadorna tadorna  teal Anas crecca   mallard Anas platyrhynchos    tufted duck Aythya fuligula  red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa    grey partridge Perdix perdix   pheasant Phasianus colchicus    marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus   sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus   buzzard Buteo buteo    kestrel Falco tinnunculus    hobby Falco subbuteo  peregrine Falco peregrinus    moorhen Gallinula chloropus    coot Fulica atra   oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus   little ringed plover Charadrius dubius   ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula  golden plover Pluvialis apricaria  lapwing Vanellus vanellus    little stint Calidris minuta  curlew Numenius arquata   black-headed gull Larus ridibundus   common gull Larus canus  lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus  feral pigeon Columba livia   stock dove Columba oenas   woodpigeon Columba palumbus    collared dove Streptopelia decaocto   turtle dove Streptopelia turtur  cuckoo Cuculus canorus    little owl Athene noctua  tawny owl Strix aluco  swift Apus apus   green woodpecker Picus viridis    great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major    skylark Alauda arvensis    sand martin Riparia riparia   swallow Hirundo rustica    house martin Delichon urbicum   meadow pipit Anthus pratensis    yellow wagtail Motacilla flava    grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea  ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd, 1 Otago House, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, Lincoln, LN3 4NL Ecological Baseline Survey of Land at Finningley Quarry, South Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire LAF.FQ Lafarge Aggregates

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME P W A BIRDS continued pied wagtail Motacilla alba   wren Troglodytes troglodytes    dunnock Prunella modularis    robin Erithacus rubecula    wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe   blackbird Turdus merula    song thrush Turdus philomelos    mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus  sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus  reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus   blackcap Sylvia atricapilla    garden warbler Sylvia borin    lesser whitethroat Sylvia curruca  whitethroat Sylvia communis    chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita    willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus    goldcrest Regulus regulus   long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus    blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus    great tit Parus major    treecreeper Certhia familiaris    magpie Pica pica    jackdaw Corvus monedula    rook Corvus frugilegus   carrion crow Corvus corone    starling Sturnus vulgaris    house sparrow Passer domesticus  tree sparrow Passer montanus   chaffinch Fringilla coelebs    greenfinch Carduelis chloris   goldfinch Carduelis carduelis    linnet Carduelis cannabina    bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula    yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella    reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus    corn bunting Emberiza calandra    Bold text: Species on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981, and as amended) Red text: UK BAP Priority Species

AMPHIBIANS smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris   common toad Bufo bufo    common frog Rana temporaria  

REPTILES common lizard Zootoca vivipara   grass snake Natrix natrix   

MAMMALS mole Talpa europaea  common shrew Sorex araneus  common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus    noctule Nyctalus noctula   

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME P W A MAMMALS continued Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentoni  rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus    brown hare Lepus europaeus    grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis  field vole Microtus agrestis  water vole Arvicola amphibius    wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus  fox Vulpes vulpes    mink Neovison vison  badger Meles meles    roe deer Capreolus capreolus    muntjac deer Muntiacus reevesi 

FISH perch Perca fluviatilis  pike Esox lucius  3 spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus 

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS Essex skipper Thymelicus lineola   small skipper Thymelicus sylvestris   large skipper Ochlodes venata  large white Pieris brassicae    green-veined white Pieris napi    brown argus Aricia agestis   common blue Polyommatus icarus  small tortoiseshell Aglais urticae   peacock Inachis io  comma Polygonia c-album   speckled wood Pararge aegeria   gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus    meadow brown Maniola jurtina    ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus   a micromoth Udea lutealis   yellow shell Camptogramma bilineata   silver-ground carpet Xanthorhoe montanata  ghost swift Hepralus humuli  a longhorn moth Adela reaumurella  a micromoth Eucosma cana  common veneer Chrysotuechia culmella   cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae   common carpet Epirrhoe atternata  narrow-bordered 5 spot Zygaena lonicerae   burnet silver Y Autographa gamma  

DRAFONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES azure damselfly Coenagrion puella  common blue damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum    blue-tailed damselfly Ischnura elegans  emerald damselfly Lestes sponsa  southern hawker Aeshna cyanea  migrant hawker Aeshna mixta   common darter Sympetrum striolatum   

ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME P W A OTHER INVERTEBRATES water scorpion Nepa cinerea   water stick insect Ranatra linearis  St Marks fly Bibio marci  a hoverfly Volucella bombylans  red-tailed bumble bee Bombus lapidarius   great diving beetle Dytiscus marginalis 

KEY P Proposed Extraction Phases 25-27,29 and 31 W Whole Application Area A Adjacent Land

APPENDIX 2 Data search results

Contact: Mr Bob Marsh Peter Morrell Tel: 01302 734891 Ecological Services Ltd E-Mail: [email protected] 1 Otago House Web: www.doncaster.gov.uk Allenby Business Village Our Ref: 00063 Crofton Road Date: 22 June 2012 Lincoln LN3 4NL

Dear Peter ,

Local Record Centre Data Report – Finningley SK685989 2km data search

Environmental Information Regulations 2004 Our request ref 00063 Your Purchase Order ref 3191

Please find attached several files resulting from a data search for the above-named site(s).

The sites and species data are presented in spreadsheet format within Word documents, and identify species having protected status subject to legislation, or are otherwise notable in a regional or national context. The status designations given are those appearing in our Recorder 6 database program. Any species tagged with “Doncaster LBAP 2007” are species that are important in a local context, and this information is based upon our publication “A Species Audit of Doncaster Borough – Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan January 2007”.

A PDF file containing site citations for Local Sites within the search area is included. A designated Local Site is a defined area, identified and selected locally for its substantive nature conservation or geological value, taking into consideration the most important and the most distinctive species, habitats, geological and geomorphological features within a national, regional and local context. Each citation includes the abbreviated codes which identify the reasons for site designation, full details of which can be found in the Local Sites SPD via: http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/Environment_and_Planning/Planning/Local_Development_Framewor k/LDF_Supplementary_Planning_Documents/Local_Wildlife_and_Geological_Sites_Draft_SPD.as p

An interactive map of Local Wildlife Sites can also be found on the Doncaster Council website at:- http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/Environment_and_Planning/Planning/environmental_planning/Local_ Sites/map.asp

Natural Environment Colonnades House, Duke Street, Doncaster, DN1 1ER Also attached is a spreadsheet containing all the records resulting from the search, should this be of interest to you. This contains a column headed “Taxon group” which may be of use to you when interpreting obscure scientific names or species in groups with which you may not be familiar.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data; however, as a proportion is based on historical records and maps sourced from others, Doncaster Council cannot be held responsible for any omissions or errors identified.

Doncaster Local Records Centre will gratefully receive any new biological or geological data generated by your project, should you be willing to pass these on. These records will add to our environmental knowledge of the borough and will be managed in accordance with our published policies and procedures. If our data is to be included in your reports we would ask that the source of the data is acknowledged.

We would always be pleased to receive feedback from you regarding whether the information provided proved to be of use, was of suitable presentation and whether the provision of that data proved to be of benefit to the site(s) concerned.

The following table summarises the breakdown of your enquiry and the associated costs.

Standard Data Search £100 Additional Time 0 @ £45 per hour (or part thereof) £0 Local Wildlife Sites 5 @ £10 per Site £50 Local Geological Sites 0 @ £10 per Site £0 Provision of Copies £0 Sub Total £150 Total Cost (including VAT @20%) £180

We do not keep current records of occupied badger setts. These are recorded locally by the following organisation:-

South Yorkshire Badger Group (Local rep. Cliff. Hampson 44 Graham Road, Kirk Sandall DN3 13H Tel: 01302 - 885656). See www.sybadgergroup.f9.co.uk

For further biological records you may also wish to contact:-

Doncaster & District Ornithological Society Email: [email protected] .

Doncaster Naturalists’ Society is also very active in local biological recording and may have records that have not been passed to the Records Service. They can be contacted via Louise Hill, 206 Thorne Road, Doncaster DN2 5AF Tel: 01302 322956 Email: [email protected]

You may also wish to contact the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union who may hold records for the area. Their website is www.ynu.org.uk and here recorders’ contact details will be found.

Natural Environment Colonnades House, Duke Street, Doncaster, DN1 1ER

The South Yorkshire Bat Group website is at http://sites.google.com/site/sybatgroup

Please let me know if you require any further information or clarification.

Yours sincerely, For Data Protection

Bob Marsh Biological Records Officer Natural Environment

Natural Environment Colonnades House, Duke Street, Doncaster, DN1 1ER 5/2235

5/2235

5/2239

2/473

2/635 5/109

2/636

5/2325 2/634

2/472

5/2130 5/2231

2/575 1/85

5/2236

5/108 2/471 2/424 5/2162

Title: SK 691 983 Key Map produced on: 19/06/2012

Map produced by: Local Wildlife Site (SINC) 2012 Peter Acton NBGRC Team Community and Culture

± Scale 1:30,000

© Crown copyright and database right 2012. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100019317 path name Site Status Local Wildlife Site Site Code 4.41 Grid Reference SK 671978 Site Name Crow Wood, Great Wood and Spen Close Plantation There is no presumption about Private Site Owner Access Site Access 51.49600000000000 Humberhead Levels Site Area (ha) 9 Natural Area Geology River Terrace Soil Type Well drained loamy Aspect Flat Exposed Strata Yes Sand Audit Species Recorded - Birds: Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) / Song thrush (Turdus philomelos) - Vascular Plants: Common cudweed (Filago vulgaris) / Early forget-me-not (Myosotis ramosissima) / Bird’s-foot (Ornithopus perpusillus) BW (Semi-natural Broad-leaved Woodland) / PCW (Coniferous Plantation Woodland) / DS (Dense/Continuous Scrub) / SS (Scattered Scrub) / SBW Habitats Recorded (Broad Leaved Scattered Trees) / AG (Unimproved Acid Grassland) / MG (Marshy Grassland) / SP (Swamp) / SW (Standing Water) / ESP (Ephemeral/Short Perennial) / F (Fence) / DD (Dry Ditch) A2 - Lemna minor community / U1 - Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris- Rumex acetosella grassland / W2 - Salix cinerea-Betula pubescens- NVC Affiliation Phragmites australis woodland / W10 - Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus woodland Criteria for LS WD1 / WD2 / WD5 / GR1 / GR3 / AS1 / SM1 / SM2 Designation Other Designations (on site or adjoining) Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) (on site Informative Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzium) or in locality) Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Management Assessment Management Unknown 31st March 2011 (Single Data List reporting) Productive/commercial woodland plan Unknown date Management Plan produced by Stourton Forestry.

Management Scheme

Advice None HAP/SAP/BAP/GAP

Site Description at last visit 18/05/05 This site comprises three areas of woodland and plantation on the sandy and gravely soils South of Finningley.

The Northern part of the site is in the main, regenerating carr woodland on areas of former sand and gravel workings and an old settling lagoon. The North Eastern corner of the site is a mature coniferous plantation with fringing deciduous woodland on the Eastern side. This coniferous woodland also extends Southwards to form the map of the woodland known as Spen Close Plantation and Crow Wood. A small central area of deciduous woodland, known as Great Wood lies immediately to the South of a deep drainage channel which takes surface water run off from the runways of the adjacent Finningley airport.

The northern and western woodland edges grade into scrub and dry acidic grassland. Spen Close Wood is a mature plantation of Corsican and Scots pine (Prunus nigra ,Pinus sylvestris) with a poorly developed shrub layer of elder (Sambucus nigra) and dog rose (Rosa canina) with a herb layer of bramble (Rubus fruticosus), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), nettle (Urtica dioica) and bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). The deep dry ditch which separates Spen Close Plantation from Crow Wood has associated belt of deciduous trees, including sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and holly (Ilex aquifolium). A similar mix of trees is found on the Eastern edge of the woodland beside the Bawtry Road. The herb layer of this deciduous woodland is relatively diverse and includes common violet (Viola riviniana), herb Bennett (Geum urbanum), bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), broad buckler fern (Dryopteris dilatata ) and male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas ).

Further south, the plantation woodland is an even edged, slightly wider-spaced plantation of Corsican pine bordered by deciduous woodland along the roadside. Approximately mid way down the eastern perimeter is a trackway to the south of which is an area of damp alder (Alnus glutinosa) woodland with a herb layer of bramble, marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre), soft and compact rushes (Juncus effusus, Juncus conglomeratus), bugle (Ajuga reptans) with annual meadow grass (Poa annua) and foxglove. A hawthorn hedge runs alongside the roadside. The western perimeter of Crow Wood and the northern boundary of the whole site borders areas of short rabbit grazed acidic flora with abundant fescues and bents (Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra) and (Agrostis capillaris) with forget-me-nots (Myosotis ramosissima), (Myosotis discolor) parsley piert (Aphanes arvensis), daisy (Bellis perennis), common centaury (Centaurium erythraea), daisy (Bellis perennis), common storks bill (Erodium cicutarium), perforate St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), common cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata), bird’s foot (Ornithopus perpusillus), mouse ear hawk weed (Pilosella officinarum) self heal (Prunella vulgaris) pearl wort (Sagina procumbens) lesser trefoil Trifolium dubium) and heath speedwell (Veronica officinalis).

Great Wood is an area of mature coppiced sycamore with oak, beech and birch (silver and downy) with an under storey of holly and hazel and a herb layer of common violet, bracken and climbing corydalis (Ceratocapnos claviculata), creeping soft grass (Moehringia trinervia), wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) and bluebell. There are two waterfilled hollows south of the main drain which support a dense growth of common duckweed (Lemna minor).

The north western area of scrub woodland is dominated by silver and downy birches, grey willow (Salix cinerea), osier (Salix viminalis) and elder with dense nettle (Urtica dioica), male fern, cleavers (Galium aparine), marsh thistle, rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) growing on the flat surface of an old settling lagoon to the east of the footpath. To the west is a more undulating remain of sandy humps and hollows which have been colonized by birches and willows, with a herb layer of brambles, honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), burdock (Arctium minus), wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) and heath speedwell.

A shallow ditch beside Old Bawtry Road supports soft hard rush (Juncus inflexus) and lesser bulrush (Typha angustifolium). Site Status Local Wildlife Site Site Code 4.42 Grid Reference SK 677982 Site Name Pickle Wood There is no presumption about Private Site Owner Access Site Access 7.600000000000000 Humberhead Levels Site Area (ha) 5 Natural Area Geology River Terrace Soil Type Well drained loam Aspect Flat Exposed Strata No Audit Species Recorded - Birds: Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) / Song thrush (Turdus philomelos) - Vascular Plants: Common cudweed (Filago vulgaris) / Bird’s-foot (Ornithopus perpusillus) BW (Semi-natural Broad-leaved Woodland) / DS (Dense/Continuous Habitats Recorded Scrub) / SBW (Broad Leaved Scattered Trees) / AG (Unimproved Acid Grassland) / TR (Tall Ruderal) / Q (Quarry) / DD (Dry Ditch) U1 - Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Rumex acetosella grassland / W10 - NVC Affiliation Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus woodland Criteria for LS WD2 / WD5 / GR1 / AS1 / SM1 / SM2 Designation Other Designations (on site or adjoining) Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) (on site Informative Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) or in locality) Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Not managed for conservation over last st Management Assessment 31 March 2011 (Single Data List reporting) 5 years Management Plan

Management Scheme

Advice None HAP/SAP/BAP/GAP

Site Description at last visit 17/05/05 Pickle Wood is a small area of deciduous woodland on the edge of an active sand and gravel quarry. The canopy is dominated by ash (Fraxinus excelsior) with abundant sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), occasional horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), alder (Alnus glutinosa), silver birch (Betula pendula), and frequent pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and hybrid oak (Quercus x rosacea). Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), bird cherry (Prunus padus), hazel (Corylus avellana) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra) form the understorey together with abundant elder (Sambucus nigra), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare), red currant (Ribes rubrum), holly (Ilex aquifolium) and guelder rose (Viburnum opulus).

The herb layer is diverse, including areas dominated by ivy (Hedera helix), bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and nettle (Urtica dioica) with more open areas of bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa), white bryony (Bryonia dioica), climbing corydalis (Ceratocapnos claviculata), rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), enchanter’s night shade (Circaea lutetiana), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), broad buckler fern (Dryopteris dilatata) and male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), herb robert (Geranium robertianum), honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), wood millet (Milium effusum), lesser woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) and common bent.

Several dry ditches cross through the woodland and border the northern and eastern boundaries. Also remote sedge (Carex remota) is present in some sections of the dry drains. A water filled drain borders the southern boundary; this drain supports soft rush (Juncus effusus), gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus) and great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum).

To the north of the woodland is an area of willow scrub growing on the site of a former lagoon. This area is now dry and is dominated by an herb layer of bramble scrub. Sandy mounds around the pond support scattered oak and a herb layer with locally frequent pink purslane (Claytonia perfoliata). The western fringe of the site is acidic grassland which includes common centaury (Centaurium erythraea), perforate St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella), daisy (Bellis perennis), bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), mouse ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) and common cudweed (Filago vulgaris) together with abundant changing forget-me-not (Myosotis discolor) and dove’s foot crane’s bill (Geranium molle).

The eastern portion of the site is an active quarry (gravel piles) with only scattered mature trees along old drain lines. Site Status Local Wildlife Site Site Code 4.43 Grid Reference SK 676992 Site Name Finningley School Sand Pit There is no presumption about Public Site Owner Access Site Access Site Area (ha) 2 Natural Area Humberhead Levels Geology Glaciofluvial drift Soil Type Sandy loam Aspect Flat Exposed Strata No Audit Species Recorded DS (Dense/Continuous Scrub) / SS (Scattered Scrub) / SBW (Broad Leaved Scattered Trees) / AG (Unimproved Acid Grassland) / NG Habitats Recorded (Unimproved Neutral Grasslnd) / TR (Tall Ruderal) / LH (Lichen/Bryophyte Heath) / F (Fence) / OTHER HABITAT MG1 - Arrhenatherum elatius grassland / W16 - Quercus spp.-Betula spp.- NVC Affiliation Deschampsia flexuosa woodland / W23 - Ulex europaeus-Rubus fruticosus scrub / W24 - Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub Criteria for LS

Designation Other Designations (on site or adjoining) Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) (on site Informative Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) or in locality) Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Management Assessment Management Unknown 31st March 2011 (Single Data List reporting) Management Plan

Management Scheme

Advice None HAP/SAP/BAP/GAP

Site Description at last visit 21/09/04 This former sand pit and ‘refuse tip’ is vegetated with a mosaic of dense tall ruderals, bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) scrub, scattered mature hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and elder (Sambucus nigra), neutral grassland, short acidic turf, ephemeral short perennials on dry sandy mounds and a fringe of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), silver birch (Betula pendula), grey willow (Salix cinerea) and gorse (Ulex europaeus) scrub woodland.

The majority of this site is un-fenced, however approximately one quarter of the site has now been fenced off and converted to gardens. An adjacent plot of land to the south of Finningley Primary School has also been fenced off as a ‘Nature Area’. Access to survey this part of the site was not possible.

The western and southern portions of the site are dominated by false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) with bramble and common nettle (Urtica dioica). There is an area of shorter, finer turf neutral grassland in the centre of the site, dominated by creeping bent (Agrostis capillaris) with common mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum), common cat’s-ear (Hypochaeris radicata), black medick (Medicago lupulina), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and tufted vetch (Vicia cracca).

An open, acid grassland sward is found in the less-shaded areas of hummocks and hollows on the eastern and south-eastern sides of the site. Wavy hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa), honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), narrow-leaved hawkweed (Hieracium umbellatum) all occur beneath the oak, birch, broom (Cytisus scoparius) and gorse scrub.

A very short turf of low perennials and fine grasses is found on hummocks of sand and gravel in the north-eastern corner of the unfenced section of the site. This turf includes mouse-ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), early hair-grass (Aira praecox), sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), small cudweed (Filago vulgaris) and patches of Polytrichum moss and Cladonia lichens.

The fenced-off school nature area comprises birch, oak and field maple (Acer campestre) scrub woodland with hawthorn and dog-rose (Rosa canina), bramble, common nettle and areas of coarse grassland and shorter turf. More open areas of shorter turf and an undulating topography occupy the northern part of this area (not accessible for survey).

The strip of land immediately adjacent to the rear of the gardens is dominated by tall elder and hawthorn scrub with occasional apple (Malus domestica) trees and an understorey of bramble, common nettle, bindweed (Calystegia sp.), hedge garlic (Alliaria petiolata), ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), scattered ash saplings (Fraxinus excelsior) and dog-rose scrub is also present. A large quantity of grass clippings and general garden wastes has been dumped on the site. A pile of red tarmac chippings has also been tipped behind one garden. Site Status Local Wildlife Site Site Code 4.44 Grid Reference SK 684998 Site Name Finningley Gravel Pit There is no presumption about Private Site Owner Access Site Access 48.59199999999999 Humberhead Levels Site Area (ha) 2 Natural Area Geology Glaciofluvial drift Soil Type Sandy/coarse loam Aspect Flat Exposed Strata Yes Audit Species Recorded - Vascular Plants: Sand sedge (Carex arenaria) / Common cudweed (Filago vulgaris) / Water purslane (Lythrum portula) / Bird’s-foot (Ornithopus perpusillus) / Wild pansy (Viola tricolor) DS (Dense/Continuous Scrub) / SS (Scattered Scrub) / SCW (Coniferous Scattered Trees) / AG (Unimproved Acid Grassland) / NG (Unimproved Neutral Grasslnd) / CB (Continuous Bracken) / TR (Tall Ruderal) / LH Habitats Recorded (Lichen/Bryophyte Heath) / SP (Swamp) / SW (Standing Water) / ESP (Ephemeral/Short Perennial) / PH (Hedges Intact Species-poor) / BG (Bare Ground) A9 - Potamogeton natans community / S12 - Typha latifolia swamp / S13 - Typha angustifolia swamp / S14 - Sparganium erectum swamp / U1 - Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Rumex acetosella grassland / U4 - NVC Affiliation Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland / U20 - Pteridium aquilinum-Galium saxatile community / W25 - Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus underscrub Criteria for LS GR1 / GR2 / LH1 / FE2 / SW1 / SW2 / AS1 / SM1 / SM2 Designation Other Designations (on site or adjoining) Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) (on site Informative Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) or in locality) Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Management Assessment Management Unknown 31st March 2011 (Single Data List reporting) Management Plan

Management Scheme

Advice None HAP/SAP/BAP/GAP

Site Description at last visit 16/09/2004 An active quarry site comprising a mosaic of habitats. The northern boundary is a grassy track bordered by a hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) dominated hedgerow running parallel to the Blaxton to Haxey road. To the south of this track there are areas of made up ground (possibly lagoon silts) which has become vegetated by a soft rush (Juncus effuses) dominated community, with locally frequent teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and other ruderals including creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense). This open area grades into silver birch (Betula pendula) dominated dense scrub woodland. The herb layer includes occasional broad buckler fern (Dryopteris dilatata) and male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), bramble (Rubus fruticosus) with nettle (Urtica dioica) and occasional patches of tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile).

Further east, the canopy includes abundant willow scrub (Salix cinerea) and a fringe of continuous bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). There are scattered dog rose (Rosa canina) and occasional pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) on this eastern woodland edge. Elder (Sambucus nigra) occurs throughout the woodland areas. The southern and eastern part of the site is a wide open area of short common bent (Agrostis capillaries), sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina) dominated sward with abundant common century (Centaurium erythraea), common stork’s bill (Erodium cicutarium), sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella), small cudweed (Filago minima) and common cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum). Scattered areas of sand sedge (Carex arenaria) and bracken occur within the sward, especially near to scattered clumps of birch woodland, which border the railway line on the southern boundary of the site.

The southern-western portion of the site is the active quarry area. This area is predominately bare open sand with only scattered plants of red goosefoot (Chenopodium rubrum), Rosebay willow herb (Chamerion angustifolium) and small cudweed. Shallow linear water bodies in the lower level of the quarry support small stands of lesser bulrush (Typha angustifolium), soft rush (Juncus effusus) and bulbous rush (Juncus bulbous). Water purslane (Lythrum portula) also grows in some abundance with shallow water filled roots and ephemeral pools. Processing water lagoons are located to the east of the site with a weighbridge and plant sheds. These support some large stands of bulrush (Typha latifolia), branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), water plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) and locally abundant broad-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton natans). Site Status Local Wildlife Site Site Code 4.45 Grid Reference SE 686003 Site Name Ash Holt (Finningley) There is no presumption about Unknown Site Owner Access Site Access 10.44200000000000 Humberhead Levels Site Area (ha) 2 Natural Area Geology River Terrace Soil Type Well drained loamy Aspect Flat Exposed Strata Yes Audit Species Recorded - Birds: Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) - Vascular Plants: Wild pansy (Viola tricolor) BW (Semi-natural Broad-leaved Woodland) / TR (Tall Ruderal) / SW Habitats Recorded (Standing Water) / Q (Quarry) / PH (Hedges Intact Species-poor) / DD (Dry Ditch) / HS (Hard Standing) NVC Affiliation W16 - Quercus spp.-Betula spp.-Deschampsia flexuosa woodland Criteria for LS WD2 / WD5 / SM1 Designation Other Designations (on site or adjoining) Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Informative (on site Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) or in locality) Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Management Assessment Management Unknown 31st March 2011 (Single Data List reporting) Management Plan

Management Scheme

Advice None HAP/SAP/BAP/GAP

Site Description at last visit 17/05/05 Ash Holt is a small pocket of woodland on the southern boundary of a large active sand and gravel quarry. The canopy is dominated by silver birch (Betula pendula) and grey willow (Salix cinerea), downy birch (Betula pubescens) and locally abundant sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) is also scattered throughout the western part of the woodland, particularly in the narrow strip of woodland between the road and the active quarry area. The understorey has scattered elder (Sambucus nigra) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) growing on an undulating topography of sand and gravel mounds from previous quarrying activity.

The ground is covered by a sparse herb layer of self heal (Prunella vulgaris), three veined sandwort (Moehringia trinervia), rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), tormentil (Potentilla erecta), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), and locally frequent patches of honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum). Some areas have locally abundant nettle (Urtica dioica). Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) and broad buckler fern (Dryopteris dilatata) occur in some abundance.

In the central part of the woodland belt is a deep hollow (possibly an old quarry sump) which supports locally frequent ferns and an abundance of tormentil. To the east of this area is a dry drain and an open clearing or glade dominated by a short turf of annual meadow grass (Poa annua), with some common bent (Agrostis capillaris) and locally abundant heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile) with areas of honeysuckle and wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) on the edges.

A sizeable proportion of this site has been lost to an active quarry.

Lafarge Aggregates

APPENDIX 3 Summary of Legal Status for Relevant Species

SUMMARY OF LEGAL STATUS FOR RELEVANT SPECIES

1 REPTILES

1.1 All four of the more widespread species of native reptiles, that is common lizard, grass snake, slow worm Anguis fragilis and adder Vipera berus, are given partial protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 and as amended) which prohibits the intentional killing, injuring or taking of any of these species. There is no provision in the Act for licensing works which could give rise to an offence, but it does provide a defence where the otherwise unlawful act can be shown to be the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonably have been avoided. Permitted development or a development which has received planning permission is clearly a lawful activity but the law thus requires that a reasonable effort be made to avoid killing or injuring protected animals in the course of implementing this permission.

1.2 The habitats of rare reptile species are also protected under this Act, but those of the common species listed above are not, and these animals are also not protected from disturbance whilst occupying their habitat.

2 BATS

2.1 In England, Scotland and Wales, all species of bats are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and as amended, including by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. They are also protected under European legislation, being included on Schedule 2 of The Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010. Taken together, this legislation makes it illegal, inter alia to: • intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or capture a bat • deliberately disturb a bat when it is occupying a roost • damage, destroy or obstruct access to a bat roost

2.2 A bat roost is defined as being any structure or place that is used for shelter or protection, and since it may be in use only occasionally or at specific times of year, a roost retains such designation whether the bats are present or not.

3 WATER VOLES

3.1 Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and as amended) which makes it an offence inter alia to: • kill, injure or capture a water vole

• damage or destroy habitat which a water vole uses for shelter or protection • disturb a water vole when it is occupying a place it uses for shelter or protection.

3.2 Under certain conditions Natural England may licence the trapping and translocation of water voles but there is no provision in the Act for licensing other works which could give rise to an offence. However, the Act does provide a defence where the otherwise unlawful act can be shown to be the incidental result of a lawful operation and could not reasonably have been avoided. Permitted development or a development which has received planning permission is clearly a lawful activity but best practice requires that the water voles are protected from killing or injury, that the minimum of habitat be removed, that good habitat is restored following the necessary works if at all possible, or that equivalent habitat be provided or enhanced elsewhere in mitigation, with the animals moved to this new habitat before destruction of the old.

4 BADGERS

4.1 Badgers are fully protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which subsumed all previous legislation covering this species. This Act makes it an offence inter alia to: • wilfully kill, injure or take, or attempt to kill, injure or take, a badger • interfere with a badger sett by doing any of the following things, intending to do any of these things or being reckless as to whether one’s actions would have any of these consequences: - damaging a badger sett or any part of it; - destroying a badger sett; - obstructing access to, or any entrance of, a badger sett; - disturbing a badger when it is occupying a badger sett.

4.2 A badger sett is defined in the Act as any structure or place which displays ‘recent’ signs indicating use by a badger. The term recent is now considered to mean about three months. Although a sett may be empty at a certain time, it may be used as part of a regular cycle throughout the year, and may therefore become active again at any time. Under certain conditions, activities which could otherwise give rise to an offence may be licensed by Natural England.

4.3 If a disturbance-only licence is issued it is now common for the badgers to be left in-situ and not excluded from the sett (by gating). A sett which can be shown to be disused by an experienced ecologist would fall outside the Act, and no licence or special precautions are then required.

5 BIRDS

5.1 The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981 and as amended) protects all wild birds and their nests and eggs. Under this Act it is an offence to: • kill, injure or take any wild bird • take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built • take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.

5.2 Bird nesting sites are not themselves protected when not in use and the common species are not protected from disturbance whilst occupying their nest-sites. However, certain rare breeding birds, listed on Schedule 1 of the Act (e.g. barn owls Tyto alba), are also protected against disturbance whilst building a nest or on or near a nest containing eggs or young.